tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77392829254261253322024-03-05T08:11:00.297-05:00SaskBoyStoriesWelcome to a Prairie Boy's Site for sharing Gay storiesSaskBoyStories by Russ Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12705114426346134527noreply@blogger.comBlogger136125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7739282925426125332.post-25364078775301922042014-06-17T12:30:00.000-04:002018-04-08T23:30:16.150-04:00<h2>
<u style="color: #243f60; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 115%;">Welcome
to Russ Nielsen’s SaskBoyStories</span></u></h2>
<h5 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-angle: 5400000; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-fscaled: no; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shadetype: linear; mso-style-textfill-type: gradient; mso-style-textoutline-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textoutline-fill-color: #4579B8; mso-style-textoutline-fill-colortransforms: "shade=88000 satm=110000"; mso-style-textoutline-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: .415pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: round; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: flat; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-pctmiterlimit: 0%; mso-style-textoutline-type: solid;"><div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">Author’s
Note:</span><span style="color: #243f60;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #243f60;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #243f60;"><span style="font-size: large;">New Post -</span><span style="font-size: small;"> <a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2018/04/the-lernnier-family-chapter-fifty-four.html">The Lernier Family Chapter Fifty-Four - Christmas in July</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<b style="color: #243f60; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-angle: 5400000; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-fscaled: no; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shadetype: linear; mso-style-textfill-type: gradient; mso-style-textoutline-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textoutline-fill-color: #4579B8; mso-style-textoutline-fill-colortransforms: "shade=88000 satm=110000"; mso-style-textoutline-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: .415pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: round; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: flat; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-pctmiterlimit: 0%; mso-style-textoutline-type: solid;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></span></u></b>
<b style="color: #243f60; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-angle: 5400000; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-fscaled: no; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shadetype: linear; mso-style-textfill-type: gradient; mso-style-textoutline-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textoutline-fill-color: #4579B8; mso-style-textoutline-fill-colortransforms: "shade=88000 satm=110000"; mso-style-textoutline-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: .415pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: round; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: flat; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-pctmiterlimit: 0%; mso-style-textoutline-type: solid;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri";">Short
Stories</span></span></u></b></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><div style="color: #243f60; font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="http://russcafe.blogspot.com/2013/02/robs-moment-of-truth.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">Rob’s
Moment of Truth</span></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><div style="color: #243f60; font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="http://russcafe.blogspot.com/2013/03/three-is-company.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">Three
Is Company</span></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><div style="color: #243f60; font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">A Tumbleweed Adventure</span></u></i></b></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><div style="color: #243f60; font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="http://russcafe.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-tumbleweed-adventure-chapter-one.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">01</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://russcafe.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-tumbleweed-adventure-chapter-2.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">02</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://russcafe.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-tumbleweed-adventure-chapter-three.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">03</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://russcafe.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-tumbleweed-adventure-chapter-four.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">04</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://russcafe.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-tumbleweed-adventure-chapter-five.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">05</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://russcafe.blogspot.com/2013/08/a-tumbleweed-adventure-chapter-6.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">06</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://russcafe.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-tumbleweed-adventure-chapter-7.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">07</span></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><div style="color: #243f60; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-angle: 5400000; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-fscaled: no; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shadetype: linear; mso-style-textfill-type: gradient; mso-style-textoutline-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textoutline-fill-color: #4579B8; mso-style-textoutline-fill-colortransforms: "shade=88000 satm=110000"; mso-style-textoutline-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: .415pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: round; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: flat; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-pctmiterlimit: 0%; mso-style-textoutline-type: solid;"><span style="color: black;">The
Lernier Fami</span></span></u></b><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-angle: 5400000; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-fscaled: no; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shadetype: linear; mso-style-textfill-type: gradient; mso-style-textoutline-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textoutline-fill-color: #4579B8; mso-style-textoutline-fill-colortransforms: "shade=88000 satm=110000"; mso-style-textoutline-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: .415pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: round; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: flat; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-pctmiterlimit: 0%; mso-style-textoutline-type: solid;"><span style="color: black;">l</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">y Stories </span></b></span></u></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><div style="color: #243f60; font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<h2>
<a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/02/man-from-swift-current-chapter-one.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">Book
I – The Man from Swift Current</span></a></h2>
</div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><div style="color: #243f60; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<div style="font-family: Cambria;">
<a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/02/man-from-swift-current-chapter-one.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">01</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/02/man-from-swift-current-chapter-two.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">02</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/02/man-from-swift-current-chapter-three.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">03</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/02/man-from-swift-current-chapter-four-bad.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">04</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/02/man-from-swift-current-chapter-five-ian.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">05
</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/02/man-from-swift-current-chapter-six.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">06</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/02/man-from-swift-current-chapter-seven.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">07</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/02/man-from-swift-current-chapter-eight.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">08</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/02/man-from-swift-current-chapter-nine.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">09</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/02/man-from-swift-current-chapter-ten.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">10</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/02/man-from-swift-current-chapter-eleven.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">11</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/02/man-from-swift-current-chapter-twelve.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">12</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/02/man-from-swift-current-chapter-thirteen.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">13</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/02/man-from-swift-current-chapter-fourteen.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">14</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/02/man-from-swift-current-chapter-fifteen.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">15</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/02/man-from-swift-current-chatper-sixteen.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">16</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/02/man-from-swift-current-chapter.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">17</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/02/man-from-swift-current-chapter-eighteen.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">18</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/02/man-from-swift-current-chapter-nineteen.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">19</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/02/man-from-swift-current-chapter-twenty.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">20</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/02/man-from-swift-current-chapter-twenty_16.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">21</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/02/man-from-swift-current-chapter-twenty_18.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">22</span></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/02/man-from-swift-current-chapter-twenty_3365.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">23</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/02/man-from-swift-current-chapter-twenty_19.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">24</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/02/man-from-swift-current-chapter-twenty_20.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">25</span></a> <a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/02/man-from-swift-current-chapter-twenty_21.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">26</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/02/man-from-swift-current-chapter-twenty_22.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">27</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/02/man-from-swift-current-chapter-twenty_4302.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">28</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/02/chapter-twenty-nine-next-couple-of-days.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">29</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/02/man-from-swift-current-chapter-thirty.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">30</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/02/man-from-swift-current-chapter-thirty_22.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">31</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/02/man-from-swift-current-chapter-thirty_23.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">32</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/02/man-from-swift-current-chapter-thirty_24.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">33</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/02/man-from-swift-current-chapter-thirty_26.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">34</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/02/man-from-swift-current-chapter-thirty_5758.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">35</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/02/man-from-swift-current-chapter-thirty_27.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">36</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/02/man-from-swift-current-chapter-thirty_28.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">37</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/03/man-from-swift-current-chapter-thirty.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">38</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/03/man-from-swift-current-chapter-thirty_03.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">39</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/03/man-from-swift-current-chapter-forty.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">40</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/03/man-from-swift-current-chapter-forty_04.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">41</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/03/man-from-swift-current-chapter-forty_05.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">42</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/03/man-from-swift-current-chapter-forty_07.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">43</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/03/man-from-swift-current-chapter-forty_08.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">44</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/03/man-frrom-swift-current-chapter-forty.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">45</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/03/man-from-swift-current-chapter-forty_10.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">46</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/03/man-from-swift-current-chapter-forty_11.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">47</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/03/man-from-swift-current-chapter-forty_15.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">48</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/03/man-from-swift-current-chapter-forty_18.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">49</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/03/man-from-swift-current-chapter-fifty.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">50</span></a> <a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/03/theman-from-swfit-current-chapter-fifty.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">51</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/03/man-from-swift-current-chapter-fifty_20.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">52</span></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/03/man-from-swift-current-chapter-fifty_21.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">53</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/03/man-from-swift-current-chapter-fifty_22.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">54</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/03/man-from-swift-current-chapter-fifty_23.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">55</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/03/man-from-swift-current-chapter-fifty_29.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">56</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/04/man-from-swift-current-chapter-fifty.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">57</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/04/man-from-swift-current-chapter-fifty_09.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">58</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/04/man-from-swift-current-chapter-fifty_24.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">59</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/04/man-from-swift-current-chapter-sixty.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">60</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/04/man-from-swift-current-chapter-sixty_30.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">61</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/05/man-from-swift-current-chapter-sixty.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">62</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/05/man-from-swift-current-chapter-sixty_15.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">63</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/05/man-from-swift-current-chapter-sixty_16.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">64</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/05/man-from-swift-current-chapter-sixty_19.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">65</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/05/man-from-swift-current-chapter-sixty_21.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">66</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/05/man-from-swift-current-chapter-sixty_28.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">67</span></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/05/man-from-swift-current-chapter-sixty_31.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">68</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/06/man-from-swift-current-chapter-sixty.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">69</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/06/man-from-swift-current-chapter-seventy.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">70</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/06/man-from-swift-current-chapter-seventy_25.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">71</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/07/man-from-swift-current-chapter-seventy.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">72</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/07/man-from-swift-current-chapter-seventy_17.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">73</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/07/man-from-swift-current-chapter-seventy_29.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">74</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/10/man-from-swift-current-chapter-seventy.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">75</span></a> <a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/10/man-from-swift-current-chapter-seventy_19.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">76</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/10/man-from-swift-current-chapter-seventy_26.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">77</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/11/man-from-swift-current-chapter-seventy.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">78</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2011/11/man-from-swift-current-chapter-seventy_23.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">79</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2012/01/man-from-swift-current-chapter-eighty.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">80</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2012/01/man-from-swift-current-chapter-eighty_24.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">81</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2012/02/man-from-swift-current-chapter-eighty.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">82</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2012/02/man-from-swift-current-chapter-83.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">83</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2012/03/man-from-swift-current-chapter-eighty.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">84</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2012/03/man-from-swift-current-chapter-eighty_19.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">85</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2012/03/man-from-swift-current-chapter-eighty_29.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">86</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2012/05/man-from-swift-current-chapter-eighty.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">87</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2012/06/man-from-swift-current-chapter-eighty.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">88</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2012/06/man-from-swift-current-chapter-eighty_09.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">89</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2012/06/man-from-swift-current-chapter-ninety.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">90</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2012/06/man-from-swift-current-chapter-ninety_17.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">91</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2012/06/man-from-swift-current-chapter-ninety_27.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">92</span></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2012/07/man-from-swift-current-chapter-ninety.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">93</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2012/07/man-from-swift-current-chapter-ninety_08.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">94</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2012/07/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">95</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2012/07/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter_26.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">96</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">97</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">98</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter_16.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">99</span></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter-one.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">100</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter-one.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">101</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter-one.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">102</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter-one_16.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">103</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter-one.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">104</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter-one_28.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">105</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter-one.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">106</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter-one_11.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">107</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter-one_19.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">108</span></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter-one_26.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">109</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter-one.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">110</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter-one_10.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">111</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter-one_17.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">112</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter-one.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">113</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter-one.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">114</span></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter-one_7.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">115</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter-one_13.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">116</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter-one.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">117</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter-one_15.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">118</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter-one_25.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">119</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter-one_29.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">120</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter-one.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">121</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter-one_13.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">122</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter-one_15.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">123</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter-one_26.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">124</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter-one.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">125</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter-one.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">126</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter-one.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">127</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter-one.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">128</span></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter-one_27.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">129</span></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter-one.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">130</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter-one.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">131</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter-one_27.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">132</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter-one.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">133</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter-one.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">134</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-man-from-swift-current-chapter-one.html">135</a></span></div>
<span style="mso-effects-shadow-align: topleft; mso-effects-shadow-alpha: 40.0%; mso-effects-shadow-angledirection: 2700000; mso-effects-shadow-anglekx: 0; mso-effects-shadow-angleky: 0; mso-effects-shadow-color: black; mso-effects-shadow-dpidistance: 1.5pt; mso-effects-shadow-dpiradius: 3.0pt; mso-effects-shadow-pctsx: 100.0%; mso-effects-shadow-pctsy: 100.0%; mso-effects-shadow-themecolor: dark1; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: 0pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: round; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: flat; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-pctmiterlimit: 0%; mso-style-textoutline-type: none;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h2>
<span style="mso-effects-shadow-align: topleft; mso-effects-shadow-alpha: 40.0%; mso-effects-shadow-angledirection: 2700000; mso-effects-shadow-anglekx: 0; mso-effects-shadow-angleky: 0; mso-effects-shadow-color: black; mso-effects-shadow-dpidistance: 1.5pt; mso-effects-shadow-dpiradius: 3.0pt; mso-effects-shadow-pctsx: 100.0%; mso-effects-shadow-pctsy: 100.0%; mso-effects-shadow-themecolor: dark1; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: 0pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: round; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: flat; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-pctmiterlimit: 0%; mso-style-textoutline-type: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://thelernierfamilybandofbrothers.blogspot.com/">Book I (continued) - The Lernier Family – Our Band of Brothers</a></span></span></h2>
</div>
</span></h5>
<h5 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-angle: 5400000; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-fscaled: no; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shadetype: linear; mso-style-textfill-type: gradient; mso-style-textoutline-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textoutline-fill-color: #4579B8; mso-style-textoutline-fill-colortransforms: "shade=88000 satm=110000"; mso-style-textoutline-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: .415pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: round; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: flat; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-pctmiterlimit: 0%; mso-style-textoutline-type: solid;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;"></span></span></h5>
<h5 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-angle: 5400000; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-fscaled: no; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shadetype: linear; mso-style-textfill-type: gradient; mso-style-textoutline-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textoutline-fill-color: #4579B8; mso-style-textoutline-fill-colortransforms: "shade=88000 satm=110000"; mso-style-textoutline-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: .415pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: round; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: flat; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-pctmiterlimit: 0%; mso-style-textoutline-type: solid;"><div style="color: #243f60; font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="http://thelernierfamilybandofbrothers.blogspot.com/2014/06/our-band-of-brothers-chapter-one-smiths.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="mso-effects-shadow-align: topleft; mso-effects-shadow-alpha: 40.0%; mso-effects-shadow-angledirection: 2700000; mso-effects-shadow-anglekx: 0; mso-effects-shadow-angleky: 0; mso-effects-shadow-color: black; mso-effects-shadow-dpidistance: 1.5pt; mso-effects-shadow-dpiradius: 3.0pt; mso-effects-shadow-pctsx: 100.0%; mso-effects-shadow-pctsy: 100.0%; mso-effects-shadow-themecolor: dark1; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: 0pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: round; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: flat; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-pctmiterlimit: 0%; mso-style-textoutline-type: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">01</span></span></a><span style="mso-effects-shadow-align: topleft; mso-effects-shadow-alpha: 40.0%; mso-effects-shadow-angledirection: 2700000; mso-effects-shadow-anglekx: 0; mso-effects-shadow-angleky: 0; mso-effects-shadow-color: black; mso-effects-shadow-dpidistance: 1.5pt; mso-effects-shadow-dpiradius: 3.0pt; mso-effects-shadow-pctsx: 100.0%; mso-effects-shadow-pctsy: 100.0%; mso-effects-shadow-themecolor: dark1; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: 0pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: round; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: flat; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-pctmiterlimit: 0%; mso-style-textoutline-type: none;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> <a href="http://thelernierfamilybandofbrothers.blogspot.com/2014/07/our-band-of-brothers-chapter-two-justin.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="color: blue;">02</span></a></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><a href="http://thelernierfamilybandofbrothers.blogspot.com/2014/07/our-band-of-brothers-chapter-three.html?utm_source=BP_recent">03</a></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><a href="http://thelernierfamilybandofbrothers.blogspot.com/2015/01/our-band-of-brothers-chapter-four.html?utm_source=BP_recent">04</a></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><a href="http://thelernierfamilybandofbrothers.blogspot.com/2015/02/our-band-of-brothers-chapter-five.html?utm_source=BP_recent">05</a></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> <a href="http://thelernierfamilybandofbrothers.blogspot.com/2015/04/our-band-of-brothers-chapter-six-who-am.html?utm_source=BP_recent">06</a></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><a href="http://thelernierfamilybandofbrothers.blogspot.com/2015/05/our-band-of-brothers-chapter-seven.html?utm_source=BP_recent">07</a></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><a href="http://thelernierfamilybandofbrothers.blogspot.com/2015/06/our-band-of-brothers-chapter-eight.html?utm_source=BP_recent">08</a></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><a href="http://thelernierfamilybandofbrothers.blogspot.com/2015/07/our-band-of-brothers-chapter-nine-mames.html?utm_source=BP_recent">09</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-effects-shadow-align: topleft; mso-effects-shadow-alpha: 40.0%; mso-effects-shadow-angledirection: 2700000; mso-effects-shadow-anglekx: 0; mso-effects-shadow-angleky: 0; mso-effects-shadow-color: black; mso-effects-shadow-dpidistance: 1.5pt; mso-effects-shadow-dpiradius: 3.0pt; mso-effects-shadow-pctsx: 100.0%; mso-effects-shadow-pctsy: 100.0%; mso-effects-shadow-themecolor: dark1; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: 0pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: round; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: flat; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-pctmiterlimit: 0%; mso-style-textoutline-type: none;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
</span></h5>
<h5 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-angle: 5400000; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-fscaled: no; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shadetype: linear; mso-style-textfill-type: gradient; mso-style-textoutline-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textoutline-fill-color: #4579B8; mso-style-textoutline-fill-colortransforms: "shade=88000 satm=110000"; mso-style-textoutline-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: .415pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: round; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: flat; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-pctmiterlimit: 0%; mso-style-textoutline-type: solid;"><div style="color: #243f60; font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2011/03/lernier-family-chapter-one-proposal.html?utm_source=BP_recent">
</a></span><div style="color: #243f60; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<h2>
<a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2011/03/lernier-family-chapter-one-proposal.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Book II – TheLernier Family – Rick and Glenn</span></a></h2>
</div>
</span></h5>
<h5 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-angle: 5400000; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-fscaled: no; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shadetype: linear; mso-style-textfill-type: gradient; mso-style-textoutline-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textoutline-fill-color: #4579B8; mso-style-textoutline-fill-colortransforms: "shade=88000 satm=110000"; mso-style-textoutline-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: .415pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: round; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: flat; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-pctmiterlimit: 0%; mso-style-textoutline-type: solid;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><div style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.25in;">
<a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2011/03/lernier-family-chapter-one-proposal.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">01</span></a><span style="color: #243f60; font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2011/03/lernier-family-chapter-two-move-to.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">02</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2011/03/lernier-family-chapter-three-wedding.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">03</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2011/03/lernier-family-chapter-four-wedding.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">04</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2011/04/lernier-family-chapter-5-reconciliation.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">05</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2011/05/lernier-family-chapter-six-wedding.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">06</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2011/07/lernier-family-chapter-seven-grandma.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">07</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2011/08/lernier-family-chapter-eight-twins.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">08</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2011/09/lernier-family-chapter-nine-new-parents.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">09</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2011/12/lernier-family-chapter-ten-crazy.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">10</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2011/12/lernier-family-chapter-eleven-mrs-evans.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">11</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2012/03/lernier-family-chapter-twelve-kyle.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">12</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2012/04/lernier-family-chapter-thirteen-zachs.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">13</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2012/05/lernier-family-chapter-fourteen-joshua.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">14</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2012/05/lernier-family-chapter-fifteen-eddie.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">15</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2012/05/lernier-family-chapter-sixteen-double.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">16</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2012/07/the-lernier-family-chapter-seventeen.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">17</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-lernier-family-chapter-eighteen.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">18</span></a><span style="color: #243f60; font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-lernier-family-chapter-nineteen-kyle.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">19</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-lernier-family-chapter-twenty-mrs.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">20</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-lernier-family-chapter-twenty-one.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">21</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-lernier-family-chapter-twenty-two.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">22</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-lernier-family-chapter-twenty-three.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">23</span></a><span style="color: #243f60; font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-lernier-family-chapter-twenty-four.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">24</span></a><span style="color: #243f60; font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-lernier-family-chapter-twenty-five.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">25</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-lernier-family-chapter-twenty-six.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">26</span></a><span style="color: #243f60; font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-lernier-family-chapter-twenty-seven.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">27</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-lernier-family-chapter-twenty-eight.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">28</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-lernier-family-chapter-twenty-nine.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">29</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-lernier-family-chapter-thirty-david.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">30</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-lernier-family-chapter-thirty-one.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">31</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-lernier-family-chapter-thirty-two.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">32</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-lernier-family-chapter-thrity-three.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">33</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-lernier-family-chapter-thirty-four.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">34</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-lernier-family-chapter-thirty-five.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">35</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-lernier-family-chapter-thirty-six.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">36</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-lernier-family-chapter-thirty-seven.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">37</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-lernier-family-chapter-thirty-eight.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">38</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-lernier-family-chapter-thirty-nine.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">39</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-lernier-family-chapter-forty-ricks.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">40</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-lernier-family-chapter-forty-one.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">41</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-lernier-family-chapter-forty-two.html" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">42</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-lernier-family-chapter-forty-three.html?utm_source=BP_recent" style="color: #243f60;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">43</span></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-lernier-family-chapter-forty-four.html?utm_source=BP_recent">44</a></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2014/10/the-lernier-family-chapter-forty-five.html?utm_source=BP_recent">45</a></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-lernier-family-chapter-forty-six.html?utm_source=BP_recent">46</a></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2015/03/the-lernier-family-chapter-forty-seven.html?utm_source=BP_recent">47</a></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2015/03/the-lernier-family-chapter-forty-eight.html?utm_source=BP_recent">48</a></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2015/08/the-lernier-family-chapter-forty-nine.html?utm_source=BP_recent">49</a></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2015/10/the-lernier-family-chapter-fifty.html?utm_source=BP_recent">50</a> <a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2016/01/the-lernier-family-chapter-fifty-one.html?utm_source=BP_recent">51</a> <a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2016/03/the-lernier-family-chapter-fifty-two.html">52</a> <a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-lernier-family-chapter-fifty-three.html">53</a> <a href="http://thelernierfamily.blogspot.com/2018/04/the-lernnier-family-chapter-fifty-four.html">54</a></span></span><br />
<div style="color: #243f60;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><div style="font-family: cambria; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<div style="color: #243f60;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">Goodbye,
Mom, I Will Always Love You</span></div>
<div style="color: #243f60;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"><a href="http://russcafe.blogspot.com/2013/12/goodbye-mom-i-will-always-love-you.html?utm_source=BP_recent">01</a> <a href="http://russcafe.blogspot.com/2016/04/goodbye-mom-i-will-love-you-forever.html?utm_source=BP_recent">02</a> 03 04 05</span></div>
<div style="color: #243f60;">
<a href="http://thelernierfamilybandofbrothers.blogspot.com/p/characters-name-relationship-to-other_19.html" style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;">List of Characters in the Lernier Family Stories</span></a></div>
</div>
</span></h5>
<h5 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-angle: 5400000; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-fscaled: no; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shadetype: linear; mso-style-textfill-type: gradient; mso-style-textoutline-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textoutline-fill-color: #4579B8; mso-style-textoutline-fill-colortransforms: "shade=88000 satm=110000"; mso-style-textoutline-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: .415pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: round; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: flat; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-pctmiterlimit: 0%; mso-style-textoutline-type: solid;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span></span></h5>
<span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-angle: 5400000; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-fscaled: no; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shadetype: linear; mso-style-textfill-type: gradient; mso-style-textoutline-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textoutline-fill-color: #4579B8; mso-style-textoutline-fill-colortransforms: "shade=88000 satm=110000"; mso-style-textoutline-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: .415pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: round; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: flat; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-pctmiterlimit: 0%; mso-style-textoutline-type: solid;"><span style="color: #243f60; font-family: "cambria";">
</span></span>
<br />
<h5 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-angle: 5400000; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-fscaled: no; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shadetype: linear; mso-style-textfill-type: gradient; mso-style-textoutline-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textoutline-fill-color: #4579B8; mso-style-textoutline-fill-colortransforms: "shade=88000 satm=110000"; mso-style-textoutline-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: .415pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: round; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: flat; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-pctmiterlimit: 0%; mso-style-textoutline-type: solid;">
</span></h5>
<span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-angle: 5400000; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-fscaled: no; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shadetype: linear; mso-style-textfill-type: gradient; mso-style-textoutline-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textoutline-fill-color: #4579B8; mso-style-textoutline-fill-colortransforms: "shade=88000 satm=110000"; mso-style-textoutline-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: .415pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: round; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: flat; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-pctmiterlimit: 0%; mso-style-textoutline-type: solid;">
</span>
<br />
<h5 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></h5>
SaskBoyStories by Russ Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12705114426346134527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7739282925426125332.post-28656089760739147512014-06-01T17:13:00.002-04:002016-03-16T19:14:58.883-04:00The Man From Swift Current Chapter One Hundred Thirty Five - Cameron and Skye<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Chapter One Hundred Thirty Five – Cameron
and Skye</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Caroline pulled on her clothes, as she
stared down at the naked man on the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I can’t believe a big, tough Marine, like you, can’t keep it up long
enough to show a girl a good time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
wish I had gone with one of your buddies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mary Jo and Fanny are surely getting fucked, while I’m here with you,
getting nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you gay, or
something?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked at him with
disgust and anger.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick met her gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of answering her question, he said,
“Go next door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure Brian and Gary
will be more than willing to give you want you want.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">She grabbed her purse off the table, and
slammed the hotel room door on her way out. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He heard her knock on the door of the room
across the hall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He heard Brian invite
her in, and the door closed.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick looked up at the ceiling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew he had really fucked up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brian and Gary had invited him to join them
at the bar, since they had finished their training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had decided to get some extra training in
with the Marine Corps, since they offered it to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and his two friends had signed up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All three of them were young and
single.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brian had a on-again,
off-again, relationship with his girlfriend, and Gary was quite proud of his
womanizing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, he and Rick had a
competition going, before Rick met Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Gary never really understood why Rick had stopped cruising the bars and
taking a different girl home to his bed every weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During their training class, Gary had been
pushing Rick to join him at the bars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Gary kept telling him that all he needed was a few drinks and a girl to
set things right.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick had given it some thought, and
decided that maybe Gary was right – a few drinks and a night with a woman would
cure all of his problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had become
very frustrated with Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
relationship with him had been on a steady decline over the last few weeks, and
he wanted to give them both a break from each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, he felt even worse, because going to
the bar and ending up here with a hooker hadn’t been the answer to his
problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His mind went back over the
events of the last few hours.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">*** ***</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The training course had been just the
thing to get his mind off of his relationship with Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had thrown himself into the work, and
returned to his room exhausted every night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He would make his obligatory call to Glenn, then collapse into his
bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they had finished their
training, he needed to unwind; so, when Brian had invited him to go out for a
few drinks, he had readily agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">As soon as they walked in the door of
the drinking establishment, Brian and Gary spotted the women sitting at one end
of the bar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brian turned to Gary, and
said, “I’m getting laid tonight.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Gary laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So am I.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He looked at Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There’s even
one for you, Rick.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick grinned, and said, “Let’s go get
them.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">They walked over to the bar and sat
down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They ordered their beverages, and
asked the bartender to give the women another drink of whatever they were
imbibing.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">A few moments later, the three girls got
up and moved down the bar to join the three men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a few more drinks, Brian suggested,
“Let’s check into the hotel across the street.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The women readily agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick didn’t see a way out of the situation
that wouldn’t raise suspicions about his sexual orientation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, rather than excusing himself and
catching a cab back to the base, he followed the two other couples across the
street to the cheap hotel they had seen when they arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each of them rented a room, and quickly
disappeared with one of the girls.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Caroline had hung on his arm like a
limpet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once they were inside the room,
Rick slipped off his shoes, and he stood mesmerized, as Caroline did a strip
tease for him, causing his cock to come to full attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hadn’t been with a woman for nearly six
years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked forward to
experiencing sex with a woman again.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Seeing he was aroused, she reached over
and pulled his shirt off, and undid his zipper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She kissed him, as she pushed his pants and
underwear down past his buttocks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
released them, letting them fall in a puddle at his feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stepped out of them, and took her into
his arms, lifting her onto the bed.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Caroline looked up at him, and asked,
“Do you want me to suck your dick?”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">She did that and more, but when she
wanted him to fuck her, his erection disappeared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had tried to help him get it up again,
but his sense of guilt at betraying his lover kept him from becoming aroused. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He realized that he had violated the trust
Glenn had placed in him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The girl was
beautiful, but that didn’t matter, now that his conscious pricked him for
betraying Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He finally fell asleep,
his tormented mind trying to reconcile his sense of guilt with the fact that he
really had wanted to fuck the girl just a few moments ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">*** ***</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">On the long drive back to Atlanta, he
had debated whether or not to tell Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He had convinced himself not to say anything to Glenn by the time he
arrived home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He parked the Corvette,
pulled on the cover, and made his way inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He opened the door to the condo, and was met by his lover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glenn had dressed in black mess shirt and
shorts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked great!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick’s dick immediately jumped to
attention!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I threw my arms around his neck, and
said, “I’ve missed you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kissed him,
deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I pulled back to look him
in the eyes, I said, “Welcome home, Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Peyton and Jonathan have gone to the farm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They said we needed some time alone, so we
have the condo ourselves.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick smiled, and said, “Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I’ll stay away from home more often,
if this is the welcome I get when I come home.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Come this way,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick left his duffle bag by the door, and
followed me into the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The table
was covered with a white tablecloth, with two candles that were burning
bright.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had set the table with our
crystal, china, and silver.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled
out a chair for him.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick sat down, and I began massaging his
shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He leaned back into my
hands. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After massaging out the knots in
his neck and shoulders, I kissed him, and asked, “Are you hungry?”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Yes, Babe,” Rick responded.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I walked over to the oven and pulled out
Rick’s favorites – steak and shrimp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fortunately, he had called me as he approached Atlanta, so I was able to
time it so that dinner was ready just as he reached the condo.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I plated the steak and shrimp, adding
the baked potato loaded with butter, cheese and bacon bits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put the steamed broccoli on the side, and
served it to my guy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He met my eyes,
and smiled, “I love you.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I leaned over and kissed him lightly on
the lips, and turned to get my plate, joining him at the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How was the drive home?”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“It was long and boring,” Rick said,
between mouthfuls.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I smiled, as I watched him eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was obvious that he was ravenous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had only finished half of my dinner, when
he looked over at me and asked, “Are you going to finish that?”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, but you’re welcome to finish it off for
me.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Please, and thank you.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I exchanged plates with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After he finished eating, we cleared the
table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He helped me wash dishes and
clean the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I let the water
out of the kitchen sink, I felt his arms around my waist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I leaned back against him, and he kissed the
back of my neck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hope you’re ready
for a night you’ll never forget.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I moaned with pleasure, as lifted up my
shirt and ran his hands over my nipples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I turned around in his arms and wrapped my arms around his neck, kissing
him deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A moment later, he picked
me up and carried me to our bedroom, placing me on our bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did a strip tease as he disrobed, then he
pulled off my clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lust in his
eyes caused a thrill of excitement to run down my spine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Indeed, it was a night to remember!</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">**** ***</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The next morning, I woke up feeling warm
and secure in Rick arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lifted my
head off of his chest to find him looking at me, with a troubled
expression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I raised my hand to his
face, and caressed his cheek.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“What’s the matter, Babe?” I asked, not
knowing he was about to bring my world crashing down around me. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick said, “I need to tell you
something, but I need you to promise you will hear me out.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I looked into his eyes, and smiled, “I
promise.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kissed him, as I caressed
his chest.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">He took my hand in his, and asked, “Do
you remember how we seemed to always be fighting, before I left for training?”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I frowned, and said, “Yes, but that’s
all in the past.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Yes, well, I took the training
opportunity because I felt we needed some time apart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know I needed to clear my head, and think
things through.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I nodded my head, wondering where this
was all going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, “Okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Am I to assume you’ve figured things out?”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick said, “You promised to hear me
out.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I said, “Sorry.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Well, I went with two guys from my
reserve unit, Brian and Gary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I belief
I’ve mentioned them to you before.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I nodded my head, and said, “Yes, you
said they are pretty stand up guys.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“After the training class was over,
Brian and Gary invited me to go to a bar to celebrate,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He saw my look of disapproval, and quickly
said, “I haven’t been out drinking with the guys in a long time, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brian and Gary were pretty persuasive about
it, and I agreed to go.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">He paused, still uncertain about telling
Glenn anything about the hooker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But,
he decided he needed to totally honest with his partner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We met three hookers at the bar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brian and Gary wanted to rent rooms at hotel
across the street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t
see any way out of the situation, without giving away the fact that I’m gay, so
I rented a room, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She came onto me,
and one thing led to another…”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I interrupted him, “Please don’t say
anymore, because I don’t want to know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My only question is why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
could’ve come up with some excuse, like I’m not feeling well or something.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick looked away from me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he didn’t answer, I got up and walked
into our en suite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned on the
shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stepped under the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I soaped up, the tears started down my
cheeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt like a grenade had gone
off in front of me, ripping my heart to shreds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t believe that Rick had slept with
a hooker.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">He joined me in the shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He attempted to put his arms around me, but
I said, “Don’t, please.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t believe
you had sex with a hooker.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“You didn’t let me finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t have sex with her, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She only sucked me off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t keep it up when I tried to fuck
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only thing I could think of
was how hurt you would be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was
upset with me and asked me if I was gay or something.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Okay, so you had oral sex with her, but
you didn’t screw her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It still doesn’t
change the fact that you would have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You betrayed me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You promised
you wouldn’t have sex with anyone, oral or otherwise, unless we both agreed it
was okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up until now, we’ve messed
around with our close friends, but we’ve never gone off and done something
without telling the other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, what
hurts the most is the fact you were going to fuck her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You promised me you would never fuck anyone
but me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made that same promise to you, Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve kept that promise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why couldn’t you do the same?”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I was really hurting inside, but I
didn’t want to talk to him, anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
got out of the shower and dried myself off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I quickly dressed and went into the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grabbed a banana and a yoghurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I threw them into my backpack, and walked
out of the door, slamming it behind me.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I pulled my cell phone from my pocket
and called Duane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Can you guys come
get me, now?”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Duane said, “Sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can come now.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Thanks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll be waiting by the guard shack,” I
replied, and cut the connection.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I walked over to the guard house and
chatted with the guard while I waited for Duane and Mason to show up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Duane pulled up, I heard Rick shout
across the parking lot, “Glenn!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wait!”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Ignoring him, I climbed into the car and
Duane pulled away from the curb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
looked over my shoulder to see Rick standing where I had been just a few
moments before.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Duane looked in the rearview
mirror.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What’s up?”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I told them everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I finished, Mason said, “Damn!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew things weren’t going well, but I
didn’t think Rick would stoop so low as to get it on with a woman, and a hooker
to boot.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Duane asked, “What are you going to do?”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“I don’t know,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love him too much to leave him,
Duane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I don’t know what to do.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Mason said, “You could just forgive him,
and move on.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Duane said, “That would make the most
sense, unless you’re ready to find a new boyfriend.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I shook my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t want a new boyfriend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve got a great guy already.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just need to know that he won’t be
cheating on me every time he’s away from home.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">My phone beeped, and I pulled it out to
see that Rick had sent me a text message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Glenn, I love you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
sorry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please forgive me.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I responded, “Love u 2”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I spent the rest of the day, stewing
about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It didn’t help that our manager,
Rene, was being a real bitch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had
been all over Duane and Mason for insignificant things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Talk about being a micro manager.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She second guessed everything we did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was getting extremely frustrating!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">At the end of the day, Duane stormed
into my cubicle, and said, “I quit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’re moving back west.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Mason joined us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I think it’s time to move on.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I looked at them, and asked, “Are you
guys really going to do it?”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Yes, we’re giving our two week notice,
right now,” Duane said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ll be right
back.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">He took Mason by the hand, and they
walked down the hallway to Rene’s office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A few minutes later, they returned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Both were smiling, and high fived each other, as they approached my
desk.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Duane grinned, and said, “That felt
good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We told her off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We let her know that we weren’t going to
continue working for someone who hates gays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You should have seen her face when we told her we weren’t coming back to
work here, tomorrow.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Mason said, “Let’s go clear out our
desks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll call security, so we can
turn in our computers and our badges.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I sat there, in shock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had taken the job, because Duane and Mason
were working here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, that they were
leaving, I wasn’t sure I wanted to continue working here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rene had made things pretty miserable for
all of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About 30 minutes later, they
returned carrying a box with their personal items.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Duane said, “Let’s go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glenn, you can escort us out of the
building, after we turn in our stuff.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We walked over to the elevator, and took
it down to the ground floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We made
our way to the security office, where they turned in their laptops and ID
badges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked them through the
security checkpoint and out to the parking garage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">As soon as we were in the car, Duane
said, “That felt so liberating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s
go home, and give our notice to the apartment manager.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want us to be out of Atlanta by the end of
the month.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Where are you going?” I asked.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Mason said, “We have a job offer in Salt
Lake City, Utah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We called and accepted
the offer, while we were packing up our stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We have to report to work in three weeks.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Duane said, “We’ll have to pay another
month’s rent on the place here, because we have to give a 30-day notice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re going to call Jeff and Scott to see if
we can stay with them for a week or so, while we do some apartment hunting.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“I’m sure they’ll be more than happy to
help you out,” I said.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“We don’t have much stuff, so we plan to
rent a small U-Haul truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll rent a
storage unit out there, until we have an apartment,” Mason said.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I said, “I’m going to miss you guys.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Duane met my gaze in the mirror, and said,
“Especially with you and Rick not getting along.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“May I stay over at your place,
tonight?” I asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not ready to
face Rick right now.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Mason glanced at Duane, who
shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sure, but you need to face
him, soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can’t hide out at our
place forever.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I said, “I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just need some time to think.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Okay, we’ll agree to one night, and one
night only,” Duane said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We won’t let
you play chicken for any longer than that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We love you guys, but you’ve got to work this stuff out between
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can’t keep running from the
issues you’ve got with each other.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I smiled, and said, “Okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll let Rick know, so he won’t worry.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I sent a text to Rick, telling him I
would be staying with Duane and Mason for the evening and would see him
tomorrow after work.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">*** ***</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Peyton held his husband in his arms, and
tenderly kiss his lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked
deeply into Jonathan’s eyes, and smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I love you, Babe.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Jonathan said, “I love you, too.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Can you believe that we’ve been married
two months, already?” Peyton asked.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Yes, I can,” Jonathan responded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re the best thing that has ever
happened to me.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Peyton ran his hands over Jonathan’s
well-muscled back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loved the feel of
Jonathan’s skin next to his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Working
out with Rick and Glenn has really helped both of us.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Jonathan placed his hand on Peyton’s
six-pack abs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, especially here.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Peyton laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, we both look much better.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Jonathan’s expression turned
solemn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m worried about them,
Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They seem to be happy, but I
get the sense that things aren’t good as they appear to be.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Peyton said, “I know what you mean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something Rick said the other day makes me
think that he thinks Glenn is getting impatient.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Jonathan said, “Oh, the marriage
thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I haven’t heard anyone mention
it to Rick or Glenn, for weeks now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought
things had simmered down a bit.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Peyton said, “They have, and that is
what has Rick worried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glenn hasn’t
mentioned it to Rick, since we returned from our honeymoon.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“I know Glenn has been spending a lot
more time with Rick, instead playing on his computer or his cell phone,”
Jonathan said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve enjoyed being
around them, and I think they still love each other very much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I still get the feeling things are
quite what they used to be.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Peyton said, “I think we need to give
them some space, Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know they
would never say anything to us, but I think we need to move to
Minneapolis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m afraid that we’re not
helping them resolve their issues by staying here.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Jonathan said, “I think you’re
right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They both spend a lot of time
with us, but get the feeling that they’re doing it to avoid being alone
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found Glenn sleeping on the
couch in the family some mornings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
I ask him about it, he tells me he couldn’t sleep, and got up so he wouldn’t
disturb Rick.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Peyton said, “That sounds like they’re
drifting apart to me.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“It does to me, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hate to see them split, because they
really do love each other,” Jonathan said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“We should call Greg and Cory to let them know we’re coming.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Peyton said, “We’ll call them first thing
in the morning, before they leave for their classes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They wanted us to join them for spring
break.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Their spring break starts in about two
weeks,” Jonathan said.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Then, it’s perfect timing for us to
move to Minneapolis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That will give us
time to get settle in, before taking off for spring break with them,” Peyton
said.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Where are they going?” Jonathan asked.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“I think Grandpa is flying them to
Orlando,” Peyton said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Grandpa asked
if we wanted to join them.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Jonathan said, enthusiastically, “I hope
you said yes, because I love going to Universal Studios and Disney World.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Peyton smiled at his husband’s
excitement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I said we would love to go
with them.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“I hope it isn’t too late to get on the
same flights as Greg and Cory,” Jonathan said.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“We can book our flights right now, if
you want,” Peyton said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He rolled over,
and turned on the lamp that stood on the night stand.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">He got up and walked over to the
desk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He opened his laptop, and logged
in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He opened his cell phone, and saw
that it was 11 PM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing his friends,
he figured they were still up, so he sent them a text message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few minutes later, the phone rang.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Hey!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What’s up,” Greg said.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“We want to know what flights you’re on
from Minneapolis to Orlando,” Peyton said.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Greg said, “Does this mean you’re moving
up here before spring break?”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Yes, it does,” Peyton replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We haven’t told Rick and Glenn yet; but, we
plan to be there by early next week.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“That’s fantastic,” Greg said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your room is ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t need to buy any furniture or
anything, since the house is already fully furnished.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Great!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now, what is your flight information, so we can book the same flights,”
Peyton said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton wrote down the
flight information, as Greg read it to him.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Thanks, Greg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll talk to you tomorrow about our final
plans, after we talk to Rick and Glenn,” Peyton said.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Sounds like a plan,” Greg said.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Bye,” Peyton said.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Bye,” Greg responded.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Peyton cut the connection, and quickly
navigated to the appropriate web site to book their flights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After completing the task, he closed his
laptop, and returned to bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jonathan
pulled him close, and kissed him.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">*** ***</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The next day, Peyton and Jonathan were
watching the evening news when a commentator reported that recently completed prison
studies showed that thousands of inmates, nationwide, had reported being raped
behind bars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The authors of the study indicated
that their estimates were low because many prison rapes go unreported.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their findings were based on in-person interviews
with victims, perpetrators, prison guards and administrators from across the
nation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(See Author’s Notes at the end
of the chapter.)</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">As soon as Jonathan heard the reporter
finish talking, he turned to Peyton, and said, “Look at me, Peyton.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put his hand up to Peyton’s chin, and
turned his head until he could look into his husband’s eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re going to contact those researchers to
find out how we can help get laws passed to stop prison rape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There has to be something we can do to get people’s
attention.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Peyton said, “It won’t be easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People, in general, want to pretend that
prisons don’t exist, or, if they acknowledge that prisons exist, they insist
that inmates are only get their just punishment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s like you become some kind of animal,
instead of human being, once you’re behind bars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The prison guards and administrators
actually encourage rape and sexual assault, as a method of controlling the
prison inmates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They ignore reports of
prison rape and sexual assault; and, in many cases, the victim is punished for
snitching on those who assaulted them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meanwhile,
our society doesn’t want to know about what happens behind bars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They live in their bubble, ignoring
everything outside of their little piece of the world.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Jonathan said, “I know, Babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used to be one of those kind of people,
until I met you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve opened my eyes
to the evils that have infected our justice system from the prosecutors who
pile on as many charges as possible; with the hope of getting a plea bargain, instead
of trying to see justice served, to our law enforcement officers who belief
themselves to be above the law.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Peyton added, “And don’t forget the
prison guards who get away with raping and sexually assaulting their captives,
as well as physically beating them into submission, without fear of
repercussions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was fortunate that
they didn’t kill me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve seen reports
of prison guards killing inmates, then blaming other prisoners for the deaths,
or stating that they had no choice but to kill them, because they feared for
their lives.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“How can they say they feared for their
lives, when the inmates are unarmed and usually behind bars?” Jonathan said.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“One of my friends at the prison was
beaten by two sets of guards, because he told them to leave me alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They said they needed to teach him to
respect their authority.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They broke his
back, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down,” Peyton said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There was one positive thing that came out
of that incident – he was transferred to another prison, since he was paralyzed.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Were the guards disciplined for what
they did?” Jonathan asked.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“No, they weren’t, because they deleted
the surveillance video that showed what happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They claimed there was a mechanical
malfunction with the recording equipment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They bragged about it, and made sure I knew they were able to do
anything to me they wanted,” Peyton said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I could’ve written up a complaint, but it would have only made things
worse.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“So how did your lawyers manage to get a
hold of the tapes that showed you being beaten?” Jonathan asked.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Grandpa made a few well-placed phones
calls, as soon as he heard what had happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There were outside investigators on-site within hours of his phone
call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Otherwise, I’m sure the video
tapes would have been erased, before anyone could see them,” Peyton said.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">They heard the front door open and
close, and Rick appeared in the doorway to the family room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hey guys!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Is Glenn home yet?”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Peyton said, “No, he isn’t here.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick said, “I wonder where he went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s usually home by now.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Jonathan said, “Check your phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He probably sent you a text message.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick pulled out his phone, and found
nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He decided to send Glenn a
text.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He quickly typed in, “Where r
u?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luv U.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">A few seconds later, he received a
text.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“w/Duane c/u soon.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick sighed with relief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had been arguing with Glenn a lot,
lately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, they hadn’t spoken to
each other for nearly a week, since Rick had confessed that he'd been with a hooker after he finished his training course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick sat down on the couch across from
Peyton and Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Peyton asked, “Can we help, Rick?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know you and Glenn aren't on the best of
terms, right now.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick met his cousin’s gaze, and said, “I
wish I knew what to do, Peyton.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Jonathan said, “Well, you can start by
apologizing to Glenn.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick looked at him, in surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did Glenn tell you what happened?”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Jonathan said, “Yes, he did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> A couple of nights ago</span>,
I found him sleeping in here on the couch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I asked him why he was in here, and he burst into tears, and pour out
his soul to me.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick looked away from Jonathan, and
said, “Did he tell you everything.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“I don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that you told him you messed up last
weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said you went out with your
fellow Marines to a bar and got drunk.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, that’s true.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“He said you ended up in some hotel room
with a woman from the bar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said you
had sex with her,” Jonathan said.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick looked at the floor, and nodded his
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He raised his eyes to meet
Jonathan’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I didn’t mean to cheat on
Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told him that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been faithful to him for nearly six
years, when I could have easily cheated on him while I was on active duty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked him to forgive me for making a huge
mistake.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Peyton asked, “Why did you tell
him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you hadn’t said anything, Glenn
never would have been the wiser.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“But, I would’ve known.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glenn and I have always been completely
honest with each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt I owed
it to him to tell him the truth,” Rick said.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Are you sure that is why you told him?”
Jonathan asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you trying to
drive him away from you, so you won’t have to be the one to end your
relationship?”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Peyton raised his hand, and said, “I
don’t think that what Rick is up to, Jonathan.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked at his cousin, and continued, “There’s
something here that’s not right.” He met Rick’s gaze, and asked, “Rick, did you
really have sex with a woman?”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Yes, and no,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, because she gave me a blowjob; but
when I tried to fuck her, I felt so guilty about being with her that I couldn’t
get it up.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“So, you didn’t really have sex with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean sexual intercourse,” Peyton said.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“No, I didn’t,” Rick admitted.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Peyton looked at Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, what is the big deal?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t really cheat on Glenn, since he
didn’t fuck her.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Jonathan shook his head, and said,
“Peyton, just because Rick didn’t screw her, doesn’t mean he didn’t cheat on
Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How would you feel if I went
with some other guy I met at a bar and sucked them off and spent the night with
them?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would you be okay with that, as
long as I didn’t fuck him, or get fucked by him?”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Peyton said, “No, I wouldn’t be okay
with that, at all.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">At that moment, they heard the front
door open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shouted, “Honey, I’m
home!”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick grinned, and shouted back, “I’m in
here, Babe!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was relieved that Glenn
had come home.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I walked into the family room, and
walked over to join Rick on the couch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I leaned over and kissed him lightly on the lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick said, “I love you, too; especially,
now that you’re talking to me.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I said, “Duane and Mason convinced me
that I needed to forgive you for your indiscretion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They said I was making myself miserable for
no reason, and that I needed to be willing to forgive you, since you had the
courage to tell me about it in the first place.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Peyton looked over at Jonathan, and
said, “I think we need to leave these two alone for a while.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Peyton stood up, and turned to help
Jonathan up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They left the room, and we
heard their bedroom door close.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick said, “Can you forgive me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know I shouldn’t have went with my friends
to that hotel.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I said, “Yes, I forgive you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so mad at you, when you told me that
you’d gone with your buddies to fuck a whore.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“I promise never to do that again,” Rick
said.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“We’re you thinking that maybe you could
return to your womanizing?” I asked, bringing my hand to his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know you’ve been having some doubts about
marrying me.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">He nodded his head, and said, “I’ve been
wondering if I could go back to being with a woman.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Were you turned on by being with a
girl?” I asked, curiously.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“I was at first, but when it came time
to fuck her, I couldn’t do it,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He raised his eyes to mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“You’ve spoiled me, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You’ve got the best looking ass in town, and I love fucking you.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I leaned over, kissing me
passionately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We continued to make out
on the couch for a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick said, “I
think we need to take this to our room.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I nodded my head in agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He stood up, turning around to help me up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took my hand, and led me into our bedroom.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">*** ***</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Zach and Todd stood in the delivery room
beside the bed of their surrogate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
looked up at them, and smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her name
was Maria.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had carried their twins
for over eight months, with part of that time spent on bed rest to prevent them
from coming too early.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The day had
finally arrived, and she was excited to see her babies come into the
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had made it through until
the first week of May, which was the week her doctors had set for delivering
the babies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Anderson-Ingrams had
arrived the week before, along with both sets of future grandparents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had spent the week visiting with her
family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">She was very proud to help this
wonderful couple have a family of their own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She had three children of her own, and felt very strongly about helping
other couples have children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her
husband, Cliff, had initially been opposed to letting her be a surrogate mother
for a gay couple, until his brother, Tyler, had come out of the closet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler, not only came of the closet, he also
presented his boyfriend to the family at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Zach and Todd had contacted her about
being their surrogate, she had asked Cliff if he was okay with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had insisted on meeting them, first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guys had spent a week getting to know
Cliff and Maria.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the end of that
week, Cliff had given his consent, as long as they used donor eggs, so that the
children wouldn’t be genetically related to Maria.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Zach and Todd and readily agreed to his
terms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zack and Todd had already
thought about who they would ask to help them, and had made contact with Patty,
their friend from college.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Patty had
readily agreed to help them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few
weeks later, Patty flew to California to meet Cliff and Maria, and to begin the
process that led to this moment.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Dr. Dombrinski delivered the first baby
boy, handing him to the nurse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
clamped the umbilical cord close to the newborn’s stomach, and put a second
clamp in place a short distance away from the first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned to Zach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Would you like to cut the umbilical cord?”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Zach nodded his head, and too the
scissors from the doctor’s hands, making the final cut that severed the
umbilical cord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zach said, as the
infant let out a wail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s
definitely Cameron.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s got a good set
of lungs on him.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Dr. Dombrinski said, “Yes, he’s a
healthy boy.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Then, he delivered the second baby boy,
handing him to a second nurse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
turned to Todd, handing him the scissors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Todd followed Zach’s example, and cut the cord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Todd said, “Skye seems to a much calmer
baby.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, then, Skye began crying.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Zach laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, he was just waiting for his Daddy to
say something.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The nurses weighed the two newborns,
cleaned them up, swaddled each of them tightly in a blanket, and handed them to
their mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maria beamed with pride,
as she held the newborns in her arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“They are so beautiful.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">She kissed each them on the top of their
heads, then looked up at Zach and Todd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“You have two beautiful sons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Please take them.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Zach and Todd each took a newborn boy
into their arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zach looked into the
face of his newborn son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hello,
Cameron.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Todd did the same with the baby boy he
held in his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hello, Skye.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">There were tears of joy in their eyes,
as they held the twins in their arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After a few minutes, the nurses walked over to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of them said, “We need to take them to
the nursery.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">They handed the newborns over to the
nurses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After they left, they took
Maria’s hands in theirs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you so
much,” Zach said.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Maria said, “You’re welcome.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The doctor had finished delivering the
placentas, and turned to the third nurse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Please finish cleaning her up.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">He turned to the guys, and said,
“Congratulations!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m very happy that
we have two very healthy baby boys.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">He pulled off his surgical gloves, and
shook their hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned to Maria,
with a smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Congratulations, Maria!”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Cliff, who had been waiting in the
background, came forward to congratulation the happy couple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Congratulations, guys!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put his hand out to shake Zach’s.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Zach ignored his outstretched hand, and
pull him into a tight embrace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank
you so much for helping us, Cliff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
know how difficult it was for you and the children.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Zach released him, with tears rolling
down his cheeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wiped his tears
away with the back of his hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m
sorry.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Cliff smiled up at the giant of man that
stood in front of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t
apologize.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know how much you and Todd
wanted to have children.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned to
Todd, who embraced him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Thank you, Cliff, for making our dreams
come true,” Todd said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His voice was
choked with emotion.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Cliff held him for a moment, then said,
“I’m glad that you came into our lives, Todd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I and the children have come to consider you guys as part of our
family”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He released Todd, and
continued, “Go see your boys, while I stay with Maria.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Todd asked, “Are you sure?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t want to abandon Maria.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has done so much for us.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Cliff laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll take care of Maria.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You and Zach need to be with your
parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take them to see the twins in
the nursery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come to Maria’s room after
you’re done.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Zach said, “Thank you both for all
you’ve done for us.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Maria smiled, and said, “Todd, take Zach
to see the boys.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Todd took Zach’s hand in his and led his
husband out of the delivery room, and out into the hallway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They walked hand in hand to the waiting
room, where they found both sets of parents waiting anxiously.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">As soon as they appear, Vickie and
Melissa were on their feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Melissa
asked, “Is everything okay?”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Zach said, “Mom, the twins are in the
nursery, and they’re doing fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you
want to see them, come with us.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Zach’s mother threw her arms around her
son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m so happy for you, Zach.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">He kissed her on the cheek, and said,
“You’re grandmother now, Mom.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">She smiled up at her son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I am, and so is Vickie.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Vickie hugged Todd, and said, “I’m so
happy.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Zach and Todd’s Dads waited patiently
for their wives to release their sons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Both of them gave their sons a hug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sam said, “Congratulations, boys!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let’s go see our grandsons.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Brad asked, “Who do they look like?”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Zach said, “You’ll have to see for
yourself.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Zach and Todd led their parents down the
hallway to the nursery, where they looked through the windows, trying to locate
the twins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zach saw the two boys in
their hospital bassinettes, with their names written on two blue cards – C.
Anderson-Ingram and S. Anderson-Ingram.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He pointed to where they were, and said, “There they are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you see them?”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">One of the nurses saw them pointing to
the twins, and rolled them closer the window, so they could see them
better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled, and waved to them.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Brad said, “They both look like Zach.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Melissa laughed, and said, “Well, what
did you expect?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s their father.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Zach grinned, and said, “They are very
handsome boys.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Todd put his arm around his husband’s
waist, pulling him close to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
gave Zach a quick kiss, and said, “Yes, they’re very good looking, just like
their Dad.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Sam said, “I’m glad that I’ve got two
grandsons.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Vickie said, “They’re beautiful.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">After they had finished looking at the
babies, they went to Maria’s room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
had a private room, and Cliff and their three children (Michael - age 8, Jamie
– age 7, and Veronica 0 age 5) were with her.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">She smiled, when she saw Zach and Todd
standing in the doorway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Please, come
in.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Veronica ran over to them and raised her
arms to Zach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uncle Zach, did you know
that Momma had your babies?”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Zach scooped the little girl into his
arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled at her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just came from the nursery, where Cameron
and Skye are sleeping.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">She asked, “When can I see them?”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Zach looked over at her parents, and
said, “That depends on your Mommy and Daddy.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Cliff responded, “We’ll go see the
babies in a few minutes, Veronica.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The Andersons and the Ingrams joined
Zach and Todd in Maria’s room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Melissa
walked over to Maria’s bed, and took her hand in hers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you so much for everything you’ve
done for our boys.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Maria smiled up at her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re welcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve adopted them as our own.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Cliff said, “Yes, we’ve come to love
your sons over the last few months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They are wonderful people.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Michael said, “We love Uncle Zach and
Uncle Todd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want them to move to
California, to be near us.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Jamie said, “I love watching Uncle Zach
play hockey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to be a hockey play
just like Uncle Zach.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Brad said, “If you play a lot of hockey
like Zach did when he was your age, then you should be in good shape.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Michael asked, “Grandpa Brad, did you
play hockey when you were my age?”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Brad shook his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I played basketball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t like hockey much.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Zach laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dad tried to convince me to play
basketball, but I didn’t want anything to do with the sport.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Veronica asked, “Did you know I have
eight grandparents?”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Zach shook his head, and said, “No, I
didn’t know that.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">She pointed at the Andersons and
Ingrams, as she named them, “There’s Grandpa Brad, Grandpa Sam, Grandma
Melissa, and Grandma Vickie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus I
have Nana, Grandpa Bill, Granny, and Grandpa Cliff.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“You must be pretty special to have so
many grandparents,” Zach said.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Veronica nodded her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had a very serious look on her face, as
she said, “Yes, I am special.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Daddy
says so.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Zach looked over at Cliff, for
confirmation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cliff grinned, and said,
“Veronica is special, because she’s the only girl.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Zach sat her down on her feet, and she
ran to her Daddy, hugging him around the legs.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Sam said, “We don’t want to overwhelm
you with visitors, but we wanted to expression our appreciation for what you
done for Zach and Todd.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Maria said, “I’m not overwhelmed
yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m just a little tired, that’s
all.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Vickie walked over to Maria’s hospital
bed, and leaned over to give her a kiss and a hug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Rest while you can, dear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll come back a little later.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Brad said, “We’re going out to grab a
bite to eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll be back before
visiting hours are over.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Zach and Todd’s parents left the room,
and Zach and Todd sat down to visit with Maria and her family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing that Maria had dropped off to sleep,
Zach looked over at Cliff, and asked, “Would it be alright for us to take the
children out to eat?”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Cliff smiled, and said, “That would be
great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll stay with Maria.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Jamie took Zach’s hand, “Can we go to
Wendy’s?”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Sure,” Zach said.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“I want a frosty,” Jamie said.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Veronica and Michael both said, “Me,
too.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Veronica took Zach’s other hand, while
Michael took Todd’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They led them out
of the hospital, and out to their rented vehicle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They returned a while later to find Maria
and Cliff engaged in conversation.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The children ran to their mother, and hugged
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled at her children, as
they talked excitedly about seeing the new babies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even the boys were exited, despite Michael’s
attempts to hide his excitement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few
minutes later, two nurses rolled the hospital bassinettes into her room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Veronica immediately climbed down from her
mother’s bed, and ran over to see the babies.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">She turned to her mother, and said, “Why
are they so red?”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Maria answered her, “That’s just the way
babies are when they’re first born.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Veronica turned back to look at the
twins, and said, “Cameron is wide awake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>May I hold him?”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The nurse looked at her mother, who
nodded her approval.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said, “If
you’ll sit down in that chair, I’ll help you hold the baby.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Veronica did as she was directed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The placed Cameron in her arms, and said,
“You need to support his head in the crook of your arm, and put the rest of
your arm like this.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Veronica beamed, as she held the infant
in her arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zach took out his camera
and snapped a couple of photos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
other nurse picked up Skye and started to hand him to Maria.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Maria shook her head, and said, “Give
him to his father.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She pointed to
Zach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Zach handed his camera to Todd, and took
Skye from the nurse, holding him as if he were made of glass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nurse smiled, and said, “You have two
very beautiful boys.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Zach said, “Thank you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was obvious that he was a very proud
father.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The nurse turned to retrieve a baby
bottle filled with infant formula.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He
is due for a feeding, as is his twin.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She handed the bottle to Zach, who sat down in a chair next to
Veronica.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nurse handed a baby
bottle to Veronica, and showed how to hold it.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Now, remember to stop and burp him
after he drinks about 2 ounces,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Maria said, “I’ll show her how to burp
the baby, when he’s ready.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The nurse smiled, and said, “Okay, I’ll
leave you to enjoy your newborns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just
push the call button, when you’re ready for us to take them back to the
nursery.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nurses left the room, commenting
on how wonderful it was to see the whole family welcoming the new babies.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Veronica kept pulling the bottle out of
Cameron’s mouth to check how much formula he had drank.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each time, he would begin to cry, until she
returned the bottle to his mouth.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Todd said, “I think I know who will be
the loudest of the two boys.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Zach laughed, “I’m sure it will Cameron,
but I think Skye will have him beat in the eating department.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s already downed two ounces.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">He removed the bottle from his son’s
mouth and lifted him to his shoulder, gently rubbing the baby’s back, until he
heard him burp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He returned him to the
crook of his arm, and continued to feed him his formula.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Veronica watched Zach burp Skye, then
did the same thing for Cameron.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
the Cameron’s hunger was satisfied, Veronica looked up at Todd, and asked, “Do
you want to hold Cameron?”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Todd said, “Sure.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Todd walked over, and took Cameron from
Veronica’s arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She immediately jumped
down, and ran to her mother’s beside, while Todd took her place in the chair.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">She said, excitedly, “Mommy I got to
feed the baby.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Maria smiled at her daughter, and
responded, “You did a great job, Veronica.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m proud of you.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Veronica ran over to her father, and
climbed up on his lap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wrapped her
arms around his neck, and said, “I love you, Daddy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re the best.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Cliff smiled, and said, “Thank you,
Veronica.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think you’re pretty special
yourself.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">After a while, Cliff said, “Children,
it’s time for us to go home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your
mother needs some rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Give her a hug
and a kiss.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">After they were finished, Cliff did the
same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled at her, and said, “I
love you, Maria.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad I married
such a wonderful woman.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">She said, “I love you, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for supporting me during the
pregnancy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m so happy we were able to
help Zach and Todd.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">He turned to the guys, and said, “Thank
you for your patience with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know I
wasn’t very kind toward you guys, when we first met.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Zach smiled, and said, “But, the
important thing is that you gave your permission for Maria to be our
surrogate.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Cliff nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, that is true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s been an eye opening experience for
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve had to re-evaluate my opinion
about gay couples several times over the last few months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve smashed all of my pre-conceived
notions of gays into oblivion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish
everyone could meet you two, then they would know that gay couples are loving,
wonderful people.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cliff walked over to
Zach and Todd and kissed each one on the cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He left them to follow his children down the
corridor to the elevators.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Zach looked at Todd, and saw the tears
streaming down his cheeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you
okay, Babe?”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Todd said, “I never expected Cliff to
admit that he had a lot of prejudices against gays.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Maria said, “Cliff is really a good guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just took him a while to see past all of
the bad things that have been said about gays, to see the reality of who you
are.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Zach said, “I don’t think it had so much
to do with us, Maria.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think he was
able to see past his prejudices, because he married a wonderful woman, who has
a big heart.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Maria smiled, but didn’t respond to his
statement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They sat in companionable
silence, as the twins slept in their fathers’ arms.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">*** ***</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I pulled my phone out of my pocket to
see Zach had sent me a message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
opened it.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Dads and twins doing fine!”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I opened the pics to see Zach and Todd
holding their baby boys.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I texted them back, “Congratulations!”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I showed Rick the photo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I’m happy for them.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I said, “Now, we just have to wait for
Mark and Brandon’s baby to be born,” I said.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“That won’t be until September,” Rick
said.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">There was a knock on the door, and Rick
went to answer it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He returned with
Keith and Egan.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Can you watch Egan for us?” Keith
asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Kerry is craving a
hamburger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s in bed already, so you’ll have to come
downstairs, while I take Kerry to get her burger.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I laughed, and said, “Sure, we’ll come
down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least Kerry isn’t craving
pickles and ice cream like she was last week.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Keith shook his head in amazement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s always something different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad told me that Mom had some pretty strange
cravings when she was pregnant with me.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick said, “Let’s go.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I said, “I’ll get the lights.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made a quick trip through the condo,
turning out the lights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I met Keith and
Rick at the front door, and we made our way downstairs to Keith and Kerry’s
place.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Kerry smiled, when she saw us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks for coming downstairs to babysit
Egan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s just gone to sleep, and we
didn’t want to wake him up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really
want a big juicy hamburger.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick said, “So we heard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You two go get the burger, and we’ll wait
here for you to get back.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">They left, and we took a seat on the
couch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat between Rick legs and
leaned back against his chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
wrapped his arms around me pulling me close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He kissed the back of my neck.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“I love you, Babe,” Rick said.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“I love you, too,” I replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Would you care if I quit my job?”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick said, “No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do you ask?”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Things have gotten so bad at work that
I hate going there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the beginning,
it was fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Duane and Mason were there,
and our boss was gay, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now,
that Robb has moved to a new job, and Duane and Mason have moved away, there
isn’t anyone left.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Aren’t there a couple of gay guys
working in a different department?” Rick asked.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“No, they quit a couple of months ago,
because the work environment has become so hostile,” I said.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Why don’t you talk to Rene about what’s
going on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe she’ll make some
changes.” Rick said.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I said, “I’ll try that, but I’m not sure
it will work.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick said, “Well, you won’t know until
you talk to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think everyone
deserves a chance to change things, after they’ve been told about something
they’re doing wrong.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">His statement struck home, since he had
asked me for a second chance after messing up by picking up a hooker at a
bar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, “Okay, I’ll give her an
opportunity to make things better.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Grandpa keeps asking me what our plans
are, after I get out of the Marine Corps,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t say anything, because we’ve argued a
lot about his insistence on staying in the military.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m thinking of re-enlisting for another
six years.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I said, “You need to make the decision
that is best for you, Babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You already
know how I feel about it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hoped he
would decide to get out of the Marine Corps, so we could get married and start
a family.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“I know,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But, I’m glad you’re not flipping out every
time I mention re-enlisting.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“It wouldn’t do me any good to pull a
temper tantrum about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You need to
decide what you’re doing,” I said.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">He said, “I love you for being willing
to let me decide what I want.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Well, I’ve argued with you enough about
it already, so continuing to argue just makes things unpleasant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want us to enjoy our time together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve both been pretty miserable, because of
our arguments, and I don’t want that to be what you remember about me, if you
decide to find someone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want you
to look back and remember how wonderful things were between us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only that, I can’t force to get out of
the military.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have to decide for
yourself what you want to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it’s
meant for us to be together for the rest of our lives, things will work out so
that happens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meanwhile, I’m going to
enjoy being with you.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick said, “Thank you, Babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read somewhere a saying about love that
went something like this:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love is meant
to be shared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let it go, and it will
come and softly sit on your shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
think that by just loving each other, things will work out.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I nodded my head, and relaxed in his
arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a few moments, he turned me
around, so that I was straddling him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
could feel his cock swelling beneath me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I grinned at him.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“I wonder what you have on your mind,” I
said.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“You know what I have on my mind, but
we’ll need to wait until Keith and Kerry return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I intend to make out with you,
while we wait.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">When they returned, we were both
extremely amped up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keith took one look
at us, and laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know what you
guys were up to while we were gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
think we need to let these lovebirds go back upstairs, and quickly.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Kerry smiled, and said, “Thank you for
babysitting.”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We left them, and ran up the stairs to
our condo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick opened the door, and
led me to our bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We lost our
clothes along the way, so when he closed the bedroom door, we were both completely
naked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick pushed me down on the
bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The look of lust in his eyes let
me know I was in for a wild ride!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">*** ***</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Author’s Notes:</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Prosecutors force innocent people to
accept plea bargains - </span></span><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/29/thousands-innocent-pled-guilty_n_5412494.html?utm_hp_ref=crime&icid=maing-grid7%7Cmaing12%7Cdl10%7Csec3_lnk4%26pLid%3D482146"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "calibri";">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/29/thousands-innocent-pled-guilty_n_5412494.html?utm_hp_ref=crime&icid=maing-grid7%7Cmaing12%7Cdl10%7Csec3_lnk4%26pLid%3D482146</span></span></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">A 2011 U.S. Department of Justice report
stated at least 216,000 U.U. inmates had been raped or sexually abused behind
bars that year.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The Prison Rape and Solitary Confinement
(aka Protective Custody) - </span></span><a href="https://www.aclu.org/blog/tag/prison-rape-elimination-act"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "calibri";">https://www.aclu.org/blog/tag/prison-rape-elimination-act</span></span></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">States Allow Prison Rape, Refuse to
Implement Federal Standards to Prevent Prison Rape - </span></span><a href="http://www.aol.com/article/2014/05/23/some-states-opting-out-of-federal-prison-rape-law/20891734/?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmaing11%7Cdl22%7Csec1_lnk3%26pLid%3D480156"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "calibri";">http://www.aol.com/article/2014/05/23/some-states-opting-out-of-federal-prison-rape-law/20891734/?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmaing11%7Cdl22%7Csec1_lnk3%26pLid%3D480156</span></span></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rape </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="https://www.ncjrs.gov/App/abstractdb/AbstractDBDetails.aspx?id=17600"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "calibri";">https://www.ncjrs.gov/App/abstractdb/AbstractDBDetails.aspx?id=17600</span></span></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Reflections on God and Gay Christians - </span></span><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amelia-markham/reflectiongod-and-the-gay_b_5325143.html?utm_hp_ref=religion&ir=Religion"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "calibri";">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amelia-markham/reflectiongod-and-the-gay_b_5325143.html?utm_hp_ref=religion&ir=Religion</span></span></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Who is the Anti-Christ?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/19/mothers-day-slushie-attack-_n_5353687.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "calibri";">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/19/mothers-day-slushie-attack-_n_5353687.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular</span></span></a></div>
SaskBoyStories by Russ Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12705114426346134527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7739282925426125332.post-28921190878567329222014-05-17T23:25:00.003-04:002016-03-16T19:14:22.857-04:00The Man From Swift Current Chapter One Hundred Thirty Four - The Smith's Honeymoon<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Chapter One
Hundred Thirty Four – The Smith’s Honeymoon</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
</span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton and
Jonathan made their way to the baggage claim, after their flight from San
Francisco to Hawaii.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As they were about
to leave the baggage claim, they spotted a handsome young man holding a sign
that said, “Peyton and Jonathan Smith.”</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton
looked him over, appreciatively.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was
deeply tanned, with jet black hair and eyes, a generous smile, a wide nose, and
the body of a wrestler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stood at 183
cm. (6’), and looked to weigh about 82 kg. (180 lbs.).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton took Jonathan’s hand, and walked over
to him, pulling their luggage behind them.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton said,
“We’re Peyton and Jonathan.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">He
responded, “I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recognized you
from the photograph Mr. Scarborough sent to me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He showed them the photo on his cell phone.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton said,
“That’s us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, why did Grandpa ask you
to meet us at the airport?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Before I
answer that, let me introduce myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m Kaiko Aola, but my friends call me Kai.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your Grandpa hired me and my brother, Makaio,
to be your tour guides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We work for a
gay travel agency that put your Grandpa in touch with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, let’s get your bags.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton
asked, “Are you and your brother both gay?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Kai
answered, “No, I’m straight, but Makaio is gay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He lives with his boyfriend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll meet them later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Makaio will meet with you to plan out your
itinerary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your Grandpa told us to let
you guys do whatever you want.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton
looked at his husband, and grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Does that include staying in our room, fucking each other’s brains out?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Kai
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, if that is what you want
to do.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Kai led them
outside to their waiting limousine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
opened the door for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took their
luggage and stowed it in the trunk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
climbed into the front seat, next to the driver.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Kai looked
over at his brother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re ready to
go.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Makaio
smiled, and said, “Okay.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Meanwhile,
Jonathan took Peyton in his arms and kissed him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m so happy.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton
smiled at his new husband, and said, “So am I.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">A short
while later, they arrived at their hotel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Kai jumped out to get the door for them, while Makaio retrieved their
luggage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked over to Peyton and
Jonathan, and said, “I’m Makaio.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton shook
his hand, and said, “Nice to meet you.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Jonathan
said, “You two look like twins.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Kai said,
smiling, “That’s because we are.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Makaio said,
“Let’s get you checked in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kai and I
will come by in the morning, to map out what you want to do, while you’re in
Hawaii.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Jonathan
said, “That sounds great!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m very
tired.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Kai said,
“Most tourists suffer from jet lag when they first arrive here.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Makaio
turned over their luggage to the bell boy, while they checked into their
room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Aola boys left them in the
capable hands of the hotel staff.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">They were
escorted to their room, and Peyton tipped the bell boy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as the door to their suite closed
behind him, Peyton said, “Let’s get a quick shower, before going to bed.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Jonathan
grinned, and said, “Sure.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton looked
around the suite, and said, “This place is great.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">They climbed
the stairs to the second floor, and entered the en suite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stripped off his clothes, and turned to
help Jonathan disrobe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned on the
shower, adjusting the temperature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
stepped under the cascading water, pulling Jonathan into his arms.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“I love
you,” he said, kissing Jonathan, passionately.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">When they
came up for air, Jonathan said, “I know where your thoughts are, Babe.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reached down to squeeze Peyton’s very
hard steel pole.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton
squeezed Jonathan’s bubble butt with both hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s clean each other up, then jump in
bed, where I intend to show you how much I love you,” Peyton said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The newlyweds’
hands roamed over the bare skin of their spouse, exploring each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were still very new to each other (as
newlyweds on their wedding day should be).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They finished their shower, and dried each other off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They soon were in each other’s arms, as the
flames of their passion grew into an all-consuming inferno that took them to
new heights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the aftermath of their
lovemaking, they lay with their limbs intertwined, basking in the afterglow of
their coupling.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Jonathan
looked deeply into Peyton’s eyes, and said, “This has been the best day of my
life.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton
smiled, and said, “Yes, it has been the best day of our lives, thus far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will only get better from here, because
we’re married.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Jonathan
kissed him tenderly, and ran his hands over Peyton’s six pack abs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Working out with the guys on Grandpa’s farm
has done wonders for your physique.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton
rested his hand on Jonathan’s well defined pectoral muscles, and said, “Just as
much as it’s been good for you, Babe.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Jonathan
said, “So far, being married to you has been everything I dreamed it would be.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton
smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I promise that we’ll keep
making your dreams come true.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Changing the
subject, Jonathan asked, “What do you want to do while we’re here?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton
thought for a moment, before answering his husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Other than having lots of glorious sex with
you, I want to see the volcano, Kilauea, on the big island.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Jonathan
said, “That’s on my list, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
want to go out to the north shore of Oahu, to see the surfer guys do their
thing.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton
grinned, and said, “You’re only interested in ogling the surfer dudes!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Jonathan
agreed, unashamedly, “Yes, I want to see their beautiful bodies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can’t tell me you don’t want to see them,
for the same reason.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton said,
“Okay, you’re right about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
heard there are some fantastic helicopter tours on Kauai.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Jonathan
said, “Me, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s talk to Kai and Makaio
tomorrow about which would be the best ones to take.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton said,
“That sounds like a plan.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gently
kissed his husband, and pulled him closer to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t long before the two lovers drifted
off.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The next
morning, they were awakened by the ringing of the phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton rolled over to answer it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hello,” he said, groggily.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Kai said,
“Good morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope you two slept
well last night.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“We did,”
Peyton responded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“In fact, we’re still
in bed.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“I thought that
might be the case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve asked for room
service to be delivered to you in about an hour, to give you time to take care
of your needs.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Thanks, I
think,” Peyton said, yawning widely.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Kai said,
“You’ll appreciate it when breakfast arrives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just in case you hadn’t noticed, it’s nearly noon.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton
glanced at the clock on the night table, and said, “Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t know it was so late.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“When you’re
done with breakfast, or should I say lunch, give me a ring, and we’ll join
you,” Kai said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Okay,”
Peyton said, and hung up the phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jonathan was awake, and looking at him, waiting for an explanation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing his husbands expression, he said,
“Breakfast will be here in an hour, and the guys will meet us after we’re done
eating.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Jonathan
said, “Good, because I’m hungry.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton said,
“Then let’s get our shower.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">He got out
of bed, and turned to help Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They made their way to the en suite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A while later, they came downstairs, just in time to hear a soft tap on
their door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton walked over and
opened the door, admitting a cart pushed by a gorgeous young man, who smiled at
Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hope you are hungry, because
Mr. Aola ordered a lot of food.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton said,
“Believe me, we’re starving.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Do you wish
me to serve you?” he asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“No, thank
you, we’ll help ourselves,” Peyton said, pushing a tip into his hand, and
escorted him to the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as
the door was closed, Peyton returned to the cart and lifted the lids off of the
various plates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His mouth watered as
the aroma of sausage and eggs rose from one platter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a variety of other dishes that
smelled just as appetizing. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Jonathan
joined him, and said, “Let’s eat.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
made quick work of disposing of the victuals that had been provided to
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Afterward, Jonathan said, “That
hit the spot.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton
laughed, rubbing his lover’s full stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“It’s a wonder you can even move.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Jonathan
said, “I’ll be able to move, alright.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m more worried about you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
leaned over, and kissed Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
were interrupted by a knock on the door.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton said,
“I’ll be that is Kai and Makaio.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">He got up
from the sofa, and walked over to open the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure enough, Kai and Makaio stood in the
doorway, waiting to be invited in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Come in,” Peyton said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Kai and
Makaio entered, and were followed by a tall Asian looking guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Makaio turned, and said, “Let me introduce
you to my boyfriend, Casey Jian.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Casey
extended his hand to shake Peyton’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Nice to meet you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard
Makaio was helping you guys, and asked to come along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope that’s okay with you.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton
smiled, and said, “That’s cool with me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He looked Casey over, appreciatively.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was thin, but wiry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had
straight, jet black hair that hung down to his shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had black eyes that sparkled with
mischief, as well as a smallish nose, a generous mouth with a pencil thin black
moustache on his upper lip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had an
engaging smile that caused you to smile back at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wore a white tank top, khaki cargo
shorts, and flip flops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was deeply
tanned, showing that he spent a lot of time in the sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was exactly the same height as Makaio at
183 cm. (6’), only Makaio was solidly built, like his brother Kai.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The three guys
came in, and Jonathan stood up, and said, “I’m Jonathan.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Casey shook
Jonathan’s hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Nice to meet you.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Jonathan
said, “Please, sit down.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Casey said,
“Thank you, but I’ll sit on the floor.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Kai said,
“So will we.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve got a lot of things
to show you guys.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Kai and
Makaio laid out their stuff on the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Makaio said, “Let me go over some of the things that you can do.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stopped when he saw Peyton’s
expression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton was scowling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was trying not to react negatively to
Makaio’s statements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t take too
kindly to being told what he could do, especially on HIS honeymoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Makaio quickly said, “Of course, we can do
anything you have in mind.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton’s
expression cleared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled, and said,
“We’d like to see the volcano, and take a helicopter ride.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Jonathan
said, “And, we’d like to spend some time on the north shore.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The twins
looked at each other, then back to Peyton and Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, that sounds good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would you be interested in doing some
clubbing, dancing, or anything like that?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Jonathan
said, “Sure that sounds great!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Makaio
looked at his boyfriend, and said, “That’s why we brought Casey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s an expert on the best clubs.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">They spent
the next hour, or so, planning the rest of their time in Hawaii.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they were done, Peyton said, “Thanks,
guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m pretty excited to do all of the
things we’ve got planned.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked
over at his husband, and asked, “Are you okay with our plans?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Jonathan
smiled, and said, “Yes, I’m good.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Makaio stood
up, and said, “We’ll get all of the arrangement made, and we’ll see you in a
couple of days.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Kai and
Casey joined him, and they left Peyton and Jonathan to enjoy their time
together on the beach.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">*** ***</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">As promised,
Casey, Makaio and Kai showed up at the hotel a couple of days later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton and Jonathan met them in the lobby,
with their luggage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kai looked them
over, and said, approvingly, “You guys sure got a great tan over the last two
days.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton
grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re tan all over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hate tan lines.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Casey
whistled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hot!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we should take them to our own
private beach, so we can swim naked.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Makaio
grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think that would be
perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, we can head to the North
Shore, tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you guys up for
another day of swimming?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Jonathan
looked at his husband, who nodded his head in approval.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, we are.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Kai said,
“The limo is waiting.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton
walked over to the front desk and checked out of their room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They left the hotel lobby, and found Kai
holding open the door of the limo for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They climbed in, followed by Kai.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Kai said, “I
hope you don’t mind my brother and his partner highjacking your schedule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know you wanted to see the North Shore
today.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“That’s
okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think swimming naked on the
beach sounds like a lot of fun,” Peyton said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“We’re
taking you to a part of the island that haoles don’t normally get to
visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately, our extended family
doesn’t have any issues with haoles visiting us; so, we shouldn’t have any trouble
taking you there,” Kai said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton
asked, “Where are you taking us?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“We’re
taking you to visit our home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We live
on land that has been set aside for native Hawaiians as part of the Hawaiian
Home Commissions Act,” Kai said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Makaio drove
them to their parents’ home, and parked the limo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He jumped out, and opened the door for
Peyton and Jonathan.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Welcome to
our home,” he said, as they got out of the limo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They looked around in awe at the beautiful home
and neatly manicured lawn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The beach
is this way.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He led them down a path,
past the house, and through a grove of trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When they came out of the trees, the beach stretched as far as the eye
could see.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Wow!”
Peyton exclaimed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There’s nobody on
the beach.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Makaio
smiled, and said, “I told you we could swim naked here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t need a swim suit, just strip
down.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">He quickly
put his words into action, and the rest of the guys followed him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton took Jonathan’s hand in his, and led
him into the surf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Casey and Makaio
soon joined them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kai seemed a little
hesitant, but Makaio called out to him, “Come on, Kai.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You were the one who suggested coming here.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Kai
shrugged, and slipped out of his clothes and joined the guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a couple hours, the guys were resting
on the beach from their exertions, when Makaio said, “Let’s have a kissing
contest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kai, you get to be the judge.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Kai shook
his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re just trying to get me
to admit I like guys, just like you do.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Casey said,
“Yes, he is, but you have to admit that it would be fun.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Kai laughed,
and said, “Okay, I’ll do it.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton
grinned, and said, “I get to go first.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton stood
up, and walked over to Kai.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton
said, “Are there any rules we have to follow?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Casey said,
“No rules, just kissing.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton took
Kai in his arms, and gave him a very passionate kiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton released him, and asked, “Okay,
what’s my score.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Makaio
guffawed, “It must be a ten from the looks of things.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pointed to Kai’s very erect cock.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Casey said,
“I’m next.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was followed by
Jonathan, and, lastly, by Makaio.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">As Makaio
kissed his twin, Kai lost his load, spraying his cum between them.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Makaio
released his brother, and grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So,
who is the best kisser?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Kai met his
brother’s eyes, and said, “I think you all win.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never got off that much with a girl.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Makaio
laughed, and said, “That’s because you’re gay, just like me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Guys are so much better than girls.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Kai said,
“Okay, I’m willing to date a guy, but we have to find someone decent.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Casey said,
“My cousin, Ryan, is gay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would you
consider dating him?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Kai asked,
“Isn’t he the goofy kid you brought over to our house a few weeks ago?’</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Yeah,
that’s the one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s 19, and doesn’t
have a boyfriend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, he may still
be a virgin,” Casey said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He didn’t
come out until after he graduated from high school, and he hasn’t met anyone
he’s interested in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think he’s being
too particular, because there are lots of great guys out there.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Kai said,
“Call him, and invite him to join us, here on the beach.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Casey
grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sure.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">He ran over
to where we had left our clothes, and pulled out his cell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He made the call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gave us the thumbs up sign, and returned
his cell to his pants pocket.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“He’ll be
here in about 30 minutes.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton
asked, “Kai, are you really ready to date a guy?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Kai sat down
on the sand, next to Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
replied, “I don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been
attracted to guys, before, but I never could get up the nerve to approach them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Makaio is the one who is outgoing and
adventurous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve always been really
shy.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Jonathan
said, “If it helps, I was a lot like you, before I met Peyton and his family.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton
laughed, and said, “Yeah, my cousin’s partner, Glenn, gave Jonathan his first
blowjob.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Yes, he
did; but, the important thing is, Peyton’s family provided a safe environment,
where I could come out of the closet,” Jonathan said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think my Dad knew I was gay, before I
came out; because he arranged for me to work at the Scarborough home, where I
met Peyton.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Makaio has
been out since high school,” Kai said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Casey said,
“I knew Makaio in high school, but never dreamed that he was gay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a huge crush on him, during our senior
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was afraid he thought I was a
real creep.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Makaio said,
“I noticed Casey, and knew he liked me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, I was scared to even let him know I was attracted to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t want to get beat up, like one of my
gay friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He came out in our junior
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The harassment and the death
threats got so bad, they ended up moving to the mainland.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton
asked, “How about your family?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“My parents
have been very supportive of us, as is the rest of our extended family,”
Makaio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We aren’t as prejudiced
against gays, as haole religion and culture has taught you to be.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Kai nodded
his head in agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The kids who
beat up my friend in school were all haoles, who claimed they were only
protecting themselves from sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
claimed that my friend would turn them all into homosexuals, just by being
present at our school.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Casey said,
“Here’s my cousin, now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He must have
broken every speed limit to get here.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Ryan trotted
across the sand to where they were seated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He stood in front of them, and said, “I guess I’m a little over
dressed.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Casey
laughed, and said, “Lose the clothes, Ryan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let me introduce you to Peyton and Jonathan Smith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They just got married, and are here on their
honeymoon.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Ryan shook
Peyton and Jonathan’s hands, and said, “Congratulations!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like what I see.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He grinned, and stripped off his clothes.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Jonathan
looked him over, and said, “You look pretty good yourself!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Casey said,
“This is Makaio’s twin brother, Kai.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Ryan walked
over to Kai, and pulled him into his arms, giving him a kiss on the lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first, Kai didn’t respond; but, after a
moment, he kissed Ryan back.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Ryan pulled
back, and looked into Kai’s eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If
that is a sign of things to come, count me in!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Kai laughed,
and said, “I think it’s only the beginning.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Ryan asked,
“Have you ever had a boyfriend, before?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Kai said,
“No, I’ve always had a girlfriend, but these guys convinced me to try dating a
guy.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Ryan
grinned, and said, “I’ve never had a real boyfriend, either; so, we’re even in
that department.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Kai asked,
“If that’s true, where did you learn to kiss like that?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Ryan
responded, with a wicked grin on his face, “I didn’t say I’ve never been
kissed, now did I?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Kai
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I like you already, and we’ve
only just met.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Ryan took
Kai by the hand, and led him toward the water’s edge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s have some fun in the surf.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The guys
played in the water until it was time for lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They pulled on their clothes, and made their
way back through the trees to the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Makaio and Kai put together a light lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They decided to move on to the Turtle Bay
Resort.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">That night,
after they had gone to bed, Peyton held Jonathan in his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked into his eyes, and asked, “What
did you like best about today?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Jonathan
smiled, and said, “Being fucked by you.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton
kissed his husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I feel the
same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love it when you take control, and
top for me, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought I would
never let a man fuck me again, after what happened to me in prison; but, the
way you make love to me, lets me know that I’m your sweetheart, your only true
love.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Jonathan
said, “That’s because you are my light of my life, Babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I top for you, I want you to feel how
much I love you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s why I like to
see your face, as I fuck you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to
be able to kiss you, and express my deepest feelings for you, as we make love
to each other.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton
smiled, as he caressed his husband’s body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I’ve married the hottest stud in Hawaii.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Jonathan
nibbled on his earlobe, and whispered, “No, I married the hottest stud in
Hawaii.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He captured Peyton’s lips, and
kissed him deeply, as he positioned himself to show Peyton how much he loved
him!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">*** ***</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The day
after Peyton and Jonathan’s wedding, we met Zach and Todd for lunch in the
hotel restaurant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were standing in
the lobby, when they came through the lobby entrance.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach
embraced me, and kissed me on the lips, as did Todd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They turned to Rick, and greeted him in a
similar manner.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Todd said,
“We’ve missed you guys.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach said,
“We’ve missed the guys in Minneapolis, too.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I said, “But
Ben and Janice aren’t very far away in Uxbridge, and Uncle Carl and Aunt Hannah
are in St. Catharines.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach said,
“We’ve visited with your family, Glenn, but it’s not the same as living with
you guys.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick said,
“We understand what you’re saying, and we miss being around all of the guys, as
well.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach said,
“I’m starving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s eat.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">We moved out
of the lobby, and down the hall to the restaurant entrance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hostess showed us to a booth, and left
us with the menu.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our waitress showed
up soon thereafter to take our beverage order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">She said,
“My name is Valerie, and I’ll be your server today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May I bring you something to drink?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The guys
ordered a beer, and I ordered my usual soda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She returned with the beverages, and took our food order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After she had gone, I asked, “Did you guys
find a house?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach said,
“Yes, we did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We actually found two
homes for sale in The Annex neighborhood, and we bought both of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are what they call ‘bay and gable’
homes.”</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwxdRWncZf74SO7Tk-SYWH6coBZWsk5osteSZzFfemtiAgpoYIanV2fSOCnbKV-sQGz5AYPA0_9GlDOYTmLEgEVq0t9vqAduq4N6KJjOl6HUNjk8B1Kvv7SEd7uB-eQKkSWz2pTciL4_U/s1600/theannexhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwxdRWncZf74SO7Tk-SYWH6coBZWsk5osteSZzFfemtiAgpoYIanV2fSOCnbKV-sQGz5AYPA0_9GlDOYTmLEgEVq0t9vqAduq4N6KJjOl6HUNjk8B1Kvv7SEd7uB-eQKkSWz2pTciL4_U/s1600/theannexhouse.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Todd said,
“They are side by side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re living in
one of them, and Robbie and Adam will live in the other one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They won’t graduate from the University of
Minnesota for a few more years yet, so we’ve rented it out to some
students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are a married couple
with a couple of little kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both of
them are working on master’s degrees at the University of Toronto.”</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach said,
“We’re perfectly located for my job at the Ricoh Coliseum, and for Todd’s
classes at the University of Toronto.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Todd said,
“We aren’t as close to campus, as we were in Minneapolis, but we’re still close
enough that it doesn’t take long to get there.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick asked,
“When are your twins due?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach said,
“Not until the end of May.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“It took us
a while to find a surrogate,” Todd said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“We will fly to Los Angeles, when it gets close to the babies due date.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Won’t they
come early, because they’re twins?” I asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Todd said,
“Yes, so we’re expecting to fly out in April.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mark and Brandon took a little longer to find a surrogate than we did,
so their baby isn’t due until September 2nd.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Todd gave me an appraising look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“How do you know so much about having twins?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I looked
over at Rick, and grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve been
doing some research about surrogacy and multiple birth pregnancies.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach met
Rick’s gaze, and asked, “Does this mean you’ve proposed to Glenn?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick shook
his head, “No, it doesn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glenn has
been hinting about starting a family, since he heard that you guys were looking
into finding a surrogate.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Todd asked,
“Why are you holding out on him, Rick?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick said,
defensively, “I’m not holding out on Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m just not ready to start a family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think we need to get married, first.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach said,
“Exactly!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, when are you getting
married?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I could see
Rick was getting upset, so I interceded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Zach and Todd, it’s a very sensitive subject between us, at the
moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please let it alone, for now.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach said,
“We’re sorry, Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We didn’t mean to
upset you.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick said,
“It’s okay.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked only slightly
mollified.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure I’ll hear about it
later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">In an attempt
to redirect the conversation, I asked, “Zach, how do you like playing for the
Marlies?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach
enthused, “I love it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Marlies belong
to the American Hockey League (AHL).”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He launched into an animated discussion of the Marlies’ hockey season,
narrating his part in their games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was very appreciative of Zach’s willingness to move the conversation away from
the topic of marriage.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Todd winked
at me, as Zach engaged Rick in a debate about which hockey team was the best
one in the AHL.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said, “I’m glad you
two are here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want you to come over
to the house for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve invited
Grandpa and Grandma Scarborough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want
to discuss a business venture with Grandpa, since I’m nearly done with my
course work for my master’s degree in computer science.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“What kind
of business are you thinking of starting?” I asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Todd said,
“I want to start a software engineering firm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think there’s a niche for me and a couple of my classmates to consult
with large companies, and help them upgrade their computer systems.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“I’m sure
Grandpa will approve,” I said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“I hope
so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve drawn up a prospectus,
outlining our business model, and what it would take to get us up and running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zach and I would be the sole owners, but
we’re waiting to hear what Grandpa’s thoughts are about MST, Inc., helping us
set up the company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are hoping that
we can have a similar arrangement to the one that Justin has,” Todd said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach halted
his enthusiastic narration of his game winning goal, and looked over at
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re really excited about setting
up Todd’s business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it works as planned,
he should be able to work from home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That way, he can take care of the twins, at the same time he is running
his business.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“We’re
thinking of hiring a nanny to care for the children, when I have to travel, or
have deadlines to meet,” Todd said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick said,
“That’s sounds like a great plan, since Zach has to travel so much with his
job.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach nodded
his head in agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The only reason
I’m in Toronto, today, is because tomorrow is a home game.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I asked,
“Zach, did your parents buy that big place in Clarington they were looking at?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Yes, they
did, and Todd’s parents bought a place just down the road from them,” Zach
said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“I thought
they didn’t want a big place,” Rick said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Todd said,
“That’s true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They didn’t want 40
acres, but they still bought a house with 20 acres of land with it.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“That’s
still a lot of ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When do they plan
to move here?” I asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach said,
“Our parents won’t move here, permanently, until Robbie and Adam have graduated
from the University of Minnesota.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I asked, “They
have three years left, don’t they?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Yes,” Todd
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Robbie and Adam want to transfer
to the University of Toronto to finish their undergraduate degrees; but, our
parents want them to finish at the University of Minnesota.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Are they
unhappy with the school?” I asked, in surprise.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach said,
“No, it’s just that they want to be near me and Todd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told them ro finish up at the University
of Minnesota, since they’ve already started there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have great roommates in Greg and
Cory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Justin and Brian are looking for
a place, but they’re still living with Robbie and Adam, for the moment.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick said,
“Peyton and Jonathan will be moving in with them in a couple of weeks.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach said,
“That’s true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think that having
another newlywed couple living with them, will help them.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Todd said,
“I think the real reason they want to move here is because Justin and Brian are
looking to move out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robbie and Adam
are very close to Justin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So far, Brian
has been very supportive of their relationship with his husband; but I’ve
gotten the feeling that he’s been a little less so, of late.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick said,
“That’s unfortunate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know how much
Justin loves those two guys.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach nodded
his head, in agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hope Brian
doesn’t push them away, because I’m afraid of what it will do to Justin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s been pretty stable the last couple of
years, but it wouldn’t take much to send him into a major fit of depression.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I said, “I
remember the last time he got super depressed.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shuddered at the memory of opening
Justin’s bedroom door to find him standing on a chair, with a rope around his
neck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick said,
“Maybe they’ll change their minds about finding a new place, now that Peyton
and Jonathan are moving in.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach said,
“Maybe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m thinking that Brian wants
to have Justin all to himself; so, having two more guys in the house will only
make him all the more anxious to move out.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The waitress
brought our food, and there was silence at our table, as we concentrated on our
lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a few minutes, Rick asked,
“Do you need us to bring anything for dinner, tonight?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; tab-stops: 373.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Todd said, “No, we’ve got it covered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just bring yourselves.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I asked, “Do
you know if it will be a boy or a girl?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Todd said,
“We’re having twin boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We decided to
name them Cameron and Skye.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick asked,
“Have you decided on middle names for them, as well?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Todd said,
“Yes, their full names will be Cameron Todd Anderson-Ingram and Skye Zachary
Anderson-Ingram.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I smiled,
and said, “I like those names.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad
I have a middle name, because I don’t like my first name.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach looked
at me, in surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why don’t you like
your first name?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“I’ve never
liked being called Russell or Russ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
got teased a lot at school about my name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I remember coming home from school one day, when I was in elementary
school, and asking my mother if I could change my name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After I told her what was happening at
school, she talked it over with my Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Dad thought I was being wimpy and should just fight back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad had no sympathy for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said that the kids that were harassing me
at school would still do it, anyway, no matter what I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told me I needed to become less
sensitive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He even suggested that I
confront the kids after school and beat them up.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick asked,
“Did you do that?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I shook my
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was too wimpy to do that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kept complaining about the problems at
school; so, finally, Mom suggested that I use my middle name, instead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom wrote a note to the teacher, explaining
what was going on, and asking her to call me Glenn.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick said,
“I didn’t know that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just assumed
that Mom and Dad had always used your middle name.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I laughed,
and said, “They did up until that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
took Dad a while to come around, but he finally made the change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes, when he would call me Russell, I
wouldn’t respond, or I would remind him that my name was ‘Glenn.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That would make him mad and he would give me
a lecture about the fact that my name was not just ‘Glenn,’ but ‘Russell Glenn
Nielsen.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My brothers, Gary and Eric,
teased me about using my middle name for quite a while, but Nancy told me she
thought it was great that I was using my middle name.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Did the
kids at school stop teasing you?” Rick asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Unfortunately,
no, they didn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finally got up
enough courage to do something about it, though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in the 7<sup>th</sup> grade, and a group
of kids were harassing me after school, while we waited to board the buses that
took us home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got so angry, that I
took down the ringleader, Gregory Habermiller.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I bloodied his nose and gave him a black eye.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Todd asked,
“Didn’t his friends beat you up?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“No, they
just formed a circle around us, and kept encouraging him to get up and fight
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I had him pinned to the
ground, one of the bus drivers pulled me off of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Otherwise, I wouldn’t have stopped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was like the frustration and anger I had
felt toward him all of those years were balled up in my fists, and found
release every time I managed to hit him.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach asked,
“Didn’t you get in trouble?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Yes,
because we both got suspended from school for a week for fighting on school
grounds; and no, because my father was happy that I had finally stood up for
myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, he was so proud of me
that he drove us into Swift Current to celebrate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad didn’t like spending money, unless he
had to; but, that time, he splurged by taking us all out to eat at his favorite
Chinese restaurant.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick said,
“I didn’t know Dad liked Chinese food.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I laughed,
and said, “He loves it; but, Mom doesn’t like it, and won’t cook it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, the only time he can eat Chinese food is
when he goes out to a restaurant.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“After my
fight with Gregory, Dad started calling me ‘Glenn,’ too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since then, the only time they call me by my
first name is when I’m in trouble.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
put my hands on my hips, and said, imitating my mother’s voice, “Russell Glenn
Nielsen.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach
grinned, and said, “I’m sure she gave you that look, too.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I nodded my
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, she always did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Dad used my full name, I knew it was
time to run and hide; because I knew Dad was going to inflict corporeal punish
upon my backside.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach looked
at me in disbelief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Weren’t you too
old to be spanked by then?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I shook my
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dad still tried to administer
corporeal punish all the way through high school, if he could catch us.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I laughed, and continued, “But, he didn’t catch
us very often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Usually, by the time he
caught up to us, he would give us one of his lectures, which was worse in some
ways; because we had to sit and listen to him drone on, and on, for what seemed
an eternity.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Todd
laughed, and asked, “Does Rick spank you when you’re naughty?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I shook my
head, vigorously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, he doesn’t.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick
laughed, and put his arm around my shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Maybe I should.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I glared at
him, making sure he knew he wasn’t being funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t you even think of trying it!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick is such
stud and I love his big dick, but I won’t let him physically abuse me in any
way, given what I went through with my cousin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick knows it would really freak me out, if he attempted any kind of
bondage play, or anything kinky that I didn’t agree to, ahead of time.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick
laughed, even harder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think I should
try it, at least once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it would
be really sexy to beat your butt, until you beg me to fuck you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would teach you who is boss.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I reached
over and squeezed his package.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This is
all I need, right here, to teach me who is boss.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I massaged his dick, feeling it harden under
my fingers.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick put his
hand over mine, and said, “If you keep that up, I won’t be held responsible for
what happens.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He leaned over and
kissed me.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Todd
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess Glenn is the real
boss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’ll just withhold having sex
with you, and you’ll be begging him to let you fuck him.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I held
Rick’s hand in mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re both the
boss, because we always make the other happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I like to get fucked, and Rick likes to fuck me.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach said,
“But I know that Rick likes to be fucked, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’ve witnessed that.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick smiled, and leaned over to kiss me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love it when Glenn takes control and makes
love to me.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I said,
“It’s the same for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love it when
he makes love to me, so we switch off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That way, we both get what we want.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick looked
over at our friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You guys are the
same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve watched you making out.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach nodded
his head in agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, we’re
pretty versatile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do whatever makes
us feel good, at that moment in time.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Todd said, “All
of this talk about having sex has made me very horny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think you guys should come home with us,
and we should have a sex orgy this afternoon.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I wondered when you would get
around to asking us to play with you guys”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach
grinned, and said, “Well, you’ve been asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let’s finish lunch, so we can get to the important stuff!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">We quickly
ate what was left of our food, and paid our bill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zach and Todd led us out to their car, and
drove to their new home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zach parked
the car, and we piled out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I said, “I
love the bay windows.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach said,
“That is the one feature of these homes that drew us to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll love the inside, as well.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach
unlocked the door and invited us inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Zach said, “Please follow me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Todd, do you want to narrate the house tour?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Todd
grinned, and said, “Sure, babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love
showing off our new home.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">We followed
Zach from room to room, while Todd told us about each room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we entered the nursery, I said, “You
don’t need to tell me – this is the nursery.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Todd
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as we found out we were having twin
boys, we painted the room powder blue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Zach wanted to put up crown molding, so we put that up, as well as a
chair rail.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach said,
“We found all of the baby furniture at Mother Hubbard’s.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I looked
around the room at the two baby cribs, the diaper changing station, and the two
chest of drawers, and an armoire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
really like the cherry wood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It feels
nice and cozy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It really looks great in
here, guys; but, you’re missing a couple of rocking chairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll need them to rock the boys to sleep.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach looked
at Todd, and said, “I like that idea.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Todd said,
“But I don’t think we’ll have enough room for two in here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We already have two cribs and two dressers.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Move one of
the dressers into your room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You won’t
need it, at first, because baby clothes don’t take up that much room,” I
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You can move it back when
they’re a little older, and need the space for their clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully, by that time, they won’t need to
be rocked to sleep, anymore.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“We’ll give
it some thought,” Todd said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach put his
arm around Todd’s waist, and said, “Let’s get a shower.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Todd looked
at us, and asked, “Will you be joining us?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Absolutely!”
Rick responded, enthusiastically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
believe that I’m still the unbeaten champion of our little competition.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach said,
“I believe a rematch is needed to verify that you still have what it takes to
win!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">We migrated
to their en suite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We quickly disrobed, and jumped in the
shower!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The usual horseplay ensued, and
the competition held!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zach crowed with
delight, as he managed to tie Rick’s mark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He guffawed, “You’ve lost your touch, old man!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick said,
“I decided to be merciful this time.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach slapped
Rick on the back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“At least, I didn’t
pass you up.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick
laughed, and said, “It’s a good thing, because I don’t know if my ego could
handle knowing that you could shoot further than I.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">We toweled
each other dry, and climbed into Zach and Todd’s king-sized bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zach looked at Rick, and asked, “Are you
recovered enough to show our men how much we love them?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick pointed
to his very erect steel pole, and asked, “What do you think?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach
laughed, and said, “Well, then, let’s do it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They put their words into action, showing us in very many ways how much
they loved us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Afterward, Todd and I
took control, to show them what real men do to please their soul mates!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">*** ***</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Later, I
awoke sandwiched between Rick and Todd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick was spooned up against me, and I could feel his manhood pushing at my
back door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He might have been asleep,
but he was definitely still aroused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
I watched Todd’s face, his eyes opened and looked into mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled, then kissed me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">He said,
softly, “I love you, Glenn.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I said, “I
love you, too.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I heard
Rick’s voice in my ear, “You’re so loveable, Babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could anyone not love you?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach propped
himself up on his arm, so I could see him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His gaze met mine, and said, “That true, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Todd and I love you and Rick very much.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Todd said,
“We consider you two our closest friends, besides Robbie and Adam, that is.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick said,
“We feel very much the same way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
almost like we’ve always known each other.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach agreed,
“That’s exactly how we feel.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I said, “We’re
very close to you guys and to Peyton.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick said,
“Yes, we’re very close to Peyton, as well.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Todd asked, half-jokingly,
“Should we be jealous of him?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick said,
“No, Peyton holds a special place in our hearts, but he hasn’t taken your place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve found that we can love him, and still
love you guys at the same time.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I put my
hand to Todd’s face, cupping his cheek in the palm of my hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kissed him tenderly, and said, “Don’t
worry, Todd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one is going to take
your place, or Zach’s, in our hearts.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Todd nodded
his head, in understanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s just
that you’re so far away.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I said, “I
know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick and I have talked about
moving to St. Catharines, someday.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“That would
be really cool,” Zach said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Then, we
could get together every weekend.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“I would
really like that,” I said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick said,
“We’ve talked about this before…”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I cut him
off, “I know, but it doesn’t change how I feel.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Todd said,
“It’s okay, guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t mean to
start an argument.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to get up
and ready for your grandparents.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick rolled
out of bed, and turned to help me to my feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick led me to the en suite, and turned on the show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With mock seriousness, he said, “No playing
around, just business.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I laughed,
and said, “Yes, master.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick
grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m glad we’ve worked that
out.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">We were
joined by Zach and Todd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We made quick
work of cleaning up, and were dressed in no time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We adjourned to the kitchen, where I helped
Todd with the cooking.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick came up
behind me, and wrapped his arms around my waist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gently bit the back of my neck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I leaned back against him, and turned my head
to meet his lips.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Todd said,
“Hey!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of that, until we get dinner
on.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick
laughed, and said, “Alright, I’ll wait until later.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">A while
later, we heard the doorbell ring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zach
went to answer, and returned with Grandpa and Grandma.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They joined us at the kitchen table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Grandpa
said, “This is a nice place, Zach and Todd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m glad you found it.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach said,
“Thank you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We only did what you told us
to do.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Todd said,
“We should be thanking you.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Grandpa
said, “Nonsense, boys, you did all of the hard work of doing your research
before looking at these homes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
looked into the real estate market here, and I think you got a great price for
these homes.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Grandma said,
“I like what I’ve seen of the house, so far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s very cozy and welcoming.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Todd asked,
“Would you like a tour of the place?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Grandpa
said, “Yes, we would.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s why we
came early.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to take some time
to go over the house with you.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach and
Todd led my grandparents on a tour of the house, while Rick and I waited in the
kitchen.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I put my arm
around Rick’s shoulder, and said, “I’m sorry that Zach and Todd were on your
case about marrying me, earlier today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I promise that I didn’t put them up to it.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“I know,”
Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know they are concerned
about us, and want us to be married, like they are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also know that they don’t understand why
I’m so set on staying in the Marine Corps, after what happened to Sam.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“We’ve
talked about it a lot, because I want you to get out of the Marine Corps,” I
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick started to interrupt me, but
I held up my hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Rick, you don’t
have to convince me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve accepted the
fact that you want to finish what you started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I get that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus, I also know how
much you like being in the military.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick
grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I like playing with guns.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I reached
over, and squeezed his package.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So do
I, and I have a particular affinity for this one.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick leaned
over and kissed me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt him react to
my hand on his dick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He grinned at me,
and covered my hand with his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Patience, Glenn.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“I’ll
try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re just so sexy, I can’t keep
my hands off of you,” I said, as he took my hand in his.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick said,
“I wish our family and friends understood why I want to stay in the military,
because I’m getting a little annoyed with the constant pressure to get out, and
make an honest man of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not
that I don’t love you, Babe, because I do; but I really like the military.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">We were
surprised to hear Grandpa’s voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Have you considered working as a military contractor?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way you could marry Glenn, and still
have the military affiliation you desire.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“I’ve
thought about that, actually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
commanding officer is thinking about doing just that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s planning to retire this coming July,”
Rick said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Grandpa
asked, “So, when are you going to marry Glenn?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick looked
at Grandpa, in surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can’t marry
him, until I’m out of the Marine Corps.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Isn’t that
going to be happening soon?” he asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“My
commitment to the Marine Corps will be complete in August,” Rick
responded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Grandpa
said, “Then, you had better decide whether or not you’re going to marry
Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s about time you made up your
mind what you want to do with the rest of your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keeping Glenn hanging onto a hope you’ll
propose marriage to him, when you aren’t sure you want to spend the rest of
your life with him, isn’t fair to him, or to you.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick flinched,
as if he had been slapped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hadn’t
expected Grandpa to be so direct.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Seeing Rick’s
reaction, I decided to step into the conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Grandpa, you know that the subject of
marriage is a very sensitive one for us.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Grandpa
joined us at the kitchen table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know
that, boys; but it’s time to stop avoiding the issue.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked directly into Rick’s eyes, and
continued, “You are very aware of what I’m talking about, Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There isn’t a single reason in the world why
you can’t propose marriage to Glenn, with a wedding date in August, or
September.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your continued use of the
excuse that you’re in the military no longer holds water with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your relationship with Glenn can’t stay
static.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It needs to either grow into a
full-fledged marriage relationship between equals, or you both need to move on
with your lives, to find the person who will fulfill your dreams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You need to make up your minds.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick
swallowed hard, before answering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
know, Grandpa.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Grandpa
turned to me, and said, “And you’re just as bad, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You need to make up your mind whether or not
Rick is the man for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he’s the
one, you need to stop flirting so much with other guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched you flirting with the guys every
weekend you spent with Peyton over the last six months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While it may seem like it’s okay with Rick,
it really isn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It sends the wrong
message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s like you’re hanging on to
Rick, while you’re on the lookout for the next guy to come your way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick has stood by you over the years,
despite your flirtations with other guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s nearly ended your relationship a couple of times, already, if
memory serves me.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I couldn’t
meet Grandpa’s gaze, because I knew he was right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since Rick wouldn’t commit to marry me, I
had been keeping my eye out for someone who would.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to be married and to have a
family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t want to spend the rest
of my life hoping Rick would finally decide he wanted to be with me for the
rest of our lives.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Grandpa
waited in silence; and, when we didn’t say anything, he said, “Please look at
me, boys.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We both looked at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he was sure he had our attention, he
said, “I won’t speak of this again, but I expect a resolution to this
situation, soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I make myself
clear?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">We both
nodded our heads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick said, “Yes,
sir!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Grandpa gave
Rick a hard look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I expect more than
a, ‘yes, sir,’ Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want a
commitment from both of you to get serious about fixing what needs fixing
between you two, or end it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve both
graduated from college, and are working at good jobs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m very proud of both of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, it’s time to move on to the next stage
of your lives.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I finally
looked at Grandpa and held his gaze, and said, “I promise we’ll work things out
between us.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Grandpa
said, “Good.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach, Todd,
and Grandma returned to the kitchen from their tour of the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandma looked at the three of us, and said,
“Do you need us to come back, Dearest?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Grandpa
said, “No, I’ve said my piece.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s up
to the boys to execute on their promises to me.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Todd walked
over to check on dinner, while Grandma and Zach joined us at the kitchen
table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Todd looked over at us, and
said, “Dinner’s ready.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach said,
“Let’s move into the dining.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I said,
“I’ll help Todd with the food.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">We had a
nice meal; and, afterward, Grandpa retired to Zach and Todd’s office to discuss
Todd’s business proposal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While they
were sequestered, Rick and I talked with Grandma.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Grandma
asked, “Did Grandpa talk to you about getting married?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick said,
“Yes, he did.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">She nodded
her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was afraid he was going to
do that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I agree with him that
it’s time for your two to decide where you’re headed with your relationship, I
wasn’t quite in agreement with his approach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He told me he was going to speak to you two about it today.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“That he
did,” I said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">She smiled,
and said, “Please don’t take offense at his interference in your
relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He means well, but I
think he needs to let you two work things out between you, without outside
pressures to force you to reach a solution, that may, or may not, be the right
one for you boys.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick said,
“I’m very frustrated with all of the pressure I’m getting to marry Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not that I don’t love him, because I
do; but I don’t like being pushed into anything.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Grandma
said, “You’re not alone in feeling that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m like that, as is your Grandpa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We love both of you very much, and we don’t want to see either of you
hurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I understand that you need more
time to get to where you feel comfortable making a permanent commitment to each
other; however, you’ve been together long enough to know whether or not you’re
suited for each other.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick nodded
his head in agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, we know
that much about each other, or we would’ve parted ways a long time ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We just need to push past a couple of more
roadblocks.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">He leaned
over, and kissed me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I leaned against
him, and said, “I think we’ll get there, because we really do love each other.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">We spent the
better part of an hour talking with her about a variety of subjects, when
Grandpa entered the room, followed by Zach and Todd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Todd was smiling, and gave me a double
thumbs up sign.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Grandpa
said, “I think we’ve the makings of a good business venture.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Todd said,
“Thank you for believing in us, Grandpa.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Grandpa
smiled, and said, “It’s what I do.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
turned to Grandma, and said, “We need to be getting back to the hotel, dear.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Grandma
stood up, and took Grandpa’s arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Let’s go, then.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">We bid them
farewell, and saw them off in a taxi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Zach looked at us, and asked, “Are you guys staying with us, tonight?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick shook
his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I think we need to spend
some time alone, after hearing what Grandpa had to say to us, tonight.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach looked
at us in surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What did he say?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick related
the basics of our conversation with Grandpa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Zach whistled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had no idea Grandpa would step into your
relationship like that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know we
overstepped our bounds today with you about that subject.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sorry, Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We shouldn’t have pushed you about marrying Glenn.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick said,
“It’s alright.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems everyone has
something to say about the subject, today.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Zach said,
“I’ll drive you over to the hotel.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
grabbed his keys, and we walked outside to his car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They dropped us off at the hotel, and we
made our way up to our room.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">As soon as
the door closed to our room, Rick locked it, and stripped off his clothes,
heading to the en suite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I followed
suit, joining him in the shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
worked over his taut muscles in his back and neck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was really stressed out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After drying him off, I escorted him back
into the bedroom and pushed him down on the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">He looked up
at me, and said, “I need you to fuck me, tonight, Glenn.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I smiled,
and said, “It will be my pleasure.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
made love to him, trying to communicate with every touch the love I felt for
him.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">*** ***</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Later, we
lay in each other arms, while Rick played with my hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked into my eyes, and asked, “Why is
everyone pushing me so hard to marry you?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“I don’t
know, Babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I promise that I’ve not
said anything to any of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa
was the worst, though.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Yeah, he was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hit the nail on the head, so to speak,
for both of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been undecided
about committing to marry you, and I admit it,” Rick said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“I know;
and, lately, I’m aware that you’re not very happy about my flirting with other
guys,” I said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick said,
“It didn’t use to bother me, because I knew you weren’t looking for another
man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I’ve noticed that you’ve
been chatting with guys on-line, and spending less time with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s like your on-line friends are more
important to you than I am.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I looked
searchingly into his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I haven’t
gone behind your back to meet any of them, but I’ll admit that I’m looking for
someone who is willing to make a commitment to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve been putting me off for a long time,
now, Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I’ve flirted with the
guys, but it’s always been more of a game to me, rather than something
serious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We talked about this before,
and you seemed okay with it.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“I was okay
with your flirting, until I found an e-mail conversation between you and some
guy name Mark,” Rick said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I had
wondered if Rick had been reading my e-mails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’ve never kept secrets from each other; but, generally, we hadn’t made
a practice of reading each other’s e-mail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had left my laptop on the kitchen table, while I ran and took a quick
nature break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I came back, Rick
was sitting at the table staring at the computer screen.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“I wondered
if you had read my e-mail that day,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“You started acting really strange after that.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Wouldn’t
you, if you read an e-mail like that one?” Rick asked, earnestly.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Probably,
but I would have asked you about it, instead of keeping things bottled up
inside,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If you had asked me
about Mark, I would have told you there was nothing between us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re e-mail friends, and nothing more.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“But you
told him some pretty personal things about us,” Rick said, accusingly.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Yes, but
nothing I haven’t said to your face, or shared with our close friends,” I
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“I wish you
wouldn’t share so much of our private lives with your on-line friends,” Rick
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It really bothers me to know
that perfect strangers know so much about us.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“I’ll stop
sharing so much, but I like letting other gay guys know that there are
successful gay couples around them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
want to encourage them to seek out their own Mr. Right, and form families of
their own,” I said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“You’ve told
me that before, but I’m not comfortable sharing so much information about us,”
Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There are too many crazies
in the world, who don’t like gays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
don’t want to be so readily identifiable, just in case someone takes it into
their head to stalk us, or attack us.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Why would
they want to do that?” I asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The
guys I’ve met on-line seem like decent guys.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick said,
“Face it, Glenn, we are two very fortunate guys to have such a supportive
family; one that also provides financial support to us and to many of our
friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t you think that some guy
may take it into his head the he wants that same financial support?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People will do almost anything to get money,
especially if all they have to do is become your boyfriend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, don’t forget there are many people who
hate gays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t you think they would
try to do us in, just like my family tried to do to us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want us to be able to lead normal lives,
Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want the life of a
celebrity, who has to always hide from the public and the press, or from crazy
people who want what we have.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“I don’ see
how chatting on-line with someone makes me or you a celebrity,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s how most people communicate with each
other.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick said,
“I think you know what I mean, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
don’t want our private lives shared with anyone, not even with our own family,
unless it’s necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know we’ve
been pretty open with our close friends, but they’re closer to us even than
Grandpa and Grandma, or our parents.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“You’re
really serious about this, aren’t you?” I asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Yes, I am,”
Rick responded.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Okay, I’ll
cut down on the on-line chats, but I still want to continue to be friends with
some of them,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I promise not
to disclose too much information to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Is that okay?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick said,
“Yes, and I’ll try to stop being so paranoid.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I put my
hands up to his face, and kissed him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I love you, Babe.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick said,
“I love you, too.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">**** ***</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Two weeks
later, I heard a knock on the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
got up from the kitchen table, and went to answer the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I opened it to find two very happy guys
standing there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, don’t just stand
there!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come inside,” I said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I hugged and
kissed both of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick came into the
foyer, and did the same, as I grabbed their luggage and pulled it inside the
condo, closing the door as I did so.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I looked
them over, and said, “You guys look great!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton said,
“We feel great!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">We led them
into the family room, and they cuddled on the loveseat, while Rick and I did
the same on the couch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick said, “Alright,
tell us all about your honeymoon!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Between
Peyton and Jonathan, they managed to narrate all the events that occurred on
their honeymoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton ended by
saying, “Jonathan has made me the happiest man on earth.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Jonathan
kissed his husband, and said, “And, Peyton has done the same for me.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Grandpa
arranged for a couple of gay guys to act as our tour guides,” Peyton said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They were totally awesome!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They made sure everything went smoothly for
us.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Jonathan
pulled out his cell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Here are some pics
of them.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pointed the guys, as he
named them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This is Makaio and
Casey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is Kai, Makaio’s twin
brother, and Ryan, Casey’s cousin.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I wolf
whistled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are great looking guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How did you manage to get them to pose naked
for you?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton said,
“Actually, it wasn’t a problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went
swimming nude at the beach near their home.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“It sounds
like you guys did some of the same things we did on our vacation to Cancun with
all of the guys,” I said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton
laughed, and said, “Greg and Cory told us about that trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You guys were really crazy.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Jonathan
said, “And they told us about your trip to Spain, as well.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I looked at
Rick, and said, “I guess there’s no way we can keep secrets from you guys, with
everyone blabbing about our vacations.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick said,
“Well, as long as it doesn’t reach the wrong ears, I’m okay if our friends
know.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton
guffawed, “I don’t’ see why you wouldn’t want your military buddies to know,
since you figure so prominently in most to the competitions you guys had!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick
grimaced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s it exactly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d be booted from the military in no time
flat.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Well, you
have only a few months to go, anyway,” I observed.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick gave me
that “look,” and I quickly followed up with, “But we don’t need to hasten your
departure at this point.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton
picked up on the tension between us, and said, “I’m sorry if I’ve touched on a
sore point between you guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t
mean to start anything.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick said,
“You’re okay, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s just that,
since your wedding, it seems that everyone I know has been putting pressure on
me to get out of the military and marry Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s been very frustrating for me, and I’ve become overly sensitive
about it.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I took
Rick’s hand in mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve been trying
to get our friends and family to back off a bit, because it’s not helping us.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick said,
“Even Grandpa read me the riot act.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
wasn’t expecting it from him, as well.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton said,
“Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t realize things had
gotten so bad for you, Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wouldn’t
have even joked about it, had I known.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m sorry.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick said,
“You didn’t know, so don’t worry about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let’s talk about you guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
are your plans now that you’re back?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Jonathan
said, “We plan to move in with Robbie and Adam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We told them we would move our stuff up
there in a couple of weeks, but that we would be splitting our time between
Atlanta and Minneapolis.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I said, “I
thought you wanted out of Georgia as soon as possible.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Peyton
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I do, but I still want to be
close to you guys and the rest of the family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve become very accustomed to having lots of gorgeous gay men around
me.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick said,
“And it will be the same in Minneapolis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Greg, Cory, Robbie and Adam are super-hot studs, and so are the rest of
the guys.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“That’s
true,” Peyton said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, we intend to
enjoy our time with you over the next couple of weeks.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I laughed,
and said, “I can just imagine what that means!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Jonathan
gave me a lecherous grin, as did Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I think we should begin right now.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick and I
laughed at their enthusiasm, and stood up from the couch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick took my hand, and turned to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, studs, let’s go.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The next two
weeks were very memorable ones for all four of us!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">*** ***</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Author’s
Note:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Informative
Web Sites for this chapter:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Gay Hawaii -
</span><a href="http://gogayhawaii.com/oahu/"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://gogayhawaii.com/oahu/</span></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Purple Roofs
- </span><a href="http://www.purpleroofs.com/usa/hawaii/oahu.html"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://www.purpleroofs.com/usa/hawaii/oahu.html</span></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Royal
Hawaiian - </span><a href="http://www.royal-hawaiian.comrooms-suites/rooms-suites/spa-suite"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://www.royal-hawaiian.comrooms-suites/rooms-suites/spa-suite</span></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Department
of Hawaiian Home Lands - </span><a href="http://dhhl.hawaii.gov/"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://dhhl.hawaii.gov/</span></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Hawaiian
Homes Commission Act - </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawaiian_home_land"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawaiian_home_land</span></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Hawaiian
Aikane Tradition - </span><a href="http://mphawaii.tripod.com/Religion/Aikane.html"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mphawaii.tripod.com/Religion/Aikane.html</span></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">More on
Hawaiian Traditions regarding LGBT individuals - </span><a href="http://www.authorsden.com/categories/article_top.asp?catid=62&id=46603"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://www.authorsden.com/categories/article_top.asp?catid=62&id=46603</span></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Gay
Surrogacy in California - </span><a href="http://www.surrogatealternatives.com/gay-surrogacy/"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://www.surrogatealternatives.com/gay-surrogacy/</span></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Gay
Surrogacy in Canada - </span><a href="https://egale.ca/all/quick-facts-on-parental-recognition-gay-male-couples-female-surrogate/"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">https://egale.ca/all/quick-facts-on-parental-recognition-gay-male-couples-female-surrogate/</span></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Gay
Surrogacy - </span><a href="http://www.fertilityauthority.com/your-fertility/family-building-options-gays-and-lesbians/gay-men-and-surrogacy/surrogacy-step-step-g"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://www.fertilityauthority.com/your-fertility/family-building-options-gays-and-lesbians/gay-men-and-surrogacy/surrogacy-step-step-g</span></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Mother Hubbard’s Furniture - </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://www.mhcfurniture.com/"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://www.mhcfurniture.com/</span></span></a></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
SaskBoyStories by Russ Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12705114426346134527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7739282925426125332.post-24336843574385314782014-02-16T11:11:00.002-05:002014-02-21T17:37:45.660-05:00The Man From Swift Current Chapter One Hundred Thirty Three - Peyton and Jonathan's Wedding<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Chapter One Hundred Thirty Three –
Peyton and Jonathan’s Wedding</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan woke up from a dream where he
had stood on the edge of a precipice, looking across a deep chasm to where his
fiancé, Peyton stood, beckoning for him to join him, by jumping across it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He remembered looking down apprehensively,
not liking the look of the chasm at his feet; but, then, looking across the
fissure and meeting Peyton’s gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Peyton’s warm smile and beckoning gestures reassured him; and he had
moved to make the jump, just as he woke up.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The dream had left him feeling a little
nervous, but excited and anxious about making such a huge commitment to another
person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew that he was stepping
into a new life with Peyton, one that held so much promise for both of them;
yet, at the same time, it held just as much peril.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew he was taking a huge risk, marrying
a man who was an ex-con.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also knew
that Peyton was nowhere near being completely healed, mentally and emotionally,
despite his outward appearance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was
very good looking and had regained much of his charming personality; but
Jonathan knew of the deep wounds that still festered beneath the calm exterior
that Peyton presented to the rest of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton had insisted that Jonathan be
allowed to attend his last few therapy sessions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jonathan had witnessed, first hand, the
extent of the psychological damage that still plagued Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After his last session, Peyton had clung to
Jonathan, sobbing uncontrollably.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
had taken nearly 30 minutes for Peyton to calm down enough to make the journey
back to the farm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once back at the farm,
Peyton threw himself into his work, trying to pretend that nothing had
happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">That same evening, Jonathan cornered
Rick and Glenn about Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had
insisted on bringing Peyton into the conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The four of them had brainstormed ways they
could help Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton had been a
little uncomfortable at first, but had warmed to the idea of figuring out ways
the four of them could work together for Peyton’s well-being.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">During that discussion, Peyton had, for
the first time, confessed his love for Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He remembered Peyton’s surprise that
everyone, including Jonathan, had already figured it out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The memory of that moment brought a smile to
Jonathan’s lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan could see that Peyton was
trying to get up the courage to express his feelings for him, but he waited,
wanting Peyton to come forward on his own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was holding Peyton’s hand in his, when his emotions overwhelmed
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His three friends waited, patiently,
for Peyton to regain his composure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When he did, he looked around the room at Rick, Glenn, and Jonathan, and
smiled.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I have the best friends in the entire
world,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turning to Jonathan,
he said, “You’re my best friend, Jonathan, and I’ve fallen in love with you.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan said, “I know, Peyton; and I’ve
fallen in love with you, too.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Peyton, it’s about time you
finally admitted that you’ve fallen for this stud.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick playfully punched Jonathan’s shoulder.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton looked his cousin in the eyes,
and asked, “You knew?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before Rick could answer his cousin’s
question, Glenn laughed, and said, “Peyton, we have all known for some time
that you’ve fallen hard for Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s not like you’ve hidden your feelings for him or anything like that.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton blushed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Have I been that bad?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, you’ve been pretty open about your
feelings for Jonathan,” Rick said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“In fact, I’ve known for a while, now,
how you’ve felt about me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve talked to
Rick and Glenn, at length, about what I should do,” Jonathan said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“What did they tell you to do?” Peyton
asked, curious to know what advice Rick and Glenn had given Jonathan.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“They told me to stay calm, cool and
collected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They advised me to wait until
you were ready to declare your love for me, before saying, or doing, anything
that would push you in one direction or another,” Jonathan said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I told Jonathan that if you two were
meant to be together, that things would work out,” I said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Turing to Jonathan, Peyton said, “Thank
you for your patience.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan leaned over and gently kissed
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you, Peyton.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton beamed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you, too.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan would cherish that moment in
time for many years to come, because Peyton had declared his love for him from
the deepest part of his being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had
connected that day, on a level Jonathan had never dreamed of being possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had added a new depth to their
relationship that hadn’t been there before.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">His ruminations were interrupted by a light
tap on his bedroom door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said, “Come
in.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The door opened, and his mother came
into his room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled, and said,
“Did I wake you?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, Mom, I was already awake,” he said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She walked over to his desk and pulled
out the chair, turning to face him and sat down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I wanted to talk to you, before you left
for Atlanta.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He sat up in bed, the blankets slipping
down to show his bare chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What did
you want to talk about?” he asked, nervously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He had been dreading talking to his mother since Peyton’s marriage
proposal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had already gone to bed,
when he arrived from the Scarborough’s place last night.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She met his gaze, and said, “I want you
to know that I love you, Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
don’t have to tell you how I feel about your impending marriage to Peyton, so I
won’t bother expressing my views about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, I do want you to know that you and Peyton are welcome in our
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may not agree with you marrying another man;
but, I still love you, and want you to know that you’re part of our family.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Does this mean you won’t send your
church’s missionaries to our door?” Jonathan said, smiling at his mother.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She laughed, and said, “I won’t promise
you that I won’t send them to your door.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well, if it’s any comfort, I intend to
keep up my bible study.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton has
agreed that we need to have a strong spiritual base for our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We just haven’t found a church that will
accept us for who we are,” Jonathan said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Don’t your friends, Rick and Glenn,
attend a Christian church in Atlanta?” she asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mrs. Scarborough mentioned it to me,
yesterday, when I asked her about Rick and Glenn’s religious beliefs.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan said, “I’ve never asked them
about their religious beliefs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know
how most church people feel about homosexuality, Mom, so I didn’t ask.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She nodded her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re right about that part,
Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked Mrs. Scarborough how
she could accept the fact that her sons and grandsons are gay, since I knew she
used to attend our church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said she
believes that God loves all of his children, and so should we.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She left our church because of the hatred
being preached from the pulpit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
disagrees with our pastor’s views regarding homosexuals, especially since she
knows of his sexual escapades when he was in high school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He slept with every girl in town, according
to Mrs. Scarborough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said his
‘holier than thou’ attitude was more than she could handle.” </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan nodded his head in
agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It was pretty hard for me
to keep going to your church services, when all he preached from the pulpit was
how evil gays are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t consider
myself to be evil, Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you believe
that I’m evil?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, I don’t,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think you may be a little misguided; but,
no, I don’t think you’re evil.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
looked at Jonathan and asked, “I promise I won’t bother you again about your
marriage to Peyton; but I have to ask if you’re certain that this is what you
want?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She hoped that Jonathan might
have doubts, so that she could find a way to convince him not to marry Peyton.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan looked steadily into her
eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mom, I’ve never been so certain
of anything in my life.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She held his gaze, seeing that he was
determined to move forward with his marriage to his boyfriend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shook her head, and gave a sigh of
resignation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I had to ask you,
Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As your mother, I will always
worry about you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not that I don’t
think Peyton will treat you right, because I’ve seen that he loves you
deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m just concerned that you’re
getting yourself into a situation where you’ll be hurt.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shook her head, as if to shake free her
doubts about Jonathan’s marriage, then smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I guess I’m ready to move on, and stop worrying about things I can’t
change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m happy you have found your
soul mate, Jonathan.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She tried to
sound sincere, but she knew from Jonathan’s expression, that she hadn’t
convinced him.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She stood up and walked over to his
bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She leaned down and kissed him on
the cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you, son.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She turned and left the room, quietly
closing the door behind her.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She had already made her arguments to
her husband about why they should oppose this marriage; however, Dan had made
it clear that he wasn’t going to do anything about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, he had said he was going to help
them in every way possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She thought
about the question he had posed to her:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Do you want your gay son to be
miserable and unhappy, trying to live a life of your choosing; or would you
choose to let him make his own choices and live a life full of happiness and
love, even if that meant he wouldn’t be living it according to the dictates of
YOUR conscience?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who is the person that
will feel guilty for not living their life true to themselves?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who is it that will be trying to live a lie
to make someone else feel comfortable in their own skin?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who
is the person who will suffer most from marrying the person they love, you or
your son?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems to me that you’re
the one with the problems here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are
the one being tortured by your conscience, not Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are the one who has the serious issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think you need to seek out some counseling
to fix your psychological problems, so you can come to terms with your own
thoughts and feelings toward our son and his future husband.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She had thought about their conversation
for a long time last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her
religious background screamed at her that what Jonathan was doing was wrong;
but, at the same time, she knew that she couldn’t deny that Jonathan was gay,
and that marrying Peyton would make him very happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had witnessed that happiness with her
own eyes.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">It was a conundrum that had left her
wondering what to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On one hand, she
felt she needed to raise a voice of warning about committing an abominable sin;
but, on the other, she felt compelled to look at what was in Jonathan’s best
interest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the moment, it appeared to
her that doing nothing was the best course of action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wouldn’t fight their marriage, and
thereby creating a schism in the family; but she felt she couldn’t actively
support it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She quietly walked down the hall to tell
her husband that she couldn’t attend the boys’ wedding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She knew she might be causing a rift in the
family by her decision, but she couldn’t put her stamp of approval on their
wedding.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She walked into the kitchen and sat down
at the table across from her husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He looked up and met her eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He had a sense of foreboding when he saw the look on her face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said, “Dan, I’m not going to Jonathan’s
wedding next month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t pretend to
give them my approval, when I feel that it’s wrong.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Dan looked like he had been slapped in
the face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He returned her gaze and
said, “Then, you’ll be here alone, because I’m not going to let my son get
married without being there to support him, and I know MaryAnn feels the same
way.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She was surprised at the hard edge in
his voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She knew how he felt, but
she didn’t expect the coldness she saw in his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Please don’t be angry with me, Dan.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">His expression became closed and his
voice was flat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not angry, but I
am extremely disappointed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently,
your devotion to your religious beliefs transcends familial ties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jonathan is your flesh and blood; yet, you
would abandon him on the day of his marriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m sorry that you’ve decided that blood ties mean nothing to you.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He stood up and walked over to the
kitchen sink, where he deposited his coffee cup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll be busy helping my son move his things
out of my house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wouldn’t want him to
leave anything behind that might remind you of him.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She quickly stood up and tried to stop
him from leaving the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dan, I’m
not disowning Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just don’t
want to give any appearance of approving of his marriage.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He gave her a hard-eyed look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Is that all you intend to do?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She reached out her hand to touch his
arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He visibly shrank from her
touch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe we can talk later, but
I’m in no mood to pander to your religious convictions at the moment.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He walked around her and left her
standing alone in the middle of the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She looked after his retreating back, wondering if she had pushed her
husband over the line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wasn’t an
overly religious man to begin with, and he had made it very clear that he
wouldn’t tolerate any religious nonsense in his home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had taken the children with her to
church, but he had always refused to accompany her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the past, she had honored his wishes, and
only spoke of religion when he wasn’t at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She had managed to teach her children from the Bible and did her best to
teach them to pray and trust in God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, she felt she needed to take a stand this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t want to split her family apart,
and thought she could avoid it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, she had a feeling that her decision not to attend Jonathan’s
wedding might not have been the wisest thing to do at this point in time.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Meanwhile, Peyton awoke feeling well
rested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was sandwiched between Rick
and Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loved the feel of their
bodies next to his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There physical
closeness had been one of the things that had helped him to overcome his fear
of being with another man, after his near fatal experience in jail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He remembered how Glenn and Rick had held
him close that first night in the Scarborough home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, as now, they held him skin to
skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a warm, loving embrace
that demanded nothing of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had
been so mentally and emotionally depleted, he couldn’t have given anything to
them, even if he had wanted to do so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He had been starved of all human affection for so long, that when he
felt it in their embrace, he greedily took in their love and wanted more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite his vastly improved mental and
emotional state, he still clung to them and flourished in the warmth of their
love for him. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The same thing had happened with the
three other gay couples in the Scarborough family; but, only with Glenn and
Rick had he completely opened up, sharing every detail of his experiences, and,
after a time, his deepest thoughts and desires.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There wasn’t anything about himself that he
hadn’t shared with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They, in turn,
had entrusted him with their own secret thoughts and desires.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never before had he felt so close to another
human being as he did to these two men.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He gently traced the outline of Glenn’s
abs with his fingertips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He completely
understood why his cousin had fallen in love with this beautiful man, because
he had fallen in love with him, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, Glenn only had eyes for Rick, so, while Glenn showed that he
loved him, Peyton knew that Glenn’s heart belonged to Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Watching Rick and Glenn had given him hope
that he would find someone just as wonderful to be his life partner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is when he had finally opened his eyes
to the possibility that Jonathan or Paul might be that special someone. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Paul hadn’t been shy about his interest
in Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, when Peyton thought
of spending the rest of his life with Paul, he hadn’t felt completely
comfortable with the idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something hadn’t clicked between them.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Then, there was Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jonathan had been so shy, at first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton was highly attracted to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That physical attraction was only heightened
by the walls Jonathan had put up to protect himself from being hurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had presented a challenge to Peyton, one
that he wasn’t able to resist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
Jonathan’s barriers came down, Peyton found himself falling hard for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hadn’t intended to fall in love, but it
just felt right, and he knew Jonathan was his soul mate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately for Peyton, Jonathan felt the
same way!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">His thoughts went to the immediate
future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today, he was moving to Atlanta
to live with Rick and Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was
very excited to be moving on with the next stage of his life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not that he hadn’t loved living on the
Scarborough peach farm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had been treated very well,
and he had thrived here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was more
about the fact that his freedom had been restored, and he wanted to leave
behind every memory of being in jail, or on parole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wanted to move away from the state that
taken his freedom away from him, and had proceeded to reduce him to something
less than human.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His dark thoughts were
interrupted by Rick’s gentle kisses on the back of his neck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned his head to meet Rick’s lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He said, “Good morning, cousin.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick grinned, rubbing noses with his
cousin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good morning to you, too.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I opened my eyes and looked at the two
beautiful men who shared my bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I met
their gaze and smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good morning,
guys.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I think we should help Glenn
have a good morning, don’t you?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton grinned, nodding enthusiastically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I get to kiss him, while you fuck him.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I rolled onto my back and pulled Peyton
close to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He captured my lips in a
passionate kiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt my boyfriend
move between my legs, then lift them over his shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I moaned with pleasure, as he entered me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton deepened our kiss and began stroking
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The attention I was receiving from
my two men, had me on my way to sensory overload in short order!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">A while later, we lay in each other’s
arms, basking in the afterglow of our lovemaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton said, “Thank you for everything
you’ve done for me.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “You’re welcome, cousin.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">After a brief silence, Peyton said, “I
told Jonathan that I would help him load his truck this morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you guys want to come with me?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick grinned and said, “Yes, as long as
I get to drive your car.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “Of course, you can drive
the Ferrari.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I asked, “Do I get to drive Jonathan’s?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He left it here last night.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton replied, “I don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll have to ask him.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton’s cell phone rang.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reached over and picked it up off of the
nightstand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I handed it to Peyton, who
answered it.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Good morning, Babe,” he said, smiling.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Good morning, Peyton,” Jonathan
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What time are you guys coming
over?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“As soon as we get showered and
dressed,” Peyton said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Glenn wants to
know if he can drive your new car.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Sure,” Jonathan said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But I get to drive it to Atlanta, and Glenn
can drive my truck.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “I’m sure he’ll be
agreeable to that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll see you
shortly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love you.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I love you, too,” Jonathan said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton ended the call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s go guys.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick stood up, and turned to help Peyton
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton, in turn, grabbed my hand
and pulled me into his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kissed
me and said, “I love you, Glenn.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I put my hand to his cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you, too, Peyton.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He released me, and I put arms around
Rick’s neck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kissed him deeply,
making sure he knew he was my man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Good morning, Babe,” I said, reaching down to stroke his very hard
steel pole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew I could always get
him hard by kissing him, and wrapping my body around his!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He grinned and said, “Let’s get in the
shower.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took my hand and led me to
the en suite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton followed us, and
joined us under the warm cascade of the shower. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">After playing for a while in the shower,
we dried off and dressed each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
chose a pair of tight-fitting jeans and a white t-shirt under a long-sleeve
light blue dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up part way up my forearms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wore my diamond studs and the gold chain
Rick had given me for my birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick wore the same type of jeans, but he
wore a black muscle shirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick hugged
me from behind, gently biting the back of my neck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned around in his arms and kissed
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He moved his hands down my back
and cupped my bubble butt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m glad you’re all mine,” he said,
grinning.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“So am I,” I said, kissing him again.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton interrupted us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hey, you need to stop that, or we won’t be
going anywhere today!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed and released me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, let’s get you moved down to Atlanta,
so we can enjoy ourselves!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton shook his head in disbelief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I never imagined you were such a horny
devil.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick looked at his cousin, and said,
“I’m not the only one.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton grinned and pointed at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, you’re right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glenn is just as horny as you are.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I kissed my guy, and said, “Guilty as
charged.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “I’ll start hauling my gear
out to the Land Rover.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked over
to his closet and pulled out his duffle bag and two large suitcases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He lined them up by the door, and returned
to the closet and pulled out two suit bags.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Grandma had insisted that he needed at least two new suits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick had helped him chose the suits, since
they have very similar body types.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
fact, Rick picked up a couple suits at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two cousins were quite a sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The seamstress who altered their suits
couldn’t keep her eyes off of them!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was probably a good thing she didn’t know they were both gay!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I overheard her talking to another seamstress
about how she wanted to bed them both!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick released me from his embrace and
turned to help his cousin take his luggage out to the Land Rover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grabbed the suit bags and carried them
outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hung them up in the back of
the Land Rover, while the guys loaded the suitcases and duffle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We returned to Peyton’s room to retrieve our
overnight bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick and I usually
travel light when we come to Grandpa and Grandma’s house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">After loading the car, we returned to
the kitchen where we found my grandparents eating breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandma smiled at us, and said, “Please sit
down, and eat breakfast with us.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa said, “Good morning, boys.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We chorused, “Good morning.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took our seats and began loading our
plates with sausages, eggs, waffles and Grandma’s special – fried potatoes.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">As we ate, Grandpa said, “Peyton, have
you packed all of your things?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, Grandpa, I’ve got everything
packed and in the car,” Peyton replied.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You have your important papers?” he
asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes,” Peyton said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve left copies of everything here, just
in case I lose them, or you need them.” </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton’s mind went back to his meeting
with Grandpa last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa had
invited Jonathan to join them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had
gone over Peyton’s finances with them, explaining everything that had been set
up for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, Grandpa had asked
Jonathan about his finances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
counseled with them, and made recommendations for them to consider.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was grateful for Grandpa’s thoroughness
and patience with him and Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When they had finished, they both knew what needed to be done to ensure
they would be financially secure.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">What was even more amazing were the
provisions Grandpa had made for their education and for their future employment
by MST, Inc., the family corporation Grandpa had formed with Uncle Stan and Joe
Mitchell to provide a corporate business structure to support their families’
financial and employment needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">However, Peyton still felt uncomfortable
about being included in the family business; because the catalyst for forming
the corporation had been the very event that landed him in jail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sometimes felt an overwhelming sense of
guilt for what he had done to Rick and Glenn, despite their repeated
reassurances that they had forgiven him for what he had done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Looking across the desk at Grandpa,
Peyton said, “I just don’t feel comfortable benefitting from something that
originated from my attack on Rick and Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It doesn’t feel right, Grandpa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How can I work for MST, Inc., or accept money for my education from the
family business, knowing why you set up the family corporation?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t deserve to be part of this family,
because of what I’ve done.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa’s expression hardened and his
eyes flashed with a white hot anger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Peyton flinched as if physically struck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jonathan reached over and took his hand, waiting for Grandpa’s
response.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jonathan had never seen Mr.
Scarborough look so angry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">When Grandpa finally spoke, his voice
was deceptively calm and quiet; but it also carried a very hard edge that left
no doubt that Peyton had crossed over the line with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Peyton Jeremiah Campbell, if I EVER hear
you make such a statement, again, about your position in our family or your
worthiness to participate with the rest of the family in our activities,
business or otherwise; you will have me to deal with and you do NOT want
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I make myself clear?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pinned Peyton with a hard-eyed stare.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton swallowed and managed to answer,
“Yes, I understand.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa relaxed and smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Jonathan, I expect you to keep you fiancé
in line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton tends to think less of
himself than he should.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After you’re
married, it will be even more important for you to keep reminding him of his
infinite worth to you, as your husband, and to us, as a member of our family.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan nodded his head in
agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll do my best, Grandpa.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa frowned, and said, “I want more
than your best, Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want you to
commit to doing everything humanly possible to ensure the success of your
marriage, as well as the success of your husband.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan met Grandpa’s gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I promise.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa nodded his head in
approval.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked at Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I expect the same from you, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You need to make the same commitment with
regards to your marriage to Jonathan and to his success as an individual, and
as your husband.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton squeezed Jonathan’s hand, as he
responded, “I promise I’ll do the same for Jonathan.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He leaned over and kissed his fiancé.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa said, “Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad we’re all in agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, where were we?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They continued to discuss the financial
arrangements Grandpa had made for them.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton was brought back to the present
by Grandpa’s voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did you send your
ACT and SAT scores to the University of Minnesota?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton thought for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His mind had drawn a blank, then he
remembered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I had the scores sent
directly to them when I took the tests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I haven’t heard back from the school, yet.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Don’t forget to follow up with them
about your admission papers,” Grandpa said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I won’t,” Peyton said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll remind Jonathan, as well.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The boys finished their breakfast and
cleared their plates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They helped wash
up the dishes, before giving Grandma a hug and a kiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked up at Rick and said, “Take good
care of Peyton, Rick.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick smiled, and said, “I’ll do
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll be back a few days before
Christmas.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She smiled and said, “Call us, when you
get home.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “I’ll call, Grandma.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We hugged Grandpa and said our good
byes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We headed out to the Land
Rover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton handed me the keys to
Jonathan’s new Ferrari.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Follow me over
to Jonathan’s house.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I climbed into the new sports car and
turned the key in the ignition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
engine roared to life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It reminded me
of a tiger, ready to spring into action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I waited for Peyton to leave the driveway, then followed him out of the
gate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick brought up the rear with the
Land Rover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few minutes later, we
pulled into the Smith’s driveway.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan had just returned to his room
after getting his shower, when his father knocked on the door and walked
in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stood in front of his dresser,
holding a pair of clean underwear in his hands, as he glanced up and met his
father’s eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily, he hadn’t
dropped the towel from around his waist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He didn’t mind being naked around Peyton or the rest of guys, but he
still felt a little uncomfortable with his Dad. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Do you want me to come back after
you’re dressed?” he asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan shook his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s not a problem Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not like you haven’t seen me naked
before.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith smiled, and said, “That’s
true enough, but, just the same, I’ll be back in a moment, to give you some
privacy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sorry I didn’t wait until
you gave me permission to come in.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
turned and left the room, closing the door behind him.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan quickly pulled on his black
mesh bikini underwear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton had given
them to him a couple of weeks ago, but he hadn’t dared to wear them around his
parents’ house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, today, he felt
he could wear them, since he was moving to Atlanta to live with Rick and
Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking in the mirror, he liked
the look of them on his body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He flexed
his muscles and grinned at himself in the mirror.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He grabbed the jeans and t-shirt he had left
out the night before, as he packed his clothes into his suitcases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had just finished putting on his
trainers, when his Dad returned.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He stood up and said, “I’m ready to
start loading the truck.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">His Dad said, “Great!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you want me to take out?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Start with those suitcases, and I’ll
follow you down with the rest of my gear,” Jonathan said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had boxed up quite a bit of his stuff,
and had stacked it in the corner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
had labeled each box and had a separate list that showed what was in each
one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He grabbed a couple of boxes and
left the room with them.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">His Dad held the door for him, as he
passed him on his way back to Jonathan’s room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jonathan stacked the boxes in the back of his pickup truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned to go back inside the house, when
Peyton pulled into the driveway, followed by Rick and Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loped over to the red Ferrari and opened
the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He grabbed his fiancé by the
hand and pulled him into his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
kissed for what seemed an eternity.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">When they finally parted, Peyton’s eyes
glistened with unshed tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
really missed me!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan looked deeply into Peyton’s
eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I did.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jonathan held him tight against his body,
before releasing him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s get my
stuff loaded.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took Peyton’s hand,
and led him inside the house.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith greeted the boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hey, guys!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thanks for coming to help Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He’s boxed up his stuff and it’s sitting in the corner of his room.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “We’re glad to be of
assistance.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We followed the happy
couple into the house and into Jonathan’s room.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan pointed to his boxes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Those all go out to the truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton, help me strip the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to leave it for my mother to
do.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They quickly stripped down the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jonathan walked out into the hallway and
retrieved clean linens for the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
two men made the bed, then grabbed the remaining boxes, and headed
outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They added their boxes to
those that were already in the back of the truck.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan surveyed their work, and said,
“I think that’s all of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is left
in the house, I don’t need.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith said, “Are you sure, son?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Something in his father’s tone of voice
alerted him to the fact that something was going on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gave his father an appraising look,
wondering if he dared ask what was up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He decided against asking, and said, “I’m sure, Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have all of my important documents and my
clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of what is left in my
room are things that Mom wanted to put into scrapbooks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never been that interested in that kind
of thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll leave it for Mom to take
care of; and, if she decides to throw it out, that’s okay with me.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">His Dad nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I just wanted to make sure you have
everything you need.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan said, “I’m good, Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks for looking out for me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hugged his Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You need to say good bye to your mother
and sister,” Sheriff Smith said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hadn’t forgotten.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He went back inside, looking for his
mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He found her in the kitchen,
her eyes red-rimmed from crying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
walked over and hugged her, kissing her cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Are you okay, Mom?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She gave him a watery smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I’m fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drive safely, and call us when you get
settled in.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I will,” Jonathan promised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He left her, and walked down the hall to his
sister’s room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tapped on the door,
and heard her call out, “Come in!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He entered the room and walked over to
Mary Anne.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll see you in a few
weeks.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She hugged him, and said, “You be
careful in that big city.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’ll be fine, Mary Anne,” he said,
smiling down at her.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He released her and turned to leave her
room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She ran over to him, catching him
in her doorway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She hugged him and
said, “I miss you already, Jonathan.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I promise I’ll keep in touch with you,”
Jonathan said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mary Anne said, “I’ll look for you
online.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan gave her a kiss on the top of
her head, and said, “I’ll be there.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He left her and walked out of the house,
not knowing that it would be the last time his entire immediate family would be
together under one roof.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">As he walked over to the guys, who were
conversing with his father, he noticed that his Dad still seemed upset about
something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tapped his father on the
shoulder and asked, “Dad, is something wrong?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">His father hesitated for a moment, then
decided that now wasn’t the time to share his wife’s decision not to attend the
boys’ wedding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shook his head, and
said, “It’s nothing that can’t wait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
promise to call you later.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan asked, “Are you sure?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I’m sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drive safely and we’ll talk after you’ve
settled into your new place in Atlanta.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m glad that Mr. Scarborough has decided to continue to pay you for
being Peyton’s security guard.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan smiled, and said, “I am,
too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was worried about getting a new
job in Atlanta.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This way I can be with
Peyton, full time.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton grinned, and said, “I’ve always
wanted my own personal bodyguard.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan put his arm around his
waist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just remember, I’m in charge,
Peyton Campbell.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton’s grin widened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I like that even better!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith shook his head, and smiled
at the two men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Boys, that’s too much
information for this old guy.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They laughed, and Jonathan said, “Sorry,
Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We didn’t intend to embarrass
you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kissed Peyton and released
him.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I handed Jonathan his keys, and asked,
“Where are the keys to the truck?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan pulled out his keys and handed
them to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said, “Help me get the
tarp secured, so we don’t lose anything out of the back of the truck.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We each took a corner of the tarp,
stretching it tight over the back of the truck, and securing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Afterward, we climbed into our vehicles, and
caravanned to Atlanta.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few hours
later, we pulled into the condo parking lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While the guys started to unload the truck, I walked over to the condo
office to register the vehicles and to get parking stickers for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It didn’t take long, and I was finished in
time to help take up that last couple of boxes.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He and Rick entered the condo, and
carried the boxes back to Jonathan’s room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The guys had stacked them in the bottom of his closet, so they would be
out of the way.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan was hanging up his clothes,
while Peyton was stocking his dresser with clean underwear, socks, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He held up a pair of lounge pants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He grinned at Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you seriously wear pajamas?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan blushed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I do at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mother would be totally mortified, if she
knew we ran around in our underwear.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“What would she think if she knew that
we don’t wear clothes most of the time?” Rick asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan’s eyebrows shot up in
surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You didn’t’ tell me that you
guys don’t wear clothes when you’re at home.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed, and said, “There are a lot
of things you don’t know about us, Mr. Smith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He pointed at us and said, “Lose the clothes, boys!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just remember, before you answer the door,
please make sure we’re all decent!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We shed our clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick and I put our clothes in our room,
while Peyton did the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We returned
to Jonathan’s room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do you want
us to do?” Rick asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan said, “I’m done unpacking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton took care of the rest of my clothes,
and I don’t need what is in the boxes right now.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We looked at Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What about your stuff?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We walked over to his room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His room had doubled as our office and music
room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We moved the office stuff into
our room and the electric piano into the family room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton said, “If you guys will help me with
my clothes, I don’t have anything else.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We had his clothes unpacked in no
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walked into the kitchen and
sat down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked around the table and
asked, “What do you want for lunch?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Sandwiches are fine,” Peyton said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick and Jonathan nodded their heads in
agreement.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Okay, sandwiches it is,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked over to the refrigerator and pulled
out the lunchmeat, sliced cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayonnaise,
and mustard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I carried it all over to
the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I crossed over to the bread
bin and retrieved the multi-grain loaf that I had purchased the day before, and
placed it on the table, as well. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick grabbed plates and cups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I washed the lettuce and tomato, before
cutting them up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick pulled a pitcher
of cold water from the refrigerator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
always keep a pitcher of water in the fridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I can’t stand warm water from the tap!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We have a water filter, to help make the water taste better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We sat down, and Rick said, “I’ll say
grace.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We reached out and took the hand
of the man on either side of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick
said, “We thank you God for this meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are grateful for Peyton and Jonathan and ask you to bless them both
as they prepare for their marriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Amen.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We chorused, “Amen.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton asked, “What do you guys normally
do during the week?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “First, we get up early and
go out for a run around the neighborhood, before going to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, we go to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Afterward, we either go to the gym to work
out on the weights, or we play racquetball with our friends.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan said, “I’ve never been very
good at sports.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “Same here, but I think you
would be great at racquetball, since you’re left-handed.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick nodded his head, and said, “You
could be pretty wicked on the court, if you wanted to be.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan look doubtful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not so sure.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Let’s give it a try,” Peyton said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not very good at racquetball or tennis,
but I’m willing to see if I can’t improve.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan said, “Okay, I’ll do it as long
as you’re with me.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m afraid you’re stuck with me.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan leaned over and kissed
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m glad you’re here, Babe.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “Rick needs to go over his whole
regimen with you.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let me show you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He got up and walked into the foyer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He grabbed his gym back from the coat closet
and returned to the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled
out his clipboard with our workout data.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He sat down and pointed to his own chart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This what we do.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He explained the entire plan and how it
worked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stopped and looked at the
guys, and asked, “Are you up to doing it with us?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan said, “Sure, it looks like a
good fitness program.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “I’ll do it as long as I
get the same result as you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reached
over and ran his hand over Rick’s washboard abs.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick grinned, and said, “I think that
can be done, since you and I have the same body type.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Glenn, here, doesn’t bulk up like I do, but
he’s strong and wiry.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He squeezed my
bicep, which I naturally tightened up for him.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “Are all gay men as
obsessive about physical fitness as you are?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For my part, I have to stay in shape,
because I’m still in the Marine Corps.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan asked, “Don’t you worry that
someone will turn you in?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, but I have a little over a year to
go before I can get out of the military,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“A couple of the guys suspect that I might
be gay, but I’ve been pretty successful at keeping them in the dark about my sexual
orientation, so far.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’ve heard that some of your fellow
Marines are pretty anti-gay,” Jonathan said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“There’s a lot of truth to that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few years ago, a group of them found out
that a fellow marine in our detachment was gay, and they murdered him in cold
blood,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They’re behind bars
now, but nothing can bring my friend, Sam, back from the dead.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Seeing the sadness in Rick’s eyes,
Peyton said, “I’m sorry, Rick.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “That was a very hard time
for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feared for my life, not
because I was in enemy territory, but because my fellow marines had murdered
one of our own for being gay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t
trust anyone, specially my fellow Marines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My commanding officer has tried to restore my trust in the Corps, but I
still do NOT trust any of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of
them have become Christian fundamentalists, or evangelicals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That normally wouldn’t be a bad thing, but
their religious zeal, combined with their training to kill people, makes them very
dangerous and unpredictable.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“But doesn’t the military encourage their
personnel to be religious?” Jonathan asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“At least, that is what my Dad told me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The military thinks that religion is a key factor to getting a stronger
commitment to following orders, and reinforces sacrificing yourself for your
fellow Marines.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Unfortunately, the fundamentalist
viewpoint creates zealots that are intolerant of anyone who doesn’t agree with
their religious views.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My commanding
officer hasn’t tried to force his religious views on us, but I know of others
who have more or less commanded their subordinates to attend their church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They may not directly order it, but they
make sure that everyone understands that their absence from the commanding
officer’s church services would result in a serious beating, or other means of
coercion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They claim that it promotes
group cohesion and unity, if everyone belongs to the same church and espouses
the same religious doctrines,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“In fact, there are four or five guys in my unit that constantly talk
about their church and how I should become a member of the evangelical
congregation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They leave their
literature in the mess hall, and I’ve even found it stuffed into my duffle
bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last time I went on weekend
drill, I was confronted by them and accused of not being Christian because I
have refused to attend their church with them.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked at Rick in surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I didn’t know that.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick grimaced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry, I didn’t tell you, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t want to worry you, Babe.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I think that constitutes harassment,” I
said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick nodded his head in agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It does, but I’ve decided not to pursue any
charge, because I think I can make it through the rest of my commitment to the
Marine Corps without causing any trouble for myself, or anyone else.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “Okay, I’ll let it go – THIS
time.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gave him a look that let him
know I wasn’t going to put up with it a second time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I continued, “I’ve heard of religious
harassment in the other branches of the military, like the Air Force.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That almost sounds like the creation of
a state religion using the military to force people into their church,” Peyton
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shuddered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It also reminds me of my parents and their
brand of Christianity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used to think
the way they do.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked at
Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know exactly what I’m talking
about.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My mother raised us in her church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think my sister, Julie still attends that church.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan asked, “Don’t you guys attend a
Christian church, here in Atlanta?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “Yes, we do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve been going with Jeb and Larry to a
church not too far from here.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I named
the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“However, we’re not happy
with some of their doctrines; so, we’re looking for a new church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do you ask?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“My mother mentioned it to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She talked with Grandma about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wanted to make sure that I keep going to
church,” Jonathan said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Do you want to go to her church?” I
asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan said, “No, I don’t want
anything to do with that church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
preach hate and intolerance there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was hoping that you had found a church that welcomes gays.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“There are several, but we haven’t found
one that we’re really happy with,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“We do have bible study with Jeb and Larry once a week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re welcome to join us.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’d like that,” Jonathan said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It will be wonderful to be with other gay
men who are men of faith.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I don’t know if I’d call us men of
faith,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We believe in God,
but we don’t’ believe in organized religion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Organized religion has brought a lot of pain and sorrow into the world.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You can still be men of faith and not
be a member of an organized religion,” Jonathan said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You just need to have faith in God.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked at Rick, and said, “I think we
should leave this discussion for another time, Jonathan, because I have very low
tolerance for religious discussions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, we need to introduce you to Jeb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jeb has a strong religious background and is
a big believer in religion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will
find him to be more receptive to your thoughts on religion than we are.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan looked at me
apologetically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry if I
offended you.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We’re good,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I just don’t want to discuss religion right
now.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Glenn has been very tolerant
of my attempts to get him back to church, but he doesn’t like to discuss it,
because he often offends people by calling them out when they make illogical
statements, or misquote the bible to support their positions.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked at Jonathan, and said, “I’ve
studied the bible for a long time, and know it pretty well; as a result, I
don’t have much patience for those who pretend to have God’s authority to
reinterpret the bible to suit their views.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick, sensing that Glenn was about to
launch in to his usual dissertation on religious zealots, quickly interceded, “Let’s
call Duane and Mason.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I nodded my head, giving Rick a look,
acknowledging his intentional diversionary tactic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled at him, and said, “Okay, I won’t
start my usual tirade against ignorant religious leaders.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled out my cell phone and called Duane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Duane answered on the first ring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before he could say anything, I said, “Hey,
Duane!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Hey yourself,” he replied.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Are you guys up to going to the gym?” I
asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Sure, when?” he asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“In an hour,” I said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Okay, we’ll meet you guys at the gym in
an hour,” Duane said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I ended the call and said, “We’re on in
an hour.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick smiled, “Let’s go.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We retreated to our separate bedrooms to
change into our workout clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I
pulled on my jock strap, Rick came up behind me, pressing his steel pole
against my back door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I leaned back
against him, turning my head to kiss him.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Do you think the guys would
mind waiting, while I fuck your brains out?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “I’m sure they would
understand.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We came out of our room to find Peyton
and Jonathan cuddling on the couch in the family room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton grinned, and asked, “Did you enjoy
yourselves?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick put his arm around my shoulders,
and replied, “Sure did!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “It sounded like it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He met my gaze, grinning broadly.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I put my arm around my lover’s waist,
and said, “Rick knows how to satisfy me.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s true.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan said, “I’m happy to know that
you still enjoy each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Dad
warned me that the excitement of being newlyweds wore off for him rather
quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that, he and my mother
kind of fell into a routine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad said
they’ve been living like roommates, instead of husband and wife, for years
now.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “That sounds terrible!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t imagine living like that.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan said, “But you have to remember
that my mother doesn’t believe in divorce.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“What about your Dad?” I asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I don’t know,” Jonathan said, shrugging
his shoulders.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Hey, let’s go,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The guys will be waiting for us at the
gym.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We made our way out to the Land Rover. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick drove us over to the gym.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We checked in at the front desk, then went
straight to the weight room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We found
Duane and Mason working out on the bench press.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walked over, as Duane finished spotting
for Mason.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Duane and Mason, this is my
cousin, Peyton, and his fiancé, Jonathan.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane said, “It’s nice to meet you
guys.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mason said, “Yeah, it’s about time we
met you guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve heard all kinds of
stories about you.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan blushed, “I hope they’re all
good.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane nodded his head, grinning
broadly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They’ve all been good
alright.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He met Peyton’s eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ve heard that the guys have been taking
very good care of you, Peyton.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton laughed, self-consciously, and
said, “Yes, they have been.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mason said, “I wish I could sleep with
two handsome guys every night.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane laughed, and smacked him up the
side of his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t be
greedy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re already sleeping with
one handsome guy every night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t
need two.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mason moved away from his husband, as he
said, “I’d like to try it, just to see what it’s like.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane said, “You’re not going to get
that chance, Babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t share my
husband with anyone.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mason said, “I guess if you’re going to
be that way…”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane interrupted, “I’m going to be that
way.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned to Peyton and
Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t pay him any
attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mason likes to fool around,
but he knows who can satisfy him any time of the day or night.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mason sounds a lot like Glenn.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I started to protest, “Hey!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick put his finger to my lips. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Glenn, you don’t even want to go there,
because you know he’s right.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“But…”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No ‘buts,’ because you know that you
like to flirt, just like Mason does; and you know that no one else can fuck you
like I do,” Rick said, grinning.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I knew he was right, so I shrugged my
shoulders and said, “There’s nothing wrong with flirting with cute guys, is
there, Mason?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mason laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“As long as the guys don’t get any ideas
about trying to get in bed with me.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton looked at Rick, and asked, “Are
these two always like this?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Only on weekends,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The rest of the week, they’re worse.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said it so seriously that we couldn’t
help but laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once the laughter died
down, Rick pulled out his charts and said, “Men, we have a lot of work to do.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We set to work, following Rick’s strict
orders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It felt good to work out the
kinks in my muscles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the end of our
session, all of us were sweating pretty heavily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Good work, boys!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll make men out of you yet!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane said, “You mean muscle men, don’t
you Rick?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, keeping a straight face,
“Only the chosen few, the proud, will make it to that level.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I playfully punched him the
shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What you mean to say is that
all of us will make it.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick grinned, and said, “Yes, Dr. Rick
will take care of everything.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane said, “We’ll catch you guys
later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m taking Mason out to dinner
and the movies tonight.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton asked, “Do you guys go on regular
dates?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, we go out on a date every Saturday
night,” Duane answered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s our special
night out.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton turned to us and asked, “Do you
guys do the same kind of thing?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We used to, but we’ve been kind of busy
helping someone,” I said, smiling at him.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “I’m sorry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t realize that I was causing you guys
to miss your date night.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “Don’t apologize, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We both agreed that your well-being was more
important to us than keeping our regular date night schedule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have managed to have some special time as
a couple on Monday nights, instead.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That way we were able to spend weekends
with you,” Rick said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane said, “They have been pretty
dedicated to you, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re a
lucky man.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “I’m still learning just
how fortunate I’ve been to have two such wonderful men as my guardian
angels.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put his arm around
Jonathan’s waist, pulling him close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Now, I have a third one.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan smiled and gave Peyton a quick
kiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you, Babe.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">After seeing Duane and Mason off, we
piled into the Land Rover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick drove
us back to the condo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we entered our
condo, Peyton asked, “Do we get to have our usual shower competition?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick smiled, “Yes, we do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Follow me, boys!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We shed our clothes and jumped into the shower
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick pulled me into his arms
and kissed me deeply, our hands roaming over each other’s bodies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we surfaced for air, I glanced over to
see Peyton and Jonathan enjoying each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All of us were hard as rocks!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I think we’re ready for our
competition.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton grinned, “I agree.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The competition was close, but Rick won
again!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton clapped his cousin on the
back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, done, Rick; however, I’m
going to win one of these days!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We shall see about that!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan said, “Alright, you two, let’s
get dressed and get something to eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
starving!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We dried each other off and got
dressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We opted to order out pizza
and settled in for an evening of cuddling on the couch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We chatted about our activities for the next
few weeks, then, we watched a movie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was nice to have my guy’s arms around me, as I relaxed against his chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes, the best thing is to have some
quiet time with my guy!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I must have fallen asleep, because Rick
was shaking my shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, let’s
go to bed.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I stretched and yawned widely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, “I’m sorry, sweetheart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t mean to fall asleep on you.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick kissed the back of my neck, and
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You always fall asleep in the
middle of a movie.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I don’t ALWAYS fall asleep,” I
protested.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Yes, you do.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked over at Jonathan and Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The last time we went out to a movie
theater, Glenn fell asleep 15 minutes into the movie.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That’s because it was a boring movie,”
I said, defensively.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I named the
movie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “I’ve not seen that movie.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well, you haven’t missed anything,” I
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan said, “If you want to see it,
we can rent it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are there any other
movies you want to see?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton shrugged his shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know what I missed while I was in
prison, and I’ve been kept pretty busy on the farm since I got out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa made sure I had plenty to do every
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only down time I had was when
you guys came to the farm, and I wasn’t exactly interested in watching movies.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Yes, we know what you
wanted!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton blushed, and glanced at Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve got what I want, right here.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He leaned over and kissed his fiancé.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan asked, “Are you going to sleep
alone tonight?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton shook his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was hoping to convince you to join
me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before Jonathan could protest, he
put his finger to Jonathan’s lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Please hear me out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If Rick and
Glenn are okay with it, I’d like you to sleep with the three of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way they can be our chaperones.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan looked at us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is that okay with you guys?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Sure,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“However, we have certain rules that come
with that privilege.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He outlined them
and asked, “Do you agree to abide by our limits?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan smiled, with relief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I’m willing to abide by your rules.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “See, I was telling you
truth when I said I haven’t fucked anyone, or been fucked by anyone, since I
got out of jail.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Not only is our rule, but we
thought it would be the best thing for Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He needed to regain his trust of mankind, so he could eventually have a
normal relationship with another man.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was pretty messed up then; but, now, I’m
much better.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan said, “We know how much
progress you’ve made, and will continue to make.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “It’s all because of you
three that I’m as good about being around people as I am.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “We’ve done our part, but
you’re the one who has had to work the hardest to get to where you are now.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, that’s true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s go to bed.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stood up and took Jonathan’s hand,
pulling him into his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kissed
Jonathan.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I stood up and helped Rick to his
feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick took my hand and led me to
our bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guys followed us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took turns using the en suite, before
stripping off our clothes and climbing into our king-size bed.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick reached over and turned out the
light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jonathan and I were sandwiched
between Rick and Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each of them
spooned up next to us with one arm around our waist, holding us close to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I leaned over and kissed Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good night, Jonathan,” I said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan said, “Good night, Glenn”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jonathan turned his head to kiss
Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good night, Babe.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton smiled, and said, “Good night.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick kissed the base of my neck, then,
ran his tongue along my jaw line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Finally, he kissed me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love
you, Babe.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I love you, too,” I replied.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">After a few moments of silence, Jonathan
asked, “What do you guys think we should do about school?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I thought the admission
offices said they only accept new freshmen for the fall semester.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did they say they would make an exception
for Peyton?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “No, they haven’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure I want to wait until the fall
to start school, though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve thought
about taking some classes on-line.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“When
did they say you would find out if you have been accepted or not?” I asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“They said it would be January before
they would send out their acceptance letters,” Peyton said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“The question for us to decide is
whether to stay here with you guys for the next nine months, or move to
Minneapolis next month, after we get married,” Jonathan said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I think you should split your time
between here and Minneapolis,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Greg and Cory are anxious to have you move in with them.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, they are pretty excited to have us
move to Minneapolis.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan said, “But, wouldn’t we be
better off moving there sooner, rather than later?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “Honestly, I think you should
plan to move to Minneapolis right after your wedding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would mean less disruption for you guys,
because you’ll be settling into the area where you plan to live for the next
four years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can always come back
and stay with us for as long as you want; but you would already be established
in Minneapolis.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “There is wisdom in what
Glenn says, especially for Peyton.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “I’ve already called Dr.
Hansen’s office to make sure she can see me, when we move to Minneapolis.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “Dr. Hansen is really good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has been a big help to both me and
Justin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only that, Justin will be a
big support for you, Peyton.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “Do you think I’ll be able
to connect to Justin, like I’ve done with you?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I reached over and caressed Peyton’s
arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Babe, I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Justin is a wonderful man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know both of you will find him to be a
great friend.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan said, “Peyton, what do you think
we should do?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton replied, “I like the idea of
getting settled in our new place as soon as possible.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan agreed, “I think that for your
sake, we need to establish a stable environment where you can continue to heal
from what happened to you in prison.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “Then, it’s settled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll call Grandpa in the morning to let him
know of our decision.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We chatted for a while longer, before
silence fell between us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick’s arm
pulled me closer to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I relaxed in his
arms, and soon drifted off to sleep. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan stood in front of the mirror,
as he waited for Peyton to finish getting dressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked into his own eyes and saw the
happiness there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew he was doing
the right thing, despite his mother’s refusal to attend his wedding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She hadn’t spoken to him since he and Peyton
had moved to Atlanta.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they had
returned to the Scarborough farm for the holidays, his father had joined them
for their Christmas Eve celebration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
thoughts returned to that evening.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The entire Scarborough clan had been
there, singing Christmas carols, reenacting the Christmas story, complete with shepherds,
sheep, angels and three wise men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
smiled at the memory of the children’s excitement as they acted out the
parts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He remembered the many Christmas
Eve celebrations his mother had led in their home as he grew up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had many fond memories of those special
moments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">After the children had been put to bed
and the adults were settling down for a quiet evening, his father had pulled
him aside for a private conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Together, they entered Grandpa’s study.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith said, “Let’s sit
here.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He indicated the two chairs that
sat in front of Grandpa’s desk.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan looked at his father and asked,
“What’s going on?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">His father cleared his throat, before
answering his son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Jonathan, I have
decided to leave your mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
moved in with your grandparents for the time being.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan looked at his father in
shock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Does this have something to do
with me and Peyton?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith said, “Yes, and No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, because your mother has decided not to
attend your wedding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She feels that it
would be perceived by her religious friends that she condones same-sex
marriage.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">This news hurt Jonathan deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew of his mother’s deeply held
religious beliefs, but he had hoped she could see past them and come to accept
him for the gay man that he was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
had lied to him when he had asked her if she was okay with his impending
marriage to Peyton!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">His father continued, “No, your marriage
is not the cause of our problems, Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Your mother has been pushing her religious beliefs on me since the day
we married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has made it her mission
to save me from sin, as she puts it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
thought we had come to an arrangement where we agreed to disagree on the
subject of religion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, her
recent actions have shown me that she values her religious beliefs more than
she values our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is willing
to sacrifice our happiness on the altar of her faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her actions have shown me that she really
has no love for me or for her children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She should have become a nun and dedicated herself entirely to her
religious studies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I know our
church doesn’t have nuns, but she could have saved all of us a lot of
heartache, if she had chosen not to marry.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan said, “But I thought you loved
her.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I did, once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has managed to kill what love I had for
her over the years,” he said, pausing to meet Jonathan’s gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My decision to leave your mother has been a
long time coming, so I want you to understand that you are not the cause of our
separation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I make myself clear?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I get it.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Your sister has joined me at your grandparents’ home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll be attending your wedding ceremony in
a couple of weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are very happy
for you and Peyton,” he said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“What about Grandpa and Grandma?”
Jonathan asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do they think
about my engagement to Peyton?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“They are fine with it,” his Dad
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They send their love, but they
won’t be able to travel to Canada.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan breathed a sigh of relief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had thought that they might reject him,
like his mother had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was afraid they
would be just like Mom.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith said, “You forget that my
Dad holds the Scarborough family in very high regard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he heard that Mr. Scarborough supported
your decision, he said that whatever was good enough for Mr. Scarborough was
good enough for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you know, the
Scarborough family has been more than generous to our family.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan said, “I remember.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are showing the same kindness and
generosity to me and Peyton, as they showed to Grandpa and Grandma Smith.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">His Dad nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, they are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You should be very grateful for their
support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have been richly blessed
by the Scarborough family throughout your life, because of the help they gave
my parents in their time of need.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan said, “I won’t forget
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa Scarborough has often
said that he did what was needed to help a fellow human being to achieve their
full potential.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He does not expect
anything in return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told me that
seeing Grandpa’s success was thanks enough.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith said, “You’re marrying
into a wonderful family, Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be
sure that you never take advantage of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know that they will provide everything they can to ensure your success
in life, but never cease to be grateful for what you’ve been given.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #5e5c55; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He was pulled back to the present,
as he felt his fiancé’s arms slip around his waist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked into the mirror and met Peyton’s
gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It gave Jonathan a thrill to see
the happy glow on his future husband’s face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He turned his head to meet Peyton’s lips.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #5e5c55; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m ready to go,” Peyton said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #5e5c55; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“So am I,” Jonathan said, smiling.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #5e5c55; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Holding hands, they left their hotel
room and took the elevator down to the hotel lobby, where they met the rest of
the family.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #5e5c55; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick and I were standing next to the
concierge desk, when they exited the elevator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I turned to Rick and said, “They finally here.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #5e5c55; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I see they’re very happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s a good sign, since it’s their wedding
day.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #5e5c55; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They walked over to us and we hugged
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I greeted them enthusiastically,
“You guys look great!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #5e5c55; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan said, “I feel like a
million bucks.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #5e5c55; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “I do, too.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #5e5c55; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our limousine is waiting for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest of the family will follow us to
Pride Weddings,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Grandpa
has put me in charge of making sure you two get to the wedding chapel.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #5e5c55; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not sure that was a good idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s like the fox guarding the henhouse!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #5e5c55; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not sure, either, but we’ll do our
best.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #5e5c55; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We walked outside and climbed into
the waiting white stretch limousine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The driver drove us the short distance from the hotel to the wedding
chapel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we arrived at Pride
Weddings, we were met by Mark Gillen and Tony Degarlais.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tony, Pride Weddings’ official photographer,
said, “Let me grab some photographs of the happy couple before we move
inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a bright, cold
morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton and Jonathan looked
very handsome in their matching white tuxedos.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #5e5c55; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">After they finished, they joined us
in the wedding chapel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick and I were
dressed in black tuxedos, and stood next to the grooms at the back of the
chapel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton asked Rick to be his
best man, and Jonathan asked me to stand up with him.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #5e5c55; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton looked at Rick, and asked,
“Do you have the rings?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #5e5c55; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Yes, I’ve the
rings.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled them out of his
pocket and showed them to Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
handed one to me, which I pocketed with a grin.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #5e5c55; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan asked, “Are you ready,
Babe?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #5e5c55; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I’m ready.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The music started to play, and Rick and I
walked up the aisle to take our places on either side of the pulpit, where Mr.
Gillen waited for us.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #5e5c55; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Next, Grandpa escorted Peyton to the
front of the chapel, followed by Jonathan, who was escorted by his father,
Sheriff Smith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After Grandpa and
Sheriff Smith found their places in the congregation, Mr. Gillen said, “Peyton
and Jonathan, we are gathered here together to witness the love and respect
that you have for each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton and
Jonathan, are you entering into this marriage freely, voluntarily and without
any conditions?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; tab-stops: right 6.5in;">
<span style="color: #5e5c55; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
turned to face Jonathan, and said, “Yes.”<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #5e5c55; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan looked into Peyton’s eyes
and said, “Yes.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #5e5c55; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Gillen said, “Happiness in
marriage is not something that just happens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A good marriage must be created.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
little things are the big things. It is never being too old to hold
hands. It is remembering to say "I love you" at least once a
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is never going to sleep
angry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is at no time taking the other
for granted; the courtship should not end with the honeymoon, it should continue
through all of your years together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is standing together, facing the
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is forming a circle of love
that gathers in the whole family. It is doing things for each other, not
in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy.” <br />
<br />
“It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in
thoughtful ways. It is not expecting one person to wear a halo, or the
other to have the wings of an angel. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is not looking for perfection in each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is cultivating flexibility, patience,
understanding and a sense of humor. It is having the capacity to forgive
and forget. It is giving each other an atmosphere in<br />
which each can grow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is finding room
for the things of the spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a common
search for the good and the beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is establishing a relationship in which independence is equal,
dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal. It is not only
marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner.” </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #5e5c55; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Marriage also bestows enormous private
and social advantages on those who choose to marry. Civil marriage is at
once a deeply personal commitment to another human being and highly public
celebration of the ideals of mutuality, companionship, intimacy, fidelity, and
family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because it fulfills yearnings
for security, safe haven, and connection that express our common humanity,
civil marriage is an esteemed institution, and the decision whether and whom to
marry is among life’s momentous acts of self-definition.”<br />
<br />
“Peyton and Jonathan, please face each other and exchange your vows.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #5e5c55; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br />
Jonathan said, “Peyton, I come here today to join your life for years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pledge to be true to you, to respect
you, and to grow with you through the years. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are many things to each other; may only
those best qualities continue to shine, and may our bond continue to grow
stronger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time may pass, fortune may
smile, and trials may come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter
what we may encounter together, I vow, here, today, that this love will be
my only love. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will make my home in
your heart from this day forward.” </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #5e5c55; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “Jonathan, I come here
today to join your life for years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
pledge to be true to you, to respect you, and to grow with you through the
years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are many things to each other;
may only those best qualities continue to shine and may our bond continue to
grow stronger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time may pass, fortune
may smile, and trials may come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No
matter what we may encounter together, I vow, here, today, that this love
will be my only love. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will make
my home in your heart from this day forward.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #5e5c55; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Gillen said, “You may exchange
rings now.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #5e5c55; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan took Peyton’s left hand in
his, and slipped the wedding band on to his ring finger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said, “Peyton, what I have to give you
is the promise to take you as my only love from this day forward; to
stand by your side, to listen when you speak, to comfort you when you cry,
and to join your laughter with my own. Take this ring, and be part of my
life forever.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #5e5c55; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton took Jonathan’s left hand in
his, and slipped the wedding band onto his ring finger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said, “Jonathan, what I have to give you
is the promise to take you as my only love from this day forward; to stand
by your side, to listen when you speak, to comfort you when you cry, and
to join your laughter with my own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take
this ring, and be part of my life forever.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #5e5c55; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Gillen said, “Your gift to each
other for your wedding today has been your wedding rings. The wedding ring is a
symbol of the vows taken here today; a circle of wholeness, perfect in form.
The unending circle of a ring is a sign of fidelity; the pledged faithfulness
of a couple to each other. These rings mark the beginning of an unending
journey together, filled with wonder and surprises, laughter and tears,
celebration and joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May these rings
glow in the warmth and happiness of you both today.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #5e5c55; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“There may be times filled with
happiness, sorrow, tears or laughter, whatever it may be; remember, love has
given you wings, your journey begins today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Peyton and Jonathan, if there is anything you remember of this marriage
ceremony, remember the love that brought you here today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is only love which can make your marriage
a glorious union, and it is by love that your marriage will endure.”<br />
<br />
“Peyton and Jonathan, as you have consented together in lawful wedlock; and,
thereto, have pledged your faith to each other, and have declared the same by
joining hands and giving and receiving of rings and exchanged your first gifts
as a married couple, and by the powers vested in me, I now pronounce you
legally and lawfully wedded! If you wish to seal this marriage with
a kiss, you may now do so.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #5e5c55; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton took Jonathan in his arms and
gave him a tender kiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled back,
and said, “I love you, Babe.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #5e5c55; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan stared into his new
husband’s eyes, and said, “I love you, sweetheart.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #5e5c55; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They turned to face the congregation,
as Mr. Gillen said, “I present to you Jonathan and Peyton Smith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please come forward to congratulate them.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #5e5c55; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick hugged his cousin, Peyton,
while I gave Jonathan a hug and kiss on the lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, “Congratulations!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #5e5c55; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I’m so happy for you,
Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish you all the best in the
whole world.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #5e5c55; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton’s face shone with his
happiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, Rick.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We switched places.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kissed Peyton and said, “Don’t forget that
you’re my favorite cousin.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton grinned, “I won’t forget, I
promise.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “You’ve got a great man for a
husband, Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Congratulations!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan said, “Thank you.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “Peyton, you definitely married
into royalty by marrying Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s
a prince among princes.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan blushed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton put his arm around his husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I certainly did.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We moved aside to allow Grandpa and
Grandma Scarborough and the Smiths to congratulate them.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">After everyone had congratulated them,
we followed Tony’s directions, as he photographed Peyton and Jonathan, then the
rest of the family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the meantime,
Mr. Gillen completed the paperwork and handed Peyton and Jonathan their
marriage certificate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Congratulations,” he said, smiling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I wish you the best for your future lives together.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We took our leave of Mr. Gillen and
Tony.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa had arranged for a lunch
at the Canoe Restaurant on the 54<sup>th</sup> floor of the Toronto Dominion
Bank building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we entered the
restaurant, we were met by one of the best looking men I’ve ever seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was 188 cm. (6’4”) and solidly
built.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His long, light blond hair
framed his handsome, angular face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
brilliant green eyes met mine and he flashed me a smile that nearly knocked me
over.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He said, “Welcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My name is Brad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please follow me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned to lead us to our private dining
room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His uniform hugged him in all of
the right places.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed, and said, “Earth to
Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can stop drooling now!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton smiled, “Rick, you had better be
careful, or you’ll lose Glenn to that guy.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “Rick doesn’t have to worry,
because he’s probably straight.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Brad turned to Peyton and Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You must be the happy couple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Congratulations on your marriage.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “Thank you.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Brad pointed to the table at the front
of the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re to sit at the head
table with your wedding party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest
of your friends and family will be seated around you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked at me and Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You must be the best men.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick smiled and said, “That is correct.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Do you wish to be seated together, or
on either side of the newlyweds?” he asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Together, please,” Rick replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put his arm possessively around my waist.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Brad smiled, “I see that you’re a
couple.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He met Rick’s gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You are a lucky man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had hoped that your partner was
unattached.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems like the all of
the best looking men are already taken.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He looked at me and said, “Should he ever dump you, please give me a
call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would love to date you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He handed me his business card.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Please be seated and enjoy the party.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We took our seats next to Peyton and
Jonathan, and were soon joined by Sheriff Smith and Mary Anne.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa and Grandma sat next to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest of my aunts, uncles, and cousins
filtered into the room, taking seats at the tables around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
parents were seated at a table nearby, with my sister, Nancy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shawn and Randy were there, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My other brothers, Eric and Gary, weren’t
able to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned to Peyton, who
sat on my left, and said, “Peyton, I hope you can see that you’re an important
part of our family.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton nodded his head, as he scanned
the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bob, Jasper, Corey, Dylan, Greg and Cory are
all here, plus you and Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The men
closest to me are here to help us celebrate our marriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa, Grandma and most of the rest of our
extended family are here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a little
overwhelming, seeing everyone here.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Hearing Peyton say that “our” extended
family confirmed that Peyton had finally accepted the fact that he was part of
our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put my arm around his
shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you for becoming part
of our family.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kissed him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know you’ll always be my favorite
cousin.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “I had better be!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan said, “But, I’m your one and
only husband.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton leaned over and kissed Jonathan, accompanied
by cat calls and wolf whistles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
deepened their kiss, causing a round of applause.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they came up for air, Jonathan said,
“If you keep kissing me like that, we’ll have to take it to our bedroom.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton gave his husband a lecherous grin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s the intent, sweetheart.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The waiters brought out our beverages,
followed by our meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a nice
time eating and chatting with our family and friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As their best men, Rick and I each toasted
the happy couple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">As we prepared to leave the restaurant,
Grandpa came up to the Peyton and Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“You need to be at the airport in about two hours,” he said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton asked, “Where are we going?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa said, “Here are your
tickets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You already have your
passports, and your luggage. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did you
pack swimsuits and other appropriate beach attire?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan said, “Yes, we did.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Good,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Go ahead and look at your tickets.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton opened the envelope and looked
inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He showed it to Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jonathan said, “Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re going to Hawaii!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa said, “I hope you’re not
disappointed.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton exclaimed, “How could we be
disappointed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve always dreamed of
visiting Hawaii.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Me, too,” Jonathan said, excitedly.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well, we’d better get you back to the
hotel, so you can get your things repacked and make your way to the airport,”
Grandpa said, smiling.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The two men practically scampered out of
the restaurant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We followed them into
the elevator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at Rick and
grinned, “I think we need to settle these guys down.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick nodded his head, and pulled
Jonathan into his arms, kissing him deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I did the same to Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
released them as the elevator doors opened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Both guys had big grins on their faces.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton laughed, “You guys are so crazy!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I winked at him, and said, “That’s why
we’re still together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re just crazy
enough to keep things interesting.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We climbed into the waiting
limousine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We arrived at the hotel and
made our way inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We parted with
them at the doors of their room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick
opened the door to our hotel room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick
shed his tuxedo, and stood in front of me with nothing on but his black bow tie
and his black mesh jock strap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
crooked his finger, signaling me to come to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I obeyed him and he undressed me, then
picked me up and carried me over to the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The look of lust in his eyes made me
shiver in anticipation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He prepped me,
kissing me deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All coherent thought
left my mind, as the flames of our passion consumed me.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">In the room next door, Peyton and
Jonathan tenderly undressed each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Peyton kissed Jonathan everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Lastly, he took Jonathan’s cock in his mouth, causing his husband to
gasp in pleasure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next he led Jonathan
to their bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He said, “Jonathan, now that we’re
married, I want you to make me yours.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan caressed his husband’s smooth
chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’ll have to teach me,
because I’ve never had sex with anyone in my life.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “I will guide you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want our first time together to be an
experience neither one of us will ever forget.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan followed his husband’s
direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before long, his natural
instincts took over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon, he lay
exhausted, but very happy, on top of his lover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They kissed and caressed each other’s bodies,
trying to memorize every detail of their partner’s anatomy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton kissed him, and rolled him over on
his back.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan looked up into his husband’s face,
and said, “I’m all yours, Babe.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton kissed him deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gently claimed his husband’s
virginity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon, Jonathan was moaning
with pleasure, begging Peyton to fuck him harder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t long before the newlyweds lay
clutched together with their limbs intertwined, their desire for each other
completely sated.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton whispered, “I love you, Jonathan
Smith.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan replied, “I love you, too,
Peyton Smith.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They kissed and dozed off in each
other’s arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were awakened by the
phone ringing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton reached over and
answered the phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hello,” he said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa said, “You have 30 minutes
before you have to leave, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are
you guys ready to go?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, but we will be,” he replied.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We’ll meet you in the lobby, then,”
Grandpa said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Okay,” Peyton said, ending the call.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan asked, “How much time do we
have?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“30 minutes,” his husband replied.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Let’s grab a quick shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It won’t take long to pack our things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glenn said to leave the tuxedos with
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and Rick will return them to
the rental place for us,” Jonathan said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The newlyweds quickly showered, packed
their luggage, and made their way down to the hotel lobby, leaving the tuxedos
with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We followed them down in the
elevator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The family was gathered to
see them off on their honeymoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa asked, “Do you have everything?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “Yes, Grandpa, we have our
tickets, luggage, cash and traveler’s checks, passports, and our itinerary for
our two weeks in Hawai’i.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandma hugged them and said, “We’ll see
you in two weeks.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked up into
Jonathan’s eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Take good care of
him.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan smiled, and said, “I promise
I’ll make him very happy.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandma said, “You’ve already done
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m referring to his fragile
emotional state.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan said, “I’ll keep an eye on that
as well.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Satisfied, she patted his arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I expect to see two very happy boys at my home in a couple of weeks.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith shook their hands, and
said, “Enjoy your honeymoon, boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take
lots of photographs.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hugged Peyton,
then stepped back and put his hands on his shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m very happy to have you as my
son-in-law, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I trust that you’ll
take good care of my son.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton met his father-in-law’s eyes, and
said, “I promise never to do anything that will hurt him.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I trust you, Peyton.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">His words hit Peyton hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This man truly trusted him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suddenly, tears were threatening to spill
down his cheeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He blinked hard,
clearing his throat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled, and
said, “Thank you for trusting me, Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I won’t let you down.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith turned to his son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Jonathan, I expect you to do the same as
your husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I trust you to care of
him, as he cares for you.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan said, “I promise.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sherriff Smith hugged his son, and moved
aside to let Greg and Cory say their farewells.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “We’ll have everything ready
for you guys, when you get back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick
and Glenn have already worked things out with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa told us that you’re going to allow
him to adopt you.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Jonathan and I agreed that it would be
best for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need a stable family
environment to continue to improve, and Grandpa has offered to create that for
me through adopting me, as he did you.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m glad you finally accepted Grandpa’s
offer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I promise you, you’ll never
regret it.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory said, “It’s been the best thing for
Greg.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“After Cory, that is,” Greg said,
putting his arm around his husband’s waist.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan kissed Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The same goes for us, but Peyton still
needs a lot of support right now.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton smiled, “I’m glad Grandpa is
willing to adopt me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s taken me a
while to let go of my pride and let him help me.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory laughed, “Greg had to overcome some
issues with pride, too; but, he wasn’t as stubborn as you’ve been.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m still stubborn, but I’ve got Jonathan
to help me improve in that area.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg and Cory moved aside to allow the rest
of the family to bid them farewell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Afterward, they climbed into the waiting limousine, which took them to
the airport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They checked their bags
and made it through security.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon
as they were seated on their flight, Peyton took Jonathan’s hand in his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you for agreeing to marry me.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan kissed him lightly on the
lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I should be thanking
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love you, Babe.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “I love you, too.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The steward came down the aisle,
checking to make sure everyone had their seatbelt on and their chair
upright.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stopped at their row,
seeing that they were holding hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Congratulations on your marriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I hope you enjoy your honeymoon to Hawaii.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan looked at him in surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How did you know that we’re newlyweds?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well, you’re booked through to Hawaii,
and you’ve only got eyes for each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s kind of obvious that you’re madly in love with each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have that look that newlyweds have,” he
said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “Yes, we were married this
morning.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“My best wishes for a long and happy
marriage,” he said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The steward moved on to the next row,
leaving them looking at each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Peyton said, “It’s really nice to have people recognize that we’re a
normal newlywed couple.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan said, “Yes, it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, he is an exception, as is our
family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know as well as I do how
most of the world hates gays.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That’s why it amazes me that people are
as gullible as to think being gay is a choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Why would someone choose to be persecuted and harassed for being gay?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan said, “They believe what they
want to believe, Peyton, never mind how illogical the claims might be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We aren’t monsters hiding under people’s
beds, waiting to grab their children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The anti-gay propaganda spews a lot of nonsense and hatred, and the
public laps it up like cream, never mind that it’s outright lies.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “Enough of other people’s
issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s talk about us.” </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They talked of their plans for the
future and basked in the glow of their love for each other.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Author’s Note:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Music for this chapter:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Chris Young – Who I Am With you - </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3si_zfD7bs"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3si_zfD7bs</span></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<h1 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/artist/carlos-baute?feature=watch_video_title"><span style="border-image: none; border: 1pt windowtext; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Carlos Baute</span></span></a><span><span style="border-image: none; border: 1pt windowtext; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> </span></span><span><span style="border-image: none; border: 1pt windowtext; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: -0.35pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">- En el buzón de tu corazón</span></span></h1>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">- </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcsi5XRsgTE&feature=kp"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcsi5XRsgTE&feature=kp</span></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Admissions for the University of Minnesota
Twin Cities - </span><a href="http://admissions.tc.umn.edu/admissioninfo/fresh_planning.html"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://admissions.tc.umn.edu/admissioninfo/fresh_planning.html</span></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Legally sanctioned religious
discrimination in the works in many states - </span><a href="http://michael-in-norfolk.blogspot.com/2014/02/wave-of-new-bogus-state-religious.html"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://michael-in-norfolk.blogspot.com/2014/02/wave-of-new-bogus-state-religious.html</span></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Religious Fundamentalism in the US
Military -</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><a href="http://www.centerforinquiry.net/uploads/attachments/For_God_and_Country_Parco.pdf"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://www.centerforinquiry.net/uploads/attachments/For_God_and_Country_Parco.pdf</span></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Military evangelism - </span><a href="http://www.militaryreligiousfreedom.org/press-releases/truthout_mil_evangelism.html"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://www.militaryreligiousfreedom.org/press-releases/truthout_mil_evangelism.html</span></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Christian Fundamentalist Invasion of the
Military - </span><a href="https://www.au.org/church-state/april-2013-church-state/people-events/new-report-says-military-threatened-by-ongoing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">https://www.au.org/church-state/april-2013-church-state/people-events/new-report-says-military-threatened-by-ongoing</span></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">More Christian Fundamentalists
proselytizing of the Military paid for by American Taxpayers - </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-l-weinstein/club-beyond-military-proselytization_b_2734370.html"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-l-weinstein/club-beyond-military-proselytization_b_2734370.html</span></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Canoe Restaurant - </span><a href="http://www.oliverbonacini.com/Canoe.aspx"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://www.oliverbonacini.com/Canoe.aspx</span></span></a></div>
</span><br /></span><br /></div>
SaskBoyStories by Russ Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12705114426346134527noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7739282925426125332.post-44139286795624323832014-01-27T22:20:00.001-05:002014-01-31T00:48:07.050-05:00The Man From Swift Current Chapter One Hundred Thirty Two - Peyton's Proposal<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Chapter One Hundred Thirty Two – Peyton’s
Proposal</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none;">
<div style="border-image: none;">
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span><br />
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I rode in the backseat of Duane’s white
Chevy 4x4 pickup truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had driven
it out from Spokane, Washington, and it was beginning to show its age, despite
everything Duane could do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled at
the memory of Mason, claiming that Duane loved his truck more than he loved
him.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<div style="border-image: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><img src="data:image/png;base64,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" /></div>
<div align="center" style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter">
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0">
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1">
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1">
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0">
</v:f>
<v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f">
<o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit">
</o:lock><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_3" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" style="height: 134.25pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 339.75pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\Neil\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></v:path></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas></v:stroke></v:shapetype></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mason said, “You need to wash your
truck, Babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s really getting
dirty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told you not to buy a white
one.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane said, “I know, but I like the look
of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides, I fit right in around
here.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mason laughed and said, “NOT!!”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane chuckled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not everyone here drives around in a 4X4
pickup truck with a do-it yourself lift kit.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You’re just a redneck,” Mason said,
laughing.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m mighty proud of it,” Duane
responded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He glanced in the mirror at
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hey, are you and Rick up for a
work out at the gym tonight?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You already know the answer, Duane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick is always game to hit the weights.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, he’s quite the fanatic about his
exercise routine.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mason looked at his husband and asked,
“And you’re not?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well, I have to make sure you don’t get
fat on me,” Duane responded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t
want you to be embarrassed when you put on that bikini swimsuit you like to
wear at the beach.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m not the only one who likes to wear
practically nothing when we’re on the beach,” Mason shot back, laughing</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“True,” Duane said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“All the more reason we need to keep in
shape.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane pulled into the parking lot of our
condo building, and we piled out of the truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We raced up the stairs and arrived at our front door, just as Rick was
opening the door.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick glanced up at us and smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Who won the race to the top?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Panting, Mason said, “I did, by one
foot.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Only because you cheated,” Duane
declared, equally out of breath.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mason grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I did cheat a little; but it’s only fair,
given that you cheated, yesterday.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed, shaking his head in
disbelief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You two are something
else.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane asked, “Do you want to go to the
gym?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Yes, I was just about to go
in and change into my workout clothes.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “I told Duane you wouldn’t turn
down a chance to work out on the weights.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick finished opening the door and we
walked inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick hung up his backpack
on the hook behind the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned
to take mine and placed it next to his, then, took me in his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gave me a passionate kiss.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane tapped me and Rick on the shoulders,
and said, “Hey, none of that, or we’ll never make it to the gym.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick released me and laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re right about that.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took me by the hand and led me to our
bedroom, where we changed into our gym clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick came up behind me and squeezed my
buttocks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love your bubble butt,
Babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My exercise program is keeping it
firm and muscular, just the way I like it.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I grinned at him, in the mirror.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is that all you like?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, but we’ll have to discuss that
later, in bed,” Rick said, grinning broadly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He wrapped his arms around my waist and kissed my neck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I leaned back into him and moaned
softly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You taste good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe, we should tell Duane and Mason to go
ahead without us.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “I would love that, but you
wouldn’t be happy, because we didn’t get a workout today.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick chuckled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know me so well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay, let’s go, Babe.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We came out of our room to find that
Duane and Mason had changed their clothes, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All four of us wore white mesh tank top
shirts with dark blue workout shorts and cross trainers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Let’s go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need a good workout to help me unwind.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We left the condo and made our way to
the parking lot, where we climbed into the Land Rover and Rick drove us over to
the gym.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We checked in at the front
desk, and hit the weight room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
always, Rick supervised our weight training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He keeps a chart on each of us, to track our progress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled out his clipboard, with its charts,
and reviewed our goals for today.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I grumbled when he told me how much I
needed to bench press this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
said, “Now, Babe, it’s for your own good.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I stuck out my tongue at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know I’ll collect all my
kisses later tonight.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was referring
to the interpretation of what it means to stick out your tongue at someone, and
that is, “Kiss me quick, and don’t slobber!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I asked, “What if I won’t let you kiss
me?” </span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed, and said, “Oh, I think
you’ll let me kiss you, alright.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
know that you’ll give me anything I want, when I’m making love to you.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He had me there, and he knew it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never been able to resist him when he’s
caressing my bare skin and kissing me all over my body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As if to reinforce what I was already thinking,
Rick ran his hand over the inside of my bare thigh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shivered and looked up to meet his eyes.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He gave me a lecherous grin, and said, “Don’t
complain, Babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I promise I’ll reward
you for your efforts.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I smiled and said, “Okay.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick spotted for me as I worked on the bench
press.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From there, we worked our way
from one weight machine to another.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">While we lifted weights, I noticed a
really cute blond guy working out next to Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kept looking at us, but, when I caught
his eye, he would look away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, I
walked over and introduced myself, extending my hand, I said, “Hey, I’m
Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s your name?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He took my hand, and said, “I’m Revell.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Revell had removed his shirt and was
sweating profusely from his efforts.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Do you come here often?” I asked,
noticing his washboard abs.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, this is my first time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You guys look pretty buff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder if you would mind if I follow your
workout routine,” he said, looking me over appreciatively.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick overheard him and said, “We don’t mind
at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hi, I’m Rick.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They shook hands.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Revell Marsden,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I just moved to Atlanta from Richmond, Virginia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m working for HP.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We live not too far from here,” Rick
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told Revell our address.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Revell said, “I live in those same
condos.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “That’s really cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re welcome to join us for workouts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also go out running every morning, before
work.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Revell smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was wondering if you guys did any running
or cycling, to balance out your weight training.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I’ve got a whole physical
training routine set up to keep us fit.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He outlined his regimen.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Revell said, “That sounds
wonderful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a little different from
what I’m used to, but I can see that it produces fantastic results.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick grinned, and flexed his
muscles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, “Rick has us all beat
in the muscle department.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed and said, “And I’m not only
the best looking, but I’m the smartest of the bunch.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I punched him in the shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Alright, wise guy, enough of that.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Revell laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I like you guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who are your other friends?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I waved Duane and Mason over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This is Revell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Revell, these are our friends, Duane and
Mason.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They shook hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Revell said, “It’s nice to meet you guys.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane looked him over and said, “You
look pretty good, Revell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can see
that you’ve been taking good care of yourself.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Revell blushed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks, Duane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You guys look great, yourselves.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Revell will be joining us
for our workout sessions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He lives in
our same condo complex.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mason said, “That’s great!”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Revell said, “Where are you guys from?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We’re from Spokane, Washington,” Duane
said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mason said, “We moved here for our
jobs.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Revell said, “It’s the same for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m from Richmond, Virginia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just started a job, working for
Hewlett-Packard (HP).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our office is
near the Perimeter Mall, just off Highway 400.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I looked at some places in Alpharetta, but I decided I like being closer
to the center of the city.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We bought our condo when we were attending
Georgia Tech,” I said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Revell said, “That makes sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I graduated from Virginia Commonwealth
University last year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My parents live
in Midlothian, just outside Richmond.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick pulled out a blank chart and began
filling it in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said, “Let’s see
where you are, so we have a baseline to work from.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We chatted as we continued our
workout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Revell’s performance on the
weights was impressive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick laughed,
and said, “I think I’ll have some pretty good competition to keep pushing me to
do better.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Revell grinned and said, “I’m glad I can
be of service to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really
appreciate the time you’ve spent, working with me; especially since you’ve
already got three other guys you’re helping.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Not a problem.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “Do you want to join us for
dinner?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Sure, if I’m not imposing on you,”
Revell said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Let’s go, then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m starving.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick reminded him of our building and condo
number.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ll see you at the condo,
shortly.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Revell said, “I’ll stop by my place for
a shower, first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can I bring anything?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, just bring your appetite,” I said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He grinned and said, “I’ll see you at
your place.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We left and made our way back to our
condo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took a quick shower, as did
Duane and Mason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were sitting around
the kitchen table, discussing what to do about dinner, when there was a light
tap on the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick stood up from the
table and went to answer the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
returned a moment later with Revell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Revell said, “Hey, guys!”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“What do you want to eat?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anything particular?” I asked.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Revell slid into a chair at the table,
and said, “I’m good for just about anything.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “We’ve got some leftover brown
rice and lots of fresh vegetables.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
could make up a shrimp stir fry to go with the rice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does that sound okay to everyone?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane said, “Sounds like a plan to
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What can I do to help?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “You can chop vegetables, and
Mason, you get to peel the shrimp.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
turned to Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, will you make
your signature wonton soup?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I’d be happy to do so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Revell, you can help me with the wonton
soup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We made up the wontons last week,
and put them in the freezer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All we
have to do is make the soup broth, and chop up a few scallions to throw in
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also cooked the pork and froze
it, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glenn and I are really into
cooking our own Chinese food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way
we can make it healthier and still eat what we like.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Not to mention we get in all of our
vegetables in one meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We eat fruit
and plain yoghurt for breakfast, and have a light lunch,” I said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Glenn has found all kinds of great
recipes on-line,” Rick said, enthusiastically.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane asked, “Have you ever thought of
making your own curry, like in Thai or Indian food?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, but that’s a good idea,” Rick
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I like a good curry, but it’s so
full of calories.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mason said, “Duane has figured out how to
make our favorite curried dishes with low fat ingredients.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Revell looked around the room, and said,
“I can’t believe I’m sitting here, listening to you guys talk about
cooking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’d think you were gay, or
something.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">There was a dead silence in the room, as
we looked at each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I laughed and
said, “Revell, I think you’ve finally figured it out.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Revell looked at me, with his mouth wide
open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You can close your mouth, now,
Revell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’ve got a problem with gays, you can
leave now, and we’ll pretend we’ve never met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Otherwise, start chopping up those scallions!”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Revell closed his mouth with a snap, and
began chopping up the scallions Rick had washed and placed on the cutting board
next to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest of us continued
what we were doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mason finished
shelling the shrimp and placed them in a bowl, next to the wok.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Duane and I finished chopping the vegetables
– bok choy, cabbage, carrots and celery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I opened a can of water chestnuts and pulled out a package of fresh bean
sprouts from the refrigerator.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick made his broth and began cooking
the wontons, as I cooked the vegetables in the wok.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I threw in the shrimp last, so they wouldn’t
be overcooked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick’s soup was ready at
the same time as the stir-fry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane and Mason set the table and we
brought the food over to the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
sat down and Rick said, “I’ll say grace.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We held hands around the table and listened to Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he said, “Amen,” we chorused, “Amen.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We served ourselves and began to
eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Revell said, “I’m sorry if I
offended anyone, earlier, with my comment about being gay.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane patted him on the back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s okay, Revell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You stayed and you didn’t make a scene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think you’re okay.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Revell said, “I guess I had this image
of gays being all sissified.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The way
you guys act, I would never have guessed that you were gay.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That’s because we’re normal red-blooded
American guys,” Duane said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We might
like fucking a guy; but, otherwise, we’re pretty much just like every other guy
you might meet on the street.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“May I correct that statement?” I asked.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane looked at me and raised his
eyebrows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, I forgot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glenn, here, is Canadian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sorry, Glenn, I didn’t mean to leave you
out.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Not a problem,” I said, grinning at
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I just have to keep you guys in
line, that’s all.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Revell asked, “Where are you from?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m from Swift Current, Saskatchewan,”
I replied.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Where’s that?” he asked.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Saskatchewan is one of the western
provinces of Canada.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Swift Current is
straight north from your state of Montana,” I said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Revell said, “Okay, I know where Montana
is.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“After we’re done eating, Glenn can get
out the map and show you where he’s from,” Rick said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We finished our dinner and made our way to
the family room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled out a map of Canada,
spreading it out on the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
pointed to Swift Current.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This is where
I’m from.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Revell sat down on the floor beside me
and peered at the map.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What’s it like
there?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Saskatchewan is one of the three
prairie provinces of Canada.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where I’m
from in Southwestern Saskatchewan, it’s pretty much flat, with wheat farms as
far as the eye can see,” I said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I can attest to that fact.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“So, it’s a lot like Kansas, or
Nebraska?” Revell asked. </span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I guess you could say that,” I
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Revell asked, “What brought you to
Atlanta, Glenn?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I came here to attend Georgia Tech,” I
said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Is that why you moved here, too, Rick?”
he asked.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I moved here with Glenn’s cousin,
Keith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We graduated from the same
school and decided we would room together,” Rick said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“So, what happened to Keith?” Revell
asked.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“He got married,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He and his wife, Kerry, live downstairs
from us,” I said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That’s cool,” Revell said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He looked at his watch and said, “I need
to get back home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve got to get some
things done before I can go to bed tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thanks for dinner.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He stood, and extended his hand to help
me get to my feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He held my hand a
little longer than was necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On
impulse, I kissed him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Revell went very
still, but he didn’t pull away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a
moment, he returned the kiss.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I pulled back and looked him in the
eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How did you like that?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Revell grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It wasn’t anything like I thought it would
be.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What did you expect?” I asked.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I expected there to be stars and
fireworks,” Revell said, still grinning from ear to ear.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Well, next time we’ll have
to show you how to get the stars and fireworks.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Revell said, “I can’t wait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll catch you guys, later.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He walked out of the room, and we soon
heard him open and close the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane asked, “So, what do you make of
Revell?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I think he’s a closet case.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “My gaydar must be failing me,
because I didn’t get even a slight vibration that Revell was interested in
guys.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mason said, “Then you’re going
blind!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He couldn’t keep his eyes off of
Rick all evening!”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“But, that’s normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everybody looks at Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turns heads wherever we go,” I said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane said, “No, Glenn, Revell was undressing
your boyfriend with his eyes all night long.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Duane’s right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I noticed Revell kept glancing at my
crotch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I caught him doing it, just a
few minutes before he left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s when
he said he had to leave.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I saw you playing with your dick and
looking at him.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Where was I during all of this?” I
asked.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I think you were focused on Rick,
Glenn, and didn’t see Revell’s reaction,” Mason said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Face it, Glenn, no one else exists in your
universe, whenever you’re with Rick.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to ignore you
guys,” I said, embarrassed.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Don’t worry about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve gotten used to it, so we aren’t
bothered by it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We understand that
you’re completely in love with your man,” Duane said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But, returning the subject of Revell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think he’s gay, but is so far in the
closet he can’t see the light of day.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mason said, “But, he didn’t bolt out the
door when it finally clicked with him that we’re gay.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He sure didn’t seem like the sharpest tool
in the shed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe he was so distracted
by Rick; he failed to recognize that we’re gay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t exactly hide the fact that I’m gay.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane nodded his head in agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s an understatement, my friend.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well, he should have had a clue, long
before he figured it out,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
turned to Rick and asked, “Do you want to watch a DVD?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Sure.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I picked one out and threw it into the
DVD player.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked over and joined
Rick on the couch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Duane and Mason took
up residence on the loveseat opposite us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I leaned back against Rick’s chest, enjoying the feel of his arms around
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After an intense workout session at
the gym, I was ready to relax.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick had
pushed us pretty hard this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a
result, I felt pretty washed out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
didn’t dare complain to my boyfriend about it, because he would only push me that
much harder the next time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve learned,
the hard way, not to whimper about Rick’s fitness regimen!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick has been blessed with a fantastic
physique, and his muscles seem to get larger every time he works out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m NOT complaining about that at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love his gorgeous body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has to keep in good shape, since he’s in
the Marine Corps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">However, I do not have the same physical
make up as he does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t have
muscles that pop out when I work out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Don’t get me wrong, I’m solidly build, but no matter how hard I try, I
just can’t get the huge muscles, like Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve got washboard abs, but they just don’t pop out as much as
Rick’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I’m whining a bit, because
I wish I could match Rick’s physical strength.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He teases me about the fact that he’s so much stronger than I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m okay with that, because he is a bigger
man than I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I expect him to be stronger, because he’s been
my knight in shining armor and my protector for a long time now.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I could tell Rick was bored with the
movie, because his hands started roaming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I caressed his legs and inner thighs, loving the feel of his
muscles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick put his hands under my
shirt and tweaked my nipples, causing me to gasp in pure pleasure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since meeting Rick, I’ve discovered how
sensitive my nipples are!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane noticed what was happening, and
grinned broadly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can tell that
someone’s horny!”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed, and said, “I wondered if
you would notice.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mason said, “It’s kind of hard to miss.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick grabbed the remote and turned off
the television.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Duane and Mason stood
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Duane said, “We’ll see you guys in
the morning.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick grinned and said, “Thanks, guys.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">After they left, Rick continued his
assault on my defenses!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t long
before he had my shirt off and had me on my back, staring up into his deep blue
eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ran my hands over his bare
chest, caressing his pecs and abs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
reached up and pulled his head down, until our lips met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we kissed, Rick pulled off my shorts and
underwear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shoved my hands down his
shorts and squeezed both cheeks, before pushing them down as far as I could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kicked them off and began kissing me all
over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His ran his tongue along my jaw
line until he reached my chin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He said, “You taste good.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“So do you,” I said, huskily.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We continued to make love to each other
until the flames of our passion completely engulfed us, melding us into one
raging inferno!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Afterward, Rick lay on
top of me with my arms wrapped around him, enjoying the feel of his bare skin
against mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I gently nibbled on his earlobe and
whispered, “I love you.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He murmured, “I love you, too, Babe.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We stayed like that for some time,
before I ran my hands lightly over the muscles in Rick’s back and shoulders,
then down his back to his perfect bubble butt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick stirred as I kissed the nape of his neck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He lifted his head and turned to rub noses
with me.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I love you, Glenn,” he said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I love you, too,” I said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick sat up and pulled me onto his
lap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think we should take a shower, then
play some more.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I kissed him, and said, “I think that’s
a wonderful idea.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">As always, he amazed me by standing up
with me in his arms, and carrying me into our bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick grinned, as I clung to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love doing that.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I know,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It reminds me that you’re my Prince
Charming and that you’ve come to carry me off to your castle.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick put me on my feet and pulled me
into his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How do you know I’m not
the villain, come to lock you up in my castle, and turn you into my willing sex
toy?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I laughed, and said, ‘I’m already your
willing sex toy, Babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was completely
yours from the day we met.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He guffawed, “That is truly an
understatement!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never seen anyone
look at a guy like you looked at me, that day.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I grinned like a Cheshire cat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I knew I’d met my man, when I saw you.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It’s more likely that you were so much
in lust; that you couldn’t think of anything but having sex with me,” Rick
said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Okay, I’ll admit that,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But you have to agree that you’re the
hottest stud I’ve ever met.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick didn’t answer, but captured my
lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As he ran his hands over my body,
my skin felt like it was on fire!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every
fiber of my being wanted him and he knew it!</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick took my hand and led me to our en
suite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned on the shower and
adjusted the water temperature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
turned and pulled me under the warm cascade, and he began washing my body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I, in turn, washed his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We played for some time, before turning off
the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We dried each other off and
returned to our bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We climbed into
bed and held each other close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really
enjoy being held by my guy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have
some of our best talks when we’re cuddling in bed.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Peyton finishes his sentence
this Friday.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I know,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ve got his bedroom ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m excited to have him live with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m really glad that we’ve been able to help
him recover from what happened in prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’ve become really good friends.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Yes, we have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know you’ve grown to like him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would you let him fuck you, if he asked?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I think you already know the answer to
that question, Mr. Lernier,” I said, giving him a tender kiss.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick grinned, and said, “I was just
checking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s enough like me, I
thought that maybe you would let someone else, besides me, fuck you.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Not happening, Babe!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re my one and only man,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m game for most other things; but, no
one, and I mean NO ONE, gets to fuck me, except you.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “The same goes for me,
Babe.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kissed me deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled back to look me in the eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m wondering if Jonathan will be coming
with Peyton.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m sure he will be,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s been pretty obvious that they’re in
love with each other.”’</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “You’re right about
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They remind me of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you remember?<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so star struck, I couldn’t think
straight.” I said, tracing the outline of his abs with my fingertips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew that I was turning him on, because he
was very hard and erect!</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “And you’re still that way.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I kissed him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I moved my hand from his hard, flat stomach
down to his pulsing, steel pole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes,
I’m still madly in love with you.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Our passion for each other rekindled, as
our hands roamed over each other’s bare skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I kissed him deeply, and the fires of desire exploded within us, driving
every other thought from our minds!</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Later, Rick lay awake, listening to
Glenn’s even breathing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loved this
man more than anyone else in the entire world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When he met Glenn, he never dreamed that he would fall in love with a
guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had been the worst womanizer
anyone had ever met, bedding a different woman every weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In his mind, those women were surrogates for
Angie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His only goal was to use them,
just like he felt like he had been used by Angie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had felt so much anger toward all women,
as a result of his experience with her, that he wanted to make them beg him to
fuck them; then he’d leave them, never to see them again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He made sure that they knew exactly what he
thought of them – whores who were meant to satisfy a man’s need for sex and
nothing more!</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">However, all of that came an end when he
met Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He couldn’t explain why he
had been so intrigued by Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
remembered that, at first, he had wanted to fuck Glenn out of curiosity; and to
see if he could satisfy a man, just like he did the women he bedded every
weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glenn had been so obviously
lusting after him that he had decided to give him what he desired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had intended to bed Glenn; and that would
have been the end of it – a one night stand.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">However, he hadn’t counted on feeling so
protective of this man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t
understand why he felt the urge to pull Glenn close and shelter him in his
arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He couldn’t make logical sense of
his feelings for Glenn. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He only knew
that Glenn had captured his heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since
the day they met, they had faced many challenges which had served to draw them
closer together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He ran his fingers
gently through Glenn’s soft blond hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The love he felt for Glenn, right at this moment in time, knew no
bounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It filled his whole being with
light and happiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">His thoughts turned to his cousin,
Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sincerely hoped that things
would work out between him and Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Last weekend, he had observed them together, and it had been very
obvious that they were in love with each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton deserved to be happy, after everything
he had been through.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Glenn shifted in his sleep, and Rick put
his arms around his lover to reassure him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He smiled when he heard Glenn give a sigh of contentment, as he snuggled
closer to Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glenn was so like a
little child, sometimes, in that the littlest things made him happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things like being held in Rick’s arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s what made him so easy to love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick relaxed, knowing that he loved Glenn,
and, was loved by Glenn, in return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton rode in the Porsche, next to
Grandpa, as they drove to Mr. Diven’s office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Grandpa looked over at Peyton and asked, “Are you ready?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton looked over at Grandpa, and said,
“I’m more than ready, Grandpa.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa pulled into a parking space in
front of Mr. Diven’s office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They both
got out of the car, just as we were pulling up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We parked the Land Rover and jumped out to
join them; we being Greg, Cory, Rick and me.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Bob pulled up in the conversion van with
the rest of the family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bob and Jasper
had outfitted the conversion van with captain’s chairs and a couple of bench
seats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had started working on it
the day Peyton came home without his casts, and finished it a little over a
week ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jasper, Corey, Dylan, Paul, Grandma and Mr.
Curtis rode with Bob.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bob parked the van
and everyone got out and surrounded Peyton and Grandpa.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton was dressed in a nice pair of
khaki slacks, a dark blue dress shirt and matching tie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked great and he knew it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandma came up to him and put her arm
through his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked up at him, and
said, “I’m very proud of you, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m glad you’re finished with your probation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s go inside to get the paperwork that
will signify that you’re a free man.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She put her other arm through Grandpa’s, and they walked into Mr.
Diven’s office together.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We followed them inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Diven was waiting for us at his
receptionist’s desk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Please come into
my office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe there is room for
everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sheriff Smith warned me that
I might need some extra chairs, so he brought over some folding chairs from his
office.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa said, “Thank you for arranging
things so that we could all be here.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Diven said, “It’s my pleasure, Mr.
Scarborough.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa led Peyton and Grandma to the
front row and took a seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest of
us filtered into the remaining seats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sheriff
Smith stood behind Mr. Diven’s desk with his son, Jonathan, at his side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Diven closed his office door and made
his way to his desk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stood next to
Sheriff Smith and lifted a folder from his desk.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Normally, I would meet privately with
an individual to present them their release papers, including the restoration
of the civil and political rights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, in this case, I am honored to be able to accommodate the
Scarborough family’s request to allow the family to be present, with Mr.
Campbell’s permission.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He paused and
pulled out several documents from his folder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Mr. Campbell, will you please come forward.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton stood up and moved to Mr. Diven’s
desk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mr. Campbell, this document
states that you have completed the terms of your sentence, and are hereby
discharged from any further supervision by the State of Georgia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are now a free man, Mr. Campbell.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He paused, while we applauded Peyton’s
return to free society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I am also
giving you your documents stating that your civil and political rights have
been restored, effective immediately; with the exception that you may not own
or carry a firearm.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He handed the documents to Peyton and
shook his hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Welcome back to
society, Mr. Campbell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From what I’ve
seen these past six months, I’m confident that you’ll move past this stage of
your life into one filled with unbounded opportunities.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “Thank you for working with
me.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Diven said, “I wish all of my
parolees were as easy to work with as you have been, Mr. Campbell.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned to Sheriff Smith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Since Mr. Campbell is now a free man, would
you remove the electronic monitoring device?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith smiled, and said, “With
pleasure.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He signaled for Peyton sit
down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knelt down and removed the
electronic device from Peyton’s ankle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Peyton handed him the bag with the transmitter and battery pack.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith said, “I think we’re done
here, Mr. Diven.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shook Peyton’s
hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hope to see you around town,
now that you can roam free.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “I’m afraid I won’t be
staying here long.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith raised his eyebrows in
surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is that so?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Grandpa wants me to move to Atlanta to
stay with Rick and Glenn,” Peyton responded.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith turned to Jonathan, and
asked, “Does this mean you’re moving to Atlanta, as well?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan was stunned by his father’s
question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he didn’t answer,
Sheriff Smith said, “I’m not blind, Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know that you’re gay and that you’ve been dating Peyton.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton stood and said, “I hadn’t planned
on doing this here; but, I guess now is as good a time as any.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked over to Jonathan and knelt down on
one knee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took Jonathan’s hand in
his, and asked, “Jonathan Ezekiel Smith, will you marry me?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan met Peyton’s eyes and tried to
gain control over his emotions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
finally managed to say, “Yes, I’ll marry you.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton stood and pulled a ring from his
pocket, slipping it onto the ring finger of Jonathan’s left hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gently kissed Jonathan and said, “I love
you.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan said, “I love you, too.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The two men turned to face Sheriff
Smith, who stood, smiling at them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Well, aren’t you going to ask my permission to marry my son?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton blushed and said, “Sheriff Smith,
do I have your permission to marry your son?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I give my permission, as long as
it is what Jonathan wants,” Sheriff Smith said, looking directly into his son’s
eyes.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tears of happiness were cascading down
his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, it is what I want.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Then it’s settled,” Sheriff Smith
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now, let’s go celebrate your
engagement.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Diven said, “Congratulations,
boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m very happy for you both.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shook their hands; then turned to Sheriff
Smith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think Jonathan has chosen
wisely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton will be a good husband,
from what I’ve seen of the young man.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith met Peyton’s gaze, and
said, “I know he will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve seen how
happy he has made Jonathan.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan was beaming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He felt like his fairy tale was coming
true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t know how his father
knew he was gay, but it was a relief not to have to come out to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was even more amazing to him that his
father knew about him and Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith said, “Just in case you’re
wondering, I’ve been monitoring your activities pretty closely; thanks to Mr.
Scarborough and Mr. Curtis.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The two gentlemen in question came up to
the happy couple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa said, “I hope
you aren’t upset with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve been
providing daily reports to Mr. Diven and Sheriff Smith on what’s been happening
on the farm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In part, it was to satisfy
the requirements of Peyton’s parole, but we also wanted to ensure your safety.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Curtis said, “I also hope you will
forgive us for our intrusion into your private lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was not our intention to deprive you of
your privacy.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan looked at them and said, “Since
no damage has been done, there’s nothing to forgive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, it had better come to an abrupt end,
as of this moment.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The edge in Jonathan’s voice caused
Peyton to look at his fiancé in surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Are you okay?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I am, but I wanted to make it
clear that we won’t tolerate any further intrusion into our personal lives,”
Jonathan said, looking directly at his father.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith said, “I promise you that
I will honor your wishes, now that there is no longer a legal requirement for
me to assist Mr. Diven with his duties as Mr. Campbell’s parole officer.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His father’s answer seemed to satisfy
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s go, Peyton.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Holding Peyton’s hand, he led him out of Mr.
Diven’s office, to the parking lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
stopped beside his silver Ford F150 Pickup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We gathered around them to congratulate
them on their engagement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled each
of them into a tight embrace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m so
happy for both of you.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick asked Jonathan, “Does this mean
you’re going to join us in Atlanta?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, it does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was planning to go with Peyton anyway;
but, now we’re engaged, I’ll move in with him,” he replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“However, I want to be married as soon as
possible.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa and Grandma came up beside
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought that might be the case,
so I’ve already made arrangements for us to fly to Toronto next month, and I’ve
made arrangements for your wedding at the same wedding center where the twins
were married,” Grandpa said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandma laughed at the surprise on both
of their faces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You two have been so
absorbed with each other that you haven’t noticed that the rest of us even
exist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, being that I know love when
I see it, I encouraged Grandpa to make the wedding arrangements, especially
when Peyton asked Grandpa to help him buy a ring.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton looked at Grandpa, and said, “How
can I ever repay you?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You can’t, so don’t even bother to
try,” Grandpa said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Am I to assume
that you two are okay with the wedding plans we’ve made?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If not, we can change them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just wanted to make sure we had
reservations for all us to accompany you to Toronto.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tears were streaming down Peyton’s
cheeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was so overcome with emotion
that he was unable to speak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He cleared
his throat several times before he was able to say, “Thank you for everything,
Grandpa.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandma said, “Let’s go home, boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve got a nice lunch waiting for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent all day yesterday getting it
ready.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We piled back into our vehicles and
drove back to the farm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the farm, we
were joined by Sheriff Smith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was
accompanied by Jonathan’s mom and younger sister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jonathan walked over to his mother and gave
her a hug.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Mom, I’m engaged to be married,” he
said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I heard about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Congratulations, son,” she said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You’re not upset?” he asked,
tentatively.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, should I be?” she asked, looking up
into his face.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, but I didn’t think you would
approve,” he said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“What is important to me is that you’re
happy,” she said, sidestepping the issue of her approval.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had argued with her husband about it,
and had decided that harmony in the family was more important to her, than
trying to enforce her belief system on her family.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan’s sister, Mary Anne, came up
and asked, “Do I get to be a maid of honor?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan grinned at her, and said, “Only
if you want to be.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I do,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve always wanted to be in a wedding, and
now I can be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad said we’re going to
Toronto, where you’re going to get married.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That’s right,” Jonathan said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith joined them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s go inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Scarboroughs have invited us all to join
them for lunch.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton stood by the door, waiting for
Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was obvious that he was a
very happy man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was practically
levitating off the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took
Jonathan’s hand and asked, “Are you going to introduce me?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan blushed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mom and Mary Anne, this is my fiancé, Peyton Campbell.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton bowed, but didn’t attempt to
shake their hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s nice to meet
you both.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton had sensed that Mrs.
Smith didn’t approve; but refused to let her put a damper on his
happiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Please, come inside.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He held the door open to allow them to
pass inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jonathan gave Peyton a
quick kiss and took his hand as they followed the Smiths inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa directed everyone into the dining
room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The table was set with crystal,
china and the silverware.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
apparent that this wasn’t going to be a casual affair!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">After everyone was seated, Grandpa said,
“I’ll say grace.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone took the
hand of their neighbor on either side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“God, our Father, thank you for our many blessings, and especially for Peyton
and Jonathan’s engagement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are
grateful for the food we have before us and ask a special blessing be on it to
nourish our bodies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also ask that
you bless us as a family to love and accept one another for who we are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please strengthen our resolve to love one
another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We chorused, “Amen.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa said, “Let’s eat.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa turned to Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Peyton, I think that you should delay going
to school a few months longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll
be married right after the first of the year; then school will start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think you two need some time to get to
know each other, before beginning college.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Of course, if you still want to begin college right away, I’ll support
your decision.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton looked at Jonathan, before
answering Grandpa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think we’ll need
to talk it over between us, Grandpa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jonathan and I haven’t decided what we want to do, as a couple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of my plans were made around me, as a
single guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that Jonathan and I
will be a family, we need to review our plans and decide what is best for us.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan smiled, and squeezed Peyton’s
hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, we’d like to think about it
for a bit, Grandpa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve thought about
becoming a lawyer, after talking to Greg and Cory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton wants to be a lawyer, but may find it
rather difficult, since he’s got a record.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It’s not impossible,” Sheriff Smith
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But, you’re right, son, it will
be difficult for him.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “I know it’s a long shot,
but I want to try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I figure that if I
can’t become a lawyer, I’ll become a social worker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I will never work for the
state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw, first hand, how the state
treats people entrusted to their care.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith said, “Please don’t judge
all state workers by those who abused you.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton’s eyes flashed with anger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How can I not judge them all to be as vile
as the ones who beat me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I not only
experienced the abuse and outright evil of the prison guards, the counselors
and the warden; I witnessed the same treatment meted out to many of my fellow
prisoners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inside those walls, there
are no witnesses to the cruelty inflicted upon the prisoners, day in and day
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those who have charge of the
well-being of the imprisoned, are the very ones making sure there are no
witnesses, and that documentation of the abuses is destroyed before it can be
used against them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They used the excuse
that I needed to be protected, to put me into solitary confinement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I was in there, I was severely beaten
on a daily basis by the guards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
thought I would die, before I would get out of solitary confinement. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only reason I was put back into the
prison population was because Grandpa’s lawyers filed an appeal with the warden.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith couldn’t hold Peyton’s
gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew the man sitting across
from him had suffered far worse things than he could ever imagine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The righteous indignation in Peyton’s voice,
and the fire in his eyes, communicated the depth of the anger, pain and
suffering that still lay just beneath the surface.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sheriff Smith raised his eyes to meet
Peyton’s.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m deeply sorry for what happened to
you, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish there was something
I could do to make things right for you,” he said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“There is something you can do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can make sure that those you put in your
jail are treated with dignity and respect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They may be criminals, but they’re still human beings; just like you and
I,” Peyton said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was treated worse
than you would treat your dog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since
I’ve been here, I’ve researched the state and county web sites regarding the treatment
of prisoners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every one of them talks
about reentry; and how it’s up to the prisoner to make the most of the time he
has in jail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s even a handbook,
detailing appropriate behaviors for prisoners; but nowhere does it provide
exact specifications about how prisoners are to be treated by the state and
county prisons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There isn’t an
independent outside board, or process, to prevent abusive behavior on the part
of prison employees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prisoners are
completely at the mercy of their captors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not only that, each prison warden can change the policies and procedures
for the treatment of prisoners at his facility, whenever he wants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even worse, prison staff can’t be sued or
held accountable for following those policies and procedures.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“But, there are laws against assault and
battery that apply inside the prison, just like they apply on the outside,”
Sheriff Smith said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton’s voice was hard, and full of
rage, “As if I could get anyone to listen to me, or even investigate the
violence that was visited upon my body every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guards claimed I provoked them, and that
I was the one with the problem, not them, or my fellow inmates.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan put his hand on Peyton’s arm,
“Babe, calm down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad can’t fix the
whole system.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, but he has control of the local
jail,” Peyton said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith said, “He’s right,
Jonathan, I do have control of the local jail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Your points are valid ones, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m sorry that our prison system failed to protect you.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton met Sheriff Smith’s gaze, and
said, “Maybe you can work with me to help change the system.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith smiled, and said, “That, I
think I could do, along with some assistance from Mr. Scarborough.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">During the entire exchange, Mrs. Smith
had been watching Peyton and Jonathan very closely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said, “Dear, I think Peyton’s experience
could be a powerful force for good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
should consider speaking at some of the local schools about your experience; to
help them understand that their actions have consequences and they don’t want
to be in jail.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton looked at his future mother-in-law,
and smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe we could do a couple
of presentations like that, if we included prison reform information for the
adults.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith said, “I’ll give it some
thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s talk more about it
later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d like to know more about your
wedding plans.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The conversation turned to that happy
event, and the many plans that Grandpa and Grandma had already put in
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The meal was delicious, as
always.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so full, I could hardly
move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick teasingly asked, “Do I need to get
a wheel barrow to cart you out of here?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I laughed, “No, but almost.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick stood up and helped me to
stand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took my hand and led me into
the family room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa was already
seated in his favorite armchair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Grandma came into the room with the Smiths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched as she turned on the charm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandma certainly knew how to reach Mrs.
Smith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two of them were talking
animatedly about quilting, something Grandma loved to do.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith walked over and sat down
next to Grandpa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mr. Scarborough…”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa cut him off, “Dan, you can stop
calling me Mr. Scarborough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please call
me Chris, or Dad, since we’re nearly in-laws.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess I can call you Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve always been like a father to me, since
me and my sisters lived here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve
never forgotten your kindness and generosity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My parents have never ceased to talk about how you helped them get back
on their feet.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa said, “Your father is a great
man, Dan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has raised you well, and you’re
credit to him, as is your son, Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m honored to have Jonathan become part of our family.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Are you going to adopt Peyton as your
son?” he asked.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I would like to do that, but Peyton
wants to wait until he can get his pardon from the state,” Grandpa
replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He is just as stubborn as his
cousin.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I’ve seen how stubborn Rick can be,
but he always treats Glenn like royalty.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, he does,” Grandpa agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They make a fine couple, just like Peyton
and Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that Jonathan has
already earned a bachelor’s degree, but I’d like him to pursue a graduate
degree while Peyton does his undergraduate work at the University of Minnesota
in Minneapolis.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith’s expression was somber,
as he said, “I hadn’t thought they would live so far away; but, I can see the
wisdom in it, especially for Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve just gotten used to having Jonathan home, again, after his time in
college.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It makes me sad to have them
move so far away.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa nodded his head in
understanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s always hard to let
them go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It nearly killed me when Eva
moved to Canada after she married Glenn’s father.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith said, “I remember that.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He paused, before asking, “Chris, do you
really think Peyton will be able to become a lawyer?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know how difficult it is to get into law
school; and, add to that the difficulty he’ll have convincing a state bar
association to let him become a lawyer.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He shook his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t want
to discourage Peyton, but I think pursuing a career in law is a waste of his
time.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I agree that it will be difficult;
however, if he wants to be able to help other former prisoners, he needs to
know the laws and what can be done to prevent discrimination in employment,
housing, education, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t see a
better way for Peyton to gain the knowledge he needs to be an advocate for
ex-convicts.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith said, “Peyton definitely
has the fire in his belly to be a great advocate for former prisoners, but he
has so much anger in him.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa said, “I’ve seen that anger,
Dan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He keeps it under tight control,
and we rarely see it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only times
I’ve seen it is when we’ve just come from his therapist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve spoken to him about it, and I’m afraid
he won’t be able to let it go until those who hurt him have been put behind
bars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wants justice to be served on
them for what they did to him.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“If he doesn’t let go of the anger, it
will poison him, Chris,” Sheriff Smith said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That’s true, but we’ll have to be very
careful how we help him to get past the anger he feels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is still very fragile right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looks healthy and strong, but under that
calm exterior is a severely damaged young man,” Grandpa said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That worries me,” Sheriff Smith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sure Jonathan is aware of Peyton’s
mental and emotional state.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That he is, Dan,” Grandpa said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think we need to let Jonathan’s love work
miracles with his fiancé.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that
you want to step in and keep them from experiencing any heartache, or hardship;
but those are the very things that will strengthen their relationship and make
them better husbands.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith sighed in resignation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, but it’s hard not to try and prevent
them from stumbling over things.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg, who had been listening to their
conversation, said, “Sheriff Smith, since they will be living with us in
Minneapolis, Cory and I will keep a close eye on Jonathan and Peyton.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa said, “Dan, I can reassure you
that the boys look out for each other, and that they check in with me on a
regular basis.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith said, “Okay, I get the
picture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess I’m worrying about
them, unnecessarily.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The two men in question walked in to the
room, holding hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They walked over
and sat down next to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton asked,
“May Jonathan come and live with us at your place?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick grinned broadly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He is more than welcome to come live with
us, since he’s practically part of the family.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jonathan blushed and ducked his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Don’t be embarrassed, Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’ll make sure Peyton doesn’t deflower you before you’re married.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan turned a darker shade of
red.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Rick, you’re not making things
easier for the poor guy,” I said, with a mild rebuke in my voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jonathan gave me a thankful look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We have a spare bedroom where you can stay,
until we fly to Toronto for your wedding.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned to Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“See, they understand that I want our first
time together to be on our wedding day.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton got a look of disappointment on
his face, which he quickly replaced with a smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, you win, Babe.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked at us, and said, “I was trying to
convince Jonathan that he could sleep with us; but he thinks I wouldn’t be able
to control myself, now that we’re engaged to be married.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick gave his cousin a punch in the
shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It sounds like he already
knows you pretty well.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton acknowledged the truth of Rick’s
statement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re probably right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jonathan knows that I’m an impatient man.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Exactly,” Jonathan said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You need to wait to have sex with me until
after we’re married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want that ring
on your finger and I want that marriage license, stating that you’re all mine,
and no one else’s.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I laughed, and asked, “Does this mean
you won’t let him sleep with us after you’re married?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan replied, “Only if I’m in bed
with you.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick gave Jonathan a lecherous
grin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I believe that can be arranged.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Jonathan, you just said we could sleep with
them, as a married couple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought
you didn’t want to share me with anyone.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan blushed, again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well….”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We understand where you’re coming from,
Jonathan,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Rick and I have the
same rule as a couple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neither one of
us will do anything with anyone else, unless the other one is present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, everyone involved has to agree that
there are certain limits that must be observed.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I tried to explain that to Jonathan,
but he wasn’t convinced,” Peyton said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I glanced across the room, and met
Sheriff Smith’s gaze. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shook his head
slightly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Guys, I think that this
conversation should be saved for our bedroom, where we can discuss things in
private.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan looked at me with relief in his
eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had begun to squirm
uncomfortably, trying not to bolt from the room in embarrassment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mouthed, “It’s okay.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He nodded his head, and asked, “Are we
going back to Atlanta tomorrow?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked at Rick, who shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s up to you guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re fine with going back in the morning.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan said, “Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just needed to know when we’re leaving, so
I can plan to get my stuff packed and ready to go.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “We need to make sure you
take plenty of warm clothes, because Minneapolis isn’t exactly warm.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, with feeling, “That’s for
sure!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I practically froze to death when
I lived there.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “You’re just a whimp,
Glenn!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m amazed at you, boy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re the one from Canada, not me!”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That’s true, but I’ve been corrupted by
the mild weather around here,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I guess I’m starting to become more of a Southern boy.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandma said, “That’s because you are a
Southern boy, dear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may not have
been born here, but you’ve got deep Southern roots.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mrs. Smith smiled, “You’re Grandma is
right about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Scarborough,
Christian, and Fortson families have been here since colonial times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your Grandma and I are distant cousins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember the family reunions your Grandma
helped put together.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandma said, “Yes, we’ve had some
wonderful family reunions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Speaking of
family reunions, it our family’s turn to host the Scarborough family reunion
next summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does anyone have any ideas
about what we should do?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “I think we should have lots of
activities like horseback riding, swimming, and lots of good food.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I think we should have a
pie-eating contest, especially if it’s pecan pie!”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandma said, “That a good idea, Rick;
however, I won’t waste good pecan pie on a pie-eating contest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we’ll stick to some kind of cream
pie.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“But, I love your pecan pie,” Rick said,
in protest.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll make sure you get a whole pecan pie to
yourself, dear.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg asked, “Does that mean we all get
our own pecan pie?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can’t give him
one and not give the rest of us one.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Bob said, “That’s true, Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all love your pecan pie.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandma looked around at her family, and
smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess we can make a pecan
pie for each of you; however, I think all of you should help make them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a lot of work to make that many pies.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory said, “Grandma, I’ll help, and I
know Greg will help, too.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He leaned
over and kissed Greg lightly on the lips.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “I’ll do whatever you want,
sweetheart.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He squeezed Cory’s hand.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick asked, “Greg, have you heard from
Joey and Tyler?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, they called me yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They plan to be in New York for the next two
months,” Greg said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Their babies are
due in mid-January, so they are already getting things ready for their new
arrivals.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“So, they know it’s going to be twins?”
Grandma asked.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, two boys,” Greg said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That’s wonderful,” Grandma said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sure Tyler is very happy.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg confirmed, “Yes, he’s very
excited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey wanted to have two boys,
since they already have two girls.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mrs. Smith asked, “Who are Tyler and
Joey?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “Joey is my
brother-in-law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When my sister died, he
married Tyler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have two nieces,
Rachel and Sarah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They live in Madrid,
Spain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since Spanish law forbids
surrogacy, they had to come back to the United States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have gone through an adoption agency in
New York City to find a surrogate mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tyler is their natural father, and the surrogate mother has agreed to
terminate her rights to the children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If things go well, Joey will adopt them as his own children.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I didn’t know that gay parents could
adopt children,” Mrs. Smith said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “In Georgia, they can’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only single adults over the age of 25 may
adopt a child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>New York allows gay
couples to adopt, so that is why Joey and Tyler went there.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mrs. Smith looked over at Jonathan and
Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That means I can still have grandchildren.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton smiled at her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, it does, and they’ll be Smiths, since
we’ve decided I’ll be changing my last name to Smith, after we’re married.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa said, “I thought you were going
to wait until you get a pardon from the state.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I was, but Jonathan wants everyone to
know we’re married,” Peyton said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I want us to start with a clean slate,
and that means Peyton has to become a Smith,” Jonathan said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think it will be best for us, as a
couple.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa smiled, and looked over at
Sheriff Smith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think that your son
knows how to handle Peyton, already.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith nodded his head in
agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It appears that is so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has a good example in his mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She learned very quickly how to handle her
husband.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mrs. Smith laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve taught Jonathan all I know.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan smiled, “You’ve done a good
job, Mom.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton grimaced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’ve done too good of a job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s making me wait to have sex with him
until after we’re married.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mrs. Smith beamed at her son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve always taught my children that
chastity before marriage is a virtue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m glad to hear that Jonathan is making you wait.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“He’s insisted that we have a formal
courtship,” Peyton said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ve been
dating for months, now.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Corey said, “We can vouch for that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’ve been inseparable.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jasper said, “I’ve enjoyed watching
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re a really cute couple.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mrs. Smith said, “I agree that they make
a nice looking couple.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Both Peyton and Jonathan were
blushing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton said, “I hope we do,
because we’re going to be together for a long time.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa’s cell phone rang.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
pulled it out of his pocket and answered it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My grandparents are really with it when it comes to new technology.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa loves new electronic gadgets and has
to have the latest gizmos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He finished
talking on the phone and ended the call.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Peyton, please come with me,” he said,
standing up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked around the
room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The rest of you may as well
come, too.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We followed Grandpa out of the family
room, down the hallway and outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
whistled in appreciation when I saw the two Ferraris parked in the
driveway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One was red; the other,
black.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Curtis walked up to Grandpa and
handed him the keys to the two cars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Grandpa turned to Peyton and Jonathan and said, “Peyton and Jonathan,
these cars are an early wedding present to you both.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will have to decide which one belongs to
whom.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton was speechless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked from the cars to Grandpa and
back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He finally managed to blurt out,
“I don’t know what to say.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Thank you would be appropriate,”
Grandpa said, smiling.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tears were cascading down Peyton’s face,
as he walked over and hugged Grandpa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Thank you for everything.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa said, “There is nothing but the
best for my family.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan joined them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hugged Grandpa, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you so much,” he said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton kissed Jonathan, and asked,
“Which one do you want?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I know you like the red one, so I’ll
take the black one,” Jonathan replied.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“They are registered in both your
names,” Grandpa said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, it doesn’t
matter which one you drive.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Can we take them out for a drive?”
Peyton asked.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Sure,” Grandpa said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They belong to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just remember to obey the traffic laws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t want your future father-in-law to
give you a ticket for speeding.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith laughed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The same goes for you, son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep the speed down.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joy and excitement were plainly visible
on their faces as they approached their new cars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest of the family gathered around them,
as they explored the new vehicles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “These are the latest
models.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You guys will love them.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory said, “We love ours, and I’m happy
Grandpa gave you Ferraris, as well.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick asked Peyton, “Are you going to
give me a ride in your new car?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton grinned from ear to ear,
“Absolutely!”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I watched as the two got into Peyton’s
car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could see that Rick was as
excited about the new car as Peyton was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They pulled out of the driveway.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Once they were out on the road, Peyton
said, “Rick, this has been the best day of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for being there for me, when I
needed you most.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it wasn’t for you
and Glenn, I wouldn’t be here now.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “You’re family, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll always be here for you.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He said, “I’m glad we’ve become part of
the Scarborough family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I only wish
that our own families were like them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
miss Mom and Dad, sometimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t you
miss your parents?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick replied, “I miss them, but I know
I’m not wanted by them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They disowned
me, remember?” </span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Just like mine have disowned me,”
Peyton said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s why it’s
imperative that we support each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I wish I hadn’t wasted so much time being envious of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re my best friend, Rick.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What about Jonathan?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isn’t he your best friend?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “Yes, but that’s
different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jonathan will be my husband and
best friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re my cousin, and I
love you.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I love you, too, cuz,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, when do I get to drive?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton grinned, “You can drive us back
home.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Okay.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sat in silence for a moment as he
reflected on what Peyton had just said – home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Scarborough’s farm was, indeed, home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More than any other place on earth, they
both knew they were loved and accepted in the Scarborough home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said, “You’re right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glenn’s grandparents have made their home,
our home.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton gave Rick a quick glance, before
returning his attention to the road in front of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, they have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re both very fortunate.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Meanwhile, Jonathan turned to his father
and asked, “Do you want to take a spin with me?”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith said, “Only if I get a
chance to drive it.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan said, “Okay, you can drive it
on the way back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s drive down to
your office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to show off my new
car.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Father and son climbed into the new
Ferrari.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Jonathan drove to the
sheriff’s office, he said, “Thanks, Dad, for being so supportive of me and
Peyton.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith said, “You’re welcome,
son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want you to be happy, and I can
see that Peyton makes you happy.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, he does, and I make him happy,”
Jonathan said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith said, “Your mother and I
are very happy for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your mother
wasn’t too happy, at first, but I think she’s okay now.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan said, “She seemed to be happy
today.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“She is happy for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I think it will take her a while to
adjust her thinking to the reality that you are marrying Peyton,” Sheriff Smith
said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“But, at least, she hasn’t shut me out,
or disowned me,” Jonathan said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He said, “No, she hasn’t done that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve talked and we’ve decided we want to be
part of your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If that means
accepting Peyton as your husband, then that is what we’ll do.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan said, “Thanks, Dad.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That’s what we do for family,” Sheriff
Smith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Later that evening, Peyton and Jonathan
were cuddling on Peyton’s bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton
said, “Grandpa’s gifts to us are totally awesome.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan laughed at Peyton’s boyish
enthusiasm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re like a kid at
Christmas!”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton grinned and poked Jonathan
playfully in the ribs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t try to
pretend that you’re not just as excited as I am about the two Ferraris we were
given today.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan said, “I didn’t say I wasn’t
excited about them, because I am; but you’re just a tiny bit exuberant.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “I guess I’m a lot more
excited than you are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never been
given anything like a Ferrari before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Grandpa keeps telling me that I’m a part of the Scarborough family and
that he will take care of me; but it still amazes me every time he does
something like this.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Didn’t he give Greg and Cory new sports
cars when they got married?” Jonathan asked.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, but he adopted Greg as his son,”
Peyton said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Didn’t he ask to adopt you, as well,”
Jonathan reminded him.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, he did; but I told him I didn’t
want to sully his family name,” Peyton said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“And, what was his response to that?”
Jonathan asked.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“He said that the only way that would happen
is if I did something really stupid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
didn’t think I would ever do that, given my experience in prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew that I would do anything to stay out
of jail,” Peyton said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“So, why don’t you let him adopt
you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can hurt, and I think you’ll
feel much better about yourself,” Jonathan said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I already feel better, because you’ve
agreed to marry me,” Peyton said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll
be taking your name as my own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
will give me the fresh start I need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
feel like I’ve taken advantage of the Scarboroughs enough without letting them
adopt me as their son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t have
anything to offer them in return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m an
ex-con with no real future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t
have any particularly valuable skills, or any talents to recommend me to them.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Babe, have you not heard anything they
have been telling you since you arrived here six months ago?” Jonathan asked,
very concerned to hear Peyton put himself down.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “I just can’t believe
Grandpa really believes that I can become a lawyer, accountant, or any other
kind of professional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve already
showed you how much he has been paying me to work on the farm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s an outrageous amount of money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never had that much money in my bank
account, and today he gives me a brand new Ferrari.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a car I’ve only dreamed of owning.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Grandpa let you drive his sports cars
didn’t he?” Jonathan said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, but that didn’t mean he would buy
a new one for my very own,” he said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“He obviously knew you like his Ferrari
and bought you one,” Jonathan said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“But you don’t buy a car like that for
just anyone,” Peyton said.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jonathan sighed, and said, “You’re
right, Peyton, you don’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You need to
get it through your thick skull that you belong to the Scarborough clan,
whether you want to, or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’ve
adopted you as one of their own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Face
it, Peyton, even if you don’t ever carry their last name, you’re a member of
the Scarborough family.” </span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peyton’s eyes were full of unshed
tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hearing Jonathan tell him what
he already knew, brought it home so forcefully that he finally began to believe
it wasn’t all a dream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jonathan stroked
Peyton’s cheek, then kissed him tenderly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I love you, Peyton Campbell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Don’t you ever forget it!”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I love you, too,” Peyton said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m the luckiest man alive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve got the perfect fiancé and the best
family in the entire world.”</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Author’s Note:</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Music for this chapter:</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Enya – Only Time </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wfYIMyS_dI"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wfYIMyS_dI</span></span></a></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Here are the lyrics: </span><a href="http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/enya/onlytime.html"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/enya/onlytime.html</span></span></a></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Other information of note:</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Pre-law at UMass - </span><a href="http://prelaw.umass.edu/topics/criminal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://prelaw.umass.edu/topics/criminal</span></span></a></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Georgia Justice Project - </span><a href="http://www.gjp.org/programs/criminal-records/"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://www.gjp.org/programs/criminal-records/</span></span></a></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Southern Center For Human Rights
Prisoner Advocacy Handbook - </span><a href="https://www.schr.org/files/post/AdvocacyHandbook1109.pdf"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">https://www.schr.org/files/post/AdvocacyHandbook1109.pdf</span></span></a></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Prisoner Rights - </span><a href="http://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/prisoners_rights"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/prisoners_rights</span></span></a></div>
</span></span><div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">American Bar Association
Treatment of Prisoners Standards - </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #0563c1;"><a href="http://www.americanbar.org/publications/criminal_justice_section_archive/crimjust_standards_treatmentprisoners.html">http://www.americanbar.org/publications/criminal_justice_section_archive/crimjust_standards_treatmentprisoners.html</a></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</span></div>
</div>
SaskBoyStories by Russ Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12705114426346134527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7739282925426125332.post-77969708235882313162014-01-14T19:24:00.001-05:002014-01-15T22:30:15.654-05:00The Man From Swift Current Chapter One Hundred Thirty One - Peyton's Recovery<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Chapter One
Hundred Thirty One – Peyton’s Recovery</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton lay,
staring up at the ceiling, as he contemplated his changed circumstances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Six weeks had passed since Peyton had come
to live with the Scarborough family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
went over in his mind the seemingly miraculous things that led to this
fortunate state of affairs.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">First, Mr.
Scarborough (a.k.a. Grandpa) had hired a team of attorneys to represent
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had worked hard to improve
his circumstances in jail; and had, finally, been successful in convincing the
parole board to let him out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that
time he had six months left until he would be completely free, with his debt to
society paid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mr.
Scarborough had arranged to have him live with his family to help him get back
on his feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Scarborough had also
insisted that he become part of his family, and that he expected Peyton to call
him Grandpa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton was still amazed
that Grandpa had kept his promise to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He did not understand what Grandpa saw in him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had told Peyton that he would help him
re-establish himself, if he paid his debt to society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa had done more than that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had literally saved his life!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton knew beyond any shadow of a doubt
that if he had stayed in jail any longer that the guards would have killed him!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Since
arriving at the Scarborough family home, he had become accustomed to sleeping
with two other men every night, and had become very close to each of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That closeness had pulled him through some
very difficult moments, as he tried to recover his mental and emotional
equilibrium.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It amazed him that he
could feel such a close emotional attachment to another man, especially after
the abusive treatment he had suffered at the hands of the other men in prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had wanted nothing to do with men, or
women, after he was nearly beaten to death by the prison guards where he had
been incarcerated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That had been the
reason for his silence.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He had come
to the conclusion that the only way to protect himself was to completely withdraw
from all human contact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t trust
anyone, and because of his lack of trust in his fellow men, he wanted nothing
to do with them.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">His near
death experience had shaken him, causing him to look back over his life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had realized how poorly he had treated
people, and that he needed to change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While
he lay in the prison hospital bed, his sense of guilt over his past actions had
nearly overwhelmed him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, it
scared him so much that he mentally shut down, constructing a mental bunker
around his mind and emotions.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">From that
moment on, he had successfully maintained his silence and his detachment from
himself, until he arrived at the Scarborough home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hadn’t even spoken to them, at first,
until Glenn had told him about being raped by his cousin, John. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing tears streaming down Glenn’s face and
hearing of his struggles to trust people, hit him hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, Glenn’s experiences resonated so
much within him that he couldn’t stop himself from speaking about how he
felt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had broken his silence, to
articulate in words, what had caused him to stop speaking in the first place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hadn’t meant to utter them, but his first
words were, “I’m scared.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He had been
relieved to finally speak those words out loud, to acknowledge his weakness,
and not be punished for speaking, as had happened to him in prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had been conditioned not to speak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His role was to serve as a fuck toy for any
man who wanted him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They didn’t want to
hear his voice, or even acknowledge that he was anything other than their sex
slave, to be used at their discretion.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He had
raised his eyes until he met Glenn’s gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It had been a long time since he dared to look into another man’s
eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had been beaten many times for
being disrespectful of his betters by daring to meet their gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The look that passed between them communicated
volumes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew beyond any shadow of a
doubt that Glenn understood exactly what he was going through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">At that
moment, he felt a strong connection to Glenn, one that he knew would never be broken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew that Glenn knew him and they
understood each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That moment had
been followed by another miraculous event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His cousin, Rick, had put his arms around him, and said, “I love you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Hearing
those three words broke down the last barriers he had built to keep the world
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had poured out his heart and soul
to Rick and Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He left nothing out
of his narrative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He saw how shocked
they were at hearing of the abuses he had suffered in prison.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He had
missed Rick and Glenn when they went to their friends’ graduation in
Minneapolis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they returned from
their trip, they spent every weekend with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Over the last six weeks he had grown to love the Scarboroughs, but he
felt closest to his cousin and his boyfriend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He looked forward to seeing them and treasured the time they spent
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The four gay
couples had set up a rotation schedule, so that he wouldn’t be alone at
night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa had insisted that Peyton
never be left alone until he was sure Peyton was mentally and emotionally
stable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition to accomplishing
Grandpa’s goal, it helped him to get to know each of the gay couples in the
Scarborough family and broadened his circle of close friends.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick and
Glenn spent Friday and Saturday nights with him, since they lived in Atlanta
and could only visit him on weekends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He had asked the guys to let Rick and Glenn spend two nights with him
every weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They agreed and rotated
the other nights between the remaining three couples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick and
Glenn were sleeping with him tonight, his first without the casts on his
limbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled at the memory of the guys helping
him earlier in the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If there was
ever a paradise for a gay man, this was it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*** ***</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick and
Glenn walked on either side of Peyton as they left the doctor’s office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick said, “Are you going to be okay?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton said,
“I don’t know, just don’t go very far away.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">They guided
him outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa paid the doctor’s
fees and followed them outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He came
up behind the three young men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Peyton,
would you like to ride with me in the Porsche?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Would
I?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I would,” he responded eagerly.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick and
Glenn helped him into the Porsche and closed the door, while Grandpa climbed
into the driver’s seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick said,
“We’ll see you back home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t forget
to meet us in Greg and Cory’s room!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
grinned, “I won’t forget.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">They walked
over to their Land Rover and climbed in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mr. Curtis, Grandpa’s chief of security, was already waiting in the
van.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They pulled out of the parking lot
and caravanned back to the Scarborough peach farm.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">On the drive
back to the farm, Grandpa asked, “Peyton, what are your feelings about living
with us?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
glanced at Grandpa, unsure of how to reply to his question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do you mean?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Grandpa
clarified his question, “I want to know what you think about living with
us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you adjusting to being in our
home?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m getting
used to it, but I’m still confused as to the reason why you took me in,” he
replied, wondering where this conversation was headed.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Grandpa
said, “I took you in because you are Rick’s cousin.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Is that the
only reason?” Peyton asked, feeling disappointed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had thought Grandpa saw something in him
worth saving.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“No, I also
saw a young man with great potential,” he answered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Despite what you might think, Peyton, you
and Rick are more alike than you might wish to acknowledge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is a great man, and so are you.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hearing Grandpa’s
words was like a salve on an open wound.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They sank deep into his heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa
thought he had great potential.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve
come to realize that, over the last few weeks; however, I’ve never been as
successful as Rick.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“That’s only
because you’ve been holding yourself back,” Grandpa said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Have you given any thought about where you
want to study?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes, I want
to join Greg and Cory at the University of Minnesota.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve decided I want to become a lawyer,”
Peyton said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I want to protect others
from suffering like I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prisoners
need someone on the outside to be their advocate, like you were for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to give back to the community and
help those who are in the most need of help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Those who are most vulnerable are those in our prisons.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Grandpa
said, “You would make a great advocate for improving conditions in our prisons,
since you have experienced those abysmal conditions, yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have you thought about what you need to do
to get registered at the University of Minnesota?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes,”
Peyton replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Greg and Cory helped
me draft a checklist of items I need to get done.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Grandpa
said, “Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll look over your
checklist when we get back home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also
wanted to talk to you about changing your name.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“It wouldn’t
make any difference, because I have to register any name change with the
state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My record will follow me everywhere
I go,” Peyton said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I agree
with you; however, it will give you more control over how and when you discuss
your time in prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will always be
truthful on any applications or affidavits you complete; but I think it would
be wise not have it so readily available to anyone within a few clicks of a
mouse,” Grandpa said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Maybe after
five years, when I can ask the state for a pardon, I’ll change my name at that
point,” Peyton said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t want my
time in prison to define me as a person, any more than I want being a gay man
to define who I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m much more than
a prison inmate, and I’m much more than someone who is gay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glenn told me his Uncle Dave has this idea
that labels are dangerous things, and we should avoid them at all costs.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Grandpa
agreed, “That is very true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Putting a
label on someone can be very damaging, in that it limits your perception of who
they really are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you put labels on
yourself, you place limits on what you can become.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“That is why
I want to go into law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a lot
of discrimination against ex-convicts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ex-convicts need advocates to keep them from suffering from the kinds of
discrimination that puts them at risk of returning to prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not everyone who gets out of jail has
someone like you to help them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want
to do everything I can to repay you for what you’re doing for me by giving back
to the community.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“That’s
exactly what I had envisioned for you,” Grandpa said, glancing over at the
young man seated next him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“However, I
think that you should also consider working for our family corporations for a
while, before venturing out on your own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I want you to learn how to operate the farm, first; followed by learning
how to manage our rental properties and our security services.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the months that remain to you as a parolee,
I want you to work closely with the twins and their husbands to learn
everything there is to know about running a peach farm.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m okay
with that.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton grinned, and said,
“It’s not like I can go anywhere.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Grandpa laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That is very true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad you can see some humor in the
situation.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I have to,
or I’d go crazy,” Peyton said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Being
on parole still isn’t the same as being a free man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hate having to check in with my parole
officer.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, at
least Mr. Diven has been willing to come to the house to see you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe he will continue to visit you on the
farm,” Grandpa said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Mr. Diven
has been more than accommodating, but he still represents the state,” Peyton
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have no wish to remain in
Georgia after I’m free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve told Mr.
Diven, in no uncertain terms, that I won’t spend another moment in this state
than is absolutely necessary.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I
understand your sentiments; however, I think you should spend some time with
Rick and Glenn in Atlanta, before you go elsewhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it would be good for all three of
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, where are you in your
relationship with Rick and Glenn?” Grandpa asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
didn’t respond for some time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa
glanced over at him from time to time, and noticed the tears rolling down
Peyton’s cheeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He decided not to say anything until Peyton
was ready to talk.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
cleared his throat and wiped away his tears with the palms of his hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love them very much,” Peyton said, still
trying to gain control over his emotions.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Grandpa
said, “I have observed that you have become very close to them.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
nodded his head, and said, “I only wish I hadn’t wasted so much time being
jealous of Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve missed out on so
much, because of my own stupidity.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I think you
will have the opportunity to make up for some of that lost time,” Grandpa said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton said,
“I hope so.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Then, you
won’t object to staying with them for a few months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want you to ease back into normal society,
before you leave the state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you
absolutely certain you want to move to Minnesota?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes, I want
to join Greg and Cory in Minneapolis,” Peyton said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I think
that is a good idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s plan for you
to enroll at the university after the winter break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That should give you a couple of months in
Atlanta.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Grandpa
talked with him about some of the particulars of how the farm was run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton listened attentively and made a
mental note to talk with the twins about it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was so much to remember!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">They soon
arrived at the farm, and Grandpa pulled up to the gate and waited for it to
open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul opened the gate and waved
them in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He closed the gate and walked
over to where Grandpa had parked the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He opened Peyton’s door and gave him a hand out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled him into his arms and kissed him.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Paul said,
“I’ve wanted to do that since the day we met.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So have I.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick and I
pulled in behind Grandpa’s car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
climbed out of the Land Rover and walked over to join Paul and Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick took Peyton in his arms, holding him
tight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m glad you’re finally on your
feet.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I tapped
Peyton on the shoulder, and said, “Hey!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When do I get my hug?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
laughed, as Rick released him from his embrace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Come here, handsome.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton pulled me into his arms and kissed me
deeply.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Paul wolf
whistled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Boy, Rick, it looks like
you’ve got some competition!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick
grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m glad to see Peyton is
back to normal.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
released me, and said, “Thank you for that fantastic kiss.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“There’s
more where that came from,” I said, laughing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I ran my hands over his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“We need to get you cleaned up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Come inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg and Cory are
waiting for us.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took his hand in
mine and walked toward the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
looked back over my shoulder and asked, “Rick, are you going to join us?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">For an
answer, Rick jogged over to take Peyton’s other hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He leaned over and whispered in Peyton’s
ear, “I hope you’re ready for some fun.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
grinned from ear to ear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can’t
wait.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We led him
upstairs to Greg and Cory’s room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
had sent a text message, letting them know we were home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as we walked into their room, Greg
said, “Get naked boys!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s time for
some fun.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton looked at the two
naked men in front of him and quickly stripped out of his clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We followed his example.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Greg walked
over to Peyton and kissed him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Welcome
home, Peyton.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Cory took
Peyton’s hand and led him into the en suite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Peyton’s eyes went round with surprise when he saw the large
shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This place is great!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Greg said,
“Grandpa had it built for us when he adopted me as his son.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton said,
“Grandpa never ceases to amaze me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
never met a man who has so much love and charity for those around him.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick said,
“You’re right about that.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick turned
on the shower and adjusted the temperature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Greg turned on a second and a third shower plus the nozzles at waist
height.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick stepped
under the water and reached out to pull his cousin in with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I joined them with a bar of soap in my
hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent the next few moments
washing him down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The four of us formed
a circle around Peyton, caressing his skin, kissing him and holding him
close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton, in turn, let his hands
wander over our well-muscled bodies, tracing the outlines of our muscles under
our skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton said,
“I’ve only dreamed of being with so many gorgeous men, all of whom want me.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“That’s
right, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today is your day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re here to help you celebrate getting
your casts off,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kissed him
deeply, holding him tight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I whispered
in his ear, “I love you, Peyton Campbell.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I released
him and each of the guys followed my lead, kissing him and repeating the same
words to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg was the last one to kiss
Peyton, and when he said, “I love you, Peyton Campbell,” Peyton was so overcome
that he put his head on Greg’s chest and clung to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His body shook with the strength of the
emotions he felt.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We closed
our circle around him, enveloping him in a group hug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a few moments, he managed to regain
his composure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He lifted his head up
and smiled into Greg’s eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love
you guys so much.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We stood
like that for a few moments, letting the warm water cascade over us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton had never felt so much love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He felt the strength in the four men who
held him, and knew he would always have their love and support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick asked,
“Are you up for one of our little competitions?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton turned
his head to look at Rick with raised eyebrows and asked, “What might that be?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“We jerk off
in the shower and measure who shoots the farthest,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So
far, I’m undefeated.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, let’s see which of us
wins.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">All five of us
began stroking our man meat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t
long before we unloaded!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg, Rick and
Peyton all shot quite a distance, but tied for the longest shot.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick turned to
Greg and his cousin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess I can
live with a tie.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
smiled and took Rick into his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Thank you for including me in your competition.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We played
around in the shower for a while longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We turned off the water and dried each other off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, “You need to be shaved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lie down on the bed, and I’ll get the
shaving gear.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The four of
us shaved off all of his body hair, leaving his skin baby soft.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we massaged his muscles, Peyton became
extremely aroused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reached over and
began jerking him off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He arched his
back and moaned in pleasure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t
stop, Babe.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I didn’t
stop, and was soon rewarded for my efforts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We cleaned him up and climbed into bed with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton sighed contentedly, and said, “I’ve
got to be the luckiest guy the world.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I traced the
outline of his nipples and asked, “Why do you say that?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I went from
the worst of all possible situations to the best one I could have dreamed of,
in just over six weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have four
very handsome gay men in my bed, I’ve regained the use of my limbs, and I have
found a family who loves me.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Cory ran his
hands over Peyton’s flat stomach, and said, “We’re just as lucky as you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We found someone who enjoys sex as much as
we do.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a deep laugh, one
filled with happiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“When I got here
six weeks ago, I never wanted to be touched by anyone ever again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because you guys slept with me and kept me
company, I gradually overcame my fears of being intimate with another human
being.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*** ***</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton’s
mind returned to the present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glenn’s
head rested on his chest and Rick’s arms held them both close to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The feel of their skin against his and the
heat of their bodies comforted him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
had never felt so close to anyone in his life, as he did to these two men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He felt like he had been enveloped in a warm
cocoon of love and acceptance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
sighed contentedly and closed his eyes, letting his body completely relax.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He fell asleep with a smile on his lips.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*** ***</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The next
morning I woke up to find Rick playing with my hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lifted my head and smiled at my boyfriend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I whispered, “I think we should give Peyton
the best wakeup call he’s ever had.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick grinned
and nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I get to give him
a blowjob this time, since you gave him one last night.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I smiled and
began kissing Peyton all over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gently
bit his nipples causing them to become hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then I kissed the base of his neck and kissed my way up to his mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He opened his eyes and opened his lips to
allow admittance to my tongue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
moaned into my mouth as Rick worked his magic on his dick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton didn’t last long, given Rick’s
expertise in giving blowjobs!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
tensed, then went completely limp as he released his load into Rick’s eager
mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick tapped me on the shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned and kissed Rick deeply, sharing
Peyton’s load.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
watched us kissing, and said, “Save some for me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick released me and leaned down to kiss
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I could get used to waking up to
you two.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I grinned at
him, and said, “That’s the whole point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We want you to come and live with us in Atlanta.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton said,
“I promise I’ll come stay with you, if I can wake up to that every morning.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick said,
“I think that can be arranged.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
kissed Rick again, then kissed me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
love you two very much.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“The feeling
is mutual,” Rick said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes, it
is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I saw how you looked at
Jonathan yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think you’ve got
a crush on him,” I said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
blushed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Was I that obvious?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes, you
were,” I replied.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton said,
“I really like him.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick asked,
“What about Paul?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I like Paul
and I think he’s cute, but Jonathan is who I’m really interested in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s so good looking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus, he has a wicked sense of humor,”
Peyton said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t have any hope of
getting anywhere with him, because I think he’s straight.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick said,
“There’s only one way to find out, and that’s to ask him.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
looked doubtful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I won’t want to lose
his friendship.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“You won’t
lose his friendship, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think
he’s been around us enough that he won’t be offended if we ask him if he’s
gay,” I said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We heard a
tap on the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg asked through the
door, “Are you awake, guys?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I called
out, “Come in.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Greg and
Cory walked into the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg whistled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You guys look great!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Cory added,
“I’m still amazed that we were adopted into a family with such good looking gay
guys.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I just have
good taste in men,” I said, grinning.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And you taste good.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton raised
his hand and said, “I have to second that statement.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Greg and
Cory sat down on the edge of the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Are you guys up for swimming this morning?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton needs some serious sun to get rid of
those tan lines.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I do have some pretty good
tan lines, don’t I?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Cory said,
“Yes, you do.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I said, “We
bought new swimsuits just for this special occasion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put them in Peyton’s top drawer.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Greg stood
up and walked over to the dresser, opening the top drawer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled out a package and asked, “Is these
it?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I nodded my
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We ordered them on-line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s one in there for each of us, including
the twins and their husbands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got
them from a couple of different sources, but I’m sure you’ll like them.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Greg opened
the package and pulled out the swimsuits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He spread them out on the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Does it matter which ones we wear?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“You’ll have
to check the sizes,” I said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">In short
order, we had all chosen a swimsuit and had pulled them on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We looked at each other and grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think we’re ready to go swimming,” Greg
said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Let’s go,”
Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We can grab breakfast after
we swim for a while.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Greg said,
“I’ll tell Grandma not to cook breakfast for us.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He left the room and soon returned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She said she would wait until we’re done
swimming.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Cool!”
Peyton exclaimed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We made our way
outside to the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can finally go
swimming!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did a surface dive that
carried him to the opposite end of the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We did surface dives, as well, joining him.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick said,
“Let’s play tag.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Okay,”
Peyton said, reaching out to touch Rick on the arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Tag you’re it!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We both
raced away from him to avoid being tagged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick cornered Greg and tagged him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Greg immediately tagged Cory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
played in the pool for quite some time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We finally climbed out onto the pool deck and pulled some lounge chairs
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We collapsed onto them and
soaked up the intense rays of the mid-morning sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">After a
while, I said, “Peyton, we need to put some sun screen on you, or you’ll burn.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton said,
“Thanks for thinking of me.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I reached
over and grabbed the sun screen off of the patio table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked over to him and sat on the edge of
his lounge chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I squirted some sun
screen onto my hands and rubbed it into his skin, paying particular attention
to his arms and leg, where the casts had been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He grinned
up at me, and said, “Thank you, Babe.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">That was the
first time he had called me, “Babe.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
met his gaze and smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,
Sweetheart.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I wondered what you would do
if I called you, Babe, like your boyfriend does.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, now
you know,” I said, standing up and returning to my own lounge chair.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Grandma came
out of the house, and asked, “Are you boys hungry?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick said,
“Yes, we are.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She said,
“I’ll send breakfast out with Paul and Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They just came on duty and were asking where
you guys were.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She left us
and the two guys soon appeared, carrying trays of food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Paul saw us, he whistled and exclaimed,
“What a beautiful sight!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">They set the
trays on the table, as we crowded around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We grabbed the plates of food Grandma had placed on the trays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we ate, I said, “Guys, have a seat.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They pulled over a couple of chairs and sat
down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gave Jonathan the once over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had dark brown hair, with dark brown eyes
under thick dark brown eyebrows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had
a generous mouth with perfect teeth, a square jaw and an aquiline nose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he smiled, he had a deep dimple in each
cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His olive skin was perfectly
smooth and without blemish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
security uniform fit him nicely, showing off his muscular physique.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could tell from the size of his arms that
he worked out on the weights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a
little taller than me at 180 cm. (5’11”).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">When I met
his gaze, he grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now I know how
it feels to be undressed by someone when they look me over.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I smiled,
and said, “You’re a real looker, Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you ever decide you want to be with a guy, I think we can find you
someone.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jonathan
blushed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks, Glenn.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Paul said,
“I’ve already told him that if he decides he’s into guys, I get to be his first
date.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I looked
over at Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is that true?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes, Paul
has made it clear he thinks I’m good looking,” Jonathan said, blushing an even
deeper shade of red.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Jonathan,
how old are you?” Peyton asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m
22.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turn 23 next week,” Jonathan
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton said,
“We should have a joint birthday party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ll be 23 tomorrow.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I said, “We
should make it a big party, because Rick’s is two weeks from now.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick said,
“When we were little, we celebrated our birthdays together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom and Uncle George always called us their
twins.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton said,
“That’s true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always hated sharing
birthday parties with you, though.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I know,” Rick
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I also resented it, at the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used to argue with Mom that I wanted my
own birthday party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we moved
away.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“By the time
you moved back to North Carolina, my parents had gotten over the sharing
birthday party thing,” Peyton.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Thankfully,”
Rick said with heartfelt relief.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I said, “You
guys are going to be SO old!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick
laughed, and said, “You’re just a baby, Glenn.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I grinned,
and put my arm around his waist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
would rather be a baby than an old man.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick kissed
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Someone has to be the adult in
this relationship.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I guffawed,
“It certainly isn’t you!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jonathan
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You guys are so goofy!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Greg said,
“You haven’t seen goofy, yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They get
worse!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Cory seconded
that thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, they both get
pretty goofy.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Paul said,
“But they’re good looking.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Cory said,
“Yes, they’re hot studs, just like the rest of you guys.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
looked over at Jonathan, and asked, “Do you have a girlfriend?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jonathan met
his gaze and said, “No, I’m currently enjoying being an unattached male.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My parents want me to find a wife and settle
down.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
thought to himself, “Maybe there’s a chance for me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Out loud, he asked, “You shouldn’t have any
trouble finding a girlfriend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d sure like to date you if you decide to go
out with a guy.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Paul said,
“Hey, I get the first chance to date him!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jonathan was
blushing again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve never had guys
vying for my attention.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick laughed
and playfully punched Jonathan’s shoulder, “You had better get used to it
around here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can’t expect a bunch
of gay guys to ignore such a handsome stud as yourself.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jonathan
said, “I’m flattered that you guys think I’m a stud.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Paul said,
“Jonathan, you’re a gay guy’s wet dream.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jonathan
looked around at us and asked, “Do you guys really think I’m good looking?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We looked at
him in surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cory recovered first
and said, “That was a rhetorical question, right?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jonathan
replied, “I’m serious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you guys
really think I’m good looking?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">From the
expression on his face, we could tell he really wanted to know what we
thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, “Jonathan, let me put
it this way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You could be a male model,
or a movie star with your good looks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
think that both Peyton and Paul were in earnest when they said they wanted to
date you.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jonathan
said, “I’ve never thought of myself as being particularly good looking.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Why is
that?” I asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“During high
school, I was a scrawny kid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t
until I was in college that I started to fill out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent a lot of time in the gym, working
out on the weights; but I never had any close friends,” he said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“What did
you major in?” Greg asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I graduated
with a degree in business management and a minor in economics,” he said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“So, why are
you working here as a security guard?” I asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“My Dad
wants me to join him in the sheriff’s office; however, I really don’t want to
be in law enforcement,” Jonathan said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“But, that
doesn’t answer my question,” I said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“When I told
Dad I didn’t want to work with him in the sheriff’s office, he insisted that I
get a job and Mr. Scarborough needed someone to work here as a security
guard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I took the job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had the job skills, because my Dad made
sure I knew how to handle a gun; plus, I’ve been around law enforcement all of
my life, with Dad being the sheriff.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton said, “I, for one, am very glad you
decided to work for the Scarboroughs.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Paul added,
“Me, too.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Why don’t
you two join us for a swim?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve got
extra swimsuits,” I said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Paul said,
“We’re supposed to be working.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Greg said,
“I’ll call Mr. Curtis and ask him if you guys can join us for an hour or so.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jonathan
said, “Please don’t do that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t
want Mr. Curtis to think ill of us.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I think
he’ll be okay with it, because you’ll be with us,” Greg responded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He picked up his cell phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hello, Mr. Curtis.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Hello,
Greg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s on your mind?” he asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Greg said,
“I know that Paul and Jonathan are supposed to be on duty right now, but I
wanted to ask if they could join us for an hour in the pool?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m fine
with that, but they need to talk to the guys they’re replacing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Derrick and Mark will have to stay on duty
while they swim with you guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are
welcome to switch hours, as long as we have coverage,” Mr. Curtis said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Greg said,
“Let me put you on speaker so they both can hear what you want them to do.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He said,
“Guys, I understand that you want to swim with the boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is that right?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Paul
replied, “Yes, that’s right.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, you
need to walk around to the guard shack and ask Mark is he’ll cover for you
until you can replace him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jonathan,
you’ll need to talk with Derrick about covering for you,” Mr. Curtis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Paul and Jonathan, I’m willing to allow
last minute changes like this only once; next time, you guys need to work out
your recreational activities, beforehand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t like last minute schedule changes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I make myself clear?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Paul and
Jonathan chorused, “Yes, sir!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, enjoy your time with the boys, and I’ll
talk to you both in an hour,” he said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Greg ended
the call and said, “I believe that Glenn has a package of new swimsuits.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I stood up,
and said, “Follow me, boys!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I led them
inside the house and down the hallway to Peyton’s room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I opened the door and pointed to the bed,
where the new swimsuits were still laid out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“You can choose any one of those.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Paul
grinned, and asked, “Do I get to keep it?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I laughed
and said, “Certainly.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Paul walked
over and picked up a bright yellow bikini.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He quickly stripped off his uniform and pulled it on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How do I look?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I looked him
over and said, “You look good enough to eat.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He grinned
broadly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m ready to go.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“There are
clean towels in the bathroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grab a
couple of them,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned to
Jonathan, who was fingering a powder blue mesh bikini.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked over and put my arm around his
waist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Jonathan, I would love to see
you in that one; but, if you’re not comfortable showing yourself off, you might
want to choose something with a solid fabric.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He turned
his head and looked me in the eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I’m not sure what I want, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You guys are so cool to be around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think I’ll try it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I think
it’s a good choice,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“May I
kiss you?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jonathan looked at me in
surprise, but nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put my
hands around his neck and kissed him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At
first, he stiffened in my arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I
deepened the kiss, he relaxed and put his arms around my waist, pulling me
closer to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt his steel pole
poking me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we came up for air, I
looked into his eyes, and said, “Thank you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That was fantastic!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jonathan
blushed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re so cute when you
blush.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He laughed,
self-consciously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I just hope I don’t
make Rick jealous.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“He knows
I’m a big flirt,” I said, laughing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Besides, you’re so good looking, he won’t begrudge me a good kiss.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I released
him, and said, “You’d better get changed.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jonathan
stripped out of his uniform.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His cock popped free of his briefs, as he
pulled them off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reached over and
picked up the swimsuit he had chosen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He pulled it on and tried to push his cock inside it, but it wouldn’t
stay put.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked up at me and
shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I can take
care of that for you, if you want,” I said, grinning broadly.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He said,
“I’ve never had anyone give me a blowjob before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you sure Rick won’t get angry?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I grinned
and got on my knees in front of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I’m sure Rick won’t mind.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He had lots
of curly dark pubic hair surrounding his gorgeous cock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reached up to pull on his balls, which
were huge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I swallowed the whole thing,
burying it deep in my throat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard
Jonathan’s sudden intake of breath, as I began bobbing up and down on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Paul walked
back into the room, and exclaimed, “Damn!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I ignored
him and concentrated on giving Jonathan the best blowjob he had ever
experienced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t long before he
gave me what I wanted!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Afterward,
Jonathan pulled me up and kissed me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“That was mind blowing, Glenn.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I grinned,
taking his cock in my hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now it will
fit in your swimsuit.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tucked his now
deflated cock inside his swimsuit.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He grinned
back at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks, Glenn.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Paul walked
over to us and said, “That was quite a show.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m glad
you enjoyed it, Paul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll have to take
care of you, next time,” I said, laughing at the expression on his face.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“You’re sure
that Rick won’t object?” Paul asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, I’m
not real sure, but he’s let me give blowjobs to Greg and Cory,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I figure he won’t object to me giving you blowjobs.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked Jonathan over and said, “You look
great in that swimsuit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest of the
guys are going to be SO jealous that I got to suck on your cock first.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jonathan
laughed, nervously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you really
think I’m that good looking?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Paul said,
“Jonathan, how many times do we need to tell you that you are drop dead
gorgeous.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I took
Jonathan’s hand in mine, as we left Peyton’s bedroom and retraced our
steps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We appeared on the pool deck to
the appreciative whistles of the guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton motioned
them over, and said, “You guys look great.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Paul said,
“Thank you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He posed for everyone, as
did Jonathan.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">However, Peyton
only had eyes for Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jonathan
noticed and asked, “Now that you get to see the whole package, do you still
approve?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
licked his lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I could take you
to bed and fuck your brains out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s
how good you look.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jonathan
smiled, and said, “Well, you’ll have to wait until I know you better before
I’ll let you do that.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton said,
“Does this mean you’ll let me date you?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jonathan
said, “Yes, it does.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Paul
protested, “Hey!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought you said that
I would get to date you first!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jonathan
walked over and put his arm around Paul’s waist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I did say that, so I guess you’ll have to
wait your turn, Peyton.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Paul smiled
and said, “I’m sorry, Peyton.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton tried
to hide his disappointment, but didn’t quite manage it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul walked over to him and sat on the
lounge chair with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He leaned over
and kissed him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“May I date you, too?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton said,
“Yes, but how does Jonathan feel about that?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Instead of
answering Peyton’s question, Jonathan said, “I need to cool off.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He surface dived into the pool.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I think you
two have embarrassed him,” Cory said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Greg
laughed, and said, “Peyton and Paul, I think you two have got to figure things
out with Jonathan.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned to Cory
and said, “Let’s join him in the pool.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He took Cory by the hand and led him to the edge of the pool.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I walked
over to Rick and pulled him to his feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I wrapped my arms around his waist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I looked into his eyes and kissed him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then, I whispered, “Just now, I gave Jonathan a blowjob he won’t ever
forget.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick
laughed, and said, “I wondered what had happened to change his mind about
dating Peyton.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I grinned
broadly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I figured it was worth trying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a sense that Jonathan was really gay,
but was scared to come out of the closet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I just helped him out.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick kissed
me, and said, “You’ve always been good at picking out the guys who are gay.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I said, “Yes,
and it was absolutely fantastic!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick’s
expression quickly changed to one of concern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Was sucking him off better than doing me?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I wrapped my
arms around his neck and looked deeply into his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Rick Lernier, you are the one and only guy
for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just because I sucked him off,
doesn’t mean I’m angling to switch boyfriends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You’re the one I love,” I said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick kissed
me and said, “I’m sorry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shouldn’t have
doubted you.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“It’s okay,”
I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned toward the pool, and
continued, “Let’s join the rest of the guys in the pool,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick nodded
his head in approval.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you,
Babe.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I love you,
too,” I said, as we jumped into the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We raced back and forth across the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We played tag and had a great time with the
guys.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">After an
hour, we got out of the pool and dried off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Paul said, “We need to get dressed and back on the job before the guys
come looking for us.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jonathan
nodded his head in agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t want
to make them mad at us.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We trooped
into the house and into Peyton’s room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Greg said, “Grab your clothes and let’s shower in our room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a much bigger shower and we’ll all fit
in it.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We agreed
and quickly gathered up our clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
followed them upstairs to their room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We stripped off our wet swimsuits and hung them up over the tub to
dry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg and Cory turned on all of the
shower heads in their shower, adjusting the temperature, as they did so.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Paul and
Jonathan stared in amazement at the shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I took Jonathan’s hand and pulled him into one of the showers with
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wrapped my arms around his waist
and kissed him deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick joined us,
taking us both into his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kissed
me, then kissed Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg and
Cory did the same with Paul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We washed
each other and enjoyed the feel of bare skin to bare skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick said,
“It’s time for our usual competition.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jonathan
looked at Rick in confusion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What
competition?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Greg
laughed, and said, “Let me explain.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When he finished, he asked, “Any questions?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Paul and
Jonathan shook their heads in the negative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Then, let’s begin,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After the competition, Rick pumped his fist in the air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m still undefeated!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I kissed
him, and said, “You’ll always be a winner in my book.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jonathan
said, “I’ve never had so much fun with a bunch of guys.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I reached
over and took his cock in my hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
think we can guarantee that you’ll have a lot more fun, from now on.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stroked him, causing him to arch his back
and thrust against my hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I beckoned
to Peyton with my other hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked
over and took over for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton
kissed him, as he continued stroking him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He soon went over the edge, spraying his load on Peyton’s chest and
stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jonathan
sagged against Peyton, who wrapped his arms around him and held him close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul came up behind them and hugged Jonathan
from behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton kissed Paul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Greg said,
“Guys, I hate to break up this party, but my cell phone is ringing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will almost be willing to bet that it’s
Mr. Curtis, calling to find out where you are.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The three
guys separated and quickly washed up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We turned off the showers and dried each other off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got dressed and headed back
downstairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We met Grandpa and Mr.
Curtis at the foot of the stairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mr. Curtis
looked at us and smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I had an idea
you were still enjoying yourselves.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Grandpa
said, “I can see that they were doing just that.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He noted that Paul was holding Jonathan’s
hand as they came down the stairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sheriff Smith had already told him that his son might be gay, so he
wasn’t surprised to see him holding hands with Paul.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mr. Curtis
said, “Paul, I need you to replace Derrick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He’s long overdue for a break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jonathan, you need to find Mark and get a report from him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s been patrolling the perimeter of the
farm.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Both of them
chorused, “Yes, sir.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They passed Mr.
Curtis and Grandpa on their way to the front door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They kissed each other and went their
separate ways.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Grandpa
said, “Peyton, are you ready to begin your training?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes, I’m
ready,” Peyton said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I need to get the
monitor.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He went down the hallway to
his room and returned with his ankle monitor on, and a back pack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mr. Curtis
pointed to the back pack, and asked, “Is that the battery pack for the
monitor?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes,”
Peyton said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I made sure it was
charged last night.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boys will be here shortly, to take you
out on the farm,” Grandpa said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">As if they
had heard Grandpa talking about them, Bob, Jasper, Corey and Dylan walked in
the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They walked over and surrounded Peyton in a
group hug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">They pulled
back, and Bob asked, “Are you ready to begin working?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve been on vacation for the last six
weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s time to get you up and
about.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
smiled, and replied, “I’m ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want
to learn as much as I can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You and your
family have done so much for me, it’s the least I can do.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Corey said,
“Correction, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s OUR family,
not YOUR family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember, you’re part
of this family, too.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton’s
eyes were bright with tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m
sorry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do remember, but it just came
out that way.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Corey kissed
him gently on the lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re
forgiven, but you’ve got to get it through your head that you’re family.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I said, “Do
I get to train him on how to run the tractor?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, you don’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last time you were on the tractor you nearly
got us both killed.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I looked up
at Rick and said, in protest, “I did not!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Bob said,
“Well, you did give us all a scare.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick put his
arm around my shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s just
say that Bob and Corey would be better teachers.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I folded my
arms across my chest and put a pout on my face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Glenn, you can show me how to run the
tractor, but it sounds like I’ll need supplemental instructions from Bob and
Corey.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Grandpa
said, “Well said, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think
you’ll make an excellent lawyer after all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let’s move this meeting outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We have a lot of work to do to get ready to begin harvesting the
peaches.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We spent the
rest of the day working in the peach orchards that surround my grandparent’s
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later that evening, Rick and I
were in our room getting ready for bed when we heard a knock on the door.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I walked
over and opened the door to see Peyton standing there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Please come in.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stood back to let him into the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I closed the door and turned to face
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What’s up?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick, who
was already in bed, sat up and said, “Sit down, Peyton.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton had a
troubled expression on his face as he sat next to Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat next to him on the other side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m worried that I’ll let Grandpa down.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Why do you
think that?” I asked, wondering what had brought this on.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I don’t
think I did as well today as he thought I would,” he replied.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I don’t
think Grandpa was disappointed in you, if that’s what had you worried,” I said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“No, it was
just a feeling I got,” he said, still frowning.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I think
you’re just being paranoid,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“If Grandpa thought you were slacking, he would have said something to
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did he pull you aside, or
something?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“No, he
didn’t, but I did overhear him talking to Mr. Curtis about doing something
about the monitoring device,” he said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“What about
it?” Rick asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Grandpa
said that he didn’t see the need for it, anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was talking to Mr. Curtis about working
out some other arrangement with my parole officer,” Peyton said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, that
doesn’t sound like it’s a problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
thought you didn’t like wearing it,” Rick said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I don’t,
but I’m not sure what the alternative would be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It might be something worse,” Peyton said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I thought
for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You can always talk with
Mr. Diven about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t imagine
that he’ll agree to remove the electronic tracking device at this point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you had your casts on, it really didn’t
make sense to me to have such a device.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, now, that your mobile, it makes much more sense.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I just
don’t want to let Grandpa down, after all he has done for me,” Peyton said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">There was
another knock on the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stood up
from the bed and walked over to open the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Greg and Cory walked in and sat down on our bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg said, “We thought we would find you
here.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
smiled at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I needed to talk to
Rick and Glenn.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“We wanted
to make sure that you made it to our bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s our turn to sleep with you,” Cory said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton said,
“I haven’t forgotten.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“He isn’t
sure Grandpa is happy with his work,” Rick said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m afraid of
disappointing him.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Greg put his
arm around Peyton’s shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t
worry about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa has made it
clear that you’re part of the family.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I
know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He talked to me about changing my
name to Scarborough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He offered to
adopt me as he has you, Greg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told
him I didn’t want to bring dishonor to his name, because of my prison record,”
Peyton said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He said the only dishonor
that could result from changing my name would be if I ended up back in jail.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Which isn’t
going to happen,” Greg said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton said,
with feeling, “Not if I can help it.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Greg said,
“Grandpa has talked to me about helping you get back on your feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cory and I have promised him that we’ll do
what we can to help you be successful in whatever career choice you make.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
ducked his head and looked down at the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Greg reached over and put his hand under his chin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He raised it up, until Peyton met his
gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Peyton, we love you.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Tears were
flowing down his cheeks, as he tried to speak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He cleared his throat and managed to say, “I know.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Greg wiped
the tears from his cheeks, and said, “Come to bed, Babe.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stood up and took Peyton by the hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cory took his other hand, and led him out of
our bedroom, closing the door behind themselves.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I climbed
into bed and turned off the light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick
pulled me into his arms and kissed me tenderly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you, Babe.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I love you,
too,” I replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Rick, is there
something we can do to help build Peyton’s confidence in himself?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I don’t
know, but I’m still worried about his mental and emotional state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He seems extremely fragile right now,” Rick
said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I agree
with your assessment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m wondering if
Jonathan can help him,” I said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick said,
“I’m not sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m almost afraid of
involving Paul and Jonathan in Peyton’s recovery; because, if anything were to
ever go wrong between one of them and Peyton, he would be completely
devastated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is just beginning to
feel confident enough to hope to have a normal relationship with someone.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Do you
think we should speak to Paul and Jonathan about it?” I asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Maybe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s think on it and we’ll talk about it
tomorrow, when we are both fresh,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Right now, I need you to fuck me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick began
caressing my body and kissing me all over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After a while, I said, “On your back, Babe.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He complied
with my request.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked down into his
eyes as I moved into position.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw
his love for me reflected there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
leaned down and kissed him passionately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When we surfaced for air, I whispered, huskily, “I love you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He nibbled
on my earlobe and said, “Show me how much you love me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was all the encouragement I needed! </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*** ***</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jonathan lay
awake, staring at the ceiling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had
returned home from work and had gone straight to his room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had a lot to think about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The experiences he had today with the guys
at the Scarborough place had his mind reeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He had never had sex with a guy before, but, after this morning, he
wanted to have sex with several of the guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Glenn had given him a blowjob that made him hard just thinking about
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, there was Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He was
worried what his father would think if he found out that he wanted to date an
ex-convict.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew he wouldn’t
countenance it while he was still on parole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, Peyton would be a free man in a few months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He could date Paul, in the meantime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had been very frank with Paul that he was
mainly interested in dating Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Paul had thanked him for being honest with him, but it was obvious that
he was hurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jonathan had tried to
soften the blow to Paul’s ego; but, everything he said only made things
worse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had finally given up and kept
his mouth shut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">During the
course of the day, he had overheard Mr. Curtis talking with Grandpa about him
and his Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was when he realized
that his Dad suspected that he was gay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He had wondered if Dad knew when he had suggested that he take the
security job at the Scarborough place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jonathan had known that the Scarboroughs had several gay family
members.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone in the county knew
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The news of the twin’s marriage
to their husbands had been the gossip of the county.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jonathan had also known about Rick and Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His Dad had helped Grandpa hire Mr. Curtis
and his security team.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He wondered
if he should come out to his parents, or wait until Peyton was free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Waiting would give him time to get to know
Peyton better, before he announced that he was gay to his parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With that decided in his mind, he rolled
onto his side and went to sleep.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*** ***</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">A few weeks
later, Peyton returned from his weekly therapy session.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa had driven him in the Porsche.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton had grown to love the time he spent
alone with Grandpa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They talked about
many things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed to Peyton that
Grandpa had done everything, or, at least, knew something about everything in
the world.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">It was
during one of their trips into town that Grandpa said, “I want you to seriously
consider changing your name as soon as you’re off parole.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
looked over at Grandpa, and asked, “Why do you feel so strongly about it,
Grandpa?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I think
it’s important for you to start fresh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s not that you’re trying to hide from your record, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has
to do with your mental and emotional state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think that changing your name will assist in your recovery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that you’re making a strong recovery,
but I think it will be even better if we can get you set up in a new life where
you can begin anew,” Grandpa said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Grandpa, I
don’t want to run from my past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
part of me and I’m part of it,” Peyton said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“It’s who I am.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Grandpa
said, “I understand that, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
not asking you to run from what you’ve done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m more concerned about your mental and emotional condition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need you to be completely healed from the
trauma you’ve suffered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve talked
with your therapist about what it will take to get you to where you need to
be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the suggestions he made was
to change your name and move to an area where you are completely free of
anything that will trigger memories of what happened to you in prison.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I can’t
just leave everything behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For one
thing, I love Rick and Glenn very much, and I’ll be reminded of what happened every
time I see them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know you’re not
going to ask me to abandon them,” Peyton responded.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Grandpa was
silent for a few minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, you’re
right about Rick and Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I won’t
push you to change your name anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thank you for at least listening to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I want what is best for you, Peyton.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I am the one who should be
thanking you, Grandpa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one has
believed in me more than you.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“So, now that’s
settled, talk to me about Paul and Jonathan,” Grandpa said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
turned his head and looked out the window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He didn’t know what to tell Grandpa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Paul had been dating Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
had tried not to be jealous of Paul, but it pained him to see the two of them
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He said,
“Grandpa, I think I’m in love with Jonathan; but, he made a commitment to Paul
to date him, first, if he decided to date a guy.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Have you
talked to Jonathan about your feelings for him?” Grandpa asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“No, I
haven’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve never been alone
together long enough for me to talk to him,” Peyton said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, I
think I can arrange for that to happen,” Grandpa said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton said,
“Please don’t interfere, Grandpa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want
Jonathan, but I don’t want Paul to be hurt in the process.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">After that,
they talked of other things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t
long before they arrived back at the farm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Peyton climbed out of the car and was met by Paul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul pulled him into an embrace and kissed
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This didn’t seem out of the
ordinary to him, because Paul was always affectionate with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">However, he
looked over Paul’s shoulder and met Jonathan’s eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A look of jealously was on his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton waved him over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shook his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton was surprised at the intensity of
emotion displayed on Jonathan’s face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was confused, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton
was certain that Jonathan knew he was interested in dating him, and that he
didn’t have any romantic designs on Paul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He had made it very clear that Paul was just a friend, and nothing more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had also made his desire to date Jonathan
known to everyone.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Seeing the
look on Peyton’s face, Paul turned to see who was behind him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He saw Jonathan standing in the shadow of
the garage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned back to
Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know that he’s in love
with you.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
looked at him in shock and surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re
joking!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can the Sheriff’s son be in
love with me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sheriff Smith would never
let his son have anything to do with an ex-con.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides, he’s been dating you.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“That
doesn’t change the fact that Jonathan has fallen hard for you,” Paul said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve tried to discourage him, because I
want him for myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, he only has
eyes for you, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve done my best
to win him over to me, but it hasn’t been enough.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
asked, “Are you sure?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Paul met
Peyton’s gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m absolutely
certain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Believe me, I don’t have a reason
to tell you otherwise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think you
should go over and talk to him.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Following
Paul’s advice, Peyton walked over to where Jonathan was standing and said,
“Jonathan, can we talk?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jonathan shrugged
his shoulders and said, “Sure.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Let’s go
inside,” Peyton said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jonathan followed
Peyton inside the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They walked down
the hall to Peyton’s room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as
the door was closed, Peyton turned and wrapped his arms around Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“May I kiss you?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jonathan
grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They kissed deeply, as Peyton molded his body
to Jonathan’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they surfaced for
air, Jonathan said, “Wow! You’re a much better kisser than Paul!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
smiled and said, “I’ve had a lot more practice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s talk.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">They walked
over to the Peyton’s bed and sat down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Peyton took Jonathan’s hand in his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Jonathan, before we go any further, do you realize who I am.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jonathan
said, “You’re a member of the Scarborough family.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton said,
“Yes, that’s true; but, I’m an ex-con, or will be in a few months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you know what that means?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes, it
means you need someone to care for you and love you, even more than anyone
else,” Jonathan said, squeezing Peyton’s hand.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“What about
your dad?” Peyton asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What will he
do?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knows that I’m gay,” he replied.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“But he’s
the sheriff,” Peyton said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“So, that
won’t stop him from accepting you as my boyfriend,” Jonathan said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Do you want
me to be your boyfriend?” </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes, I
do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to share you with
anyone else,” Jonathan said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“What about
Paul?” Peyton asked, worried that Jonathan would still feel obligated to date
Paul.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Paul knows
that I’ve fallen in love with you,” Jonathan said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I told him I was going to tell you how I
felt about you.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, he
told me, few minutes ago, that you had fallen in love with me,” Peyton said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jonathan
said, “I thought that’s what had happened, when you walked over to me.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton said,
“We need to talk about Rick and Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m very close to them, and to Greg and Cory.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I know that
they have been sleeping with you every night since you got out of prison,”
Jonathan said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I want you to continue
to do that until you’re off parole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That way, my Dad can’t complain that I’m sleeping with a parolee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought we could unofficially date,
between now and then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know, like
the old fashioned kind of dating.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“You mean
like courting?” Peyton said, surprised.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes, that’s
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it would be best for both
of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to get to know each other
better; and it will provide us the time to do that, without the pressure of a
sexual relationship,” Jonathan said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
nodded his head in agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It will
also give me time to fix what’s wrong with my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m still pretty messed up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure you want to be involved with me,
Jonathan.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jonathan
said, “That sounds like something my Dad would say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly, Peyton, I don’t know either, but
I’m willing to explore our feelings for each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never had a boyfriend, or a girlfriend,
before.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton said,
“Well, let’s start by going on a date, tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t go anywhere, so you’ll have to come
here.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jonathan
grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was thinking we could have a game night
with the guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love playing board
games.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
rolled his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can’t believe you
like board games.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jonathan
said, “Well, start believing, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You’re going to like playing them, too.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton gave
a sigh of resignation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is there anything else I need to know?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m a virgin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been saving myself for that special
someone who will become my spouse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted
to make it clear that I won’t have casual sex with you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton said,
“So, I can’t get you into my bed unless I marry you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is that it?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jonathan nodded
and stood up, and said, “That’s right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You might be able to convince me to share your bed if we’re engaged; but
I won’t just hop in the sack with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
need to get back to work so we can have that date tonight.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton stood
up and pulled him into his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
want a kiss to tide me over until you’re off work.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">They kissed
passionately, letting their hands roam over each other’s bodies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they parted, Peyton said, “Damn!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve got me all horny.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jonathan
laughed, and guided Peyton’s hand to his very hard steel pole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’ve got no room to complain.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
squeezed Jonathan’s package and kissed him, again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Alright, I won’t complain.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">They
adjusted themselves before leaving Peyton’s room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jonathan went out the front door, to return
to his post; while Peyton went in search of Grandpa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He found him in his study.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tapped on the door and asked, “May I come
in?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Grandpa
looked up and motioned for Peyton to join him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Please, have a seat.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton said,
“Grandpa, Jonathan and I are now boyfriends.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Grandpa
smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I figured that was going to be
the case, when you went into the house with him.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“We decided
that we’re going to just date, until I’m off parole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that, I want to marry Jonathan,”
Peyton said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Does
Jonathan know this?” Grandpa asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“No, he
doesn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I hope that, by the time
I’m free, he’ll say ‘yes’ when I propose marriage to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to get your approval, Grandpa,”
Peyton said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Grandpa
said, “Well, I’ve known Jonathan’s family for a long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are a very fine family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will support you in your efforts to
convince Jonathan to marry you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I
promised, I have begun paying you for your work on the farm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve set up a bank account in your name; and
when you’re ready to buy a ring, we’ll go into town to pull the money you
need.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Hearing
Grandpa had already set up a bank account for him and had been paying him for
his work, caused Peyton to choke up with emotion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had thought he was working to earn his
room and board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had forgotten that
Grandpa had promised to pay him for his labor on the farm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He finally managed to swallow the lump in
his throat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, Grandpa.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Don’t thank
me, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve earned every penny
of the money I’ve paid into your account,” he responded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled out a folder and passed it over to
Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That is an accounting of the
hours you’ve worked and how much I’ve paid you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is also a bank statement, showing the
current balance in your account.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
looked over the papers and whistled when he saw how much money was in his bank
account.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re paying me too much
money, Grandpa.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’ll be the
judge of that, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You need to
remember that I’m the employer here, and I set the wages,” Grandpa said,
pinning Peyton with a meaningful gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I’ll not have you arguing with me over your pay.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
nodded his head and said, “I’m sorry, Grandpa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I didn’t mean to offend you.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Grandpa
said, “You didn’t offend me, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
wanted to make it clear that I see the wages you’re being paid as just
compensation for your work here on the farm.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton said,
“Thank you, Grandpa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve been more
than generous with me.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Stop right
there, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re family and I’m paying
you the same wages I pay any other member of my family that works on the farm,”
Grandpa said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With that statement,
Peyton finally understood that he was on equal footing with the rest of the
guys who were working with him on the farm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Seeing that Peyton understood, Grandpa continued, “Yes, I’m paying Greg,
Cory, Bob, Jasper, Corey and Dylan the same wages I’m paying you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, I expect that you’ll continue to
do your best.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
nodded his head and said, “I’ll do that, Grandpa.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Grandpa
said, “Speaking of work, aren’t you needed down in the south orchard?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I’d forgotten
about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m on my way.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Grandpa
smiled and said, “We’ll talk more, later, about how we’re going to finance your
college education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For now, you had better
join the rest of the guys; before they send someone looking for you.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton stood
up and handed the folder back to Grandpa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He said, “Thank you, Grandpa.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He walked out
of Grandpa’s study and walked down the hallway to the front door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was in a little bit of a daze from what
he had just learned about the state of his personal finances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stumbled as he turned toward the
orchard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jonathan saw him stumble and
ran over to Peyton.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Are you
alright?” Jonathan asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes, I’m
okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just a little stunned by what I
just learned,” Peyton said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jonathan
looked at him in confusion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What did
you just learn?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Grandpa has
been paying me an outrageous sum of money for working on the farm,” Peyton
said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“So why are
you upset about that?” Jonathan said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Grandpa has always said that he would pay you, and pay you generously.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton
nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess I didn’t
believe him.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jonathan
asked, “Haven’t you learned to trust Grandpa?” </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton shook
his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess I haven’t.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jonathan
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, you had better
start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Dad says that you can always
trust Grandpa to be a man of his word.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton said,
“I understand that now.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jonathan
gave Peyton a quick kiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Aren’t you
supposed to be helping in the south orchard?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peyton said,
“Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m headed there now.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He left
Jonathan and walked between the rows of peach trees toward the south
orchard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He still was having difficulty
believing that he wasn’t living a dream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was afraid he would wake up and find that it wasn’t real!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*** ***</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Author’s
Note:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Moda Audaci
Men’s Swimwear - </span><a href="http://www.moda-audaci.com/product/MensSwimwear/T-3223-Grn.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">http://www.moda-audaci.com/product/MensSwimwear/T-3223-Grn.html</span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">University
of Georgia - </span><a href="http://www.uga.edu/"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">http://www.uga.edu/</span></a></div>
</div>
</span><div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
</span><div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
SaskBoyStories by Russ Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12705114426346134527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7739282925426125332.post-22612431083927531992013-12-12T21:48:00.001-05:002013-12-12T21:48:39.373-05:00The Man From Swift Current Chapter One Hundred Thirty - University of Minnesota Graduation
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chapter One Hundred Thirty – University
of Minnesota Graduation<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our flight to Minneapolis was
uneventful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, we received the
usual glares of disgust for holding hands in public.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has never ceased to amaze me that
straight people want gays to hide their affection for each other when they are
in public, as if that would make us disappear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Maybe by pretending that we don’t love each other, we won’t cause mental
and emotional stress in straight people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We should never cause distress in those who discriminate against us,
because they might have to look inside themselves and see the monsters that
they are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can rational people say
it’s okay for straight people to hold hands public, but not gay people?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We were standing at the baggage
carousel; when an elderly lady approached us followed by an elderly gentleman
who was obviously her husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
marched up to us, and said, “You should be jailed for holding hands in
public.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It isn’t right for two men to
hold hands in public.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I responded, “Maybe you should be put in
jail for holding hands with your husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I find it extremely offensive to see people your age holding hands in
public.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She looked at me in shock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She hadn’t expected me to respond to her in
such a manner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How dare you speak to
me that way?” she said, indignantly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I replied, “Maybe you can answer your
own question by answering mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How
dare you speak to us that way about something that is none of your business?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Her husband took her arm, and said,
“Please accept my apologies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My wife
has lost all sense of propriety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
often says things to people that she shouldn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please excuse us.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He escorted her away from us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She kept looking over her shoulder as she
went.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I waved to her, and blew her a
kiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick said, “Glenn, that’s
enough.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His tone was serious.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I looked up at him, and said, “Alright,
I’ll stop.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg laughed, and said, “Glenn, you’re a
crack up.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I gave him a bow, and said, “Thank you
for the compliment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do try very hard
to please.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick cuffed me up the side of my
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Quit making a spectacle of
yourself, and grab your luggage.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I knew he didn’t like how in your face I
get around ignorant and rude people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was no way I was going to ‘turn the other cheek’ when the old bat
was so obviously filled with her own self-importance and
self-righteousness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I met Rick’s eyes
and decided not to argue with him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, sir!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick’s expression softened and he
grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now, that’s more like it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I stuck my tongue out at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He laughed and stole a quick kiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You shouldn’t stick your tongue out at me,
because you know I’ll always collect.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I laughed, as I put my arm around his
waist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know I can always count on
you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I love my guy so very much!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knows just how to handle me when I get
upset with people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also knows how to
make me very happy!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We left the baggage claim area and
followed Greg and Cory out to the passenger pickup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We called Zach and Todd when we landed, so
we didn’t have to wait long for them to arrive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s about a 20 minute drive from our house
just off of Como Avenue to the airport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zach pulled up to the curb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put the Toyota 4 Runner in park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He jumped out and helped us put our suitcases
into the back of his vehicle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zach looked at Greg and said, “I’m glad
you guys made it back in time for our graduation.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “I told you we’d be back.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zach grinned, “I know you did, but I
know how things can go sometimes.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
turned to me and Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gave us each of
us a hug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m very happy to see you
two.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “We wouldn’t miss your
graduation for anything.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He slapped
Zach on the back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You and your husband
rank up there pretty high in my book.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zach kissed Rick on the lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Welcome home, Rick.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Seeing him kiss Rick, I said, “Hey!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where’s mine?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He took me in his arms and kissed me
deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His kiss left me
breathless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wow!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zach laughed, and said, “You’ve been
properly welcomed home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, jump in
the back seat.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He swatted me on the
rear as I climbed inside his car.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory climbed in beside me in the third
seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a good thing he had bought
the seven passenger model; otherwise, we would have been sitting on each
other’s laps!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I can sit in the back,
Cory.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“No, you sit in front with Greg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You both have longer legs than we do,” Cory
said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, Cory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not always easy for me to get in and
out of that seat.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Cory just didn’t want you two to make out in
the back seat while the rest of us have to wait until we get home.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory grinned at his husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, I hadn’t thought of that, but you’re
right.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zach looked in his rearview mirror, and
said, “All four of you look really good.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “We’ve just spent the last
few days in the pool.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Todd turned around in the front seat to
get a better look at us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can
tell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You look like gingerbread men.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “We taste like gingerbread
men, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Todd laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is that so?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Just ask Glenn,” Rick said, grinning
broadly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He looked at me and I nodded my
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, he does.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Todd licked his lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think we need to check that out
ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zach, what do you think?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zach said, “I certainly do.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “We get to use your bedroom,
since you have the king-sized bed.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zach met Greg’s eyes in the mirror and
grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’ve got a deal.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I looked at Cory, who was beaming with
excitement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said, “I can’t
wait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve dreamed of all six of us
getting it on, since we went to Cancun together a while back.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was practically bouncing up and down on
his seat.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zach said, “Stop talking about it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m already so horny it hurts!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Todd said, “Zach and I have been talking
about what we would do when Rick and Glenn got here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve really missed you guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zach soon turned onto our street and
pulled into the driveway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We jumped out
of the car and grabbed our bags out of the back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we entered the house, we were mobbed by
Adam, Robbie, Justin and Brian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
were hugs and kisses all around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Robbie took my hand and led me into the
recreation room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adam followed with
Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robbie said, “I’m so excited that
you’re finally here.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I said, “We’re just as excited as you
are.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We sat down together on the couch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robbie said, “I’ve missed you, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really like Greg and Cory, but it’s not the
same as having you here.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Now, don’t try to convince
Glenn to move back here.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Robbie grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s exactly what I have in mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need both of you here with us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Adam looked at Rick, and said, “I’ve
been given the assignment to work on you until you agree to move to
Minneapolis.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed, “Okay, you two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I get it that you need someone to take Zach
and Todd’s place, since they’re moving to Toronto.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, we can’t move here at the moment.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Robbie said, “But why not?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’ve still got two more years with the
military,” Rick said, not meeting my gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’ve argued many times about his insistence on completing his time with
the Marine Corps.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Can’t you transfer here?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure if you approached your chain of
command, they could work something out for you,” Adam said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick looked around the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why do I get the feeling that you’ve been
rehearsing these lines?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Because we have,” Justin said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We really want you guys to move back in
with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is so much change going
on around here that it really has me worried.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brian said, “I’m here for you, Justin.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Justin kissed his husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, dearest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m just saying I don’t like change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve finally found a family who loves me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess I never really thought about what
would happen when the guys graduated.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There was a deep silence in the room
after he stopped speaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were all
thinking of what had happened when Justin had first moved in with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I looked at Justin and Brian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How are things with you, Justin?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He replied, “I’m fine.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“That’s not what I meant, and you know
it,” I said, firmly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Justin held my gaze and repeated his
answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Between Brian and the medication I’m taking,
I’m been doing really well.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brian confirmed Justin’s statement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve been to all of his doctors’
appointments, and he’s telling you the truth.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I smiled and said, “That’s great!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, you don’t need us to move in with
you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mark said, “Don’t forget, we’re moving,
as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve found a nice place not far
from here in Loring Park.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brandon said, “After our graduation ceremony
tomorrow, we want you guys to look over the place with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s a photo of it from the street.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He handed around a photo he had printed out
from the listing on the internet.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NCiYVe5ZgECtjNBWs9gnc82PvTVfGHH9-MX4A0JkCDrhN2_99DzTjWHBGXEzAd7mwaL-BCz-wMzlCrNUnLmHYejQsd8V_lH65AC71Aq7CNvUtcC-iH6QvEt_yFeLCqNuNw3IqmFwzGI/s1600/logancircule11282013_2217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NCiYVe5ZgECtjNBWs9gnc82PvTVfGHH9-MX4A0JkCDrhN2_99DzTjWHBGXEzAd7mwaL-BCz-wMzlCrNUnLmHYejQsd8V_lH65AC71Aq7CNvUtcC-iH6QvEt_yFeLCqNuNw3IqmFwzGI/s1600/logancircule11282013_2217.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“It
looks really nice,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mark said, “It’s about the same size as
this house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve become accustomed to
having the run of this place, so we didn’t want to downsize too much.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stopped and put arm around Brandon’s
waist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Brandon wants to have a large
family, so we need a place big enough to house all of those children.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brandon said, “We want to start a family
as soon as we can find a surrogate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
want us to have our own biological children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’ll both donate sperm.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mark said, “We found a company that has
offices in California and Maryland.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Isn’t there one here in Minneapolis?” I
asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mark answered, shaking his head, “Not
one that we’ve found.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because Minnesota
doesn’t recognize gay marriages, yet, there aren’t many services for gay
couples.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brandon added, “Except those that
advertise themselves as offering ‘ex-gay’ therapy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are plenty of those.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“When will straight people get it
through their heads that being gay isn’t a choice?” Cory said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brandon said, “Probably never.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every
single one of us has suffered at the hands of the straight people in our lives
who’ve rejected us, when they should have reached out to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They failed us and continue to fail us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">His voice was hard and full of the pain
he still felt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was correct – all of
us had been rejected by someone in our lives for being gay.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zach said, “I think you’re right, in
that most of us have had bad experiences with straight people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As for us,” he pointed at Adam, Robbie, Todd
and himself, “We’ve had a wonderful support network of friends and family.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brandon wasn’t ready to concede his
point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But you’ve been harassed for
being gay by teammates and others.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zach said, “Yes, we have, but I was just
pointing out that we’ve been extremely blessed with a family that accepts us
without question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a ‘band of
brothers’ who love us very much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I agree
that the rest of the world treats us pretty crappy, but I try to minimize the
interactions I have with people outside our family and friends.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Todd said, “We are hoping that all you
will move to Toronto, if we end up living there for any extended period of
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our marriages are recognized
there, and we can raise our families in an environment that doesn’t condemn
us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Adam said, “Robbie and I are already looking
at working internships with companies in the Toronto area.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Robbie said, “I’ve been working on Mom
and Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think they’re thinking of
moving with us to Ontario, when we graduate.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Todd said, “Our parents are thinking of
doing the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, Dad has
already looked into some property just outside of Toronto.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think they’ve found a 40-acre place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know why they want so much land, but
Mom seems to want to live out in the country.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We want to be close to the </span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Ricoh Coliseum where I’ll be playing when we have home
games,” Zach said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ve found a
couple of homes in the Bloor Village West neighborhood that we like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve made arrangements to see them this
weekend, if they haven’t been sold by then.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Janice’s parents suggested that we buy a house in the
Uxbridge area, but it’s a little further out than we wanted to be,” Todd said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Speaking of Janice, where are my cousin and his wife?” I
asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“They’ll be over a little later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Caldwells are in town for the graduation,
and so are your Aunt and Uncle,” Todd said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I knew that Uncle Dave and Aunt Mary were going to be here,”
I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I talked to them a couple of
days ago.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Robbie said, “Our parents are driving down from Duluth
tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are taking us out to
lunch before the commencement exercises.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zach said, “We have to be at the Mariucci Arena at 6 PM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ceremony begins at 7 PM.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brandon said, “My graduation ceremony is the following day at
4 PM because I’m getting a liberal arts degree.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mark said, “The rest of us are getting degrees in computer
science or engineering, so our graduation ceremony is tomorrow.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We spent the rest of the afternoon catching up with our
friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later, we heard a knock on the
door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zach stood up and went to answer
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He returned with Ben and Janice,
followed by both sets of parents.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We stood up to greet them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There were hugs and kisses all around!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Zach and Todd brought in the chairs from the kitchen so that there would
be enough chairs for everyone.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Janice’s Dad looked around the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, Janice tells me that you are all the
best group of guys she has ever met.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Robbie responded before any of us could get a word out of our
mouths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She’s right, except for Ben,
of course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You should have seen him
before he married Janice. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s the
only reason he’s fit to be around.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ben laughed and said, “Dad, don’t listen him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The truth is that Robbie is talking about
himself, because he married his better half.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Adam grinned, “That is so, Mr. Caldwell.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Please call me Jake,” Mr. Caldwell responded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There’s no reason for us to be so
formal.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The other adults agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Please call me Vivian,” Mrs. Caldwell added.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“And we’re Dave and Mary,” Uncle David said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ben and Janice have nothing but good things
to say about you guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Robbie said, “I hope they didn’t forget to include the rest
of our friends.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Janice said, “We didn’t forget about Donica, Irene, Patty,
and Jimmy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They aren’t here right now.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jake said, “We would like to invite all of you to dinner with
us as a token of our appreciation for your love and support for Ben and
Janice.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zach said, “We’d love to go, but our parents will be here
shortly.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ben said, “We thought of that already.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I called them and invited them to join
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will be here shortly.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zach smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
should have known you’d think of including them.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ben said, “I’ve got you covered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also touched bases with your parents,
Todd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re coming as well.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Robbie said, “Did you arrange for our other friends to join
us, as well.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We did,” Janice said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We’ve reserved a semi-private room at the Capital Grille,”
Jake said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“However, we aren’t buying
the alcohol, just dinner.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">That got a good laugh from all of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zach said, “We can understand why you
wouldn’t foot the bill for the alcohol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some of us can drink quite a bit.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“But since Glenn’s here, we’ll have a designated driver,”
Brian said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s another reason we
want you to move back, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way
Justin will have company since he can’t drink any alcohol.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jake asked, “Why can’t you drink alcohol?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Justin replied, “It interacts with my medications.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Before Jake could ask additional questions, Mark said, “We
won’t be drinking very much tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
want to make it across the stage without losing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s nothing worse than a hangover.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jake’s cell phone rang.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He pulled it out of his pocket and answered it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He ended the call and said, “The Andersons
and Ingrams are waiting for us at the restaurant.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Cool, let’s go,” Zach said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We piled into our vehicles and caravanned over to the
restaurant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hostess led us to the
semi-private room that had been set up for our use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zach, Todd, Robbie and Adam walked over and
greeted their parents.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jake walked over to their table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m Jake Caldwell and this is my wife, Vivian.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sam said, “Nice to meet you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m Sam Ingram and this is my wife, Vickie.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brad shook Jake’s hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I’m Brad Anderson and this is my wife, Melissa.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I introduced my aunt and uncle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This is Dave and Mary Nielsen.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Uncle Dave said, “It’s nice to meet you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You must be Ben’s Dad,” Melissa said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Uncle Dave smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Yes, Ben is my son, and Glenn is my nephew.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The adults sat down across from the Andersons and Ingrams,
while the rest of us greeted our friends, who had just arrived.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jake said, “I hear that you’re looking at some property near
Toronto.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brad said, “Yes, we are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’ve found a nice place in Clarington.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The house is fantastic and it sits on 40 acres of land.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sam said, “We’ve been looking at homes in Oshawa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t want quite so much acreage.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We’re located in Uxbridge,” Jake said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We saw a couple of listing in Uxbridge, but we want to be
closer to the lake,” Melissa said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“We’ve already been on one house hunting trip, and plan to take another
with the boys right after graduation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll
still keep our place in Duluth until Robbie and Adam graduate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that, we will probably sell the house
here in the States.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Vivian asked, “Are Robbie and Adam planning to move to
Toronto as well?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes,” Melissa
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They plan to work for Canadian
companies as interns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robbie is looking
into continuing his education at the University of Toronto.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re very excited to be moving to Toronto,
especially since Zach will be playing for Toronto.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has always dreamed of playing for a
professional hockey team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m very
happy for him.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brad said, “I’m also very grateful that he has a very
supportive spouse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like Robbie, Todd is
planning to continue his education at the University of Toronto.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sam said, “We’ve talked about helping him start his own
software engineering company.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jake said, “Ben will be working with me at my consulting
company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will give him a steady
income, while he becomes familiar with the area and begins networking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having a network of contacts is one of the
keys to success in the consulting world.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dave said, “Thank you for taking Ben under your wing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know he was worried about getting a job
after graduation.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jake said, “I have to admit that I’m doing for selfish reasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to keep my daughter close to me, and
I’m hoping that Ben will want to take over my consulting business when I’m
ready to retire.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mary smiled, “We understand your desire to keep your family
close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are planning to retire and
move to St. Catharines.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Vivian said, “That’s good news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It won’t be difficult to convince Ben to
stay in the Toronto area, since you’ll moving this way soon.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dave said, “We’ve talked to Ben about our retirement plans,
so he knows we’re moving to St. Catharines.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They continued talking about their children and their
post-college plans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meanwhile, the
younger set had great time visiting and catching up on their lives.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After dinner, we returned to our place and the adults left
for their hotels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We sat in the
recreation room, relaxing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick was
getting a little frisky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was obvious
that he wanted to fuck me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zach caught
Rick’s eye and motioned that we should go upstairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Todd saw the signal, and said, “Let’s take
this party to our bedroom.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">**** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton lay between Corey and Dylan, staring at the
ceiling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His mind kept going over what
Grandma had told him about her beliefs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He stopped in mid-thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
hadn’t thought of her as Mrs. Scarborough!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He had thought of her as Grandma, just like Rick and Glenn did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He really had started to see himself as part
the family.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Did this mean he was really capable of changing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His first stint in jail had only exacerbated
his character flaws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He came out of
prison a rotten excuse for a human being, with only the thought of revenge on
his mind.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">His second time in prison had left him a shell of a man,
barely able to function.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had been
subjected to the most heinous and vile treatment men can devise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had seen pure evil in the eyes of the men
who beat him and sexually abused him on a daily basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They enjoyed inflicting pain on others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of them would spend the rest of their
lives in jail, never to breathe free air again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It didn’t matter to them that they could be
charged with more crimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were
already incarcerated and had no motivation to improve whatsoever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Unfortunately for Peyton, he didn’t have a cell mate who
could protect him like the first time he was in prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had traded sex for protection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John was a huge man and would take anyone
down who wanted to challenge him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Without someone to protect him, he was quickly forced into a sex ring
run by the prison gang.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His cell mate,
Marty, was his pimp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he wouldn’t
cooperate, Marty arranged for him to be repeatedly gang raped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had been through hell!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The memories made him shiver.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Corey said, “Are you cold?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“No, I was just remembering being gang raped,” Peyton said,
his body still shaking.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey said, “You’re safe now.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He moved closer to Peyton, molding his body
to his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He lifted his hand to his face
to caress his cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No one will rape
you or do anything to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re with
family.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I know,” Peyton said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I was just thinking how quickly I’ve started to adjust to calling your
mother, Grandma.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad to
hear that you’re beginning to feel more at home here,” Corey said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have to admit that I was a little
skeptical about taking you in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
father has a habit of taking every stray that comes his way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we were little, Dad took in a homeless
family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They lived with us for almost a
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He helped them rebuild their
lives.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I didn’t know that,” Dylan said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do I know them?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, you do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
Sherriff Smith’s family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His father had
lost his job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They lost their home and
were out on the street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Dad heard
about it, he brought the Smith’s to live with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daniel and his two sisters went to school
with us, while his parents worked on the farm with Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Smith had an affinity for cars which
endeared him to Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They worked
together to restore old cars when they weren’t working on other things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad suggested to Mr. Smith that he open an
auto repair business, with Dad as his partner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Dad would provide the needed capital and Mr. Smith would run the repair
shop.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I wondered why Dad was on such good terms with the
Sherriff,” Dylan said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“It goes beyond that, Dylan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Dad paid for Daniel’s college education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad encouraged him to attend the university,
just as he did his two sisters,” Corey said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Dad set up a college education fund for our high school, and persuaded
most of the local farmers to contribute to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At first, there was only enough money to send one or two kids to
college, but now it funds about 20 or so kids.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t know
Dad was so much into helping the community,” Dylan.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Dad has always said that the only way to combat ignorance is
through education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He believes that society
as a whole is much better off when people are educated and can think for
themselves,” Corey said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton shifted his leg, his cast bumping up against
Dylan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dylan said, “I just wish you
didn’t have to wear these casts.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “You don’t know how badly I want to them be gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The casts themselves aren’t so bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I hate about them is the fact that I
can’t take care of myself.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Don’t worry about it,” Dylan said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton asked, “Corey, what made you change your mind about
taking me in?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“After I heard you tell us what you had been through in
prison, I decided that Dad was right to take you in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one should be treated like you were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could see that you had been mentally and
emotionally destroyed by those savages who abused you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked into your eyes and I saw how much
you were hurting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to take you
in my arms and comfort you,” Corey said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He gently kissed Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You
looked so adorable, laying there helpless and needy, I couldn’t resist the urge
to protect you and make you whole.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve
never been told that I was adorable before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve been called many other things, but never adorable!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dylan reached over and began stroking Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I agree with Corey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think there are many things about you that
are adorable.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton moaned with pleasure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Please, don’t stop.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he
felt Dylan’s mouth on his cock, he said, “Dylan, don’t do that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t have the test results back
yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to give you AIDS.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dylan said, “I know, but I had to taste your cock.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He moved up and kissed Peyton on the
lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you for looking out for
me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reached down to finish what he
had started.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next morning Corey and Dylan helped Peyton with his
morning duties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had just finished dressing
him, when there was a tap on the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Breakfast is ready.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We’ll be right there,” Corey shouted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They lifted Peyton out of bed and into his
wheelchair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They wheeled him out of his
room and down the hallway to the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They arrived just as Grandpa was sitting down at the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Good morning, boys,” he said, smiling at them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Good morning,” they chorused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They took their places and Grandpa said
grace.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When he had finished, he looked at Peyton and said, “I need
the boys to help me on the farm today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Will you be okay staying here with your Grandma?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I’ll be just fine.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Good,” Grandpa said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey helped Peyton with his breakfast, then, quickly
finished his own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jasper and Bod
arrived as they were clearing the dishes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Grandpa said, “Right on time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let’s go, boys.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He gave Grandma a quick hug and a kiss, before he headed out
the door with the four boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandma
washed and dried the dishes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She put
them away, and turned to Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s
go sit by the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can enjoy the
morning sun, before it gets too hot to be outside.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She pushed Peyton’s wheelchair out of the kitchen and down
the hall past the family to the door that led to the pool deck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She opened and pushed him through it, positioning
him next to one of the patio tables.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She went back inside and returned with a tray filled with a couple of
empty glasses and a pitcher of iced tea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She placed on the patio table in full sunlight.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I love iced tea, but I like to sit for a while in the sun
before I drink it,” Grandma said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton smiled, “I like it, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandma sat down and asked, “What would you like to talk
about?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Can we talk more about your belief in God?” Peyton
asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If you don’t want to do that,
we can talk of anything else you want to talk about.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandma looked into Peyton’s eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t mind talking about God, but are you
ready to hear what I might have to say about Him?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “I don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m really confused right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have a belief in God, but there are so questions I have about religion.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Well, let’s start where we left off the other day,” Grandma
said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’ve thought about what you said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I can believe that we are all God’s
children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean everyone, including
those men who raped me and tried to kill me,” Peyton said<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Well, since you’ve gotten that far, let’s go on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you believe about Jesus Christ?”
Grandma asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I believe he was a great teacher and a prophet,” Peyton
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My parents professed to belief
that he saved us from our sins, but they said only the elect or people called
saints would have their sins forgiven them.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“That’s the typical attitude of most Christians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They like to think they are the gatekeepers
of God’s love and mercy for His children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Why would God put limits on His love for His children?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The answer is that he doesn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is always there for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are no limits to His love, despite what
people might tell you,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, you said that before,” Peyton said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But, what about Jesus’ sacrifice for us?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Contrary to what most Christian churches teach, I believe
that Jesus paid the price for all of our sins in the Garden of Gethsemane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t believe there was any selectivity
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus didn’t say, ‘I’ll pay for
your sins, but not yours.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe He
paid for all of our sins, regardless of our belief in Him or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His sacrifice had to be as infinite as God’s
love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also believe that He took upon
Himself the suffering of all mankind,” she said, pausing to see if Peyton
understood her.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “I don’t understand what you mean when you say
he took our suffering upon himself.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I believe that He can take away our pain and suffering,
because he already paid the price for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I believe that if we turn to God that our pain and suffering will be
taken away, because of what Jesus Christ did for us."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You’re beginning to sound like one of those evangelists on
television,” Peyton said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Maybe so, but there is one important difference - I’m not
trying to get you to send me money, or asking you to join the ranks of the
believers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What you believe about God
and Jesus Christ is your own affair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You asked me what I think about God, and I’ve told you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s up to you to decide what you believe,”
she said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton was immediately contrite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry, Grandma.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t mean to offend you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You didn’t offend me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I just wanted to make it clear that you are one in charge of what you
believe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t let anyone tell you what
to believe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You need to decide for
yourself what you believe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you
remember that I said that I believe that every one of us is a child of God?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
thought about that a lot,” Peyton said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Then, you also remember that I said anyone can approach God
in prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe that as His
children we can approach him with our questions, and he will answer them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I pray, I envision God as a loving
father who is sitting next to me, listening to me and answering my prayers,”
she said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Do you really think God would answer my prayers?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve done some pretty horrible things in my
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why would he want anything to do
with me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can God love a gay man
like me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My parents’ church taught us
that homosexuals were sinners and had to be exterminated, according to their
interpretation of the Bible.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“God will listen to you because you are his child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter what you have done, His love for
you is unconditional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t let anyone
tell you otherwise, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are of
infinite worth to your God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t ever
think that God doesn’t value you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
may not be happy with the choices you’ve made, but He will always love
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s love is a perfect love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As parents, we love our children, but that
love isn’t perfect like God’s love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s close, but it sometimes isn’t enough for us to overcome the things
our children do and say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We become
offended, and our love can be turned to hatred.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are imperfect, being human; however, God
is perfect and His love for us doesn’t change, or go away.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She paused and searched his gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He loves every gay person just like he
loves every one of his other children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Being gay doesn’t disqualify you from being loved, as many ‘Christians’
would have you believe.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“My parents don’t believe in God’s love the way you do, and
neither do Rick’s parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They disowned
him for being gay, and my parents don’t want anything to do with me,
either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t realize how much it
hurt Rick when his parents rejected him, until mine rejected me,” Peyton
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">His forlorn expression touched her heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was clear that he felt very much alone in
the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But you have each other,
and you both have a new family who loves you,” Grandma said, reassuringly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’m beginning to believe you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I surprised myself this morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of thinking of you as Mrs.
Scarborough, I thought of you as Grandma,” Peyton said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That means
you’re beginning to heal,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’m feeling much better than I was a few days ago,” he
acknowledged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m feeling confident
enough to ask questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I haven’t
dared to ask questions of anyone for a long time for fear of being beaten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you think Rick and Glenn have really forgiven
me for what I did to them?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I can’t answer for them, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is something that is between you and
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From what you have seen of them
since you arrived here, what is your assessment of the situation?” she asked,
helping him to think things through.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I think that they have accepted me for who I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also know that I’m on probation with
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are willing to give me a
second chance, but are being cautious around me,” he responded.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“And what about you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Have you forgiven yourself for what you’ve done?” she asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He gave her a puzzled look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Why is that so important?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You have to learn to love yourself, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you don’t like who you are, how can you
learn to like others,” she explained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“You have to have love in your soul in order to share it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not saying that you have to be perfect,
but you have to be able to look at yourself in the mirror every morning and
like who you see there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if Rick
and Glenn forgive you, it won’t matter if you can’t forgive yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will continue torment yourself with your
sense of guilt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some people like to
make themselves miserable by holding onto their guilt long after they’ve made
restitution for what they’ve done wrong and those they have hurt have forgiven
them.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He thought about what she said for a few minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is forgiving yourself part of your
religious beliefs?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus
said that we are to forgive those who offend us, no matter how many times they
hurt us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we need to forgive
ourselves for our shortcomings, and work to make them strengths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of us are perfect, so that means we
will always have something we can improve in ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also means that we need to be patient and
kind to everyone, including ourselves.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They spent the next few hours discussing, in depth, Grandma’s
religious beliefs and Peyton’s struggle with his own religious views.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During a lull in their conversation, she
poured them each a tall glass of iced tea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She put a straw in Peyton’s ice tea and handed it to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He smiled and said, “Thank you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He managed to hold the glass in both hands,
while he sipped the ice tea through the straw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When he finished, Grandma took the glass from him and placed it on the
tray.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“That sure tasted good,” Grandma said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She placed her glass next to Peyton’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were joined on the pool deck by Bob and
Jasper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Bob, please go into the
kitchen and bring out enough glasses for everyone to have ice tea.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bob said, “Sure, Mom.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He retraced his steps to the kitchen and returned with the glasses,
followed by Corey, Dylan and Grandpa.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa said, “I hear there is fresh ice tea to be had.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandma said, “Yes, there is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please sit down, and I’ll pour you a
glass.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She poured everyone a glass of
ice tea and passed them around to the thirsty men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Did you get everything done out in the orchard?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, thanks to boys,” Grandpa said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked over at Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You need to hurry up and get on your
feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton smiled, and said, “I’m doing my best, Grandpa.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa returned his smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“You better, because we’re counting on you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“It feels good to be needed in a positive way,” Peyton said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dylan grinned broadly at Peyton, and said, “We need you in a
positive way.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey put arm around his husband’s shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, we need you very much.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton blushed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was one thing to say such things among themselves, but it was quite another to
have them said in front of Grandpa and Grandma.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bob said, “Now look what you’ve gone and done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve embarrassed Peyton.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jasper winked at Peyton, and asked, “He does look very cute
when he blushes don’t you think?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton looked at Grandpa and Grandma to see their
reaction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was surprised when Grandma
said, “I think Peyton is pretty good looking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If I were a few years younger, I might have been tempted to go after him
myself.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She reached over and took
Grandpa’s hand in hers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“However, I’ve
found the perfect mate for me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa leaned over and gave her a kiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, we’re soul mates.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandma looked over at Peyton, with a smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t look so surprised, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just because we’re old enough to be your
grandparents doesn’t mean that we don’t have the same thoughts and feelings you
young people have.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “I’m just not used to being teased in front of
my elders.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Well, you had better get used to it,” Bob said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re not about to let you think you’re any
different than the rest of us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton grinned and laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I’m glad that I’m receiving equal treatment.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa looked over at Grandma, and said, “I think Peyton is
beginning to understand that he belongs with us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton nodded his head, and said, “I’m a slow learner, but I
can be taught, eventually.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Later that evening, Bob and Jasper wheeled Peyton to his
room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bob said, “It’s time for bed big
boy.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He grinned at Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You are in for one wild ride.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bob and Jasper lifted him into his bed and proceeded to help
him disrobe, before doing the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They climbed into bed with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jasper said, “Our goal is to make sure we become your favorites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We might be the last couple to sleep with
you, but we are definitely the best!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
can’t wait to see how you plan to convince me of that fact.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He didn’t get a chance to say anything more, as Bob captured his
lips and Jasper attended to his stiffening cock.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I awoke from a wonderful dream about having an all-night orgy
with the sexiest men on the planet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was so hard, it hurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt Rick’s
fingers running through my hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
lifted my head from his chest and looked into his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled and kissed me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“It’s about time you woke up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You must have been having a pretty good
dream,” Rick said, taking my morning wood in his hand.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I was dreaming of having great sex with all of our friends,”
I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“That was no dream,” Todd said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt him spooning against me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kissed the back of my neck.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zach said, “Last night was totally mind blowing!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “I have to agree with that assessment.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory added, “I still can’t believe we really did it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Robbie said, “You’d better believe it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Adam chimed in, “It was like that time in Spain with all the
guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I piped up, “Now
you’re making us sound like a bunch of sex-crazed gay guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “If the shoe fits, wear it!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I playfully punched his shoulder, “I’m not sex-crazed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m just addicted to sex with you, Babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“The rest of us are just as addicted to having sex with our
husbands as you are with Rick,” Zach said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“But what happened last night certainly tops my list of favorite
memories of being with you guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Robbie said, “What I can’t believe is that we all managed to
sleep in the same bed together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
guys aren’t exactly small.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Adam said, “I can because this is a king-sized bed and we
slept sideways so everybody fit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well,
most everybody.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He grinned as he
noticed how Greg, Zach and Rick’s feet hung out over the end of the bed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zach laughed, “Greg, Rick and I kind of got the short end of
the stick.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“But you each had someone to keep you warm,” Robbie said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “Is anyone up for our usual shower competition?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zach said, “You know I’ll win!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You
might beat everyone else here but I’ve never lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve always been able to shoot farther than
any other guy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zach said, “Then, let’s have a rematch.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We all got out of bed and headed to the en suite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zach said, “I’m glad we have a large shower;
otherwise, we wouldn’t all fit in here.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had a great time in the shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, my man won the contest!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick was beaming as we came out of the
shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Zach, you just have to admit you’ll never beat
me!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zach laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“One of
these days, you won’t be able to even get it up.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll
be dead when that happens!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zach said, “I want another go at you before you guys leave
for Atlanta.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Okay, how about tonight after your graduation
ceremony?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“No, I don’t think so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I plan to have a few drinks to celebrate getting out school,” Zach
replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Alcohol has always decreased
my performance.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Todd said, “I can testify to that.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He skipped away from his husband, as Zach
tried to grab him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hey, I’m just
saying you’re right.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You didn’t have to agree with me so quickly,” Zach
complained.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Todd looked contrite and said, “I’m sorry if I hurt your
feelings.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Robbie laughed and said, “Todd’s crossing his fingers behind
his back!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Todd laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,
I’m not really sorry, but I still love you, just the same.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked over to Zach and pulled him into
his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kissed him deeply, causing
the guys to wolf whistle!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “I’m going to miss seeing you guys kiss like
that.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zach and Todd looked into each other’s eyes, and Todd said,
“Maybe we’ll have to make a special video for you, Greg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way, you can watch us kissing any time
you want.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Robbie said, “Hey, I want a copy if you decide to make video
of you guys making out.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory said, “I think we should repeat we did last night and
record it this time.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Now, that would be worth some big money,” Adam said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick looked at me and I said, “I would rather have us keep
last night as a great memory instead making a porno video out of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will always remember having a great time
with those I love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s leave things
alone.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Todd agreed with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I think Glenn’s right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re
all very good friends and we’re closer than brothers.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zach laughed, and said, “We should be closer than brothers
after some of the things we’ve done.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory said, “Okay, we won’t record, but I still want to do it
again tonight.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Robbie said, “I’m up for that.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We all agreed that another night of enjoying each other was
what we all wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just thinking about
it had me so amped up I could hardly wait for the day to pass, and it was just
beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We finished drying each
other off, and the guys went to their separate rooms to get dressed for the
day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We met them
downstairs at the breakfast table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
volunteered to cook, as did Cory and Robbie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I soon had pancakes on the griddle, while Cory and Robbie cooked the
sausage and eggs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick washed and cut
up the fresh strawberries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put them
on the table along with a can of whipped cream, the kind that sprays out of the
can when you press the nozzle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guys
set the table and we sat down to a big breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After breakfast, Zach said, “I’ve got too much energy to sit
around the house until tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do
you guys want to do?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Robbie said, “The question is, what do our parents want to
do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know that Mom probably has
plans.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zach said, “You’re probably right about that.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zach’s cell phone rang at that moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hello, Mom.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Hello, Zach,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Your father and I wanted to know if you guys wanted to do something
with us today.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We were just talking about that,” Zach said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Would you be up for a bike ride around the
lakes?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Let me ask the others,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He could hear her talking with his father
and the Ingrams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He looked around the room and asked, “Are you guys for a bike
ride?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I said, “Sure, as long as you’ve got a bike we can borrow.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Todd said, “We have a couple of extra bikes in the garage.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zach’s mother came back on the line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re not up for that today, but we’ll meet
you at Lake Calhoun for a picnic lunch.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We’ll meet at the Lake Calhoun for lunch, then,” he
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is 12 noon good?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Sounds good to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You boys enjoy your bike ride, and we’ll see you at lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll stop and pick something up, so you
guys won’t have to haul any food.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Thanks, Mom,” Zach said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You’re welcome,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zach ended the call, and said, “Let’s go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need some exercise.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We followed him outside to the garage and helped load up the
bikes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a great time riding
around the Cedar Lake, Lake Calhoun and Lake Harriet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We met the adults for lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We rode our bikes around Lake of the Isles,
before we rode back to the parking lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When we got back to the house, Zach laughed and said, “Back
to the shower, boys!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Robbie said, “I’m ready for a rematch.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Robbie, you shouldn’t even try.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Robbie punched Rick in the shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That wasn’t nice!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can shoot as far as any of the other
guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just haven’t beaten you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zach said, “You’re right, you haven’t beaten me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We tied last time, remember?” Robbie asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zach rolled his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Okay, so, we tied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That doesn’t
mean you beat me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A tie doesn’t mean I
lost to you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Robbie said, “But I count it as a win.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Neither one of us won, Robbie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick shot further than we did,” Zach pointed
out.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Let’s see if we both can’t out do Rick,” Robbie said,
laughing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zach grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,
let’s see of the Anderson boys can’t outdo the rest of these guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Their husbands protested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Todd said, “We’re Anderson boys, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All four of us are Anderson-Ingrams.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Adam said, “We’re Anderson-Ingrams just like you two.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Robbie said, “They’re right, Zach.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Okay, the Anderson-Ingram men need to show their stuff,”
Zach said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I accept the challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please lead the way.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zach grinned, and said, “Follow me boys.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We made our way upstairs and quickly disrobed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon, there were eight horny guys in the
shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The contest began as soon as
the showers were turned on and the temperature of the water adjusted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went first, followed by Rick, Greg and
Cory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robbie kept careful track of the distance
each of shot of cum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last
contestants were the Anderson-Ingram men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Zach was last of all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Watching
him shoot his load was something to behold!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When he was finished, Robbie marked the farthest reach of his volleys of
cum.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Robbie grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We
are tied again.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I win once again.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Robbie said, “Yes, but just barely.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Close only counts in horse shoes.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Robbie laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes,
but you have to admit we’re so close you could lose next time.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Okay, I’ll give you that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, we’ll see if you two actually can
deliver the goods.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I said, “You guys were pretty impressive.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zach grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Was I
impressive enough to get a kiss from you?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Certainly,” I said, kissing him deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">That started a major make out session in the shower!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We eventually cleaned up and got out of the
shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We dried off and went our
separate rooms to get dressed for the evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The adults were taking out for an early dinner before the graduation ceremony.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After dinner, we made our way to the Mariucci Arena and found
our seats, while the graduates made their way to their places.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was totally awesome to see our friends
receive their diplomas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took lots of
photographs to mark the occasion.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Eventually, we made our way back to the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were very much looking forward to a
repeat performance of last night’s activities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was quite a graduation present for our friends – a night none of us
will ever forget!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***</span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Author’s Note:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Loring Park - </span></span><a href="http://www.livemsp.org/neighborhoods/minneapolis-neighborhoods/42-loring-park/60-loring-park"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.livemsp.org/neighborhoods/minneapolis-neighborhoods/42-loring-park/60-loring-park</span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Surrogate Search - </span></span><a href="http://www.creatingfamilies.com/SM/SM_Info.aspx?ID=64"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.creatingfamilies.com/SM/SM_Info.aspx?ID=64</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">More information on gay surrogacy - </span></span><a href="http://www.gaysurrogacyagency.com/"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.gaysurrogacyagency.com/</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Capital Grille - </span></span><a href="https://www.thecapitalgrille.com/pages/locations/?id=8010"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">https://www.thecapitalgrille.com/pages/locations/?id=8010</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Minneapolis Bike Trails - </span></span><a href="http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=907"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=907</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
SaskBoyStories by Russ Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12705114426346134527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7739282925426125332.post-52343203732251777012013-11-27T00:04:00.000-05:002014-05-27T00:47:10.708-04:00The Man From Swift Current Chapter One Hundred Twenty Nine - Who Am I?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chapter One
Hundred Twenty Nine – Who Am I?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton awoke
with a feeling of panic, bordering on hysteria.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The room he was in wasn’t familiar to him,
and there was someone practically sleeping on top of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He moved his leg in its cast and found that
someone was sleeping on his other side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That’s when he remembered that he wasn’t in jail anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The memory of the last 24 hours came
flooding back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His changed circumstances
hit him like a tidal wave, sending tears of relief and happiness streaming down
his face.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He recognized that it was Glenn, his cousin’s
lover, sleeping with his head on his chest and his leg thrown over Peyton’s
good leg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His blond hair tickled
Peyton’s chin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As he shifted his
position, Glenn stirred, molding his body even more closely to Peyton’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He felt as if Glenn were clinging to him for
protection and safety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was an odd
sensation for him, given his recent experiences in prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one in prison looked to him for
protection; indeed, he was the one who needed protecting from the prison
guards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He had
watched all of the guys very closely last night, and noticed how gentle and
loving the guys were toward each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was such a stark contrast to how he had been treated in prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had almost given up hope in that dark place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even now, it held so much horror for him
that just the thought of it made him shudder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Glenn stirred again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">However,
this time he murmured, “I love you, Babe.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hearing
those words brought home to him just how lucky he was to have the chance to
make amends with Rick and Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even
though he was sure the words were meant for Rick, they still gave him
comfort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had observed how protective
Rick was of Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had wondered why
that was, because Glenn seemed to be so happy and carefree. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe there was more to Glenn than he had
observed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton moved his arm, and woke up me up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lifted my
head from his chest and met his gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
smiled, and said, “Good morning, Babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton heard
Glenn’s words and his heart was deeply touched.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glenn had managed to convey his love for him
with just three words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good morning,
Glenn.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I ran my
hands over Peyton’s chest, lightly tracing the outlines of the bruises I found
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do these still hurt?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Not like
they did a few days ago,” Peyton replied, enjoying Glenn’s touch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Can I ask you question?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Sure,” I
responded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Why is Rick
so protective of you?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I don’t
know for sure, but maybe it has something to do with how we first met,” I answered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let me explain.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I narrated the story of how we met and how
Rick had comforted me after being dumped by Ian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told him how his cousin had become my
Prince Charming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick awoke
feeling like he was trapped under a heavy load.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took him a moment to realize that it was
Peyton’s leg cast that lay across his legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He gently moved Peyton’s leg off of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He rolled onto his side, facing his
cousin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He raised himself up on his
elbow to see if Peyton was awake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He smiled,
as he met Peyton’s baby blue eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
looked enough like Rick that they could’ve been twins, except Peyton had blond
hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton tried to smile back, but
winced in pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good morning, cousin.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Good
morning to you, too,” Peyton responded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick glanced
over at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grinned at him, and said,
“It’s about time you woke up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton
needs to pee.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed,
and said, “I’ll get the bedpan.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
climbed out of bed and retrieved the bedpan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He whipped back the sheet, exposing the two naked men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked them over appreciatively.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It looks like you’re both ready for some
action.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s true, but I’ve
got to pee first.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Well, let
me take care of that erection, or we’ll have a mess to clean up,” Rick
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reached over and flicked
Peyton’s dick with his finger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His erection immediately
faded away<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton cried
out, “Why did you do that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That hurt!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Stop
whining and pee in the bedpan,” Rick said, lifting Peyton up and placing the
bedpan underneath him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton eyes
were filled with tears, but he complied with Rick’s instructions, filling the
bedpan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick walked into the en suite,
and emptied the bedpan into the toilet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I joined him, putting my arm around his waist as we took care of our
needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We both washed our hands and
brushed our teeth, before returning to bed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick took one
look at Peyton’s tear-stained face, and immediately apologized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry I hurt you, Peyton.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He leaned over and kissed him deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled back, and gazed into his
eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Can you forgive me?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
smiled through his tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, if I
can get a kiss like that every morning.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick put his
hand up to his cheek and wiped away the tears, astonished at the fragility of
Peyton’s emotional state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would have
to remember to be very gentle with his cousin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“You can have a kiss like that anytime you need one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll even let Glenn kiss you like that, if
you like.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton smiled,
as much as his swollen lips would let him, and said, “Please.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I leaned
over, and kissed him just as deeply as Rick had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled
back, meeting his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, who is
the better kisser?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
grinned broadly, forgetting about his wounded lip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It split open and began to bleed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reached over and grabbed a tissue from the
box on the night stand next to the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I wiped the blood from his bottom lip, and said, “You need to be more
careful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want that lip to heal, so
we can show you how to give a guy a kiss.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
nodded his head in agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll try
to remember.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To answer your question, I
think you’re both great kissers.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think we’ve got a problem.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
looked puzzled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do you mean?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick reached
down and began stroking Peyton’s very erect steel pole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We need to get you off this morning, so you
won’t embarrass Grandma.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
nodded his head in agreement and arched his back, thrusting upward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He moaned, then, stiffened as he came.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His body went limp and he sighed
contentedly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said,
“You’re welcome, cousin.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I haven’t
been able to get off like that in a long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In prison, they taped my dick and balls down to prevent me from ever
reaching orgasm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They told me I was
their bitch, and that bitches don’t have a dick and balls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At one point, they had me wearing woman’s
panties and call me Penny.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He stopped
and cleared his throat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His eyes were
bright with unshed tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“None of them
ever thought about giving me pleasure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was all about getting them off.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His tears overflowed and began streaming down his face, as he fought to
get his emotions under control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can’t
believe that you thought of giving me pleasure.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick put his
hands on either side of Peyton’s face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He looked searchingly into Peyton’s eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Peyton, we will never ask you to do
anything you don’t want to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are
in control here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should have asked
you first, if it was okay for me to jerk you off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sorry I overstepped my bounds.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
looked up at Rick, tears still streaming down his cheeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I wanted you to jerk me off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
needed it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s just that I’m not used
to anyone looking out for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
overwhelmed by your kindness to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After how I treated you and Glenn, I don’t deserve to have you be so
nice to me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said,
“Peyton, did you hear me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We love
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are going to keep telling you
over and over, again, until you start believing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are important to us, and we want you to
get better.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick leaned down to kiss
him gently on the lips.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Can you
forgive me for being such a bastard to you all of these years?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt intimidated by you, and I tried to
make you feel small whenever you came to visit us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know I shouldn’t have done that, but you
seemed to have your act together and I felt threatened by you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I
forgive you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want us to be best
friends from now on, so we need to put the past behind us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I leaned
down and kissed him deeply, remembering not to reinjure his bottom lip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nibbled on his earlobe and whispered in
his ear, “I want us to be more than just friends.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton’s
eyes went wide with surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Does
Rick know that?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick
laughed, and said, “Yes, I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m the
one who told him to say it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He looked at
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you guys really serious about
that?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, we
are; but, there are certain boundaries we won’t cross,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He explained them to Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We are very close to Greg and Cory, and we
want you to be just as close to us as we are to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, you are in control here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You need to tell us what you’re comfortable
with, and a lot will depend on the speed of your recovery.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We want to
make sure you know that we are here to support you in every way possible,
including what we’ve just discussed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
know that you’ve got a hard road ahead, and that having a support network is
very important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As part of our family,
you have a very strong network, because we take care of our own.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton’s
tears were flowing, again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said,
“I’m sorry, my emotions are so near the surface.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t help crying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel like I have been completely stripped
of all my defenses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s like I’m a
newborn child, and my feelings are so strong that they overwhelm me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You’ve just
been through a very traumatic experience, and you’ve been repeatedly abused by
those who should have protected you,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“We know that you’re vulnerable right now, but we’re here to protect
you, and to comfort you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hugged him
tightly, as sobs wracked his body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
the storm had subsided, I released him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said,
“I think you should spend the day outside by the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How does that sound?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’d love that.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I grinned at
him, and said, “We have some swim suits that clip on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way you can get some sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are pretty sexy looking, and I think
you’ll like them.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stood up and
pulled on my clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll be right
back.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went upstairs to our room and
returned with the swim suits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I held
them up for Peyton’s inspection.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Which one
do you want to wear?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“They all
look great!” he exclaimed, excitedly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
want to wear the red one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will you put
it on me?”</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61LaUaX-7vct8eNsOt59qMTzKKTmc92gCQ1byZj6Iqn9n7sjrESufPN-xzFMm0PM7l9pk5GKvgNDsCoqRJ6Co1bxuzGmHB8VRvkXhKUc0eQroGLBRSMOYQckm7L8WT4YQqXrbJbpSkpo/s1600/bikinisuit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61LaUaX-7vct8eNsOt59qMTzKKTmc92gCQ1byZj6Iqn9n7sjrESufPN-xzFMm0PM7l9pk5GKvgNDsCoqRJ6Co1bxuzGmHB8VRvkXhKUc0eQroGLBRSMOYQckm7L8WT4YQqXrbJbpSkpo/s1600/bikinisuit.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter">
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0">
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1">
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1">
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth">
</v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas></v:stroke></v:shapetype></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Sure,” I
replied, grinning from ear to ear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick
lifted him up, while I put the swim suit on him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick and I put on the other two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We modeled them for Peyton,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He wolf
whistled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You guys sure look great!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I grinned
and asked, “Do you want us to shave off your body hair?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
looked us over and nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love how clearly I can
see your muscles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know I don’t have
as much definition as you guys, but I think it will help me look better.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You look
just fine the way you are, Peyton,” I said, giving him the once over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
blushed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s quite a compliment coming from you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I replied,
“It’s true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think you’re pretty
‘hot.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You forget that you look a lot
like Rick, and I’m highly addicted to his gorgeous body.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick
grinned, and said, “That means you’re a stud, Peyton.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I like being called a
stud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I makes me feel special.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick went
into the en suite, and returned with a razor and shaving cream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent the next little while shaving his
body hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we removed his body hair,
I ran my fingers gently over the bruises on his back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Choking back
tears, I said, “I hope the creeps who did this to you are put behind bars, and
that their fellow prisoners treat them the exact same way.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said,
“It’s okay, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want them brought
to justice, so no one else will suffer the way I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not seeking revenge, because no one
deserves to be treated the way I was.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We rolled
him onto his back and took the swim suit off of him to shave his pubes and
buttocks, putting it back on after we finished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick looked
approvingly at Peyton, and said, “You look good, cousin.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
laughed, “I never imagined I’d be wearing a bikini swim suit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It feels pretty good.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Well, you
do have to be careful, because it won’t keep you covered if you get a hard-on,”
Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Well, don’t
kiss me like you did, and I won’t get aroused,” Peyton replied, winking at us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There was a
knock on the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick walked over to
open the door, admitting Greg and Cory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said,
“Good morning, boys.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory wolf
whistled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You look great!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
blushed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks, Cory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t know how much I needed to hear
that.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said,
“All three of you look totally awesome!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I love the swim suits!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg and
Cory sat down at the foot of the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Did you give him the swim suit?” Greg asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes,” I
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s a clip on, so we don’t have
to worry about how to get it on and off of him.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said,
“Have you changed his bandages?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“No, we
haven’t,” Rick said, guiltily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ve
been rather busy this morning.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let me guess….you gave Peyton
a blowjob!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick grinned
broadly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Nope, but I did help him jerk
off.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said,
“Peyton, these guys give excellent blowjobs.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
looked at Greg in astonishment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Have they given you a blowjob?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg nodded
his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, they took good care of
me, when I was laid up like you are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Your cousin kept me from going crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Between Rick and Glenn, they kept me very happy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory punched
Greg in the shoulder, and said, “Meanwhile, I suffered alone.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg put his
arm around his waist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Stop
whining!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took care of you as soon as
I could.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory said,
“Yes, you did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, you had Rick
living with you, and he paid a lot of attention to you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
looked at Rick, and said, “I didn’t know you lived with Greg.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I lived
with Greg and his mother to help take care of him after his Dad attacked him,”
Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
asked, “You guys mentioned that yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What happened?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg and
Cory took turns narrating that tragic event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They showed him their scars, and explained what they had done to cope
with the aftermath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg finished by
saying, “We were laid up pretty bad.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
looked at them and said, “So, there’s hope for me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, there
is, because if we can do it, you can do it,” Cory said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said,
“We think you’re going to be just fine.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said,
“Peyton is going to join us by the pool today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That’s why we gave him the swim suit.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick’s stomach rumbled.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We all
laughed, and Rick said, “It’s time for breakfast.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Let’s get
Peyton into his wheelchair,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We lifted
him out of his bed and into his chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick pushed it down the hall and into the kitchen.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Grandma said,
“Good morning, boys.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I didn’t expect
you for another hour or two.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Guys your
age usually sleep in.” She noted how thin Peyton looked. Some of the gauntness had left his face, but he still looked like one of those starving refugees you see on television. She was very worried about Peyton's physical well-being. However, she didn't want to worry the boys, so she quickly brought a smile to her face.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said,
“We normally would, but someone needed some help this morning.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandma
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m glad Peyton had you there
to help him.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said,
“So am I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guys want me to join them
by the pool this morning.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandma
nodded her approval.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guessed that
was what you had in mind this morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
will do you good to be outside as much as possible, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glenn, help me put the food on the table,
and the rest of you take your seats.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After we
brought over several platters heaped with food, we joined the guys at the
table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandma asked, “Rick, will you
please say grace?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick nodded
his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We reached out to take the
hand of the person on each side of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick said, “We thank you, God, for Peyton’s arrival and ask you to help
him heal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are grateful for this food
and for Grandma’s efforts on our behalf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We ask you to bless it to the betterment of our bodies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I gave
Peyton’s hand a gentle squeeze, before releasing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at him and saw the tears in his
eyes, and saw him bite his lip in an effort not to cry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put my hand under his chin and turned his
head until he met my gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We love
you, Peyton.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said,
“You had better get used to hearing those words, Peyton.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said,
“He’s not kidding, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can
testify to the truthfulness of those words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m living proof that there is a lot of love in this family.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandma
said, “Yes, we all love you, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now, Glenn, help Peyton eat his breakfast.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had placed a bowl of oatmeal in front of
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He looked at
the hot cereal in disgust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Can’t I
have what they’re having?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He looked
just like a two-year old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I laughed and
turned to Grandma.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is it okay for him
to have pancakes, eggs and sausage?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandma
said, “You can try the pancakes and eggs, but I’m not sure that eating sausage
is really a good thing right now, Peyton.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I loaded his
plate with pancakes and scrambled eggs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Is that enough?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, that’s plenty.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I fed him
his breakfast, Rick ate his, then, prepared a plate for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick said, “Now, I get to feed you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I grinned,
“Anytime.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When we
finished eating, we cleared the dishes and helped Grandma wash and dry
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We pushed Peyton’s wheelchair out
to the pool deck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick said, “Let’s get
you into a lounge chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll be much
more comfortable there than in your wheelchair.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We lifted him
out of the wheelchair and set him gently on the lounge chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grabbed the sunscreen and began applying
it liberally to his chest and stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick took care of covering his uninjured leg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put some on my hands and gently covered
his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Here’s a
pair of sunglasses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you want me to
put them on you?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“No, I’ll
wait awhile,” Peyton said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t
want to look like a raccoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll put
them on after we’ve been out here for a while.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Okay,” I
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We pulled our chairs over next to
his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick and I covered each other in
sunscreen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I relaxed and let out a
sigh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This is the life.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said,
‘That it is.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton closed his eyes,
enjoying the sunlight on his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
had been a long time since he had been able to do that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After a
while, I looked over at Peyton and said, “I think we need to turn him over, so
he doesn’t burn.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick nodded
and said, “Let’s wake him up.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
reached over and gently shook his cousin’s shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Peyton, we need to turn you over.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
opened his eyes and yawned widely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
could get used to this.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We need to
turn you over,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton looked at
me uncomprehendingly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You need to be turned over so you can tan
evenly, front and back.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Oh,” Peyton
said, understanding what I was saying.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick and I
lowered the back of Peyton’s lounge chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I signaled for Greg and Cory to help us turn him over onto his
stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cory wolf whistled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Peyton, you sure have a great looking bubble butt!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
laughed, and said, “That’s quite a compliment coming from you, Cory!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never thought of myself as being very
attractive.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory
smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, you need to change your
self-image, because you’re a great looking guy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I put a
pillow under Peyton’s chest and one under each arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, I took the sunscreen and rubbed it
into the skin of his back and shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I moved down to his beautiful butt and unclipped his swim suit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
whimpered, “Please don’t fuck me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’m sorry,
Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t mean to upset you,” I
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is it okay for me to take your
swim suit off?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knelt down in front
of him and lifted his chin until he met my gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If you’re not comfortable, let me know.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There was
look of fear in his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s just
that this is the position they put me in to rape me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Do you want
us to roll you onto your back?” I asked, concern coloring my voice.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton shook
his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I’ll be okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to remember that I’m not in jail, and
that I don’t have to worry about the guards handcuffing me in a spread eagle
position while they fuck me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I gently
kissed his lips and said, “I promise nothing will happen to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was going to remove your swim suit, so you
won’t have tan lines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you okay with
that?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I want to look as
good as you and Rick do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re such
hot studs.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I grinned
broadly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My goal is to help you find a
fine man who will treat you like royalty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That means you need to look your best.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Who said I wanted to find a
man?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I know
these things, Peyton,” I said, winking at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“You need a quality guy to make you happy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
sighed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I just hope I will be ready to
have a relationship with him when you do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Right now, I’m a real basket case.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We’ve
already told you that we are going to do everything we can to help you
recover,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m beginning to
believe you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I stood up
and moved to his side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat next to
him and removed his swim suit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I rubbed
sunscreen into the skin of his cheeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick laughed, and said, “Glenn, don’t get any ideas.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I looked up
at him and grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Too late!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton’s beautiful body has already given me
lots of good ideas.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said,
“Okay, hands off my cousin, Babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lie
down so I can put sunscreen on your back.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I complied
with my lover’s request.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton looked
over at me and said, “I wish I had someone who loved me as much as Rick loves
you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You will,
some day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just be patient,” I said, enjoying the feel of
Rick’s hands massaging my shoulders and back.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When he
finished, he handed me the sunscreen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Okay, it’s your turn to do me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I gave him a
lecherous grin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Gladly!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a good sound to hear
coming from him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Rick, you had better
be careful, or you’ll get fucked.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick kissed
me and said, “That’s the whole idea.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said,
“You should see these two go at it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
turned toward Greg, and asked, incredulously, “Do you mean you’ve seen them
having sex?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, and
they’ve seen us,” Greg said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick
stretched out on his stomach on the lounge chair, and I began covering his back
with sunscreen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned to Peyton,
and asked, “You didn’t believe me last night, did you?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
blushed, as he remembered that conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“No, I didn’t.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory asked,
“What didn’t you believe?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
turned an even deeper shade of red.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick came to his rescue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I told
him that I wanted him to become as close to us as you and Cory are.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said,
“That goes for us, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact,
tonight, we’ll show you that we really mean it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton’s
expression was one of complete disbelief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“You can’t be serious!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory laughed
and said, “He is and so am I.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“But your
married,” Peyton protested.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, we
are,” Cory agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But didn’t Rick
explain how our relationship with them works?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, but…”
Peyton said, doubtfully.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Then, you
know that certain activities aren’t permissible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg and I are very much in love with each
other, and you’ve seen that it’s the same with Rick and Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of us would ever do anything to cause
harm or injury to those we love; and, believe me, when I say that we love Rick
and Glenn very much.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said,
“I think you’ll find that having a strong relationship with the four of us will
give you back your confidence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
to admit that having Rick and Glenn in my corner was the only thing that kept
me going during those first few weeks after my Dad’s attack.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory said,
“The most important thing for you to know is that all four of us are here for
you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton heard
Cory’s words and he wept.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hearing
Peyton’s quiet cries, Cory walked over and knelt down beside Peyton’s
chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put his arm across his
shoulders, and said, “It’s going to be alright, Peyton.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
looked into Cory’s eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve heard
you guys tell me that, but my emotional and psychological wounds are still so
fresh and deep that I don’t dare let myself believe that what you say is really
true.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory gave
him a look of understanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know
where you’re coming from, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Try
to trust us, and let us help you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory
returned to his chair, and silence fell as we soaked up the sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About an hour later, we heard wolf
whistles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bob said, “Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You guys are a sight to behold, five great
looking guys catching rays!” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick and I
reached for our swim suits and put them back on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got up and put Peyton’s swim suit on
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I signaled for Bob and Jasper to
help me turn him over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They joined me
and Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We carefully lifted him up
and turned him on his back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was all
smiles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You guys are the best.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bob said, “I
agree with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are the best.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bob and
Jasper were wearing their bikini swim suits, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were already well tanned and looked
great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jasper said, “Let’s go for a
swim.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I looked at
Rick and asked, “Are you ready to get wet?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For an
answer, Rick walked over to the edge of the pool and dived into the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked down at Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Will you be okay?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said,
“Yes, I’ll be okay.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Later that
evening, we were gathered in Peyton’s room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My uncles had left us for the evening, and we were getting ready to
retire for the evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton was
already in his bed, completely naked with Greg and Cory on either side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He grinned
and said, “I could get used to this.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“So could
we,” Greg said, kissing Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Someday
soon, we need to show you the joys of having sex with someone you love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, first, we need to get you better.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
laughed, whole-heartedly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sound of
his laughter filled the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re
giving me a very good reason to get well.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory said,
“Good, then our plan is working as intended!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I put my arm
around Rick’s waist, and looked up into his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think we should leave these guys to
entertain Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you think?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not sure Peyton can handle it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know he’s so much older than these
guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve always wanted to be a
dirty old man.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said,
“Well, you can’t be dirty old man yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You’re still just a crippled old man, at the moment.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tapped Peyton’s arm cast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You have to get rid of this first.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory said,
“Being out in the sun helped you a lot, because your bruises seemed to have
faded quite a lot since this morning.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He ran his hands lightly over the huge black and purple bruises on
Peyton’s chest and sides.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
shuddered as he remembered the cause of those bruises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m trying to forget about those.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory said,
“Your memories of what happened will fade quickly, and we’ll help you create
new, happier memories to take the place of those bad ones.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kissed Peyton, then pulled back to meet
his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“By the time we’re done with
you, I promise you’ll have so many happy memories that there won’t be any room
for the bad ones.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said,
“You had better belief him, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Well, good night, boys.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I said,
“We’ll soon you three in the morning.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick took me by the hand and led me from their room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we reached our room, Rick closed the
door and pinned me against it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I need
you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t give me a chance to
respond before he captured my lips, kissing me deeply.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next
morning we went back downstairs to Peyton’s room to find that Greg and Cory
were already up and were giving Peyton a sponge bath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton grinned, when he saw us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Greg lent me a hand this morning, just like
you did yesterday, Rick.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m glad he took good care of
you!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory said,
“He shot so much cum we had to give him a bath.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“If nothing
else, we have proven at least that of his anatomy functions properly,” Greg
said, rolling Peyton over onto his stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They gently cleaned his bruised back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Greg looked over at Cory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Seeing what they did to Peyton just reinforces my desire to become a
criminal lawyer.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They
finished washing him, and dried him off with a towel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg rolled him onto his back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His eyes were filled with tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg sat down on the bed next to him and
took his hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Peyton, it’s okay to
cry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is part of the healing
process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You need to let yourself
grieve for what you have lost. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
one thing to give yourself willingly to someone you love, and quite another to
be repeatedly raped.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said,
“Corey and Dylan will be going with you to the doctor’s office today.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Grandpa told me
yesterday that I’d be seeing the dentist, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He thinks that I won’t be able to get my
dental work done until next week, because of the swelling in my mouth, but he
wanted the dentist to give us an estimate of the cost to repair my teeth.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory said,
“Aren’t you going to see a therapist?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, but I
asked Grandpa to give me a few more days to recover, before I meet with a
shrink,” Peyton said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I agree you
need some time to heal before you meet with a therapist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope he’s found one that’s pro-gay, or you
may end up being told that you are the cause of your own problems and deserve
what happened to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a therapist
tell me that when I was still in high school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He claimed that all faggots deserve to be raped until they are cured of
being gay,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“That doesn’t
make sense,” Greg said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“No, it
doesn’t, but the anti-gay crowd refuse to see the error of their ways,” I
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have a therapist I see in
Atlanta.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s okay, but I’m still not
convinced that he doesn’t have anti-gay sentiments deep down, despite his
claims that he is gay friendly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t
trust straight people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too often they
say they don’t object to gay people, but then prove they are lying by stabbing
us in the back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just like my brothers
did to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first, they claimed they
were okay with Rick and I being gay; then, when my parents separated, they
blamed us for causing them to break up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was very upset that they turned on us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t trust them.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said,
“I didn’t know that your parents had been separated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They seem happily married to me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“They put on
a good show, but there are still a lot of things that aren’t right in that
relationship,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We just
found out that Glenn’s Dad has a child with another woman.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I don’t
know how your mother can continue to stay with him,” Cory said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I don’t
either, but it’s her choice to stay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve told her I would support her decision,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said,
“I thought that you guys had a perfect family.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“No, we
aren’t perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a good family,
but we, too, have our problems, like any other family,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
looked over at Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess our
family isn’t the only one that has issues.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick
smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, ours isn’t the only one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I think that we’re both very
fortunate to be a part of this family, since ours has chosen to disown us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said,
“I’m so sorry that I was a huge part of pushing you guys away from our
family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You must hate me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His voice was thick with tears.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick stood
up and moved to Peyton’s side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
leaned over and hugged his cousin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Peyton, when will you get it through your thick skull?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We love you, and we have forgiven you for
what happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stop beating yourself up
over what happened in the past!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
time to live in the present.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick sat
up and put his hands on either side of Peyton’s face, giving him a searching
look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Peyton Jeremiah Campbell, listen
to me, and listen good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are here
because we want you here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We love you
and we want you to get well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you
understand me?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
nodded his head, but his tears continued to stream down his cheeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick gently wiped them away with his
fingertips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled and shook his
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What are we going to do with
you?’<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
grinned, and said, “Love me, and take care of me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick
laughed, “Good answer, Peyton.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We heard a
tap on the door, and Grandma’s voice came through the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you decent?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I shouted,
“Yes, Grandma, we’re dressed.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
panicked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But I’m not dressed!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I grabbed
the sheet from the bottom of the bed and pulled it up over his legs and lower
torso.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There, now you’re covered.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandma
walked into the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She carried a
pair of boxer shorts, khaki cargo shorts and a t-shirt in her hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve sewn Velcro strips on these shorts, so
you can put them on Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s a
clean t-shirt, as well.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
demonstrated how to pull the Velcro apart, so we could put the shorts on him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I took them
from her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks, Grandma.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She smiled,
and said, “Hurry along, boys!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Breakfast
is waiting on the table.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She left and
we quickly dressed Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We lifted
him into his wheelchair, and wheeled him out of his room, down the hallway and
into the kitchen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa was
already seated at the kitchen table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
greeted us, “Good morning, boys!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We chorused
back, “Good morning.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took our seats
and Grandpa said grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we ate,
Corey and Dylan arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dylan said,
“Good morning, everyone.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked
over at Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re looking pretty
good this morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you ready for
your big trip into town?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
grinned, and said, “Yes, I’m ready.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey said,
“Good, because we’re going to take you to places you’ve never been
before!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa
looked around the table at us, and said, “You boys had better be getting on the
road, or you’ll miss your flight to Minneapolis.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said,
“We’ll make it, Grandpa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We packed last
night, so all we have to do is put our gear in the back of the Land Rover, and
we’re off.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said,
“We did the same.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Good,”
Grandpa said, smiling at us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m glad
you’ve learned to think ahead.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We stood up
from the table, and carried our dishes to the sink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandma said, “I’ll take care of those.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want you to miss your flight.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We kissed
Grandma on the cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks,
Grandma,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You had
better say good bye to your parents, before you go,” she reminded me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I haven’t
forgotten,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But, thank you for
reminding me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick and I
walked down the hall to the family room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We found my parents sitting together on the couch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walked over and gave Mom a hug and a kiss
on the cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Good bye,
Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll see you in a couple of
months in St. Catharines.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said,
“Good bye, Dad.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shook Dad’s hand.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I gave Dad a
quick hug, and said, “Good bye, Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Take good care of Mom.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dad smiled,
and said, “I’ll do that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for
not condemning me for having a child with another woman.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I said,
“You’re welcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll see you in a
couple of months.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We left
them, and went upstairs to retrieve our luggage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We met Greg and Cory in the hallway outside
our room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg said, “We’re ready.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s go,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We loaded
our gear into the Land Rover, and Rick started the engine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Curtis waved to us as we drove past him,
and out of the gate.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “While
I’m excited to see our roommates graduate, I’m worried about Peyton.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I said, “Me,
too.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“He’s very
fragile right now,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But
Grandpa knows that, and I’m sure that he’ll make sure Peyton gets what he
needs.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory said,
“Peyton also has Bob, Jasper, Corey and Dylan to keep him company while we’re
gone.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“But they’re
older, and they might scare him,” Greg said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Dylan is
close to our age,” Cory said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“That’s
true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa said he would get Peyton
a cell phone today, and will send us his number.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can let him know that we’re thinking of
him by sending him test messages,” Greg said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I said,
“Grandma will take good care of him.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said,
“We can’t do anything for him while we gone, so I suggest we relax and enjoy
the trip.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I reached
over and squeezed his knee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes,
dear,” I said, in my most patronizing voice.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Watch it!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg and
Cory both laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took Rick’s
advice and were soon chatting and enjoying the drive to the airport.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey pushed
Peyton’s wheelchair out of the kitchen, down the hallway, and out the
door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked over his shoulder and
said, “Dylan, will you help me keep the wheelchair from moving too fast?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Sure,”
Dylan replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why don’t you turn the
wheelchair around and take it down the ramp backwards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way, you won’t run the risk of dumping
Peyton out of his chair.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now, why didn’t I think of
that?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Because you
needed your husband to help you,” Dylan said, kissing Corey on the lips, before
helping him turn the wheelchair around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They backed the wheelchair down the ramp and down the drive to the
waiting van.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Curtis
stood at the back of the van, ready to operate the lift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They rolled the wheelchair onto the lift,
locking the wheels to prevent it from moving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Corey climbed into the back of the large conversion van, and pushed
Peyton’s wheelchair into place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Curtis
said, “You’ll need to put on Peyton’s seat belt.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pointed to the seat belt behind the
wheelchair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey
followed Mr. Curtis’ direction, and soon had Peyton settled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Corey got out of the van.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dad, who is going to drive the van?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa
said, “Mr. Curtis will drive it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of
you will ride with him, and the other will ride with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll follow them into town.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey looked
at his husband and smiled, “I know you’ll want to ride with Dad in his sports
car.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dylan beamed
at Corey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I know you
do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad, please let him drive the Porsche,”
Corey said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa
said, “Certainly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s go.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They climbed
into Grandpa’s white Porsche.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Corey
walked over to Porsche and tapped on the window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dylan rolled down his window, and Corey
leaned down to kiss his husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Drive
safely, Babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dylan
grinned from ear to ear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Always.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Curtis
climbed into the driver’s seat of the van.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Corey took place in the passenger’s seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned around and looked at Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How are you holding out?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How many cars does your Dad have?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey
laughed, “I think you should rephrase that question, because not all of the
cars in the garage are his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mother
owns several of them and enjoys racing them.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
looked at him in disbelief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re
kidding!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey said,
“No, I’m not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom has been racing cars
since I was little.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to show you
her trophy room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad has always
supported her in her desire to race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
likes driving the nice sports cars, but racing isn’t his thing.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Okay, so
how many sports cars do they have?” Peyton asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey
started counting them off on his fingers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Well, Mom has two racing Porsches and one that she likes to use for
driving around town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad has two
Lamborghinis, three Ferraris, two Porsches and a Maserati.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Curtis
said, “You’ve forgotten the DeLorean.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey nodded
his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d forgotten about that one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad doesn’t drive it much, so that makes 12
between Mom and Dad.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Curtis
said, “You should tell him about the rest of the vehicles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your Dad really likes cars.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s an understatement, if
I ever heard one.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Curtis
agreed, smiling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, it was an
understatement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your Dad bought this
van a couple of days ago, when he found out that Peyton was going to need
transportation to and from his many appointments.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said,
in pure amazement, “Do you mean to say he bought this van just for me?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, he
did,” Mr. Curtis said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You are a very
fortunate young man, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never
met anyone like Mr. Scarborough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is
fiercely loyal to his family, and very protective of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is wonderful employer who takes care of
us as if we were members of his own family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The fact that he has chosen to adopt you into his family speaks very
highly of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve found him to be a
good judge of character, and, apparently, he sees great potential in you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton was
struggling to comprehend how someone, like Mr. Scarborough, could see anything
of value in him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In his mind, he was of
very little worth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He still couldn’t
process the fact that the Scarborough family had taken him in, and were
lavishing all of this time and effort on him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He felt almost crushed by the burden of living up to their expectations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey saw
the look of anguish cross Peyton’s face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“What’s wrong?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
looked at Corey, and replied, “I don’t know how I could ever repay your family
for its generosity toward me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey,
sensing that Peyton was feeling overwhelmed, said, “Peyton, don’t think about
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you try to think about how
you’ll repay us, you’ll just make yourself depressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First of all, Dad doesn’t expect you to
repay us for our kindness to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we
expected that, he would have drawn up a contract and had you sign it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad is very good businessman and knows how
to make money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Second, you need to
accept the fact that you’ve been adopted into the family, just like your
cousin, Rick.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said,
“Intellectually, I understand what you are telling me, but, emotionally, I’m
not getting it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s going to take me a
while to get to a point where I can accept the fact that your family sees me as
someone worth adopting.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey said,
“Well, to begin with, you need to stop saying ‘your’ family and start saying
‘our’ family.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Curtis
glanced at Peyton in the rearview mirror.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He saw that Peyton was still struggling with his emotions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’ve been through hell, Peyton, and
you’ve survived it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You need to realize
that you’re stronger than you think.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That said, you’re among family now, and it’s okay to let your feelings
show.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey said,
“Mr. Curtis is right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first day you
spent with us, you told us you were afraid to let your feelings show because
you weren’t sure you could handle your emotions if you let them go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve watched you struggling to keep them under
control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I admit that I don’t like letting
my emotions rule me; but, I think that for the next little while, you would
actually be better off, in the long run, to let your emotions run their
course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll have better control over
them later for having released all of that pent up anger and hurt.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
laughed, “You almost sound like you’re a shrink.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey
grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You can call me Dr.
Scarborough from now on!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, Doctor,”
Peyton said, smiling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He liked Corey
and Mr. Curtis seemed nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He relaxed
as much as he could in his wheelchair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He closed his eyes and listened to the two other men talking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next
thing he remembered was Corey gently shaking his shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re here,” he announced.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dr. Schow
gave him a very thorough physical exam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Peyton gave him permission to take photographs of his bruises to add to
his medical file, as evidence of the severe beating he had received at the
hands of his prison guards, just in case the prison officials tried to cover up
the evidence of their misdeeds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa
had taken photographs of him, when he had first arrived, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wanted photographic records to be used as
evidence, if needed, to bring the perpetrators of the crime against Peyton to
justice.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dr. Schow
removed the staples from his scalp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Your head wound has healed nicely, Mr. Campbell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll have the results of your tests back in
the next few weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you want us to
call you with the results, or do you want us to mail them to you?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Can you do
both?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Sure,”
replied Dr. Schow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ll see you in
six weeks to remove your casts.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They left
the doctor’s office, and went to the dentist’s office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dentist put in a couple of temporary
crowns, and recommended that Peyton return in a few weeks to allow the swelling
in his mouth to completely subside.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last, they
went to meet the therapist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa
insisted that at least meet with him, so Peyton could decide if he liked the
guy or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Tueller stood to greet
them and invited them to have seat, as they rolled Peyton’s wheelchair into his
office.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As soon as
everyone was settled, he said, “I understand that you are here to see if I am a
good fit for you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
didn’t answer, but looked at him with suspicion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa spoke up, “Yes, we are, but I think
Peyton is the one who has the final say.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“May we
speak privately,” Dr. Tueller asked Peyton.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
nodded his head, still not speaking.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa
stood up, as did the Corey and Dylan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They left the room, closing the door behind them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dr. Tueller
said, “Peyton, I won’t mince words with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m not the right person to work with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I respect Mr. Scarborough and I’m thrilled
that he has taken you under his wing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, given the nature of what has happened to you, I’m not a good
fit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can see from your expression
that you don’t trust me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must remind
you of someone who hurt you at the prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That is not a good place to start.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
didn’t say anything, but nodded his head in agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Tueller may not have recognized him, but
he knew Dr. Tueller.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Tueller had
been one of the psychiatrists that had interviewed him at the prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He remembered that interview and he didn’t
want anything to do with this man.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dr. Tueller
pushed a button on his phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Please
invite Mr. Scarborough to return to my office.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa
walked into the office and knew at once from Peyton’s expression that this guy
wasn’t the right one for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr.
Tueller said, “I’m sorry, Mr. Scarborough, but I think you should try a
different psychiatrist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think that
we’ve mutually agreed that would be the best course of action.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They left
his office and returned to the van.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
soon as they were back on the road, Corey turned around and asked, “What was
wrong with Dr. Tueller?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“The first
time I went to prison, he was the shrink that interviewed me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember how condescending he was to
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is nothing in this world that
would convince me to voluntarily subject myself to his arrogant, egotistical
pyscho-babble.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey said,
“Well, at least, we know he’s not a good fit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Maybe you should try the therapist that Glenn has worked with in
Atlanta.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
looked doubtful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe, but I don’t
trust therapists, counselors, psychologists, or psychiatrists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are a bunch of arrogant bastards who
think they know how to cure mentally ill people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every one I’ve talked to has tried to
convince me that I need to get in touch with my inner self, or that I’ve been
sexually abused as child and need to let the repressed memories come out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I already know who I am, and I wasn’t molested
as a child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve learned more about how
to overcome my mental and emotional issues over the last few days from you guys
than I ever would from some crazy shrink.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey looked
at Peyton in surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Have we really
been that much help to you?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, you
have,” Peyton replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your, I mean,
‘our’ family has given me much comfort, especially in the area of
self-worth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still don’t see myself as
being a highly valued person, but the love all of you have shown me has been a
healing elixir to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, at least, I
have hope of becoming a better person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In prison, I couldn’t think of anything other than surviving to live
another day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t a real person to
those men who raped me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was no better
than one of those sex toys you can buy at the adult novelty stores.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton’s anger was evident as he spoke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was flushed and he kept clenching and
unclenching his fists. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey said,
“Good, let your anger show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can’t
begin healing until you get the anger and the hurt out of your system.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said,
“That’s what Cory said last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg
and Cory talked to me about how they felt after Greg’s dad attacked them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cory was just as angry at Greg’s dad as I
feel about those who abused me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said
he was even angry at Greg, blaming him for what happened.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As Mr.
Curtis listened to Corey and Peyton talk, he thought to himself, “What Peyton
needs is someone to love him!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I
might have an answer to that!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had
hired a young guy, Paul Kinnebrew, to work as part of the security team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He thought Paul might be gay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a local kid who Sherriff Smith had
recommended to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a tall,
lanky kid with killer smile and a wicked sense of humor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wasn’t sure, but he thought maybe he and
Peyton might hit it off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He made a
mental note to talk to Mr. Scarborough about Paul.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They arrived
back at the Scarboroughs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Corey and
Dylan helped get Peyton’s wheelchair out of the back of the van.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Curtis waved Paul over and said, “Paul,
please help the guys with the wheelchair.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paul said, “Sure,
boss.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His bright blue eyes met Mr.
Curtis’ gaze, and he smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is there
something else you want me to do?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Curtis
said, “Not right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re welcome to
visit with Peyton for a few minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
want you to get to know him, since he’ll be living here for quite some time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll get one of the other guys to cover the
gate for you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paul walked
up behind Dylan and asked, “May I be of assistance?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Sure,
Paul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton, this is Paul
Kinnebrew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s one of the new guys Mr.
Curtis hired a few weeks ago,” Dylan said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paul helped
them push the wheelchair up the ramp and back inside the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They wheeled him to his room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton looked Paul over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was about 6’4” and had a lanky frame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had corn yellow hair, bright blue eyes, a
blond mustache and a goofy grin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton
met Paul’s gaze, and smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew
he’d been caught.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paul said,
“Don’t worry, Peyton, I’ve been checking you out, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m gay and I like looking at good looking
guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
blushed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He cleared his throat and
said, “Thank you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think you’re pretty
good looking yourself.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dylan said,
with surprise, “I didn’t know you were gay, Paul.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paul said,
“I’ve not told anyone else, except you guys in this room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, I wasn’t going to tell anyone, but
I felt I could trust you guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not
ready to face the harassment and ridicule I will get when my friends and family
find out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m absolutely certain my
family will disown me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey said,
“I’m glad you came out to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d
wondered if you were gay, because I caught you checking out some of the new
guys Mr. Curtis hired last week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
figured you would tell us sooner or later.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paul
laughed, “I guess I haven’t been careful enough, if you caught me checking out
the guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really like Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s really cute.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey said,
“I admit that I’ve checked him out, as well. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s Sherriff Smith’s son.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paul
grimaced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oops!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess I’ll have to watch what I say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I remember Sherriff Smith telling me
his son worked here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It slipped my
mind.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dylan said,
“Jonathan’s cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s okay with gay
guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He claims that he’s straight, but
I caught him checking us out when we were swimming yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked away, but I saw him looking us over
a few minutes later.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paul asked,
“Do you think I have a chance with him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I mean, I’m kind of homely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jonathan is SO good looking; he probably wouldn’t even give me the time
of day.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dylan said,
“He doesn’t seem to be a snob.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“But you’re
just as good looking as he is, and I’m not,” Paul said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said,
“I think you’re good looking.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paul stared
at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you really think that, or
are you just being nice?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton’s
gaze didn’t waiver.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I really think
so.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul blushed and ducked his
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You don’t need to be
embarrassed.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paul looked
up and met Peyton’s eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Nobody has
ever told me that.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Nobody knew that you’re gay
until now, so I wouldn’t worry about that.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paul nodded
his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess you’re right.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said,
“I need to pee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will you help me?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was looking directly at Paul, as he said
it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The color
rose in his cheeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve never helped
another guy go pee.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey said,
“It’s quite simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You need to grab
that bedpan over there and lift him up, so you can put the bedpan underneath
him.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paul walked
over and picked up the bedpan and returned to Peyton’s wheelchair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do I do now?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Well, you
have to take his clothes off,” Dylan said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“We’ll help you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They undid the
Velcro strips and pulled off his shorts and underwear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ll lift him, while you put the bedpan
under him.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paul did as
he was instructed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton did his
business, and Paul took the bedpan into the en suite to empty it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He rinsed out the bedpan and returned it to
its place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
grinned, and said, “Thank you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will you
help me into bed?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paul
laughed, and said, “Sure as long as you let me sleep with you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
smiled broadly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think that can be
arranged, but you’ll have to wait your turn.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paul looked
at him, incredulously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Who are you
sleeping with now?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“He’s
sleeping with us tonight,” Corey said, indicating himself and Dylan.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They lifted
Peyton out of his wheelchair and placed him in his bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He grinned up at Paul, his steel pole at
full mast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul’s eyes were glued to
his crotch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton asked, “Would you
like to help me out?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paul raised
his eyes to Peyton’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Would you let
me?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey said,
“Dylan, I think we need to leave these two alone for a while.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dylan nodded
his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s go.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They left Peyton’s room, closing the door
behind them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paul wasn’t
sure what to do, so he sat down at the foot of the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked everywhere except at Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He jumped when he heard Peyton’s voice.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Paul, you
don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’ll pull the sheet up over me, we can
talk.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paul stood
up and did as Peyton asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He returned
to his place at the foot of the bed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Paul, look
at me please,” Peyton said, soothingly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He could see how uncomfortable Paul was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Paul raised his eyes to his, Peyton
said, “Paul, I find you very attractive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m in no shape to take advantage of you, even if I wanted to.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paul
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re right about
that.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a nervous laugh, but
Peyton could see that Paul was beginning to relax.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I want us
to be friends, Paul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, I want us to
be more than friends,” Peyton said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tears began rolling down his cheeks, and he cleared his throat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I need someone I can talk to who isn’t
family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My adopted brothers are great,
but they’re already married, or happily paired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need someone who will be there for me, and
will take a chance at loving me for who I am.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paul, seeing
Peyton’s tears, was moved with compassion for this man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was obvious that he had been severely
beaten from the bruises that covered his body, but Paul realized that the more
grievous wounds were hidden ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
man needed to love and be loved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
raw need and the deep sadness he saw in Peyton’s eyes pulled at Paul’s heart
strings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I, also,
want to find someone to love me, and who I can love in return,” Paul said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I would like to be your friend,
Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not ready to have a
physical relationship with anyone, yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m still getting used to the idea that I just outed myself to you
guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure how a gay guy should
act.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said,
“I understand how you feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not
ready for a physical relationship, either.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He laughed, and continued, “I’m still too crippled to even enjoy sex
with anyone right now.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paul said,
“But you asked me to jerk you off!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I did
because I wanted to get you alone, so I could talk to you,” Peyton said, giving
Paul a lecherous grin.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“That’s not
all you wanted,” Paul said, accusingly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
replied, “Guilty as charged!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did hope
you would give me some relief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve
got me so horny that I’m really beginning to hurt.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He raised his arms, shaking the casts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s kind of hard to jerk off with these
casts in the way.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paul smiled,
“Okay, I’ll help you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled back
the sheet, exposing Peyton’s very erect male member.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked at Peyton, and said, “I don’t what
to do.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t believe that for one
minute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know of any guy who
hasn’t got himself off at one time or another.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paul
blushed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve never jerked anyone off
before.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said,
“There some lube in the drawer of the night stand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get it out and put some on your hand.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul did as he was told.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now, take my dick in your hand.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paul began
stroking Peyton, causing Peyton to moan with pleasure. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A while
later Paul emerged from Peyton’s room and made his way outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Curtis saw him, and asked, “How is
Peyton?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paul blushed
as he remembered what had just happened in Peyton’s room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He cleared his throat and said, “He’s fine,
sir.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Seeing the
color in Paul’s cheeks, Mr. Curtis deduced that the two must have hit it
off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hope that you’ll be a good
friend to Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s going to need as
many friends as he can get.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The color in
Paul’s cheeks deepened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hope I can
help him,” he said, hoping he could escape before he gave himself away.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Curtis
said, “Paul, let me put you at ease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
know you’re gay and so is Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
okay to admit that you find Peyton attractive.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Paul stood open-mouthed with surprise and shock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You can close your mouth now, Paul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been around this family long enough to
know a gay guy when I see one.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paul finally
recovered, and said, “Please don’t tell anyone.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Curtis
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I won’t tell anyone, but
you’ll have to be better at hiding your interest in the new guys, or they’ll
guess just like I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was pretty
apparent the other day that you’ve got the ‘hots’ for Jonathan.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paul ducked
his head in embarrassment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hadn’t
realized he had made his interest in Jonathan so obvious. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Curtis said, “There’s no need to be
ashamed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it’s okay for you to
be attracted to other guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only
that, I think Jonathan is attracted to guys from what I saw yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sure was checking out the guys in their
bikini swim suits.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paul looked
up, and said, “I know, because I was checking them out, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Curtis
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, that makes three of
us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paul did a
double take.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Whoa!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Curtis
grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m married and have a
wonderful family, but I do enjoy looking at good looking guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During my college years, my roommate and I
would help each other out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess you
could say we were friends with benefits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Neither of us is gay, but we were two very horny guys in need of some
relief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One night, he suggested that I
let him fuck me, and then I could fuck him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From that night on, we never lacked for good sex!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paul stared at
him in disbelief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How long did you
guys fuck each other?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He replied,
“We were roommates for nearly three years, and we fucked each other practically
every night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we graduated, we went
our separate ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I came home, and
starting dating my wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were
married a few months later, and here I am.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Does your
wife know?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“No, she
doesn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never told her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have told Mr. Scarborough, though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wasn’t sure he should hire me for his
chief of security, so I shared with him my college experiences and that I
wasn’t prejudiced against gays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He made
it clear that he would not hire anyone who hated gays.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Did you
know I was gay when you hired me?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“No, but I
had a sense that you might like guys,” Mr. Curtis said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I also had that feeling with several of the
other guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could be wrong about
that, so don’t to spreading rumors that I think they’re all gay.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paul
smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I won’t. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks for talking to me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, get back to work,” Mr. Curtis said,
pointing to the guard shack at entrance to the driveway.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, sir,”
Paul said, saluting smartly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Curtis
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just get to your post.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He watched the young guy walk away from
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was glad he had guessed right
about Paul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a good kid and
working for the Scarboroughs would be good for him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton had
fallen into a troubled sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
started awake at a touch on his shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He opened his eyes and looked up into Grandma’s face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry to wake you, Peyton, but it’s
time for dinner.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
smiled and tried to sit up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
assisted him by lifting him as he pushed himself back so he could lean against
the headboard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You’re
welcome,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She turned around
and retrieved the food tray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She placed
it over his lap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She sat down next to
him and started to feed him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he
had finished, she took the tray away and set it on the table.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Thank
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The food was delicious,” Peyton
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As she turned to leave, Peyton
asked, “Would you stay and talk to me?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandma
smiled, and replied, “Yes, I would love to get to know you better.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She sat down next to him, and took his hand
in hers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What would you like to talk
about?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I want to
know if you believe in God,” Peyton said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I’ve really been struggling with my religious beliefs, since I was
raped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been very angry at God for
allowing such a horrible thing happen to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Why does He allow these things to happen?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandma
said, “I don’t profess to know the mind of God, but I have always felt that
everything happens for a reason.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
stopped and looked at him closely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are
you questioning the existence of God, or are you questioning whether He cares
about the human race, and, more specifically, does He care about you?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
thought for moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had a similar
conversation with Greg and Corey last night, but hadn’t been satisfied with
their answers to his questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
was why he had asked Grandma for her opinion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I guess I’m asking both questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was taught to believe in God growing up, but the God my parents
believe in is vengeful God and is full of hate, as are his followers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After everything I’ve been through, I can’t
believe in their God anymore.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I see,”
Grandma said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, if you really want
to know what I think, I’ll be glad to share my thoughts; however, I haven’t
found a church, yet, that teaches what I believe to be the truth about God.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
nodded his head in understanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s
kind of how I feel right now.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I believe
that were are literally the spirit children of a Father in Heaven and that we
lived with him before we came to this earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus Christ is our brother and he lived in heaven with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mother taught me from a young age to pray
to a loving Heavenly Father who answered our prayers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She believed that we are His children and
that we have the right, as his children, to approach him in prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember my mother arguing with her pastor
about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said that only the
pastor had that right, or someone who was a trained minister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She told him that he was an agent of Satan
who was trying to separate God’s children from their father by telling us we
can’t approach our own Heavenly Father without some intermediary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That never made sense to her, nor does it to
me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Do you
really believe that anyone can pray to God?” Peyton asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I
do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also believe that God knows each
of us personally and answers our prayers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve often felt close to God over the years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe that He has watched over me and my
family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mother always taught me that
God loved me, and I have no doubt that she knew it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“But, if
what you say is true, why does God allow bad things to happen?” Peyton
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why did he allow me to be gang
raped and beaten so badly that I nearly died?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was a lot of pent up anger in his words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why would He allow such evil things to
happen?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandma
said, “I can’t answer that question, Peyton, because I don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I like to believe that God has a
plan for each of us that will allow us to reach our full potential.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will you promise not to become angry, if I
speak to you plainly about what I think about your situation?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
hesitated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wasn’t sure he was ready
to hear what truth might come out her mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He knew he couldn’t fool her, and that she knew enough about his history
that she actually might be able to help him understand why things had happened
to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He finally nodded his
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, I promise not to get
angry.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She squeezed
his hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What I’m going to say may
hurt, but I intend it in a good way to help you become a better person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you understand me?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
seriousness of her tone of voice, and the intensity of her gaze, caused him to
rethink his decision to hear her out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
the end, he cleared his throat, and said, “I understand.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She
continued, “Correct me if I’m wrong in assuming that prior to your time in
prison that you were a very arrogant, self-centered individual who only cared
about himself.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I’ll own up to
that, because I was very much into me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I didn’t care who I hurt or what happened to other people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, I went out of my way to make other
people suffer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had such low
self-esteem that I had to tear other people down to make me feel better about
myself.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“So, you
admit that you were a pretty miserable excuse for a human being?” Grandma
asked, gently squeezing his hand to take the sting out of her words.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton looked
away from her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He felt like his whole
life had been laid open for her to see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He looked back at her and met her eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They seemed to look deep into his soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was no way he could lie to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Her face was kind, and held no hint of condemnation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled, encouragingly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He finally replied, “Yes, you could say
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried my best to make life
miserable for Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember seeing
him with Angie and wishing that I had a girlfriend like her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was very happy when she broke up with him,
and, even happier, when she sought me out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She wanted to hurt Rick as much as I did.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“How do you
feel about Rick now?” she asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I feel very
fortunate that he is man enough to forgive me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He is a good man, and I’m happy he’s found his life partner,” Peyton
said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She sat
looking at him in silence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she
didn’t speak, Peyton continued, “Yes, I’m still a little jealous of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and Glenn are so happy together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to love and be loved like he is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, this time, I want him to help me find
that special someone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to learn
from Rick how I can be the person that someone like Glenn will want to spend
the rest of their life with.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“What made
you change your mind about Rick?” she asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He thought
for a long while about her question, before he answered her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
think it was the experience I had in jail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I learned what it felt like to be despised and rejected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was always looking over my shoulder,
wondering when I would be raped again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I didn’t like being treated as being less than human.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The men who sexually abused me saw me as
their property.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was traded in a card
game once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My cell mate lost, and I
became another man’s sex toy, as a result.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was nothing I could do to prevent it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried to stop them, but ended up gang
raped instead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went to the guards to
complain about what was happening to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I found out they were worse than my fellow prisoners.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She asked,
“Do you think you would’ve changed your way of thinking, if you hadn’t been
treated that way in jail?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Honestly, I
don’t think I would have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was pretty
set on making Rick’s life miserable, even though I had admitted that I was to
blame for what happened to me,” Peyton said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Do you
think you are a better person as a result of your experiences?” she asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This
question wasn’t one he had considered before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He had always thought about what happened as something God should have
prevented.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The concept that maybe he
had a Heavenly Father who wanted him to reach his full potential, and that what
he had been through was intended to make him a better person, had never even
entered his mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The concept of a
loving God was foreign to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
parents had always taught him that God demanded strict obedience, and tolerated
no deviations from His chosen path whatsoever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Those who strayed were punished by death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no room for mercy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His father personified his vision of what
God was like, stern and unforgiving.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I think
that I’m a better person, now, than I was before I went to prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve learned to be patient, or, at least,
more patient than I was before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can
now empathize with others pain and suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I certainly can commiserate with Greg and Cory, since I was beaten just
as they were.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Peyton, I
believe that you are a child of a loving Heavenly Father who has sent his
angels to strengthen you and to be by your side throughout your entire ordeal
in prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God has promised that we
won’t be tried beyond what we have the strength to bear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When things reached their worst, God sent my
husband to succor you in your time of greatest need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe that you are here, at this moment
in time, because you needed to hear my words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You are of infinite worth to your God because you are his child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I firmly believe that when you internalize
that truth, you will become a much stronger person and you will act
accordingly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe in a God that
wants us to return to live with him, but, in order to do that, we must become
more like him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you read the New
Testament carefully, you will find that Jesus did the works that His Father
wanted him to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He healed the sick
and the afflicted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He comforted those
who needed comfort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sought out those
who needed healing, both in body and soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I truly believe that He can lift the burden of your suffering from you,
Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let Him carry the sorrow, the
anger, and the pain for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You need
to leave all of your troubles on the altar, give them to God, and come away
with God’s peace.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Now, you
sound like one of those preachers on television,” Peyton joked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew he shouldn’t joke, but he was
getting overwhelmed by the feelings that were washing over him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandma
smiled, “I might be, but I want you to know how I feel about God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t have patience for those television
preachers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of them are in it for
the money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They try to make everyone
think of them as holy men, and they are as far from holy as anyone can get.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
laughed, “You’re so right about that.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandma
said, “It is good to hear you laugh, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It means that you’re on the road to recovery.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He smiled at
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do you think of the various
religious denominations?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Over the
years, we have attended a variety of different Christian denominations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve found everyone one of them to be
lacking in one way or another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very few
actually live the gospel of Jesus Christ, or, at least, how I believe it should
be applied to our everyday lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One
pastor accused us of claiming to be perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We admitted to him that we had our faults, but we couldn’t continue
attending his church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He preached hate
and violence from the pulpit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we
called him on it, he got very angry with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After that experience, we haven’t joined any church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We still study the Bible on a regular basis,
and we try to keep the commandments of God the best way we can.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Maybe that
is what I should do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The chaplain at
the prison told me I was going to hell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He claimed that I was a sinner for having sex with other men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He insisted that it didn’t matter whether I
was forcibly raped, or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
contention was that there was no hope for me, because God condemned homosexuals
to death.” Peyton said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Well, I’ve
already told you that I don’t hold that view of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too many religious people claim to talk for
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They claim to be the gatekeepers
of His blessings and have the keys to gaining entrance to His kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They need to stop and look inward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will find that they are unacceptable to
the very God they claim to represent, and that they will find themselves
looking up to heaven from the very hell that they insist the rest of us are
destined to inhabit for the eternities.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She stopped, and smiled at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“There, you’ve gone and got me stirred up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m an old woman who is very set in her
ways, with very little patience for the professional religious crowd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sorry for rambling on, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve been a very attentive listener.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
smiled, “Thank you for talking to me about God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m searching for the truth about God and
religion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll give some thought to
what you’ve said.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandma
said, “Just remember who you are, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That is the one thing I’ve always told my children and my
grandchildren.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they were small, I
would say prayers with them every night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We would kneel at their bedside and talk to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, I would ask them, ‘Who are you?’ and
they would answer, ‘I’m a child of God.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I told them to never forget that as long as they lived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will leave you with the same admonition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t ever forget that you are a child of
God, Peyton.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton’s
eyes were bright with tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I won’t
forget.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She stood up
and said, “I think it’s time the boys got you out of bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You need to come outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa plans to start a fire in the fire
pit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boys can roast some
marshmallows for you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“That sounds
like a perfect way to spend an evening,” Peyton said, smiling at her.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She walked
over to the door, and opened it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
started when she saw Corey and Dylan standing there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was just coming to get you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey
grinned, “Dad sent us to fetch you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
has the fire going and it’s almost time to roast marshmallows.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Well, you
need to help Peyton into his wheelchair,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dylan said,
“Yes, ma’am.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She smiled,
and said, “Thank you, Dylan.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She left
them to help Peyton.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The helped
him into his chair and wheeled him outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Bob and Jasper were there as were Don and Eva.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bob asked, “Would you like a marshmallow?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
nodded his head, “Please.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Eva asked,
“How are you doing, Peyton?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’m much
better than I was a few days ago,” Peyton said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Good,” she
said, smiling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We were just commenting on how quickly your
bruises seem to be healing.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jasper said,
“I think it’s all the sunlight he’s been getting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve had him outside in the sun every day.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bob said, “I
think it’s because he is getting so much special attention.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
smiled, “I think it’s both.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey said,
“I agree with Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think the
change in environment is what is doing him the most good.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa
said, “That is what I hoped would be the case.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you for opening your
home to me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa
said, “You’re welcome, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
I want to remind you that you’re part of our family now, not just a house
guest.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said,
“This all seems like a dream to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
afraid that I’ll wake up, and find that I’m still in jail.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jasper said,
“Then, start living your dream, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Make the most of the opportunity you’ve been given to start over.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
looked at Jasper and said, “I don’t have any dreams left.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had a look of complete despair on his
face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jasper
walked over and put his arm around Peyton’s shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Peyton, you’re still suffering from the
trauma you suffered at the hands of evil men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think you need to give yourself some time to heal, before you decide
that you don’t have any dreams left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What I hear is a man who needs to open his heart to receive all of the
love this family has to give him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
are here for you, and we’ll do our best to help you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">His look of
despair was replaced with one of doubt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I feel that you care for me, but how can you say that you love me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t know me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa
said, “You forget that I do know you, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Otherwise, I wouldn’t have taken a chance on you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe that you’re destined to greatness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may not think so, but I believe you have
it in you to become whatever you want to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As a family, we have decided to adopt you, and that means that you will
succeed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We take care of own, Peyton,
and you’re one of us now.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton
looked around at the faces of his adopted family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each of them smiled at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
said, “Thank you for believing in me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton spent
the rest of the evening marveling at the good fortune that had brought him into
this family. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Author’s Note:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="ES-MX" style="mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Moda Audaci
– Side Clip Bikini<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.moda-audaci.com/product/MensSwimwear/WJ-3294-WBR.html"><span lang="ES-MX" style="mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.moda-audaci.com/product/MensSwimwear/WJ-3294-WBR.html</span></span></a><span lang="ES-MX" style="mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Music for
this chapter –<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lifehouse –
Everything </span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1tVk-QlBKs"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1tVk-QlBKs</span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
SaskBoyStories by Russ Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12705114426346134527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7739282925426125332.post-19101133418130398102013-11-11T21:56:00.002-05:002015-09-26T22:31:05.378-04:00The Man From Swift Current Chapter One Hundred Twenty Eight - Peyton's Return
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chapter One Hundred Twenty
Eight – Peyton’s Return<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next morning, we were
awakened by Greg and Cory climbing into bed with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I opened my eyes to see Cory’s morning wood
staring me in the face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked up and
met his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His Cheshire cat smile
nearly made me laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He asked, “Do you like what
you see?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Instead of answering him
directly, I reached out and started stroking him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He moaned softly, “Ahhh…..Don’t stop!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Watching me stroke his
husband’s cock, Greg asked, “May we join you?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I released Cory’s dick, and
nodded my head, kicking off the sheets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick moved to the edge of the bed, and I repositioned myself, so Rick
was spooning me, his morning wood slipping neatly into its usual place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gently bit my neck and said, “Hmmm…You
taste good.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned my head and met
his lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick is the best kisser on
the planet!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our friends climbed into
bed with us, and pulled the sheet up over us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Seeing the marks on my neck, Greg said, “I can tell who got laid last
night.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick’s finger gently
outlined the purplish spot on my neck, and said, “You’ve been well marked,
Babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I gave Greg a broad smile,
and took Rick’s hand in mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“At least no one will question whether or not
we enjoy having sex.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory chuckled, and said,
“That’s for sure!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I looked closely at Cory’s
neck and noticed he’d been marked, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“What about you, Cory?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can see
at least one bruise on your neck.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory laughed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I wasn’t the one who commented on
yours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was Greg, remember?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg grinned, as he gently
bit Cory’s neck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you,
Babe.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A moment later, he gave us a
curious look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know we’ve talked about
this before, but do you guys flip-flop?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I mean, do you take turns fucking each other?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We do on occasion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like it when Glenn tops for me,” Rick said,
caressing my flat stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tightened
my stomach muscles under his gentle touch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As his hand moved lower, my dick jumped to full mast.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I looked at them curiously,
and asked, “Does Cory do it for you, Greg?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, he does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We flip-flop every time we have sex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We both like to top, and we both like to
bottom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess we’re versatile in that
regard,” Greg said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick looked at them with
raised eyebrows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why do you ask?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory replied, “We’ve been
talking with the guys about what sex positions are best, and what different
couples prefer.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“So, what did you find
out?” I asked, curious to know what our former roommates liked to do.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg blushed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not sure we should share that
information without asking their permission, first.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“That would be wise,” Rick
replied, sagely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know I wouldn’t
like it if you went around talking about our sexual activities with them.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was still curious to know,
but refrained from asking specific questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Okay then, tell us what the majority like to do.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “Most flip-flop
like we do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both partners like to give
pleasure to the other, in as many ways as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was really cool to find out we weren’t
the only ones who liked to be a top, or a bottom, depending on our mood.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I asked, “But did you ask
them what positions they liked best?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory said, “Yes, we did.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Well, what were their
favorites?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is there something we should
try?” Rick asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I laughed, “It’s not like
we don’t already try different things, Rick.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, defensively, “I
just want to know.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory explained what their
favorite sex positions were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said,
“We already use those positions, depending on what we feel like doing.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “It’s nice to
know that we aren’t that different from other gay couples.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg laughed, and said,
“You guys are pretty normal.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory said, “However, I
think you need to know you are held in very high esteem by our ‘band of
brothers.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every one of the guys told
us they looked up to you both.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“What do we do that is so
different?” I asked, puzzled by Cory’s statement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m flattered they think so highly of us,
but why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick and I are just normal
people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t believe that we do
anything particularly out of the ordinary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We love and respect each other, but I know we aren’t the only ones who
have a relationship based on trust.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick seconded my
statement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m just as puzzled as
Glenn is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m curious to know what the
guys are telling you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “You guys have
been an inspiration to all of us, especially our ‘band of brothers.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since we moved in with them, we’ve been
amazed at the depth of love each of the couples has for each other.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory said, “We thought we
loved each other as much as any other couple, until we started watching the
married guys who live in our house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They are all in equal partnerships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is so much love and respect between each of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have observed the types of relationships
they have with each other, and we want the same for ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we asked them about their relationships,
and how they had become so close to each other, each couple told us they had
been influenced by how you two treat each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robbie and Adam both said they admired
Glenn’s loyalty to Rick, despite the fact he was on active duty and wasn’t
around much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brandon said Glenn really set him straight,
and inspired him to build a stable relationship with Mark.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I smiled, as I remembered
that conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m glad Brandon
listened to me that day.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Zach and Todd have been my
role models,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They have a
wonderful relationship with each other.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We agree,” Cory said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re as close to them as we are to you
guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We have to thank you guys
for convincing us to attend school in Minneapolis,” Greg said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It has been one of the best things to ever
happen to us, because we have the best roommates in the entire world. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have helped us, in so many ways, to
become a well-adjusted married gay couple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’ve had a couple of rough moments, but we always knew we could turn to
them for support, if we needed it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You told us a while ago you
were happy you’re there; so, I’m glad you’re still happy with your decision to
attend the University of Minnesota,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I miss being there with you guys, but I’m happy to be wherever Rick
is.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick licked my earlobe,
then, gently bit it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You had better be
happy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I grinned and turned my
head to kiss him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could feel him
pushing against my back door, so I relaxed and let him in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I moaned softly into his mouth, as he ran
his hands over my smooth chest, tweaking my nipples as he came to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick had me exactly where he wanted me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could deny him nothing!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory, observing us, turned his
head to kiss his husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg murmured
in his ear, “Do you want me to fuck you?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Cory nodded his head and kissed him deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was some time later when
the two couples stirred from their state of bliss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg’s stomach rumbled, loudly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cory laughed, “I guess it’s time for
breakfast.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick tightened his arms
around my waist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think I want a
protein shake for breakfast.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loosened
his hold on me, and scooted down to position himself between my legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was soon arching my back, thrusting into
his mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My eyes rolled back in my head
from the intense pleasure I was feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I wasn’t long in coming!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Afterward, Rick stretched
out on top of me, letting me feel his weight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He kissed me, thrusting his tongue into my mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The feel of his warm skin next to mine only
heightened my sense of well-being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
wrapped my arms around his waist and held him tight against me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He lifted his head, and looked me in the
eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you, Glenn.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I love you, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We were interrupted by
Cory’s soft moaning as Greg imitated Rick by giving his husband the same gift I
had received from my lover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we
watched, Cory tensed and held Greg’s head in place, as he released his
load.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg finished his ministrations
by sharing his reward with Cory!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I exclaimed, “Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was hot!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory smiled, his eyes
sparkling with happiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It was pretty great!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’ve never disappointed
you, have I?” Greg asked, grinning broadly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“No, you haven’t,” Cory
responded, kissing him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve got the
best husband a guy could ever have.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick rubbed noses with me,
and said, “I think we need to get showered.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg grinned, and said, “I
agree, as long as we have our usual contest.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, you’re on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s see if you’ve improved any.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We got out of bed and walked
into our en suite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon, we were having
a great time playing around in the shower!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick won the competition, as usual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He laughed and said, “Greg, you have to admit I’m the best.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg grinned and admitted,
“Alright, you can shoot farther than the rest of us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We left the shower, and
dried each other off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walked into
our bedroom, and I took one look at our sheets and shook my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You guys will have to help me make up the
bed with clean sheets.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg laughed, and said,
“Okay, but, remember it’s not our fault your lover boy wanted to have sex with
you this morning.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick grinned and put his
arm around my shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Greg does
have a point.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I reached down and stroked
Rick’s partially erect member.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe
we should wait until after I get you off, again!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg and Cory laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You guys are something else!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come on, Cory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s leave these two alone to take care of
each other’s needs.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg took Cory’s
hand and led him from the room.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I said, shaking my head, “I
can’t believe you’re ready to go at it for a third time this morning.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick leered at me, and
said, “I’m a Marine, remember?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need
to have sex at least three times a day, if not more!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Later, there was a soft tap
on our door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick called out, “Come
in!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The door opened, admitting
Greg and Cory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ve brought you guys
breakfast in bed,” Cory said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We sat up in bed, and the
guys handed each of us a tray, holding a plate filled with eggs, sausage, toast,
and a glass of orange juice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you
for making us breakfast,” I said, smiling at our friends.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“It was Cory’s idea,” Greg
said, putting his arm around Cory’s shoulders.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory smiled, “It’s the
least we can do for you guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They sat down on the foot
of our bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Since Zach and Todd are
moving to Toronto, we need to find a new roommate,” Greg said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Zach and Todd have a
friend who is looking for a place to live,” Cory said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We haven’t met him yet, but they say he’s a
great guy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’m sure that they
wouldn’t invite anyone to live with you guys that wasn’t a decent sort,” I said,
reassuringly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “I agree;
however, we still want to meet him first, before we agree to let him move in.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Mark has a job in
Minneapolis, but he and Brandon want to have their own place,” Cory said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They have started to look for a house to
buy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I wondered when they would
decide they needed their own space,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hope they’ve talked to Grandpa about what
their plans are.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“They called Grandpa last
week,” Greg said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He gave them some
pointers on what to look for in a house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mark wants to start a family, now that he has a full-time job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brandon wants to wait another year or two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wants more time to be a couple, before
they begin raising a family.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory said, “We certainly
understand how Brandon feels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re
still dealing with the psychological damage we suffered from Greg’s father’s
attempt to murder us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the
physical wounds have healed, but the emotional ones have not.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Don’t you still have
headaches?” I asked, my concern for his well-being showing in my voice.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I do,” Cory
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The doctors say they will
diminish over time, but they don’t know how long it will take.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I followed up with another
question, “How bad do they get?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“They can be quite severe
at times,” he admitted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, before I
could ask additional questions, he added, “Don’t worry about me, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m okay.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg laughed, and said,
“Our roommates said you were like a mother hen, always worrying about
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zach said you were worse than his
mother sometimes, when it came to eating right and taking his vitamins.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“He shouldn’t complain,
because I never got on him about going to bed on time, or harassed him about
keeping his bedroom clean,” I said, indignantly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, between
mouthfuls, “Zach has Todd to do that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Todd is a neat freak.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“That’s an understatement,
if there ever was one!” Cory exclaimed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Todd put up a chore chart, and has appointed himself the cleanliness
police.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Watching Rick wolf down his
breakfast, Greg laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought I
was the only one who ate like that!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick licked his lips, and
said, “I didn’t want my eggs to get cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thank you for bringing us breakfast in bed.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, thank you for
thinking of us,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory replied, “You’re
welcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wanted to know if you guys
were up for a game of racquetball, before we leave for Grandpa’s house.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I looked over at Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m game, if Rick is up to it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Sure, why not?” Rick
responded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know I’ll win.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg guffawed, “Don’t be so
sure about that!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have yet to get
up and get dressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure an old
man like you can even get himself out of bed without assistance!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just keep it up, boy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll be singing a different tune after I’m
done with you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg laughed, “We shall
see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll call to reserve a court,
while your lover helps you get dressed.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick handed his tray to
Greg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If you’ll take care of this,
I’ll get dressed under my own power, thank you very much.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Sure,” Greg replied, a
wide smile on his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cory took my
tray, and the two guys left us to get ready to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We dressed in matching
shorts and t-shirts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We joined Greg and
Cory in the foyer and made our way out to the Land Rover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We drove to the gym, and parked the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We played doubles for nearly two hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cory managed to put a few past us, since
he’s left-handed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Half way through our third
match Cory wacked the ball hard against the front wall, expecting it to scream
past Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a big guy, Rick can sure move, and move
he did this time!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smashed it so it
hit the front wall, just above the floor, causing Cory to dive for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, Cory did a face plant,
missing the ball completely.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick walked over and gave
him a hand up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sorry about that,
Cory.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory looked up at Rick with
a big grin on his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I got what I
deserved for trying to nail you guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, I guess you’ll learn not to try the
same move two times in a row.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory shrugged his
shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve got a few more surprises
for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I plan to win this round.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">At the two hour mark, we
got an extra court, so we could have a single’s tournament between the four of
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick won our friendly competition,
with Greg coming in second.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We came off
the courts feeling pretty good after our aerobic exercise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We returned home to get ready to leave for
Grandpa’s house.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We piled our gear in the
back of the Land Rover and drove to Grandpa’s place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick pulled into their driveway and cut the
engine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandma came out to greet
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you guys hungry?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I laughed, “Grandma, you
already know the answer to that question.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She smiled up at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I do know that answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lunch is on the table in the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take your things to your rooms and meet us
in the kitchen.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We took our things
upstairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hung up our clothes in the
closet, while Rick took care of the socks and underwear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had purchased a couple of new swimsuits,
which Rick held up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love these.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Me, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m glad we’ve spent some time in the sun, or we would look pretty washed
out in those.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They were bright-colored swim
trunks that showed us off very well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
shaved off all of our body hair to show off our muscles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, Rick is what some people call
‘cut.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I call it being totally buff,
and sexy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s not muscle-bound like
some of those guys you see in the weightlifting magazines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has nicely defined muscles, and it’s a
real turn on to see him in his swimsuit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg and Cory walked into
our room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hey, those swimsuits look
great!” Greg exclaimed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you guys
going to model them for us?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Not right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think Grandma said lunch is waiting for us
in the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We plan to wear them
after lunch when we go swimming,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We brought a couple of new
swimsuits with us, too, knowing we would get some time in the pool while we’re
here,” Cory said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Grandpa reopened the pool
last week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully, he installed a
heater, or the water would be too cold,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We followed Greg and Cory
out of our room and downstairs to the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Entering the kitchen, we saw our uncles were seated around the
table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We chorused our greetings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hey guys!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jasper said, “It’s good to
see you guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sorry we couldn’t be
at your graduation ceremony.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “That’s
okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We missed you guys, but we did
have a lot of family there.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey looked at us, and
said, “Are you guys ready to go swimming?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I helped Dad with the pool, so we could spend some time in it while you
guys are here.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory said, “We came
prepared to do quite a bit of swimming.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bob said, “We ordered some
new swimsuits from a couple of places on-line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have to say that I’m not sure I want to show that much skin.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We laughed, and Jasper
said, “It’s okay, Bob, to show off your gorgeous body for your husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want everyone to know I’m married to the
best looking guy on the planet.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bob leaned over and kissed
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you, Babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey said, “Dylan isn’t
shy about showing off his body.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dylan grinned broadly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I say
if you’ve got it, flaunt it!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, you’ve definitely got it, Dylan.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“He ordered the skimpiest
swimsuit they had,” Corey said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
looked over at his parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I just
hope you guys won’t mind.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was
afraid his parents might not approve of his husband’s swimwear.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandma met his gaze and said,
“I’m fine with you guys and your sexy swimwear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re all married and it’s okay for you to
show off for your husbands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I only ask
you to remember your nieces and nephews have little ones, so be mindful of what
you wear when they’re here.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“When are they coming?” Bob
asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“They’ll be here the day
after tomorrow, so you had better take advantage of the pool today,” Grandma
said, smiling at her son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know how
frisky you guys can get.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know you’re
deeply in love, and I’m glad both of you have found wonderful men to be your
husbands.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bob turned to Jasper, and
said, “I think she means you’ve passed the test.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom doesn’t say that about just anyone.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jasper grinned, leaning
over to kiss Bob lightly on the lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“She knows a good man when she sees one.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey said, “I’m glad I
found Dylan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is the light of my
life.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bob laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s not all he is.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey blushed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s true, but we won’t talk about that.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dylan took Corey’s hand in
his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You needn’t be embarrassed,
Corey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bob’s right, I’m more than just
the light of your life.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put his
free hand to Corey’s chin and lifted it, until their eyes met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey smiled and said, “I’m
still amazed you agreed to marry me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’m not,” Dylan said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No one loves me like you do.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mom smiled at her
brothers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It does my heart good to see
how happy my twin brothers are, now they’ve finally found their soul
mates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for making their
dreams come true.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dad frowned, but didn’t say
anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was obvious from his
expression he didn’t share my mother’s opinion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked up and met my gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He quickly brought a smile to his face; but,
we both knew he wasn’t really comfortable with the fact he had two
brothers-in-law who were married to men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He knew he was still on probation with me, after hurting my mother so
badly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hadn’t talked to him much,
since we found out he had a son by another woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We finished eating our lunch, and helped
clear the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we got ready to go
upstairs, Grandpa asked us to join him in his study.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick and I sat down across from him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick asked, “What’s up?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa said, “I wanted to
ask if you two would be willing to help Peyton begin his re-entry into society.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I looked at Rick to gauge
his reaction to Grandpa’s request.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
had had some pretty in-depth discussions about Peyton when we wrote our letters
to the parole board a few months ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
wasn’t sure what Rick’s feelings would be about actively helping Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“When does he get out of
jail?” Rick asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His voice didn’t
show any emotion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His expression
remained neutral, not giving me a clue as to how Rick was feeling.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“He could be out as soon as
this week, if the parole board agrees to let him out,” he responded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I hadn’t thought about
Peyton in a long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had been a
couple of months since we had written to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We had written regularly to him when he had first gone back to jail, but
we hadn’t been very good about writing for quite some time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When we didn’t respond,
Grandpa continued, “I have been writing to Peyton every week since he went back
to prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know you guys wrote to him
at first, but Peyton has told me he doesn’t receive mail from you,
anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think you two need to let go
of what happened to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton has
recognized the error of his ways, and wants to try to make amends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, he has to finish paying restitution
for the damage that was done to the apartment he trashed.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick asked, “What are his
plans?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’ve offered him a job
working here on the farm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve already
worked out the details with the probation officer who will be supervising
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton is not an evil person, and
deserves a chance at living a happy life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know what he did was wrong, and caused you both a lot of grief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I think it’s time to let the wounds
heal, both the ones he inflicted on you guys, as well as those he has received
from being incarcerated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several of the
other inmates have sexually abused Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He’s been beaten and repeatedly raped by the prison guards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve hired a team of lawyers to get him
released early, and to continue to press the state to bring the perpetrators of
the assaults and gang rapes to justice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We filed Freedom of Information requests to get the investigation
records released to the public, since the prison has refused to deal with the
issues.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I said, “From what you’re
telling me, Peyton has paid for his crime many times over.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, he has,” Grandpa
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Prison officials claim Peyton
brought the rape upon himself, by flaunting his sexual orientation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have ignored Peyton’s complaints of
poor treatment and the threats against his life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
fact, he was placed in solitary confinement as punishment for accusing the
prison guards of beating him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is
currently in the prison hospital with two broken arms and a broken leg.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Maybe that is the safest
place for him,” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa agreed, “Yes, it
is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The state is trying to restrict my
access to him, because they’re afraid I’ll discover just how bad things are for
Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I drove down to the prison to
visit him last week, before he was attacked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He told me he was afraid for his life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He knew the prison guards had it in for him, and were planning to
‘teach’ him a lesson.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick looked at me and said,
“I had no idea things were so bad for Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s been a long time since you mentioned you were visiting him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to admit we’ve been pretty wrapped up
in our own lives to think about Peyton.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa said, “My goal in
talking to you about Peyton isn’t to give you a guilt trip or to engender
pity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton is part of this family,
despite what he has done to you and Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If nothing else, I’ve tried to teach my family we take care of each
other.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Doesn’t he hear from his
parents?” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“No, he doesn’t, Rick,” he
replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They view him as a pariah,
because he’s gay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You, of all people,
should understand how your family views homosexuality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They don’t care if he was forcibly sodomized
in prison; he is a homosexual because he’s had sex with other men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In their eyes, he is an abomination and is
worthy of death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton has told me
that no one, other than me and you two have made contact with him, since he
went back to prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I said, I’ve
hired a team of lawyers to represent him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The prison system supposedly has a goal to reform convicts under their
control, but that is a far from the reality.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa pulled some papers
out of his desk drawer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He handed them
across the desk to Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I want you
two to read that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the re-entry
handbook that Peyton has been required to use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Peyton has been to a number of training sessions, but it’s hard to
concentrate on getting ready to leave prison, when you fear for your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton doesn’t think he’ll survive the rest
of his prison term, after what happened to him last week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he’s not released on parole, I’ve
instructed his lawyers to press to have Peyton transferred to a different
prison facility, while he recovers.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I sat in stunned silence as
Grandpa went on to describe other things that had happened to Peyton in
prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made my experience with gang
rape pale in comparison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thought of
Peyton being repeatedly gang raped by his fellow prisoners and the prison
guards, without any way of escape, made me physically ill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart went out to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one deserves to be treated that way, no
matter how heinous the crime they may have committed that got them there in the
first place.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Despite what Grandpa said, I
still felt guilty for not thinking to write to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at Rick and saw from his expression
he was feeling the same way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What can we do to help Peyton?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You can start by writing
to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That will go a long ways toward
lifting his spirits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next, you can
write a second letter to the parole board explaining why you want him released
and that he has suffered enough for the crime he committed against you. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Supposedly, the parole board listens more to
victims and their families than they do to the prisoners and their
families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve found, as a prisoner,
Peyton has no one in the prison system who is his advocate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They give lip service to their commitment to
help ex-convicts readjust to being in society, despite the claims made on their
web site.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The state is more interested
in cutting their costs than helping people, especially prisoners who have
served their time and paid their debt to society.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa stopped for a few
minutes, his hand on his chin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
seemed to be deep in thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We waited
for him to continue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick reached over
and took my hand in his, giving it a gentle squeeze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Those who are most
successful in returning to a normal life are those with a strong support
network,” Grandpa said, meeting our eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I want our family to provide that support network for Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want you two to become the vanguard of
that support network.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glenn, you know
what it’s like to be gang raped from the experience you had with your cousin
and his friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are in the best
position to help him begin his recovery from the sexual abuse he has suffered
while in prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will need someone
who understands his pain and suffering, and, more importantly, can help him set
his feet on the path to recovering his self-esteem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He feels he has zero value as a person,
other than to be used as a sex toy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are
you willing to help him?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I looked at Rick, before
answering him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m willing to try,
Grandpa.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa smiled and said, “I
knew I could count on you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he is
released from prison, he will live here with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will have his own room, next to Greg and
Cory’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully, he will have already
begun meeting with a psychologist when he is released.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His lawyers are pressing the prison to meet
his mental health needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With this
latest attack, I believe they will have plenty of ammunition to force the
state’s hand.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“What if they don’t provide
him the appropriate care?” Rick asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Then, we will make sure he
gets it when he gets out,” Grandpa said, determinedly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I used to think the activists were
exaggerating the conditions in our prisons, until I witnessed it for myself.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I smiled at Grandpa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do I sense you’ve found a new cause to champion?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, you’re right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t stand idly by and let the weak and
the downtrodden suffer at the hands of those who have the power to alleviate
their suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I agree those who are
in prison must pay their debt to society, but it does NOT mean they have to be
sexually abused and repeatedly gang raped by their captors and their fellow
inmates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the outside world, we
prosecute those who commit such crimes and they go to prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inside the prison walls, it seems the law of
the land doesn’t apply.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I can see where
Glenn gets his passion for righting the wrongs of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He continually rails against organized
religion and its leaders who preach hatred and violence from their pulpits.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa looked at me, and
said, “I feel the same way as you do, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Your grandmother and I left our former congregation, because of the lack
of Christian love for others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, Rick
is correct when he says you naturally come by your desire to correct the wrongs
of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just be wise about which
causes you choose to champion.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick asked, “Are you going
to ask Greg and Cory to help Peyton, as well?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My long term plan is to have Peyton attend
the University of Minnesota.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it
will take him at least a year, before he’ll be ready to take on a university
education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until that time, he will
work for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your uncles and I have put
together a training plan for Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
will learn how to manage this farm, while he regains his equilibrium.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’re willing, he can live with you in
Atlanta for a few months before moving north to Minneapolis with Greg and
Cory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way, he can make a smooth
transition from working here on the farm to student life on campus.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg and Cory walked into
Grandpa’s study.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg saw we were still
talking with Grandpa and turned to leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Grandpa called him back, “Come in, Greg and Cory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You need to be a part of this conversation,
as well.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He explained everything he
had just told us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he had finished,
Greg said, “I think Justin could use some help with his company, if Peyton is
willing to learn how to write computer programs.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Plus, Justin may be able
to help him with coping strategies to deal with the mental and emotional wounds
he has suffered in prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Justin is so
amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and Brian have to be the
most positive people I’ve ever been around,” Cory said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I think we can
work with Peyton on developing some programming skills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took some courses, and Glenn is working in
that field.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I said, “I’d be happy to
help him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are a number of on-line
courses he can take that will get him started.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa’s smile
widened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m very proud of you guys
for stepping up to the plate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew I
could count on you to help me with Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have a feeling Peyton will more than repay us for the efforts we are
making on his behalf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, he
has made some poor choices, but has recognized where he went wrong.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “He was
brainwashed by my Uncle George.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Between
his parents and their preacher, they filled Peyton’s head with hate for all
people who don’t believe as they do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
fact, my mother’s family has been the cause of much pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was at their urging that my father joined
Uncle George, Peyton and Angie in destroying our apartment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As result, they all served time behind bars.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa said, “The three of
them were released from jail on parole at the same time Peyton was, but he
violated his parole and ended up back in jail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You guys were here when that happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They have served their sentences for that offense, and so has
Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, he has six months left
on his jail sentence on the drug related charges.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Can’t he get out on parole
for the six months that he has left on his sentence, given what has happened to
him in jail?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Possibly, but we will have
wait and see what the parole board’s decision is this week,” Grandpa said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “I hope he can
get out soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since we’re spending the
summer here at home, we could use that time to help him.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa nodded his
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have already considered
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I helped Peyton’s lawyers craft
their documents for the court, and I included the fact that Peyton would have a
safe place to live with guys his own age, while he learned how to manage the
farm.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gave Greg and Cory a
meaningful look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That also means you
two will be learning how to manage the farm, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As my adopted sons, you have the same
responsibility to learn our family business as Bob and Corey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have been doing very well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their husbands, Jasper and Dylan, have been
a big help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know neither one of the twins wants to take
over the farm, but maybe Peyton will want to be a farmer.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “I know you had
hoped Cory and I would take over from you here on the farm.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa nodded head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I had my hopes, but I also knew you had
other ideas, which has proven to be the case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If Peyton takes an interest in computers, I think working with Justin,
or with Glenn, will be a good thing for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I want to make sure Peyton has as many options as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His conviction won’t hold him back because
he’ll be working for our family business.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Have you talked to Uncle
Stan and to the Mitchells about Peyton?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, we have discussed him
at length.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re all in agreement we
need to help Peyton,” Grandpa said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
was interrupted by the ringing of his cell phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled it out of his pocket and looked to
see who was calling him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked at
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This is an important call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will talk to you all after I’ve
finished.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We got up and left the
room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa answered the call,
“Hello, Sheriff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What may I do for
you?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith replied, “I
don’t know how you managed it, but I just received confirmation Peyton Campbell
will be released on parole, effective tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will have to wear an electronic
monitoring device, since he violated his parole and was re-incarcerated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His parole officer, Mr. Divin, will come to
your home to check on him once a week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If everything goes well, he’ll be a free man in six months.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Thank you for calling me, Sheriff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m familiar with Mr. Diven as I’ve worked
out the details of Peyton’s parole with Mr. Diven via e-mail and by phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad things managed to work themselves
out so quickly,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“All I can say is you must
have some pretty high-powered friends. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never seen things move so quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was only last week you talked to me about
the possibility of petitioning the court to allow Peyton to serve out his
parole here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Normally, someone would
have to pick Peyton up from the prison, but given his medical condition, the
prison has arranged transportation for him,” Sheriff Smith said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He paused a moment, before continuing, “I’ve
spoken with the prison warden about what happened to Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are conducting an internal
investigation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shared with me some
of their findings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe justice
will be served.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I hope so,” Grandpa
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Knowing the perpetrators of the
evil that has been done to Peyton will be brought to justice should be a great
comfort to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know it will be for
me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith said, “I hope
he knows just how fortunate he is that you’re his advocate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I think he knows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You were here when I made him a promise to
help him become a productive citizen of society, after he paid his debt to
society,” Grandpa said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I remember.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also told him not to ever doubt your
word,” Sheriff Smith said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you
for keeping your promises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m proud to
count you as one of my friends.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Thank you for your kind
words, Sheriff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When will Peyton be
transferred here?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Tomorrow morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will call you when he arrives,” Sheriff
Smith said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I look forward to receiving
that call,” Grandpa said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He ended the
call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sat back in his chair and
smiled with satisfaction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was very
happy his plans for this young man were coming together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He called Peyton’s legal team.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A receptionist answered the
call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hello, Stephanie,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This is Mr. Scarborough.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Hello, Mr.
Scarborough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll put you right
through.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He waited a moment before
another voice came on the line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hello,
Christian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I take it you’ve heard the
good news.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to congratulate you and your
team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for everything you’ve
done for Peyton.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You’re welcome, but don’t
thank me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You pay us very well to do
our jobs, and we always deliver for our clients.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“That is true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, you and your team have earned every
penny, and I’m grateful for your hard work.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Thank you for your kind
words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll keep working to make
things right for Mr. Campell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll be
in touch as things move forward.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I look forward to hearing
more good news.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa ended the call and stood
up from his desk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked to the door
and opened it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He made his way to the
family room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the family was
already gathered there. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked
around and saw Don and Eva were missing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Where are Don and Eva?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“They are outside in the
gazebo,” Grandma answered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Greg, please ask them to
join us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to speak to everyone,”
he said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg left and soon returned
with Mom and Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once they had found
their seats, Grandpa said, “I just received a call from Sheriff Smith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton will be arriving here tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will be on parole for the last six months
of his sentence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That means we will be
caring for him while his body heals from the injuries he sustained in prison
last week.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mom looked at him in
surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What injuries?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa explained
everything that had happened since Peyton had returned to prison, ending with
the gang rape and beating that resulted in his broken limbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That is why I instructed his lawyers to
take the necessary actions to get him out of there.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bob said, “I’m glad he is
coming here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one knows how to care
for an invalid better than Mom.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandma smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you for the vote of confidence, my
son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I think Peyton needs more
than I can give him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has many wounds
that are unseen.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I anticipated that we
might need some professional services, so I’ve arranged for a doctor to make a
house call once a week to monitor Peyton’s progress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve also arranged for physical therapists to
work with him several times a week, after his casts are removed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the most important visit will be from a
team of psychologists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will
conduct an initial assessment, then, they will provide us with a course of
treatment to help Peyton recover from the trauma he has experienced in jail.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dad looked at Grandpa with
a new respect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems Grandpa’s
willingness to help Peyton made quite an impact on him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You are truly a great man, Christian.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa looked into my
Dad’s eyes, and said, “No, I am doing what I would do for any member of our
family who stands in need of succor, and I have the power to do something to
ease their suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton is Rick’s
cousin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That makes him part of our
family.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I looked over at Rick, and
saw the tears running down his cheeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I reached over and squeezed his hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick met my gaze and smiled through his tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m okay.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I nodded my head, and said,
“I know.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We spent another hour
talking about our preparations for Peyton’s arrival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandma said, “Okay, enough talking about
Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boys, go get on your swimsuits
and jump in the pool.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We stood up and grinned at
each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, Grandma,” I
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We quickly made our exit, taking
the stairs two at a time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We changed into
our new swimsuits, and met Greg and Cory in the hallway as we came out of our
room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg and Cory looked super
hot!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You guys are such studs!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I agree with
Glenn’s assessment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those swimsuits
really show you guys off.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg, grinning, said, “Your
new swimsuits are just as good looking on you guys, as ours are on us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We made our way outside to
the swimming pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My uncles soon
appeared in their Speedo bikini swimsuits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were soon horsing around, having a great time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was lounging on the deck of the pool when
Rick came over with a bottle of sunscreen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“You need some of this,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He squeezed some of it into his hands, and applied it to my back and the
back of my neck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think you may
already be burned, Babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“That’s okay, Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will turn into a tan by tomorrow,” I
said, leaning over to kiss him on the lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg wolf whistled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“None of that in the pool!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We’re not in the pool,”
Rick said, laughing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re sitting on
the deck.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory punched Greg in the
shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Stop giving them a hard time,
Greg.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg grinned and said,
“Okay, Babe.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put his arm around
Cory and kissed him deeply.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jasper said, “It’s feels
good to have you guys home for the summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve missed seeing you guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bob said, “I agree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m especially happy you’ll be here to help
with Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the letters Dad has
shared with us, Peyton still harbors a lot of anger toward Rick and Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In part, he blames them for what has
happened to him in jail.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I know he does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It came out in the letters he wrote to
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought he would begin to realize
our family’s extremist interpretation of the Bible and our Christian
Fundamentalist upbringing is really the source of all of our problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our parents and our pastor brainwashed us
into thinking it’s okay to murder people who don’t agree with us, which is a
direct contradiction to the New Testament teachings of Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They discount nearly all the teachings of
Jesus Christ in favor of the Old Testament strictures of an eye for an eye, and
murdering those who don’t subscribe to the same religious principles as they
do.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “That sounds
like the same kind of church my parents attended for many years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know for a fact it was the teachings of
Dad’s church that motivated him to attack Cory and me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Remember Jeb couldn’t
believe good Christian people could be so hateful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He argued with me about the reason for my
family’s attack on our apartment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
tried to say I had provoked them to anger by living in sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more he talked, the more he proved my
point.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“But he’s changed a lot
since then,” Greg said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, he has.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He argued with his father about his attitude
toward gays and found him to be filled with hatred toward them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, when he found Larry, his parents disowned
him, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, he agrees with me in
placing blame for my family’s violent behavior directly on the shoulders of the
preachers at our church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His parents
provided a living example of the hatred many people have toward gays,” Rick
said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “That’s the main
reason Cory and I want to go into law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We need to protect our nation from the religious fundamentalists and
other religious extremists who would turn our country into a theocracy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are trying to claim they should have
special privileges and be exempt from all anti-discrimination laws.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I agree with
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, we need to get back to our
discussion about how to help Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
think he hasn’t been able to place the blame where it belongs for two
reasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, he can’t handle the
fact that he, himself, is to blame for his own actions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blaming someone else is much easier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Second, he hasn’t been able to admit to
himself he was brainwashed by his church and his family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been trying to deal with that
myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really didn’t think my own
family would actually turn on me like they did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can understand how he feels, now they’ve
betrayed him, as well.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I think we can overcome
those bad feelings over the course of the summer,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We aren’t as hateful as he thinks we
are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe once he is free of the
unhealthy environment of prison life, he can begin to heal.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory said, “Anyone would
start to go crazy being shut up in prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think the way we treat our prison population is cruel and inhumane.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“There are many who will
disagree with you, Cory,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“There are a lot of people in our country who would just as soon put
everyone to death who commits a crime rather than spend the money to
incarcerate them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In their eyes, that
solves two problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, it
eliminates the problem of building and maintaining prisons, and, second, it
gets rid of the criminal element in our society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their position is that the death penalty
would become a major deterrent to crime.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Grandpa thinks the best
way we can fight against those who would take our freedoms away is to become
lawyers, so we can use the law to stop them,” Cory said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But we digress, yet again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to concentrate on helping Peyton.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I agree,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But let’s talk about our plans tonight
after we finish swimming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to get
as much sun as possible.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stood up
and walked over to a lounge chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
stretched out on my stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick joined me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reached over and slipped his thumbs
inside the waistband of my swimsuit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
lifted myself up as he pulled it off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
looked over my shoulder at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
winked at me, and said, “I want you to be tanned all over, Babe.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put some sunscreen on his hands and
massaged it into my buttocks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t
want you to get burned here, either.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
laid my head on my arms, enjoying the feel of his hands on my butt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I moaned with pleasure as he ran his fingers
over my back door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s too bad we
don’t have a privacy fence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your butt
is so sexy, I can hardly keep myself from ravaging you right here and now!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I lifted up my head,
turning to look at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grinned and
said, “Hold that thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I promise
I’ll take good care of you later.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “You better!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I could just imagine how our grandparents
would react to seeing you fuck me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick grinned wickedly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But it would sure be fun!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bob overhead our
conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We could go over to our
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a small swimming pool
and a tall privacy fence around it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jasper said, “We’d love to
have all of you come to our place for dinner and a skinny dip in the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do it all the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our place backs to the woods and our nearest
neighbors are several blocks away.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “Let’s plan on
going over there, tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll need
to let Grandma know before she puts dinner on.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The guys grabbed their own
lounge chairs and joined us in the sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I laid my head on my arms and enjoyed the sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must have fallen asleep, because the next
thing I remember was Rick shaking my shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Glenn, it’s time to turn over.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I lifted myself up and started to roll over, when I remembered I didn’t
have my swimsuit on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick laughed and
handed me a towel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Use this to cover
your dick.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I did as I was
instructed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick handed me the
sunscreen, which I rubbed on my skin where my swimsuit had been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked over at him and asked, “Aren’t you
going to do the same?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I am, and so are the rest
of the guys,” Rick said, nodding in their direction.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I looked around and saw he
was right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each of the couples was
talking in low tones to each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was obvious they were deeply in love with each other.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“It will be good for Peyton
to see how much love these guys have for each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After what he’s been through, he will need
us to reassure him not all guys are evil,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick nodded his head in
agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hopefully, he hasn’t been
so traumatized he’ll never trust anyone.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We’ll have to work hard to
help him overcome his hatred toward us,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“It might not be as hard as
you think,” Rick responded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think
the reason he expressed those feelings in his letters is that he wasn’t doing
well in jail.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I hope you’re right,” I
said. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We spent another hour or so
sunning ourselves, before returning to play in the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was getting late in the afternoon, when
we climbed out of the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick came
up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me close to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His very hard dick pressed against me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, I need some relief.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I turned my head to kiss
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Take me upstairs, and I’m all
yours.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Seeing Rick’s state of
arousal, Greg said, “You’d better go before Rick loses control.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I laughed, and took my
lover by the hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s go.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We made our way upstairs to
our bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as the door was
closed behind us, we were out of our swimsuits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick pushed me onto my back on the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked down at me and asked, “Are you
ready?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In response to his
question, I reached up and pulled him to me, kissing him deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick’s touch awakened every fiber of my
being, as he caressed my bare skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
pulled back, his eyes blazing with his passion for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He uttered a low guttural sound, sending a
thrill of anticipation down my spine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Later, we lay in each
other’s arms, enjoying the special closeness that comes from having sex with
the one you love, and who loves you back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My fingers gently traced circles around his nipples, then, I traced the
outline of his washboard abs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked
up at him, as he ran his fingertips through my hair. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled me closer to him, and whispered in
my ear, “I love you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I love you, too.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kissed him, then put my head on his chest,
letting my body relax.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As Glenn drifted off, Rick
stared up at the ceiling, thinking about his cousin, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wasn’t sure how Peyton was going to react
to seeing them tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they had
last seen him, Peyton had apologized for what he had done and asked for Rick
and Glenn to forgive him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few months
later, they had been surprised to read Peyton’s letter accusing them of being
the source of all of his misery and suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They had written a letter asking Peyton to explain why he had changed
his mind, but hadn’t received an answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When they talked to Grandpa Scarborough about it, he had encouraged them
to overlook it, and to keep writing to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They honored his request, but had fallen off writing to Peyton during
their trip to Spain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had sent him
a letter and a card at Christmas, but that had been the last time they had
written.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">His mind brought back
memories of spending holidays with his mother’s family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and Peyton had never been close, as there
seemed to be a barrier between them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Peyton was very competitive and bragged about his accomplishments whenever
Rick was around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed Peyton
needed to prove he was better than Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He never understood why Peyton felt so threatened by him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick was still thinking about Peyton, when
Glenn stirred.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Babe, we need to get
dressed,” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Okay,” I replied, yawning
widely.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I rolled off of him, and
got to my feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned and extended a
hand to Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled him up into my
arms, giving him a quick kiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I led
him into the en suite, where we enjoyed a nice long shower together. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After getting dressed, we
joined Mom and Dad in the family room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We walked over and sat down on the couch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom looked up from the book she was reading,
and said, “I’m glad to have some time to alone with you two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your Dad and I would like to talk to you for
a few minutes.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Okay.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dad said, “I wanted to know
how you guys felt about the situation with your half-brother.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“There isn’t much we can
say about it, because what is done is done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m glad you’re taking responsibility for your child,” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dad looked over at me and I
shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not sure how I feel,
Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like Rick, I’m glad you’re willing
to pay child support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel bad for
the little guy, being stuck between two families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He already carries a heavy burden, and he’s
just a little baby.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mom said, “That’s why we wanted
to talk to you about Johnny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s going
to have a difficult time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want to
make sure he is treated with kindness and respect when he comes to visit us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Mom, I don’t think you
have to worry,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’ve taught
us to be respectful of other people, even when we don’t agree with them.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He refrained from adding, “We’re not like
Dad.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandma walked into the
room and sat down in her favorite armchair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She looked over at us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
understand you’ll be going over to Bob and Jasper’s place for dinner.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I nodded my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, they invited over to their house
tonight.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She smiled and said,
“Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They need to be more
social.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They don’t get out much.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed and said,
“They don’t seem to really need much company, since they have each other.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandma nodded her
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s the same with Corey and
Dylan.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa joined us, taking
his usual place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Before you go, Glenn,
would you play for me?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Sure, Grandpa,” I
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stood up and walked over to the
piano.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat down on the piano
bench.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do you want me to play for
you?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’d like to hear you play
Saint Saens’ Piano Concerto Number 2,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Eva, will you play the orchestral reduction
to accompany him?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mom said, “Yes, I’ll play
with Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is the music still in its
usual place?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, dear, it’s still in
the cabinet,” Grandma replied, pointing to the large cabinet next to the
piano.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was made of cherry wood, with
glass doors that revealed its contents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mom walked over and pulled
out the music, handing me the piano solo part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She took her seat at the second baby grand piano in the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At her signal, we began playing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I soon lost myself in the music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we finished, there was loud
applause.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned to find that the rest
of the guys had joined us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was great!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory said, “I liked it,
too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you play Grieg’s Piano Concerto?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I looked at Cory in
surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I didn’t know you listened
to classical music.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t, but I have a friend at school who
plays the piano.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is always playing
the Grieg Concerto, and I’ve come to like it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I looked over at Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you up to playing it?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I’ll play the orchestral reduction for
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The music should be there in the
cabinet.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I stood up and walked over
to the cabinet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I located the music and
pulled it out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I handed Mom her copy of
the music, and sat back down at the piano.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Again, Mom gave me the signal to begin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This concerto was one of my very favorites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I was growing up, Mom and I had played
it often, alternating parts each time we played it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My brothers used to complain we played it
too much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nancy never complained, but
she did tell me she had every note memorized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were met with enthusiastic applause when we finished, even Grandpa
had stayed awake to hear us play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
normally fell asleep when one of us was playing the piano or the violin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandma said, “Thank you
for playing for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, off you go to
Bob and Jaspers.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bob said, “Don’t forget to
bring your swimsuits.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick and I went upstairs to
grab our swimming gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We met Greg and
Cory in the hallway, returning from their room with their swimsuits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They grinned at us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg said, “We have to at least pretend that
we’re going to wear them.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess so, even though they’ll not see a
drop of water tonight.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We rejoined my uncles in
the family room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re ready to go,”
Greg said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They stood up and we followed
them outside to our vehicles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
climbed into the Land Rover, and Rick drove us over to Bob and Jasper’s
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We pulled into the driveway and
parked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bob and Jasper jumped out of
their car and motioned for us to follow them into their house.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Their house was a two-story
colonial style home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We entered the
house to find the central staircase directly in front of us, with the formal
sitting room to the left and the dining room to the right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a narrow hallway that led past the
staircase into the back of the house where the kitchen and recreation room were
located.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I admired the beautiful
hardwood floors and the rich furnishings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Bob and Jasper had very good taste.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We joined them in the
kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bob said, “We have steaks and
shrimp to throw on the grill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How does
that sound?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick smiled his
approval.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That sounds wonderful!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His stomach growled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think that proves my point,” he said,
laughing with us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jasper said, “I’m the grill
master here, so how do you want your steaks cooked.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I want mine medium rare,”
I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Same here.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg and Cory chimed in,
“Medium rare for us, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’ll get the shrimp out of
the freezer,” Corey said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A little while later, we
sat down at the patio table to eat steaks and shrimp with a tossed green
salad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick said, “The steaks are
perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jasper smiled, “You’re
welcome.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We’ll relax for a bit,
before getting into the pool,” Bob said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Anyone want another beer?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Sure, I’ll have
one.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bob said, “Me, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “Not for
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just some water will be fine.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jasper went inside and
returned with three bottles of beer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
handed them out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think it’s time we
got naked.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stripped off his clothes
and sat down to enjoy his beer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We followed his lead and
stripped out of our clothes, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
said, “Thanks for inviting us over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick and I don’t wear clothes at home, unless there’s company.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “We always keep
a pair of shorts near the door when we have someone visit us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jasper said, “You guys
sound a lot like us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bob and I aren’t
very fond of wearing clothes, either.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I admired Jasper’s trim
physique.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jasper caught me looking him
over, and grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not too bad off
for a middle-aged guy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I blushed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re in pretty good, Jasper.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bob reached over and ran
his hand over Jasper’s bare chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
like his hairy chest.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jasper leered at him, and
said, “That’s not all you like.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bob’s hand wandered down
over Jasper’s stomach to his partially erect dick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He started stroking it, bringing it to full
mast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Have you guys ever had sex in
the pool?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I shook my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, we haven’t, but we’ve come pretty
close.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jasper said, “I highly
recommend it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The same goes for having
sex in the Jacuzzi.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bob said, “You’re welcome
to give it a try tonight.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey said, “You’ll love
it, I promise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dylan gets really turned
on in the Jacuzzi tub.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dylan was blushing
furiously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I laughed and said, “There’s
no need to be embarrassed, Dylan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You’re a married man and you’re entitled to have sex with your husband.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I know, but I’m still a
little shy about it,” Dylan said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I don’t think you have to
be shy about anything,” I said, giving him the once over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You look pretty good to me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dylan laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s a good thing I’m married, or I’d be
tempted to show you a thing or two in the swimming pool.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was very obvious Dylan
was extremely aroused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Corey reached
over and stroked his husband’s dick, causing him to moan with pleasure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stood up and took Dylan’s hand, pulling
him to his feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s get in the
pool.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They turned and jumped into
the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They swam to the far side of
the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Watching Dylan showing his
love for Corey got my motor running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
turned to Rick and said, “I need you to fuck me in the pool.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick stood and took a
slight bow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your wish is my
command.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took my hand and led me to
the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon there were four couples
in the pool, each oblivious to the others.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Later, the four couples
relaxed in the heat of the hot tub.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bob
looked around the circle of men, and said, “I’m glad we installed the larger
hot tub, Jasper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Otherwise, we wouldn’t
all fit in here.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory was sitting on the
edge of the hot tub, with Greg sitting between his knees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His hands were busily massaging his
husband’s neck and shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg gave
a contented sigh, and leaned his head back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“This is the life.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory leaned down and kissed
him, tenderly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think we need to buy
a house with a swimming pool and a hot tub, Babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg nodded his head in agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Definitely!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dylan said, “I wish we had
thought to buy one with a pool and hot tub.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey said, “We still
can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one said we have to stay in the
house we have, now.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You’re right, but it’s
such a pain to have to move,” Dylan said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Why don’t you build a new
house next door to us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is some
land for sale down the lane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You could
build your dream home on it,” Bob said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I saw the ‘for sale’
sign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a 5-acre lot,” Corey said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dylan said, “But I thought
you wanted to move north to a gay-friendly state.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I do, but we could still
have a winter home here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way, we
could spend our summers up north and our winters here,” Corey said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I asked, “Where would you
live up north?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dylan said, “I want to go
back to school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Grandpa told us
that Greg and Cory were thinking of going to law school, I thought that law
school might be something I could do, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I started college, but ran out of money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa offered to pay for my college
education, if I decide to go back and finish my degree.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey said, “We’re looking
at moving to Boston.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Massachusetts
recognizes our marriage, and there is a large LGBT community there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isn’t that where you guys were thinking of going
to law school?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked across the
hot tub at Greg and Cory.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “Yes, we’ve
considered it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the law school
at the University of Minnesota is a good one, so we might just stay put.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As for where we’ll live after we graduate,
we still haven’t decided.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It won’t be
in a state that treats us as second class citizens, that’s for sure.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey said, “We could buy a
house in Boston, and you two could live with us while you go to school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way, you could live in Boston for a
while, before deciding where to make your permanent home.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “We’ll think
about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa has encouraged me
to keep my options open.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here he
stopped, unable to go on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory, sensing his partner’s
distress, slipped back into the hot tub.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He put his arm around Greg’s shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Greg leaned against him, accepting Cory’s comforting presence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s okay, Babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s just that I wish my own father was like Grandpa.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bob said, “But you wouldn’t
be our adopted brother if he had had been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s true Dad has always been there for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He can be stern at times, but he has always
been supportive of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know he was
deeply disappointed when we didn’t get married when we were still in college.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t show it, but we knew he wanted us
to marry and have a family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we
returned home after spending time at school, he welcomed our help on the farm
and didn’t harass us about getting married.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey said, “Dad is worried
we’ll move away, leaving no one to take over the farm after he’s gone.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bob said, “That’s a real danger,
Corey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to live the rest of
my life here, and neither do you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jasper said, “Guys, I’m
turning into a prune.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m getting
out.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He climbed out of the hot
tub, and dived into the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He swam
across the pool and climbed out on the other side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest of us followed his example.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pool felt good after sitting in the hot
tub.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I raced Rick across the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He won, of course!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed and pulled me
into his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kissed me
passionately, causing an immediate reaction down below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick released my lips, and whispered in my
ear, “I want you to fuck me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">His words were like
throwing gasoline on a bonfire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
pulled back and met his gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said,
“Your wish is my command.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grinned at
him lecherously, turning him around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I surrendered
myself to the inferno burning in my blood.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It wasn’t until I began to
come down from the heights of glory that I noticed that the other couples had
joined us and were experiencing their own taste of nirvana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wrapped my arms tightly around Rick’s
waist to keep myself from collapsing into the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gently nibbled on his earlobes, and he
turned his head to meet my lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He murmured, “I love you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I love you, too, Babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He turned around in my
arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He lifted me out of the water,
and carried me up the pool steps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
set me down on a lounge chair and sat next to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He grinned broadly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you for making me yours.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I leaned my head against
shoulder, thinking everything was right with the world, as long as my guy held
me in his arms.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dylan and Corey joined
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dylan exclaimed, enthusiastically,
“Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never seen anything as hot
as watching you fuck Rick!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey added, “You got us so
aroused, we had to join you guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I’m glad we
provided you a good reason to enjoy each other.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“That you did!” Dylan
acknowledged.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After chatting for a while
longer, Rick said, “I think we’d better get back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a busy day tomorrow.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, we do,” Bob
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ll see you guys tomorrow.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We drove back to Grandpa’s
house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we entered the house, we
found everyone had retired for the evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was a note from Grandma in the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It read, “There are some fresh baked
chocolate chip cookies in the cookie jar and plenty of milk in the fridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please help yourselves.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “Sounds like a
perfect bedtime snack to me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He grabbed the cookie jar
off of the counter, while I got the milk out of the fridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We sat around the kitchen table with our
cookies and milk.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I looked around the table
and said, “Tonight was a night I’ll always remember.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory nodded his head in
agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It felt good to just let go
and be ourselves, without worrying about what other people think.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t tell you how grateful I am to belong
to a family where being gay is okay.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg added, grinning
widely, “And it helps that I have such hot studs for brothers and cousins.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory punched his shoulder,
playfully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now, don’t go perving on
your family.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg responded, defensively,
“I can’t help it if I enjoying looking at handsome men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have to admit every single one of them
is a gay guy’s wet dream.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Well, you do have a point
there,” Cory had to admit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess you
can enjoy the eye candy without being weird about it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Exactly!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we have a duty to let them know we
appreciate their male beauty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know
it’s important to every one of us to receive positive feedback,” Greg said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I grinned, and said, “I
agree with that statement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need all
of the positive reinforcement I can get.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg smiled at his husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, you see, I’m not being perverted when I
tell my nephews they’re studs and extremely sexy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory laughed, “Okay, I’ll
stop calling you a pervert.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We finished our cookies and
made our way upstairs to our respective rooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After a quick shower, Rick and I climbed into bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick pulled me close and kissed me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good night, Glenn.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Good night, Babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next morning, Rick
awoke with a start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had been
dreaming about Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the dream,
Peyton had found his soul mate and married him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick remembered feeling very honored to be
Peyton’s best man at his wedding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
wondered if his dream was something that was going to come to pass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">At this moment in time, he
had no way of knowing what kind of a reception he was going to get from Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hoped they could become friends, despite
the long history of bad blood between them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If, by some miracle, they managed to repair their relationship, Peyton
would be the only family member to accept him as a gay man.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick was brought out of his
reverie by the sound of Glenn’s voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Babe, are you okay?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked
into his eyes and put my hand to his cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“You seemed to be so far away.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I was just thinking about
how Peyton is going to react to seeing us,” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Please don’t worry about
it, Babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything will turn out for
the best,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He is going to need
our support, even if he’s not happy to see us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick gave a deep sigh, and
said, “I guess you’re right.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There was a light knock on
the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shouted, “Come in!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg and Cory walked into
the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They closed the door behind
them and joined us in bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As usual,
Rick moved over and spooned up against me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He pulled me close to him, his strong arm encircling my waist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I molded my body to his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the feel of his well-muscled body
against mine!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “Good morning,
boys.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick responded for both of
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good morning to you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We were thinking we should
take turns sleeping with Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
don’t think he should be left alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
thought each couple could take a turn sleeping with him, not in a sexual way,
but to comfort him,” Greg said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know
how discouraged and alone I felt after coming home from the hospital.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put up his hand to forestall any comments
from us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know Rick was in the room
next to me, but it wasn’t the same as having Cory sleeping next to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Believe me, I was very grateful to have you
stay with us, Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You kept me from going
completely crazy.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stopped and wiped
the tears from his eyes, clearing his throat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We waited in silence as he regained control of his emotions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If I could have ended my life that first
week after I came home, I would have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was so messed up, both mentally and emotionally.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Grandpa has asked us to
participate in therapy sessions with Peyton, if he’ll agree to have them,” Cory
said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I think he’ll agree to
have them, because it’s part of the terms of his release from prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From what Grandpa said, it isn’t going to be
easy for Peyton to adjust to being on the outside, because he has to wear an
electronic monitor around his ankle,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “Unfortunately,
that’s true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope they convict those
prison guards, and, at a minimum, sue the state for as much money as possible
for allowing the attacks to happen in the first place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just because someone is in prison, doesn’t
mean they deserve to be sexually assaulted and repeatedly raped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The state has a responsibility to ensure
prisoners’ safety while they are behind bars.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory asked, “So, are you
guys willing to take a turn keeping Peyton company?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I felt the tension in
Rick’s body, while I waited for him to respond to Cory’s question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He finally answered, “Yes, we’ll help you
keep him company.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I smiled and I squeezed his
arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I knew you’d say yes.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick bit the back of my
neck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How did you know that?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Because you are a kind and
gentle soul,” I replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s part
of what makes you so attractive to me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick nibbled on my
earlobe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought it was my great
looking body that kept you coming back to me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That, together with your charming
personality keeps me coming back!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick nuzzled my hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love your hair.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He ran his fingers through my hair, making
it stand on end.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You look like you stuck your finger in a
light socket.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg snickered, “I think
you look like one of those bottle brushes.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick smoothed my hair, and
said, “Don’t pay any attention to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I love how you look, even if your hair stands straight up.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“How long are you going to
let your hair grow before you cut it?” Cory asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I turned my head to look at
Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never had long hair before.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I think you should let it
grow down your back,” Greg said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
think guys with long hair are sexy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“But you like muscle-builder
looking guys, too,” Cory said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I do,” Greg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But I’m in love with you, Cory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re the only one for me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“But we both like to look
at good looking guys,” Cory said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I think every gay guy
likes looking at other guys,” Greg said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“We’ve even worked out a rating system when we’re watching guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So what rating would you give me and Glenn?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory said, “We rate you at
a 10 and Glenn as a 9.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sorry,
Glenn, Rick edges you out in the looks department.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I won’t argue about that, since
I think Rick is the best looking man in the world,” I said, turning my head to
kiss him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“In my book, he is a perfect
10.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “Zach, Todd, and
Brandon rate perfect 10’s as well.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Robbie, Mark, Adam, Justin
and Brian are 9’s,” Cory said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So
you’re in good company, Glenn.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“In other words, all of our
friends are hot and sexy studs,” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, they are, and that
includes us, as well,” Cory said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You gave yourselves a
rating?” I asked, surprised.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, we did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We put ourselves with you in the 9
category,” Cory said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“So, have you seen anyone
who isn’t a 9 or a 10?” Rick asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes,” Greg said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“At the gym we’ve seen some pretty ugly
looking guys, with balding heads, missing teeth, and beer bellies hanging over
their belts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are others, whose
faces would crack a mirror.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’m glad we don’t fall
into that category,” I laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hope
we never will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick has us following a
pretty rigorous physical training plan.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick ran his hand over my
flat stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I like you just the way
you are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we keep up our exercise
program, we won’t have to worry about becoming fat and ugly.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“But we will get old,” I
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We can’t stop that from
happening, but we can at least age with grace.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“How old is old?” Rick
asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We think anyone over 30 is
old,” Cory said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed, “Then almost
everyone in the world is old, then.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “I guess they
must be.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“So, Bob, Jasper and Corey
are ancient, according to you,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory giggled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, they are, but they have taken good care
of themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think they’re good
looking, despite being so much older than we are.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“What makes them so
attractive is their love for each other,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That love makes them beautiful.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory said, “You’re right
about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess you could say that
is what makes all of our friends so beautiful, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every one of them is in a stable, loving
relationship.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I wish our enemies could
see what real, happy gay families are really like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They claim we can’t possibly be happily
married, or have families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How little
they really know about us,” Greg said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We seem to get into these discussions a lot
lately.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Well, it’s because we’ve
been thinking about the discrimination we’ve experienced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve learned if we don’t stand up for our
rights, no one else will,” Cory said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We were interrupted by
another knock on our door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shouted
out, “Come in.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The door opened, admitting
Bob and Jasper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing us in bed
together, Jasper laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think we
now know why you guys are so close.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We looked at each other,
then back at Jasper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, “We’re
just four normal guys who happen to love each other very much.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bob said, “Don’t let Jasper
bother you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad you guys have a
strong enough relationship with your partner you feel comfortable sharing a bed
with another couple.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned and
kissed his husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turning back to us,
he said, “Dad sent us up to let you know Peyton will be here in about 30
minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sheriff Smith called him a
while ago to make sure we’re ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Corey and Dylan are on their way over, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While you sleepy heads have been snug in
your bed, we’ve been busy helping Mom and Dad.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I said, “I guess that means
we need to get up.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bob said, “Yes, it does.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jasper smiled, and said,
“Let’s leave the love birds to get ready.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They left us and we climbed
out of bed, heading to the shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
made it downstairs in record time!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Grandpa was sitting at the kitchen table waiting for us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good morning, boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad you made it down in time to grab a
bite to eat before Peyton arrives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’ve made up a room for Peyton next to ours, here on the main floor
where he’ll stay until he’s physically able to climb the stairs to his
permanent bedroom.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corey and Dylan walked into
the kitchen, with Grandma directly behind them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Corey asked, “From what we saw outside,
you’ve been busy this morning.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bob said, “Yes, we have.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandma said, “We’re going
to have a special celebration for Peyton later today.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa’s cell phone
rang.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He retrieved it from the table
and answered it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hello.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“They’re here,” Mr. Curtis
said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa said, “We’ll be
right out.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He ended the call, and
said, “Let’s go out to greet the newest member of our family.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We followed him outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We saw Sheriff Smith’s squad car pull into
the driveway, followed by the Georgia State Department of Corrections van.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two more squad cars followed the van.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Curtis and his guards closed the gate
behind them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sheriff Smith got out of
his car as did another tall, thin man that had accompanied him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The prison guards that had been sent to
deliver Peyton got out of the van.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
were three of them, in addition to the driver of the van.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They went around to the
back of the van and opened the doors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They climbed inside and unlocked the wheelchair that held Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They wheeled it forward and used the lift to
slowly lower his wheelchair to the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He leg was in a cast and it was strapped in place, sticking straight out
in front of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both of his arms were
in casts, his left one from the elbow down to his wrist and his right from the
shoulder down to his wrist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was clad
in a hospital gown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As they wheeled his chair towards
us, I gasped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both of his eyes were
nearly swollen shut and the skin around them was black and dark purple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His nose was twice its normal size.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His bottom lip was split open and I could
see he was missing a couple of his front teeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a bandage wrapped around his head.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of the prison guards
walked up to us and asked, with disdain in his voice, “Which one of you is Mr.
Scarborough.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Before Grandpa could
answer, Sheriff Smith said, “You will address Mr. Scarborough with a respectful
tone, or I’ll have your ass put in jail so fast you won’t know what happened to
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re not in the Georgia State
prison and you need to remember that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m the law around here, and I won’t have you being disrespectful to the
citizens of my county.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The guard looked at Sheriff
Smith in dismay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry, sir.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You had better be
sorry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What has happened to Mr.
Campbell while he has been in your custody is beyond despicable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You should be ashamed that something as
heinous as gang rape, or a severe beating, could happen while you were on
guard,” Sheriff Smith said, his contempt for the prison guard on full display.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The second prison guard
spoke up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re sorry for what
happened to Mr. Campbell.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith said,
“Apparently, not sorry enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re
both under arrest for sexual assault.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The first prison guard
said, “You can’t prove that.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I can,” Sheriff Smith
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Would you like to hear the
recording of your conversation with one of my deputies just before we came out
here?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The guard’s face went completely
white.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You can’t use that recording
against us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes we can, since we went
before a judge to get a court order to do so; however, Deputy Tischler will be more
than happy to testify to what you told him about your activities at the prison
that resulted in Mr. Campbell’s rape and subsequent assault,” Sheriff Smith
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The prison warden alerted us to
the fact you two organized the beating of Mr. Campbell along with several other
guards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your co-conspirators confessed
this morning, shortly after you left the prison.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The third guard said, “We
suspected you two were involved in the incident.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was sent with you to ensure Mr. Campbell’s
safety and to record our conversations.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Two deputies handcuffed the
guards and put them into separate squad cars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mr. Curtis signaled his security guards to open the gate to let them
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meanwhile, the third prison guard
walked over to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry you had
to witness that scene.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned to
Peyton, “Mr. Campbell, I’ve been instructed to offer you an apology from the
prison warden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knows he failed to
protect you, and will do the best he can to correct the situation at the
prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m deeply ashamed for what
happened to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those who are
responsible for what occurred will be brought to justice.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa stepped forward and
said, “I’m sure they will be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m Mr.
Scarborough.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stretched forth his
hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The prison guard shook it and
said, “It’s nice to meet you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m Raoul
Chance.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He handed an envelope to
Grandpa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Those are the care
instructions from the medical staff at the prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Campbell will need quite a bit of
medical care, before he will be able to return to his normal activities.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We’re very aware of that,”
Grandpa said, his voice full of barely controlled anger.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Office Chance
flinched.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I am deeply sorry, Mr.
Scarborough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Campbell is very
fortunate to have you as his advocate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I only wish all of our prisoners had such advocates, then, maybe, things
like this would never happen.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith said, “Mr.
Scarborough, I would like you to meet Mr. Campbell’s parole officer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is Michael Diven.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa shook Mr. Diven’s
hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s nice to meet you, in person.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Diven said, “We’ve put
an electronic tracking device on Mr. Campbell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We will monitor him from our office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You will need to coordinate with me, before taking him outside the
county.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I understand Mr. Campbell will
have many medical needs over the next few months, and I’ll work closely with
you to make sure those needs are met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Please don’t hesitate to call me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here he looked at Peyton, and then back at Grandpa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let me reassure you that my goal is to
ensure that Mr. Campbell has everything he needs to successfully re-integrate
into society.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He turned to Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mr. Campbell, I’m glad they have caught the
men who assaulted you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope knowing
they won’t be able to do to others what they did to you will, in some small
way, make it easier for you to recover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I add my apologies to those of Mr. Chance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trust me, I will do everything in my power
to help you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa said, “I appreciate
the sentiments you have expressed on Mr. Campbell’s behalf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sheriff Smith has told me you are a man of
your word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just hope our state and
county officials don’t get in your way, as you work with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it’s time we moved him inside.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Chance pushed Peyton’s
wheelchair up the driveway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yesterday, Grandpa, with the help of some of our security guards, built
a temporary wooden ramp made of two by fours and plywood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had put up a railing on either side to
keep the wheelchair from falling off of the ramp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t pretty, but it was
functional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When they reached the ramp,
Rick stepped up and said, “Let me push him up the ramp.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Chanced relinquished
his position behind Peyton’s chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick pushed his cousin’s wheelchair up the ramp and maneuvered it
through the front door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandma said,
“Let’s get him settled in his room, first.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She led the way down the hallway to the room she had prepared for him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick followed pushing the
wheelchair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We entered the room behind
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandma said, “Let’s get him
transferred out of that chair.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick leaned over and looked
into Peyton’s eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you ready to
be moved, cousin?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton nodded his head, but
spoke no words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick unbelted him and
signaled for Greg, Cory and I to help lift him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each of us took a limb and gently lifted him
out of the wheelchair and into his new bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was shocked at how thin he was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was all skin and bones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
was nothing like the man I had met here a few years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandma adjusted the
pillows behind him and asked, “Are you comfortable?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Again, Peyton nodded his
head, but did not speak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Chance
said, “When you read the medical instructions, you’ll find Mr. Campbell hasn’t
spoken since he was attacked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s a
form in there for Mr. Campbell to sign, giving you permission to see his
medical records.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can fax it to the
prison hospital, and they will send you his records.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned to Peyton and said, “Good bye, Mr.
Campbell.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned and left the
room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Smith said, “Thank
you for assisting us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Chance said, “It was an
honor to work with you, Sheriff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve
got to be on our way now.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa escorted the two
men out of the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He soon returned
to Peyton’s room, where the rest of us were still gathered around Peyton’s
bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick and I were sitting at the
foot of his bed, while the others were standing around Peyton’s bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandma said, “Peyton, I want
you to know that if any one of these boys gets out of line, you’re to tell me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton tried to smile, but
his lips were too swollen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, he
nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa entered the
room and said, “Boys, will you leave us for a moment.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick and I started to stand
up, but Grandpa said, “Not you two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
guys are to stay.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When the room had emptied,
Grandpa said, “Peyton, I want you to know I’m keeping my promise to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said I would help you get re-established
in society, if you would keep your end of the bargain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know what they have told you, but I
want to outline what I’ve managed to set up for you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa outlined his plans
for Peyton to work on the farm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
return for his labor, Grandpa would pay off his fines, court costs and the
restitution that was still outstanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Subsequent to his completing his time on parole, he would be sent to the
college of his choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He ended by
saying, “I will also cover all of your medical and dental costs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In order for you to recover fully, you need
to be physically and emotionally fit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Is the plan I’ve outlined agreeable to you?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton nodded his
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing his nod of agreement,
Grandpa said, “Now, we need to take care of what has happened between you and
Rick and Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m going to leave you
guys to talk.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked out of the
room, closing the door behind him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I looked over at Rick, and
waited for him to start talking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick
met my gaze and smiled at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
reached over and took my hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned
back to look at Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Peyton, I know
you still blame us for what has happened to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope one day, you will come to see Glenn
and I love each other very much, and that we also love you. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have promised Grandpa to do everything we
can to help you recover.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I moved from the foot of
the bed and sat next to him, taking his hand in mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“First, I want to tell you I know what you’re
going through,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton shook
his head, in disbelief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Before you
rush to judgment, let me explain why I can say that.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
narrated to him what my cousin, John, and his friends did to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With tears streaming down my face, I said, “Believe
me, I know how traumatic it is to be forcibly and repeatedly raped.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton’s face was wet with
tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He squeezed my hand, and managed
to say, “I’m scared.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I said, “I know.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick moved around to the
other side of the bed from me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sat
down and took Peyton’s other hand in his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Peyton, we’re not going to let anyone or anything ever hurt you again.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick leaned forward and embraced
Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you, Peyton.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was like a dam had
broken inside of him, as he narrated for us everything that had happened to
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were both horrified and
sickened by the vile and evil things done to him in that hellhole they called a
prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had thought what little I
knew about what happened was bad, until he recounted everything in vivid
detail, as he relived each terrifying experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How he managed to survive amazed me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he finished, there was a heavy silence
in the room, as I tried to process the enormity of the atrocities he had lived
through while in prison.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I looked over at Rick, and
knew from the grim expression on his face how angry he was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Peyton, I owe you an apology.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After hearing what you’ve been through, I
can’t even come close to understanding the pain and suffering you must feel.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton met my gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know what I feel, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel so numb inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s like I have no feelings anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today is the first time I’ve been able to
talk about what was done to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
cried more tears in the last hour than I have in my entire life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m afraid to feel anything, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m scared I won’t be able to handle the
pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used to blame you and Rick for
my situation, but after last week, I can’t do that anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve had a lot of time to think, since I’ve
become bed-ridden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve had to face the
fact that I’m the only one I can really blame for where I’m at.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, with that admission came more pain
than I’m capable of handling at the moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That is part of the reason I stopped talking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just shut down completely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought, if I stopped thinking about it,
and tried to remain in a semi-comatose state, I could hide from myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Talking to you about everything has opened
the door to that pain.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “We’re here to
help you, Peyton.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “I’m glad at
least I have one family member who hasn’t shunned me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for being here for me, Rick.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“No, it is I who must thank
you, Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re the only member of
our family who has even spoken to me over these last few years,” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I can relate to that,”
Peyton said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve been subjected to
the same treatment.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Are we good?” Rick asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, we’re good, now,” he
responded.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Now, we need to get you
better,” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Just being out of that
terrible place is enough to make me feel better,” Peyton said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There was a knock on the
door, and Grandma walked in, carrying a tray of food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s time to eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick and Glenn, move that table over here,
please.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stood and did as she
asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now, Peyton, how are we going
to get you fed?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“The nurses put a tube down
my throat and fed me some kind of liquid stuff,” Peyton said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandma smiled, “I’m glad
to hear you are speaking, again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll
feed you until you can do it for yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve brought you some chicken broth to start you off on regular
food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read the instructions from the
prison medical staff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re to start
off with clear liquids, before we attempt giving you solid foods.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She turned to us, “You two go get your lunch,
while I feed your cousin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I need
anything, I’ll give you a shout.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Okay, Grandma.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We left the room and walked
toward the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick put his arm
around my shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think he’s
going to be okay.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I put my arm around his
waist, and said, “I agree.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We spent the rest of the
day in Peyton’s room, getting to know him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We brought in a few more chairs, so the other guys could join us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton recounted his experiences, but this
time he left out many of the graphic details he had shared with us, earlier in
the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the adults retired for
the evening, the four gay couples gathered around Peyton’s bed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “We have a
proposal for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve decided you’re
not to be left alone at night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our plan
is to have one of us couples sleep with you each night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll rotate between each of us, so you
won’t get bored with us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “That sounds
great!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But can I make one request?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sure, go ahead.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You have to sleep naked
with me,” Peyton said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t want
anything sexual from you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I only want
to feel that you love me for me, and not because you want to fuck me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “We’re good with
that.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “We want to be
the first ones to keep you company.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton’s face was soon wet
with his tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He nodded his head in
agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That would be the best
thing you could do for me right now.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The rest of the guys bid us
good night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We returned to our bedroom
to take care of our needs and returned to Peyton’s room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We climbed into bed with him, one of us on
either side.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton said, “I’m sorry
these casts are getting in the way.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“It’s not a problem,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s a good thing this is a king-sized bed,
though.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick reached across
Peyton’s chest and took my hand. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both
of us leaned in to kiss Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We
love you, cousin,” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, we love you very
much,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peyton didn’t respond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked closely at his face and found he
was already asleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I leaned across his
sleeping body and kissed Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good
night, lover.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Good night, Babe,” he
responded.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Author’s Notes:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Christians and Mass
Incarceration - </span></span><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mark-osler/christians-and-mass-incarceration_b_4153522.html?utm_hp_ref=religion"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mark-osler/christians-and-mass-incarceration_b_4153522.html?utm_hp_ref=religion</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Georgia Reentry Skills
Building Handbook -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please note the
section regarding the Georgia Department of Corrections advice about getting
signed up for HIV medications after leaving prison (page 114).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="http://www.dcor.state.ga.us/pdf/ReentrySkillsBuildingHandbook-English.pdf"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.dcor.state.ga.us/pdf/ReentrySkillsBuildingHandbook-English.pdf</span></a><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Georgia has the fourth
largest prison population in the United States - </span></span><a href="http://pap.georgia.gov/reentry-services"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://pap.georgia.gov/reentry-services</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Prison guards indicted - </span></span><a href="http://www.ringoffireradio.com/2013/04/georgia-prison-guards-indicted-for-organized-brutality/"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.ringoffireradio.com/2013/04/georgia-prison-guards-indicted-for-organized-brutality/</span></span></a><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Prison Rape in the United
States - </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prison_rape_in_the_United_States"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prison_rape_in_the_United_States</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">More on prison rape in the USA - </span><a href="http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/opinion/forum/story/2012-06-26/prison-rape-sexual-assault/55844922/1"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/opinion/forum/story/2012-06-26/prison-rape-sexual-assault/55844922/1</span></a><u><span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Music for this chapter:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saint Saens Piano Concerto
No. 2 - </span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v57cJC6broI"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v57cJC6broI</span></span></a><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grieg Piano Concerto - </span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFPNtudd-Ro"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFPNtudd-Ro</span></span></a><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
SaskBoyStories by Russ Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12705114426346134527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7739282925426125332.post-9812146407151486442013-10-18T08:21:00.000-04:002015-07-28T00:50:01.888-04:00The Man From Swift Current Chapter One Hundred Twenty Seven - College Graduation<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Chapter One
Hundred Twenty Seven – College Graduation<o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Greg rolled
over to look into Cory’s eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Cory,
can you believe we’ve made it through our second year of college?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Cory smiled
and raised his hand to Greg’s face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Yes, I can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My classes have been
pretty heavy duty this semester.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Mine,
too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you still okay with our
decision to go into law?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know you
weren’t sure about going to law school.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Greg reached up and took Cory’s hand in his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He raised it to his lips and kissed it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know Grandpa is in favor of it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked deeply into his husband’s eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Cory said,
“I know he is, Greg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m just not sure
I want the pressure of law school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have
you thought about what we would need to do after we graduate?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve heard most law students spend a few
years working as slaves at law firms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The partners get all the money, and do very little else than press the
flesh, while the newbies do all the work.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’ve talked
to several law students on campus about their employment prospects. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They all have job offers, but I’m still not
sure about where I want to live after we graduate from law school.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I thought
we’d decided on Boston.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cory wrinkled
his forehead in thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Have you
changed your mind?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes and
no,” Greg said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Living in Boston would
be a good thing for us, since Massachusetts recognizes our marriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I like it here in Minneapolis.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“But we
already talked about this, remember?” Cory said, wondering why Greg was having
second thoughts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Minnesota doesn’t recognize
same sex marriages, at least, not yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We need to live where our marriage is recognized as valid; and where we
can comfortably raise our future family.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He saw Greg’s jaw tighten, letting him know Greg was going to be
stubborn about this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He quickly added,
“We still have some time before we have to make any decisions about where we
want to live after college.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Fortunately,
we do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa told me the same thing last
night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also said he is proud of us
for deciding to work toward a law degree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He has offered to hire us to work for the family corporation, after we
graduate.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“In that
case, we don’t need to worry about where we live, because our family owns
property in a variety of places.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“It also
means we need to specialize in corporate law.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“But I want
to specialize in family law,” Cory said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I know,
sweetheart,” Greg said, giving Cory a gentle kiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll specialize in corporate law, and you
will specialize in family law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa
sees the need for both kinds of lawyers in the family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He thinks we should specialize in more than
one area, though.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Cory thought
about this for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think I can
see the wisdom of that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could
combine constitutional law, or criminal law, with the other areas we want to
focus on.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I want to
study criminal law,” Greg said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I want
to help fight discrimination against gays and other minorities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the key to winning that battle is knowing
the laws of our country protecting us from the ill intentions of others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The criminal side I want to know about,
because of what my Dad did to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
want to make sure people like him are put behind bars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two sides complement each other, because
too many religious people are using their religious beliefs as an excuse to
discriminate against those who don’t hold the same beliefs they do.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“That is
also the reason I want to go into family law,” Cory said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I want to be able to protect gays from
discrimination based on their sexual orientation; such as fighting anti-gay
adoption laws, and social workers who try to take children away from gay
parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want us to be able to have a
family; and I don’t want to live in fear of the government and its
representatives thinking they can tear our family apart, based on their
individual religious beliefs. ”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“You sound
like Glenn,” Greg teased his husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Cory smiled
and said, “That’s because Glenn is right about the goals and objectives of most
religionists.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His expression turned
solemn and his tone of voice changed to one of warning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They want to deprive gays of the rights and
privileges enjoyed by other citizens of our great country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They would establish their own version of
the Spanish Inquisitions; to hunt us down, and have us incarcerated and castrated
for daring to question their moral authority.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Still other Christian preachers have called for us to be put to
death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of them have even stated their
wish is to establish a theocratic state, based on their brand of
Christianity.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He paused
for breath, trying to calm down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
felt very strongly about constitutional protections preventing the
establishment of a state religion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
firmly believed the framers of the Constitution of the United States rightly
feared the tyranny of a theocratic state.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“There are
very valid reasons for maintaining the separation between church and state; and
it needs to be a very high wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want
to defend our constitution from those kinds of attacks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember the quotes from Jefferson we
studied a few weeks ago?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Greg nodded
his head, and replied, “Yes, I remember those.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are two I really like.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
quoted them from memory:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“In every country and in every age, the
priest has been hostile to liberty. He is always in alliance with the despot,
abetting his abuses in return for protection to his own.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-Thomas Jefferson, letter to Horatio G.
Spafford, March 17, 1814<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“History,
I believe, furnishes no example of a priest-ridden people maintaining a free
civil government. This marks the lowest grade of ignorance of which their civil
as well as religious leaders will always avail themselves for their own
purposes.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-Thomas Jefferson to
Alexander von Humboldt, Dec. 6, 1813.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Greg
continued, “I </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">like those quotes; because
they’re so true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve personally
witnessed the damage religion does to civil society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been the victims of the hatred preached
from the pulpit of my dad’s church, a supposedly Christian one.”</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory reached up and lifted
Greg’s hair covering the scars where the doctors had cut open his skull to
relieve the swelling on his brain; after his father beat him with a baseball
bat when he found out his son was gay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg’s
hair had not grown back, and never would.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Cory had similar scars on his skull.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That was the reason why both Greg and Cory wore their hair long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shortly after they had left the hospital,
their hair hadn’t grown long enough to hide their scars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both of them had endured the many shocked
and horrified stares, along with the questions from friends and strangers
alike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had vowed never to wear
their hair short again, rather than be subjected to peoples’ looks of pity, or
their questions about how they got those scars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On more than one occasion, religious bigots
had told them they got what they deserved for being an abomination before God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory said, “We bear the
evidence of religion-based hatred in our skulls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We both had our skulls cut open to prevent us
from becoming human vegetables.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were
very fortunate your dad didn’t succeed in his objective of ridding the world of
two ‘faggots,’ as he called us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
claimed he had authority from God to destroy us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg’s eyes filled with
unshed tears, as he put his hand to Cory’s head and traced the scars left by
the operation where they had drilled a hole in his skull.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I still blame myself for putting you in
danger, Babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I know,” Cory said,
compassionately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But, you need to stop
blaming yourself for your father’s actions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You don’t need to punish yourself, anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your father is paying the price for trying
to murder us; so, don’t continue to make things worse for us, by inflicting
unnecessary pain on yourself.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’ll try to stop,
Babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know our therapists are trying
to get me past the self-loathing I feel about what happened; as well as the
self-hatred I learned from attending dad’s church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, I agree with our therapists’ view
that what my parents did by teaching me to hate gays was child abuse; because
it taught me to hate myself,” Greg said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He paused for a moment, then, continued, “I’m glad dad is going to be
behind bars for 20 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want
to ever see him again.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“To make sure he doesn’t
find us, we’ll have to take certain precautions; like making sure he and your
grandparents don’t have our address.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m afraid it’s too late to make sure they don’t know our new last
name.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, ruefully, “I
wish we had thought about that before telling my mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know she told my dad’s parents about our
wedding.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Didn’t she tell her
parents about us getting married, as well?” Cory asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Her parents are just as anti-gay as your dad’s.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I think she did,” Greg
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Both sets of grandparents are
very homophobic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to be careful
who we talk to, and what information we share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think we need to limit how much information we post about ourselves
on-line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyone searching for us could
check out things on the internet, and find us pretty easily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I remember correctly, our name change was
posted on-line by the court.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“But, we shouldn’t go to
extremes, either,” Cory said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not
going to live my life in fear.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I don’t expect you to,
Cory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just do not want my father to
ever be able to find us, when he gets out of jail,” Greg said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I think we should include
both sets of grandparents and your mother in that no contact list; because, if
we don’t, your father will be able to get our address from them,” Cory
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I trust my parents not to give
it to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He attacked me, their only
son, and that made him public enemy number one.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I agree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think your mother will ever forgive
my father for attacking you that day,” Greg said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, she won’t, and neither
will my dad,” Cory said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They also
blame the reverend at your dad’s church for inciting your dad to commit
violence against his own blood.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “I’ve had people
ask me why I don’t just move on with my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They think I’ve made things much bigger than they really are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It makes me angry when they make those
statements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They don’t understand how
life altering an event it was for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m still dealing with the trauma of dad’s attack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m constantly looking over my shoulder,
wondering which crazy religious zealot is going to try to kill me, next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The negative comments in the news media and
all of the nastiness people say about gay people only make things worse for
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I live in constant fear, Cory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve heard the rude comments thrown our
way as we walk down the street, or in our classes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People are very hateful, especially since
their religious leaders are spewing so much hatred from their pulpits, hoping
to whip up enough fear and anger to force the politicians to pass anti-gay
laws.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory said, “I know
Greg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m dealing with the same
issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tad asked me why I’m still
having issues from the attack, since it’s been over two years since it
happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I showed him my scars, and
told him maybe I could forget about the experience when the scars disappear
from my skull, and I don’t have the recurring headaches reminding me I’ll never
be the same.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I had quite an argument
about religion today with a guy in my philosophy class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stated gays are a threat to society
because we’re pedophiles and will tempt men not to marry, destroying the
natural order of things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my
rebuttal, I stated gays are not a threat to society at all, but religion
is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made the case for religion as the
enemy of every civilized society, especially as interpreted by the zealots who
claim to speak for God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even used
those quotes from Thomas Jefferson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
loved the look on the guy’s face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
didn’t have a really good comeback.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Was the professor there
and what did he say?” Cory asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It was after class, but he
actually was pretty cool with the whole debate,” Greg answered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dr. Liechty is a pretty open-minded
guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He suggested we set up a series of
debates on campus about religion, and its role in society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He volunteered to bring it up to the faculty,
to see if any of the other professors would co-sponsor the debates.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That’s really cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, who would be invited to these debates?”
Cory asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Dr. Liechty suggested we
invite several religious leaders from the local area, as well as several other
groups, such as agnostics and atheists to participate,” Greg answered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Does Dr. Liechty intend to
include a discussion about gays?” Cory asked, hoping the religious nature of
the debates wouldn’t overshadow the real reason for Greg’s discussion with his
classmate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m not sure,” Greg
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think he was hoping to
sidestep the issue.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We need to make sure it
doesn’t happen,” Cory said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">In an effort to distract
his husband, he caressed his husband’s body with his hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Earlier in the day, they had helped each
other shave off their body hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each of them had run their bare hands over
their lover’s newly smooth skin, marveling at how intensely sensual it felt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The increased sensitivity of their skin got
them both extremely aroused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They made
passionate love in the shower, enjoying the touch of each other’s bare
skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cory’s gentle caresses caused
Greg to moan in pure ecstasy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His eyes
rolled back in his head, and he arched his back, pressing his very erect steel
pole against Cory’s hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cory smiled,
having succeeded in his goal of diverting Greg’s mind away from his worries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He whispered softly into
his husband’s ear, “Are you ready, Babe?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">In response, Greg rolled
over on top of Cory, and provided a very robust physical answer to his
question!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked deeply into Rick’s
eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I noted the slight tic of the
muscle in Rick’s cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew I made
Rick angry, and I needed to defuse that anger, before we could have any further
discussion about our post-graduation plans.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Rick, please don’t be angry
with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not trying to attack
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not your enemy, so stop
treating me like you hate me,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">During our recent
conversation, Rick’s tone of voice had become cold and hard, as if he were
attacking me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made me feel very
uncomfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t often quarrel;
and, when we do, Rick never uses such a nasty tone of voice with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he tried to look away, I put my hands on
either side of his face, and forced him to look at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Rick, I’m your boyfriend
and I love you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please don’t treat me
this way,” I said, trying to help him refocus on our relationship, and the love
we share for each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I want what
is best for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know you want to get
a job in the automotive industry; but, is it really the best job for you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick finally relaxed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He let out a sigh, and said, “I don’t know,
Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could work for the BMW plant
in Spartanburg, South Carolina.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I put my arms around his
neck and kissed him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, you could,
but Spartanburg isn’t exactly a gay-friendly city,” I said, repeating an
argument I had made earlier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If we
move there, it will be much, much worse for us, than living here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just think about how difficult it will be to
hide the fact you’re in love with a guy, if we moved to Spartanburg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Atlanta is big enough it makes it easier to
keep our relationship hidden from your military.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you really intend to stay in the Marine
Corps for two more years, you don’t want to move to Spartanburg.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick pulled away from me,
and walked into the family room, taking a seat on the couch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I joined him, straddling him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He grinned up at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re trying to distract me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I nodded my head. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I admit I’m trying to do just that; however,
if you still want to discuss where you want to work, I can hold off for a while.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Let’s talk for
a bit more, then, I’ll gladly give you what you want.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I moved off of his lap and sat facing him,
with my legs folded under me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put
his legs around me and took my hands in his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Honestly, Glenn, I don’t know what I want to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve worked for the City of Atlanta, and
gained some good experience in city planning, etc.; but I don’t want to be
stuck in an office, pushing paper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
want to have a job where I feel like I can make a difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Working for the city, I feel stifled.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Have you thought about
working in the aerospace industry?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Keith mentioned he had some interviews with a couple of the firms here
in town,” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’ve thought about
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keith seems to think we should
work for one of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He convinced me
to send them my application, but I haven’t heard from them,” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I think it would be very
cool to work on developing a new spaceship, or something super high tech like
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can see your name in lights,
now; ‘Rick Lernier, Inventor of WARP Drive.’”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’ve watched too many Star Trek movies.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Maybe, but it’s not as
farfetched as you think, Babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
could be the guy who designs the next generation of rockets that will propel us
outside our solar system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How’s that
for inspiring?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grinned, and squeezed
his hands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick gave me a goofy
grin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Everyone needs their own
personal cheerleader.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad I have
mine right here.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He leaned forward to
kiss me briefly on the lips.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Do I need to get out the
pompoms and dress in a mini-skirt?” I asked, batting my eyelashes and
pretending to primp.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick gave a belly
laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’d like to see that!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I bet you would,” I
replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think I’d rather be a belly
dancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can swivel my hips better
than most girls can.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick pulled up my t-shirt
and caressed my flat stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I think you’d make a good belly dancer.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">His touch on my bare skin
had a very decided effect on me down below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I put my hands over his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If you
keep that up, I won’t be responsible for what happens.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He gave me a lecherous
grin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought you wanted me to make
love to you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I do, but you’re the one
who wanted to talk about your career plans,” I responded, bringing his hands to
my lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kissed the back of each,
before looking up to meet Rick’s gaze.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You’re such a tease,” Rick
complained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m nothing of the sort,”
I protested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m totally ready to take
this to the next level.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I licked my
lips and said, in a husky voice, “I want to arouse your deepest passions, and
cause them to burn so hot they’ll scorch both of us.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could see my words, as well as my touch,
were having the desired effect on him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Before you get me so amped
up I can’t think of anything else but fucking your brains out, I want to float
an idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would you be okay with me
working for BMW for a few months, just to try it out?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“What do you mean by try it
out?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“They have an internship
program that lasts for three months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
could work for them during the summer, then, decide if it’s a good fit,” Rick
said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I was a little confused by
his desire to work for BMW.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, what
would I do during that time?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I already
have a job here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you want me to quit
and move with you to Spartanburg?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick replied, “No, I
thought I could work there during the week, and come home on weekends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would mean I’d have to find a studio
apartment in Spartanburg.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t like
his proposal, and he knew it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I
could say anything, he added, “I know you don’t like it, but promise me you’ll
think about it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I gave him that ‘look’ that
meant he’d really messed up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll
think about it for about two seconds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You know how I feel about moving to Spartanburg; so, why would you even
consider it?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He held up his hands, as if to block an
attack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, I knew it was stupid of
me to even suggest it, but I had to make sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, would you object to moving to Detroit or to some other city where
there is an automotive plant?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I replied, “That would
depend on the plants location.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Detroit
is directly across the border from Windsor, Ontario.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would be fine with moving there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Windsor is a nice town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Dad took us there a couple of times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad liked touring the General Motors and
Ford assembly plants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, the
real reason we stayed in Windsor was to go fishing and boating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know how much Dad loves the outdoors.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I do know that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still can’t believe the bombshell your Mom
laid on us last night,” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Me neither,” I
replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mind went back to the
conversation we had with her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Hey, Mom, what’s up?” I
asked, answering my cell phone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Is Rick there with you?”
she asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, he is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why?” I asked, in surprise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Please put the phone on
speaker, so I can talk to both of you at the same time,” she said, not
answering my question.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked over at Rick, and
said, “Mom wants to speak to both of us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick’s expression changed
to one of concern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What’s up?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I don’t know,” I answered,
placing the phone on the table between us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Go ahead, Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re both
here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m calling all our children to let you know
you have a baby brother,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked across the table
at Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t sure I heard her
right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did you say I have a baby
brother?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How is that possible?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Renata had your Dad’s son
a couple of months ago,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“How do you know it’s his
kid?” Rick asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“They have done a paternity
test, and it’s your Dad’s child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Renata
sent a photo of the baby, and is asking for child support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her soon to be ex-husband has refused to
support a child that isn’t his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is
the one who insisted a paternity test be done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Renata and her children are living with her parents in Montreal.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“What did she name the
baby?” I asked, still in shock at the news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I couldn’t believe my father had gotten Renata pregnant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She answered, “His name is
Donald John-Michael, but she calls him Johnny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Your father has accepted responsibility for the child, and we’ll be
paying child support until he turns 18.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“What are her other
children’s names and ages?” I asked, wanting to know more about my new little
brother’s family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“The older children,
Pierre, Denise, and Jenny, will be staying with their father for the
summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’ll return to Montreal for
school in the fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Johnny is old
enough, he will also spend his summers with his father,” she answered, sounding
very weary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Are you alright, Mom?” I
asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I’m okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just a little tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems every time things start to look up,
something new pops up to knock us back to the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew your father had an affair with
Renata, but I never expected there to be a child involved,” she replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Is there something we can
do to help?” Rick asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, there is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please pray for us, Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we could use some extra blessings
right about now,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We’ll do that,” Rick
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at him in shock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick’s attitude toward religion certainly
didn’t include prayer as an option.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Seeing my expression, he said, “Glenn will help me with the prayer
part.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">My mother laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You two are something else!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just make sure it’s a sincere prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want either of you to be struck by
lightning for being sacrilegious.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I grinned at Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ll be respectful of the deity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know we believe there is a God; we just
don’t believe in the religious leaders of the churches today.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Okay, I need to make one
more call to let Randy know what’s happened,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We love you, too, Mom,”
Rick said, and we ended the call.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick touched my arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Earth to Glenn!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hello!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m sorry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was thinking of the call last night,” I
said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You zoned out on me, and I wasn’t sure what
was going on,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What will we
say to your Dad when he gets here?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I don’t know,” I said,
shrugging my shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What can we
say?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick sighed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess you’re right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was being pretty stupid, in the first
place; when he decided to go off and have an affair with Renata.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I unfolded my legs and
stretched them out on either side of Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick leaned forward and pulled me onto his lap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He rubbed noses with me, and said, “I think
I’d like you to give me that lap dance you started earlier.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">It wasn’t long before Rick
led me to our bedroom, where he showed me how much he loved me!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick and I drove to the
Atlanta airport to pick up Greg and Cory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were standing in the baggage area, waiting for us to show up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The arrival monitors showed their flight had
arrived nearly 20 minutes earlier.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked over at Rick and
said, “I’m glad Greg and Cory are here to see us graduate.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“So am I,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Fortunately, there are ten days between our
graduation ceremonies at Georgia Tech and the University of Minnesota-Twin
Cities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It gives us time to fly to
Minneapolis to see our friends graduate.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Zach, Todd, Brandon, Mark,
Ben, Jimmy, Donica, Patty, Irene and Janice all graduate this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Devon has one more year, and Greg and Cory
have two more,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“And don’t forget Adam and
Robbie,” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“They have three more
years,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Zach has accepted a
contract to play with the Toronto Marlies, and he and Todd will be moving to
Toronto.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Isn’t Todd planning on
going to graduate school?” Rick asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I think so,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The University of Toronto has some
excellent doctoral programs, and their computer science department is very well
respected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There they are.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I waved them over to where we were
standing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We exchanged manly
hugs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s good to see you two,” Rick
said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We’re glad we could
come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa wanted us to be here to
witness this grand event,” Greg said, laughing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It is a miracle that I’m
graduating,” I said, only half joking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My grades had taken a serious nosedive this last semester.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hadn’t failed any of my courses, but the
grades weren’t pretty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “But the important
thing is we made it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory said, “What are your
plans, now you’ve graduated?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Everyone has been asking
us that question,” I groaned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory grinned, “That’s
because it’s a relevant conversation to have with two soon to be graduates.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Glenn already
has a full time job, and I’m still looking.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Maybe you should do what
Todd is going to do, and go on to graduate school,” Greg suggested.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I interrupted their
conversation, “Is that your luggage?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It sure is,” answered
Greg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He grabbed his bag off of the
baggage carousel, while Cory got his.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We’re ready to go when you
are,” Greg said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We led them out to the
parking terrace and piled into our Land Rover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I’m glad to off of that plane,” Cory said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was the flight a bad one?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes and no,” Cory
responded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The flight itself was fine,
but we had some obnoxious passengers behind us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“They kept saying
derogatory things about gays,” Greg said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I finally complained to the stewardess, who asked them to refrain from
their hate speech.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“They kept at it, even
after that, until Greg confronted them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He asked them if they were Christians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They claimed they were.” Cory said, naming their denomination.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Then I asked them if they
were true believers, or just Christians in name only,” Greg said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They both claimed to be good, devout
Christians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, I asked them to
refrain from speaking ill of others.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Did they stop?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes they did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They stopped spouting foul language and kept
quiet for the rest of the flight,” Cory said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“One of them even
apologized to me as we deplaned,” Greg said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We arrived at our
condo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as we were inside our
place, Greg asked, “Do we still get our usual room.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I laughed, and pointed down
the hallway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know where it
is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since you’re here often, you should
leave some of your things here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
way, you won’t have to haul so much baggage.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg grinned and said,
“We’ll give it some thought.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
disappeared into their room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a
while before they returned, looking very happy and refreshed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I noticed there was a certain glow about
them, one I recognized!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They sat down at the
kitchen table with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grinned at
them, and said, “I’m glad to see you two still love each other.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory blushed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is it that obvious?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have to remember we’re just as horny as
you guys, and we love to have sex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So,
we’re pretty good at recognizing it in others.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, it is easy to spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve seen it in the other couples at our
place.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I miss living with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish we could move back in with them,” I
said, wistfully.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well, you’ll get to see
them soon, since we’re all flying back to Minneapolis together,” Cory said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg’s expression became
serious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We want to talk to you about
something.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Okay, this sounds
serious,” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve decided to go into law,” Greg said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That’s great guys!” I
exclaimed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“When did you decide to
become lawyers?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Last week,” Cory
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ve talked to Grandpa, and
he’s in favor of us going to law school.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That’s really awesome,”
Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ll have two lawyers in
the family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure Grandpa was pretty
excited about that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“He was, actually,” Greg
said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Have you decided which law
school you want to attend?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, we haven’t,” Cory
said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“But we’ve narrowed it down
to Harvard or Yale,” Greg said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You’ll need some very good
grades to get into those schools,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I know,” Cory said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m doing okay, and so is Greg.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We spent the rest of the
afternoon catching up on each other’s lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Later, we went out to the Mellow Mushroom to eat pizza and have a couple
of beers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our friends, Duane, Mason,
Jeb, Larry, Michael and Cordell, joined us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">When we returned home, Greg
asked, “May we sleep with you guys tonight?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick grinned broadly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, we were going to ask you guys,
if you hadn’t asked us, first.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory said, “We’ve talked
about playing with you guys since we decided to come to Atlanta.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg laughed, and said,
“Cory gets so horny even talking about it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He rubbed Cory’s crotch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“See,
he’s so hard now, he’ll shoot off at any moment.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cory moaned with pleasure, as his husband
continued to massage him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I think we need to move
this show into our bedroom,” I said, taking Rick’s hand, and leading him down
the hallway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg and Cory followed
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I stripped off my clothes, I
moved toward the shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Shower first.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I turned on the various
shower heads and adjusted the temperature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The guys joined me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in
heaven!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had Rick taking care of me,
while I enjoyed watching Greg and Cory making out under the shower next to us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg, seeing me watching
them, grinned at me, and said, “This is why I like staying with you guys.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He leaned over and kissed
me deeply, while Rick kissed Cory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
played in the shower until the water turned cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After drying each other off, we made it to
our bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cory and I lay flat on our
backs, looking up at our respective lovers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg looked over at Rick,
and said, “Are you ready to show our men how much we love them?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s give them the ride of their lives.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They high-fived each other, and turned back
to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both men had a look of
animalistic passion that sent shivers of anticipation down our spines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory and I gave each other
a knowing look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was going to be a
night we wouldn’t ever forget.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We looked
back at our lovers, and, in unison, we reached up to pull them closer to us,
and kissed them deeply.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick spooned close against
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put his arm around my waist,
pulling me closer, until I could feel his cock pressing against me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gently bit my neck and whispered, “I love
you, Babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I rested my head on his
other arm, and replied, “I love you, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory lay on his side facing
me; with Greg spooned up against him, Greg’s arm around his waist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cory met my gaze, and said, “Thank you for
letting us share your bed, tonight.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You’re welcome,” I
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I leaned over and gave him a
gentle kiss on the lips.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">It was wonderful to have
Greg and Cory stay with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one
could ever ask for better friends!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Eva sat on the plane next
to Don.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had weathered the many
storms that had come her way, but this last one had nearly done her in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She remembered Don opening the letter from Renata
Fredericksen, and the look of shock that crossed his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She had asked him what was
wrong, and was just as stunned as he was upon reading Renata’s letter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In her letter, Renata informed Don he had a
son named Donald John-Michael she called Johnny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She included photographs of little
Johnny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She apologized profusely for
not letting Don know earlier she was pregnant, but she had hoped her ex-husband
wouldn’t figure out the child wasn’t his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, he had insisted on a paternity test, which had shown he wasn’t
the father of the child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had been
asked to provide the name of the father to the family court so the child’s
father could be held responsible for the child’s support. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Never, in a thousand years,
had she imagined Don had gotten Renata pregnant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once she gave it some thought, she should
have expected it, knowing how impetuous Don could be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wouldn’t have thought to use protection
when he had sex with Renata.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The next day, they had
received a letter from the Quebec Provincial Government, stating that Don would
be required to pay child support for his infant son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her mind took her back to that moment in
time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">After reading the letter
informing him he was required to pay child support, Don had sat down at the
kitchen table and put his head in his hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He had finally looked up at her and asked, “When will it ever end?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve tried to put my life back together,
and, now, this.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Eva read over the letter,
before sitting down across from him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Don, you know you don’t have a choice in this matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You fathered a child, and you have the
responsibility to provide for him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You’re not angry?” he
asked, looking up at her in surprise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I didn’t say that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
just stating facts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re an adult,
and you made an adult choice to father a child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, you must continue to make adult
decisions by providing for the support of your child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t argue with the facts,” Eva said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You aren’t going to berate
me for my stupidity and recklessness?” he asked, hesitantly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She pursed her lips, for a moment,
pondering how to respond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t
think I need to say anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe
your own conscious will torment you enough so I won’t need to add anything more
to make you regret the choices you made.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She stood up from the
table, and left the room, leaving him to contemplate how he was going to make
the child support payments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She reached over to take
Don’s hand in hers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked over at
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I wanted to tell you how
proud I am of you for stepping up to your responsibility as a new father,”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don held her gaze and
replied, “I had no choice, Eva.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made
a mistake, and I’m paying the price for that mistake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m grateful you have stayed with me,
Eva.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know this hasn’t been easy, and
you could have just as easily walked away.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I could have; and,
for that matter, still can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
I’m not ready to throw in the towel just yet,” she said, giving his hand a
gentle squeeze.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don hoped his adult children
would be as understanding as Eva had been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Somehow, he doubted they would be; especially after all of the heartache
he had caused them over the last few years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thankfully, Eva had volunteered to call each of the children, to let
them know they had a half-brother.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Thank you for calling the
children for me,” Don said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You’re welcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They took it much better from me than they
would have if you had been the one who called them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want them to know their half-brother is
still part of our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Admittedly,
I’m not sure how I’m going to handle having a little one around the house
again; but we’ll deal with it when the time comes,” Eva said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It will only be for the
summer months,” Don said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, but, it’s the busiest
time on the farm, and you won’t be around much to help care for the little
child,” Eva said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Maybe I should push to
have visitation rights begin when the child begins school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way, Johnny will be old enough to help
me on the farm,” Don said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Eva patted his arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don, a five-year old little boy isn’t going
to be big enough to help you on the farm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Have you forgotten how little they are at that age?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I guess you’re right,” Don
responded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We’ll figure out what to
do when Renata sends him to us,” Eva said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Meanwhile, we are going to help Glenn celebrate his graduation from
college.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you ready to be on your
best behavior?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don grimaced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know most of Glenn’s friends are gay as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve promised I won’t say anything
derogatory, or rude to any of them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Good,” Eva said, leaning
back in her seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She closed her eyes
and relaxed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was excited to be
going home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Finally, graduation day
arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keith and Kerry were busy
getting ready for a very busy day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Kerry had graduated last year, but Keith had taken some time off from
school to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had enjoyed the time
at his job, but discovered it wasn’t what he wanted in a career.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was the reason he had applied for a job
in the aerospace industry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He thought
it would be much more interesting than his previous job.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Keith had encouraged Rick
to work an internship with BMW; but Rick had decided not to do it, because of
the anti-gay statements made by some of the town’s leaders.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Keith finished getting Egan
dressed, after his bath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Egan was
nearly two years old, and very much starting the terrible 2’s early.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Egan had changed, almost overnight, from a
darling little cherub into a little monster, complete with temper tantrums and
a very wide stubborn streak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Keith brushed Egan’s hair
and said, “There you go, little buddy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You’re all set to go.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Kerry picked him up and
said, “You’re so handsome, Egan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
look just like your Daddy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">This morning, Egan was in a
good mood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled and pointed at his
Dad, “Daddy is handsome, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Keith grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re both handsome.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Kerry was dressed in a
tight-fitting white dress that showed her slender figure off very well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had brushed her waist-length blond hair
until it shone like burnished gold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
wore minimal make-up, having naturally blemish-free skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wore the diamond earrings Keith had
given her for their 1<sup>st</sup> wedding anniversary, along with a simple
diamond studded heart-shaped pendant on a gold chain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keith admired his beautiful wife, and gave a
wolf whistle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You look gorgeous.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Kerry blushed and smiled at
her husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Stop that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You’re teaching our son bad habits.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Keith laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They may be bad habits, but I know a
beautiful woman when I see one.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
kissed her lightly on the lips.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Egan watched his parents
carefully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daddy loves Mommy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Keith pulled back from
kissing Kerry, turning to his son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“That’s right, little buddy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Kerry said, “You should go
upstairs to make sure Rick and Glenn are ready.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Keith nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll go, but you know how Glenn is about
getting things just right.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Kerry sighed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes,
I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s worse than any girl, when
it comes to getting ready to go out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Maybe I should go up, instead of you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Keith laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t think so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They may still be running around their condo
without any clothes on.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She gave him a meaningful
look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s not like I haven’t seen a
naked man before.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Keith grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s true enough, and Glenn looks enough
like me we could pass for twins.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Except Glenn’s got rock
solid abs, and you don’t,” Kerry said, poking her husband in the ribs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Keith put on his most
injured expression and said, “But I’m still pretty solid.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took her hand and placed it on his
stomach, tightening up his muscles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She leaned forward and
kissed him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, your still in great
shape, but you have to admit your cousin has what you guys call a chiseled
look.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You mean he’s cut, and it’s
because Rick keeps him working out all of the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s like a slave driver when it comes to
exercise,” Keith said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, he is; but you have
to admit it’s working.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You should go
work out with them more often,” Kerry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She kissed him, again to take the sting out of her words.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Okay, I get the point,”
Keith said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t want to end up
with a roll of fat around the middle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ll be back soon.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He left
their condo, and bounded up the stairs, two at a time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knocked on Rick and Glenn’s door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He heard Rick call out,
“I’ll get it!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The door opened and Rick
said, “Come in, Keith.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Keith said, “Are you guys
ready?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m ready, but Glenn’s not,”
Rick replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick wore a dark blue,
double-breasted suit, with a white shirt, a burgundy tie and cordovan penny
loafers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Keith looked him over and
gave him a nod of approval.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You look
great!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Thank you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You look pretty good, yourself,” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg and Cory joined Rick
and Keith in the foyer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re ready to
go,” Greg said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I came out of our bedroom
and joined the guys in the foyer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m
ready.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It’s about time,” Rick
said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“How do I look?” I asked,
ignoring his comment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick put his arm around my
waist and pulled me close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You look
good enough to eat.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He proceeded to
kiss me deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we came up for air,
Rick grabbed his camera and handed it to Keith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Here, take a picture of us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We posed for him, and he
snapped a couple of photos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said,
“Greg and Cory, get in the photo, as well.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg stood next to Rick,
putting his arm around his shoulder, while Cory stood next to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick and I had our arms around each other’s
waist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keith snapped a couple more
photographs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Let me see how they turned
out.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keith handed me the camera.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at the photos and said, “We look
pretty good.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick smiled and said, “Yes,
we do.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I wore the same outfit as
Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had gone shopping a couple of
weeks ago to get a new suit for graduation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The tailors had done an excellent job of altering the expensive suits to
fit us perfectly, and it showed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg gave us the thumbs up
sign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You guys are real studs.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Let’s go,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We don’t want to be late.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We left our condo and
walked downstairs with Keith to get Kerry and Egan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keith opened the door and Egan came running
out into the hallway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knelt down and
captured the little runaway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I got
you, now,” I said, giving Egan a kiss on the cheek.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Egan giggled and said, “I
was running.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That you were,” I
agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He put his little arms
around my neck and hugged me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love
you, Uncle Glenn.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He words were a
little garbled, but still intelligible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick and I had come to love this little boy very much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He spent almost as much time at our place as
he did in his own home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Egan stretched
his arms out to Rick, who took him from my arms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Hello, Egan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you ready to go with us to our
graduation?” Rick asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes,” Egan said,
simply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hugged Rick, then leaned
back to look him in the eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said,
very seriously, “Mommy said I look handsome.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You are very handsome,
just like me and Uncle Glenn,” Rick said, smiling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“And Daddy, too,” Egan
added.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“And your Daddy, as well,”
Rick agreed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Keith and Kerry joined us
in the hallway, with Keith turning to pull the door closed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had a diaper bag over his shoulder, and a
baby blanket and a teddy bear in his hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Egan saw his favorite things and struggled to get down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick placed him on his
feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He immediately made a beeline for
his blanket and teddy bear, snatching them from his Dad’s hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keith scooped Egan up into his arms, and we
made our way out to our vehicles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
commencement ceremony was being held on the Tech Green.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We parked a few blocks away and walked to
the Tech Green.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Keith’s phone rang and he pulled
it out of his pocket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hello,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We’re here on the green,
near the Clough building,” Grandpa said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Okay, we’ll see you there
in a few minutes,” Keith said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We’ll be on the lookout
for you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Keith ended the call and
said, “Grandpa says they’re by the Clough building.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">A few minutes later, we
found them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was quite a crowd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom and Dad were there, as well as Uncle Stan,
Aunt Sharon, Kerry’s parents, and Ruth Ann.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I did a double take when I
saw her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked great!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick saw her at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He placed his arm, possessively, around my
shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned my head and looked
him in the eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s okay, Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t have to worry.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick blushed and removed
his arm from my shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry,
it’s just a natural reaction.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I know,” I said, taking
his hand in mine for a brief moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
released him as we approached our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I went over to Ruth Ann and gave her a hug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s good to see you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said,
“Congratulations!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“How was graduation?” I
asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It was great,” Ruth Ann
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mom and Dad flew out last week
to help me pack my stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We shipped everything
to their home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Graduation was
yesterday, so we took a red-eye flight out of Salt Lake City, last night.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You must be tired,” I
said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Ruth Ann grimaced and said,
“I managed to get some sleep on the plane, but I’m still tired.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Keith came up behind
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re glad you made it for our
graduation.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gave her a hug and
kissed her cheek.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Ruth Ann said, “I wouldn’t
have missed it, especially since you’re my favorite brother-in-law.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Keith laughed, putting his
arm around her waist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m your only
brother-in-law.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Exactly,” she said,
joining in his laughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing her
sister, Ruth Ann asked, “Where is the baby?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Kerry pointed to their
mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mom has Egan.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Ruth Ann turned to Keith,
smiling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The real reason I’m here is
to see my little man.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Keith released her and
said, “I won’t detain you, then.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She walked over to her
parents and held out her arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Egan
clapped his hands and cried, “Aunt Ruthie.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He stretched out his arms to her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The transfer complete, Egan
put his arms around her neck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kissed
her cheek, and said, “I missed you, Aunt Ruthie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will you take me home to play games?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Ruth Ann’s eyes glistened
with unshed tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It touched her
deeply that her nephew remembered the time she had spent playing with him
during her spring break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We can go
home after your Uncle Glenn graduates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I promise I’ll play with you, then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Is that okay?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Egan thought for a moment,
before answering her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">It was time for us to find
our places, so Rick and Keith left us to find their seats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Georgia Tech has two graduation ceremonies,
and mine wasn’t until 3 PM in the afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I went with the rest of the family to find our seats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat fidgeting, impatiently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ceremony finally began.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I barely listened to the commencement
speaker, wishing he would sit down and shut up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t come to hear someone pontificate
from the pulpit, but to see my guy walk across the stage to receive his diploma!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The moment finally
arrived!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Rick walked across the
stage, we all stood up and cheered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
did the same when it was Keith’s turn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They joined us after the ceremony.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I ran up to Rick and gave
him a big hug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Congratulations!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I refrained from kissing him, just in case
someone from the military was somewhere in the vicinity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let me see the diploma.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick passed it to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I opened the folder, and was surprised to
find it empty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Where is it?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Read the note,” he
responded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked inside the folder
again, and found the note.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your
diploma will be mailed to you after we have had sufficient time to verify that
all of your credits are valid, and you’ve met all of the requirements to
graduate.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked up at Rick, with a
look of confusion on my face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Didn’t
they already check their records?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Maybe, but it doesn’t
matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The diploma will arrive in the
mail,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put his arm around
my shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s okay, Glenn.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Ruth Ann joined us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They did the same thing at the University
of Utah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have the folder, but the
diploma will be sent to me later.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I didn’t know they were
going to do that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought they were
going to hand us our diplomas, as we crossed the stage,” I said, disappointed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick ruffled my hair, and
said, “It’s alright, Babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We walked over to
congratulate Keith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Congratulations,
cousin!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Thanks,” Keith said,
grinning from ear to ear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I finally
made it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Kerry’s parents, Joe and
Katie, gave Keith a congratulatory hug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Joe said, “It’s great you’ve made it through.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Katie turned to Rick, and
said, “Congratulations, Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re
just as happy you’ve made it through college.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Thank you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad to be done.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Katie turned to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re walking across the stage this
afternoon, correct?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, Ma’am,” I said,
smiling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Congratulations to you, as
well,” she said, giving both of us a hug.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa came up behind us
and put his arms around our shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Congratulations to all of you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Thanks,
Grandpa.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandma gave the three of
us hugs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m very proud of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not every day I have three grandson’s
graduating from college.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Her statement made us all
happy, not least of all Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
reinforced the fact he is part of our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Last night, I had reassured him he was part of a huge family who loved
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had spoken of his family and
how we both wished things were different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If only they hadn’t rejected us, and tried to murder us due to their
religious beliefs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw the brief
expression of sadness cross his face, before he managed to replace it with a
big smile; and knew he wished his own family could have been there to see him
graduate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa said, “I’ve made
reservations at Empire State South for lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here are the driving directions for everyone.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He passed out a small map and driving
instructions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve also made
reservations at Pitty Pat’s Porch for this evening, after Glenn’s graduation
ceremony, for all of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Directions to
Pitty Pat’s Porch are on the back of the paper I just gave you, so don’t lose
it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We gathered everyone
together and made our way to our cars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Lunch was a success, and even Egan loved what he had to eat!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After lunch, we made our way back to Georgia
Tech for the afternoon commencement ceremony.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Kerry was holding Egan as
we walked to the Tech Green.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reached out his arms toward Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uncle Rick,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick smiled and took the
little guy into his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you
tired?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Egan nodded his head, and
put his head on Rick’s shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick
rubbed his back, as we walked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked
at Egan, and said, “He’s out.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Kerry smiled, “I knew he
would go to sleep when he said he wanted Uncle Rick.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I agreed, “He likes Uncle
Rick to rock him to sleep when he stays with us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick grinned, and said,
“I’m just practicing for when it’s our baby who needs to go to sleep.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">His statement warmed my
heart, because I’ve always wanted to have a family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick knows how strongly I feel about it, and
I’m glad he wants to have a family, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I left them to find my place for the ceremony.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, I listened, impatiently, to the
speaker, wanting her to hurry up and finish with her speech.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so excited to be graduating, I
couldn’t sit still.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt like a kid
at Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The guy next to me looked
over at me and smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s almost
over,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I nodded my head, but
didn’t respond to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was our turn
to stand up, and make our way forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As they called out the names of my fellow classmates, I looked over the
audience to find my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spotted
them and waved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My turn came, and they
read out my name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I strode confidently
across the stage, to shake the hands of the administrators and receive my empty
folder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It still bothered me they
didn’t have the diploma ready for the ceremony.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Afterward, my family and
friends gathered around me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick put
his arm around my shoulder, while Keith took photographs of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick leaned over and gave me a quick
kiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked up at him in
surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had specifically asked me
not to be publicly demonstrative of my affection for him today; and here he was,
kissing me, in full view of everyone!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He put his finger to my
lips, and said, “I love you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandma laughed, and patted
Rick’s arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You may be Glenn’s
boyfriend, but it’s my turn to hug my grandson.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick smiled and moved
aside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Grandma.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She looked up at him and
said, “I’m glad you know how to respect your elders.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She gave me a hug and a kiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Congratulations, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m very happy you’ve made it through
college.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve come a long way since
you first came to see us after you graduated from high school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve finished your degree and managed to
land a good-paying job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even approve
of your choice of boyfriend.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “Thank you,
Grandma.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have you and Grandpa to
thank for making it all possible.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa said, “You’re most
welcome, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It makes us happy to
see our children and grandchildren succeed in life.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mom and Dad came over to
congratulate me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom said,
“Congratulations, son.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She hugged me,
and turned to Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She hugged him, and
kissed him on the cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She held him at
arm’s length, meeting his gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Congratulations, son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve
done double duty, and I thank you for loving Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know he wouldn’t have made it through without
you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick blushed, and said,
“Actually, Glenn helped me make it through.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mom smiled and said, “You
helped each other, and that is the way it is supposed to be.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Dad shook my hand and said,
“Congratulations, Glenn.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t
attempt to hug me, and I wasn’t about to initiate any closer contact with him
than a simple handshake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still hadn’t
come to terms with the fact my father had a child by a woman who wasn’t my
mother.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Thanks, Dad,” I replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He turned from me and shook
Rick’s hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Congratulations to you,
as well, Rick.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His tone was formal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick answered, in an
equally formal tone of voice, “Thank you, sir.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We hadn’t talked much to my
parents, since we met up with them for the earlier graduation ceremony.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom took Dad’s hand and looked at us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Boys, I have come to terms with your
father’s indiscretion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You should, as
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being angry about it will not
help any of us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Dad said, “Please don’t be
angry with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m already paying the
price for my weakness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t
thinking straight when I started my affair with Renata.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your mother has encouraged me to do the
responsible thing by Johnny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll be
paying child support, and he will come to visit us during the summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the least I can do for the child, since
I’m the one who didn’t insist on using condoms to make sure Renata didn’t get
pregnant.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “I’m okay with the
actions you’re taking to meet your legal obligations to Johnny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought I had finally come to terms with
the fact you’d had an affair with another woman; however, everything has come
back with the news there was a child from that relationship.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Dad said, “You’re not the
only one having difficulty with that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
still a little in shock to know I have an infant son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At my age, I’ll be lucky to see him graduate
from high school.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I hadn’t thought of it that
way, but he was right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wasn’t a
young man, anymore.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa interrupted us,
“It’s time for us to go.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Dad nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ll talk more, later.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We left Georgia Tech and
made our way over to Pitty Pat’s Porch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The food was excellent, as always.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everyone had a great time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By
the time we finished, Egan was more than ready to go home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was grumpy and making quite the scene.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Keith said, “We’re taking
Egan home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s tired and needs to be
put to bed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We’re right behind you,”
Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked over at Greg, and
asked, “Are you guys ready to go?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “Yes, we’re ready.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We stood up from our table
and walked over to Grandpa’s table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
said, “Grandpa, we’re heading out, but we’ll see you at your house tomorrow
afternoon.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa said, “Okay, drive
carefully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll be staying in town
tonight, with your parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll leave
for the farm around 12 noon.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We’ll leave about the same
time,” Keith said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We left the restaurant and
made our way home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We left Keith and
Kerry on their floor and continued upstairs to our condo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick opened the door to let us inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m glad that is over!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“So am I!” I threw my arms
around his neck and kissed him deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I love you, babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick looked at Greg and
Cory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think we’ll see you guys in
the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe Glenn and I have
some unfinished business.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg laughed and put his
arm around Cory’s shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Go ahead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll see you guys in the morning.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick picked me up and
carried me into our bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put me
down on my feet and proceeded to undress me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He pushed me down on the bed, but didn’t join me right away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned on some music, and began a strip
tease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time he joined me in bed,
I was so horny it hurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The passion in
his eyes made my heart skip a beat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">In a husky voice, Rick
said, “I love you, Babe.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I
could respond, he captured my lips, and began to show me how much he loved me!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Later, we looked into each
other’s eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked, “How does it
feel to make love to a college graduate?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“The same as it did before
you graduated; but, now, we don’t need to worry about going to class, or
keeping up with our studies,” he replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m glad we’re out of
school, but, most of all, I’m glad you’re by my side.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I rubbed noses with him, and kissed him
tenderly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re my everything.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“And you’re mine,” he
replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Author’s Note:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">More of Jefferson’s quotes
are found here:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.nobeliefs.com/jefferson.htm"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.nobeliefs.com/jefferson.htm</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Things to do in Windsor,
Ontario - </span><a href="http://www.visitwindsoressex.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">http://www.visitwindsoressex.com/</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Quebec Fight
Against Homophobia </span><a href="http://www.justice.gouv.qc.ca/english/ministere/dossiers/homophobie/homophobie-a.htm"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">http://www.justice.gouv.qc.ca/english/ministere/dossiers/homophobie/homophobie-a.htm</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Pitty Pat’s Porch
Restaurant - </span><a href="http://www.pittypatsrestaurant.com/index.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">http://www.pittypatsrestaurant.com/index.html</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Empire State South
Restaurant - </span><a href="http://www.empirestatesouth.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">http://www.empirestatesouth.com/</span></a></div>
</span> </span> </span>SaskBoyStories by Russ Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12705114426346134527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7739282925426125332.post-64319026461917110072013-09-04T20:31:00.003-04:002015-07-26T23:35:02.469-04:00The Man From Swift Current Chapter One Hundred Twenty Six - Jake<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Chapter One Hundred Twenty Six – Jake<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">It was the beginning of the winter
semester and my classes were beating me up pretty badly, not to mention the
fact I was working part time now with Duane and Mason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was standing in the kitchen, preparing
dinner for me and Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I get off work
an hour earlier than Rick does, so I usually make dinner for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had decided on a baked potato bar and had
just put the potatoes in the oven, when I heard a knock on the door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I walked into the foyer and opened the
door to find Gerald standing there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Gerald and I had played together in the orchestra at Georgia Tech.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He grinned at me and said, “Glenn, you won’t
believe who gave me a note to give to you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well, come inside and I’ll try to
guess,” I said, moving out of the doorway to let him pass.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He walked into the kitchen and turned
around, holding out a folded piece of paper toward me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s from Dr. Bigelow.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked at him in astonishment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re kidding, right?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He shook his head, and said, “Go ahead
and read it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I took the note from his hand and opened
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hadn’t seen Dr. Bigelow since I
dropped out of the music department, so I was very surprised when he sent a
note to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gerald continued his music
studies, despite Dr. Bigelow’s undisguised attempts to get him to have sex with
him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Gerald watched me closely, as I read the
note.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What does it say?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“He wants to refer students to me for
violin and piano lessons,” I said, pleasantly surprised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked up from the note, and met Gerald’s
gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I didn’t think he would ever
consider sending anyone to me for music lessons after I switched majors.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s had nothing but good things to say
about you and Rick,” Gerald said, smiling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Of course, most of what he says is about how good looking you guys
are.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He has a one track mind, and it’s set on having sex with every guy he
meets!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Gerald agreed, ruefully, “That’s for
sure.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“How are you doing in your new place?” I
asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick and I had encouraged Gerald
to buy a condo in our building, and he had just moved in a couple of doors down
from Keith and Kerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, he could be
with his daughter, instead of leaving her with her grandmother in Florida.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His girlfriend, Sharon, didn’t want anything
to do with their child.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Gerald smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re doing fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom Strickland loves the new place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She can’t believe I was able to buy such a
grand place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of our neighbors have
been very welcoming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kerry brought over
fresh bread with strawberry jam yesterday, and our next door neighbors gave us
a basket of fresh fruit.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m glad she’s happy here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>LaTisha is cute as a button,” I said,
smiling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Gerald tried not to show how pleased he
was, but failed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think she’s pretty
cute, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, then, I’m her father.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You can bring LaTisha over any time you
like,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She told me she likes
to read stories.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That she does,” Gerald said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She is constantly asking me to read to
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I try to give Mom Strickland a
break from caring for her when I get home from school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do my homework after LaTisha goes to
bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a lot harder for me to study,
now that LaTisha is here with me; but I wouldn’t change anything because I love
her so much.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“What does Sharon think about her mother
moving in with you and LaTisha?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom Strickland hasn’t mentioned Sharon to me
for quite a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She isn’t very happy
with her for abandoning her child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
haven’t spoken to each other for nearly three months now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eugene has been very supportive; but, then,
he is getting his mom’s house all to himself,” Gerald said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I nodded my head in understanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I would be pretty happy about getting the
entire house to myself, if I were him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hey, Kerry told me she lined you up with one of her friends,” I said,
smiling at my friend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Gerald laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, she did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went on a blind date with OJ last night.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well…?” I asked, drawing out the word.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Gerald grinned from ear to ear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“OJ is very nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She goes by OJ which stands for Oretta
Jacqueline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is from Charleston,
South Carolina.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wants to meet Mom
Strickland and LaTisha, so she is coming over for dinner tonight to meet them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I whistled and high-fived Gerald.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Score!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It sounds like she might be a keeper.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Gerald nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“At least she hasn’t been scared off by the
fact that I have a child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the
girls I’ve dated since I started college here have run away as soon as they
find out I have a three-year old daughter.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I heard the door to our condo open and
Rick called out, “Honey, I’m home!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I stood up and walked out into the foyer
to greet my guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wrapped my arms
around his neck and kissed him deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Welcome home, Babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Gerald, who had followed me, cleared his
throat and said, “I should be going.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick looked over my shoulder at
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You don’t have to go,
Gerald.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glenn always greets me with a
kiss when I come home from work.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Gerald smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I wish I had someone to greet me like that
when I come home.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I released Rick and turned to
Gerald.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just give yourself time to find the right
person for you, maybe OJ will be that special someone.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned back to Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Gerald brought me a note from Dr. Bigelow.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick raised his eyebrows, and asked,
“What does he want?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I answered, “He wants to refer students
to me for music lessons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you
think about that?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That depends on whether you want to
teach music lessons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t mind if
you have your students come here for their lessons; if that is what you want to
do,” Rick replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I thought for a moment, then said, “I
think I’ll agree to take on a few students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m pretty busy right now, between school and work; but I think I will
be able to fit them in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will get
easier, once we graduate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until then,
I’ll see how it works out.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Gerald said, “I’ll let Dr. Bigelow know
you’re willing to do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May I give him
your cell number?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I hadn’t thought about him having my
phone number.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at Rick, who
shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sure, go ahead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have my number already, don’t you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I do,” Gerald said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll see you guys later.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">After he left, I said, “I can always get
a new cell phone number, if Dr. Bigelow starts to harass me for sex.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I don’t think he’ll give you any
problems.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took my hand and led me
into our family room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sat down on
the couch and pulled me down onto his lap.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I laughed and said, “I wonder what you
have on your mind.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick grinned from ear to ear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You don’t have to wonder, Babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You should know by now!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Later that evening, I sat between Rick’s
legs and leaned back against his chest, watching one of our favorite television
series.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick kept playing with my hair,
twisting it between his fingers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
could tell something was bothering him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Normally, he wraps his arms around me and holds me close while we watch
television.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After it was over, Rick
clicked off the television, and said, “Babe, do you like your job?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I got up and repositioned myself with my
legs wrapped around his waist, facing him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Yes, I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do you
ask?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took his hands in mine to stop
him from fidgeting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He met my gaze and held it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not sure I like sitting behind a desk
all day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This internship is driving me
crazy with all the paperwork.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s only for a short time, Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not like you’ve made a commitment to
work for them the rest of your life,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I know, but I keep thinking there has
to be something else I could do that would be more worthwhile,” Rick replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well, ask them to move you around the
organization.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way you can see the
work they do from different perspectives,” I suggested.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’ll talk to them tomorrow,” Rick said,
relief showing in his expression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
leaned forward and kissed me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love
you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I love you, too,” I responded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I scooted forward to straddle him and pushed
him back against the cushions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took
his face in my hands and I whispered, “Do you know what I’m going to do to
you?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before he could answer, I kissed
him deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we came up for air, I
continued, “I’m going to make you forget all your troubles.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick grinned at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just how do you propose to do that?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well, let me show you,” I replied,
huskily.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">A few days later, I received a phone
call from one of Dr. Bigelow’s students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I answered the call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hello.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Is this Mr. Nielsen?” a deep male voice
asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes,” I replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“This is Jake Wong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Bigelow said I should call you about violin
lessons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you have an opening?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, you are the first student to call
me for lessons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to be very
upfront with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never taught
anyone lessons before,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Then why did Dr. Bigelow send me to
you?” Jake asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Maybe he thinks I can help you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m just as baffled as you are about Dr.
Bigelow’s motives for sending students to me for music lessons,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“He told me you’re one of the best
violinists he’s ever heard,” Jake said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“He said that, did he?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes,” Jake said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well, then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think you should come by and we’ll decide
together if things will work out for me to give you lessons,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Are you free right now?” Jake asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let me give you my address,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I gave him directions and ended the call.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">About twenty minutes later, I heard a
knock on the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked into the
foyer and opened it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The young man
standing there said, “I’m Jake Wong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You must be Glenn Nielsen.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I gave Jake the once over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a good looking oriental kid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was 5’8” (173 cm.), had a swimmer’s
build, jet black hair, a perfect smile and a little goatee on his chin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was dressed in a white muscle shirt,
khaki shorts and flip flops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I liked
what I saw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He grinned, as he met my
gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wore a backpack, and carried
his violin case in his left hand as he extended his right hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I shook it and was pleased to find he
had a firm grip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is nothing I
hate more than a dead fish handshake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
returned his smile, and said, “Come inside.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He followed me into the family room, where I had set up a music
stand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat down on the couch and
signaled to Jake to take a seat, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Tell me a little bit about yourself, Jake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jake said, “I’m a freshman at Georgia
Tech, majoring in electrical engineering with a minor in music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Bigelow referred me to you for violin
lessons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not planning to become a
concert musician, but I want to improve my playing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “I was rather surprised Dr. Bigelow
sent you to me because I switched out of the music department at the beginning
of the school year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I explained my logic
for doing it, and he didn’t try to dissuade me; so, I’m puzzled why he would
send you to me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jake smiled, and said, “Dr. Bigelow said
I could learn a lot from you, so I’d say he still thinks highly of you and your
talent.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He paused to gauge my reaction
to his words.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I shrugged my shoulders and said, “I
guess I should be flattered, then.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Thanks for giving me a chance to play
for you,” Jake said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
smiled, and said, “I hope I don’t disappoint you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What pieces are you playing?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jake replied, “I’m working on Mozart’s
violin concerto number 5.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let’s hear you play it,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I listened to him play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he finished, he looked at me and asked,
“What do you think?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You have good technique.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like how you executed the most difficult
passages,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I picked up my
violin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I want you to listen to me
play the same passages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want you to
listen carefully, and we’ll talk about what you heard when I’m done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, we’ll play the same passages together.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We continued in this fashion for the
better part of an hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We paused, and
I turned to Jake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, what do you
think?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jake smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve learned a lot from you over the last
hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I’d like to continue.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I agree we seem to work well together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we can make a lot of progress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will let you know when I have nothing more
to teach you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that point in time,
you can decide whether to continue your studies, or not,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jake nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Cool!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He suddenly became solemn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
raised his eyes until he met my gaze and asked, “May I ask you a personal
question?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I could see he was very uncomfortable
and wondered why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only moments earlier,
he had been smiling and seemed happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Puzzled, I replied, “Sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
can ask, but I reserve the right to decide if I’ll answer.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Are you gay?” Jake asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I replied, “Yes, I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does that bother you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jake said, “No, it doesn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hoped you were gay, because I think I
might be gay, as well,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve
never had an interest in girls, but I’ve never really been attracted to guys, either.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well, you’re welcome to talk to me
about being gay,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know how
difficult it is to come out of the closet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You have to be ready to handle the reactions of your friends and family
when you do.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Thanks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will let you know when I have questions,”
Jake said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s just nice to know I
can talk to someone who won’t judge me for being gay or straight.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Jake, I think you’re a great guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re good looking and have a very engaging
personality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think you’ll have
any problems finding someone to date, straight or gay,” I said, laughing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jake blushed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks, Glenn.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">After Jake left, I called Rick and told
him all about my first violin student.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick said, “I hope I don’t have competition from Jake.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You don’t, Babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s cute, but he’s not my type,” I replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ll see you in a little while,” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I love you,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Back at you,” Rick responded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I received a couple of more phone calls
for lessons the following day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both
were good looking guys, but I didn’t hit it off as well with them as I did with
Jake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They continued taking lessons
from me, but I knew they would be moving on, as soon as they could find another
teacher that suited their needs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I wrapped my arms around Rick’s waist,
pulling him close to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked into
his eyes and smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can’t believe
it’s spring break already.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed and said, “I can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve nearly been beaten to death by all the
homework I’ve had over the last few weeks, plus working part time as an intern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked them to let me see more of their
organization, and they have me rotating between the different departments every
three to four weeks.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I know, Babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve watched you struggling every night to
complete your assignments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My classes
have been pretty intense, but I’ve not had the huge projects you’ve had to
deliver,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reached up and
caressed his cheek, enjoying the feel of his five o’clock shadow under my
fingertips.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick, taking my hand in his, asked, “What
do you want to do for spring break, since we didn’t plan a big trip somewhere?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I want to find a nice quiet beach where
we can spend some quality time together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t want anyone else to be there to interrupt us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love being with our friends, but I need
some time alone with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want
to have anywhere to go, or anything to do, for the entire week,” I said,
emphatically.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I want that beach to be a nudist beach, so
I can admire your beautiful body in all its glory.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I put my hands behind his head and kissed
him deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You don’t have to go to a
nudist beach to do that, Babe,” I said, huskily.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Then, let’s stay home and fuck like
rabbits,” Rick suggested, grinning from ear to ear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m okay with that, as well,” I said,
grinning back at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“However, we may
be asked to babysit, if we stay home.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No we won’t, because Keith and Kerry
are going to the Mitchell’s beach house for spring break,” Rick replied,
shoving his hands into the back pockets of my jeans.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I smiled and said, “You’re right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d forgotten they were leaving town for the
week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, I think it’s settled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll make it a stay at home vacation.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “However, we have to
establish some new rules for spring break.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I raised my eyebrows and asked, “What
might those be?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We can’t wear any clothes all week, and
we must have sex as often as we can,” Rick said, grinning lewdly at me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Okay, I’ll agree to that, but I want to
make one exception.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to wear the
sexy underwear you like so much,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick nodded his head in agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But only when you’re doing a strip tease
routine to seduce me into having sex with you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I laughed and said, “I don’t think I’ll
have to seduce you into doing something you are already willing to do.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick gave me an evil grin. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I may need a little extra persuasion to give
you what you want.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I reached down and gently squeezed his
package.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think I won’t have to do
much to get this.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick kissed me and said, “Let’s go out to
Ray’s in the City for dinner; then, we can begin our spring break in earnest.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Sounds like a plan,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I released my boyfriend from my embrace, and
took him by the hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s get
dressed up for the occasion.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I led him into our bedroom and chose a
sexy outfit for him, and he did the same for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also pulled out his favorite mesh bikini
underwear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He chose a black mesh thong
for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we were dressed, he stood
behind me and admired our reflection in the mirror.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Damn!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You look good enough to eat!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He nipped the base of my neck with his teeth
as I arched my back and leaned against him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, huskily, “If you keep that up,
we won’t make it out the door!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick gave me a devilish grin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Who said we were going out?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I thought we were going out to Ray’s in
the City,” I said, in surprise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">There was a knock on the door, and he
said, “I believe that would be our dinner.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He took my hand and led me to the front
door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He opened it to find a nice
looking guy standing there, with a couple of bags of food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His name tag said, “Greg.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg had puppy dog brown eyes, short brown
hair, a thin mustache, a square jaw and a jaunty smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was my height, and I could see that he
worked out from the size of his biceps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His uniform fit him nicely, showing off his trim body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He met my gaze and smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hi!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve brought the meal you requested.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Greg, come in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will you put the food in the kitchen?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg stepped inside, and Rick closed the
door behind him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg responded, “Sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would you like me to serve you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, please,” Rick replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve laid out the china and the crystal on
the counter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The silverware is in the
drawer to the left of the kitchen sink.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick led me into the dining room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He pulled out a chair for me, then sat next to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg came in, lit the candles on the
table, turned off the lights and served us our meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoyed the food, the company and the eye
candy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we were finished, Rick
tipped him generously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After he left,
Rick pulled me into his arms and asked, “Did you enjoy your meal?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes,
I enjoyed it very much,” I answered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
also enjoyed the company very much.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“By that, do you mean me or Greg?” Rick
asked, cocking an eyebrow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Both,” I said, laughing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Where did you find Greg?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t remember him being on the staff last
time we went to Ray’s in the City.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick replied, “I met Greg in one of my
classes last semester.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked Ray’s to
let him deliver our food and serve it to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were happy to accommodate me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, Greg agreed to do it for me, only if
we would do the same for him and his girlfriend next week.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I wondered if he was gay, but you say he has a girlfriend,” I said,
ruefully.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, he does, and she is a real
looker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think she might even turn your
head, despite the fact you don’t have a straight bone in your body,” Rick said<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“She must be drop dead gorgeous, because
you know I’m not in the least attracted to women,” I said, rubbing noses with
my guy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“She is; however, you’re much better
looking, especially in your birthday suit,” Rick said, leading me into our
bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We proceeded to do a strip
tease for each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were both so
amped up that it didn’t take long for us to begin our week long make out
session!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We were three days into our spring break
when we heard a knock on the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
were lying on the floor in front of the fireplace with our limbs
intertwined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, neither of us had
a stitch of clothing on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at
Rick and asked, “Who do you think that could be?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick replied, “I have no idea.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The knock on the door came a second
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, it hit me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hadn’t cancelled my violin lesson with Jake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It’s Jake,” I said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I guess we’ll have to get
dressed then.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We both got up and raced to our room for
our board shorts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled mine on and
ran to the front door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I opened it and
found Jake standing there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He grinned at me when he saw that I was
only half dressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can come back
next week, if you’re busy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I smiled and said, “Come in, Jake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can have your lesson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I forgot about cancelling it for this week.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jake said, “I should have thought about
it, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I live at home with my Mom, so
I don’t usually go anywhere for spring break.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We walked into the family room, and I
pulled out the music stand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I set it up
and indicated that he should begin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
grinned at me and asked, “Do you mind if I play without my shirt on, since
you’re shirtless today?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, go ahead,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick walked into the room, also
shirtless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What is this I hear about
shirtless violin lessons?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jake froze
with his shirt half way off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick
laughed and said, “Go ahead, Jake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Both of us would love to see you shirtless.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jake finished pulling his shirt over his
head and tossed it on the couch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had
a smooth, hairless chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled and
said, “I’ve fantasized about playing naked for you guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We looked at each other and back to
Jake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, you can do that if you
want,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But, we’ll strip, as
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way, you won’t feel
self-conscious about it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jake stripped off his shorts and
underwear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We both gave Jake the once
over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I met Jake’s gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“After seeing you this way, I don’t think we
could concentrate on what you’re playing, even if we tried.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jake laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Then I won’t play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to see your reaction to seeing me
naked.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I glanced over at Rick and noticed he
was just as hard as I was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, now
you know,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick nodded and said, “It looks like our
reaction to you is the same as yours to us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jake was equally aroused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Where do we go from here?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did a little dance in front of us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think that you should join us for a
shower, Jake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t have sex with
anyone else but each other, as we’re in a monogamous relationship; but that
doesn’t mean we can’t have a jerk off contest with you in the shower.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jake grinned from ear to ear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks for inviting me to join you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Not a problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all could use some relief,” I said,
slapping Jake on the shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Follow us.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We led him into our en suite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick turned on the various shower heads and
adjusted the water temperature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
turned and pulled me under one of the shower heads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jake took the one next to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick reached over and pulled him under the
water with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Group hug.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wrapped his arms around both of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I leaned forward and kissed Jake on the
lips.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jake’s eyes got as big as saucers as I
deepened the kiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t respond to
my kiss at first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, Rick started
laughing and released us from his embrace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I released Jake’s lips and stepped back, grinning at the expression on
his face.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jake said, “Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never been kissed like that before!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “You’ve been missing out.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick pulled Jake into his embrace and
kissed him just as deeply as I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This time, Jake immediately responded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When Rick released him, he sucked in a deep breath and let it out
slowly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jake looked at both of us, and said, “I
only THOUGHT I was gay before I came here today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, I KNOW I’m gay, after being kissed by
two great looking guys!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I nodded my head in agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I would say that’s an understatement.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Let’s have our little
contest.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He outlined the rules and we
proceeded to have our competition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick
won, as usual.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jake asked, “Do you always win?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick grinned, proudly, “Yes, always.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We helped each other dry off, and we
went into our bedroom to get dressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jake watched as we dressed in our favorite Andrew Christian
underwear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He whistled as we modeled
for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked over to our dresser
and looked at the wide variety of underwear we had accumulated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He asked, “Which ones are your favorites?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick replied, “We like them all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We help each other get dressed, so I get to
choose what Glenn is wearing every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sometimes, I get so horny at school thinking about what Glenn is wearing,
that I can’t concentrate on what the professors are saying.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I laughed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What Rick means to say is that he’s horny
all the time!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jake grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If I were as well-endowed as Rick, I’d be
horny all the time, too!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick blushed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not horny all of the time, just some of
the time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I walked over and put my arms around his
waist, pulling him close to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re
horny whenever you’re around me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
kissed him and pulled back to look into his eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, that is a true statement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that is how it’s supposed to be, Glenn,”
Rick replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jake said, “I can see that you two are
very much in love with each other.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That we are,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We pulled on some blue plaid board
shorts and white t-shirts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We pushed
our feet into some flip flops and followed Jake back into the family room,
where he got dressed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Do you want to join us for some pizza?”
Rick asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Sure,” Jake responded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’d like to get to know you guys
better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since you’re in a committed
relationship, maybe you guys can help me find someone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m really shy, and it’s hard for me to get
to know people.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Let’s go down to the Mellow Mushroom,”
I suggested.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Okay,” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We left the condo and drove over to our
favorite pizza joint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a nice
time getting to know Jake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The next morning, Duane and Mason joined
us for breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Duane sat at the
kitchen table and grumbled, “Why do we have to go to work at 7 AM?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Because Rob asked us to work a full 40
hours this week, since we’re on break,” Mason replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He patted Duane on the back,
sympathetically.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You’re the one who told him we were on
break this week,” I chimed in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Don’t remind me,” Duane growled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t complain, Duane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least you guys are getting paid for your
work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m putting in the same number of
hours as you, but I’m doing it for free.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“But remember, you’re gaining valuable
experience,” I said, smiling at my guy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Do you want to smack him for being a
smart ass, or do you want me to do it?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Duane asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I have a better idea.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reached over and began massaging my inner
thigh, eventually moving higher to stroke my growing cock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I moaned in pleasure and pushed against his
hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He suddenly took his hand away,
leaving me totally aroused; but not satisfied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed, as I glared at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s not fair!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can’t leave me this way!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I never said it was fair, and I
certainly can leave you that way,” Rick said, grinning from ear to ear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane smirked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It serves you right, Glenn.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I turned to him and responded, “Just you
wait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll get Mason to do the same
thing to you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mason grinned, as he started to do to
Duane what Rick had done to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">However, when Mason tried to leave him
on edge, Duane put his hands on either side of his head and said, “No you
don’t, Babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have to finish what
you started.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kissed him deeply.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I glanced at the clock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s time to go, guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You had better make it quick.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick pulled me to my feet and we walked
out into the foyer to wait for our friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I put my arms around his waist, hugging him tight against me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We kissed deeply.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I love you,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I love you, too,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are we going out tonight?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane said, “I think we should stay
in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went out to Swinging Richards
last night, and saw a couple of military guys get nailed by the MPs (military
police).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d heard that they try to
entrap gay military guys, but I’d never seen it here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick shuddered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
wonder if the MPs have seen me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I doubt it, or you would have heard
about it by now,” I replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You’re probably right,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But I agree with Duane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We should probably avoid going out to gay
bars.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Okay,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have to say I was a little surprised each
time you’ve agreed to go to a gay bar, because of your fear of being
discovered.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I guess I thought I would
never get caught.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks for warning
us, Duane.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane said, “Not a problem.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We left the condo and went our separate
ways; Rick to his office and the rest of us to ours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey heard the sound of an explosion and
turned to Sra. Nájera.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What was that?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He had just walked in the door from
school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was taking classes in
computer science at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Usually, he met up with Tyler on campus, and
they rode the train home together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
today, Tyler had a late class, and he had insisted that Joey come home ahead of
him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sra. Nájera answered, “I don’t
know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe Sr. Nájera will know.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sr. Nájera entered the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked very upset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said, “Parece que se explotó una bomba.” (It
sounded like a bomb exploded.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sra. Nájera said, “Crees que es la ETA?” </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">(Do you think it was the ETA?) – (See Author’s Note)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sí,”
he replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey asked, in English, “How do you know
it’s La ETA?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sr. Nájera looked at Joey and said,
“They announced they were going to set off a number of bombs in protest of a new
law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They promised to set off bombs in
all the major cities until the government caves into their demands to make them
exempt from the new law.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“They want their own country, and are
willing to kill as many people as needed to achieve their goal,” Sra. Nájera
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There are others who want to be
independent of the central Spanish government, but aren’t as violent as the ETA.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I thought Spain had already given many
of the regional communities a lot of leeway to govern themselves,” Joey said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That’s true,” Sr. Nájera said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked over and turned on the television,
tuning it to a local channel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was
a special news bulletin, announcing that a car bomb had just exploded outside
the entrance to the Las Rozas train station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The announcement was cut off abruptly; then, resumed, stating another
car bomb had gone off outside the Nuevos Ministerios train station in Madrid.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked over at Sr. Nájera and said,
“That’s the station we use to come home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I hope Tyler wasn’t anywhere near the station.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Try calling him on his cell,” Sr. Nájera
said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey pulled his cell phone out of his
pocket, and punched the speed dial for Tyler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He waited impatiently for Tyler to answer, pacing around the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t pick up, and the call rolled to
Tyler’s voice mail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He’s not
answering.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey’s voice was full of
concern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew that Tyler’s class had
already ended, but a group of students was meeting after class to discuss the
class project on which they were working.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rachel came running into the family room
followed by her baby sister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
squealed as Sarah caught her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rachel
took Sarah by the hand, and walked over to her father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daddy, Sarah caught me,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey smiled at his daughters, welcoming
the diversion from his growing concern for his husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, I see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sarah can run just as fast as you can, Rachel.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She nodded her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sarah is a big girl now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sarah, pointing to herself, said, “I’m a
big girl.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey was amazed at how grown up the
girls seemed now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had been a year
since they had moved to Spain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both
girls had adapted quickly to their new circumstances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had accepted Tyler as their new Dad,
and, now, it seemed as if Tyler had always been a part of their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He scooped both of the girls into his
arms and hugged them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kissed them
both on the cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you both
very much.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rachel hugged him back and said, “We
love you, too, Daddy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sarah imitated her sister’s
actions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, Daddy, we love you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They both climbed down from his lap and
scampered out of the room, laughing and giggling as they went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked after them in wonder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rachel was a very rambunctious four-year old,
and cute as a button.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She knew she was
cute, and used that knowledge to wrap the adults in her life around her little
finger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sarah, on the other hand, was
pushing her limits, as most two-year olds do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sarah’s personality was so different from Rachel’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was very headstrong and stubborn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey knew she favored him in many ways,
while Rachel favored her mother, Kathy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He was brought back to the present by
the ringing of his cell phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
fished it out of his pocket and answered it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You called me, Babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s up?” Tyler asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I was worried about you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have you heard about the car bombs?” Joey
asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, we’ve heard about them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m trying to figure out how I’m going to
get home, since the trains aren’t running,” Tyler replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You can take a cab, or we can come get
you,” Joey said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">There was a pause, while Tyler talked
with someone in the room with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, he said, “Pedro will bring me home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He lives close to us, so it won’t be too far
out of his way to drop me off at the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fortunately, he drove his car into the city, today.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Okay,” Joey said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Call me, when you leave for home.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “I will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have about another hour of work to do,
before we can leave.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I love you,” Joey said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I love you, too,” Tyler responded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey turned to Sr. and Sra. Nájera and said,
“Tyler won’t be leaving for another hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Pedro, a fellow classmate, will bring him home.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sra. Nájera said, “Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad to know he wasn’t anywhere near the
train station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t need another son
taken from me that way.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her voice was
full of emotion, and her eyes brimmed with tears.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey stood up and walked over to
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He embraced her and said, “I’m
glad, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She pulled away from him and wiped her
eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry, Joey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I heard more bombs had gone off near the
train stations, it brought back so many bad memories of the day my son was
killed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sr. Nájera put his arm around her
shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s okay, mi corazón.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He led her out of the family room and
into the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey could hear Sr. Nájera
consoling her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was grateful for both
of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their presence in their home
had helped Joey and Tyler immensely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They knew just how to approach Joey and Tyler without being overbearing,
or overstepping their bounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was
especially grateful to them, given his experience with his well-intentioned,
but interfering in-laws.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">His thoughts turned to Tyler’s parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had adapted very well to their new
surroundings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Harry and Louise were
happy with their condo a few streets away, but they spent most of their time in
Málaga at their beach house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had
become very attached to their new home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A home on the beach was something they had both dreamed of owning for
many years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To have that dream become a
reality, was something very special for them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He walked into the play room where the
girls were playing with their dolls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
sat down in a rocking chair, and watched them with great interest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The girls had set up a table with a toy tea
set.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had their dolls sitting up to
the table as well as some of their stuffed animals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rachel asked, “Molly, would you like
some tea?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked at her doll,
reached over and nodded its head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
pretended to pour tea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She asked the
same question of all the dolls and animals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Later, she put the animals to bed and put the dolls in their doll
house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She walked over to Joey and
climbed up on his lap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked up at
Joey and asked, “Daddy, do you miss Mommy?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey was surprised by her question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They hadn’t talked about his deceased wife
for many months, now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wondered what
had triggered this question from his daughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He said, “I do miss her sometimes, Rachel.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Mommy was mean to you, wasn’t she?”
Rachel asked, staring into his eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He hesitated to answer her
question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He felt uncomfortable talking
ill of his little girl’s mother, but he felt that he needed to be
truthful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, she was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is why we were getting a divorce.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rachel asked, “But you still loved her,
didn’t you, Daddy?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He didn’t answer her right away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At one time, he had loved her very much, but
not at the time of her death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
remembered how much hatred he had felt for his deceased wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had harbored a lot of anger and resentment
toward her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, Rachel, I didn’t love
her anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She hurt me very badly and
treated me very poorly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was very
angry and hurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your Mom and I couldn’t
be together anymore, because we hurt each other too much.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rachel seemed to be processing this
information, as she continued looking into his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said, “I hope Dad never makes you angry
or hurts you like Mommy did.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m sure your Dad will never hurt me,
Rachel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We sometimes disagree about
things, but we’ve learned to talk things out between us, so neither one of us
gets hurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you understand why it’s
so important to talk about your feelings?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rachel nodded her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s so I don’t get hurt.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey saw this as a teaching moment to
reinforce what he and Tyler had been working to instill in both girls about
handling strong emotions, and asked, “Is it okay to be angry sometimes?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rachel nodded her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, but I have to stop and think of
something positive, like you and Dad have taught me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You said I have to do or say something
positive to make the anger go away.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That’s right,” he responded, smiling at
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Talking about your feelings is a
positive thing to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It helps other
people understand why you are feeling hurt or upset.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rachel asked, “If that’s what I have to
do, why didn’t you and Mommy do that, too?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We should have done it, but we
didn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grown up people make mistakes,
sometimes, and your mother and I made lots of mistakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we didn’t talk about our feelings, and
we didn’t do or say anything positive to make the anger go away,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We didn’t know about the positive action
circle then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad that Grandma
Louise talked to us about it, so that we could teach you and Sarah.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She smiled and said, “It’s positive
thoughts that make for positive actions that make for positive feelings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a circle that keeps going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See, I remember what you taught us.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She pointed across the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“See, the circle is still up on the wall
where you put it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I’m glad it’s still there to
remind us to be positive people,” he said, kissing the top of Rachel’s head.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It helps me be nice to Sarah, and Sarah
is learning to be positive, too,” Rachel said, proudly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That makes me very happy,” Joey said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He was very glad that Louise had given
them a book on helping young children to learn about handling strong emotions
in positive ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had been skeptical
about how it would help them with his girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They had been throwing a lot of temper tantrums and acting out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, after following the lessons in the
book for the past two months, he had seen a marked improvement in how all of
them interacted with each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had
been surprised how much the simple lessons applied to their marital
relationship, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As he and Tyler
modeled the behavior they wanted the girls to emulate, they had become more
united.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their parenting skills had
grown, as a result.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hank and Louise had
commented on the marked improvement in the girls’ behavior and complimented Joey
and Tyler on their success.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sarah had been listening to the exchange
between Rachel and her father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
said, “I like being positive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rachel is
very nice to me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey leaned over and kissed her on the
top of her head and said, “I’m very happy you’re being positive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all need to be positive.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sat on the floor and pulled Sarah onto his
lap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you want to read books?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, Daddy,” she responded, clapping
her hands in excitement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey picked up a couple of Dr. Seuss
books, and asked, “Which one do you want to read?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“This one,” she said, pointing to the
one called, “Hop on Pop.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He opened the book and began to read to
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rachel walked over and sat down
next to him, listening to him read to them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He had just finished reading the book
when his phone rang and he reached into his pocket for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hello.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m on my way home,” Tyler said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Okay, I’ll see you in a little while,
Babe,” he replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rachel looked up at her father and
asked, “When is Dad coming home?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“He’ll be home soon,” Joey answered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you want to read another book?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, but I want to read it,” Rachel
said, picking up another Dr. Seuss book, called, “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish,
Blue Fish.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She read it slowly, but
very clearly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They read several more books before
Tyler walked into the room to join them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was followed by a tall, handsome Spaniard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The girls jumped up and ran to Tyler,
wrapping their arms around his legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
bent down and hugged them both.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Hello, girls,” Tyler said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stood up with one in each arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Pedro, I want you to meet Rachel and
Sarah.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Pedro smiled at the little girls and
said, “Hello.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sarah hid her face in Tyler’s shirt, but
Rachel responded, “Hello.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey stood up and walked over to
Tyler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Welcome home, Babe.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gave Tyler a quick kiss, before turning
to Pedro.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you for bringing my
husband home, Pedro.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Pedro said, “You’re welcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You must be Joey.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey smiled and extended his hand to
Pedro.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I’m Joey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s nice to meet you Pedro.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Pedro shook his hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey noted his strong grip and the fact that
Pedro was looking him over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pedro
released his hand and said, “You look like you work out quite a bit.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey smiled and said, “We do work out
pretty regularly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used to go to the
gym a lot, and that’s how I found Tyler.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler set the girls down on their feet
and said, “Girls, please tell Sra. Nájera that Pedro will be staying for
dinner.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The girls ran from the room
calling, out for Sra. Nájera.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Pedro watched the girls leave the room,
then, turned back to Joey and Tyler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“May I ask a question of you two?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Sure,” Tyler said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Please don’t be offended by my
question, because I really want to know the answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve always thought gay relationships always
consisted of an alpha and a beta male, with the beta male playing the female
role.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You guys don’t seem to fit that
stereotype,” Pedro said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That’s because your idea of a gay
relationship is all wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are equal
partners in our relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neither
of us tries to dominate the other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too
many straight men think being in a marital relationship is about dominating
their partner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our relationship is
built on trust, and, as a result, we share the responsibilities of parenting
and caring for our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As for our
intimate relationship, we have sex to enhance and augment the love we have for
each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Consequently, we are
versatile and we’re always looking to give the other the most pleasure
possible.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Pedro looked surprised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But I’ve never thought about sex that
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve always used women to get my
rocks off, and figured that would continue after I get married.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well, that would explain why you’re
single,” Tyler said, laughing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Pedro blushed, but responded, “I guess
you’re right about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe I need
to reconsider why I want to have sex with someone.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey said, “Tyler insisted that we
couldn’t have sex until I was free to be his.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Pedro looked at Joey in confusion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do you mean by free to be his?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I was married to a woman when I met
Tyler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wouldn’t have sex with me,
because I was still married at that time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were in the process of getting a divorce when she was killed in a car
accident,” Joey answered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Pedro asked, “Then those two little
girls are from your first marriage?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, they are,” Joey confirmed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Pedro asked, “Are you happier being
married to a guy than you were being married to a woman?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler looked at Joey, and waited to hear
his answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m much happier being
married to Tyler than I ever was when I was married to Kathy,” <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Joey said, wrapping his arm around
Tyler’s waist, and giving him a kiss.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Before Pedro could ask any more
questions, Sra. Nájera came into the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“It’s time to eat.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She turned
to Pedro and said, “Welcome, Pedro.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
glad to meet you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m Sra. Nájera.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please follow me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The guys followed her into the kitchen,
where dinner was laid out on the kitchen table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They ate a hearty meal, as they discussed
the events of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After dinner,
Pedro bid them farewell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Later that night, Joey lay in Tyler’s
arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler asked, “What did you think
of Pedro?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I thought it was kind of strange how he
was asking questions about our relationship,” Joey said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If I were a betting man, I would say that
Pedro is gay, but very much in the closet.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “I think you’re right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He seems to be very curious about gay
relationships.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I think he will come out to us soon,”
Joey said, caressing Tyler’s chest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler asked, “Do you still want more children,
Babe?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I do,” Joey said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was thinking that we should find a
surrogate to have our child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of
all, I want you to be the father.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler kissed his husband and said, “Are
you sure?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I’m sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, I would be thrilled if we had
twins,” Joey said, smiling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We’ll begin our search tomorrow, “Tyler
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The bombs scared me today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It caused me to think we need to get our
affairs in order, just in case something happens to either one of us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I agree,” Joey said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve never been as worried about you as I
was today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just the thought of living
my life without you scares me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Babe, I’m not going anywhere, so don’t
worry anymore,” Tyler said, kissing his husband.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Author’s Note:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>La ETA - </span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Euskadi Ta Askatasuna</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> means “</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Basque
Fatherland and Liberty” in Basque.</span></div>
</span> </span>SaskBoyStories by Russ Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12705114426346134527noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7739282925426125332.post-4778829962939186712013-08-01T22:42:00.000-04:002015-07-12T22:32:10.142-04:00The Man From Swift Current Chapter One Hundred Twenty Five - Mom and Dad's Contract
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chapter One Hundred Twenty Five – Mom
and Dad’s Contract<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thursday morning dawned bright and
beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t quite fully awake
when I heard a tapping sound.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard
it a second time and I realized someone knocking at our door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reached for the sheet to pull it up over
us, because we had slept naked, and had kicked off the blankets during the
night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I shouted, “Come in!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When the door opened, I saw it was Greg
and Cory and I pushed the sheet off, giving them an eyeful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I smiled at them and said, “Hey, guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory’s eyes widened and he whistled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You guys look good this morning.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They sat down on the foot of the
bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg said, “I thought you guys
were going to play football with us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I said, “We are.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ran my hands over Rick’s chest and stomach
down to his morning wood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started
stroking him and said, “Wake up sunshine.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I leaned over and kissed him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His eyes opened and he smiled up at me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Good morning, Babe,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His arms encircled me, pulling me into a tight
embrace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kissed me deeply.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “That’s what I call a ‘good
morning’ kiss.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick released me and smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That is the only way to greet my guy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory said, “Yes, that is one way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other is to wake him up by fucking his
brains out!” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick grinned and pulled on his steel
pole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s what follows the good
morning kiss.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick pulled me into his
arms, his hands roaming my body.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The growing bulges in Greg and Cory’s
bikini underwear made it obvious that they were becoming sexually aroused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick grinned and said, “You’re welcome to
join us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They stripped and climbed in bed with
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg said, “I love this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m so glad that we get to see such hot
studs in the morning.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I feel the same way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never dreamed I’d be part of family where
I could be openly gay.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “I think it’s great!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve gotten so horny seeing you guys, I need
some relief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hey, let’s have our own
little competition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to see who
makes the most noise when they get fucked, Cory or Glenn.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m up for it!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg stroked his meat and responded, “So
am I.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory and I looked at each other and back
at our guys, knowing we were going to get the best fuck of our lives!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick and Greg collapsed on top of us,
their bodies glistening with sweat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Their combined masculine scents had taken me over the edge, bringing on
the euphoria I have come to know as the hallmark of Rick’s powerful
lovemaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I glanced over at Cory,
and saw he was in the same place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
met my eyes and grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both of us had
fallen in love with football players, so I completely understood how Cory felt
after being fucked by Greg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory turned his head to kiss his husband
and said, “I love you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg whispered, “You are my life.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory’s eyes glistened with unshed
tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And you are mine.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I heard their whispered conversation,
and looked into Rick’s eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank
you, my love.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick smiled and said, “You’re welcome,
sweetheart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“And I you,” I replied, kissing him on
the lips.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg rolled onto his side and pulled
Cory close, spooning up against him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Greg smiled, as his eyes met mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“There is nothing as hot as having sex while you two are hard at it at
the same time.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I said, “I think it’s pretty erotic,
watching another couple having sex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some might think it’s voyeuristic, but we only do it with very close
friends.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Who else have you watched having sex?”
Cory asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Zach and Todd,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They have shared our bed, while Rick fucked
me, and they fucked each other.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “They are our best friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Todd suggested we share a bed with
them, I wasn’t sure about doing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Zach assured me they would abide by our rules and would only fuck our own
partners, but we could kiss and suck whomever we wanted.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“It was an eye-opening experience for
us,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg grinned and said, “I bet it
was.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory said, “They are good people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We like them a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robbie and Adam are pretty great, as well.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“The whole crew in Minneapolis is
totally awesome,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I miss them
a lot.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “I’m glad you convinced us to
go the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Living with the guys has been the best thing to happen to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been able to let go of some of my hurt
and anger over Dad’s attack on us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory said, “It’s also allowed us to lose
our fear of being harassed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can be
ourselves, without fear of someone beating us up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never dreamed we would be sharing a house
with a bunch of gay married guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I wish we had the same thing in Atlanta,”
I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We have good friends, but it’s
not the same thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sharing a place
with other gay couples would be great,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I don’t miss it as much as
Glenn does, because I never really lived there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I visited Glenn several times while I was on
active duty, but I didn’t live there permanently.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I said, “It was what I needed at the
time.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We totally get it, because it’s what we
need right now,” Cory said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “I’m going to change the
subject, guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m very curious to know
something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glenn, did your Mom ever
tell you why she went back to your Dad?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“No, she never did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She called us one night, and announced she
was going back to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I argued with
her about it, but her mind was made up,” I said, trying not to show my disgust.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “She said she had Dad where
she wanted him, and she was satisfied they could start over.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’m just not sure things will be any
better than they were before she left him,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Before we could discuss it any further,
there was another knock on the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick shouted, “Who is it?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“It’s Keith.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Come in,” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Keith opened the door and walked
in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took one look at us, turned and
closed the door behind him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t tell
me what you guys have been up to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
don’t want to know.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Despite Keith’s words, I watched his
eyes devouring the sight of four completely naked, great looking guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew Keith was straight, but I also knew
he had at least some gay tendencies, based on our past experience with him
before he married Kerry.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I grinned and said, “You’re welcome to
join us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We won’t tell Kerry.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keith blushed and looked away from us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked over and sat down on a chair next
to the computer desk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could see the
bulge in his pants, giving away how aroused he was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know you’re always welcome to play with
us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He finally looked over and met my
gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could see, reflected in his
eyes, the internal struggle going on in his mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt a small twinge of guilt at teasing
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keith finally said, “Thanks, but
no thanks, Glenn.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I smiled and said, “I just wanted to let
you know you’re loved and wanted.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Keith laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks, Glenn, but I think you’re taken.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick caressed my chest and said, “Yes,
Glenn is already taken.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg and Cory watched us with great interest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg had a puzzled expression on his
face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He asked, “Keith, are you gay?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“No, I’m not, but that doesn’t mean I
don’t appreciate male beauty,” Keith said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Greg nodded his head, but he still had a funny expression on his
face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keith continued, “I had a major
crush on Rick when we were in high school.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg smiled and said, “So you’re
bi-sexual, then.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“No, I’m straight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I’ve messed around with Rick and
Glenn before; but more out of curiosity than from any real sexual attraction to
them,” Keith explained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, his
expression, and the bulge in his pants, told us he wasn’t being completely
truthful, at least not about his attraction to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick nibbled on my ear and whispered,
“Don’t say anything, Glenn.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I nodded my head, understanding exactly
what he meant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If Keith wanted to share
how much he loved being fucked by Rick with Greg and Cory, it would have to
come from him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Admittedly, it had only
happened once; but Keith’s pleasure from being fucked left no doubt in our
minds he wasn’t completely straight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That day, Rick had asked my permission to fuck my cousin, and I had
given my consent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hadn’t realized
Keith was jealous of me, until that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That’s when I knew we had to do something to lance that pustule and
drain the poison that had collected there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick correctly assessed the situation, and knew fucking Keith would
reassure him that he still held a special place in Rick’s heart; because
Keith’s jealousy of me had caused a rift between us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Afterward, Keith was confused, but we told
him we loved him and being fucked by Rick hadn’t changed his sexual
orientation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he still seemed unsure
what to do, we assured him he needed to move forward with his wedding
plans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had done just that and
married Kerry.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg and Cory gave us a curious look,
but they didn’t say anything more about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Cory asked, “Are we going to play football this morning?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Keith smiled and said, “That’s the
plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t have much time before
we’re supposed to be over at the school.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg rolled out of bed and stood
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled Cory to his feet and
said, “We’ll see you guys downstairs in a few minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we need to get a quick shower before
we go anywhere.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I said, “The same here.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick got up and pulled me into his
arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kissed me and led me into our
en suite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned on the water in the
shower and adjusted the temperature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
stepped under the warm water and quickly cleaned up.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We dressed in our gym shorts and shirts,
pulling on our sweats over the top. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then
walked down the hall to Greg and Cory’s room and knocked on their door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cory opened the door and said, “Come in,
guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We walked in and sat on their bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg walked in from their en suite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg smiled and asked, “Are we ready?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Yes, we’re ready to go.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory said, “We should wear our sweat
pants, Babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg looked us over and said, “Okay, but
I don’t think we’ll need them.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory said, “We can pull them off after
we get warmed up.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“That’s what we planned to do,” Rick
said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg walked over to his dresser and
pulled out his sweat pants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled
them on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cory had already put on sweat
pants and said, “Let’s go.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We went downstairs and found the rest of
the family eating breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jason, Tina’s
husband, saw us and said, “Now we’re talking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was beginning to think we were going to have to drag you guys out of
bed.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We had things to take care of this
morning,” I said, grinning broadly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jason put his hand up and said, “Don’t
say any more.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ll leave it to your imagination, then.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jason said, “I have a very vivid
imagination, so I don’t need you to say anything else.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jason was blushing, and gave an
uncomfortable laugh.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We finished our breakfast and headed out
the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For our team, we had Bob,
Jasper, Corey, Dylan, Greg, Cory, Jason, Roger, Keith, Eric, Gary, Jack, Uncle
Stan, Dad, Grandpa, Rick and I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
drove over to the school and found Grandma’s cousins waiting for us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa walked over to Grandma’s cousin,
Jay Campbell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shook hands and said,
“Jay, let me introduce you to our family.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He pointed at us as he named us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jay said, “Nice to meet all of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me introduce you to your cousins.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did the same for his family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“These are my sons Emmett, Talmadge, Japeth
and Orin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are their boys, Jerome,
Gerald, Jamie, Aaron, Robert, Mark, David and Sean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chris, I think you have us outnumbered, but
I believe we can hold our own.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa said, “I can be the referee, if
you’ll have me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jay said, “That will work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll be the other referee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we’re ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve drawn out the gridlines on the field
and set up the cones for the goal posts.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Who are the team captains?” Grandpa
asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Emmett stepped forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m the team captain for the Campbells.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bob said, “I’ll be the captain for our team.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked around to see if there was any
dissent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing none, he stepped
forward.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa pulled a coin out of his pocket
and tossed it into the air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Call it in
the air.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Emmett said, “Heads.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was heads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Emmett said, “We’re first to take possession
of the ball.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We took the ball and went to our end of
the field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We made our plans and then
kicked off the game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We played hard and
managed to pull off a win.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all shook
hands and complimented our cousins on the good game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the way back to Grandpa’s house, I looked
over at Rick and said, “You and Greg played very well today.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick smiled and said, “We did okay.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Rick’s right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We weren’t the best, but we were good enough
to be able to win.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We pulled into the driveway and piled
out of our cars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jason came over and
clapped Greg and Rick on the back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You
guys were totally awesome!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg smiled and said, “You mean we were
pretty good for a couple of gay guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jason laughed and said, “Straight or
gay, you were both good.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’m glad to hear you say it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was beginning to think you had something
against gays,” Greg said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I used to have an issue with gays; but
since I’ve come to know you guys, I’ve had to reevaluate my feelings about gays,”
Jason said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“But you’re still not comfortable with
us,” I stated.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You’re right about that, but I’m making
an effort to understand you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know you
love Rick very much, and I can also see how well suited Greg and Cory are for
each other,” Jason said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve also
watched Uncle Bob and Uncle Corey and their husbands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m convinced their relationships are the
same as mine and Tina’s.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory said, “I wish the rest of the world
would accept the fact our marriage is the same as everyone else’s.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We entered the house and were met by
Grandma.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said, “To the showers with
all of you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Yes, Ma’am.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandma smiled and said, “That’s right.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After we got cleaned up, we returned to
the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandma put us to work
setting the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The turkey smelled
wonderful!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanksgiving dinner was
fantastic!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We spent the next few days enjoying the
company of our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we prepared
to leave for Atlanta, Mom pulled us aside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick and I sat on the couch across from her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We waited for her to speak.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She said, “I know you have your doubts
about the wisdom of my returning to your Dad.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I said, “Yes, but I’ve seen a change in
him.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, there has been a change, for the
better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is why I returned to
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, do you understand why I made
my decision?” she asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You want to give him a second chance.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I do, because I still love him;
despite all of his faults,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Can you accept my decision?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She looked directly at me, and I slowly nodded my head.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I will support you, and try to find it
in my heart to forgive him for what he did to you,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I said the words, I was amazed to find I
really meant them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had held a grudge
against my father for so long, I didn’t know what it was like not to have those
hard feelings in my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad had
violated the trust I had in him when he disowned Randy; and, when he had tried
to split me and Rick apart, he further opened the wounds that already
existed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The final straw had been his
betrayal of his wedding vows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My hurt
and anger had turned to hatred for the man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I still held him in utter contempt and Mom’s decision to return to him
had been like rubbing salt in my wounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, these last few days, I had seen a different side to my
father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had discussed it with Rick
last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that she had directly
confronted me about her decision to return to my father, I knew I had to
support her, even if it meant trying to make amends with him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She saw me struggling with my feelings
and said, “Rick, will you help Glenn?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I will do my best, Mom, but I’m not a
miracle worker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad will have to prove
himself to us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She said, “I understand that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can promise you he will, because he wants
me to stay with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As part of our
written agreement, I included a condition that he repair the damage caused by
his behavior toward his sons.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I gave my mother a surprised look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You have a written agreement?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I told your Dad I wasn’t coming
back without a written contract between us clearly laying out, in detail, the
terms of our new relationship,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I smiled and said, “You must have driven
a pretty hard bargain.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“She did,” Dad said, as he came into the
room, taking a seat next to my mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I am learning a lot about your mother that I overlooked before.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mom took his hand in hers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We are forging a new, stronger and better
relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m asking for you to support
us in our efforts to remake our marriage.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I already said I would,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“But that includes forgiving your father
for his past offenses,” she said, looking me in the eye.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed and said, “Glenn, your
mother is not going to let you get away with a half-hearted answer.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put his arm around my shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She smiled and said, “I’m not into the
‘I’ll give it try,’ routine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Either
you’ll do it, or you won’t.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I looked at my father for a long moment,
before I turned to my mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I will
forgive him, but it does not mean I have to associate with him, or have him in
my home, until he has proven himself worthy of my trust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He does not have a written contract with me
as he does with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neither of you can
change the past nor can either of you heal the deep wounds he inflicted on
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will take time for us to heal.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dad said, “But can you help us help you
to regain the trust I destroyed?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick leaned over and whispered in my
ear, “I’ll be by your side, no matter what your decision is.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned my head toward him, and he kissed
me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I looked at my parents and said, “We
will work with you as much as we can; but our relationship comes first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My first priority is making my partner
happy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mom smiled and said, “That is as it
should be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only thing missing is
the wedding rings on your fingers.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
put her hand up to forestall any comment from Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know about your commitment to your
military, but it doesn’t mean you can’t at least propose marriage to my
son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think an extended engagement
would be okay, don’t you?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick swallowed hard and said, “I’ll give
it some serious thought.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I laughed and said, “Rick has already
said he will marry me, Mom.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I know, but it would be nice if you two
would make it a formal engagement,” Mom said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I squeezed Rick’s hand and said, “I’m
working on that angle already, Mom.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Randy and Shawn came into the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked up at them and asked, “Did Mom and
Dad talk with you guys, as well?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, they talked to us yesterday,”
Randy said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shawn said, “We are okay with their
request of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We struggled with it at
first, as you are; but we have come to terms with it, and have committed to
helping them in their endeavor to reform their relationship.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Randy said, “Besides, you need to
concentrate all of your efforts on keeping Rick happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You won’t have enough energy left over to
hold onto your grudges.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I said, “I guess you’re right, Randy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I know I am,” Randy said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have a full-time job keeping Shawn
happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t imagine Rick is any less
demanding.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I require Glenn’s undivided
attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s the center of my
universe, and I’m the center of his.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shawn said, “That is as it should
be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t you agree, Mom?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She smiled and said, “Yes, I do.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Keith poked his head into the room and
said, “Are you guys ready to go?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Yes, I think we’re ready.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We stood up and walked over to my
parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hugged them both.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Call us and let us know you arrived
safely,” Mom said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We will,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dad said, “Rick, thank you for taking
care of my son.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick nodded his head in
acknowledgment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re most welcome.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We bid Shawn and Randy farewell, along
with all the rest of the family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jack
ran up to us and put his arms up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Hugs!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick scooped him up and hugged him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knelt beside Miriam and gave her a hug and
a kiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good bye, Miriam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll see you at Christmas.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She smiled and said, “Okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll miss you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’ll miss you, too,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had become very close over the last few
days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Miriam showed me her drawings and
the cross-stitch she was working on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She shared many of her secrets with me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jack said, “I’ll miss you, Uncle Rick.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’ll miss you, too, buddy,” Rick
replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Promise me you’ll take care
of your parents for me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I will,” he said, proudly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We said our good byes to the rest of the
family and piled into our car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
followed Keith and Kerry out of the driveway, following the country lane until
it joined the main highway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After driving
a few miles, we hit the Interstate highway and sped toward Atlanta.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I looked over at Rick and said, “I had a
great time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did you?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I did,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We had plenty of drama; but over all, it
was a great holiday with family.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“What do you think about Mom and Dad’s
contract?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I think it’s okay if it works for
them,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m glad you stood
your ground, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know I’m not
ready to sweep the past under the rug and pretend nothing ever happened.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Thank you for telling me that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was beginning to think I was being
extremely selfish by not giving into my mother’s wishes,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“No, you weren’t being selfish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I look at it as self-preservation, given
your Dad’s history with us,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I’m comfortable where things stand right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He needs to provide us with more than a few
words spoken in front of his wife to make me believe he’s really changed.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’m glad we see eye to eye on this,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We chatted about many things on our
drive home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we walked into the
condo, we put our stuff away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick
pulled me into his arms and said, “It’s time for us to go to bed, Babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I smiled and said, “Let’s shower first.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “My thoughts exactly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I intend to seduce you tonight, sweetheart.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I gave him broad grin and said, “I was
thinking I was going to seduce you, instead.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Why don’t we seduce each other?” Rick
asked, huskily.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I led him to our en suite and helped him
out of his clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned on the
shower and adjusted the temperature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
did a strip tease routine as I stripped off my clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time I finished, Rick was hard as a
rock and very, very aroused!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grinned
at him and asked, “Am I doing a good job?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He growled as he pounced on me and
pulled me into the shower with him!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
passions were running high, creating a raging inferno between us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt Rick’s love for me in every fiber of
my body! </span></span></div>
SaskBoyStories by Russ Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12705114426346134527noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7739282925426125332.post-25239279580974229192013-07-26T09:24:00.002-04:002015-07-03T22:46:20.155-04:00The Man From Swift Current Chapter One Hundred Twenty Four - Dad's Reconciliation<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Chapter One
Hundred Twenty Four – Dad’s Reconciliation</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I was very
happy we had finally made it to the Thanksgiving holiday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was totally exhausted from keeping up with
my coursework and working part time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick’s classes were beating him up pretty badly, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite the heavy load, our relationship couldn’t
have been better!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have grown so
close we finish each other’s sentences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Duane and Mason tease us because we’ve become so close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, we tease them right back, because
they are just as close to each other as we are!</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I was
standing in the kitchen, trying to decide what to cook for our dinner, when a
knock came at the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked into
the foyer and opened it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kerry smiled
and asked, “Are you going to invite us in?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I laughed
and said, “Sure, come on in.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Egan was
holding her hand, looking up at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Uncle Glenn,” he said (at least that’s what it sounded like), holding
out his hand to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I knelt down
and scooped him into my arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How are
you, little buddy?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He giggled
and pinched my nose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He burbled, “Good.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Egan’s speech was still very garbled, but if
you listened closely enough, you could tell what he was trying to say.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Do you want
a cookie and some milk?” I asked.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Egan nodded
his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled at Kerry and said,
“Come into the kitchen and I’ll get Egan his cookie.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Kerry sat
down at the kitchen table and I put Egan in his high chair, buckling him
in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since Egan spends a great deal of
time with us, we picked up a high chair, a car seat, and a baby crib.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We love Egan very much, and don’t mind
babysitting the little guy, so Keith and Kerry can get their studies done.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“How is
Keith’s job working out?” I asked.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“It’s been
going well, except for the lack of study time,” Kerry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know you’re going through the same thing
with your job and classes.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I know
exactly how it feels,” I agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve
told Rick to hold off on the internship until next semester.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the engineering firms here in town
has offered to take him on, part time.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Kerry
smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keith really likes his work, but he doesn’t
think he’ll stay with that company.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I asked,
“When does Keith get home from his trip?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Tomorrow
night,” Kerry responded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll pick him
up from the airport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After he has a
chance to rest a bit, we’ll drive straight to Grandpa and Grandma Scarborough’s
house.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I handed
Egan his cookie and a Sippy cup with some milk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He immediately bit into the cookie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He looks so much like his Daddy,” I said,
sitting down across from Kerry.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Kerry said,
“Yes, he does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems he changes from
day to day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One day he looks so much
like Keith we call him Keith’s mini-me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On other days, he looks more like me.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I smiled and
asked, “Are you planning to have more children?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, we’re going to wait a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After we graduate, I’m going to continue in
the master’s program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got my
acceptance letter today.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I said,
“Congratulations!” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Thanks,”
Kerry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“May I stay for dinner with
you guys?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s gets so lonely
downstairs.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know you’re always welcome here,” I
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know what to cook for
dinner, though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any thoughts?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Kerry said,
“How about grilled salmon on a bed of rice with a green salad?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“That sounds
good and it’s pretty easy to prepare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
found a recipe for apple strudel I want to try,” I said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“That sound
delicious,” Kerry said, smiling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
don’t know how you and Rick stay so thin, when you eat such high-calorie things
like apple strudel.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“It’s called
having a merciless physical trainer,” I said, laughing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Rick has us running 5 to 10 miles three
times a week, and lifting weights when we’re not running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, we go swimming and play
racquetball or basketball on weekends.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Kerry had returned to her pre-baby weight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had always been very beautiful, and having
a baby had only enhanced her beauty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Kerry, you’re the most beautiful woman in the entire world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I weren’t gay, I’d try to steal you away
from Keith.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Kerry
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I needed to hear that today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m feeling very big and fat today.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gave her the “look,” and she laughed
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Alright, I admit I’m worrying
about keeping my man’s attention.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, I
think you’re worrying needlessly, Kerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Keith loves you very much and practically worships the ground you walk
on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides, I’ve always thought you’re
drop dead gorgeous, and I know Keith thinks the same thing,” I said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Thanks,
Glenn,” she said, and self-consciously smoothed her hair with her hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her blond hair hung down her back to her
waist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Where is the recipe for the
strudel?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“It’s right
here,” I said, pulling a 3X5 card out of a drawer next to the kitchen
sink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The directions are pretty
straightforward.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She read
over the ingredient list and the directions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I agree, this should be pretty simple to make.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’ll make
the dough, if you’ll make the filling,” I said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Kerry said,
“Okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me put on an apron,
first.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She walked over to the pantry and
opened the door, retrieving a couple of aprons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She handed one to me and put one on herself.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We chatted
about our men as we made the strudel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
could tell she really missed Keith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
put the strudel in the oven to bake and sat down at the kitchen table to talk.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“How are
your parents doing,” Kerry asked.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Mom said
thing are going much better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She still
lives in Swift Current, but Dad has moved into town to be with her,” I said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I can’t
believe she took him back, after he messed around with that other woman,” Kerry
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If Keith ever did that to me, he
would never see me or Egan again.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“What if he
had a boyfriend?” I asked, grinning.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Kerry
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Keith is so straight,
Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think he would even look
at a guy in that way.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I thought
about telling her what had happened between Rick and Keith when Rick and I
became a couple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided not to tell her Rick had fucked
Keith that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If Keith wanted to tell
her someday about what happened, that was up to him.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“What’s
going on, Glenn?” Kerry asked.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">My eyes
focused on her concerned face, and I said, “I was just remembering the first
few days Rick and I spent together.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
wasn’t quite the whole truth, but it was close enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you remember the first time you had sex
with Keith?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Kerry
blushed, as the memory of that time came back to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was the most wonderful night of my life.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“We’re you
married, then?” I asked.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“No, it was
about nine months before we were married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick had gone on reservist duty that weekend, and we had the apartment
to ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keith was wonderful to
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was a virgin and Keith was so
kind and gentle with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never
been with anyone else,” she said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“That is so
cool!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish I could say the same thing
when we get married, but I had a boyfriend before I met Rick,” I said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I remember
you telling me about some guy named Ian,” Kerry said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes, that’s
the guy’s name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was an exchange
student from Norway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After we graduated
from high school, he returned home to Norway, and I’ve never heard anything
more from him,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m glad he
dumped me, because I wouldn’t have Rick in my life, otherwise.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Kerry looked
over at Egan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Egan, you have made
quite a mess.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Egan had eaten his
cookie, but had shaken the milk out of the Sippy cup all over the tray and on
the floor surrounding his high chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She stood up and took the cup from Egan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Egan, we need to clean up the milk you’ve
spilled.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I got up, walked
over to the kitchen sink and pulled out a clean wash cloth from the drawer next
to the sink and got it wet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I handed it
to Kerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She cleaned Egan’s face and
hands, first then used it to wipe down the tray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She bent down and wiped up the milk off of
the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meanwhile, Egan was pounding
the tray with the palms of his hands and laughing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a high pitched, baby laugh, full of
joy and happiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made me
smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe someday, Rick and I would
have children of our own, I thought wistfully.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I think
it’s time to read stories, Egan,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Kerry removed the tray from the high chair, and I unbuckled him from his
seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lifted him into my arms, and
carried him into the family room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sitting him on my lap, I pulled out a couple of picture books Keith and
Kerry had left at our condo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pointed
to the photographs and asked, “What is this?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Elephant,”
Egan said, touching the page with the tips of his fingers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did the same thing with each page, until
we finished the book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Egan squirmed and
wiggled to get down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I released him,
and he climbed down off of my lap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
walked across the room to his mother, lifting his arms up to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She picked
him up and sat him on her lap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sat
still for about a minute, before getting down and walking back to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was drooling, so I grabbed a tissue and
wiped his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Egan must be getting
more teeth,” I observed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Kerry said,
“Yes, he’s getting his first year molars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He’s been pretty miserable the last couple of days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wants to be held all the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The problem is that he won’t sit still for
more than five minutes.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I said, “You
mean he is more active than normal, because Egan has never stayed still for
long.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Kerry
acknowledged I was correct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes,
that’s true, or maybe it’s because I’ve been on my own all week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He seems to need more attention than usual.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“It sounds
like you need a break,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Leave
Egan with us tomorrow, and go out for a few hours with your girlfriends; or
drop into one of those places where you can get your nails done, and a facial,
or something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know, just go pamper
yourself.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Kerry smiled
and said, “Glenn, you always know how to cheer me up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I won’t have time tomorrow, but thanks for
thinking of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope Rick knows what
a treasure you are.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I was
startled to hear Rick’s voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I do
know I’ve got the best boyfriend in the world.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked over and sat down next to me on
the loveseat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Putting his arm around my
shoulders, he kissed me.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I love
you,” I said, smiling at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I inhaled
deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You smell good.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick leaned
over and whispered in my ear, “I taste good, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need you to give me a blow job.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I blushed
and said, “You’ll have to wait a bit.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Kerry‘s eyes
sparkled with merriment as she said, “I can see Rick is a little frisky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll take Egan downstairs until dinner’s
ready.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick smiled
at Kerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You don’t have to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can go to our bedroom and close the door.
”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Kerry nodded
her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Go ahead, guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll take care of dinner.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I picked up
Egan and carried him to his mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick took my hand and led me to our room, closing the door behind
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick wasted no time getting our
clothes off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wasn’t kidding when he
said he needed some relief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked up
from his very erect steel pole and blue balls, and met his gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You must have been thinking about me all
day.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick
admitted, “Yes, I’ve been daydreaming of fucking you all day long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m so horny my balls hurt.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I reached
down to caress his cock and balls, as I kissed him deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I maneuvered him across the room to our bed,
gently pushing him down on the mattress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He looked up at me expectantly, his eyes full of lust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gave him a broad grin and said, “I hope
you’re ready.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick nodded
his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I began my strategic assault
on his body, causing him to arch his back and moan in ecstasy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t long before he surrendered to me! </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*** *** </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Kerry pulled
the salmon from the oven and placed it in the warming oven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She knew that Rick and Glenn wouldn’t be
ready to eat for a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Egan walked
into the kitchen and said, “Hungry.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Okay, Egan,
come here and I’ll get you your dinner,” Kerry said, smiling at her little boy.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Egan walked
over and held up his arms to be picked up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Kerry reached down and scooped him into her arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Would you like some fish and rice?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Egan
replied, “Rice.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She buckled
him into his high chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She scooped
some rice out the rice cooker and placed it in a plastic bowl and added some
salmon from the warming oven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kerry put
the bowl on the table and said, “It’s hot, Egan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have to let it cool down, first.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She blew on it to speed up the cooling
process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Egan started slapping his
hands on the tray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Would you like some
apples?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Apples,” he
repeated after her.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She walked
over to the refrigerator and retrieved an apple from the crisper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
peeled it and diced it into small pieces, adding the apple pieces to the bowl
with the fish and rice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a
special bowl made just for toddlers, with three sections to keep the different
foods from getting mixed together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
tested the temperature of the rice and fish, finding it had cooled enough for
Egan to eat it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She placed it on his
tray with a baby spoon.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Egan ignored
the spoon, and started picking up his food with his hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tried the salmon and spat it out, making
a face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next, he tried the rice and ate
all of it, followed by the diced apples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When he finished, he picked up his bowl and held it out to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled, “Good job, Egan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you want some juice?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Juice,”
Egan said, nodding his head.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She filled
his Sippy cup with apple juice and handed it to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Drink it this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No
shaking it out on the floor,” she warned him.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Egan drank
thirstily, draining the Sippy cup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
held out the cup for her to take from him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Gone,” he said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Kerry smiled
and said, “That’s right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s all
gone.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She took the cup from his hands
and placed it alongside his bowl in the kitchen sink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She moistened a wash cloth with warm water
and turned to wash Egan’s face and hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“You’re all done baby.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She removed
the tray from the high chair and rinsed it off in the sink, drying it with a
dish towel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She returned it to the high
chair, unbuckled Egan and carried him into the family room, placing him on the
floor with his toys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She grabbed a
beanbag chair and sat on the floor next to Egan to wait for the guys.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">As she
watched Egan play with his blocks, she thought about how wonderful he was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her love for him knew no bounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her thoughts turned to her husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She missed him terribly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick and Glenn always welcomed her to their
home, which helped her with the loneliness she felt; but she felt she had
already imposed on them more than she should.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were always willing to babysit Egan for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was constantly amazed how the two men
had taken to their little nephew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was like the little guy had captured their hearts the moment they had laid eyes
on him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She hoped someday
soon, Rick would marry Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
hadn’t always felt that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the
last few weeks, she had spent a great deal of time with them, since Keith was
travelling with his new job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had
seen how perfect they were for each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She knew they loved each other, but she had somehow thought it wasn’t the
same kind of love she had for Keith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She had never said anything about them being together; but she had held
out hope that they would split up, and each find a woman to marry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kerry thought the world of both men, and
wished the best for them; and, for her, the best meant marrying a woman, and
having a family. </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Kerry looked
up from where she was playing with Egan to see the two men enter the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled, as she noticed how they were
holding hands, and seemed to have eyes only for each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was obvious they loved each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She still remembered how negatively she had
reacted to the news Keith’s cousin, Glenn, was gay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She also remembered how she had convinced
her sister, Ruth Ann, to participate in an attempt to “rescue” Glenn from being
gay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That had been over three years
ago, now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was glad she and Ruth Ann
had failed, because she could see how happy the two men were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She doubted Glenn would have been as happy
with Ruth Ann; because he would have been living a lie, trying to pretend he
wasn’t attracted to other men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
understood that, now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She could
see Rick and Glenn getting married and adopting children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wondered if they would decide to find a
surrogate mother to have their child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The thought crossed her mind that she would be willing to be that
surrogate, if they asked her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was
surprised she felt that way, but it seemed natural for her to help Rick and
Glenn realize their dream of having a family together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were, after all, members of her family;
and family takes care of family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Kerry stood
up and said, “I put dinner in the warmer, so when you’re ready, we can eat.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I smiled at
her and said, “Thank you for rescuing dinner.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Not a
problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fed Egan already, but I’m
sure he’ll be good for another cookie.” she said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Egan heard the mention of a cookie and said,
“I want a cookie.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“See,” she
said, picking him up and carrying him into the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She buckled him into his high chair.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I retrieved
the salmon from the warming oven, while Rick scooped the rice into a serving
bowl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kerry grabbed the salad out of the
refrigerator along with the salad dressing and soy sauce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We put everything on the table that Kerry
had already set for us.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Thank you
for setting the table, Kerry,” Rick said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We sat down
and Rick offered grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything
tasted good to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gave Egan two
cookies, which he quickly demolished!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He ate most of them, but quite a few crumbs ended up on his tray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Kerry said,
“Egan, cookies are for eating, not smashing into pieces.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He’s just learning how things
work.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Kerry
smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I’m sure he is.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I said,
“He’s just like Rick, trying to figure things out.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick
grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, that’s true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have managed to figure out one thing
though.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I raised my
eyebrows and asked, “What might that be?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He reached
over and rubbed the inside of my thigh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I know how to keep you happy.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I put my
hand on his and said, “I can’t argue with that.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Kerry asked,
“Where are you guys going tonight?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“We’re
meeting some of our friends for a few drinks,” I said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I hope
you’re not going to one of those gays clubs,” Kerry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The police have been making sweeps through
them, to harass gays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s the last
thing you need to have happen to you.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick agreed,
“You’re right about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re going
to the Havana Club tonight.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Kerry
smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Keith has taken me there a few
times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope you have a good time.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“We will,” I
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The football team is celebrating
Cordell’s birthday there, tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
told him we would show up for a few minutes.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Since Glenn
doesn’t drink, it doesn’t make sense for us to stay very long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can’t dance there, because someone might
report me to the military,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He put a finger to my lips and said, “I know what you’re going to say,
but don’t, please.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I heard the
pleading in his voice, and nodded my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I won’t, I promise.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Kerry smiled,
and said, “I’m glad you stopped arguing with Rick about his military service.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I looked at
her and said, “I haven’t given up trying to convince Rick to leave the Marine
Corps; but, I have decided since Rick knows how I feel, I don’t need to be as
confrontational about it.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick took my hand in his, and said, “It’s made
things a lot better between us.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I was
letting it drive a wedge between us,” I said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick said,
“The night Glenn’s mother called us is when everything came to a head for
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We both realized how much we meant
to each other, and made a commitment to help each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I agreed I needed to get out of the military
as soon as possible, and Glenn agreed to stop pushing me about it.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“We have
worked hard since then to make our relationship our number one priority.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve gotten a lot better at communicating
with each other,” I said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Keith and I
have noticed a big difference in how you treat each other,” Kerry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s much more loving and kind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, we were talking about how we needed
to mirror your behavior toward each other in our own marital relationship.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick smiled,
and said, “Thank you for the compliment, Kerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s nice to know our hard work is paying
dividends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve made it a point to
spend at least an hour talking to Glenn every night, instead of jumping right
into my homework.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We talk every morning,
as we go out for our early morning run.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Most
importantly, we go out on a real date, at least once a week, if not more,” I
said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“The dating
thing has made a huge difference,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I have Glenn’s undivided attention, well mostly undivided, when we go
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He still gives good looking guys
the once over.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“But you
love me, anyway,” I said, leaning over to kiss him.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick said,
“Yes, I do love you very much.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Kerry said,
“Whatever you guys are doing, keep it up, because it’s working.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Egan was
pounding on the tray, demanding our attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Kerry said, “Egan, it’s time for bed.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She stood up and unbuckled him from his high chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I said,
“We’ll clean up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You go ahead and take
our little guy downstairs, and get him ready for bed.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Kerry smiled
at us, gratefully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Say, ‘goodbye,’ to
Uncle Rick and Uncle Glenn.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Egan waved
his little hand in the air, and said, “Bye bye.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">They left
us, and we quickly did up the dishes and wiped down the high chair, table and
counters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I let the water out of the
sink, Rick came up behind me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
wrapped his arms around my waist and whispered in my ear, “You’re so sexy.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I turned my
head to meet his lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could feel how
aroused he was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not breaking our kiss,
I turned in his arms and deepened the kiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When we finally came up for air, I said, “Are you sure you want to go
out?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick’s eyes
sparkled with mischief, as he gave me his Cheshire cat smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, but we did tell Cordell we’d be there
tonight.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Okay, let’s
go, but let’s make an early night of it,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I squeezed his package.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I want some of this, later.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick kissed
me and agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’ve got a deal, Mr.
Nielsen.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He released me and took my
hand, leading me out to the foyer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick
opened our coat closet and handed me a sweater.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s a little cool outside, so you’ll want
this, Babe.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He pulled
out his matching sweater, and we left our condo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick asked, “Should we take the Corvette
tonight?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I smiled and
replied, “Only if you want to take her out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m fine with taking the Land Rover, or the Jeep.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick walked
over to his Corvette and pointed to the other side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Will you grab the car cover on that side?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Sure,” I
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I helped him uncover the
beautiful red Corvette.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We folded up
the cover and put it away, before climbing inside. </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick turned
the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He grinned at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love my car.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to compete with her sometimes for
your attention.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick’s grin
widened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You don’t have to worry,
because she doesn’t give me as much pleasure as you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He leaned over and kissed me on the lips.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He put the
car in gear and backed the car out of her parking space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He peeled out of the parking lot, putting
down some rubber on the pavement!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
just shook my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick can be such a
kid sometimes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put my hand on his
thigh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the feel of his muscles
under my hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick glanced at me and
said, “Don’t play too much down there, or we’ll have to turn around and go
home.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I gave him
my most wicked laugh and said, “That wouldn’t hurt my feelings at all.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick put his
hand over mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Remember, you’re the
one who agreed to go to Cordell’s birthday party.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I
know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure how things are going
to work out though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the
football team will be there,” I said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">A little
while later, Rick pulled into the parking lot and found a suitable parking
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick won’t park his baby in just
any old place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has to be the perfect
spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He got out and walked around to
open the door for me, giving me a hand up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He pulled me into his arms for a quick kiss, before letting me go.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“That’s to
get you through the evening,” Rick said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We walked
into the club and were directed to Cordell’s party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cordell looked up and saw us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hey guys!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m glad you could make it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Michael was seated next to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Larry and Jeb were seated across from them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cordell pointed to two chairs and said, “Take
a seat.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Where are
the rest of the guys?” I asked, looking around.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Some of the
guys are over at the bar,” Cordell said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“The rest haven’t arrived yet.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The waiter
showed up at our table to take our order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick ordered a beer and I got my usual diet soda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick caught my glance when he ordered the
beer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t say anything; but he pulled
his keys out of his pocket and handed them to me.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I smiled and
said, “Thank you, Babe.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I slipped the
keys into my pocket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had previously
agreed that, if Rick wanted to have more than one beer, he would give me his
keys. </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Larry said,
“You won’t believe what happened to Jeb today.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We looked
over at Jeb, waiting for him to give us an explanation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took a long drag on his beer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My parents sent two of their missionaries
to try and convince me to return to their church.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Larry said,
“You should have seen Jeb quoting scriptures to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had them running scared!”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jeb
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I showed them they were
religious bigots based on their own Bible references.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told them they needed to study their
Bible, because they obviously didn’t know it well enough to understand how
un-Christian they are.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">A group of
guys came over to our table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of
them said, “Hey, Cordell!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Happy
birthday, dude!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who are your friends?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Cordell
said, “This is Michael, Glenn and Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You already know Larry and Jeb.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m Armonni
Greene,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“These are my
teammates, Parris, Walter and Leon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’re all linebackers.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Cordell
said, “Pull up a table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can make
room for you guys.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We
rearranged the tables and the guys reassembled themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Armonni sat down next to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a very handsome man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, all of the guys were perfect male
specimens!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Armonni had a ready smile
and a firm handshake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Glenn, what are
you guys doing for the holidays?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“We’re
spending it with my family on my grandparents’ peach farm,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I explained where it was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“That sounds
really cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m driving home to
Florida tomorrow morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m an only
child, as are my parents; so there won’t be very many of us,” Armonni said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’ve never
really been alone, with three older brothers and a younger sister,” I
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried not to be too obvious
about giving him the once over; but I did manage to get a good look at him as
he was moving the tables.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was tall,
with dark brown skin, dark brown eyes, curly black hair, a slightly crooked
nose, and a brilliantly white smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
boasted a thin black mustache on his upper lip.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He met my
gaze, and smiled, “What sports do you play?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m into
soccer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also do a lot of swimming and
running, to keep in shape,” I said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He reached
over and squeezed my upper arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
flexed my biceps and he nodded his head appreciatively.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’ve been lifting weights, as well.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes, but
only under duress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick insists we lift
weights at least three times a week,” I said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick said,
“It’s the only way to keep in shape.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Armonni
agreed, “That’s right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coach has us
lifting weights every day, as well as doing the cardio stuff.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Our
conversation was interrupted by the arrival of more of Cordell’s
teammates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were introduced to
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had gathered around our
tables and Armonni said, “Time for the birthday song.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The entire
team burst into their rendition of “Happy Birthday to You.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We joined in and had a good laugh when
Armonni poured his beer over Cordell’s head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Cordell said, “Thanks for coming, guys.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">They spread
out among the surrounding tables.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
wasn’t long before several of them went out on the dance floor, having brought
their girlfriends with them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked
over at Rick and said, “Let’s go.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick nodded
his head and looked across the table at Cordell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks for inviting us, Cordell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re making an early night of it.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Cordell
said, “I’m glad you came.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We paid our
bill and made our way out to Rick’s car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I climbed into the driver’s seat and started the engine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick was pretty relaxed, after having
several more beers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I drove us home and
parked the Corvette in its usual place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick helped me cover her up, and I took his hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I led him into our building and up to our
condo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned and locked the door,
then led him into our bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
stripped out of our clothes and hit the en suite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned on the shower and adjusted the
temperature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a nice leisurely
shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our foreplay had us both very
amped up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent the rest of the
evening satisfying our desire for each other…it was a perfect ending to a wonderful
evening together!</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*** ***</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The next
morning, we took our time getting ready for our drive to Grandpa and Grandma
Scarborough’s place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was a little
nervous about spending the holiday with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Grandpa arranged to have our entire family flown in for
Thanksgiving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, that meant all of my
siblings would be there, plus Mom and Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It had been a little over a week since Mom had called to let us know she
was going back home to live with Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She reassured us they had been able to resolve their differences to her
satisfaction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had sounded very
happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">They had
decided they needed to start afresh, and would use the trip to Georgia as an
opportunity to begin a new stage in their relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They planned to go on a second honeymoon,
following the holiday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the initial
surprise had worn off, we congratulated her and Dad.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We had packed
our bags for the long weekend and placed them by the door, when Rick pulled me
into his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, will you stop
pacing the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re acting like a
caged animal.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I looked
into his eyes and said, “I can’t help it, Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m worried about how things will work out
with everyone being at Grandpa and Grandma’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m still pissed off at Dad for messing around with Renata.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know Mom has not only forgiven him, but
has gone back to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just don’t know
how I’m going to handle things when I see him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On top of that, we really haven’t spent much time with my brothers since
they accused us of being the reason for Mom and Dad’s separation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not going to put up with any of their
crap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they say one word about us
being gay, I’m not sure I can keep my temper.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick took my
face in his hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It will be
alright.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I promise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If anything starts to go haywire, Grandpa
will put a stop to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know he
won’t put up with any nonsense from your brothers; or anyone else, for that
matter.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I put my
hands over his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, but I still
can’t convince myself everything will go smoothly.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Glenn, you
worry too much,” Rick said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I took his
hands in mine, kissing each one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m trying to settle down.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick grinned
lecherously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know the perfect
antidote for your nervous condition.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s your answer for all my
ills.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick led me
down the hall to our bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s
worked every time, hasn’t it?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I blushed
and admitted, “Yes, it has.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad you admit getting fucked by me has
a calming effect on you,” Rick said, still grinning like a Cheshire cat.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I
guffawed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, it leaves me so
totally exhausted I don’t have a choice but to relax.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“That’s the
whole point, Babe,” Rick said, stripping me out of my clothes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gently pushed me down on the bed, then,
did a slow strip tease routine.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">By the time
he joined me, I was so amped up I couldn’t stop myself from seizing his body,
pulling him on top of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick uttered
a guttural growl, before capturing my lips in a deep kiss.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*** ***</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We lay
exhausted in a tangle of arms and legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick rubbed noses with me and asked, “Are you okay, now?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m more
than okay, sweetheart,” I replied, still coming down from the feeling of
euphoria that always accompanied our lovemaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lightly caressed his back and broad
shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the feel of Rick’s
rock hard muscles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His very masculine
appearance is a real turn on for me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He lightly
bit my neck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I like how you
taste.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I leaned my head back to give
him better access.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kissed his way up
my neck to my jawline; then captured my lips in a deep kiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He pulled
back and gazed into my eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love
you, Glenn.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I wrapped my
arms around him and pulled him to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I love you, too.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We stayed
like that for what seemed like forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A calm, peaceful feeling had come over me, and I didn’t want to lose
that feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, Rick stirred and
whispered in my ear, “Babe, we need to get on the road.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I nodded my
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, but I was just enjoying
the feel of your body next to mine.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick kissed
me and said, “You get to feel my body next to yours tonight.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I
smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Alright, I guess I’m ready.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He stood up,
turning to give me a hand up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled
me into his waiting arms and held me tight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I leaned my head against his chest, listening to his steady
heartbeat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He nuzzled my hair until I
lifted my head to meet his lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s
get showered.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">After a
quick shower, we got dressed and hauled our gear down to the Land Rover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like the Land Rover for travelling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick climbed in, and started the
engine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled out of the parking
lot and headed toward the main highway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We talked and joked around during the drive to Grandpa and Grandma’s
house.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We pulled
into the driveway and parked the Land Rover behind Grandpa’s Lamborghini.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick said, “I think Greg and Cory are here,
already.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pointed to the red Ferrari
parked next to Grandpa’s car.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We climbed
out and were greeted by Jack and Miriam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jack was
bouncing up and down with excitement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Uncle Rick, we flew on an airplane.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick
smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s exciting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who came with you on the airplane?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jack pointed
at his sister, and said, “Miriam, Mom and Dad, Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle Eric,
Aunt Laura, Aunt Nancy, Uncle Shawn and Uncle Randy.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Miriam said,
“We’re all here, now you’ve arrived.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I grabbed
our gear from the back of the Land Rover and came over to where Rick was
talking to the two children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You have
both gotten a lot taller since we saw you last.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jack grinned
and held up his hand, with his fingers spread out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m five years old and I go to school,
now.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Miriam said,
“I’m seven and I’m in the second grade.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You both are growing up too fast,” I
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do I get a hug?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I knelt down
and both children gave me a hug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
turned to Rick, and Jack said, “It’s your turn, Uncle Rick.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They gave him a hug.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jack said,
“Everyone is inside.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned and ran
toward the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Miriam
followed him, racing him to the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Miriam held the door open for us, as we entered the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandma met us in the foyer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hello boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll be staying in your usual room.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I sat our
gear on the floor and gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick did the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is everyone here?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Grandma
smiled and said, “Yes, now that you’re here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Greg and Cory arrived about an hour ago from Minneapolis.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I thought
they were here since their car is parked next to Grandpa’s,” Rick said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We took our
stuff to our room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were standing in
the hallway outside our room, when Greg and Cory came out of their room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg smiled and said, “I’m glad you guys
finally made it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cory and I have been
relaxing a bit from our long drive.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I said,
“It’s good to see you two.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hugged
them and kissed both on the lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg
held me close and kissed me deeply.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick tapped
Greg on the shoulder and coughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“That’s my boyfriend you’re kissing.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Greg let me
go and laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Glenn kissed me
first.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I grinned at
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I did, and I enjoyed
it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked over at Cory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’ve got him well trained, Cory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s become a much better kisser than the
last time we saw you.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Cory put his
arm around Greg’s shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He’s had
lots of practice.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Greg turned
his head to kiss his husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Cory is
the best teacher.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Cory grinned
and said, “I try.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I asked,
“Are Uncle Bob and Uncle Corey here?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes, they’re
downstairs,” Greg said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s nice to
have five gay couples in the family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
never dreamed I’d be part of a family that is so accepting of gays.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick agreed,
“I feel the same way.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick took my
hand in his, and we turned to go downstairs.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We entered
the family room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Uncle Bob and Uncle
Jasper were seated together on the couch, with Uncle Corey and Uncle Dylan next
to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Uncle Corey smiled and said,
“Hey guys.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I walked
over and hugged them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I got to
Uncle Dylan, I glanced over to Uncle Corey and asked, “Can I kiss your husband,
Uncle Corey?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Uncle Corey
looked at his husband and grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sure.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I kissed him
on the lips, pushing my tongue between his lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled back and laughed at the surprised
look on his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uncle Dylan, you
need to work on your kissing skills.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Uncle Corey
guffawed, “Dylan always tells me he’s already learned how to give me a kiss.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick smiled
and said, “I think we should have a kissing contest before the holiday is
over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We just need to find unbiased
judges.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Greg said,
“I’m not sure my brothers can handle that kind of excitement.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said it with a straight face, but winked
at me and Rick.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Uncle Bob
protested, “We’re not so old that we can’t handle a kissing contest!”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Uncle Jasper
agreed, “I think we can put these young guys to shame in that department.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Uncle Corey
said, “I think we’re up to the challenge, aren’t we, Dylan?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Cory said,
“I was afraid this was going to be a dreadfully boring holiday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should’ve known Glenn would figure out a
way to make things interesting.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Uncle Bob
said, “We’ve heard about your competitions at the beach.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I looked at
Rick, who shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Who told you
guys?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked over at Greg.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Greg
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m the guilty party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to tell them about how much fun we had,
both in Cancun, and in Spain.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Giving me a
hurt look, Uncle Dylan said, “We were feeling very left out.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I said, “I’m
sorry I didn’t invite you guys last time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ll remember to let you know when we plan to make our next beach trip.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Uncle Dylan
smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s more like it.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Uncle Jasper
said, “By the way, we’ve decided you need to stop calling us your uncles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want to be just one of the guys, like
Greg and Cory.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Uncle Bob
said, “We want you to call us Bob, Jasper, Corey and Dylan from now on.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I nodded my
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m good with that, but it may
take a while for me to get used to it.” </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick said,
“I’m glad you guys decided we didn’t need to be so formal about things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve always felt calling you guys ‘uncle’
was a bit much.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Dylan said,
“We did, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed to put up a
barrier we all wanted to tear down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was pretty apparent you weren’t comfortable inviting the four of us on your
beach trip.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was feeling pretty badly
about not including them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dylan stood
up and pulled me into his arms, kissing me deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There, is that better?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I grinned
and said, “Much better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You just might
be able to win the kissing contest with that one.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Dylan turned
to Corey and said, “See, I can make a good impression, when I want to.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Corey said,
“I never doubted it.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Greg said,
“We’ll have to tone down the kissing contest to keep it G-rated, though.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jasper said,
“We could invite all the couples to participate.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“We could
ask Mr. Curtis to be one of the judges,” Dylan said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Corey
grinned and said, “Maybe we could ask the new guy to be a judge, as well.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Dylan
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That would really be a good
one!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guy’s name is Frances Moon.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Bob said,
“I’ll talk to Mr. Curtis about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
do we want to do it?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Let’s do it
this afternoon,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We need to
talk to the rest of the folks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the
way, where are Mom and Dad?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“They’re in
the kitchen with Stan and Sharon,” Bob said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I think Keith and Kerry are outside, by the pool, with Tina and Jason.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Is Roger
here?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keith said he was bringing his
new girlfriend,” I said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I think
Roger might be in the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think
they’re talking about possible wedding plans,” Corey said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Keith did
say Roger seemed pretty serious about his girl,” Rick said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“She’s quite
a looker,” Jasper said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Her name is
Penelope Gonos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s from a prominent
Greek family in Raleigh.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I took
Rick’s hand and said, “Let’s go talk to the adults in the kitchen.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Bob
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m glad I don’t qualify as
an adult now.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I grinned
and said, “Since you’re a newlywed, I don’t think you count as an adult
anymore.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We walked
down the hallway to the kitchen, where we found Uncle Stan and Aunt Sharon,
talking with Roger and a very pretty girl.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Roger smiled
and presented her to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Rick and
Glenn, this is my fiancée, Penelope Gonos.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We chorused,
“Nice to meet you.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She smiled
and said, “Roger has spoken very highly of you both.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad to finally get to meet you.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Congratulations
on your engagement,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked
around the table and gave Aunt Sharon a hug.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She said,
“It’s good to see you, Glenn.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Where did
Mom and Dad go?” I asked.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“They went
outside to join the rest of the family by the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s such a beautiful day, everyone decided
to spend some time in the sun,” she replied.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We left the
kitchen and went in search of my parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick asked, “Are you sure you want to see them right now?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I want to
get it over with,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t
want to wait.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We walked
out on the patio and across to the gazebo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mom and Dad were seated next to each other on one of the benches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tina and Jason were seated across from them,
while Keith and Kerry were seated in the swing with Egan sitting between them.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Hi Mom and
Dad,” I said, walking over to give Mom a kiss on the cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t meet Dad’s eyes, but sat down next
to Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick kissed Mom’s cheek and
joined me on the bench.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mom said,
“I’m glad you boys came.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t sure
you’d come.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Dad said,
“Thank you for coming, Glenn. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I owe you
an apology.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know I hurt you as much
as I hurt your mother with what I’ve done.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Hearing his
apology and the sincerity in his voice, I looked up and met his gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, you did cause us a great deal of
pain.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Your mother
and I have committed to starting over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I would like to ask you to give me a chance to start over with you, as
well,” he said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“That will
depend on how you treat Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She loves
you very much, so much so she is willing to overlook your indiscretion, and
agreed to start anew with your relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I can see she’s happy; but it isn’t easy to wipe the board clean and
start over,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I should
know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve done some pretty stupid
things, too.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick
squeezed my hand, reassuringly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes,
we’ve had a few things happen in our relationship that have caused us more than
a little pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we’ve moved past
them and have managed to become stronger, as a result.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m hoping your
mother and I can do the same,” he said, taking her hand in his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hope you can forgive me, as well, Glenn.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mom said,
“I’ve told your Dad he has to work things out with each of his children,
without my assistance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want him to be
able to have a relationship with each of you; by earning your trust.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I said, “Frankly,
I’m afraid it will take some time to rebuild.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Dad said, “I
know, but I’m willing to put in the time and the effort to earn back your
trust, Glenn.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Have you
talked to my siblings, as well?” I asked.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes, I have
talked to them about starting over,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Randy is in the same place as you, Glenn, as far as the trust issue is
concerned.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I nodded my
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That doesn’t surprise me.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I have done
the most damage to you and Randy, of all the children,” Dad said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Our
conversation was interrupted by Miriam and Jack running up Mom and Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Miriam said, “Grandpa and Grandma, Uncle
Corey says we’re going to have a kissing contest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said to tell you to come inside if you
want see it.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jack said,
bouncing up and down with excitement, “Uncle Bob says he plans to win.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mom looked
over at me and asked, “Is this your idea?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I
grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, it was my idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought we could make things fun for all
of us.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Dad
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I never would have thought to
have a kissing contest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you want to
be part of the contest?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mom smiled
and said, “Sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It sounds fun.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Miriam
turned to Keith and Kerry and said, “Are you going to come, too?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Keith smiled
and said, “Yes, we’ll come.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Keith stood
up and turned to help Kerry up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Egan
held up his arms and Keith lifted him into his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Miriam and Jack each took Mom and Dad’s
hands and escorted them back into the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Keith signaled for us to hang back a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">When Mom and
Dad were out of earshot, Keith said, “You weren’t exactly friendly to your
Dad.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Why should
I be?” I asked, looking Keith in the eyes.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“You need to
let go of your anger, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your Dad
has been working hard to repair his relationships with your brothers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eric is still pretty angry at him and Gary
only a little less so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since we’ve been
here, Eric and Gary have avoided being in the same room with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The same goes for Randy and Shawn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s been pretty uncomfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d like to enjoy our holiday together, but
you guys need to unbend a bit and at least be civil to him,” Keith said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I said,
“I’ll give it my best shot, Keith, but I’m not promising I’ll be able to do any
better than my brothers.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Kerry put
her arms around me and said, “Please give your Dad another chance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have spent the last hour listening to
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is really sad his sons won’t
forgive him, despite his repeated apologies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knows he was wrong and did a lot
of harm to his family.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I said,
“Okay, I’ll try to keep my anger under wraps.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She released
me and said, “We love you, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
want you to be happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Holding a grudge
against your father is not in your best interest.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick put his
arm around my waist and said, “I’ll help him, Kerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Together we can get through today.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We walked
back to the house and entered the family room to find everyone was gathered
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked over and hugged Randy
and Shawn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s good to see you guys,”
Randy said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Shawn said,
“You both look great!”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick
smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s been a real tough job
keeping Glenn from getting fat.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
patted my flat stomach.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I protested,
“No, it has not!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been lifting
weights with you, so I’ve put on muscle, not fat.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick laughed
and said, “Glenn’s got rock hard abs now.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He lifted my shirt and rubbed his hands over my abs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tightened them instinctively.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Randy
smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Who would have thought my
scrawny little brother would ever bulk up like that?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I said, “Not
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never imagined I would ever have
enough definition to qualify as looking buff.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick put his
arm around my waist and said, “I’ve been working on Glenn for three years now,
and I’m finally seeing some good results.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Nancy walked
over to us and said, “Hey!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t I get
a hug?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s good to see you, little
sister.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gave her a hug and kiss on
the cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She turned
to Rick and said, “Hello, brother-in-law.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She hugged Rick.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick said,
“How’s my favorite sister-in-law?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m
good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t wait to graduate
though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m more than ready to move on
with my life, especially now that I’ve been doing clinical work at the hospital”
Nancy said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We turned as
Gary, Jessica, Eric and Laura came into the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We greeted them, but were interrupted when
Bob and Corey stood up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bob said, “May
we have everyone’s attention, please.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He waited for everyone to quiet down, then, continued, “We want everyone
to participate in a kissing competition and these are the rules.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He outlined how it would work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Remember, this is a family friendly game,
so keep it G-rated.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked
meaningfully around the room.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">All of the
couples took turns kissing, including Grandpa and Grandma.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wolf whistled and howled as we had a
second round to break a tie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa
and Grandma were voted the unanimous winners.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Grandpa
grinned and said, “It goes to show you’re never too old.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Grandma
agreed, “That is so true, my dear.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They held hands and it was obvious they were still deeply in love with
each other, after all these years.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Grandma
said, “Thank you, Bob and Corey, for getting us started off right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve got lots of activities planned for the
next few days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve arranged for horseback
riding for those who are interested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are plenty of board games and computer games, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the young ones, there will be a treasure
hunt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For you guys, Grandpa has
arranged for a Turkey Bowl football game with my cousin’s family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will be the Scarboroughs against the
Campbells.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The game will start at 8:30
AM tomorrow at the local elementary school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Are there any questions?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jack raised
his hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Grandma, when may we go
horseback riding?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“You may go as
soon as your parents can drive you over to the stables,” Grandma said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jack clapped
his hands and said, “Miriam, let’s go horseback riding now.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked up at his Dad.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Gary smiled
and said, “Okay, we’ll go over in a few minutes.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Most of us
decided to ride horses for the rest of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We came back just in time for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandma had an extra table set up in the
dining room to accommodate the crowd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The meal was superb and everyone was relaxed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gary and Eric loosened up and we soon were
trash talking each other, just like old times.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">After
dinner, we helped clear the tables and wash up the dishes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The children started playing board games,
while the adults migrated to the family room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Grandpa
asked, “Eva, please play the piano for me.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">As usual, he
was sound asleep after the first piece.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She kept playing for a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Later, she signaled for me to replace her at the keyboard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I played some of my favorites, then, yielded
my place to Corey.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I went into
the kitchen to get a glass of water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
drained the glass and put it in the sink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I turned to return to the family room, but was surprised to find my
father standing behind me.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He took me
in his arms and hugged tight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said,
“Son, I love you very much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m so
sorry I’ve hurt you so much.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
released me and I could see the tears on his cheeks.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I held his
gaze and said, “I love you, too, Dad.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I found I meant what I’d said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
guess I did still love him, despite everything he had done.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Dad said,
“Hearing you say those words means more to me than you know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know I’ve messed up, and I don’t deserve
your love, but knowing you’ll give me a second chance gives me hope, someday,
things will be better between us.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I put my arm
around his shoulders and said, “The best thing you can do to help heal the
wounds in our family is to do your best to make Mom happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing else will do as much good to prove
to us you really mean what you’ve said.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Dad nodded
his head in understanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I get that,
Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s taken me a long time to
realize just how poorly I’ve treated your mother over the years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m still trying to make amends for that.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We left the
kitchen and returned to the family room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick looked up at me and beckoned me to join him on the couch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat down and he pulled me close to
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He whispered in my ear, “Are you
okay?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I nodded my
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I’m fine.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I said those words, I realized I really
was okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The anger I felt toward my
father was gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It felt good not to
have those hard feelings constantly dogging my thoughts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I relaxed into Rick’s arms and leaned my
head on his shoulder, as I listened to my uncles singing some of their favorite
show tunes, with my mother accompanying them on the piano.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*** ***</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Later, in
our room, Rick held me in his arms and looked into my eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you feeling better about being here
with your family?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes, a lot
better,” I said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I think
it’s helped Gary and Eric to be around Bob and Corey and their husbands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it opened their eyes to the fact same-sex
couples are just like straight ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was pleasantly surprised when Dylan took them to task for being prejudiced
against gays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He really laid into them
for trying to cover up their anti-gay sentiments,” Rick said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I think it
helped that their wives agreed with Dylan, and basically told them to shape up
or they would leave them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Laura,
particularly, told Eric she would file for divorce on their return to Canada if
he didn’t change his behavior,” I said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“She put
Jessica to shame for not insisting Gary change his attitudes, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Laura called her on it, and told her off,
too,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now, that was
amazing.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m still
surprised at Jessica’s behavior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
seemed so open and friendly when I brought you home that first time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder what happened to cause her to
change her mind about us,” I said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“People are
very unpredictable, Babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can
change in a blink of an eye,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“You think you know someone pretty well, then, you find out they really
aren’t who you think they are.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“It’s kind
of like your friend, Sam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You thought
he was straight, then you found out he was gay and dealing drugs, too,” I said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick’s
expression changed to one of sadness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Yes, that is true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sam was a
very good friend to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad the guys
who killed him are behind bars, and will stay behind bars for a long time to
come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The new guys in our reserve unit
are pretty cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lt. Col. Bachman has
made it clear he won’t put up with any kind of harassment or hazing of any kind
from anyone.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Are they
young guys?” I asked.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes, they
are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They kind of remind me of you when
you first moved to Atlanta,” Rick said, smiling at me.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You mean they’re pretty
naïve, like I was.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are kind of clueless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve taken them under my wing, and I’ve
tried to help them out,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Things have gotten a lot better since the new guys joined us.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m glad of
that,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Where are we going to
spend Christmas this year?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Let’s stay
home this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to start some of
our own traditions for the holidays,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m good
with that,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kissed him and
said, “I love you, Babe.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He rubbed
noses with me and said, “I love you, too.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I snuggled
closer to him and laid my head on his chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I soon drifted off, feeling safe and warm in Rick’s arms.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*** ***</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Author’s
Note:</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Atlanta
Eagle Police Raid - </span><a href="http://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/voices/after-illegal-raid-gay-bar-atlanta-police-required-reform-conduct"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/voices/after-illegal-raid-gay-bar-atlanta-police-required-reform-conduct</span></span></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;">Moda Audaci - </span><a href="https://www.moda-audaci.com/Shop/Good_Devil_Underwear.html?Search=3389&utm_source=mailer&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=GD_Blowout"><span lang="ES-MX" style="mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">https://www.moda-audaci.com/Shop/Good_Devil_Underwear.html?Search=3389&utm_source=mailer&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=GD_Blowout</span></span></a></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br />
<br /></div>
SaskBoyStories by Russ Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12705114426346134527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7739282925426125332.post-35706989056861721732013-07-15T22:41:00.002-04:002015-06-17T13:40:58.993-04:00The Man From Swift Current Chapter One Hundred Twenty Three - Renata<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Chapter One Hundred Twenty Three – Renata</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Eva sat in her front room, waiting for
Don to arrive for their weekly counseling session.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had been six months since Don had his
heart to heart discussion with the boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She had been amazed such a thing could occur, given Don’s
stubbornness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shortly after that event,
Don had started spending weekends with her, and they were attending counseling
sessions every Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While much progress
had been made, she still wasn’t ready to move back to the farm with Don.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He still held on to some of his anti-gay
sentiments, and it really bothered her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She was concerned his religious bigotry would surface again, causing
another rift in the family; one so wide it would be an insurmountable obstacle
to returning harmony to her family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
had already seen how quickly her other sons had rallied to their father’s
support, accusing Randy and Glenn of being the cause of her and Don’s marital
problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next time, if there was a
next time, she didn’t know what would happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Her discomfort with where Don was
mentally and emotionally was so great, she had refused to give Don a key to her
apartment last week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don had gotten
angry, accusing her of being extremely difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their argument had devolved into the same
pattern of each blaming the other for causing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It ended with Eva demanding he get out of
her apartment, or she would call the police to force him to leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Later, he had called to apologize.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She hadn’t accepted his apology, telling him
nothing had changed, despite his protestations to the contrary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She accused him of putting up a façade to
deceive her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately, she had seen the
old Don hiding just beneath the surface, before it was too late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had wondered how Don could have changed
so quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, she realized the
changes were only skin deep, if that.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">As she thought about what direction she
should take, the phone rang and she answered it.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Hello,” she said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Hi, Mom,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How are things going?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Things could be better, dear,” she
replied.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Are you still worried about what Dad
did last week?” I asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I am,” she admitted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not sure I’m ready to go back to the
farm with your father, especially after what happened last week.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Then don’t go,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know how Dad is.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I know,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But I don’t want to live alone,
anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t know how lonely I
get.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Then insist Dad move into town with
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve always said you wanted to
move into town when you retired from running the farm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know Gary wants the farm, so I’d suggest
selling it to him and moving to Swift Current, permanently,” I said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I know we’ve always planned to move here,
but I don’t want to live here, either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I want to move to St. Catharines, or back to Georgia,” she said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You don’t want to move back here,
Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s too much prejudice here
against anyone who doesn’t fit the Christian Right’s definition of an
acceptable person,” I said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It’s always been that way, son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you talk to Grandma about it, you’ll find
out that before the civil rights issues for blacks and women were the </span><span lang="FR" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: FR; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">cause célèbre</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">, it was all about prohibition,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Our peach farm was in a dry county, where
the sale of liquor was prohibited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After prohibition, our county opted to ban alcohol sales on Sunday.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“So, despite a history of prejudice, you
still want to live here?” I asked, in amazement.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, because my family lives there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If Grandma and Grandpa moved somewhere else,
I would want to be near them,” she explained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“It’s not the place so much that is important; it’s the people I miss.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “I understand wanting to be near
family, but just because you and Dad live in Swift Current doesn’t mean I want
to move back there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t like
living on the farm, and Swift Current was okay; but I’d rather live in St.
Catharines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s much more scenic, and
it’s warmer than Swift Current during the winter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most importantly, the people aren’t
prejudiced against gays.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“And we have family there,” she added.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your Aunt Hannah and Uncle Carl are
wonderful people.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, they are,” I agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, what are you going to do about Dad?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She hesitated, before answering my
question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think I’ll insist on
staying in town for a couple of more months, while we work on things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe by Thanksgiving we’ll have worked
things out between us.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Which one?” I asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She laughed and said, “You’ve been in
the States too long, or you wouldn’t have even asked that question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, I meant the Canadian holiday in
October.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I protested, “I haven’t been here too
long, Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve only lived here for a
little over three years.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That’s true, but you’re losing your
Canadian accent, and you’ve become accustomed to their holiday schedule,” she
said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I still talk the same way you do,” I
insisted, ignoring the holiday issue.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, son, you don’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve started to sound like you’re from
Atlanta.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick came up behind me and asked,
“What’s wrong, Babe?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Hang on for minute, Mom,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned to Rick and explained what Mom had just
told me about my accent.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He patted me on the back and said, “It’s
okay, sweetheart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll still love you,
even if you don’t sound like a Canadian anymore.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I stuck out my tongue at him, and
returned to my conversation with my Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Mom, Rick’s being obnoxious to me.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick guffawed, “No, I’m not!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m sure you’ll survive, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s your Dad at the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll call you later,” she said, ending the
call.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I turned to Rick and said, “I told my
Mom on you!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick grinned and asked, “And what good
did it do you?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It made me feel better, as a matter of
fact,” I replied, standing up next to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I wrapped my arms around his waist and lifted my lips to his.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">After we kissed, he gave me a lecherous
smile and said, “I’m glad you feel better, because I’m going to have to take
you into our bedroom and show you how obnoxious I can be!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He squeezed my buttocks with both of his
huge hands and kissed me deeply, causing things to stir down below!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked up at him and asked, “Does
being obnoxious include fucking my brains out?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick tilted his head to one side, while
he considered my question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled
and replied, “It could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s go find
out.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He led me to our bedroom, closing the
door behind him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned to help me
disrobe, and pushed me down on the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He quickly stripped off his clothes and joined me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The look in his eyes left no doubts about
his intentions!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Eva got up from her place on the couch
and walked over to open the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don
stood there, waiting impatiently for her to open the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled at him and said, “I’m ready to
go.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She pulled the door closed, locking the
deadbolt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She turned and followed Don
out to his car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of getting into
his car with him, she said, “I’ll drive myself over.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don looked at her in surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Because I think it would be best for
now,” she responded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She walked over to
her car and climbed in, starting the engine.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don shrugged his shoulders and got into
his car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He followed her over to their
counselor’s office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They walked in
together and sat down in counselor’s office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They had chosen a new counselor, after their initial, disastrous meeting
with the first one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This one was a lady
named Sherry Johnston.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She greeted them and said, “Good
morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How are you two doing?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don said, “I’m good.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Eva said, “I’m okay, but I want to talk
about something that happened last week.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She went ahead and recounted the events of the last week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she had finished, she turned to Don and
said, “Your anger at not getting what you wanted from me was a very forceful
reminder of how you have treated me over the years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought we were making good progress until
you lost your temper.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don looked away from her gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sherry asked, “Don, is there something you
wanted to say?” </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He cleared his throat and said, “No, I
have nothing more to say than what I already have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I apologized for my outburst several times,
and Eva has refused to accept the fact I’m sorry for losing my temper.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Eva asked, “Don, do you honestly think I’m
going to go back to the farm with you, to be emotionally and mentally abused by
you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t you see the pattern
here?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have always been short
tempered, and I’ve been on the receiving end of your verbal and physical
abuse.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don’s head whipped around and he said,
in a voice tight with anger, “I’ve never laid a hand on you.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Eva stared right back at him and said,
“That’s lie, and you know it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
haven’t hit me since the boys became physically strong enough to clean your
plow if you touched me; however, before that, you didn’t hesitate to strike me
when the urge took you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
photographs to prove it, Don.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had one
of neighbors take them, to document your abuse.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don’s anger faded, as he listened to
Eva.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew she was right, but still
couldn’t admit to himself he needed help to overcome his abusive nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said, “You’re right, Eva.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sherry said, “I think you should meet
with a therapist who is qualified to help you with anger management, Don.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can recommend a couple of them I think
will be able to help you.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don looked up at Sherry, nodding his
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, I’ll get help.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Eva smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hope you really follow through with this,
Don.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to be with you and I still
love you very much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just can’t
continue to live in fear, Don.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve
got to figure out how to control your anger, and let go of your hatred toward
your sons.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don started to protest, but
she raised her hand to stop him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Admit
it, Don.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since you started meeting with
your pastor, you have developed a deep hatred of your sons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You blame them for all of your
problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You still haven’t been able
to face the fact you aren’t perfect and acknowledge your personal failings are
yours, and yours alone.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stood up
and said, “Thank you, Sherry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don, I’ll
meet you here next week for our usual Friday appointment.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She walked out of the office and go into
her car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She found she was shaking like a leaf in the
wind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She took several deep breaths
before starting the engine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She drove
back to her apartment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She let herself
into the apartment, threw her purse and keys on to the kitchen table, and took
off her shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She sat down on the
couch to try and collect her thoughts.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don sat in silence for a few minutes
after Eva’s departure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked over
at Sherry and said, “Do you have the names and phone numbers for those
therapists?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She wrote them down on a note pad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She tore off the sheet of paper and handed
it to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hope one of these
therapists will meet your needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
not, there are others in Regina you could try.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He stood up and said, “Thank you for
working with us.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sherry smiled and said, “I think you’re
going to make it, Don.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As long as you
are both willing to work at it, things will, eventually, work out for you.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I had no idea it was going to be so
difficult to make the changes Eva is demanding of me.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sherry said, “I know it’s hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eva is struggling, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has to adjust her behavior, just as much
as you are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has been raised to
honor and obey her husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, her
mother is a very independent minded woman; but, just the same, she grew up in
an environment where women didn’t openly challenge the men in their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They did what they could behind the scenes,
always preserving the appearance of a perfect marriage, and equally perfect
family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Challenging your treatment of
her has been one the most difficult things she has ever had to do in her
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You should be proud of her and
accept her help in making your own transformation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I admire her for her strength of character
and her determination to find a workable solution to your marital situation.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don said, “It’s a huge change for me,
Sherry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve taken Eva for granted for
too long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad she has finally
found her voice and is ready to be treated as an equal in our relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve just got to learn new ways of thinking
of her and our marriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s too easy
for me to slip back into my old habits.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He stood up and said, “Thank you for working with us.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sherry said, “You’re welcome, and good
luck.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He left her office and returned to his
car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sat in his car and thought
about his next steps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He read the
therapists names and noted that there were only two in Swift Current.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The others were in either Saskatoon or
Regina.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t really want to drive
to either place, so he pulled out his cell phone and placed a call to the first
name on the list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The receptionist answered the call, “Dr.
Howard’s office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How may I help you?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’d like to schedule an appointment,”
he replied.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“May I ask what kind of issue you wish
to address?” she asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Anger management,” he said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Dr. Howard has an open appointment this
afternoon at 1 PM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Otherwise, you will
have to wait two weeks,” she said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’ll take the one this afternoon,” he
said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“May I have your name, please?” she
asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He gave it and ended the call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
called Eva.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hoped she would answer
the phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wasn’t sure she
would.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It rang three times before she
answered the call.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Hello, Don,” she said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Thank you for answering my call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve set up an appointment with a Dr. Howard
this afternoon for an anger management counseling session,” he said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Eva smiled and said, “Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m happy to hear you are taking the
initiative on this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After you’re done
with your appointment, stop by the apartment and we can talk about what you
think about the therapist.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was
relieved to know Don was making the effort to get things back on course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She hoped things would go well for him.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don said, “I’ll see you this afternoon.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Good luck,” Eva said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Thanks,” Don said, ending the
call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He was encouraged by the fact she had
invited him to come to the apartment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He took that to mean she wasn’t giving up on him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being alone on the farm during the week left
him with a lot of time to think about things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He really missed his wife’s presence in his home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a very empty place without her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had taken him a few months to figure out she
wasn’t coming back, unless changes were made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Eva had made it pretty clear what those changes needed to be, and he was
working hard to make it right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was
at loose ends, since he wasn’t with Eva; so he drove over to Dave and Mary’s
house.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He parked the car in the driveway, and
got out of the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As he walked up to
the front door, the door opened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mary
stood in the doorway and said, “Come in, Don.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was hoping you would stop by today.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He looked at her in surprise, but didn’t
say anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stood back and let
him enter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked into the kitchen
and sat down at the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He waited
for her to join him.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mary sat across from him and he could
see she was upset about something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What’s
going on?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mary looked him in the eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why don’t you tell me, Don?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He gave her a puzzled look and shook his
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know what you’re talking
about.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I just got a call from Renata
Fredericksen, from Aneroid,” Mary said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don’s face went ashen, as comprehension
filled his mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What did she want?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mary said, “She called to tell me she
has filed for divorce from her husband.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Oh, I didn’t know things were going
badly between them,” Don said, trying to keep his voice even.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mary raised her eyebrows and said, “Don,
she said she was having an affair with you.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don looked down at the table, unable to
meet her gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, that’s true.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mary said, “At least you’re willing to
own up to it; but, when were you going to tell Eva, or did you think she would
never find out?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I didn’t think it would get this far,”
Don said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mary said, “You didn’t think is a correct
statement.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don finally looked up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re right about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve tried to break off the relationship
with Renata for a couple of months now.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mary’s voice conveyed her anger, as she
said, “Don, Aneroid is a very small town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What made you think you could mess around with someone else’s wife and
keep it a secret?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It started out as a way to get back at
Eva for leaving me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never intended it
to become a permanent thing,” Don said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He put his head in his hands, trying to think what to do now.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mary said, “Don, you need to decide what
it is you really want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This whole
situation is going to get really nasty very soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Renata called me this morning asking if I
knew of a place she could stay until her divorce is final.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She thinks you’re going to marry her after
your divorce is final.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Why did she call you?” Don asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I met Renata at the hospital when she
delivered her last child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hit it off
and have been good friends ever since then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Plus, she knows I’m your sister-in-law,” Mary said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She probably would have called Eva, as
well, if she could have found her phone number.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Does Dave know?” Don asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, not yet,” Mary answered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But you can bet Renata tried to call him,
too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wants to make sure all of us
know you’ve been stepping out on Eva with her.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don met Mary’s gaze and asked, “What
should I do?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mary shook her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know, Don.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve created a real bad situation, and
only you can fix it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve got to
decide whether or not you are staying with Eva, or if you’re going to marry
Renata.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don never dreamed things could get so
bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was already on thin ice with
Eva.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the time he started his affair
with Renata, all he could think about was hurting Eva, and an affair with their
neighbor was the best way he could think of getting back at her for leaving
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somehow, in his anger, he thought
he was getting even with her.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mary waited in silence, as Don thought
about his next steps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mary, what would
you do, if you were me?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’d tell Eva everything, and let the
chips fall where they may,” Mary answered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Anything else will only make matters worse for you.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He had to agree with Mary’s assessment
of the situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said, “I’ll tell
her this afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve got an
appointment with a therapist to help me with anger management.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That’s a good thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe it will help you to confront some of
your past behavior,” Mary said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don asked, hesitantly, “Do you hate me
for what I’ve done?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mary replied, “No, I’m just disappointed
you have done so many things to hurt those who love you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used to think you and Dave were the
perfect husbands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the last few
months, you’ve shown me I was dead wrong in that assessment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used to think I was a good judge of
character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, I can’t say that I am,
based on what you’ve done to your family.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Her words struck home more than anything
else she could have said to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
physically flinched as if she had struck him a blow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said, “I’m sorry, Mary.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You will be very sorry by the time the
day is over,” Mary said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not the
one you need to convince you truly regret what you’ve done.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stood up from the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve got to run some errands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re welcome to stay until you need to
leave for your appointment.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She left the kitchen, and he heard the
front door open and close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put his
head in his hands and let the tears come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The consequences of his actions were coming back to haunt him, and he
knew it wasn’t going to be easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
turns, he was angry, sad, fearful and anxious about his situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never, in his wildest dreams, had he ever
contemplated being in such a mess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There weren’t any good options to choose from, at this juncture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of them required him to confront the error
of his ways and admit he was wrong.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He went to the appointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Howard listened patiently as he laid out
his current situation, and, how giving in to his anger had gotten him to this
point in his life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Howard
encouraged him to think through several ways to combat his tendency to overreact
to things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They discussed anger
management tools and behaviors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leaving
Dr. Howard’s office, he felt empowered and confident he could handle the coming
storm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t know how things would
work out, but at least he felt he could face whatever came his way.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He drove over to Eva’s apartment and
parked the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He got out and walked
up to her door and knocked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She opened
it and smiled at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Come inside and
tell me how things went.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They were seated opposite each other in
the front room, as he began to recount his visit with the therapist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a while, he paused and said, “Eva,
there something I need to tell you.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">By his tone of voice, she knew whatever
he was about to tell her wasn’t good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She said, “Okay, go ahead.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He said, “When you left me, all I could
think about was trying to get back at you for leaving me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so angry, I couldn’t see
straight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A couple of weeks after you
left, I met up with Renata Fredericksen, over in Shaunovan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got to talking, and I found out Daniel
was going to be in Vancouver for a couple of weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Renata made a pass at me and I followed her
back to her place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One thing led to
another, and, bottom line; I’ve been having an affair with Renata since you
left.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Eva didn’t know what to say to Don.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had already felt things weren’t quite as
they seemed during their counseling session.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This latest revelation of Don’s infidelity to his marriage vows didn’t
come as a surprise to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It hurt her
to know he had been with another woman; but she wasn’t about to let him know
how much he had wounded her.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She calmly asked, “Are you still seeing
her?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, but she called Mary today to tell
her she is filing for a divorce from Daniel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She wanted to know if Mary knew of a place she could stay until the
divorce is final,” he said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Have you decided what you’re going to
do?” she asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don said, “Yes, I have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve tried to break things off with Renata
for several months now.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“So, where do you stand with her?” she
asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’ve made it clear to her we’re
finished,” Don said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Apparently, she thinks you’re still
going through with the divorce because, she’s divorcing Daniel,” Eva said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don put his head in his hands and said,
“I’ve made a huge mess of things, Eva.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t know what to do to make things right for us.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked up and met Eva’s eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I admit I started seeing Renata out of a desire
to hurt you for leaving me; but I soon realized I was only hurting
myself.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eva’s gaze was hard as steel,
and her expression unreadable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
wouldn’t blame you if you decided to tell me to get lost, Eva, after all I’ve
put you through.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Eva asked, “When was the last time you
had sex with her?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her voice was brittle and sounded like it
would break at any moment.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He said, “It was before the boys came
out for spring break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has kept
coming around to the house, but we haven’t had any sexual contact.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“How do I know you aren’t lying to me?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You don’t,” Don responded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I would beg you to believe me, but that
wouldn’t change how you feel about what has happened.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Eva agreed, “You’re right about that
part, Don.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Given what you’ve just
shared with me, I think you should go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I need time to think about where I’m going from here.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don noticed that she didn’t say, “Where do
we go from here.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was very apparent she
didn’t see them as a couple, after his revelations of infidelity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let me know if you want to continue to go
to counseling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will be there if you
decide it’s worth the effort to salvage what little we have left of our
relationship.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew everything
depended on how Eva felt about him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
said, “Eva, I’m deeply sorry for what I’ve done.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stood up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll see myself out.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked out of the front room, leaving her
staring after him.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She heard the door open and close, as he
left her apartment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that moment, all
of the pent up anguish and sorrow she felt made its way to the surface and burst
through the tight controls she had put in place to hide her emotions from
Don.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She let out a low keening, as the
tears rolled down her cheeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her grief
over her lost marriage was like a knife to her heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She knew Don’s affair would forever change
their relationship, if they had a relationship left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She would never be able to trust him again.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick and I had just returned from a
night out on the town when my cell phone rang.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick looked at me and asked, “Who is calling you at this time of night?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked at the caller id and said,
“It’s my Mom.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hit the accept button
on the phone and said, “Hi Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s
going on?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Her voice cracked with tears as she
began telling me what had happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
more I heard about what Dad had done, the angrier I got.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick could see that I was getting
agitated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put his arm around my
shoulders and said, “Let me talk to her, while you calm down.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I handed him the phone and walked into
the kitchen to get a glass of water, trying to calm down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I called Dad every name under the sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I returned to the family room to hear Rick
talking to Mom.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“What do you think you’ll do now?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I didn’t hear her response, so I asked
Rick to put the phone on speaker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
said, “Mom, I’m going to put you on speaker.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick repeated his question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What are you going to do?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Eva said, “I don’t know, Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m an emotional wreck right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shouldn’t be making any major decisions
until I’ve had a chance to absorb what has happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think Don is genuinely sorry for what he
did, but it still doesn’t stop the hurt I feel at his betrayal.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “We’re behind you 100 percent,
Mom.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I know you are, dear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is why I called to talk to you about
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew I could tell you everything,
and you would help me to calm down,” Eva said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Just talking about it has helped me to think more clearly about what I
need to do.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Are you going to continue with the
marriage counseling?” I asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She answered, “I think we should.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will help us work through this situation with
Renata.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to get to a good place
about it, and Don needs to deal with his issues, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We may never be able to get back together
after this, but I want to at least be able to be in the same room with
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The counseling sessions will help
me accomplish that much.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We chatted with her about what we were
doing, before she bid us, ‘good night,’ and we ended the call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned to Rick and said, “He is such a
real bastard.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I know how you feel,
Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve had enough emotional
stress for today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s go to bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You need some very special attention
tonight.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I want you to hold me and cuddle
with me,” I said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’ll do that and more,” Rick said,
grinning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was as good as his word!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The next morning, I woke up before
Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and I had made love last night
in a way that left a deep impression on my memory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sharing of our bodies with each other
was augmented and amplified by our sharing our love for each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had heard couples speak of their experiences
where they truly became one person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now, I could add my own experience to theirs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had, indeed, become as a single unit last
night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Afterward, we talked for hours,
reaffirming what we had both felt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
don’t know for sure what made the difference, but I know that something had
changed between us, by mutual consent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I snuggled closer to Rick, as the memory of our evening together flooded
my soul.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">It was nearly an hour later when I
awakened, again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time I felt Rick
stirring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His morning wood was poking
me and I knew he was very much aroused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I lifted my head from his chest and caressed his six pack abs, circling
lower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He smiled without opening his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hmmm….that feels good, Babe.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I leaned over and kissed his lips,
gently pushing my tongue between them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I deepened the kiss as I straddled him, taking him inside me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled back and Rick opened his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I met his gaze and smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s my turn to show you how much I love
you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Later, Rick pushed my damp hair back
from my forehead, as he held me in his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were both completely relaxed, enjoying the afterglow of our
lovemaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kissed me and asked,
“How are you feeling this morning?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked at him in surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m feeling really good right now.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I know that, because I’m feeling pretty
good thanks to you; but that isn’t what I meant,” Rick said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You took good care of me last night,
sweetheart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I needed you to love me, to
hold me, and make me feel safe and secure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You did all of that, and more, last night,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“In fact, I’ve never felt as close to you as
I did last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems something
changed for us last night, and I don’t know what it was.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I felt it, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I think I know why it was different.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I gave him a puzzled look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, tell me.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“All of our barriers were down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yours were down, because of what your mother
told you last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve not seen you
so completely defenseless, emotionally, since I first met you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew how vulnerable you were, and I wanted
to protect you; to do whatever I could to keep you safe from harm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You put your complete trust in me, like you
did when Ian dumped you and I held you in my arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt that trust, and I, in turn, trusted
you with my heart.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I nodded my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re right, I did trust you to help
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was pretty upset by what Mom told
me.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“The thing for us, moving forward, is to
maintain the same level of trust between us as we experienced last night,” Rick
said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I agree,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love how I feel about you and me right
now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel like I’m in heaven, being
with you.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick smiled and said, “That’s because it
is heaven on earth when I’m with you, Babe.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked at him and laughed, “That
sounds like a line out of a song or something, but it does describe how I
feel.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “That’s because we’re living
our own happily ever after.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember
how you used to call me your Prince Charming?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I nodded my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I remember.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know when I got away from calling
you my Prince Charming, but I definitely think we’ve broken through some kind
of barrier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe we’ve made it back
into our own fairy tale.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, if we made it back into our own fairy
tale, which one are we living?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “I don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe it’s a combination of fairy tales, or,
even better, it’s a new one about two gays guys living their happily ever
after.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That must be it,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ours is a new one that will inspire gay
guys to follow their dreams, and let them know that it’s possible to find true
love.”</span></div>
</div>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br /></div>
SaskBoyStories by Russ Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12705114426346134527noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7739282925426125332.post-19719928009949810052013-07-13T15:23:00.002-04:002013-07-13T19:51:22.694-04:00The Man From Swift Current Chapter One Hundred Twenty Two - Glenn's New Job<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Chapter One Hundred Twenty Two – Glenn’s
New Job<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick woke before the alarm went
off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was worried about Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew he shouldn’t be worry about him, but
he wanted everything to work out for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He had promised to get Glenn up early, so he could get ready for his
first day at work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stared at the
ceiling thinking about Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew
Glenn was very nervous about this job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Glenn had taken some computer science courses, but his new job required
programming skills he didn’t have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
company had promised to train Glenn, but Rick could tell he was still extremely
nervous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick had called Duane and
Mason yesterday, and got them to agree to pick Glenn up for work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He figured that Glenn would be less nervous,
if the guys went with him on the first day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Duane and Mason had agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
were excited to see him start working in their office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reminded himself that their friends would
make sure Glenn was okay.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick let his thoughts wonder back over
the last several months, reflecting on the changes that had come about in their
relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Living in Europe was like
living in an alternate universe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
had spent the bulk of their time in Spain with their friends, Tyler and
Joey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Madrid, they had been accepted
as a gay couple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They didn’t have to
worry about someone making derogatory remarks or threatening them with bodily
harm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moreover, he and Glenn didn’t
have to worry about being “outed” to the military.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was like a huge burden had been lifted
off of their shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a taste
of the freedom they would enjoy when Rick left the military.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled at the memory of the gay pride
parade they had marched in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick had enjoyed the entire vacation,
but his favorite memories were of their two weeks on the beach with their
friends who joined them from the United States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glenn had formulated a series of
competitions to keep everyone entertained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some of them were pretty mundane things, but the best ones caused Rick
to come to full mast just remembering them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was so horny that it hurt!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He looked to see if Glenn was
awake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing that Glenn still hadn’t
stirred, Rick decided to give him a nice surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He carefully untangled himself from
Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gently pulled back the sheet
from his lover’s sleeping form, revealing Glenn’s naked body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick stood for a moment admiring the
beautiful man before him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since their
first meeting just over three years ago, Glenn had filled out physically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glenn had been a skinny 18 year-old kid,
recently graduated from high school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now, at 21, his shoulders had broadened and his muscles had become well
defined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Under Rick’s guidance, Glenn
had undertaken a training program that had really turned him into a perfect
male specimen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Between weightlifting,
running, swimming, cycling, and playing soccer, Glenn had turned into a gay
guy’s wet dream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick was already horny
from remembering their vacation, but seeing Glenn’s swimmer’s body in all its
glory nearly sent him over the edge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick
caressed Glenn’s legs as he knelt between them, completely swallowing Glenn’s
morning wood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I had been dreaming of having sex with
my boyfriend, and it had felt so good!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I came awake and opened my eyes to find Rick giving me the best blow job
of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I moaned with pleasure and arched
my back, as Rick brought me to the edge, before backing off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked up at me and grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good morning, Babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Please don’t stop,” I begged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gave him my best puppy dog look, stroking
his face with my fingertips.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you like it?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I gazed deeply into his eyes and
smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know I love it when you
wake me up that way.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed, and returned to finish the
job he had started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I came quickly,
filling my guy’s mouth with cum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He swallowed
most of it, but left enough to share with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He kissed me deeply, pushing his tongue between my lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wrapped my arms around his broad shoulders,
pulling him down on top of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He moved
his lips to the base of my neck, marking me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He murmured, “You taste so good this
morning.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I moved my hands down his back to his
bubble butt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could feel his state of
arousal increasing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick gently bit
each of my nipples, then ran his tongue over them until they were hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His tongue on my skin sent shivers down my
spine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I whispered in his ear, “You are the
best lover I’ve ever had.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He pulled back, looking into my
eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “I love you, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Let’s get you showered and dressed for
your first day on the job,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He stood up and took my hand, pulling me
into his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I want you to go to
work, knowing that you’re well loved by your man.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He paused and gave me a serious look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I want to make sure nobody turns your
head.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I wrapped my arms around his neck and
kissed him deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He led me to the shower and turned on
the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After adjusting the
temperature, he pulled me with him under the warm cascade of water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick said, “Now to make sure you know you’re
mine.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kissed me as his hands
roamed my body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I molded my body to
his, as he proceeded to do just that!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">After our shower, we dried each other
off, and Rick dressed me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He picked out
a white shirt and a tie, then, chose a dark blue suit, with my black penny
loafers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stood back and admired his
handy work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He said, “Now to style your hair.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had let my hair grow down to my shoulders,
at Rick’s request.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He led me back into
our en suite, and proceeded to help me get my hair just right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wrapped his arms around my waist, and I
turned my head so that my lips met his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I think you’re presentable now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I grinned and said, “I hope so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve got the best man in the world helping
me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He led me back into our room, where he
positioned me in front of the full-length mirror on the back of our bedroom
door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re a real knock out!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “You’re the one who causes the
guys to start drooling and making fools of themselves, not me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed and said, “That’s true part
of the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest of the time, it’s
you they are trying to steal away from me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I turned around to watch him finish
getting dressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t help
admiring his bubble butt as he bent over to pull on his cargo shorts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He caught me staring at him and
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m all yours, when you get
home from work, Babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I licked my lips and raised my eyes to
his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What if I can’t wait until then?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick pulled on his white muscle shirt,
covering his six-pack abs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He grinned
at me and said, “You’ll have to jerk off in the restroom at work, if you can’t
wait until you get home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just remember,
I want you to take me to bed tonight and fuck me all night long, so you’d better
save some for me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The way he looked at me had my motor
running in high gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick walked over
and massaged my growing bulge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’ll
bring me to orgasm if you keep that up,” I said, kissing him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick gave me one last squeeze, before
releasing me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took my hand in his
and led me out to the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He fixed
breakfast, and we ate in companionable silence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we cleaned up the dishes, he said, “I
want you to call me after you find out your schedule for today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have time, I’ll meet you for lunch.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">There was a knock on our door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked into the foyer and opened it to
find Mason standing there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you
ready?” he asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I’m ready,” I replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gave Rick a kiss goodbye, and headed out
the door with Mason.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mason gave me the once over and said,
“Wow! You sure dressed up.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I want to make a good first
impression,” I replied, smiling at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was dressed in business casual, which was a short sleeve blue dress
shirt, black dress pants and penny loafers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well, you’ll do that and more,” he
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re going to introduce you to
the big boss, Juan Valdez.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s gay,
and in a committed relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
likes to surround himself with good looking guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is that why he hired you and Duane?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mason smirked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes and no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, he hired us because we’re gay, but he
also hired us because we had the job skills he was looking for.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“What job skills were those?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Mainly computer software development
skills,” Mason said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He had already
offered us the jobs, when he found out we were a couple.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We’re you afraid he wouldn’t hire you?”
I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, because we knew he was gay,” Mason
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just wait until you meet him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Is he as obvious about being gay as I
am,” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Worse,” Mason said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He is very flamboyant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s not quite a flamer, but he comes close
sometimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His partner, Richard, is a lawyer
and very straight acting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, when
Juan introduced him to us, we thought he was lying to us about Richard being
gay.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane was waiting in the car and
signaled for them to hurry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
climbed in and buckled their seat belts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Duane said, “It sure took you guys long enough to get down here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mason said, “I’m sorry, Babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m at fault.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got talking and I didn’t push Glenn along
as fast as I should’ve done.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane’s frown turned into a smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know how you two can talk.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I protested, “Don’t blame me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not the one with the gift of gab.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mason raised his hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, I’ll admit to being the one who likes
to talk a lot.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Does Mason talk a lot at work?” I
asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane looked at me in the rearview
mirror.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, he does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s known as the office social
butterfly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He goes from office to
office every morning, saying, ‘hello,’ to everyone.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mason turned around and smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Guilty as charged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I figure that someone has to keep up his
networking skills, and Duane hates talking to people.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Really?” I asked, incredulously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I wouldn’t have thought that in a million
years.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane said, “Mason is right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I’m at work, I work, and I don’t have
time to talk to people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I’m home,
I don’t touch a computer, but I do talk to Mason and a few close friends.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I nodded my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I understand not wanting to be on a
computer after being on one all day long, but not talking to anyone at work I
don’t understand.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane said, “I leave the talking part to
Mason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He takes care of it for both of
us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">A few minutes later, we pulled into the
parking garage of our office building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Duane parked the car and we got out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“The elevator is this way,” Mason said, pointing to elevator bank in the
center of the garage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We rode the elevator to the 31<sup>st</sup>
floor, and got off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They led me into a
corner office that had floor to ceiling windows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Behind the large desk set in the center of
the room sat an Hispanic man, with short black hair, a round face, light brown
eyes, high cheek bones, a hawkish nose and a generous smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stood up, as we entered his office. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was 5’10” (170 cm.) and I estimated he weighed
about 190 lbs. (86 kg.).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wore a
pin-striped navy blue suit with a white shirt and a conservative tie. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He shook my hand and said, “I’m Juan
Valdez.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You must be Glenn.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His hand shake reminded me of a dead
fish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I let go of it as quickly as
possible, and tried not to make a face.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I’m Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s nice to meet you, Juan,” I responded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Please sit down,” Juan said, pointing
to the chairs in front of his desk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
glanced at Duane and Mason, as they moved to sit down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Duane grabbed a chair from the back of the
office and moved it to line up with the other two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as we were seated, Juan said, “I
have been told that you will be working with my team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Duane and Mason both speak highly of you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked at them and smiled, “They are
good friends, Juan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just hope that I
can live up to their expectations.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Juan nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sure you will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Duane and Mason will show you around the
place and introduce you to the rest of the team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your programming class begins at 9 AM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are the reporting instructions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me know if you need anything.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He passed me a folder with the class
schedule, location, and directions to the training center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, “Thank you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We stood up to leave, as it was obvious
that we had been dismissed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walked
out of the office, and Duane said, “Come this way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your desk is next to mine.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">My desk was actually a cubicle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could stand up and look over the barrier
into both Duane’s cubicle and Mason’s cubicle on the other side of
Duane’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They introduced me to the rest
of their team, which had gathered around my new cubicle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Duane said, “This is Lorrie, George, Lisa,
and Kathleen.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They all said, “Hello.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane said, “Have a seat while I call
the computer guys to bring up your new laptop.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">After getting my new company laptop,
Duane said, “Let’s take you to the training center on the 18<sup>th</sup>
floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s a snack bar next to the
elevators, if you get hungry.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mason said, “We’ll stop to pick up you
when you break for lunch to take you down to the security office to get your
badge.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I followed Duane and Mason down the
hallway to the elevators.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inside the
elevator, Duane said, “Lisa and Kathleen are a couple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have been together for nearly 20 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>George is gay, single, and on the
prowl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Watch him, because he’ll try to
get into bed with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lisa is straight
and has a great looking boyfriend.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mason nodded his head in agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Jason is very hot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll meet him when he comes by to pick her
up after work.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We got off on the 18<sup>th</sup> floor
and they left me at my classroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
were several other students already in the classroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took a seat and waited for the instructor
to show up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled out my cell phone
and sent a text message to Rick, “12 noon 4 lunch, floor 18, call Duane 2
escort u 2 snack bar.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I pushed the send button and waited for
his reply, which came a few seconds later, “got it, c u then.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The class seemed to drag on
forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The professor covered a lot of
the same material I’d had in classes at Georgia Tech.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kept looking at the clock, wishing I could
make time speed by, so I could leave for my lunch break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The class syllabus called for the class to
begin basic programming in the afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Maybe things would get better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
sighed, resignedly, and tried to pay attention to what the professor was saying.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The clock finally showed that it was
noon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got up and walked out of the
classroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found Mason waiting for me
by the elevators.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked over to him
and said, “I’ve never been so bored in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did you have to take this class when you
started?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mason nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, we all did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It gets better, I promise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Duane went down to sign Rick in, and will
meet us in the snack bar.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We walked into the snack bar to look
around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spied the Chick-Fil-A
sandwiches and said, “Why are they selling those here?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“The owners of the snack bar are blind,
and Chick-Fil-A donates the sandwiches to them as part of a program for the
blind,” Mason said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I won’t eat
anything from that restaurant because the owners are anti-gay.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m with you on that,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What else is there?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mason replied, “The owners have hired a
Chinese family to help run their business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They make some pretty good Chinese food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s over there on the buffet.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We walked over to see what was
offered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few minutes later, Duane and
Rick appeared in the doorway to the snack bar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I saw them and waved them over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Duane looked at the buffet and said, “The food is good here, but if you
want to go out for lunch, there are a number of good restaurants in the food
court in the basement.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked around and asked, “Where do you
eat your food?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“There are tables in the room through
that doorway,” Duane said, pointing me in that direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I walked over to glance through the
doorway to see about a dozen small tables lined up against the glass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From here, I could see the entire Atlanta
skyline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned around and said,
“Let’s eat in here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We decided on the Chinese buffet, paid
for our food, and grabbed a table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick
asked, “How’s the class going?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It’s boring as hell,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can’t believe I’m being forced to sit
through it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You’re not being forced to do
anything,” Duane said, tersely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You
voluntarily asked to participate in the internship program here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Hey!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Don’t get all defensive on me, Duane,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m just saying the class is boring, that’s
all.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">One of the guys at a neighboring table
turned around and said, “I can confirm that it’s boring.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we turned to look at him, he said, “Hi,
I’m Karleyun Jackson.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He had introduced himself in class, but
I hadn’t been paying much attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
said, “Karleyun, why don’t you join us?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He stood up and I gave him the once
over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was tall with light brown
skin, honey colored eyes, curly black hair cut close to his scalp, a wide nose
with flaring nostrils, a gorgeous smile with blindingly white teeth, and he
boasted a thin, black mustache on his upper lip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked like a basketball player.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled his chair over to our table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t keep my eyes off of this tall,
handsome guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick elbowed me and said,
“Stop it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Karleyun laughed and said, “It’s okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m quite flattered that Glenn finds me
attractive.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I blushed and said, “I’m sorry, I didn’t
mean to stare at you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Karleyun said, “I get those kinds of
looks all the time, but usually it’s the women who are undressing me with their
eyes.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">His comment made me blush even
more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think this is the first time Glenn has
ever been embarrassed about giving a guy the one over.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Karleyun grinned, “I didn’t mean to
embarrass you, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glenn introduced
himself in class, but who are the rest of you guys?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m Duane and this is my husband,
Mason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick is Glenn’s roommate,” Duane
said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Karleyun gave Rick an appraising
look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think you’re more than
roommates.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick hesitated before stating, “You’re
right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glenn is my life partner.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Karleyun said, “I thought so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just so you know I’m gay and single; so, if
you have any single, good looking friends, I’m looking for a new boyfriend.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked at Rick, who nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We know of someone you might be interested
in meeting.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Karleyun asked, “Who might that be?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“His name is Toby Crookston.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s on the football team at Georgia Tech,”
I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Toby came out to us a couple of weeks
ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His friends, Larry and Jeb, are
friends of ours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s still really
nervous about coming out to the football team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Larry and Jeb haven’t come out to their teammates, either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re afraid they will be kicked off of
the team,” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Karleyun looked interested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, when can I meet this guy?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Tonight,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The guys are coming over for dinner at our
house.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane said, “We’ll be there as well.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Karleyun smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This has turned out to be a great day after
all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad I met you guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t sure if I dared come out to my
co-workers here, but knowing you guys work here, too, I can relax a bit.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane said, “Our boss is gay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s in a committed relationship with a hot
shot New York lawyer.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Karleyun laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess I can’t put the moves on him,
then.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That hasn’t stopped him from flirting
with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s even offered to have a
foursome with us,” Mason said, smiling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Karleyun looked incredulous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’ve got to be kidding!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane said, “We aren’t joking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like him as a boss, but we’ve had to let
him know there are certain boundaries he has to honor.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Duane gave Mason a pointed look.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mason looked uncomfortable, but he
didn’t say anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He quickly changed
the subject.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What are you cooking for
dinner tonight, Glenn?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Rick wanted chicken cordon bleu with
fresh asparagus and a green salad,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That sounds good,” Mason said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you want us to bring anything?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You guys can stop by the store and pick
up some dinner rolls,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not
in the mood to do any heavy duty baking.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane said, “But your homemade rolls are
so much better than the store-bought ones.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I smiled and said, “Yes, but they take
quite a bit of time to make.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad
to know you like them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Karleyun looked over at Rick and asked,
“Does he have a brother?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d like to
have a boyfriend like him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed and replied, “Yes, he does,
but he’s married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Randy and his husband
live in Regina, Saskatchewan.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Where is that?” Karleyun asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“In Canada,” I answered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Saskatchewan is a western province, just
north of Montana.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I wondered where you were from,”
Karleyun said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You have a different
accent than most of the folks around here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s too bad that your brother is married already.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s hard to find a good looking guy who can
cook.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Thanks for the compliment,” I
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m the lucky one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found the greatest lover in the world.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick leaned over and kissed me on the
lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s to help you make it
through your class this afternoon.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Karleyun said, “You guys are so
lucky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully, things work out with
this Toby guy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane said, “We need to finish
eating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our lunch break is almost
over.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Karleyun said, “We have to get back to
class, as well.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We finished our lunch and Rick kissed me
one more time, before he left me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I returned
to class with Karleyun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we walked
into class, he asked me, “Are Canadians prejudiced against gays?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Most Canadians are okay with gays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are still those religious bigots who
campaign against gays, but, for the most part, Canadians live and let live,” I
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That doesn’t mean there aren’t
people who hate gays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My father’s
church is extremely anti-gay.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Karleyun said, “I know about that kind
of church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My parents belong to one
like that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I haven’t come out to them
or anyone who knows me back home.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I thought you were from Atlanta,” I
said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, I’m Rogersville, Alabama,” he
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s not a very nice place to
live if you’re gay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I left there as
soon as I could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love basketball, and
I played on our high school team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The coaches
there are extremely homophobic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
threatened to beat up or even kill any homosexual they found out about, especially
if they were on the basketball team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They didn’t want their team to be infected by any ‘faggots’ in the
locker room.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Did you know of anyone who was gay at
your school?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, but I think there were at least two
or three others, who, like me, were deep in the closet,” Karleyun said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The professor entered the room behind
us, and we took our seats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lecture
material was just as boring as it was in the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The professor promised that after today, we
would be doing some hands-on exercises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I groaned inwardly as he outlined the class activities for the rest of
the week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The class finally came to an
end for the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Karleyun approached me in the hallway
outside the classroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Would it be
okay for me to hang out at your place?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t want to go home and turn around an hour later to come back.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Not a problem,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You can help me cook dinner.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He grinned and said, “That would be
great!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Karleyun stood so close to me that I
could feel the heat coming off of his body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“How tall are you?” I asked, looking up at him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Karleyun answered, “I’m 6’5” (196
cm.).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I was just wondering,” I said as we
boarded the elevator for the ride down to the lobby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Duane and Mason were waiting for us near the
guard’s desk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane said, “How did it go this
afternoon?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Same as this morning,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mason said, “It gets better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just hang in there.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">As we walked to the parking garage,
Duane said, “Our secretary, Oretta, thinks you’re pretty cute, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wanted to know if you’re available.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mason grinned and said, “She said you’re
so good looking she could just eat you up.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I don’t remember meeting her,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You didn’t,” Duane said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We intentionally didn’t introduce you to
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was sitting at the desk
outside Juan’s office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s twice our
age and man hungry.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mason said, “We told her you were
already taken, but she said she would be glad to take care of any ‘special’
needs you might have.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I rolled my eyes and said, “That’s all I
need, a woman who wants to bed me at first sight.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Karleyun laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe you should take her up on her
offer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You could tell Rick that you
want to try being with a woman.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mason guffawed, “He’d be steamrollered
by her if he did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s huge!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Karleyun looked puzzled at first by
Mason’s comment then expression cleared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I think I know who she is.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
described her to Duane and Mason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is
that the one?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes,” Duane said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now you know what Mason meant.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Karleyun nodded his head in
agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She’s definitely on the
large side of things.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane said, “That’s being too kind.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mason touched Duane’s arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Be careful what you say, Duane, we aren’t
out of the parking garage, yet.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane’s mouth snapped shut and he
glanced around to see if anyone had been listening to our conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There wasn’t anyone, but he didn’t resume
his commentary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We found his car and we climbed in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Karleyun sat in the back with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His leg was pressed against mine, and he put
his hand on my leg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put my hand over
his and looked him in the eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Karleyun, I like you, and you already know that I’m attracted to you;
but now is not the time or the place.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He grinned and said, “I had to try.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I lifted his hand from my leg and held
it in mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If I ever decide to leave
Rick, I’ll make sure you’re the first to know.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He smiled and said, “That’s all I ask.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mason looked over his should and said,
“I think you’ll find Toby to your liking, as well.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mason pulled out his cell phone and dialed
Toby’s number.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hey, Toby!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Hello,” Toby said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Karleyun is going to hang out at Rick
and Glenn’s house until dinner time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do
you want us to pick you up early?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ll be ready,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mason broke the connection and said,
“We’ll drop you guys off, then we’ll go get Toby.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We chatted about Toby for a while,
giving Karleyun all the information we could think of to help him hit it off
with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They dropped us off and I led
Karleyun upstairs to our condo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
opened the door and said, “Come inside and make yourself at home.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick met us in the foyer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wrapped my arms around my guy and kissed
him deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I missed you today.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick grinned and said, “I wouldn’t have guessed
that in a million years from the way you kissed me just now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I put my arm around his waist and he put
his around my shoulders as we turned to walk into the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick kissed me and said, “I stopped by the
Publix to get the things you needed for dinner tonight.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Thanks, Babe,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I squeezed his bubble butt, before letting
him go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I washed my hands and dried
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned to Rick and Karleyun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, it’s your turn to wash up, so we can
get dinner ready.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They both washed their hands while I got
out the food to be cooked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Karleyun,
will you make the salad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick, I want
you to pound the chicken breast flat.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">While they did as they were instructed,
I retrieved the requisite pans and dishes to prepare and cook our dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In no time, we had dinner on and we retired
to the family room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I curled up on the couch with Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned on the television and we watched
the news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Karleyun sat down across from
us in the recliner and stretched out his long skinny legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where Rick was solidly built, Karleyun was
more thin and angular.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I noticed he had
several tattoos on his arm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“What are the tattoos do you have on
your arm?” I asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick turned down
the volume on the television, so we could hear his answer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Karleyun pointed to each tattoo and
explained what they were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This one
here is my sister’s name, Sarah, wrapped around my wrist and leads to this
airplane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The airplane represents my
Grandpa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a pilot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He died a couple of years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He used to take me flying. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This rose represents my Grandma.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has a huge rose garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has always been there for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t have one for my parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They haven’t been exactly on the top of my
list for some time now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Dad is a
plumber and my mom is a receptionist for a dentist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are so religious and insist that we
have to be just as devout as they are.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Why did you get the tattoos?” I
asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve never understood why
people do that kind of thing to their bodies.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Karleyun said, “I wanted to appear to be
tough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the guys in my school have
tattoos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s like a rite of
passage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guys, who don’t have
tattoos, get beat up for being fags.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
remember one guys ended up in the hospital for a couple of months after the
football team ganged up on him one night after a game.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked at Rick and said, “I’m glad I
didn’t grow up in Rogersville.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
bad enough living on the farm in Aneroid.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “It was kind of like that at
my high school as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not everyone
had a tattoo, but we didn’t tolerate sissy-like behavior.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Karleyun looked at Rick and asked,
“Where are you from?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m from Selma, North Carolina,” Rick
answered, grimacing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“What’s wrong with Selma?” Karleyun
asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Everything,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My parents disowned me when they found out
I was in love with a guy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“They even tried to kill us,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Karleyun stared at us in disbelief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re joking, right?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, Glenn isn’t making it up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Dad, my uncle, and my cousin broke into
our apartment and completely destroyed it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They wrote all kinds of nasty things on the walls,” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Karleyun shook his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought things were getting better in
this country, but it seems things are the same as they always have been.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">There was a knock on the door and I got
up to answer it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I opened the door to find Duane, Mason and
Toby standing in the hallway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Please
come inside.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I stood aside to let them in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Toby passed me, he said, “Thanks for
inviting me to eat with you guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Not a problem,” I said, smiling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Toby was the same height as Rick, but he
was bulkier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think a lot of it had to
do with the fact that he was on the football team, and had to maintain a
certain weight to keep his position on the team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had dark brown skin and jet black
eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had shaved his head bald and
kept it high polished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had heavy
eyebrows and a nice smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wore
tight jeans and his football jersey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
could see that he had gone commando from the visible outline of his semi-erect
dick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He noted my glance at his crotch and
grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hope to get some action
tonight.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I nodded my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m pretty sure you will, Toby.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He said, “That’s what Duane and Mason
told me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would you mind letting me stay
here tonight?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t dare go back to
the dorm with this guy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “You’re more than welcome to
stay in our guest bedroom, as long as you don’t soil the sheets.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, if do soil the sheets, I’ll take the
responsibility for cleaning them.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
leaned closer to me and whispered, “I cleaned up really well, so there
shouldn’t be any problem in that department.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would suggest that you two shower together
as part of your foreplay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way, you
both can make sure you’re clean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
will make it that much more romantic for both of you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He smiled at me and said, “Thanks for
the suggestion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like that idea.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He moved past me and entered the family
room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Karleyun stood up and stretched
out his hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hi!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m Karleyun Jackson.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Toby shook his hand and replied, “I’m
Toby Crookston.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They held hands for a several seconds
longer than necessary as their eyes met and they seemed to take the measure of
each other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Karleyun grinned and said, “I like what
I see.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Same here,” Toby responded, returning
Karleyun’s grin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I noted how Toby’s dick was even more
visible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reached down and adjusted
his package.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Karleyun’s gaze lowered to
watch as Toby moved his dick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Toby
turned to me and asked, “May we use your shower?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dinner won’t be ready for a while, and we’ll
hold it until you’re done.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Toby looked at Karleyun, “Would you care
to join me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Karleyun said, “Certainly.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The two guys left the room
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We heard the bathroom door
close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think we did it,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, I think they are doing it,” Duane
said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">It wasn’t long before we heard someone
moaning loudly over the sound of the shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I glanced over at Rick and asked, “Do you want to guess who is doing
who?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick shook his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know, but we’ll find out soon
enough.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The timer went off, letting us know that
dinner was ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I left the guys in
the family room and made my way to the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled the chicken out of the oven and put
it in the warmer oven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I figured the guys
would be a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finished setting
the table, and returned to family room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Babe, we need to check on
our classes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Duane and Mason were just
looking at their schedules.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “I checked our schedule last
night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m carrying 18 credit hours
this semester.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane said, “That’s a heavy load to be
carrying, while you’re working.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
should know.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mason said, “We’ll help you if we
can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Juan is pretty understanding about
things, and will work around your class schedule.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That’s good to know, because most of my
classes are in the morning,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane said, “We are finished with our
classes by 11 AM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You could car pool
with us to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way, Rick won’t
have to shuttle you back and forth, unless, of course, you want him to.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I want to take him to
work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will be a chance for us to spend
some time together during the day.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mason laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What Rick means is that he wants to make
sure he can fuck Glenn during lunch if he wants to do so.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick grinned and put his arm around my
shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, that is one advantage
of taking you to work.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He leaned over
and kissed me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve got to make sure
my guy is well taken care of.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We heard the bathroom door open and the
excited voices of Karleyun and Toby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They came into the family room holding hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both wore huge smiles on their faces.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Toby said, “Thank you for introducing
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Karleyun is great.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, Toby is the one who is wonderful,”
Karleyun said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You mean you both enjoyed having sex
with each other, and that you think things will work our great because of
that,” Duane said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They nodded their heads in unison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Toby said, “You got it!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Karleyun, “I’ve already told Toby that
it’s okay for us to spend the night here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I hope that hasn’t changed.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
looked over at me and Rick.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “It’s okay by me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He looked at me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m good with it,” I replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Since we’re all here, let’ eat.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We sat down around the kitchen table and
Rick said, “I’ll say grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he was
done, we served ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took a
bite of chicken cordon bleu.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He chewed
slowly, savoring the flavor of the cheese, ham and chicken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled and said, “Perfect.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “You did a great job, Babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Karleyun said, “Yes, you did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s very good.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Toby looked across the table at Rick and
asked, “Did you really make this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
mean, it’s really good.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, proudly, “Yes, I really
did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glenn supervised the whole
operation, so you could say we made it together.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane asked, “Karleyun and Toby do you
normally just jump in the shower with a guy you’ve just met?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Toby shook his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I haven’t really had sex with anyone until
today.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Karleyun said, “I wouldn’t normally, but
when I shook Toby’s hand there was a special connection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was like electricity had run up my arm
and straight down to my dick.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Toby said, “It was the same for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glenn, you saw how horny I was when I
arrived.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I did, but I was still surprised
that you guys had hardly exchanged pleasantries when you ran off to the shower
together,” I said, laughing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well, we did kind of jump the gun a
bit; however, I think things will work out for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know we both love having sex with each
other, and we have similar backgrounds,” Toby said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Karleyun said, “I know what you guys are
thinking.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick raised his eyebrows in
surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How do you know what we’re
thinking?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You think all we wanted was to have a
good fuck,” he replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick grinned and asked, “Well?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Toby answered, “It’s true that is all I
wanted, and I know that’s all Karleyun wanted.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Karleyun said, “Yes, it is all that we
wanted, but I think it’s not a bad way to start a relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides, you guys had already told me a lot
about Toby, so when I met him, I wasn’t totally unaware of his personality
traits.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Karleyun has asked me to move in with
him,” Toby said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“How is that going to work?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We’re going to look for an apartment
together,” Toby said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll have to
break my contract for my dorm room, but wouldn’t be able to have Karleyun sleep
with me there anyway.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Karleyun said, “We will have to wait
until I get my first pay check.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t
have enough money for a deposit on an apartment right now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked at Duane and asked, “How long
will it be before we see a pay check?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane said, “It takes about a week after
the end of the pay period for the money to show up in your bank account.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">When we finished eating, the guys helped
clean the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We moved back into
the family room to watch a DVD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Toby
and Karleyun cuddled on the loveseat, while I snuggled up with Rick in his
recliner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was cozy, but we were
comfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Duane and Mason took the
couch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think any of us really
watched the movie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched the other
two couples making out on the couch and loveseat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I caressed Rick’s inner thigh, occasionally
running my hand up to his crotch, where I felt him growing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick whispered in my ear, “I still want you
to fuck me all night long.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I turned my head and kissed his
lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think you’re the one who needs
the relief by the feel of things.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
gently squeezed his package.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I do, but I still want you to make me yours
tonight.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">About half way through the movie, Duane
stood up and pulled Mason to his feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“We need to be going,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Thank you for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t get
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll see ourselves out.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mason said, “I’ll see you at the same
time tomorrow.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Thanks, Mason,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">After they left, Rick said, “I’m turning
off the movie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does anyone object?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Toby shook his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you have some condoms?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We used the ones we brought with us in the
shower.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, we have condoms and lube.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You’ll find them in the night stand
next to the bed in the guest bedroom,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“If you run out, there are more in the bathroom medicine cabinet.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Thanks, guys, for letting us crash here
tonight,” Toby said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “You’re welcome.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned off the television and took my
hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s go to bed, lover boy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He led me from the room and into our
bedroom, closing the door behind us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
pinned me to the back of the door, capturing my lips in deep kiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our passion for each other grew until we could
no longer control it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We helped each
other out of our clothes and Rick pushed me down on the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked up into his eyes and said, “I want
you in me, now,” my voice urgent with my need for him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Later that night, we lay exhausted in
each other’s arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick nuzzled my hair
and stroked my cheek with his fingertips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Babe, thank you for everything you done for me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put his hand under my chin and raised it
up until my eyes met his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You are the
best thing that has ever happened to me in this world.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We rubbed noses and I kissed him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Have I fulfilled your every desire?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, you have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted you to be the top tonight, and
you’ve done that for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve really
gone the extra mile to make me feel loved, tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been feeling really uncertain about
where I stand with you, lately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank
you for reassuring me that you still love me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I took his face in my hands and gazed
deeply into his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Richard James
Lernier, when will you ever learn that I love you and only you?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I searched his eyes and continued, “I’m
sorry if I’ve given you the impression that there is someone else, because
there never has been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even when I was
spending so much time with Perry, it wasn’t because I was in love with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He may have thought that, but you have
always been my heart and soul, and will forever be my sweetheart.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick’s eyes sparkled in the dim light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tried to look away from me, but I said,
“I love you, Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope you
understand that.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I do, but sometimes I need to be reminded.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I smiled and said, “Are you worried that
I’ll find someone at my new job?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick looked into my eyes and slowly
nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“From what Duane and
Mason have said, there are several really cute guys working there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we met Karleyun today, my worst fears
were realized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He obviously was
interested in you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately, Toby has
taken your place, but I’m still worried that he may keep trying to get you into
his bed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I smiled and said, “I’m sure Karleyun
will keep trying, just because I’m a challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kept looking over at me all evening,
despite being with Toby.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick frowned and said, “I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw that, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m worried Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that you love me, I also know that
you love to flirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m afraid one of
these days, a guy isn’t going to back off, and you’ll end up getting hurt.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I ran my fingertips along his
jawline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As he started to speak again,
I put a finger to his lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let me say
something before you go on, Babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes,
I do flirt too much, and I know it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, you have had me on a physical fitness regime for the past three
years that has had quite an impact on me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m not the skinny, wimpy kid I was when we met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m quite a bit stronger than I was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Granted, I’m not as strong as you are, but I
can hold my own.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick started to speak, and I put my
finger to his lips, again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wait, I’m
not done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have also taught me how
to defend myself against an attacker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Remember the self-defense lessons we took?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I remember them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also remember how uncoordinated you were.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I was uncoordinated at that time,
but since then you’ve been working with me and you have to admit I’m much
better than I was,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I even
beat you at racquetball 50 percent of the time, now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed, “No way is it 50 percent
of the time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Okay, 40 percent of the time then,” I
said, grinning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He kissed me and said, “I’ll give you
that much.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“The bottom line is you don’t need to
worry about me being able to defend myself,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He started to protest, but I put my hand up
to stop him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I still need you,
Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s just that I’m not the basket
case I was when we first met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that
time, I was in a seriously bad way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now, I have a boyfriend who loves me and is there for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m never been more confident in myself and
in you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick smiled and said, “It sure showed
tonight when you fucked me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have
always been kind of tentative when you make love to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tonight you took charge and let me know, in
no uncertain terms, that you were having your way with me; and that you were
giving me exactly what I asked for.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “I’ve got the best teacher in
the entire world.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I am the best lover in the entire
world.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">With that comment, I kissed him deeply
and started caressing his body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we
came up for air, I asked, “Are you ready for another round?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick simply nodded his head, his eyes
reflecting his love for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t
long before the flames of our passion engulfed us and our hearts were melded
into one!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">A week later, Rick sat at the kitchen
table, looking at his text books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
was having a hard time concentrating on his studies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had seen Perry talking to Glenn, and it
had upset him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew that he shouldn’t
be worried about it, because he knew that Glenn had already told Perry to get
lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He couldn’t keep his mind
focused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, he called Glenn at
work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Glenn, can you talk for a minute?” Rick
asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I replied, “Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s up, Babe?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I saw you talking to Perry today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What did he want?” Rick asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“He wanted to know what classes I had
this semester.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told him what they
were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wanted to get together to
catch up on what we did over the summer, but I told him I didn’t think that was
good idea,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick relaxed and said, “I’m sorry for
calling you about Perry.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “It’s okay, sweetheart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I understand that you were concerned, and
it’s okay to ask questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know if I
were in your shoes, I’d be asking questions if I saw you with the guy who had
tried to take you from me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick sighed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve got to learn to trust you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sorry I’m having such a hard time with
that concept.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Rick, it’s really okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you need me to come home now?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It sounds like you need me there, right
now,” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick hesitated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t want to seem controlling and
manipulative, but it was very tempting to ask Glenn to come home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said, “No, I’ll be okay.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I sensed that he didn’t want to show his
weakness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It pleased me that he really
did want me to come home, but that he didn’t want to force me to come running
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, “Tell you what.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll talk to Juan about working from home
this afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have offered me
the option to take my laptop home, as long as I have an office where I can do
my work.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glenn knew exactly how to make him feel
better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said, “That sounds
great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I promise not to bother you
while you’re working.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You are a distraction to me no matter
whether you’re in another room or sitting next to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some reason, I can’t get you out of my
head.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I’ll see you in a little bit
then.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Okay, I’ll call you when I leave here,”
I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Duane and Mason want to work
from home as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope Juan will let
all three of us work from home.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I ended the call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked over to Duane’s desk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked up and smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I overheard you talking to Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It sounds like you have a jealous
boyfriend.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I do,” I said, sighing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He tries to control his jealousy, but
sometimes, he just can’t help himself.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Duane said, “Let’s go talk to Juan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mason and I want to work from home, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Juan was very understanding and agreed
that we could work from home as long as we came into the office every Wednesday
for our staff meeting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We left his
office to gather our gear, and we headed home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They dropped me off and I went upstairs
to our condo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I opened the door and
dropped my stuff on the floor in the foyer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I walked into the kitchen to find Rick deep into his studies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I came up behind him and wrapped my arms
around his chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kissed the back of
his neck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned his head and met my
lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hey, Babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Hey yourself,” I replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Thank you for coming home,” Rick
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I really did need you to be
here, but I didn’t want to cause you any trouble.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I ruffled his hair and said, “You’re
just fine, Mr. Lernier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m here to
take care of you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I leaned over and
kissed him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m going to set up in the
guest bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll be in there until
my shift is over.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Okay, Babe,” he said, smiling up at me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I left him and gathered up my stuff from
near the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t long before I
was set up and back on the job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did
have to shake my head at the little things that make such a difference in our
relationship, like coming home early to comfort my guy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I had finished up for the day and had
put away my work laptop, when Rick came up behind me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put his hands on my shoulders and began
massaging them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I leaned back into his hands
and said, “Aaah….that feels good.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
moved his hands to the back of my neck, rubbing the tension out of my muscles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He reached down and took my hand,
pulling me up and into his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
love you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kissed me deeply, leaving
me no doubt that he loved me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank
you for putting up with my fit of jealousy, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know I shouldn’t feel this way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have proven to me time and again that
you love me and only me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I cupped his cheek with my hand and
said, “Babe, you know that many of your insecurities about our relationship
would be solved by a very simple solution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s called a marriage certificate, one that has both of our names on
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may not seem like it’s very
important, but it does give an added layer of certainty to our relationship
that could go a long ways toward helping us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I know, but I can’t marry
you right now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m aware of that,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m just letting you know that there are
things that will help reduce your anxiety about our relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve already told you that I will never
cheat on you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the time comes that
I’ve decided that I don’t want to be with you, I’ll tell you straight out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know that I’m not someone who will beat
around the bush.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know I can’t hide
my feelings from you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I doubt that I
would be able to hide the fact that I was leaving you for someone else.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick covered my hand with his then
brought to his lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gave it a
gentle kiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re right, as
always.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should be able to let things
go and stop worrying.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I wrapped my arms around his waist and
laid my head on his shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just
hold me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He put his arms around me and held me
tight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stood like that for some time
before he pulled back and looked me in the eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I promise to stop being such a jealous
boyfriend.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I grinned, “No you won’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know you to well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s agree that you will stop worrying
about other guys trying to steal me away from you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Worrying about things you can’t prevent
doesn’t help you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not good for
your health or for mine.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick rubbed noses with me and said,
“Okay, I promise to stop worrying about other guys taking you from me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I think we should go to the gym and
play some racquetball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to move
around after sitting at a computer for most of the afternoon,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
quickly changed into our gym clothes and drove over to the gym.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I won four out of six games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick complained, “How did you manage to beat
me so many times?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You’re distracted,” I said,
grinning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had intentionally worn my
gym shorts over my spandex exercise shorts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I pulled off the gym shorts before entering the racquetball court.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had gone commando, so, as a result, the
exercise shorts didn’t leave much to the imagination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During our second game, I had shed my
t-shirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick’s eyes had been glued to
my body from that moment on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was
the last game Rick won.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My plan had
worked!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick gave me a puzzled look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do you mean I’m distracted?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I walked over to him and said, “You’ve
been too busy watching me and not paying attention to the ball.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick
gave me a disbelieving look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of
course, I’ve been watching you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s
part of the game, watching your opponent.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I wrapped my arms around his waist,
molding my body to his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could feel
that his cock was already at full mast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I kissed him and said, “What are you thinking at this moment?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick blushed, but managed to answer my
question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m so horny right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been thinking of fucking you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“How long have you been thinking about
doing that?” I asked, kissing the base of his neck.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick was silent for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess since you took your shirt off.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now do you see how I won?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Comprehension crossed his face and he
growled, “That’s not fair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You cheated.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, I won fair and square.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used strategy to win the game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I distracted you with the only thing I knew
would get you off your game,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick shook his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Am I that easily distracted?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes you are when it comes to me,” I
said, smiling up at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well, in that case, I think we need to
go home because you’ve got me so amped up, I need some relief,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I squeezed his package.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you sure you can make it home?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed, “Not if you keep that up.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I pulled on my shirt and gym shorts, and
we headed home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as we were inside
the door of our condo, Rick pinned me to the door and kissed me deeply.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I hope you’re ready for some rough
sex,” he said, in a husky voice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I could feel he was more than
ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded my head and he picked
me up, carrying me into our bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love it when he shows off his strength!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He set me on my feet and we both stripped
off our clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kissed me while
pushing me down onto the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was as
good as his word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our lovemaking was as
rough and animalistic as it gets, leaving me with no doubts that I belonged to
him!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Author’s Note:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Music for this chapter <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Steve Grand – All American Boy - </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjiyjYCwNyY"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjiyjYCwNyY</span></span></a></div>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span> </span><br />
<br /></div>
SaskBoyStories by Russ Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12705114426346134527noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7739282925426125332.post-62611595292003785772013-07-06T23:54:00.003-04:002014-05-16T08:10:24.531-04:00The Man From Swift Current Chapter One Hundred Twenty One - Málaga<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chapter One Hundred Twenty One - Málaga<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When we awoke the next morning, Tyler
and Joey were sitting on the foot of our bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were dressed in board shorts and I could see the waistbands of
their Andrew Christian underwear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
were shirtless this morning, showing off their nicely tanned chests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a beautiful sight to wake up to!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grinned at them and said, “You guys are
sure looking good this morning!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tyler laughed and said, “I’m glad you
approve of how we look this morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
always makes me feel good, knowing I can get your motor running, Glenn.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pointed to my morning wood.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I licked my lips and said, “It’s too bad
you guys are married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sure could have
fun with you guys right now.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joey smiled and said, “Even if we
weren’t married, Rick wouldn’t let you mess around with us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hearing that, Rick opened his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He yawned widely and stretched luxuriously,
his muscles flexing as he did so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ran
my hand lightly over his six-pack abs and leaned over to kiss him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good morning, Babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He grinned and sat up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gave me his hand to help me sit up, and
looked over at Tyler and Joey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re
right Joey; I wouldn’t let Glenn mess with you guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I agree with Glenn, you guys are
looking great this morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You seem to
have a glow about you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tyler nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s because I have the greatest husband
in the entire world.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reached across
the bed and took Joey’s hand in his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was easy to see they were very much in love with each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler looked at us and said, “We wanted to
talk to you guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick raised his eyebrows and asked, “What’s
on your mind?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tyler looked at Joey, before answering
Rick’s question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ve been thinking
about starting a vacation travel business, and we wanted to know what you
thought about it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I said, “Have you looked at what the
demand is for such a business venture?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, we have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think, if we created a company that
specializes in gay travel adventures, that we would have a good chance at
success,” Joey said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Also, we have considered hiring Peter
and Morten to work for us, in exchange for paying for their college education,”
Tyler said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We think they would be great partners
in a travel business, because they have done so much touring on their
bikes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They know their way around the
countries they have visited, and, before they’re done travelling for the
summer, they will have visited six more European countries,” Joey said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Have you spoken to them about it?” I
asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“No, we haven’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wanted to get your thoughts on the
subject, then, we wanted to talk to Grandpa Scarborough,” Joey responded.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “From what you’ve said, I
assume that you would concentrate your efforts on European destinations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is that correct?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, that is what we were thinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later, we would expand our business to cover
the entire world,” Tyler said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I said, “I think it’s worth
investigating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before committing any
money to the venture, I’d want to know more about the market for such a
business, and we need to gather data regarding it’s potential for profitability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There have been a lot of changes to the
travel industry that limit how much money a travel agent can make.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, with all of the discount travel web
sites, I’m not sure you would be able to turn a profit at all.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We’ve done some research that we can
show you after breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we
can make a go of it, along with several other business ventures we have in
mind,” Tyler said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joey said, “We talked to Greg and Cory
about our ideas just a few minutes ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Greg wanted us to talk to you guys to get your thoughts.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our bedroom door opened, and Greg and
Cory walked in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were still in
their bikini swimsuits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg smiled and
asked, “May we join you?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick moved closer to the edge of the
bed, pulling me with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hop in.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I rolled over so Rick was spooning up
against me, making plenty of room for Greg and Cory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cory climbed in first, facing me, with Greg
spooning him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cory smiled and said,
“Good morning, Glenn.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I gave him a kiss on the lips and said,
“Good morning, Cory.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During our month together
in Madrid, we had become very close friends with Greg and Cory, as well as
Tyler and Joey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our love for each other
had solidified to a point where we felt very comfortable around each other and
trusted each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It warms my heart
to know that I have such good friends who love me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick reached over and ruffled Cory’s
hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good morning, Cory.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg had placed his arm around Cory’s waist,
while he propped himself up on the other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick had wrapped his arm around my waist, as he pulled me close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, he reached over and took Greg’s hand in
his, and gave it a gentle squeeze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg met Rick’s gaze and smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said, “I’m glad we’ve been able to spend
the last month together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has meant a
lot to me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“It has for me, too,” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg glanced over at Joey and
Tyler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Have you talked to them about
your ideas yet?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tyler nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, we did, just before you guys showed
up.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg looked back at us and asked, “So,
what do you think?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I think we need to do some more
investigation into the market for a travel company,” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I agree that we need more information to
make a sound investment decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, I thought they could start by setting it up as an internet
business only.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way they wouldn’t
have the costs of a brick and mortar establishment.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory added, “If their target audience
will be gays, then the internet is the best place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most gay guys I know are pretty
technologically savvy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joey said, “Well, maybe the younger
generation is pretty connected, but what about those who aren’t as skilled at
using the internet?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I said, “Well, I think you’ll still
reach them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mother is pretty old
fashioned, and doesn’t use a computer at all, but she does use her cell phone a
lot.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “Even Sr. Nájera uses the
internet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve seen him on his cell
phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has a laptop as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He uses his web cam quite a bit with his
grandchildren.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I think it could be a start,
but it won’t make enough money to sustain the two of you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joey looked at Rick in surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why do you say that?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Because I researched travel options for
all of the guys, and found quite a few web sites catering to gays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of them promised gay-friendly tours, and
listed gay-friendly hotels, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most
of them also listed countries not to visit, because of their anti-gay laws,”
Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joey said, “We were trying to think of
what kinds of business ventures we could set up that would provide Peter and
Morten an opportunity to work with us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As if by magic, the two guys in question
appeared in our doorway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peter said, “I
wish that we lived here with you guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Seeing how comfortable you are with each other and the love that you share
really shows me what we’re missing.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “We were just talking about
you two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come in and sit down.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They walked in and pulled the two armchairs
next to the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as they were
seated, Tyler continued, “We want you guys to work with us in a new business we’re
thinking of setting up.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Morten’s eyes grew wide with
surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you serious?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, we are,” Joey said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We want you to go to school here, and work
with us in our new business when you’re not studying.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peter said, in amazement, “I can’t
believe you’re offering to go into business with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You barely met us a couple of days ago.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We know,” Tyler said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But we’re willing to take a chance on
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From what we’ve seen, you’re both
hard workers and are willing to do what it takes to get the job done.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They looked at each other and then back
to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We don’t have work visas to
stay in Spain,” Peter said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“That can be fixed,” Tyler said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You can apply for the appropriate visas
today.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Morten said, “But we don’t have any
money to go to school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My parents
disowned me, and I very much doubt that Peter’s parents will pay for his
schooling, let alone mine.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peter said, “That’s true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My parents won’t be exactly willing to pay
for anything, since I went against their wishes and married Morten.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tyler looked over at us and said,
“Thanks to the Scarborough family, we have scholarships that will pay for our
college education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since that will free
up the money we would’ve spent for college, we can offer to help you with your
college expenses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we get this
business off the ground, you’ll be able to earn enough money to pay for an
apartment near the school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the
meantime, you can stay with us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joey said, “We still have to talk things
over with Mr. Scarborough and Sr.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nájera,
before we can finalize anything.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peter said, “We appreciate the generous
offer, but we need to talk it over between ourselves first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We haven’t really decided if we’ll go to
college, or if we’ll just find jobs and work for a while.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joey said, “That’s okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would’ve been worried if you jumped in
without thinking things through.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “We expected you to need
some time to discuss things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We haven’t
worked out all of the details ourselves, either.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">At that moment, Rachel came running into
our room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She climbed up on her Daddy’s
lap and said, “Daddy, Sarah needs out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She says she’s hungry.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joey kissed Rachel’s cheek and said,
“Okay, Rachel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s go get Sarah out
of her bed.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey stood up with Rachel
in his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “We’ll talk more,
later.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He followed Joey out of the
room.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peter looked at us and said, “What would
you guys do, if you were in our shoes?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “I would do what you feel is
best for your situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think Joey
and Tyler mean well, but it may not be the best thing for you guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I don’t want to influence
you either way, but they are offering you a pretty sweet deal.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Morten said, “That’s just it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems almost too good to be true. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never heard of anyone helping out total
strangers.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put up his hand to
forestall any protest on our part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Think about it guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve
only known us a few days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do you
know we won’t run off with the money, or that we won’t ruin your friends’
business venture?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We don’t,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“However, we think we know you well enough
to take a chance on you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve shown
that you’re willing to put everything on the line for each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To me, that says a lot about your
character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve been loyal to each
other, and you’ve seen each other through some pretty rough times, since you
left Norway.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“How do you know that we weren’t telling
you stories to get your sympathy?” Peter said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You weren’t, and you know it,” Cory
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If that had been the case, you
wouldn’t have accepted the invitation to stay here, because we would have found
out fairly quickly that you weren’t telling us the truth.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Morten said, “We’re still not sure about
committing to go to school here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know
that I haven’t made up my mind what I want to do with my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve only thought as far as getting married
to Peter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that, I kind of didn’t
think past that.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peter said, “I guess you could say that
we’re typical teenagers in that sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We live pretty much in the present.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“But that’s not totally true, Peter,”
Greg said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You have had to plan your
route for your bike trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve had to
figure out where to stay and how you were going to feed yourselves.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Morten said, “That’s true, but if our
parents knew how close to starving we’ve come a few times, they would’ve gone
ballistic.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peter turned to Morten and said, “You
mean if they hadn’t disowned you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Turning back to us, he continued, “We’ve had a couple of lucky breaks
along the way, like meeting up with you guys at that dance club.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Staying here with you guys has been a
vacation for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We haven’t had such
deluxe accommodations anywhere on our trip thus far, or made such good friends.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Morten said, “We love the warm weather
here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are very excited about going
to the beach.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Both of them already sported dark tans
from their journey south from Norway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Of course, being bikers, they were in top physical shape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In many ways, they reminded me of our friends
from Minnesota, Zach and Adam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
were tall, well-built, with blond hair and striking blue eyes. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joey poked his head through the bedroom
door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s meet in the kitchen, so we
can make our plans for the rest of the day.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “Okay, Joey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll be down after we get showered.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stood up and turned to help Cory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked at us and said, “Let’s shower
together.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I nodded my head and said, “Peter and
Morten, you’re welcome to join us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg grinned and added, “There’s plenty
of room in the showers here.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peter grinned and said, “Okay.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We got up and followed Greg and Cory
into our en suite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m glad Tyler
bought a house with large showers in each room,” Peter said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think the people who built this house
must have been gay!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg and Rick turned on the showers and
adjusted the temperature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Standing in
the shower with five very hot gay men had my motor running!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick pulled me into his arms and kissed me
deeply, while his hands roamed my body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He released me and said, “I think we should have a competition to see
who can shoot the farthest.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peter’s eyes went wide as he realized
what kind of competition it was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
smiled broadly and said, “I’ve never been in a competition like that.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg laughed and said, “You haven’t
lived with gay guys before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our first
day in Minneapolis, our roommates pulled us into a shower with them, like we
are here, and we had a major jerk off session and competition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zach won that contest.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I believe it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve beat Zach a couple of times, but he
sure can shoot!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We lined up and the competition
began!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it was all over, Peter
exclaimed, “Wow! That was fantastic!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory said, “It sure was, especially
since you won the shooting contest.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Morten gave his husband a lecherous grin
and said, “Now you know why I married Peter.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He pulled Peter into his arms and kissed him deeply.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After that, each couple stood under a
shower head, helping to wash their partner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was one of the most memorable showers I’ve ever had!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While Rick and I dried each other off, the
rest of the guys wrapped towels around their waists and returned to their rooms
to get dressed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I must be turning completely
gay, because I really liked showering with the guys.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled me into his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“In fact, I’m so horny right now that I need
some relief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kissed me deeply, as he
maneuvered me over to the bed and pushed me down on the mattress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we came up for air, I could see the lust
in his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A thrill of anticipation
ran down my spine, as I put my hands behind his head and pulled him
closer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I whispered, “Come on, tiger, make me
yours.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick did exactly that!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Later, we joined the rest of the guys in
the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we sat down at the
table, Greg said, with a smirk on his face, “Well, it’s about time you love
birds showed up.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory said, “Yeah, we could hear you guys
nearly a block away.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I protested, “We weren’t that noisy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peter grinned and said, “No, you
weren’t; however, everyone knew what was going on behind your closed bedroom door.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed and said, “Of course you
all knew what was happening; because you had just left our shower, and you
could see how aroused we were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg acknowledged the accuracy Rick’s
statement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s true, but we had to
give you guys a hard time about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
glad that you are still madly in love with Glenn.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joey observed, “They still have that
special glow about them.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We were holding hands and were sitting
so close together that our legs were touching under the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It comes from having sex with the one you
love the most in the entire world,” I said, leaning over to kiss Rick on the
lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tyler smiled and said, “I want to thank
each of you for showing us how wonderful it is to be in love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s been great to see you guys
demonstrating how to treat your husband or partner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s more, each couple has a different
dynamic going on between them, but, yet, there are many similarities in that
there is a deep and abiding love that binds you together.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joey added, “It’s done us good to be
around you guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You guys have been an
inspiration to both of us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peter said, “We haven’t spent as much
time around you guys as Tyler and Joey, but we agree with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As newlyweds, we are still exploring our
relationship with each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meeting
you guys has opened my eyes to the fact that there are many more guys like us
who are married and have successful relationships.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Morten said, “We know Glenn and Rick
aren’t married yet, but that will come in time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s obvious that you love each other very
much.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “I hate to interrupt this
love fest, but, guys, we need to talk about taking this party to the
beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to help Mom and Dad get
their place set up as well as arranging things in our own place.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Where are your parents?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“They are upstairs getting things
together for our trip to Málaga,” Tyler said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“When are we leaving?” Rick asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“As soon as you guys are ready,” Tyler
replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“While you guys eat your
breakfast, the rest of us will go up and pack our stuff.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick and I ate a quick breakfast and
soon followed them upstairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went into our bedroom and threw our stuff
into our luggage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hauled our stuff
down to the front door, where we met the rest of the crew.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “It looks like we’re ready
to go.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joey called out, “Rachel, where are
you?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rachel came running out of the front
room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m right here, Daddy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joey knelt down and scooped her into his
arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you for coming when you
were called.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He carried her out to the car and placed
her in her car seat, buckling her in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He leaned over and kissed the top of her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you, baby.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rachel reached up and said, “Hugs.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He hugged her and said, “You’re all
ready to go.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He turned to see Hank coming out of the door
with Sarah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He carried her over to Joey
and said, “Here is Sarah and her diaper bag.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joey took her from Hank and said, “Thank
you for helping us get ready.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hank smiled and said, “You’re welcome,
son.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joey walked around to the other side of
their car and placed Sarah in her car seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There you go, little one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re ready to go.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He buckled her in and handed her a teddy
bear to cuddle with on the ride to Málaga.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Meanwhile, Tyler had finished loading
their luggage in the trunk of the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He came up behind Joey and wrapped his arms around his waist, kissing
the back of his neck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put his mouth
next to his ear and said, “I love you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joey turned his head to give his husband
a quick kiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They climbed into their car and waited
for the rest of us to finish loading our gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Before long, we were on our way out of the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of us chipped in money to rent another
car to transport us to Málaga.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick was
the designated driver, and I became, by default, his navigator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg and Cory rode with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey and Tyler drove their car with the
girls in the back seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peter and
Morton rode with Sr. and Sra. Nájera, while Hank and Louise drove their own car,
loaded with their belongings for their new house. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had sorted their things into those that
were for the summer house and those that would stay in Madrid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had purchased an apartment in the
building Joey and Tyler had decided to invest in along with Sr. Nájera.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their apartment wouldn’t be ready for them
to move in until the end of the summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As we drove, we put the finishing touches to our plans for entertaining
the guys when they arrived in Málaga.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We shared our plans with the adults to make sure we would not cause any
trouble, and to solicit their assistance as our competition judges.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I sat on the beach and counted off the
guys, to make sure everyone was accounted for – Rick, Peter, Morten, Joey,
Tyler, Zach, Todd, Robbie, Adam, Mark, Brandon, Justin, Brian, Cordell,
Michael, Duane, Mason, Jeb and Larry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Counting me, there were twenty great looking gay guys working on their
tans, wearing swimsuits that hid nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick caught my eye and grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Glenn, what are you thinking?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I was just thinking how fortunate I am
to have such great looking friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
just can’t imagine how any gay guy wouldn’t be jealous of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have the best looking man as my boyfriend
and there are 18 hot studs sitting next to us to feast my eyes on.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “We sure caused a sensation
in Torremolinos yesterday, especially on the nude beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every one of us is in good physical
condition, not to mention how good looking we are.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Larry overheard our conversation and
chimed in, “Yes, I agree with Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You guys are all great looking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
told Jeb that he had some pretty stiff competition for the best looking guy in
a bathing suit.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jeb said, “Fortunately, for me, everyone
else is married except you two, and I know that you’re in a committed
relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Otherwise, I would be
worried that I’d lose my guy!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Larry said, “I never imagined I’d be on
the beach with a bunch of gay guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
mean, I have never been able to be so open about being gay before in my
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being here has really opened my
eyes to how much discrimination I’ve had to endure in Atlanta.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everywhere we’ve gone this past week, the
people are very open and friendly to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve not seen one negative reaction to holding hands with Jeb, or giving
him a quick kiss in public.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“What have you liked the most about your
vacation thus far?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Larry grinned and said, “The
competitions you guys have put together for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m still trying to wrap my mind around the
fact that I participated in a couple of them.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jeb laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“His favorite one was being the judge of the
kissing contest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, he couldn’t
help shooting off half way through the competition.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Larry blushed furiously, his face
turning bright red. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was so horny and
the guys were so hot and sexy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jeb patted his boyfriend on the
shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s okay, Larry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would have been in just as bad a way as
you, if I had been in your position.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I looked at Rick and asked, “Should I
spill the beans about the competition for tonight?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick nodded his head and grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re going to have a competition to see
which couple has the best make out session.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Larry’s eyes grew wide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Who’s going to be the judge of that
competition?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I grinned, wickedly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you volunteering?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Larry shook his head, vigorously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’d be so amped up; I wouldn’t be able to
watch without some relief.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peter, who was sitting on the other side
of Rick, spoke up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Morten and I will
volunteer to be the judges.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I looked at Peter and said, “Okay, let
me tell you the rules.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I explained how
the competition would work and Peter whistled.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I can’t wait until tonight,’ Peter said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We’ve arranged for the girls to stay
with Hank and Louise tonight, so we’ll have the house to ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Nájeras are staying with them as
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We didn’t want to embarrass
anyone or cause any problems with the adults,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “So far, we’ve kept the competitions
pretty tame, compared to the ones we did on our last trip.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jeb nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s true from everything I’ve heard from
Cordell and Michael.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We had to, given the circumstances,” I
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We have cleared each of our
competitions with Joey and Tyler, as well as with their parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all agreed that this one called for us to
make sure the little ones weren’t around, and the older folks volunteered to
spend the evening babysitting them.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I wondered why Louise and Sra. Nájera
were judges for most of our competitions,” Jeb said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “Mom and Sra. Nájera
actually volunteered to be our judges.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joey laughed and said, “I overheard them
talking about how much they’ve enjoyed doing it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Larry asked, “Do you blame them?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I certainly don’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If someone offered to let me judge a
competition with 20 gorgeous guys, I’d jump at the opportunity, especially when
it involved a swimsuit contest like the one we had yesterday.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“That was Tyler’s idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He ordered the skimpiest swimsuits he could
find and wanted us to wear them for the contest,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Larry nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“When I saw those swimsuits, I almost refused
to wear one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The one Tyler gave me
barely covered my dick, let alone anything else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad Jeb suggested that I shave my pubes
so I looked decent.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jeb smiled and said, “You looked great
in it, and the women agreed since you won the contest.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Larry smiled broadly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have to admit I was very flattered that
they found me to be the best looking guy in those swimsuits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had some pretty tough competition.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He glanced over at Zach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Zach looked damn good in his!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jeb said, “Yes, he did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m just glad he’s married to Todd, because
I’m afraid Larry would be all over him.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Larry took Jeb’s hand in his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re right, but he’s unavailable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m just glad you’re not the jealous type,
and will let me enjoy the eye candy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jeb, laughing, said, “As if I wasn’t
enjoying the sight of all these great looking gay guys, as well!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Larry said, “Well, we can both enjoy the
scenery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think this trip has been the
best thing for us, Jeb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve been able
to be ourselves without fear of being attacked by crazy homophobic people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing these guys in loving relationships
has helped me understand what we can have, as well.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jeb said, “I agree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Watching Robbie and Adam has been very
entertaining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You certainly can tell
they’re newlyweds!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Robbie looked over when he heard his
name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He grinned and came over to Jeb
and Larry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gave them an eye full,
since he wore one of the skimpy swimsuits Tyler had given him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sat down on the sand and asked, “What’s
up?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jeb replied, “We were just talking about
how great you and Adam are doing.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“And that you can sure tell you’re
newlyweds,” Larry added.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Adam joined his husband on the sand next
to Jeb and Larry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You two could get
married, you know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You certainly love
each other.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jeb nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, we love each other very much, but we
haven’t really talked about marriage.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Larry said, “Well, I’ll fix that right
now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jeb, will you marry me?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jeb looked at Larry in surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reached over and took Larry’s hand in his
and said, “Yes, I’ll marry you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“See how easy that was?” Larry asked
Jeb.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jeb nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I didn’t know whether or not you were ready
to get married.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I wasn’t until I saw how happy Robbie
and Adam are,” Larry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Plus, being
around all of these other married gay couples helped me understand that being
married would be a great thing for us, too, just like it is for them.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Congratulations, guys!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, congratulations,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I managed to smile and kept the envy I felt
from coloring my voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately,
Robbie came to my rescue!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Congratulations on your engagement,
guys!” Robbie exclaimed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Adam said, “I’m very happy for you
guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll have to let us know when
you’re getting married, so we can come to your wedding.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Larry looked at Jeb and said, “I want to
be married as soon as we can.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jeb said, “We’ll have to go to Canada to
be married, because we aren’t citizens of any of the European countries where
gay marriage is legal.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I would suggest flying into Toronto on
your way home,” Robbie said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Toronto
is a great place to be married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adam
and I are thinking of moving there after we graduate from college.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We want to live in a place where we are
accepted for whom we are, and, more importantly, where we can raise a family
without fear of discrimination,” Adam said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“There is too much hate toward gays in the United States.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Things are changing, but we will never
be fully accepted, and will always live in fear of our lives and those of our
children because of the deep-seated hatred that religious people instill in
their members,” Robbie said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I saw too
much of it when I came out in high school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t want to expose my children to that kind of hatred.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We’ve been talking to Zach and Todd
about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zach thinks there is a pretty
good chance he’ll be drafted by one of the Canadian hockey teams,” Adam
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If that happens, we’ll definitely
be moving north of the border.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want
to be close to them, as do our parents.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I said, “I want to live in St.
Catharines, where the rest of my family lives.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I glanced at Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He smiled and said, “I know you want to
move home to Canada, Babe.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took my hand
in his and gave it a gentle squeeze.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We played in the sand and surf for a few
more hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later, we returned to Tyler
and Joey’s home and their parents’ place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We showered and dressed for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sra. Nájera prepared a really nice meal for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Afterward,
the adults retired to Hank and Louise’s home with the girls, leaving us to have
our competition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We gathered in the recreation
room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guys looked at me,
expectantly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I stood up and said, “Tonight’s
competition will be a contest to see which couple has the best make out
session.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peter and Morten have
volunteered to be our judges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now let’s
go over the rules.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I outlined them and
asked, “Are there any questions?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
were none.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let the games begin!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">At the end of the allotted time, Peter
and Morten conferred together, then, turned to announce the winning
couple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peter said, “The winning couple
is Robbie and Adam.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Robbie jumped up and let out a shout,
“Hurrah!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Adam grinned from ear to ear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We had a lot of practice on our honeymoon.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The rest of us applauded their win.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stood up and said, “That is our last
competition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe that we have a
tie as to who has won the most points.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I pulled out my notebook, where I had been keeping track of who won each
competition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The top individual winner
is Robbie!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He stood up and took a bow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, thank you, thank you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“The best couple is Zach and Todd,” I
said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zach stood and said, “Thank you, but
it’s all about Todd.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Todd blushed, and stood next to his
husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Truthfully, it’s an equal
partnership, and we thank you all for the great time we’ve had.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I said, “This is our last night
together, since we’ll be going our separate ways tomorrow morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of us will be going on a tour of
Europe, others will be returning to the United States, and Tyler and Joey will
be returning home to Madrid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to
thank all of you for arranging your schedules in order to spend time with
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been totally and completely
awesome.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We spent the rest of the evening talking
and enjoying each other’s company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
looked around the room and marveled what good friends I had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the three years since I met Rick, I have
learned to love him more than life itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The road we have travelled hasn’t been an easy one; but we have been
made stronger because of the difficulties we’ve faced together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have been able to survive each
challenge I’ve faced because I’ve made lifelong friends along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The men in this room are what I have come to
think of as my band of brothers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some I
have known longer than others, but, just the same, they are still my
brothers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a sense of camaraderie
that exists between us that I’ve never felt anywhere else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each one of these guys is unique, and that
uniqueness makes them very special to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even though we would be going our separate ways tomorrow, I knew that
the bonds of friendship that we have forged during our time together will
endure for the rest of our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next morning we bid farewell to
Duane and Mason, who had to return to work in Atlanta.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Duane said, “Thank you for the wonderful
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish we could afford to spend
more time with you guys, but we have to return to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, our project is rolling out
next week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, we did extract a
promise to honor our request for an extended vacation over the holidays in
December.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I hope you got that in writing,” I
said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Duane said, “We did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the way, we are looking forward to seeing
you in the office, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our boss told
us that you’d be starting with us at the end of August.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mason said, “We can’t wait to have
another gay guy at the office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our boss
is gay and is in a committed relationship with his partner.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “That has to be really cool
to have a gay boss.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“It is pretty awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, he sometimes flirts with Duane,”
Mason said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hate it when he does
that.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Duane said, “You don’t have to worry,
Mason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m a happily married man.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mason said, “I know, but I still worry
sometimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know what attracts him
to you is that you’re such a redneck.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Duane grinned and said, “I’m mighty proud
of that fact.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mason laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No one would mistake you for being gay,
given your attitude.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“That’s the whole point,” Duane
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You have to admit that nobody
messes with me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mason said, “That’s true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m the one they always harass.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“That’s because you’re so obviously
gay,” Duane said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve tried to tell
you to stop acting that way.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I know you have, Duane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
done a lot of work on my body to build up my strength, but I don’t have the
same body build as you do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter
how hard I try, I still look like a wimp,” Mason complained.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I looked him over and said, “No, that’s
not true, Mason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have a swimmer’s
body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You look strong and wiry, instead
of looking like a bodybuilder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have
the same body type I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I work out
with Rick two to three times a week, but my muscles don’t bulge like his do.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reached over and put both hands around
Rick’s bicep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My fingertips barely
touched.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“See what I mean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His arm is nearly twice the size of mine.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “That’s because I have so
much extra testosterone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It helps me
build up muscle mass.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“It also accounts for your heavy
libido,” I said, laughing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed and said, “I haven’t heard
you complaining about all the sex.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’m not complaining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m just pointing out that there is a big
difference in body types between us,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mason said, “I guess you’re right about
that.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Robbie said, “I think Duane is very
handsome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I especially like the
mustache and goatee.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Adam said, “I agree with Robbie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I’ll grow a mustache and goatee just
like Duane’s.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Robbie said, “No you won’t, because I
like how smooth your skin is after you shave.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Adam leaned over and kissed Robbie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Anything you want, Robbie.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I looked at Adam in surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Since when do you give Robbie everything he
wants?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Adam smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“During our honeymoon, we agreed that we
would try to give each other everything we have ever wanted.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Robbie said, “Our honeymoon was the best
thing for both of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Costa Rica was the
perfect place.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Adam said, “I think I did pretty well
choosing where to go on our honeymoon, don’t you think?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Robbie smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, you did.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peter said, “Our bike trip has been our
honeymoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We still have the rest of
the summer to go.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Morten said, “We decided that we’d take
the entire summer to tour Europe on our bikes.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“It’s been a great time,” Peter said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ll be starting the next leg of our journey
later today.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joey said, “We have to head back to
Madrid tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler will begin an
internship with a telecommunications company in a few days, and he needs some
time to get ready.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “I’m really excited about
it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told us all the details about
the company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They also have
subsidiaries in South America.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want
to get my doctorate in Chile, so it would be perfect if I could work for this
company while I finish my education.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “I know you said you wanted
to study there, but I thought you had changed your mind, since you got
married.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joey said, “We talked about it, and I
encouraged Tyler to continue to pursue his dreams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will move with him to Chile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom and Dad have said they will stay here to
keep things running, because we plan to return to Spain after Tyler completes
his doctorate.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“But Chile doesn’t recognize same sex
marriages,” I pointed out.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You’re right, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s why we won’t be living there for very
long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, I’ve tried to convince
Joey to stay here with the girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
would be there for about 9 months to finish my course work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can write my doctoral dissertation from
here, and fly back to present it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“That’s what I’d do,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You don’t want to risk the safety of your
family in a homophobic country like Chile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The same thing applies to the United States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are too many anti-gay laws on the
books that could put you and your family at risk.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joey said, “But no one ever gave me any
trouble in Virginia.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“That’s because you weren’t married to a
guy, Joey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All it would take is for
someone to call Child Protective Services (CPS), and you could lose your
children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In many states, you have no rights,
once CPS steps in and takes your children from you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m just warning you, you need to be very
careful where you go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Believe me, I’ve
done my homework.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was quite shocked
at the power CPS has to break families apart.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“But that’s not what we’re worried about
right now,” Joey said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick responded, “Not only did I do research
on the anti-gay laws of the different states back home, I also checked out the
laws of each of the countries we’re going to tour, and I’ve avoided those that
don’t recognize gay marriages or civil unions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You should research what rights you have in Chile before you decide to
go.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick held Joey’s gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s imperative for you to take appropriate
measures to ensure the safety and happiness of your family, Joey.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joey sighed in resignation and said, “I
get it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked over at Tyler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry I’ve been so stubborn about going
with you, Tyler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I don’t want
us to be separated again.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tyler took Joey’s hand and said, “I’m
sorry for being so insistent on going to Chile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve looked into a doctoral program in
Barcelona, just in case things don’t work out for me to go to Chile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll have to do some additional research,
before we decide what to do.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sra. Nájera said, “I think you should
stay in Spain, Tyler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is your
home, and you need to be near your family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My cousins live in Barcelona.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
can introduce you to them, and they will help you find a place to stay while
you study.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Barcelona is a wonderful
city.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hank said, “I agree with Mari.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that we’ve moved to Spain, I think we
should stay together.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tyler looked at his mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you feel the same way?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She smiled and replied, “Yes, I do, but
it is up to you and Joey to decide what your future holds.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “I vote for staying in
Spain.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory said, “Babe, don’t put any more
pressure on them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let them decide for
themselves.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg kissed Cory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, you’re right, Cory.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned to Tyler and Joey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I shouldn’t have chimed in when I did.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joey smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s okay, Greg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve never been one to be shy about
telling people what you think.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s very true.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We continued to talk about our plans
until it was time to take Duane and Mason to the airport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We saw them off, then returned to bid
farewell to Peter and Morten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That left
the rest of us to get ready for our tour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick outlined his plan for us to visit France, Belgium, the Netherlands,
Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and England.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>London would be our final stop, before flying home to the United States.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We spent our final night in Spain
enjoying the beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sra. Nájera cooked
a special meal that all the guys raved about for days!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all agreed that we would be talking about
the memories of our trip to Spain for many years to come!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Author’s Note:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Something all parents of gay children should
read:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/linda-robertson/just-because-he-breathes-learning-to-truly-love-our-gay-son_b_3478971.html?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl2%7Csec1_lnk3%26pLid%3D338528"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/linda-robertson/just-because-he-breathes-learning-to-truly-love-our-gay-son_b_3478971.html?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl2%7Csec1_lnk3%26pLid%3D338528</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Men’s Swim Wear - </span></span><a href="http://www.abcunderwear.com/clear-sides-thong-50929.html"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.abcunderwear.com/clear-sides-thong-50929.html</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">More Men’s Swim Wear - </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.koalaswim.com/ko_all_items_master.htm">http://www.koalaswim.com/ko_all_items_master.htm</a></span></span></div>
SaskBoyStories by Russ Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12705114426346134527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7739282925426125332.post-25789240697818102472013-06-29T09:42:00.003-04:002015-04-13T22:41:04.700-04:00The Man From Swift Current Chapter One Hundred Twenty - Madrid Gay Pride<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chapter One Hundred Twenty – Madrid Gay
Pride</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">By our fourth week in Madrid, we had
pretty much mastered the public transportation system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We visited all the major museums and major
landmarks in the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also found a couple
of great gay dance clubs!</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">One evening, we went to the Chueca
neighborhood of Madrid, while the adults watched the little ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler drove to the dance club and managed to
find a place to park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went inside
and were shown to our table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler
looked around and said, “This is the first time we’ve been to a dance club
since we’ve been married.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg grinned and said, “I’m glad we
convinced you guys to come out with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You need to get out on a date at least once a week guys!”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey said, “We hear you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put his arm around Tyler’s shoulders and
leaned in to give his husband a quick kiss on the lips.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The waiter approached our table and said,
“My name is Rodrigo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What can I get for
you guys?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked the waiter over and liked what
I saw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was well built, and his uniform
fit him very nicely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had jet black
hair, dark brown eyes, a round button nose, and a thin, neatly trimmed black
mustache on his upper lip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled at
me and said, “I’m glad you like me.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
smiled back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You look good, mi amigo.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He said, “You must be from the United
States.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, we are,” I said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Your accent gives you away,” he
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How do you like Madrid?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It’s a great city,” Rick replied.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m glad you came to visit us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a great club and there are many
beautiful people who come here to have fun,” Rodrigo said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your friends are married, no, but you are
not?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, they are married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been together for almost three years
now,” I said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rodrigo’s smile faltered slightly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Then, there is no chance for Rodrigo to persuade
you to be my boyfriend?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m sorry, but no,” I said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Okay, then, I will be your friend,
instead of your boyfriend,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
looked at Rick and continued, “You are very lucky, Señor, to have such a good
looking boyfriend.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick put his arm possessively around my
shoulders, drawing me closer to him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He
is just as lucky to have me as his boyfriend.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, he is,” Rodrigo agreed, smiling at
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What will you have to drink?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We placed our beverage orders and
Rodrigo left us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey shook his head in
disbelief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t think a waiter would be quite so
bold as to hit on you before taking your order.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well, there is a first time for
everything,” Greg said, laughing.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I placed my hand on Rick’s inner thigh
and began caressing him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He placed his
hand on top of mine and grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If
you keep that up, we will need to make a quick trip to the men’s room.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I gave him a wicked smile and said,
“That’s exactly what I want to happen.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick took my hand in his and raised it
to his lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Later, sweetheart, I
promise to take care of your needs.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The waiter returned with our drinks and
said, “The dancing will begin in about an hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a great live band playing
tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While you’re waiting, would
you like to order something to eat?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We politely declined his offer and
nursed our beverages for a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
looked around our table and noted, appreciatively, we all looked great; trim
and fit, with tight fitting jeans and muscle shirts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We drew a lot of attention from the guys
walking in the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A couple of guys
with blond hair and blue eyes walked over to our table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both of them were tall and athletic
looking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One was slightly taller than
the other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He introduced himself,
“Hi!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m Peter and this is Morten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re visiting from Norway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where are you guys from?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “We’re from the United
States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m Rick and this is Glenn,
Cory, Greg, Tyler and Joey.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Morten said, “It’s nice to meet
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you mind if we join you?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Pull up a chair,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They pulled over two chairs from a
neighboring table and sat down.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“How long have you been in Madrid,” I
asked.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We’ve been here for two weeks,” Peter
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We are going to the Costa del
Sol after the Madrid Orgullo parade.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Where on the coast are you going?” Tyler
asked.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I think it’s a place called
Torremolinos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve heard that there
are a lot of gay guys hang out there,” Morten said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “That’s true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are some really nice clubs there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a summer home in Málaga, which isn’t
too far from there.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Maybe we’ll see you there,” Joey
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We won’t be going down to the
beach until Tyler gets out of school.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “Unfortunately, I still have
two more weeks of classes.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peter said, “We understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We didn’t go to school last semester.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We decided to take some time to tour
Europe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will go back to school in
the fall.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Morten said, “We have been riding our
bikes around Europe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stop at youth
hostels for the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes, we
sleep on the side of the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We liked
Madrid very much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is like our
honeymoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were married a couple of
months ago.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peter said, “Our parents don’t approve
of us being married, so we left Bergen and went to Oslo to be married before we
left Norway. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t know where we
will live when we get home, but I’m sure we will figure it out.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Morten asked, “What brings you to
Madrid?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “I’m working on a master’s
degree at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey is my husband and we live not too far
from here.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “We came to visit Joey, my
brother-in-law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cory is my husband.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Greg is my uncle and Rick is my
boyfriend,” I said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“So, you are all related to each other,”
Peter said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You could say that,” Rick said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I wish I had family members who were
gay, because my parents don’t understand me at all,” Morten said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“When I told them I loved Peter and wanted
to marry him, they told me to get out of their house.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“My parents don’t approve of our
marriage, but they didn’t disown us,” Peter said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Where have you been, since you left
Norway?” I asked.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Morten answered, “We took the ferry from
Oslo to Copenhagen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We toured Denmark, then
the Netherlands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We like Amsterdam the
best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We didn’t stop in Belgium, but
rode our bikes to Paris.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent a
couple of weeks in Paris.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>France is a
wonderful country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We biked to the
coast and made our way to Barcelona.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
spent a few days there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, we
decided we would come to Madrid.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We plan to spend time at the beach
before biking along the coast to Italy,” Peter added.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We came here to be part of the gay
pride parade,” Morten said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s one
of the largest gay pride events in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s called Madrid Orgullo here.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked over at Tyler and asked, “Did
you participate in the Madrid Orgullo last year?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler smiled and said, “Yes, I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a great time.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peter smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did you march in the parade?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I did,” Tyler responded.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We should meet up tomorrow and march
together in the parade,” Morten said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “I have an even better
idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why don’t you stay at our house
tonight?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way, we can start out
from the house together in the early afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The parade starts at 6 pm and lasts until 11
PM.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peter looked over at his husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do you think, Morten?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Morten shrugged his shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sure, why not?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peter said, “Okay, we’ll stay at your
place, but we’ll need to stop by the hostel to pick up our things.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“If we’re going to march in the parade,
we can’t stay out all night like we planned,” I said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, we’ll need to call it a night at a
reasonable hour.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peter said, “Things don’t start moving
around here until after midnight.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Okay, we’ll leave at 2 AM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That should give us a few hours to get some
sleep,” Tyler said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The live band began playing, and Peter
stood up from the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s dance,”
he said, taking Morten by the hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They disappeared among the crowd on the dance floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick took my hand and said, “Let’s show them
how to dance.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">After a few dances, the band played a
slow song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick pulled me into his arms
and I laid my head on his shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
nibbled on my ear and whispered, “I love you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I turned my head, and his lips met mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time seemed to stop for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was like we were the only two human beings
on the planet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He released my lips,
pulling back until I could see his love for me shining in his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I love you so much, Mr. Lernier,” I
said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick’s embrace tightened as we
kissed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The music came to an end, and
Rick led me off the dance floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler
and Joey joined us at our table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler
declared, “You guys were hot!”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I grinned at him and said, “So were you
guys.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Our new friends appeared at our
table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peter exclaimed, “Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where did you guys learn to dance like that?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We
just do what comes natural.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Morten said, “I loved watching you guys
dance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could see how much you love
each other.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Our waiter appeared and asked, “Would
you like another drink?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peter said, “Yes, please.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The rest of us echoed Peter’s
request.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The waiter soon reappeared with our beverages.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Morten looked at me in surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why did you order a soda?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I don’t drink alcoholic beverages,” I
replied.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick confirmed it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I always order a soda or water for Glenn.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey said, “It feels good to get away on
a date, and I love dancing.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put his
arm around his husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you for
bringing me here.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler grinned and said, “I’m just sorry
we didn’t come here earlier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d
forgotten about this place, until the guys wanted to go out clubbing.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peter said, “I think we should walk to
the club down the street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have a
nice dance floor, and a great DJ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
went there last night.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Okay, let’s grab Greg and Cory,” Joey
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We found them on the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we told them we were going, they came
off of the dance floor and joined us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We spent the next couple of hours dancing and enjoying ourselves.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">By 2 AM, the guys were pretty loaded, so
I drove Peter and Morten to their hostel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We secured their bikes to our bike rack on the roof of the car, and returned
for the rest of the guys; who were waiting for us at the entrance to the
club.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I managed to drive us home
without too many wrong turns.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">When we got to the house, Joey showed
Peter and Morten to their room, and pulled out fresh sheets and blankets for
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick and I stripped off our
clothes and crashed on our bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
next morning, I was awakened by Rick’s moaning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I opened my eyes and looked over to see him
sitting on the edge of our bed, holding his head in his hands.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’ll get the aspirin and some coffee,”
I said, getting up, and pulling on the clothes I had worn last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked downstairs and into the
kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sra. Nájera was already there,
cooking breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Buenos Dias, Sra. Nájera.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May I help you make coffee this morning?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She smiled and said, “I’ve already made
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew it would be in high demand
after a night out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The coffee cups are
on the tray along with the aspirin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here is the coffee pot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will
send Sr. Nájera up with breakfast a little later.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I took the coffee pot from her hands and
placed it on the tray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I carried it to
our room and poured Rick a cup, handing it to him with a couple of
aspirin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll be right back.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I carried the tray from room to room,
administering to the guys’ needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
returned to our room to find Rick had finished his coffee, and had returned to
bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I climbed in beside him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled me into his arms and kissed my
forehead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re an angel.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We must have drifted off, because the
next thing I remember was someone knocking on the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I heard Sr. Nájera enter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good morning, boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is your breakfast.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He placed the tray on the computer table and
left us to eat it.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick ate with gusto.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems the aspirin and the coffee had
restored him to perfect health!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
finished and helped me with mine!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next,
he put our dishes back on the tray and returned to our bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His lecherous grin and the look of lust in
his eyes sent a thrill of anticipation down my spine!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without saying a word, Rick made me his in
every way!</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey and Tyler had finished their coffee
when Sr. Nájera arrived with their breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “Buenos días, Papá.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Good
morning, Papa.)</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sr. Nájera said, “Buenos días, mis hijos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cómo
les fue anoche?” (Good morning, my sons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How did it go last night?)</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler replied, “Nos la pasamos bien,
Papá.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Trajimos a la casa a dos
amigos de Noruega anoche.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Están
dormidos in la recámara al otro lado del corredor.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">(We
had a good time, Papa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We brought two
Norwegian friends home with us last night. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are sleeping in the bedroom across the
hall from us.)</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sr. Nájera said, “Bueno, les llevaré el mismo desayuno que tu Mamá preparó
para todos nosotros.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">(Okay, I’ll take them the same breakfast Mama
prepared for all of us.)</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He left the room and Tyler said, “I’ve
been thinking about our Norwegian friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Do you think they would be interested in working for us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They could go to college here and work for
us part time.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey thought about it for a few moments
and said, “We need to talk to Grandpa Scarborough and Sr. Nájera about it
first, before we discuss it with Peter and Morten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it would be a good thing for them
and for us.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I like them both.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They seem pretty level headed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to admire them for touring Europe on
their bikes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have done little odd
jobs to earn money along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
think they would be hard workers,” Tyler said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I wanted to get to know them better, so I invited them to stay with
us.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I wondered what you were up to when you
asked them if they wanted to stay with us, especially since we already have
four guests,” Joey said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I know I complained about having so
many visitors staying with us at the same time.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He lightly ran his hand over Joey’s chest,
stopping to play with his nipples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
leaned over and kissed his husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
love waking up next to you.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey caressed Tyler’s cheek with his
fingertips and smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love the feel
of your body next to mine, and I really like being fucked by you every
morning.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler ran his hands over his lover’s
body, as he kissed him deeply.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Later, they heard a light tapping on
their bedroom door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey shouted, “Come
in!”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The door opened, and Rachel appeared in
their room. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She ran across the room to
their bed and climbed up to be with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She said, brightly, “Good morning.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey hugged her and kissed her
cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good morning, munchkin.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rachel laughed and said, “Daddy, you’re
a munchkin, too.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey grinned and asked, “How you do you
figure that?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Abuela says that if I’m a munchkin, my
Daddy has to be a munchkin,” Rachel said, seriously.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler laughed and said, “She has you
there, Joey.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey said, “Okay, I’ll admit to being a
munchkin if you’ll agree you’re a munchkin, too.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rachel wrinkled her nose and put her
hand on her chin as she thought for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She shook her head and said, “No, I’m not a munchkin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m a little girl, and you’re a man, so you
can’t be a munchkin.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You’re right, Rachel; however, may we
still call you a munchkin?” Tyler asked.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rachel said, “You can call me a munchkin
if you want to, as long as you know I’m not really a munchkin, but a little
girl.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey said, “I think we need to watch the
movie, “The Wizard of Oz,” with you, so you know who the munchkins are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was one of your Mom’s favorite
movies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She made us watch it all the
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t you remember the movie with
the scarecrow, the lion and the tin man?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rachel shook her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I don’t remember.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “Well, I think we’ll have to
watch it later today.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rachel clapped her hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love watching movies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will you watch movies with me, Dad?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “Yes, I will.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rachel jumped up and climbed off of the
bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m going to tell Abuela we’re watching a
movie today.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She ran out of the room,
leaving the door open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “She is so cute.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They heard a tap on the door, and looked
up to see Peter and Morten standing in the doorway to their room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“May we come in?” Peter asked.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey and Tyler sat up in bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey said, “Sure.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The guys came in and sat down on the
foot of the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What are the plans
for the day?” Morten asked.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, we could go swimming in our pool,”
Tyler said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peter smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That would be great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll go change into our swimsuits.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That sounds like a plan,” Tyler
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Joey and I need to shower first,
then, we’ll meet you down at the pool.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peter said, “Okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you want us to tell the other guys?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Sure,” Joey said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peter and Morten left them to get ready.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I heard a knock on the door and opened
it to find Peter standing there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re
going swimming.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “Great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you going down right now?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“As soon as we change into our
swimsuits,” Peter said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Okay, we’ll meet you down by the pool,”
I said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peter left, and I walked into the
bathroom to let Rick know the plans for the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re going swimming.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s a good thing I wasn’t dressed yet,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s wear our bikini swimsuits.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I grinned and said, “You just want to
show off your great physique.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick returned my grin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I only do it for you, Babe.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I laughed and said, “I do admit I like
it when you wear next to nothing.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick walked into the bedroom and grabbed
his powder blue bikini swimsuit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
admired his perfect bubble butt, as he bent over to pull it on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick caught me looking him over and
grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do I meet with your
approval?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I walked over and put my arms around his
neck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do you think?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kissed him deeply, and felt him stirring
down below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled back and playfully
rubbed his groin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t think this
swimsuit was built to hold you in.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed and said, “No, it wasn’t.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I released him and stripped out of my
clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled out my matching
swimsuit and pulled it on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick started
teasing me by putting both hands inside my swimsuit as he kissed me.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He released me and said, “I love you.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I love you, too, Babe,” I responded,
hoping my hard-on would go down quickly!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He took my hand and led me
downstairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went out the French
doors that led out to the patio and the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Greg and Cory were already there in matching yellow bikini swimsuits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peter caught sight of us and wolf
whistled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wow!”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Morten turned around to see why Peter
was whistling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spotting us, he grinned
and gave us the thumbs up sign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You
guys sure look good!”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey and Tyler joined us, wearing even
skimpier matching swimsuits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all
whistled at them!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick said, “I thought
we were pretty daring, but I think you two beat all of us.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought since we’re married, it was okay
to flaunt what we have.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler was blushing, but smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Joey convinced me it was okay to show off
for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We haven’t worn them since you
guys arrived, because I was too embarrassed about them.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked at him in surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What made you think we wouldn’t appreciate
seeing two gorgeous guys in those great swimsuits?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey came to Tyler’s defense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s okay, Tyler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re wearing them now.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I walked over to Tyler and kissed him on
the lips, holding him in a tight embrace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“That’s for making my day.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He looked at me and smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m glad you like how we look.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I turned to Joey and kissed him, as
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey wrapped his arms around me
and deepened the kiss, surprising me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
he released me, he grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve
always wanted to do that, and I’ve never dared to, until now.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler laughed at the look on my
face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Joey told me he planned to kiss
you, at least once while you were here.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey’s smile widened and he put his arm
around my shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve never seen
you speechless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we should
celebrate.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I finally recovered my wits and
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Rick has competition in the
kissing department.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey looked over at Rick and said, “I
promise not to spoil him too much.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think we should pick up a couple of
swimsuits like the ones you’re wearing.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “We have a couple you could
borrow; that way, you can see if you like them or not.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peter said, “What I’d like to see is all
of us wearing those swimsuits in the Gay Pride parade, tonight.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler shook his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There’s no way I’m going to wear this
swimsuit in the parade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I might
consider a bikini one, but not this one.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Okay, are we in agreement we’ll wear
our bikinis?” Peter asked.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked over at Rick and he
shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d more comfortable in cargo shorts,
especially if we’re going to stay for some of the entertainment.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “I vote for the cargo shorts
and muscle t-shirts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can shed the
t-shirts if we want to.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Morten protested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ah, come on, you guys!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where is your sense of adventure?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory said, “Why don’t we wear our bikini
swimsuits and change into our cargo shorts after the parade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could carry a backpack with our cargo shorts
in it.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, doubtfully, “I guess I’m up
for that.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory said, “You can wear your cargo
shorts if you don’t feel comfortable parading around town in your swimsuit.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg smiled at his husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, I’ll go in my swimsuit, if you’ll
bring my shorts for later.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Having decided what we were going to
wear for the parade, we spent the rest of the day swimming in the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sra. Nájera brought out lunch and refreshing
lemonade, later in the afternoon, when Sra. Nájera and Louise brought the girls
out to swim.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">As I watched Tyler and Joey entertaining
Rachel and Sarah in the pool, I leaned over to Rick and said, “I’m glad to see
them enjoying the children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are
both good Dads to the girls.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hope I can be as good a father to our
children as they are.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I smiled and said, “I’m sure you will
be.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I leaned over to give him a gentle
kiss on the lips.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We marched in the parade and stayed out
until the early hours of the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
couldn’t believe how many people were there, celebrating gay pride! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We garnered quite a bit of attention with
our swimsuits, but we weren’t the only ones!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It felt good to be part of the celebration of who we are.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">As we walked back to our cars, Rick
said, “I never imagined there could be so many gay men in one place.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Me either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had just as much fun watching Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was like a kid in a candy store.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well, you have to admit there was a lot
of eye candy on display,” I said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, grinning, “Yes, there was,
and I had to keep my eye on you to keep you from running after some those great
looking guys.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I protested, “You did not!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I held your hand nearly the entire time.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, you did, because I wanted to make
sure everyone knew you were taken,” Rick responded, only half joking.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey said, “I think Rick was right to
keep his hands on you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were quite
a number of guys giving you the once over with their eyes.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well, they didn’t have to have too much
of an imagination, because I wasn’t wearing much,” I said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I know!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was another reason for making sure they
knew not to mess with you,” Rick said.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory said, “If you were married, you
wouldn’t have to worry about Glenn running off with some other guy.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick opened his mouth to respond, but looked
at me and closed it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know I’m
right, Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg and I don’t worry
about each other at all, and neither do Tyler and Joey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can make the argument you don’t need to
be married to be committed, but there is a certain mindset that comes with marriage
that, otherwise, doesn’t exist in a relationship.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Okay, I get it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked over at me and asked, “Did you put
Cory up to lecturing me about getting married?”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I squeezed Rick’s hand and said, “No,
but I’ll pass him 20 bucks later, for making my case for me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stopped walking and pulled Rick into my
arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked deeply into his eyes and
said, “I love you, Rick.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kissed him
and put my hand to his cheek, cupping it gently in my palm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll never leave you, sweetheart.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The light from the street lights
sparkled in his eyes, which were full of unshed tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He cleared his throat, and in a choked
voice, said, “I love you, too.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peter said, “I agree with Cory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marriage is a great thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Morten and I love being married.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Morten added, “It makes me feel much
more secure, especially when so many people are anti-gay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being married forces people to acknowledge they
have to treat us with respect and dignity, or, otherwise, they will face jail
time.”</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We arrived at our cars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We climbed into them and made our journey
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were so exhausted when we
stepped into our room; we stripped off our clothes and crashed on the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick pulled me into his arms, and we were
out for the count!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Author’s Note:</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Gay Pride Madrid - </span><a href="http://www.madridorgullo.com/en/"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.madridorgullo.com/en/</span></span></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Long Play Gay Club - h</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://madrid.gaycities.com/bars/1597-long-play#people">ttp://madrid.gaycities.com/bars/1597-long-play#people</a></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></div>
SaskBoyStories by Russ Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12705114426346134527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7739282925426125332.post-49041153472377207182013-06-25T20:13:00.002-04:002013-06-30T12:01:16.060-04:00The Man From Swift Current Chapter One Hundred Nineteen - Summer in Madrid<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Chapter One Hundred Nineteen – Summer in
Madrid</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The next morning, Joey awoke with a
start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had been dreaming about Tyler
and the girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dream had been so
vivid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were on the beach enjoying
the sun and sand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had felt very
happy as he held Tyler’s hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
looked at the clock on the night stand, and saw that it was 7 AM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put his hand on Tyler’s arm and felt him
tighten his hold on him as if Tyler were afraid of losing him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He caressed his lover’s arm and felt Tyler
nuzzle his hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon, Tyler was
nibbling on his earlobe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey could
feel that Tyler was very much aroused, and Joey felt a thrill of anticipation
run down his spine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loved their
morning make out sessions!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was one
the main differences between being married to Kathy, who never wanted sex in
the morning, and being married to Tyler, who ALWAYS wanted sex first thing in
the morning!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had sometimes thought
that maybe he should have married another woman to look after his girls; but
every morning, he was grateful he had married Tyler!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This man always knew exactly what he needed!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kathy had never been as attentive to his
needs and wants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had always been
about her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their married life had
centered on Kathy’s wants and needs, and her temper tantrums if her demands
weren’t met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To Joey, Tyler was a
perfect husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was thoughtful and
kind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He made Joey feel like he was the
center of Tyler’s universe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
thoughts were interrupted by Tyler’s insistent kisses, causing a haze of lust
to cloud his mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All coherent thought
ceased as Joey’s body responded to his husband’s caresses. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** *** <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Later they heard a light tap on their
door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler reached down and pulled the
sheet up, covering their nakedness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Come in!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The door opened and Sr. Nájera entered
with a breakfast tray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Buenos días, mis
hijos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aquí está su desayuno.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lo voy a poner aquí en la mesa.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(“Good morning, my sons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Here
is your breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll set it here on
the table.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Thank you, Papá,” Tyler said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey and Tyler had started speaking Spanish
exclusively over the last few weeks to help Joey’s conversational skills
improve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed to be working,
because Joey’s ability to participate in conversations over dinner, and in
other situations, had increased exponentially.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They had used English during last night’s discussion; before that, it
had been nearly two weeks since they had spoken in English.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler hoped that Joey’s progress would
continue, despite having their friends staying with them for the summer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sr. Nájera left the room, quietly
closing the door behind him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler sat
up and said, “Let’s eat.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey slipped out of bed and brought the
tray back, setting it between them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
they ate, Tyler asked, “I hope you can keep using Spanish while our friends are
here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I don’t think you have to worry,
Tyler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glenn and Rick are already
fluent Spanish speakers, and Greg and Cory took a Spanish class last
semester.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They won’t be fluent, but they
both want to become proficient enough to navigate the streets of Madrid on
their own,” Joey said, lightly caressing his husband’s arm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler smiled and apologized, “I’m sorry
if I’m nagging you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey smiled back at his husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re not nagging me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need you to help keep me motivated when I
get frustrated.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “When you speak Spanish, you’re
starting to sound like a native Madrileño.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even Mamá and Papá have commented on how quickly you’ve lost your
accent.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey positively glowed upon hearing
Tyler’s praise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had been working
very hard at improving his conversational Spanish, and Tyler’s comments made
him feel good about his efforts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler
noticed Joey’s happy expression and took a mental note to praise Joey more
often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew it was a small thing,
but it could pay huge dividends in their relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, his father had already told him that it
was the little things that kept a marriage going; but he hadn’t really paid too
much attention to the little things until just this moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was no wonder things hadn’t been going as
smoothly for them as they could have!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They finished eating and took a quick
shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler had a 10 AM class and
didn’t have much time to make the next train into town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They helped each other get dressed, and went
downstairs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rachel ran up to Tyler and wrapped her
little arms around one leg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked
up at him and said, “Dad, I love you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler dropped his back pack to the floor,
and leaned down to scoop Rachel into his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He kissed her cheek which was sticky with jam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you, too, munchkin.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Her laughter rang out clear and tinkling,
like a little bell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not a
munchkin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m a little girl.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler smiled and replied, “You’re a
little girl who is a munchkin.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She said, “Dad, you’re silly.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “I’m not silly. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your Daddy is the one who is silly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told me you were a munchkin and I believed
him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She looked over at Joey and asked, “Did
you tell Dad that I’m a munchkin?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey took their daughter from Tyler’s
arms and said, “Yes, I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You and
Sarah are our little munchkins.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She laughed and said, “Okay, I’ll be
your little munchkin.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She kissed her
Daddy’s cheek.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We need to wash your face,
munchkin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re all sticky,” Joey
said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Abuela gave us some jam on our toast,”
Rachel said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It must have been really good, because
it’s all over your face,” Tyler said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She nodded her head vigorously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Abuela said it was quince jam.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “It’s really more of a paste
than jam, but it’s still good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Abuela
likes guava paste, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey said, “I’m glad you liked it
Rachel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like it with cheese and
crackers.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They walked into the kitchen where they
found Sra. Nájera clearing the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sarah was in her high chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tyler went over to her and kissed the top of her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good morning, Sarah.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She gurgled a sound that was her version
of ‘good morning.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sra. Nájera said,
“Good morning, boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll have the
guest rooms ready for your friends’ arrival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They will be very tired then get here tomorrow morning.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey said, “Yes, they will be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their flight from Thunder Bay leaves this
morning and takes them to Toronto where they have a long layover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, they fly to London, and from there to
Madrid.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We know all about that long flight,”
Tyler said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We had that same itinerary
when we flew out here a few months ago.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“The girls were pretty good, given the
length of time they had to be in their seats,” Joey said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “I was very proud of Rachel
for helping entertain Sarah during the flight.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey said, “Yes, Rachel is a big help,
especially where it concerns her sister.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He put Rachel down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked
over to the kitchen sink and turned on the tap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took out a clean wash cloth from the
drawer next to the sink and got it wet, ringing out the excess water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took the damp cloth and walked over to
Rachel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knelt down and wiped
Rachel’s face, cleaning off the sticky quince paste from her cheeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You’re all clean.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rachel raised her hands and said, “Daddy,
my hands are sticky, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey obediently washed her hands for
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now, your hands are clean, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rachel pointed to her sister, “Sarah is
sticky.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey stood up and asked, “Sarah, are you
sticky, too?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded her head,
holding up her hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, let’s
clean your face, too.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sarah patiently
submitted to having her face and hands washed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Joey wiped down the tray and returned the wash cloth to the sink.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler pulled Joey into his arms and
kissed him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll see you this
afternoon.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey said, “I love you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have a great day at school.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I love you, too,” Tyler said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He grabbed his backpack on the way out to
the garage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He jumped on his scooter
and backed it out of their garage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Normally, Tyler liked riding the scooter, but on days like today, he
wished he had a slightly faster vehicle!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, then again, he would have to find a place to park it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reached the train station and parked the
scooter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He barely made the next train
and settled into a seat next to the window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His thoughts centered on their discussions with the Scarboroughs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew what they offered was exactly what
they needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He originally had doubts
about accepting their generosity, but the more he thought about it, the more he
liked it as a solution to their dilemma.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He figured that he could get a high paying
job after school, then, they could repay the Scarboroughs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It got them out of a lopsided financial
relationship with his parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
alone would bring a measure of peace to their marriage!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had never dreamed that there were so many
little things that could prove to be irritants in a marriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He arrived at his stop and
disembarked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After his classes were
finished for the day, he made his way to the dean’s office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sra. Flaubert invited him to her office.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“What can I do for you Sr. <span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Damasiewicz?” she asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I would
like to ask for your advice,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She said,
“Please take a seat.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He sat
down across from her and said, “Last night, we had a conversation with a friend
of ours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has proposed a business
deal.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He went on to explain all of the
particulars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">When he
had finished, she said, “I think you would be foolish not to take advantage of
such a generous offer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are very
few people in the world who get such an opportunity presented to them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler
said, “I agree with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Scarboroughs are very unusual people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve never met anyone who puts as much trust in their family and
friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are a very tight-knit
group.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sra.
Flaubert nodded her head in understanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“It is very unusual these days; however, it wasn’t that long ago that
such close family ties were the norm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You are very fortunate, Mr. Damasiewicz.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am acquainted with your adoptive parents,
the </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Nájeras.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would talk with him about your
situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has long been a
successful businessman here in Madrid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He will be a great asset to you, if you decide to go into business for
yourself.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler stood up and said, “Thank you for
your time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Good luck,” she responded, with a
smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He left her office and walked to the
train station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he arrived home, he
was greeted by a very excited Rachel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She ran to meet him, with her arms outstretched.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put down his back pack by the door and
knelt down to give her a hug and a kiss on the cheek.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I missed you, Dad,” Rachel said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m glad you’re home.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He stood up with Rachel in his
arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before he could move out of the
foyer, Joey enfolded them both in a bear hug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Joey kissed Tyler and said, “Welcome home, Babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rachel said, “Daddy missed you, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler rubbed noses with his husband and said,
“I know he did, Rachel.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rachel kissed her Daddy’s cheek and
said, “I love you, Daddy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I love you, too, munchkin,” Joey said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey released his husband and they
walked hand in hand into the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I’ve been talking to Sr. Nájera about Mr. Scarborough’s business
proposition.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“What does he think?” Tyler asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“His advice is for us to go ahead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He thinks Mr. Scarborough’s plans are good
ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He volunteered to help us get
started, that is if we want his assistance,” Joey said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “Then, we should call Mr.
Scarborough and have a discussion with him and Sr. Nájera about how we would
work things out between us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I talked
with Sra. Flaubert about Mr. Scarborough’s proposal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She thought we should proceed with it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think that we are being watched over by
an army of guardian angels.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler asked, “Why do you think that?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Ever since you agreed to marry me,
everything has turned out perfectly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even our problems have been solved in amazing ways,” Joey said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You’re right about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since we’ve decided to take Mr.
Scarborough’s offer to buy our homes for us, we need to talk to Mom and Dad
about it,” Tyler said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I think they will be relieved, because
it frees up their funds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know Dad has
been feeling rather locked into things,” Joey said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He isn’t used to living on such a tight
budget.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have plenty for our needs,
but there isn’t much left over,” Tyler said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“The more I think about it, this whole thing with the Scarborough family
is truly a miracle.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They entered the kitchen and set Rachel
down on her feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She ran to her chair
and climbed up to the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hank and
Louise were sitting at the table with the Nájeras, drinking coffee.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler and Joey sat down at the
table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler said, “Mom and Dad, we
have some good news.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Hank asked, “What news is that?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler explained the situation with the
Scarboroughs and when he had finished, he said, “We think it will be a good
thing for you, as it will be for us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Hank looked across the table at his
wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Louise smiled and said, “It’s an
answer to our prayers.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Louise had
always been the religious one in the family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It is that,” Hank said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked over at Sr. Nájera.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do you think, Alejandro?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I think you should do it,” Sr. Nájera
replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Hank nodded his head in agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, we’ll do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When do you want to call Mr. Scarborough?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We can call him right now,” Tyler said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey pulled out his cell phone and
dialed the number.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Grandpa
answered, Joey said, “I’m going to put you on speaker, so all of us can hear
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m here with Tyler, Tyler’s
parents, and with our adopted parents, the Nájeras.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would like you to explain how things
would work.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa spent the next 30 minutes
outlining what he had told Tyler and Joey the night before, with some
additional information he had received after consulting with his lawyers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he was finished, Tyler said, “I think
we are all in agreement that we wish to move ahead with what you have proposed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa responded, “Splendid!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll have the paperwork drawn up on this
end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alejandro, I will have my lawyers
contact you to get the information about how things need to be done there in
Spain.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sr. Nájera said, “I will be glad assist
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will also contact our lawyers
here to make sure everything meets Spanish legal requirements.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Thank you,” Grandpa said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They ended the call and Joey looked
around the table and said, “I’m glad that things are working out for all of
us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Louise smiled and said, “It is a huge
relief for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We made a commitment to
you two to help you get started in life, and we’re honoring that
commitment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, we didn’t realize
what a dramatic change it would be for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This new business venture is an answer to my prayers, to find a way to
keep our commitment to you, and to relieve some of the stress we have all been
feeling since we moved to Spain.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Hank said, “Both houses in Málaga will
be ready next week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We plan to move in
as soon as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t have much
here, since we sold most of our furniture.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey said, “And it will be a perfect
time for us to get our beach house ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t think the guys will object to helping us out next week.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “I won’t be able to go with
you, this time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey said, “But you can come down for
the weekend, then, we can return to Madrid with you on the following Monday.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “That sounds like a plan.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sr. Nájera said, “Hank and Louise, since
your financial situation is going to change dramatically in the near future,
you might want to consider investing in an apartment building here in the
city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, you could live in one of
the apartments when you’re in town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
know of plans to build a new high rise near here, if you are interested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have thought of investing in it, myself.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Hank looked at Sr. Nájera and said,
“That sounds like something to consider.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What do you think, Louise?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I need to be careful, dear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember, we don’t want to become as cash
strapped as we have been,” Louise said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sr. Nájera said, “That is a very good
point, Louise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think that, if we work
it right, we should be able to leverage your assets.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey said, “You could talk to Mr.
Scarborough about investing in the venture, as well.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They sat around the table discussing the
possibilities that had presented themselves as a result of their conversation
with Grandpa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey noted Tyler’s
doubtful looks and leaned over to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He whispered, “What’s the matter?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler shook his head and mouthed,
“Later.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The older generation was very excited
and continued to talk animatedly about their plans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey said, “Please excuse us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sr. Nájera smiled and said, “Of course.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey took Tyler by the hand and led him
upstairs to their room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They sat down
side by side on their bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, what
is on your mind?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m worried that Mom and Dad will end
up in the same financial situation they are seeking to escape,” Tyler said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey said, “I was thinking the same
thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe, we should talk to Mr.
Scarborough about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure he will
have some good advice.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler shook his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t like throwing all of our problems
at the feet of a stranger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really
don’t know him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never met him, and
we’ve only talked to him a couple of times on the phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As it is, we are entrusting our entire
financial future to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It scares me, Joey, to hand over so much
control to someone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know it
sounds like I’m being ungrateful, but I can’t help being a little skeptical of
a situation that sounds almost too good to be true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never heard of anyone offering to buy someone’s
home for them, and let them live there rent free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add to that, the fact that the Scarboroughs
have given us money for college, and have offered to make us part of their
family business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It all sounds like a
scam to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can anyone have that
kind of money?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who in their right mind
would do such a thing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most rich people
guard their money very closely, and don’t just give it away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m really having a hard time reconciling
what I’ve seen of the business world, and what Mr. Scarborough is proposing to
do for us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey, still holding his husband’s hand,
said, “I think Mr. Scarborough considers us part of his family, and that is the
reason why he is willing to do things for us that wouldn’t make sense,
otherwise.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Why would he consider us part of his
family?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I know that he adopted
Greg as his son, but that still doesn’t explain how he would think of us as
part of his family,” Tyler said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There
has to be a catch somewhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think
about it, Joey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There has to be
something in it for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People don’t
just do things out of the goodness of their hearts, Joey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My problem is I can’t see what advantage Mr.
Scarborough gains by investing in us and our future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where is the benefit to him?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey put his hand up to Tyler’s
face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He cupped his cheek and looked
deeply into his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t
understand it either; but I do know one thing that might explain it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fact that Greg is still our
brother-in-law and that Rachel and Sarah are his nieces may be the reason Mr.
Scarborough is interested in our welfare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Think about it, Tyler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg is
Mr. Scarborough’s adopted son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg
loves Rachel and Sarah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You saw that
when Greg and Cory stayed with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Don’t you think Greg would want to use his new family’s wealth to secure
his family’s future?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rachel and Sarah
are all that Greg has left of his sister, Tyler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite how Kathy may have felt about Greg’s
homosexuality, she was still his sister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now that she’s gone, Greg feels he needs to be there for them, since
their mother won’t be, to help them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “But I’m here for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doesn’t Greg think I’ll be up to meeting
their needs?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It’s not about you, Tyler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg feels a certain responsibility toward
his sister’s children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wouldn’t
matter if you were a millionaire and could give them everything they will ever
want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg wants to be part of their
lives, Tyler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has been adopted into
the Scarborough family, but it’s not the same as your own flesh and blood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our daughters are his blood relatives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think about it, Tyler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If something happened to us, they would have
a claim on him for their support, as their uncle.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “I guess I hadn’t really
thought of it that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve always
liked Greg, but I’ve been so focused on us, that I hadn’t given any thought to
Greg’s feelings about our girls.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey said, “It’s natural for you to
focus on us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are the most important
part of your world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just wanted to
help you understand why the Scarboroughs have an interest in us and our
well-being.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler smiled at his husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re the best.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He leaned over and kissed Joey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What time does their flight get in
tomorrow?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“They’re flying in on British Airways
from London arriving at 1:20 PM,” Joey said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“We were on that same flight when we flew out from Toronto, remember?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler smiled and said, “The only thing I
remember of that flight was sitting next to you thinking how lucky I was to
have found you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest seems like a
blur, now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I do remember
feeling overwhelmed at the thought that I had just married my sweetheart, become
a father of two little girls, and moved my family to Madrid.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I know how you felt, because I was
feeling the same way,” Joey said, putting his arm around Tyler’s waist, pulling
him closer to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gazed into his
eyes and said, “I love you, Tyler <span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Damasiewicz.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kissed him deeply.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They were
interrupted by the sound of little footsteps coming into their bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They heard Rachel’s wee voice saying, “Dad
and Daddy, I want hugs, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey
turned to see his daughter standing in front of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reached down and picked her up, placing
her between them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Shall we take a nap
together?” he asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She
nodded her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, but I want Kitty
to take a nap with us, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler
said, “Okay, you go get Kitty and we’ll wait for you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She climbed down from the bed and went
skipping happily out of the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey and
Tyler repositioned themselves on the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When she returned with Kitty, her stuffed toy, in her arms, Joey lifted
her onto the bed, where she cuddled up close to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler rolled over on his side, placing his
arm over the two of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kissed the
top of Rachel’s head and said, “May I cuddle with you and Daddy?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rachel
giggled and said, “Yes, Dad.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She put
her hand on his arm and said, “I like it when you hug me and Daddy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">That is
how Louise found them an hour later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She stood in the doorway to the boys’ bedroom and smiled at the sight of
her little princess snuggled between her two Dads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She thought to herself, “Who would have of
thought how much joy and happiness could come from such a little one?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She
quietly closed the door and retreated back down the hallway to her bedroom,
where Hank was seated in his favorite armchair with Sarah fast asleep in his
arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hank looked up as she entered the
room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He met her eyes and said, “I’ve
been giving some thought to Alejandro’s suggestion to buy an apartment close
by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we should do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to remain close to our grandchildren,
Louise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I understand the boys’ need to
have room for their relationship to grow and mature, but, at the same time, I
want to remain a big part of the girls’ lives.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Louise
sat down in her rocking chair and thought for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I agree that we need to be close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think the boys wanted us to move
away from them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey talked to me about
how he has always lived close to family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After he married Kathy, they lived less than three miles from her
parents, and spent most weekends with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After the girls were born, his in-laws were very much involved in their
granddaughters’ lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey told me he
didn’t mean to cause a rift between us and them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He only wanted us to let them be a couple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember how we got involved with one of
their disagreements?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Hank
nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I remember, and
I also remember thinking that we needed to remain neutral, to allow them to
work things out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was an error in
judgment on our part.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That was
the straw that broke the camel’s back, so to speak,” Louise said. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That caused Joey to shut down, and Tyler
came to me to ask what he could do to repair the damage.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Hank
nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, we definitely
overstepped our bounds that time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
sure there are other times we’ve done it, without even realizing we were doing
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we’ve come to know Joey better,
we have become too comfortable with offering our advice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s been a good sport about it, and has
certainly put up with much more than I would have, if it were me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Louise
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You would have told my Dad,
in no uncertain terms, what he could do with his advice, and you know it!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Hank
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, you’re right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was pretty headstrong back then.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“And you
still are,” Louise said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve learned
how to work with you to blunt some of that stubbornness.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Joey
will need to learn to do the same with Tyler,” Hank observed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Tyler inherited a fair amount of my
personality traits.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Louise
patted his arm and said, “Yes, he did, dear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That’s why I can relate to what Joey is going through, since I experienced
some of the same things when we were first married.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sarah
shifted in Hank’s arms, and snuggled closer to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hank smiled and said, “I love this little
one so much.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Louise
said, “I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She knows it, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s why she comes to you when she’s
tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She knows that you’ll keep her
safe while she sleeps.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Hank
asked, “Do you think that the boys will let us continue to come over every
day?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I think
so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From my conversation with Joey, I
think they are counting on us to be here for the girls when they are both
studying and working,” Louise said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Then, we
definitely should buy that apartment,” Hank said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We can’t be of much assistance to them if
we’re several hours away.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Louise
smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I agree that we should invest
in an apartment building.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was very
pleased that Hank had arrived at the same conclusion she had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was confident that things were going to
work out nicely for all of them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The four
guys stood at the luggage carousel, waiting for their luggage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg said, “Joey and Tyler said they would
be here shortly.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put his cell phone
back into the pocket of his cargo shorts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The four of them had dressed in khaki cargo shorts and navy blue golf
shirts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They even wore matching cross
trainers with white ankle socks!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">My
thoughts went back to the hotel lobby, when Greg and Cory joined us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I laughed and said, “We couldn’t have
planned it better had we tried!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg
looked at us and grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re right
about that, Glenn.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory
smiled and said, “We even bought the same shoes as you guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we visited with you guys last summer,
we liked your shoes and bought ourselves a pair of them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg
said, “We bought the shorts and shirts with you guys last summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I
do,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think it’s really cool
that we’re dressed alike.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick
laughed and said, “You’re so easy to please, Babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I punched
his shoulder, and he laughed even harder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Wait until I tell them what else pleases you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I blushed
at that point and decided not to press the issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick pulled me into his arms and said, “You
look so cute when you blush.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kissed
me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg
asked, “Are you ready to go?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes,
we’re ready,” Rick replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I was
brought back to the present by Joey’s greeting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hey, guys!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Welcome to Madrid.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey pulled
Greg into a bear hug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m so glad
you’re here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler
stood back, waiting to be noticed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
wanted Joey to be the center of everyone’s attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I noticed him and walked over to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled him into an embrace and said, “I’m
glad you’re here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for
agreeing to let us visit with you for such an extended period of time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler
hugged me back and said, “It’s the least I can do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still can’t believe what you guys have
offered to do for us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I held
Tyler at arm’s length and held his gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Why do I get the sense that you’re not entirely okay with it?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler looked away from me and didn’t
respond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put my hand up to his face
and cupped his cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he met my
eyes, I said, “It’s okay, Tyler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
aren’t your enemies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re your
friends, and we want what is best for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If that means we need to back off a bit, all you have to do is say the
word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You won’t offend us, Tyler.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler
asked, “Am I that transparent?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I smiled
and replied, “To me, you are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have
to remember that my boyfriend is a tough marine, you know, Mr. Macho to the
max.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I’ve learned to read him
pretty well, despite his best efforts to hide things from me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re no different in that regard,
Tyler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You put on a pretty good show of
hiding your feelings, but you can’t hide anything from me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s more, you better not be hiding
anything from Joey.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I leaned forward
and kissed him on the lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We love
you, Tyler.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler’s look of surprise
caused me to laugh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick came
up behind me and asked, “Are you okay, Tyler?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler
looked at Rick and answered, “Yes, I’m okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A little surprised that Glenn kissed me, but, yes, I’m good.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You haven’t been around us
enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think you need to loosen up a
bit, Tyler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glenn is always full of
surprises!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey
joined us and pulled me into his embrace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Thanks for coming, Glenn.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
turned to Rick and hugged him as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg
said, “I’ve got our luggage.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We turned
to see that he had, indeed, pulled our luggage off of the carousel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s go.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We each
grabbed our gear and followed Joey and Tyler out their cars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey said, “We drove two cars to make sure
we had enough room for all of you and your luggage.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg and
Cory piled into the car with Joey, while Rick and I rode with Tyler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, “I hope I didn’t offend you,
Tyler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You looked like you needed
someone to kiss you at that moment, and I thought I was the perfect guy to do
it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I did need some reassurance at
that moment, since I wasn’t sure how to react to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I wasn’t expecting you to kiss me!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick
said, “You’ll have to get used to Glenn, Tyler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He isn’t very shy about expressing his
feelings.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“So I
found out,” Tyler said, wryly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said,
“We need to help you learn to be a little less serious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You seem to have aged 10 years since we saw
you last.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler
glanced over at me and said, “I feel like I’m older.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last couple of months have been really
stressful for me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“So we’ve
heard,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That is the reason
we gave you and Joey those scholarships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We want you to relax and enjoy being together while you’re getting your
education.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It has
helped me and Rick immensely to know that we don’t have to worry about how
we’re going to pay for our education,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m okay
with the scholarships,” Tyler said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“We’re very glad to have them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s the offer to buy our homes to relieve us of the stress of being
beholden to my parents.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Let me
guess, you don’t want us interfering with you and Joey, because we feel
entitled to that privilege if we help you with your homes,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler nodded his head, but remained
silent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, you can put that thought
out of your mind, right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last
thing Grandpa would ever do is interfere in our relationships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only stipulation he has insisted on is
that we do our best at our studies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
we’re going to be spending money on education, he expects us to do well to
justify the expenditure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To ensure that
we concentrate on our studies, he has bought homes for all his grandchildren
who are attending college.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For those
who aren’t pursuing higher education, he has offered to help them get set up in
a vocation or in a business that will help them become self-sufficient.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I paused
before continuing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You and Joey are part
of our family, even if you don’t think you are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa adopted Greg as his son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That makes him my uncle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re married to Joey, who is Greg’s brother-in-law,
so I guess that makes you my uncle-in-law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Man!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That makes you sound really
old!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler
snorted, “Not hardly!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we’re
pretty close to the same age.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I
guffawed, “We are, but I’m not the one who gets to be called Uncle Tyler!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick
said, “Glenn does have a point, Tyler.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler
glared at Rick in the rearview mirror.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“You aren’t helping.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You need to learn to be less
serious about things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We tease Greg all
the time about being the elder statesman, because he’s our uncle, even though
he’s younger than we are.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler sat
in silence for a few moments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
finally said, “You’re right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to
see the humor in situations, instead of being so serious about everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since Joey and I got married, I’ve tried to
be the perfect husband and father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
felt like a huge burden was placed on my shoulders that day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want everything to be perfect for us, yet,
I seem to be messing things up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First,
I lost myself in my studies and ignored Joey’s needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, I really messed up by siding with my
parents against Joey when we had a disagreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey barely spoke to me for days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ended up begging my mother to speak to
him, because he wasn’t communicating with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Things are better now, but there were a few pretty tense days when I
thought I might lose him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick
said, “Joey isn’t a quitter, so I doubt he would have left you without trying
to work things out.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I
know he’s persistent, but he has never shut me out like he did three weeks
ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never felt so alone,” Tyler
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t want that to ever happen
again.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick
said, “Glenn and I went through something similar just before you guys got
married.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler
said, “I remember you said something about it, but I’ve forgotten what
happened.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I was so
caught up in my school work I didn’t pay enough attention to Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meanwhile, Glenn started drifting away from
me,” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I met a
good looking guy in my classes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
started spending most of my time with Perry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Perry nearly had me convinced that Rick wasn’t the right guy for me,” I
said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It
wasn’t until Glenn told me he wanted to give me my freedom to have a
relationship with a woman that I realized I was losing him,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I had been completely blind to what was
happening until that moment.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Fortunately,
Mom talked some sense into me,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“And I
overheard his conversation with his mother,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We managed to work through our issues, but
it made me realize just how fragile our relationship can become if we don’t
nurture it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We made
a commitment to each other to make sure we talk every night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also decided that we needed to ‘date’
each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had grown complacent and
started taking each other for granted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The dating part has helped us to maintain the interest in each other,” I
said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“For my
part, I’ve tried to make sure I cater to Glenn’s romantic side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not very romantic, but Glenn is,” Rick
said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler
asked, “So how do you cater to someone who is a romantic?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you bring Glenn flowers and chocolates?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sometimes, but that’s not
what I meant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s taking the time to
make a special dinner for him, lighting the candles and putting on the special
music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s spending time with him in
the Jacuzzi with lots of bubble bath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s all about making Glenn feel like he’s the center of my universe.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I like
the part where Rick covers me in chocolate syrup, then, licks me clean,” I
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just thinking about it makes me
horny.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Doesn’t
that make a big sticky mess?” Tyler asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It does,
but that’s the whole point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make sure
you put down some towels or a sheet you don’t mind ruining with the chocolate
syrup,” I replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s the shower
afterward that puts it on my top ten list.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick
said, “You should try the mint flavored whipped cream with it, but don’t use a
lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got sick from licking too much
of it off of Glenn, but the chocolate syrup was good.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I can’t
believe you guys use that stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
seen it on some web sites, but I thought only straight people used it,” Tyler
said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick
laughed and said, “And only straight people use dildos, cock rings and
vibrators!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come on, Tyler, I can’t
believe you haven’t considered using some sex toys with your partner!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Never,”
Tyler said, embarrassed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve never
even thought about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey hasn’t
expressed an interest in them, so I’ve not mentioned it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been afraid to bring up the subject in
some ways, because Joey was married to a woman before he married me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are both versatile and like to take turns
pleasuring each other, and, thus far, we haven’t needed to bring sex toys into
the equation.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We’re
not suggesting that you add them to your sex play, but we have found a few
things to be to our taste.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the
other stuff, we don’t need and won’t even try,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler
said, “I wish Joey could hear this discussion.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“He will
at some point during our visit, I promise,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Glenn will probably be the instigator of
that conversation.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I laughed
and said, “You can count on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
guys have asked me to put together a competition like the one we had when we
were at Cancun.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler
whistled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve heard about some of your
escapades from Greg and Cory.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I need
to talk to you and Joey about what we can do without upsetting anyone,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler
grinned and said, “I’ll make sure Joey knows you need to talk to us about it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Our
conversation came to an end as Tyler pulled up to their home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He waited for the gates to open and pulled
into the driveway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey pulled up
beside us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We unloaded the cars and
hauled our luggage inside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">As we
entered the foyer, Joey introduced us to the Nájeras.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Guys this is Sr. and Sra. Nájera.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We call them Papá and Mamá.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Papá and Mamá this is Greg and Cory
Scarborough and Rick Lernier and Glenn Nielsen”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sr. Nájera
said, “It’s nice to meet you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg, we
understand that you’re Joey’s brother-in-law.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes,
Joey was married to my sister, Kathy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She was killed in a car accident a few months ago,” Greg said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We’re
sorry for your loss,” Sra. Nájera said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg
said, “Thank you for your sympathy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
were estranged at the time of her death.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey
said, “Greg is Glenn’s uncle.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sr. Nájera
looked surprised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How is that
possible?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Glenn’s
Grandpa Scarborough adopted me as his son,” Greg said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Glenn likes to tease me about it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I laughed
and said, “He needs someone to keep him humble.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory
said, “That’s true.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg
said, “Hey!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re supposed to be on my
side.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory
grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I am on your side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s why I agreed with Glenn.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sra. Nájera
said, “We have made up your rooms for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tyler and Joey, will you show your guests where they will be staying?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes,
Mamá,” Tyler said, smiling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Come this
way guys and I’ll show you to your rooms.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We
followed him upstairs and he indicated which rooms were ours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“These are your rooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our bedroom is across the hall from yours
and the girls’ room is next to ours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Nájeras and my parents’ rooms are at the other end of the hallway.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pointed them out to us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey
said, “After you’ve had time to freshen up, please come down to the
kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mamá has lunch ready for you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick
said, “Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m starving.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey
laughed and said, “I thought that might be the case.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey and
Tyler walked into their bedroom and closed the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler sat down on the bed, pulling Joey down
next to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That Glenn is sure a
trip,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey
nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, he is, but he’s
alright.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler
said, “Did you know that Rick pours chocolate syrup all over Glenn and licks it
off of him?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey’s
eyes opened wide and he said, surprised, “No, I didn’t.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“He
sometimes adds whipped cream,” Tyler said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“It sounded really kinky to me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think it sounds fun.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler
looked at his husband and asked, incredulously, “Are you telling me that you
want us to try it sometime?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey
leaned over and kissed his disbelieving husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I think it would be something we could
try once, and, if we liked it, we could do it more often.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked quizzically at Tyler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What were you guys talking about that
brought up chocolate syrup and whipped cream?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler
looked away, embarrassed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have to
confess that I was talking to them about how to improve our relationship, and I
asked what they do to keep things interesting.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey put
his hand up to his husband’s chin, and gently turned his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meeting his gaze, he said, “Tyler, it’s okay
to talk to Rick and Glenn about us, as long as you let me know what you’ve
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I trust Rick and Glenn to be
discreet, and I know that they won’t step into our relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel the same way about Greg and Cory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I trust them also.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we need to have open dialogue with
them about our sexuality and our relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve talked to Greg and Cory about things, but I’ve always told you that
I was doing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want us to have
any secrets between us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler
smiled and said, “I’m glad you’re not mad at me for talking to Rick and Glenn
about us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Those two could probably
teach us a thing or two about gay sex.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler
nodded his head in agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sure
we’ll have quite a few more ideas about how to pleasure each other by the time
the guys leave us at the end of the summer.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey’s
expression grew serious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you for
agreeing to their visit, Tyler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know
that it’s going to be a big imposition on our time together.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler
said, “You’re welcome, Babe, but I’m just as excited that they’re here as you
are.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey
rubbed noses with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re the
best!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They left
their room and went downstairs to the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They found that the guys were already seated around the kitchen table,
and that Sra. Nájera had laid out a very generous lunch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She said,
“It’s about time you two joined us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Please sit down, mis hijos.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They did
as they were told.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler asked, “Dad,
will you say grace for us?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Hank
said, “Sure, son.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">After
grace was said, it didn’t take long for the food to disappear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked, “Sra. Nájera, will you teach me to
make paella?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Certainly,
but you’ll have to learn to speak Spanish like a true Spaniard,” Sra. Nájera
said, smiling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That
sounds great!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll have to listen to
how you pronounce things, so I can perfect the accent,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sra. Nájera
said, “I’ll be happy to help you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your
accent in Spanish tells me you learned to speak Spanish from someone in
México.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick
smiled and said, “That is very true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’ve been to México a couple of times.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg
said, “We haven’t been to México.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
is our first time we have visited a non-English speaking country.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sra. Nájera
said, “That’s good, since we won’t have to break you of any bad habits.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory
looked across the table at us and said, “I’m happy to know that we will be
easier to teach.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I protested,
“She didn’t say you’d be easier to teach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She only said you wouldn’t have any bad habits to correct.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sra. Nájera
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now, boys, I won’t permit any
bickering to go one between you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
are all mis hijos, and, as such, you must learn to get along.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory
said, “Yes, Mamá.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rachel
said, “Uncle Cory is right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You must
listen to my Abuela.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She will teach you
to speak properly.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded her
head, wisely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She teaches me every
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learn the alphabet and the
numbers.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="ES-MX" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She held up her hands, and counted, “Uno, dos, tres, cuatro, cinco,
seis, siete, ocho, nueve y diez.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She giggled and
said, “See, I know how to count from one to ten in Spanish.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sra. Nájera
said, “Muy bien, Rachel”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(“Very good,
Rachel”)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I asked,
“May we go swimming in the pool?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler
said, “Certainly.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked
at the adults and asked, “Will it bother anyone if we wear our bikini
swimsuits?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If so we brought our board
shorts to cover them up.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Louise
said, “You’re welcome to wear them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I,
for one, enjoy watching handsome men, as long as you don’t mind me looking you
over.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She patted Hank’s arm, “It’s
okay, dear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may wear your bikini
swimsuit, too, if you want.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Hank
smiled and said, “I’ll join you guys for a swim, then.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked
across the table at the Nájeras.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Will
it bother you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sr. Nájera
said, “No, it won’t bother me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sra. Nájera
smiled and said, “I agree with Louise.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That’s
cool!” Greg exclaimed, enthusiastically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I’ve been looking forward to working on my tan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, I can do it without worrying about
offending anyone.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We helped
clear the table and washed the dishes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sra. Nájera said, “Go get into your swimsuits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You didn’t come here to cook and clean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey and Tyler, take your guests out to the
pool.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler
said, “Yes, Mamá.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come on guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We
quickly changed into our Speedos and followed Tyler and Joey out to the pool
deck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler gave us the once over and
whistled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You guys look great!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick
said, “So do you two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It looks like you
guys have been working out in the gym.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Obviously
not as much as you guys,” Joey said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I patted
Rick’s rock hard six-pack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Rick is the
one who puts us all to shame.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick
grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s because I’m such a fine
male specimen.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I laughed
and said, “Yes, that’s true if you like ogres!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick
growled, “You’ll pay for that.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
grabbed me and dumped me into the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I
surfaced and called out, “Rick, jump in!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The water feels great!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Soon, we
were all in the pool, playing around and enjoying the hot sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a while, we climbed out onto the pool
deck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned to Rick and said, “We
forgot to put sunscreen on.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick
said, “I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll run up and get it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">While he
was gone, Joey asked, “How are things between you and Rick?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“They are
going good now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just before your
wedding, things weren’t good between us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was messing around with another guy, and told Rick I wanted him to be
free to find a girl to fuck, if that is what he wanted.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey
looked at me, surprised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What did he
say?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“He told
me he loved me, and that I was the only one for him,” I replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It made me feel pretty bad about doubting
him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“But
you’re okay, now?” Joey asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes,
we’re good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We both are working hard to
keep our relationship running smoothly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick had lost himself in his studies, and I let a good looking guy turn
my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I won’t let that happen
again.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick
returned and I sat up on my lounge chair to let him spray it on my back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sprayed my legs and arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last, he sprayed some on his hands and covered
my face with sunscreen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took the
bottle from him, and did the same for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I passed the bottle on to the rest of the guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We relaxed in the sun, turning over every
once in a while to keep from burning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
looked over at Rick and smiled. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This
is the life.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick
returned my smile and said, “Yes, it is, Babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">It had
been nearly an hour since we started sunbathing, when Tyler said, “It’s time to
go inside, guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Otherwise, we’ll burn
to a crisp.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I stood
up and said, “Tyler, before we go inside, we need your mother and Sra. Nájera
to come outside to be our swimsuit judges.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler
gave me a weird look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re kidding,
right?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I
replied, “No, I’m totally serious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who
could be better judges of male beauty than two women?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey
laughed and said, “It’s okay, Tyler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ll go ask them.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He got up and
went inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He soon returned with the
two women, both of them were smiling and talking excitedly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said,
“Okay, Señoras, please take a seat and let me explain the rules.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guys will walk from one end of the pool
to the other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will stop in front
of you and pose, and then continue to the other side of the pool to await your
decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The winner will be the guy
you decide looks best in his swimsuit.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I looked at the guys and asked, “Are there any questions?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They all
shook their heads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We lined up at one
of the pool, and Joey went first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
struck a muscleman pose, before proceeding to the other side of the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went next, followed by Rick, Greg, Tyler
and Cory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Cory finished his walk,
we reconvened in front of the judges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Louise and Sra. Nájera were still trying to decide who had won the
swimsuit competition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a few more
moments of consultation, they turned to us, smiling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sra. Nájera
said, “We think the best looking guy in a swimsuit is Rick.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Louise
nodded her head in agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Rick was
definitely the winner.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We
applauded their decision, and congratulated Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick was grinning from ear to ear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I still have what it takes to turn women’s
heads.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I never
said you didn’t, Babe,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just
don’t forget that you’re all mine.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick’s
grin widened, “I just have to keep reminding you what a good catch you made!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I put my
arms around his waist and kissed him deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The guys wolf whistled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We came
up for air and I said, “I love you, Mr. Lernier.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick’s
eyes danced with merriment and he wore a big grin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Everyone here knows that you love me, and I
love you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He squeezed my buttocks and
released me, catching hold of my hand to lead me inside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sra. Nájera
smiled and said, “Louise, I think I’m going to enjoy the boys’ visit.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Louise
leaned over and whispered conspiratorially to her, “I think I am, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The next
two weeks were spent touring Madrid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Joey went with us, and Tyler joined us for lunch as often as he
could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our Spanish improved under Sra. Nájera’s
tutelage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We invented new competitions
for the guys, and tried them out on each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some of them, we enlisted Sra. Nájera
and Louise to be our judges, both of whom had a great time!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br /></div>
SaskBoyStories by Russ Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12705114426346134527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7739282925426125332.post-45046324874181739092013-06-15T18:34:00.001-04:002013-06-18T20:40:50.860-04:00The Man From Swift Current Chapter One Hundred Eighteen - Costa Rica Here We Come!<br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Chapter One Hundred Eighteen – <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Costa Rica, Here We Come!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie and Adam boarded the Air Canada
flight to Toronto.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As they took their
seats, Robbie asked, “How long is our flight?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It will take us nearly 24 hours to get
there because we have such a long layover in Houston,” Adam said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They stowed their carry-on luggage and
settled in for the short flight to Toronto.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Adam pulled out their itinerary for their stay in Costa Rica.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Here’s what we’re going to do for the next
two weeks.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie read through the itinerary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Parasailing, rock climbing, white water rafting, zip line, bungee
jumping, hiking, kayaking and sunbathing on the beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re going to be exhausted by the time
we’re done!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam laughed, “I don’t think so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve got so much energy I don’t think
you’ll ever get tied.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Mom used to call me the Energizer
Bunny, because I would go, and go, and go, until I just fell into a deep
sleep,” Robbie said, grinning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam said, “I was always very active,
but you have got me beat.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie pulled out a hair band and pulled
his long blond hair into a pony tail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He liked having long hair, but sometimes it could be quite annoying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked over at Adam and asked, “Would you
care if I cut my hair?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam said, “It’s up to you, Babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like your hair long, but I want you to be
comfortable.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adam’s blond hair was
shoulder length.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robbie encouraged him
to keep his hair long because it made him look like Thor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adam wasn’t sure he really liked having his
hair long, because it took so much time to maintain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, he couldn’t complain about it,
since Robbie loved spending time with him, combing his hair and giving him back
rubs, which always ended up with them having fantastic sex!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wanted Robbie to be happy, so he
shrugged off the thought of cutting his own hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">A few moments later, he was surprised
when Robbie said, “I know you don’t like wearing your hair long, so why don’t
we both cut our hair.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adam turned his
head to look at Robbie, and Robbie captured his lips in a brief, but passionate
kiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robbie put his hands on either
side of Adam’s head, “Be honest with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Do you like having long hair?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam looked into his husband’s eyes and
said, “No, I don’t.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie released him and smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, we’ll find a barber in Costa Rica to
cut our hair.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam sighed and said, “Robbie, I love
you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie took his hand in his and said,
“Why have you let me force you to keep your hair long all of this time?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Because I wanted to make you happy,”
Adam said, simply.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“From now on, you need to be completely
honest with me when I ask you your opinion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I may not like what you say, but we can work together to come to a
common understanding,” Robbie said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam responded, “You sound like Zach and
Todd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember the lecture they gave us
last week about being husbands instead of simply boyfriends?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie replied, with more than a little
heat, “Yes, I thought they would never SHUT UP!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not like they’re our parents or
anything!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes, our older brothers
just don’t get it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t need a
third set of parents, because we already have two sets!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam put his fingers to Robbie lips,
“Calm down!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re on an airplane,
remember?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie nodded his head and said, “Sorry,
I did forget where I was.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked
around to see if anyone had taken offense at his outburst.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He met the eyes of the passenger in the seat
across the aisle from him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The young man looked to be about their
own age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had blond hair, warm brown
eyes, a dark brown unibrow, a broad nose and a generous smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His slightly crooked teeth were bright white
and he had a dimple in his right cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He said, “I’m Adrian Munteanu.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie shook the hand he offered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hi, I’m Robbie Anderson-Ingram and this is
my husband, Adam.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adrian said, “Nice to meet you both.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam said, “Hi.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adrian said, “I couldn’t help but
overhear your conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope
you’re not offended.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam said, “No, we’re not offended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We weren’t being exactly quiet.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gave Robbie a meaningful look.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie ignored him and turned to Adrian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re going to Costa Rica for our
honeymoon.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I know,” Adrian said, smilingly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I wish my boyfriend would marry me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wants us to wait until we’re out of
college.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie asked, “How long have you been
together?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We met during our senior year of high
school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jarrett is going to school at
the University of Toronto.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and his
parents left for Toronto two weeks ago and I am flying out to meet them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jarrett’s parents paid for my round trip
ticket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They like me and think that I’m
good for Jarrett,” Adrian said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Where are you going to school?” Adam
asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adrian looked at the floor and said, “I
don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t have the money to
go to college and my foster parents don’t have the money either.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“What do you plan to do then?” Robbie
asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adrian looked up and met Robbie’s
gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve thought about living in Toronto and
finding a job there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way, I can be
near Jarrett.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie said, “Have you thought about
coming to Minneapolis?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s where we
live.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam said, “We just graduated from high
school a couple of weeks ago.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We’re going to attend college at the
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities,” Robbie said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adrian said, “That’s cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I haven’t considered going there, because I
want to be near Jarrett.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam said, “It almost sounds like
Jarrett is looking to find someone new, Adrian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That crap about wanting to wait until he’s
out of college to marry you sounds like he’s on the prowl for someone better;
at least that how I see it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adrian looked away from Adam’s
gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My foster parents told me that
too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They don’t like Jarrett.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They think he’s been using me as his
personal sex slave.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie reached across the aisle and
placed his hand on Adrian’s arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Adrian, why don’t you drive down to visit us when we get back from our
honeymoon?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d like you to meet our
roommates.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam grinned, “They are the best!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We call ourselves a band of brothers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guys are all gay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They all got married before us though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our brothers, Zach and Todd, had a double
wedding with our friends Mark and Brandon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Justin and Brian were married a week before that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of us have been married in Thunder Bay,
since Minnesota doesn’t allow gay marriage.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adrian asked, in amazement, “You mean to
say you share a house with six other gay guys?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie replied, “Yes, we do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We live with our older brothers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom and Dad let me live with my brother,
Zach, and his husband, Todd, while I went to a special high school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I met Adam at school and he moved in with us
a few months later.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Todd is my older brother,” Adam said,
seeing Adrian’s confused look.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“So, your older brothers are married to
each other?” Adrian asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was still
trying to fathom the fact that there were eight gay guys in one house!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There had been a couple of gay kids in his
school, two of whom were himself and Jarrett.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie said, “You really need to stay
with us for a few weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are a
couple of really great gay bars and dance clubs in Minneapolis as well as the
Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Minneapolis is a great place to live.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We really like it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our friends
at high school even held a wedding shower for us last month.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We were voted the cutest couple by our
classmates,” Adam said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adrian said, “Most of my friends are
girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not many of the guys wanted
anything to do with me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I know how that feels,” Robbie
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My high school in Duluth wasn’t
exactly a great place for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
straight friends abandoned me when I came out, and the gay guys looked down on
me because I wasn’t as ‘in your face’ as they were about being gay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just wanted to continue being a normal
teenager, not some gay activist at the school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was pretty miserable at school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I didn’t have any friends and I hated school.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adrian nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s how I felt about high school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was very happy to get out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just don’t know what I’m going to do now
that I’m out of school.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I think you need to get away from
Thunder Bay for a while, and most of all, you need to get away from Jarrett.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You need some space to figure out who you
are and where you’re going,” Adam said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie grinned and said, teasingly,
“Adam, you’re beginning to sound like Zach and Todd.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam blushed and said, “I guess I
do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sorry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shouldn’t be preaching to you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adrian
said, “I’d love to visit with you guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It sounds like you have a lot of fun.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie
said, “Yes, we do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re going to Spain
in July for a few weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our friends
have a beach house in Malaga.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Now
that sounds exciting!” Adrian said, his face lighting up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve always wanted to travel to Europe.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Why
don’t you come with us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure our
friends won’t mind,” Robbie said, enthusiastically.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adrian
said, “I can’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t have any
money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t even have a car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I come to see you in Minneapolis, I’ll
have to hitch a ride with someone to Duluth and take a bus from there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s no direct bus service between Duluth
and Thunder Bay.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They
chatted for the remainder of the flight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Before they landed, they exchanged cell phone numbers and promised to
keep in touch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They landed in Toronto
and went their separate ways.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie
and Adam made their way to their connecting flight to Houston, where they would
catch their flight to San Jose, Costa Rica.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Once they were settled into their seats, Robbie said, “I wish we could
do something to help Adrian.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I
was thinking the same thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
pretty obvious to me that his boyfriend is looking for someone new,” Adam said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“But
how do you explain the fact that his parents are paying for Adrian to fly to
Toronto?” Robbie asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Simple,
the parents want their son to stay with Adrian, because he’s a known
quantity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would almost bet they’re
afraid their little darling will find a real loser; or worse, he’ll fall hard
for someone who will leave him high and dry,” Adam said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Adrian
didn’t seem to be all that attached to his boyfriend,” Robbie said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No,
he didn’t,” Adam agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I bet you
that we hear from him soon.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie
grinned and said, “How long before we get a call?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam
thought for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s give him
two weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That should be long enough
for his boyfriend to show his true colors.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie’s
green eyes sparkled with merriment as he slipped his hand under the blanket
they had spread over themselves, and began running his hand along Adam’s inner
thigh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adam leaned over and nibbled Robbie’s ear and
whispered, “You had better stop that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie
laughed and withdrew his hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
turned his head and kissed Adam.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The
lady in the seat next to Robbie coughed and Robbie turned to look at her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She glared at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled and said, “I’m sorry if we have
offended you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were married a few
hours ago, and we’re heading to Costa Rica for our honeymoon.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Her
expression softened and she smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Congratulations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sorry for
glaring at you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought you were
kissing just to be offensive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t
know you were newlyweds leaving for your honeymoon.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie
said, “I’m used to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re not
exactly shy about letting people know that we’re very much in love with each
other.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She
said, “That much I already knew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
husband and I were much the same way when we got married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m Clarissa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s your name?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m
Robbie and this is my husband, Adam,” Robbie replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam
said, “Hi.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie
asked, “Where are you going?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m
going to a conference in Houston,” she replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know you just got married, but how long
have you been together?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam
said, “We’ve been together since our junior year in high school, so I guess
that makes it a little over a year and a half.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Clarissa
nodded her head and smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s
about how long we dated before we got married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So you waited until you graduated from high school to get married?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes,
we thought it would be better for us to wait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We live with our brothers, who are also married to each other,” Robbie
said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Clarissa
raised her eyebrows in surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do
you mean to tell me that your brothers are gay as well, and that they are
married to each other?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes,”
Adam said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s how we met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My brother, Todd, married Robbie’s brother,
Zach.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“How
do your parents feel about having two gay sons?” she asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“They’re
really cool about it,” Robbie said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“They have been very supportive of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We live with three married gay couples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They are all students at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Is
that where you plan to go to school as well?” she asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes,
we are already registered for the fall semester,” Adam said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Clarissa
asked, “How do you handle living with three other couples?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would think it would be hard to have any
privacy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie
laughed and said, “It’s true that it’s hard to have much privacy; but they are
like brothers to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since they’re
married, they understand the need for each couple to have alone time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve reserved every Friday night as date
night, and we go our separate ways to spend one-on-one time with our
husbands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saturdays, we do things with
the guys, because during the week, we’re busy studying.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That
sounds like a good system to help everyone maintain their relationships with
their spouses,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam
said, “It’s worked out pretty well so far, even though we weren’t married
yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guys treated us like we
were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since we’ve been living together,
we shouldn’t have too much trouble adjusting to being married.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Clarissa
shook her head and said, “That’s not always true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lived with my husband before we got
married, and I thought the same way you do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was sure wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was like we
started our relationship from scratch the day we got married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took us a while to figure out that we
each had different expectations of a spouse than we did when we were just
living together.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie
looked at Adam and said, “Well, there is that aspect to think about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We haven’t really talked about what we
expect of each other as husbands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
just assumed we would continue pretty much the same as before we got married.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well,
if you want some advice, take some time to talk about your expectations now
that you’re married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think you will
find it to be time well spent.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie
said, “Thank you for your suggestion.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His tone of voice indicated that he was being polite, but had his own
thoughts about the subject.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Clarissa
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sure that you have gotten
a lot of unsolicited advice lately.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam
said, sarcastically, “You’ve got that right.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Clarissa
smiled and said, “It happened to us as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Every married couple tried to tell us what pitfalls to avoid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thing is, we never encountered those
same pitfalls, because we were different people in different circumstances than
they were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'll try not to preach at
you, then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I will make one last
suggestion, as you called it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do take
the time to talk about your future together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Make a list of goals and priorities and share them with each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Decide which ones will be family goals and
which ones will be individual ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That way, you can help each to achieve your goals.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam
said, “I think that’s a good idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’ve got two weeks of just us time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Maybe we can spend some time talking about our future together while
we’re at the beach.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie
agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That way we can think about
things before we talk.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Clarissa
said, “I’d like to get to know you two a little better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You seem like you know what you want, and
are headed in the right direction.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They
shared with her their experiences together, and she shared her experiences with
her family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time they reached
Houston, they had become friends and exchanged cell numbers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After landing in Houston, they stood in the
boarding area for moment with Clarissa.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Enjoy
your honeymoon,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Thanks,”
Robbie said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam
said, “It’s been nice getting to know you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They
watched her disappear into the crowd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Adam said, “We have a long layover here, so I’ve booked us into a hotel
for the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have to be back here
early tomorrow to catch our flight to Costa Rica.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie
grinned and said, “Let’s go.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They
made their way out of the terminal and took a taxi to their hotel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adam checked them in and they were soon
alone in the honeymoon suite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adam smiled
and said, “I think we should relax in the hot tub.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you think?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie
didn’t answer his husband in words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Instead, he gave him a lecherous grin and began a slow strip tease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adam waited for Robbie to finish stripping
out of his clothes to begin his own version.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>By the time they were ready to climb into the hot tub, they were so
amped up that Adam said, “The hot tub can wait.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took Robbie’s hand and pulled him down
onto the king-sized bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robbie kissed
him deeply, loving the feel of his husband’s bare skin next to his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adam wrapped his arms around Robbie, lifting
him on top of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He released him and
Robbie straddled his husband, deep green eyes meeting brilliant blue ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adam said, huskily, “I love you,
Robbie.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robbie recaptured Adam’s lips,
letting his hands roam freely; their passion for each other increasing
geometrically from one moment to the next.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">***
***<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The
next morning Adam was awakened by the ringing of the phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adam answered the wake-up call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The computerized voice said, “This is your requested
wake up call.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hung up the phone and
glanced down at his naked body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was
quite proud of his well-muscled physique.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Zach and Todd had insisted that he and Robbie work out with them; and,
as a result, he had built up as much muscle as his brother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robbie liked running his hands over his
six-pack abs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He glanced over at his
sleeping husband, as his thoughts went back to the mind-blowing sex they had
had last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had no idea that
being married to Robbie would increase the passion and the intensity of their
lovemaking!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being bound together as one had
removed barriers that he hadn’t known existed between them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had always felt close to Robbie, but last
night they had joined as one; mentally, emotionally, and physically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In all of the discussions with his brother
about marriage, Zach had made no mention of the exhilaration he had felt at the
metaphysical merging of two souls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
knew that Zach and Todd were very much in love, and there was no doubt in his
mind that they had experienced it as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He understood how highly personal and private such an occurrence was,
now that he had experienced it for himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The memories of last night stirred his passions, and had an immediate
impact on his physical body, drawing him to his husband. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He
wasn’t sure Robbie was awake; but figured he would give him a nice surprise to
help him wake up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He rolled over and ran
his tongue over Robbie’s nipples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Robbie opened his eyes in surprise and let out a low moan of
pleasure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reached for his lover,
pulling him up to capture his lips.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam
pulled back, and his sapphire eyes met Robbie’s emerald ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adam saw the Robbie’s love for him reflected
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adam smiled and murmured, “I
want you to make me yours.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie
put his hands up, pulling his head down until Adam’s lips met his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pushed his tongue between Adam’s open
lips and proceeded to honor Adam’s request.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">***
***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The
newlyweds collapsed in a mass of tangled limbs, enjoying the euphoria that
resulted from their passionate lovemaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Adam tenderly traced designs on Robbie’s chest with his fingertips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robbie said, “I love it when you do that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam’s
eyes sparkled with happiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love
doing it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie
said, “We should get dressed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam
agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s get a quick
shower.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stood up and pulled Robbie
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They cleaned themselves up, and
were dressed and on their way to the airport in no time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They made it through security and to their
boarding gate without incident. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They
sat down and Robbie said, “I’m hungry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Do you want something to eat?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Sure,
let’s grab a breakfast burrito.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw a
McDonald’s just past the next gate,” Adam said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They
purchased their meal and returned to their boarding gate to wait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As they ate, Adam said, “That lady we met
yesterday seemed nice enough.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yeah,
she did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wasn’t very friendly at
first, though,” Robbie said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam
said, “Well, that was your fault for kissing me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know it shouldn’t matter to people, but
they get really upset seeing two guys kissing in public.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That’s
so prejudiced!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one says anything
when a straight couple kisses in public or holds hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We shouldn’t have to always be afraid of
offending someone’s sensibilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
like there is a double standard for what is acceptable behavior in the public
square,” Robbie said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That’s
because there is a double standard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Homophobic people are scared we might convert them if they see us as
being happy and well adjusted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
have tried to portray us as sick and unbalanced, a menace to society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we behave like normal people who are in
love and have families, their propaganda of hatred and lies is shown for what
it truly is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s why they react so
negatively to us when we show them they’re wrong,” Adam said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The
more gay couples are open about their relationships and their families, the
more likely it is that rational people will reject what the hate merchants have
been selling them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie
said, “That’s one more reason I never intend to hide the fact that I’m married
to you and that I am very happy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They
finished their sandwiches just as their flight began boarding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They joined the queue and were soon seated
next to each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adam had grabbed a
couple of pillows and blankets as he passed them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
stowed their carry-on luggage and took his seat next to the window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">As
Robbie took the middle seat, he said, “Thank you for letting me take the window
seat.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie
grinned and said, “It only makes sense since you’re quite a bit bigger than I
am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also gives me a reason to get
close to you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sat down and put on
his seat belt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They made themselves
comfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m tired, Babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You
can sleep as soon as we’re in the air,” Adam said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie
said, “I hope no one sits in the aisle seat, so I can get comfortable.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We’ll
wait and see,” Adam said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">As
the passengers continued to board, it soon became apparent that the aisle was,
indeed, unclaimed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robbie grinned and
said, “Looks like we have a little extra room.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put up the arm rest that separated him
from the aisle seat and stretched his legs out, leaning his head on Adam’s
shoulder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The
plane soon was in the air and Robbie was out cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adam pulled the window shade down and placed
a pillow against the wall of the plane and drifted off as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">***
***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick
and I met Greg and Cory poolside at the hotel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The two younger men looked stunning in their Andrew Christian bikini swimming
suits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick saw me giving them the once
over from head to toe and said, “You can stop drooling now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They
noticed us and walked over to join us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Greg grinned and said, “I’m glad we still can turn you on, Glenn.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick
reached over to massage my barely contained erection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I closed my eyes and gave a low moan of
pleasure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stopped and I opened my
eyes as he lifted me out the lounge chair and carried me over to the Jacuzzi
tub.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put me down and we sat down on
the tiled shelf, with the hot jets of water massaging our backs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg and Cory followed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory
said, “Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick sure knows how to take
care of you, Glenn.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I
grinned and said, “Rick is the best man for me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick
agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I’m the only man for
you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He leaned over and kissed me on
the lips.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg
said, “I’m glad you two are still together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ll never forget how you came into my room that day during spring
break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still get horny just thinking
about it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I
laughed, “I think we did a pretty good job of entertaining a very depressed young
man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t you think so, Rick?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick
grinned, “Yes, we did.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory
said, “I’m glad you did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It helped Greg
to begin his recovery.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes,
it did, in a very physical way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just
wish that we could get over the mental issues as easily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hate going to therapists who think they
have the answers to all of our problems.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory
said, “We had a very rough session last week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Dr. Hansen is a good therapist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s just that she pushed us pretty hard this last time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg
put his arm around Cory’s shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Cory is being very good to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She specifically said that I needed to move past the hatred I feel
toward my Dad before I can begin to heal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Cory seems to have moved past it already, but, of course, it wasn’t his
father who tried to murder him, it was mine.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory
put a finger to Greg’s lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Shh!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s save this discussion for another time,
Babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg
looked as if he wanted to keep going, but reached up to take his husband’s hand
and smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll wait for a more appropriate time.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked across the hot tub at me and
Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I promise to talk to you about
it, later.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I
nodded my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not a problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re not going anywhere, and we’ll always
be willing to lend you a listening ear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Besides, who else would listen to you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg
laughed and punched me in the shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“You’re such a wise ass!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I
gave him my best erudite look and said, in a deep voice, “It’s about time you
figured out that my superior intellect is just what you need to help you solve
your problems.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg
splashed water at me and said, “Just remember, nephew dearest, I know where
you’re sleeping tonight.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick
said, “He’s got you there, Glenn.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
leaned back as he finished massaging my back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He placed his hands on my shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Let’s get in the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think
you need to cool down.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, I get it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick stood and gave me a hand up, pulling me
out of the hot tub.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put his arm
around my waist to support me as I leaned against him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg
and Cory followed us over to the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Cory said, “Race you to the other side.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We
lined up and did surface dives to begin our race across the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, Rick was in the lead by about a
yard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest of us tied for second
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cory said, “I think Rick had the
advantage on us that time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to
start from inside the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s race
back to see who is the real winner.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We
lined up as before, but this time we were already in the pool and pushed off from
the pool wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, Rick won.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick said, “Just face it, Cory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m the faster swimmer.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory
grinned and said, “Okay, but I beat these two.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg
said, “I think we need a rematch, because I think I swim faster than you do.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We
played around in the water for a while longer, before climbing out onto the
pool deck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick took my hand and pulled
me into the hot tub with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said,
“Turn around, so I can massage your back for you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did as I asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love running my hands over the muscles in
his back and shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kneaded his
muscles with my fingertips and worked on the muscles in the back of his neck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ran my hands along his broad shoulders and
down his sides to his narrow hips, working out the tension in his muscles as I
went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He leaned forward to give me
better access to his lower back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Finishing there, I said, “Okay, turn around and let me at your legs and
feet.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He obeyed, bringing his legs up
and placed them across my knees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
massaged his feet and worked my way up his calves to his thighs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I approached his groin, I noticed his
growing erection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I glanced up,
grinning widely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think we need to go
up to our room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe someone needs
some relief.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick
met my eyes and returned my grin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The
sooner, the better, Babe,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We’ll
see you guys upstairs,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg
said, “We’ll give you some time alone, before we come upstairs.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Thanks,
guys,” I said, taking Rick’s hand and leading him to our room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Entering
our room, Rick pinned me against the door and captured my lips in a deep kiss;
his steel pole grinding against me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
pushed his hands into my bikini swimsuit and pushed it to the floor, freeing my
equally hard dick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stepped out of it,
as I hooked my thumbs in his waist band of his swim suit, pulling it off of
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He picked me up and carried me to
the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The look in his eyes made me
shiver in anticipation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was not
going to be a gentle ride!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">****
***<br />
Greg and Cory tapped on the door before they entered the hotel room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg could see we were still coming down
from the heights of our passionate lovemaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The guys stripped off their swim suits and climbed on the bed next to
us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick
said, “Thanks, guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I needed that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg
laughed and said, “I knew you were in dire need!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick
grinned and said, “It WAS pretty obvious.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory
said, “Even I figured that out, and I’m the one who usually has to have Greg
point things out to me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I
said, “I love it when Rick gets really horny like that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory
said, “I bet you do!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like it when
Greg gets like that as well.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick
said, “It was pretty obvious this morning that Robbie and Adam have a healthy
libido, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad that they’re
married now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have wanted to be married,
ever since Zach and Todd were married.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Before I could say anything, he added, “Yes, I know that you want to be married,
as well, Glenn, and our time will come.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He pulled me close to him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory
said, “I’m glad we’re going to Spain early.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve read over your itinerary for the guys, and they will have a
whirlwind tour of Europe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d much
rather take my time and enjoy one or two places.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Joey
and Tyler are pretty excited to see us,” Greg said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I talked with Joey last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’ll be waiting at the airport when we
land in Madrid, the day after tomorrow.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It
will be the first time I’ve flown overseas,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I
flew to Germany while I was on active duty last year,” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory
asked, “How much longer do you have in the Marine Corps?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I
have three years to go,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We
both graduate next spring,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I’ll have just enough credits to graduate with a degree in Spanish with
a business management minor.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’ll
have my degree in electrical and computer engineering, with a minor in computer
science,” Rick said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg
said, “Joey wants to start taking classes in computer science.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is really feeling bad about not being
able to help support his family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right
now, he is staying at home with the girls and taking Spanish language lessons.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Is
there something we can do?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We
could talk to Grandpa about helping Joey and Tyler set up a business; one that
would allow Joey to work from home,” Greg said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I
think that’s a great idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we
could also set up a scholarship fund for Joey, like we did for the rest of the
guys when they got married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We didn’t
do it before because Joey hadn’t indicated an interest in going to
college.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that he wants to take
classes, I think we should provide him with the means to do so,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory
said, “Let’s call Grandpa and ask him what he thinks would be the best way to
help them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg
grabbed his cell phone and dialed Grandpa’s number.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put his phone on speaker so we could all
hear the conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa picked
up on the second ring.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Hello,
Greg,” Grandpa said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Hi,
Grandpa,” Greg said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We want to bounce
an idea off of you to see what you think.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He outlined what we proposed and then waited for Grandpa’s response.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa
said, “I think it would be a good idea to give Joey a scholarship if he desires
to attend college.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will have to think
about what kind of business deal we could offer them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe after you’ve spent some time with
them, you can call me with more information.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg
said, “Joey also said there has been some tension between him and his in-laws;
because they paid for both of their homes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He wants to pay them back, so they won’t feel entitled to interfere in
their relationship.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grandpa
said, “Let’s provide them the funds to pay Tyler’s parents back their money,
thus taking away that issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will
give them the same terms as the rest of our family, for whom we have purchased
homes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doesn’t Tyler want to become an
international business consultant?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes,
he does,” Greg said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He plans to get
his doctorate from a university in Chile when he finishes in Spain.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We
are already an international company since we own businesses in Canada and the
United States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe we can add Spain
and Chile to the list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll make some
inquiries about doing business in those countries, and I’ll get back to
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for presenting me with a
new challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was beginning to get
bored,” Grandpa said, with a laugh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg
said, “Thank you for listening to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>May we share the news of the scholarship with them?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey will need to get things set up, so he
can attend college,” Grandpa said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We’ll
call them in the morning, before we leave for the airport,” Greg said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Travel
safely, and call me when you arrive in Spain,” Grandpa said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We
will,” Greg said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Goodbye, Grandpa.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Goodbye,”
he replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg
ended the call and grinned at us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Grandpa is the best!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That
he is,” Rick agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can understand
Joey’s frustration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would feel the
same way if Glenn’s parents felt emboldened to interfere in our relationship because
of the financial support they were giving us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fortunately, Grandpa doesn’t try to tell us what to do, or interfere in
our relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And before that,
Uncle Stan and Aunt Sharon didn’t dictate what I should do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their only condition was that I go to school
and do well in whatever major I wanted to pursue.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It’s
just after 10 PM in Madrid,” Cory said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“They will probably still be up if you want to call them now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg
nodded his head and picked up his cell phone, dialing Joey’s number.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey answered, “Hello, Greg.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Hey,
Joey!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m going to put you on speaker
phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick, Glenn and Cory are here
with me,” Greg said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Hey
guys!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me get Tyler,” Joey
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">A
minute later, Tyler said, “Hello everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’re looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We’re
excited too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Listen, guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wanted to talk to you about a couple of
things,” Greg said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Joey, did you tell
Tyler that you talked to me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey
answered, “No, but he knows how I feel about the situation.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg
said, “Okay, I didn’t want to start a fight between you guys if you hadn’t
already been talking about things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
talked to Grandpa Scarborough tonight about what we could do to help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please hear us out before you say anything.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I
said, “We want to help both of you with your college education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will fund two scholarships at the school
of your choice that you will use to pay the costs of tuition and books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you’ve finished, the scholarships will
be awarded to two outstanding gay students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The scholarships will be called the Tyler and Joey Damasiewicz
scholarships.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler
said, “I don’t know what to say.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
looked over at Joey, who looked like he was just as surprised as he was.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg
said, “Thank you, I think, is all you have to say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition, Grandpa has authorized us to
tell you that we will give you the funds to pay back your parents, Tyler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will become part of our family
corporation and will manage the properties; either by living in them, or
renting them out, until you decide to sell them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa wants to create a situation where
you can both flourish and grow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also
is looking into setting you up with businesses of your own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will contact you when he’s finished
researching the business possibilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We would put up the venture capital to start your business, and you two
would be the brains behind the operation.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler
sat in stunned silence after hearing Greg’s proposal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His mind was reeling from all the
possibilities it opened up for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His parents would be ecstatic to get their nest egg back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They hadn’t complained about sacrificing
their retirement to get Tyler and Joey started out right; but it had put a
strain on the relationship between the two couples.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler
finally asked, “What’s the catch?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The catch is that you’re now
part of the Scarborough family, and you’ll be expected to live up to some
pretty high standards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa doesn’t
put up with slothfulness or laziness of any sort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll be there for you and you’ll be there
for us, as part of our extended family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Joey is still my brother-in-law, Tyler, and you’re married to him; so
that makes you my brother-in-law, as well.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I
said, “Think things over tonight, and we’ll talk more about it when we arrive
there tomorrow.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg
said, “Knowing Grandpa, he’ll be expecting a phone call tomorrow to talk about
getting your homes taken care of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
doesn’t like to leave things hanging for very long.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler
said, “Thanks guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve given us a
lot to think about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll see you at
the airport tomorrow.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Good
night,” Greg said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Good
night,” Joey said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg
looked over at me and Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Tyler
sounded a little shell shocked.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I
agreed, “We didn’t give him much warning.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory
said, “I think they’ll be alright.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick’s
stomach rumbled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg laughed, “I guess
that means we need to find something to eat.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick
grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, it does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s get showered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think the Andersons and the Ingrams were
planning to try out a new restaurant tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They invited us to join them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Cool,”
Greg said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">***
***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler
sat on the bed next to Joey and said, “I didn’t know you had talked to Joey
about how things were going.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey
looked down at his hands, feeling like he had violated Tyler’s trust by talking
about their relationship with his brother-in-law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler reached over and put his hand under
Joey’s chin and raised it up until his eyes met Joey’s.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It’s
okay, Joey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not angry with
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I only wish you had talked to me
first, before you talked to Greg,” Tyler said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I know things haven’t changed as quickly as we’d like; but Mom and Dad
are moving next week, and I’ve made an effort to make sure I spend more time
with you and the girls.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 148.5pt 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I know you have,” Joey said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I’m sorry I didn’t talk to you first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was feeling really down when Greg called, and, when he asked how
things were going, I couldn’t hold back.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There were tears in his eyes, but he managed to blink them away and keep
himself under control.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 148.5pt 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler asked, “Do you want to be part of the extended Scarborough
family?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 148.5pt 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey said, “I don’t know how I feel about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What they have offered us is pretty
amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that Greg and Cory are
very happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since Greg was adopted by
Grandpa Scarborough, things have worked out for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched him struggle to put what happened
to him out of his life, Tyler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you
remember Greg’s suicide attempts?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 148.5pt 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went with you to
the hospital to visit Greg each time,” Tyler said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 148.5pt 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Greg told me last week that the only thing that keeps him from trying
it again is the love that Cory and Grandpa Scarborough have for him,” Joey
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“His last therapy session was a
pretty bad; one that left him really depressed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 148.5pt 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler moved over and put his arm around his husband’s shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Joey, I’m not suggesting that we reject
their offer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m only making sure that
this is what we both want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve
already had experience with dealing with family in a business deal, and it’s
not been a good thing for us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 148.5pt 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey said, “It will be different this time; because Grandpa
Scarborough won’t be living with us, nor will Greg and Cory.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 148.5pt 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“True, but is this something we really want to do?” Tyler asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 148.5pt 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey’s cell phone rang at that moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked at the number, but didn’t
recognize it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He decided to answer
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hello.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 148.5pt 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Is this Joey?” a voice asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 148.5pt 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, who is this?” Joey asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 148.5pt 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I am Chris Scarborough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
adopted your brother-in-law, Greg, as my son,” Grandpa said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 148.5pt 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey said, “Hello.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m going
to put you on speaker phone, so my husband, Tyler can hear you as well.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 148.5pt 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Hello, Tyler,” Grandpa said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 148.5pt 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Hello,” Tyler responded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 148.5pt 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m calling about our proposal to buy your homes, and to set up a
business that you two would run there in Madrid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me explain how things work,” Grandpa
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He explained, in detail, about
MST, Inc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told them about its
origins, and how the family had bought homes for their family members and
friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He outlined the terms and
conditions, and then answered their questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He went on to explain how a business venture would work, if they decided
to participate in such an activity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When he was finished, he said, “I’ve kept you up late, and I apologize.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 148.5pt 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “It’s okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
needed to have answers to our questions, which you have provided.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 148.5pt 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope to hear from you
soon,” Grandpa said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 148.5pt 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey said, “Good night.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 148.5pt 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Good night, boys,” Grandpa said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 148.5pt 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They broke the connection and looked at each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey said, “I feel good about working with
him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 148.5pt 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler nodded his head in agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“He sounds a lot like Papá Nájera.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think we should introduce them to each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think the two of them would be able to
come up with some fantastic business deals for us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 148.5pt 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I agree,” Joey said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s
sleep on it tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can figure it
all out in the morning.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 148.5pt 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m still a
little overwhelmed by it all.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 148.5pt 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Me, too,” Joey said, kissing his husband on the lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s go to bed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 148.5pt 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They showered and quickly climbed into bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey snuggled close to Tyler and asked, “Are
you angry with me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 148.5pt 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “No, I’m not angry with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m a little preoccupied, trying to look at Mr.
Scarborough’s proposal from all angles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He sounds like a man who knows how to make money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know from Greg that he’s a good, honest
man, and that makes me want to trust him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, I’m leery of getting entangled in a family business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom and Dad ‘gave’ us the money for our
homes, but we saw where that led.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
not too eager to enter into a situation where the Scarboroughs feel they can
intervene in our lives whenever they feel like it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 148.5pt 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I don’t think they are like that from what I’ve heard from Greg and
Cory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know Rick wouldn’t stand for
it, and I’ve known him since high school,” Joey said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mr. Scarborough outlined how things would work
and that we would sign a contract, just like any other business arrangement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The terms would be very favorable to us,
and, most importantly, we could buy the homes back from the company if we
decided we didn’t like the arrangements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He also made it clear that the scholarship funds were a wedding gift to
us, and that we were to go as far with our academics as needed to achieve our
goals.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 148.5pt 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “That is the one thing that makes me think that this is
all for real.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first, it seemed too
good to be true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nobody just gives away
money to total strangers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just doesn’t
happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neither one of us has met Mr.
Scarborough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know his grandson,
Glenn, and we know Greg, his adopted son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But is that enough to motivate him to offer us such generous terms to
help us start a business, buy our homes, and basically make us a partner in his
family business?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 148.5pt 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey said, “I think I remember that Rick and Glenn gave scholarships
to Glenn’s roommates when they got married.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 148.5pt 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“But they were his roommates,” Tyler countered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ve never been anything more than casual
acquaintances.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 148.5pt 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That’s true, but Mr. Scarborough adopted Greg; and Greg is our
brother-in-law and our daughters’ uncle,” Joey said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 148.5pt 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You’ve said that before, but is that a strong enough relationship to
merit the kind of generosity being shown to us?” Tyler asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 148.5pt 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I think so; at least that is how the Scarborough family seems to
function.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know of any other
family like them,” Joey said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 148.5pt 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “I’ve never seen or heard of anything like them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If what Mr. Scarborough said is really true,
then we sure are very fortunate.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 148.5pt 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey smiled and rubbed noses with Tyler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s about time we had some good fortune.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 148.5pt 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler kissed his husband, and pulled him closer to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler lie awake for some time after Joey’s
breathing slowed and he felt him completely relax in his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His mind was racing as he tried to work
through his feelings as well as mentally build a picture of where this proposed
business arrangement could lead them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was nearly morning when he finally succumbed to his body’s need for
sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 148.5pt 199.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Author’s Note:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Costa Rica Extreme Sports Information - </span><a href="http://www.getyourguide.com/costa-rica-n13/extreme-sports-adrenaline-tc85/"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.getyourguide.com/costa-rica-n13/extreme-sports-adrenaline-tc85/</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Music that inspired this chapter:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jencarlos Canela – Díme - </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBjM9d-yXj8"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBjM9d-yXj8</span></span></a><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jencarlos Canela – Mi Corazón Insiste - </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZXwD9mOJZ8"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZXwD9mOJZ8</span></span></a><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jencarlos Caneal – Aleluya - </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHGeFio9XTs"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHGeFio9XTs</span></span></a><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span><br /></span><br /></span><br /></span><br />SaskBoyStories by Russ Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12705114426346134527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7739282925426125332.post-30780096470845063362013-06-09T23:24:00.003-04:002013-06-11T21:23:07.245-04:00The Man From Swift Current Chapter One Hundred Seventeen - Robbie and Adam's Wedding<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Chapter One Hundred Seventeen – Robbie
and Adam’s Wedding<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey listened to Tyler’s even breathing
as he tried to get to sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had
spent the last two days looking at homes in Málaga.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had looked at over 20 different properties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After seeing the first four or five beach
homes, they had started to run together in Joey’s mind, so he couldn’t remember
which house had what features.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
girls had been very patient at first, but after the first few houses they had
toured, Sra. Nájera had volunteered to return to their beach house with
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">After the girls and Sra. Nájera left, he
had tried to follow the conversations between Sr. Nájera, Tyler and the various
realtors they had talked to about the houses they were considering as possible
summer homes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His limited Spanish
skills left him totally frustrated and feeling like a third wheel in all of the
discussions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Admittedly, he understood
most of what was said, but he couldn’t articulate his thoughts fast enough to
be part of any of the conversations going on around him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They hadn’t found a house they liked,
and, unfortunately, Tyler had to return to Madrid to continue his studies in
the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey had wanted to return
with him, but the Nájeras had convinced him to stay with them in Málaga to
continue the search for a suitable summer home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey was a little nervous about trying to
buy property in a country where he had no clue what the laws were about real estate
transactions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler had tried to
reassure him that everything would work out okay, but he was still not
comfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sr. Nájera had said he would handle the
business side of things, since he had plenty of experience in real estate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey’s only job would be to make sure that
whichever house they purchased met their needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hank and Louise were anxious for
the boys to buy a place as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey
was beginning to feel a little smothered by all of the advice he was getting
from both sets of parents (natural and adopted).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He had broken off all contact with his
own parents due to their religious views.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They had tried to convince him to move in with them when he left Kathy,
and he had let them know in no uncertain terms what he thought about that idea.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hadn’t spoken to them since that
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hadn’t even told them of Kathy’s
death, nor of his marriage to Tyler and subsequent move to Spain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had gone so far as to ask Greg and Cory
not to tell his former in-laws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From
his point of view, the less they knew the better; especially Greg’s father and
grandparents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t like Greg’s
grandparents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were religious
fanatics who stuck their noses into everybody else’s business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was glad that his interactions with them
at Kathy’s funeral had been very limited.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">His thoughts were interrupted by the
sound of his husband’s voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Joey,
what’s bothering you?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He felt Tyler’s lips
brush the nape of his neck, sending a thrill down his spine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was still amazed at how Tyler’s touch
affected him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler knew this and used
it to his advantage from time to time when he wanted to persuade Joey to do
something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This thought brought a smile
to his lips.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He reached over and pulled Tyler closer
to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey replied, “I’m feeling a
little overwhelmed by how quickly things are moving right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not comfortable buying real estate here,
because I don’t know the laws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know
our parents want us to buy a place soon; but, to be honest, I’m feeling a
little smothered by all of the parental involvement in our lives at the
moment.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler brought his hand up to Joey’s face
and caressed his cheek with his fingertips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“It’s okay to feel a little overwhelmed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m feeling the same way as you are about
all of the ‘adult’ supervision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think
we need our parents to get their own place as soon as possible.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey asked, “Based on comments Mom and
Dad have made over the last few days, I think they will move down here as soon
as we buy a place; but what about the Nájeras?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m okay with them staying on as our
housekeeper and gardener, since they aren’t as intrusive as Mom and Dad,” Tyler
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mom and Dad haven’t learned to
let go; even though I’ve been living away from home for a while now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m okay with that,” Joey said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sighed and said, “I’m still nervous about
buying a summer home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neither of us has
a steady job at the moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How are we
going to pay Mom and Dad back for lending us the money to buy our two homes?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You heard Dad tell us that they don’t
want us to pay them back,” Tyler said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I don’t feel comfortable with that,
sweetheart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It gives them a sense of
entitlement; and I can’t argue that it doesn’t, since they’re putting up the
money to finance our real estate acquisitions,” Joey said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hate being obligated to anyone, and
accepting such large amounts of money from Mom and Dad makes me feel like an
indentured servant.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Why didn’t you mention this before?”
Tyler asked, knowing this was something that had been bothering Joey for some
time now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I didn’t know what to expect when we
moved in with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I haven’t lived
with my parents for years, and now I’m living with my in-laws as well as an
adopted set of parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Making that
transition has really gotten to me,” Joey said, hoping his husband would
understand what he was trying to say.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler thought for a moment and said, “I
think the real issue isn’t our parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That’s not to say they haven’t been a little overbearing at times; but it’s
more a factor of how much time I’ve been dedicating to my studies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been neglecting you, Joey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sorry I haven’t spent as much time with
you as I should have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve gone into
student mode, and I’ve forgotten that I have a loving husband who needs my
attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve left you to deal with
getting our home organized and watching over the children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, you’ve had help, but I’ve still been
neglecting my responsibilities as your husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you forgive me for not being there for
you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey rubbed noses with his husband and said,
“There is nothing to forgive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess
you’re right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have felt like a single
dad trying to handle the everyday affairs of our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t begrudge you the time you need to
study; because, in the long run, it will allow us to be financially
independent.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey paused before
continuing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not only that, I want to go
to school to earn a degree in computer science.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Virginia, I worked in construction and
was always able to find a job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here, I
think I can find a job in computers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
want to be able to help support our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You and I should share the burden of providing for our needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hate the fact that I’m basically a kept
husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not used to being cared
for, Tyler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve always been the
breadwinner in the family, and it’s a huge change for me to be the stay at home
parent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not complaining about being
home with the girls, because I love them dearly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s just that I’m still adjusting to being
married, living with my in-laws and being home 24/7 with the children, all at
the same time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It’s a big adjustment for both of us,
Joey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been a single college
student for so long, it’s hard to remember that I have a family to think of
now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to keep our lines of
communication open and talk about these things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should have seen what was happening with
you weeks ago,” Tyler said, regretfully.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey said, “Please don’t beat yourself
up over it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re talking now, and
that’s what is important.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler kissed his husband and said, “I’m
glad we’ve worked that out between us, instead of letting it go on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As for our parents, let’s help them find a
place to live on their own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think
that will solve the sense of being smothered that we’re feeling right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we’ll find they are just as anxious
to be in their own home as we are.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey said, “Okay, but I think we need to
talk to them about what’s going on, or I’m going to explode.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want that to happen, because I
really do love them; however, I have got to have my space.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “I’ll bring it up with them in
the morning before I leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay, Babe?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Okay,” Joey replied, feeling relieved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that moment, his love for Tyler grew a
hundred-fold if that were possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
love you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “I love you, too.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned over as Joey spooned up against
him, putting his arm around his waist to hold him close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon the two men drifted off to sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The next morning, Tyler and Joey sat at
the breakfast table with their parents, while the girls were eating their
pancakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Nájeras joined them at
the table.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “After breakfast, Joey and I
would like to speak with all of you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Hank looked at Louise and said, “I
thought something was bothering you and Joey yesterday.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler nodded his head and said, “There
is, but it can wait until we’ve eaten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I want to enjoy the wonderful pancakes Mamá has prepared for us.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled at Sra. Nájera.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m glad you like them, mi hijo,” Sra. Nájera
said, beaming from Tyler’s praise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They chatted about the houses they had
seen over the last few days, remarking on the things they liked or didn’t like
about each one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they had finished,
they cleared the table and washed up the dishes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They took the girls into the family room
where they could play with their toys.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The adults sat down on the couches and
love seat that were in the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
soon as everyone was settled, Hank asked, “Okay, what’s on your minds?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler took Joey’s hand in his and said,
“We’re feeling a little overwhelmed at the moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve had an enormous amount of change in a
short period of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve gotten
married, moved to a new country and moved into a new house with two sets of
parents.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here he paused and smiled at
the other four adults in the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We
appreciate everything you are doing for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The girls are very happy and so are we; however, we need some space to
become a couple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since we got married,
Joey and I haven’t had a spare moment to ourselves between my studies, our settling
into our new house and now house hunting for a summer home.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He stopped and looked at Joey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did I cover everything?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey squeezed Tyler’s hand and said, “I
need to make sure you all understand the enormity of the changes for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until a few months ago, I was used to being
the head of my household, as well as the sole breadwinner in the family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, I’m living with two sets of parents,
I’m unemployed, I’m learning a new role as a stay at home parent and I’m trying
to learn the language and culture of my adopted country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom and Dad, I know that you are trying to
deal with a huge amount of change to your lives as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s why I’ve hesitated to speak of my frustrations
until now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last few days have been
pretty stressful for me, since I know Tyler is going back to school today, and
I’ll have the responsibility trying to decide whether or not to buy a new home.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Hank looked at Louise and said, “We
thought things were coming to a head yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re feeling the stress as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In part, I’m to blame for the push to buy a
summer home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Louise and I want to have
our own place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve enjoyed living with
you boys, but we both know that you need your own space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve talked it over with the Nájeras, and
we’ve decided to stay on here after you return to Madrid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re hoping to have a new house here
soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alejandro received a phone call
this morning from a friend who is interested in selling his investment
properties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He owns two adjoining
villas near the beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They currently
have a wall dividing one property from the other, but it would be pretty easy
to put in a gate between the two homes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you’re interested, we thought we could stop over to see the two
houses before Tyler leaves for Madrid.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler smiled and said, “I think we should
take a look at those two villas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
they meet our needs, we should move ahead with making an offer to buy
them.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He paused and looked at Joey
before continuing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you for
understanding our feelings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were
afraid we would offend you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Hank said, “Son, we’ve been where you’re
at now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have watched you and Joey
struggling to adapt, and we knew a time would come when you would want some
time and space to solidify your marital relationship.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sr. Nájera said, “We also have seen how
things are going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We, too, have
occasionally stepped in when we shouldn’t have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marimer reminded me of how we dealt with our
daughter and her husband when they were first married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are right to talk to us about
remembering our role as your friends, not your overseers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will try to remember to let you two work
things out between yourselves, instead of interfering in the natural process
newlyweds go through as they get used to living together as a couple.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sra. Nájera said, “We remember what it
was like being newlyweds living with my parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was very difficult for Alejandro.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We nearly divorced because of my mother’s
meddling in our relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of
course, we didn’t even consider a divorce, because of the scandal it would have
caused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things are different now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People get married and divorced without a
second thought.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler smiled, “You don’t have to worry
about us getting a divorce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are
going to be together forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aren’t
we, sweetheart?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey returned Tyler’s smile and said,
“Yes, we are.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Louise said, “I’m glad you decided to
talk to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was afraid you wouldn’t
speak up, and tell us what was going on.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler laughed and said, “It’s all about
communication.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least, that is what
they’re teaching us in my classes!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Hank said, “I’m glad to hear you’re
learning something at the university.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
wasn’t sure you were getting your money’s worth out of the classes you’re
taking.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “My classes are going
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I can’t wait to finish
up my course work.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Louise asked, “Don’t classes last until
mid-July?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, that’s correct, Mom,” Tyler said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If we’re going to look at those two villas,
we need to be going or I won’t make it back to Madrid in time for my afternoon
class.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They gathered the girls together and
loaded them into the back of the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tyler and Joey followed the Nájeras through the streets of Málaga to the
two villas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The owner met them at the
first house and led them on a tour of both houses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After some discussion about how much the
owner wanted for the two homes, they settled on a price, and Sr. Nájera said he
would handle the legal paperwork.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler walked outside with Joey and the
two girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now, that wasn’t so bad,”
he said, pulling Joey into his arms and giving him a kiss.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey smiled and said, “No, it went
pretty smoothly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad you were here
to see the houses and help make the decision to buy them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m glad I was here, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rachel, do you think we can live here during
the summer?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rachel looked up and said, “Dad, I like
this house.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She turned to Joey and
asked, “Daddy, may we stay here now?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, not yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have to buy it first,” Joey said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He bent down and scooped her up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She put her arms around his neck and
kissed him on the cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do I get to
have my own room if we buy this house?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“If that is what you want,” Joey said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, that is what I want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not a baby like Sarah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to be a big girl with my own room,”
Rachel said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “Well, let’s see if we buy
it first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, we can talk about who
gets to sleep in which room.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rachel said, “Okay.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They returned to the Nájeras summer
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler loaded his gear in the car
and pulled Joey into his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Goodbye
for now, Babe.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kissed him deeply and
climbed into the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey watched him
as he pulled out of the driveway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
waved as Tyler drove down the street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
was already missing Tyler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned
and went inside to join his in-laws in the family room where they were reading
stories to Rachel and Sarah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stood
in the doorway, listening to the stories and reflecting on how fortunate he was
to be part of such a loving family. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I sat at the kitchen table thinking
about the internship I had just agreed to take with the computer software
company where Duane and Mason worked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The lady I had spoken to seemed very nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had introduced herself as Debra
Hollister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had asked if we needed to
have a face-to-face interview before they could offer me an internship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra had indicated that I came with good
references; therefore, a phone interview was sufficient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought to myself, “Duane and Mason must
be held in high esteem, because they were my only references.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick entered the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sat down at the table across from me and
asked, “Are you going to work with Duane and Mason?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I think I will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I called Duane’s boss a few minutes ago and
I can start work anytime this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
told her that we were going to Spain for the summer, starting mid-June, and
would need to take the summer off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was
okay with that, since they really won’t need my help until the fall; but she
said I could take their orientation training class now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way, I’ll be ready to work with their
company as soon as we return,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Speaking of our summer vacation, I called Tyler and Joey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They just bought a summer home in Málaga, on
Spain’s Costa del Sol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked them when
we should go to visit them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
suggested that we, along with Greg and Cory, fly to Madrid after Adam and Robbie’s
wedding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way, we can spend some
time touring the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler doesn’t
get out school until mid-July.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s
when they thought we could invite the rest of the guys to join us at the beach
for a couple of weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler’s parents
bought the house next door to them; so there will be enough room between the
two homes for all of us to stay at the beach.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It’s hard to believe that Tyler won’t
be out of school until mid-July.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve
been out of school for nearly three weeks now, as have Greg and Cory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When are you going to talk to the rest of the
guys?” Rick asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I was planning to call them after I
talk to Greg and Cory,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
wanted to get things settled with them before trying to coordinate things with
the larger group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve already let the
guys know to keep a couple of weeks open in July and August; so they already
should be planning to take a few weeks to spend on the beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The issue will be figuring out who wants to
do some touring of Europe before returning home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll call Greg and Cory in few minutes, now
that I know that I’ll be working for the next week and then I’ll have the
summer free.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick asked, “Are we going touring?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I grinned and said, “Of course, we have
to visit Denmark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to see if we
can find some of our family that stayed behind when my great grandparents moved
to Canada.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“What about touring France, Germany and
Switzerland?” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We can tour as many countries as you
want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My only requirement is that we
spend a couple of days in Denmark,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Okay, I’ll plan out an
itinerary and then we can talk about it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick booted up his laptop and started researching tourist destinations
and other such things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">My phone rang.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked to see who it was and was surprised
to see it was Adam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I answered the
call, “Hello, Adam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s up?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I listened for a moment, then, motioned for
Rick to join me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie helped Adam straighten his tie,
then he stepped back to admire his handiwork.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“You look so handsome,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I can’t believe we’re finally graduating!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He danced around the room, whooping,
“Hooray!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No more school!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam laughed and said, “You’re one crazy
guy, Robbie!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adam watched his fiancé
as he capered around the room like a little kid, with his long blond hair
flying behind him, and his bright green eyes sparkling with merriment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adam called Robbie his ‘elf king,’ because
of his graceful moments and joyful laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Robbie’s sunny disposition and positive outlook always made him feel
good, adding credence to Robbie’s nickname.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He sometimes couldn’t believe how fortunate he was to find Robbie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">After they were married, he hoped they
would be as happy as their older brothers, Zach and Todd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This past year had been good for them as a
couple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their peers knew they were
engaged to be married, and were very supportive of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, some of their friends had thrown
them a wedding shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adam had been
more than a little embarrassed about all of the attention they were receiving;
but Robbie thrived on it, and, in many ways, attracted it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie whirled around in a circle,
trying to contain his excitement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
stopped spinning, and threw his arms around Adam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you,” he said, planting a kiss on
Adam’s lips before whirling away again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam asked, “Are you ready to go?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I’m ready,” Robbie responded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They left their room and made their way
downstairs to join the rest of the guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The entered the family room and were met with loud applause.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It’s about time you two showed up,”
Zach said, with a slight bit of irritation in his voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Todd said, “It’s okay, Zach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re entitled to a little time to primp in
front of the mirror.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is their big
day, after all.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Todd put his hand to
his husband’s face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Be patient, Babe.”
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Todd stood next to his brother, and Zach
was struck by how much alike they looked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In fact, they were so much alike that they were often mistaken for
twins; two Norse gods who had come to live with him, with their blond hair,
blue eyes and strong chins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He often
teased Todd that his real name was Thor, and that he’d forgotten his
hammer!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He remembered when Adam had
moved in with them he had been a skinny kid, now he was as broad shouldered as
Todd and just as well built.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It always
amazed him how alike his husband and brother-in-law were, while he and Robbie
looked so different from each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robbie was blond, green-eyed, with a swimmer’s
build, being lithe and wiry; where Zach had dark brown hair, dark chocolate eyes,
was broad-shouldered, well-muscled and very strong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their parents often referred to Zach as
their strong oak tree and Robbie as their river willow, given his love of the
water and his slender build.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Zach stood up from the couch and walked
over to his brother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry for
being so grumpy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m a little worried
that we’ll be late for your graduation.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie grinned at his older brother and
said, “That’s okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re ready now and
we can leave for the school.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mark, Brandon, Justin and Brian were
waiting at the door for Robbie and Adam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Each of the guys gave them a hug, except Justin, who kissed them, as
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mark said, “Congratulations, guys!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Justin said, “We’ll see you at the
restaurant after the ceremony.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie grinned and said, “Don’t be
late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know how cranky Zach gets!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Zach laughed and cuffed Robbie up the
side of his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t you forget it,
little brother!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The two sets of brothers walked out to
Zach’s car and climbed in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He drove
them to the school and pulled into the parking lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As they approached the school, they saw
their parents standing outside, waiting for them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Melissa pulled Robbie into a warm
embrace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Congratulations, son,” she
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She kissed him on the cheek and
turned to Adam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Congratulations to
you, Adam.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She hugged and kissed him
as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The Ingrams greeted the two boys in like
manner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sam said, “We are very proud of
both of you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam said, “Thanks, Dad.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They moved as a group toward the
auditorium where the graduation ceremony was to be held.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robbie and Adam separated from their parents
and joined the throng of their fellow students waiting to march into the
auditorium.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Andersons and the
Ingrams were seated together in the auditorium.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sam said, “I have to admit that Robbie
has been the best thing for Adam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
wasn’t doing well in his studies until he met Robbie.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Melissa said, “I think Adam has been
just as good for Robbie.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Vickie agreed, “They have been very good
for each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad that all the
wedding arrangements have already been made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The people at Founder’s Village took care of everything for us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Melissa said, “Yes, it was very nice to
turn everything over to them after we managed to convince the boys that we
didn’t want to do another wedding at the Valhalla Inn.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It was nice, but it was a lot of work
on our part to get things gone,” Vickie said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I don’t mind staying there, since the rooms are nice; but things
weren’t exactly the way I wanted them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Melissa smiled, “Fortunately, the boys
were quite happy and things went smoothly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They had a memorable day and are happily married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure we could’ve had another wedding
there, but Robbie and Adam wanted a church wedding and the Founder’s Village
church is non-denominational.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reverend
Joynt has agreed to marry them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Brad said, “It will be good to have them
married, so they can begin the next stage of their lives.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sam asked, “Has Robbie said anything
about their honeymoon plans?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Not to me,” Brad responded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Has he mentioned it to you, Melissa?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, he hasn’t,” Melissa responded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I take it that Adam hasn’t told either one
of you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Vickie said, “No, he hasn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did mention that they are planning to
spend the summer in Spain with Greg’s brother-in-law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg and Cory are flying to Spain directly
after the wedding, as are Glenn and Rick.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Do you think they’re going to Spain for
their honeymoon?” Brad asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I don’t think so,” Sam said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Adam said they were looking at three
different locations and hadn’t made up their minds yet.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sam turned to Zach and Todd who were seated
with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Have they mentioned anything
to you two?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Todd said, “No, but I know they aren’t
going to spend their honeymoon in Spain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’re joining them in mid-July for a week at the beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we’re going to do a two week tour of
Europe with the rest of the guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Zach said, “Rick and Glenn have put
together an itinerary with several options for tours of different
countries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They sent us the information by e-mail
yesterday, and we’re going to call them tomorrow to discuss specifics.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Their conversation was interrupted, as
the orchestra began playing “Pomp and Circumstance,” signaling the impending
arrival of the graduates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They searched
for their sons among the students filing into the auditorium.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They spotted them and waved to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robbie came in first, since they were seated
alphabetically, then Adam appeared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After listening to the speakers and receiving various awards, the
students walked across the stage to receive their diplomas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boys’ mothers were both in tears as they
watched their youngest sons cross the stage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The boys’ families and friends gathered
outside the high school and took photographs of the graduates with their
respective families as well as all of them together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">After the photographers were done, they
caravanned to Collette Bar and Bistro; where they met Greg, Cory, Ben, Janice,
Patty, Irene, Donica, Jimmy, Mark, Brandon, Justin and Brian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone congratulated the two teens on
their graduation from high school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
were shown to their seats and the waiters began taking orders for
beverages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were two empty seats
at the table with Zach and Todd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Todd
leaned over to see whose names were on the tickets at the two empty places. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He read the card and looked up in surprise at
Zach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Did you know that Rick and Glenn are
supposed to be here,” Todd said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, they didn’t mention anything about
flying in today when I spoke to them last night,” Zach said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Their names are on these name cards,”
Todd said, picking up one of them and handing it to his husband.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Zach read it and gave Todd a puzzled
look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I wonder why they didn’t mention
it last night.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Todd was about to respond, when the
persons in question entered the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Robbie jumped up from his seat and ran over to hug them both.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He exclaimed, “I didn’t think you would be
here!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed and said, “We weren’t
planning to be here; however, someone managed to convince us that we needed to
come.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie looked at Rick with a puzzled
expression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Who was that?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I smiled and said, “I think it was your
fiancé.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam had come up behind Robbie and
slipped his arm around his waist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
thought it would be a nice surprise for you, Robbie.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie turned his head and gave Adam a
quick kiss on the lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love
you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robbie was practically levitating
off of the floor, such was his state of excitement and happiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This is the best day ever!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “It may be, but the best day
ever is still to come.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie agreed, “You’re right about
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two weeks from today to be
exact.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">While they were talking, Zach and Todd
joined the welcoming committee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You
sure kept us in the dark,” Zach said, accusingly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “We’re sorry we didn’t tell
you; but Adam made us promise not to tell anyone we were coming.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam confirmed what Rick said was
true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I didn’t want you guys spoiling
my surprise.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Zach, only slightly mollified, said,
“Come join us at our table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least Adam
arranged for you to be seated with us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick and I greeted our friends as we
made our way between the tables to our seats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Once seated, Todd asked, “How was your flight?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It was good,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m a little tired since we had to be at the
airport by 5 AM to catch the first flight out of Atlanta.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did you guys get a chance to read over
Rick’s itinerary?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We did, and we want to tour England,
Denmark, Holland, France, Switzerland, Germany and Italy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, we want to spend a week relaxing
on the beach,” Todd said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I think we can accommodate
all of those places, but we might have to extend out trip by two weeks to get
in everything we want to see.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Zach said, “I’m good with that, as long
as we’re back before school starts.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Todd said, “I’m glad you guys came for
the boys’ graduation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know Robbie was
pretty down when you told him you weren’t coming.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “I didn’t know what my work
schedule was going to be when he called.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I finished my orientation class yesterday.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“What kind of work will you be doing?”
Todd asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Computer software engineering,” I
replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Todd smiled and said, “That’s the same
kind of work that I do with Justin.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I nodded my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In fact, I was wondering if I couldn’t work with you guys at some
point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, it has to be
something I can work on from Atlanta.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Get this, guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glenn is going to work as a software
engineer, but he’s not even studying computer science.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, defensively, “Yes, but they said
they would train me to do their work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When we get back from Spain, I will be enrolled in one of their
on-the-job training courses.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick put his arm around my
shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Does this look like the
face of someone who can be trained?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Zach and Todd burst out laughing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zach said, “No, I’m afraid not.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I protested, “Hey!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whose side are you guys on, anyway?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Todd said, “Well….”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I glared at Todd and said, “Never mind.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Doesn’t he look so cute when
he’s mad.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reached up and pinched my
cheek as he spoke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He leaned over and
silenced my response with a kiss on the lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Don’t be angry, Babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re
just teasing you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">All the anger went out of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could I stay angry with Rick when he
kissed me like that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shook my head
and said, “You can be so mean sometimes.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick grinned and said, “Now I’m the
meanest man on the planet.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned
to Zach and Todd and asked, “Am I being mean?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Zach grinned and said, “Not at all,
Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think you were being really
nice to Glenn, kissing him and all.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Todd added, “I think Glenn needs to be grateful
to you for being so kind.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “You guys are all alike.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Zach said, “I think that was a very fine
compliment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I agree we are a lot alike
in that we love teasing you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That’s what I meant,” I said,
sarcastically.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Todd reached over and took my hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We tease you because we love you, Glenn.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">His touch reminded me how much I missed
living with my gay roommates at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is nothing like having a bunch of hot
studs as roommates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had been over a
year, since Rick returned home from his active duty tour with the Marine
Corps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “It’s good to be back here with
you guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish we could live with you
guys again.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We’ll have to see how things work out
for us,” Zach said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m thinking of
going professional; so we’ll be moving around quite a bit.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m already working in computers; so I
can work anywhere Zach takes me,” Todd said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I’ve told Zach to follow his dreams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m living my dream right now.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Todd leaned over and kissed his husband.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Zach grinned and said, “I’ve found my
one and only true love.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I could see that they were very much in
love with each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made me feel
good that my friends were doing well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sometimes people started to drift apart after the glow of being newlyweds
wore off; but Zach and Todd seemed to be closer than ever before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Todd saw me watching them and smiled at
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your turn is coming, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your Rick loves you just as much as Zach
loves me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You just need to learn to be
patient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have to remember that Zach
and I were apart quite a while before Robbie managed to get us back together.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Please tell him that
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glenn gets so frustrated with me
sometimes because of my insistence on finishing my commitment to the Marine Corps.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Todd nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Glenn has expressed his feelings about your
military service before, and I’m sure he will continue to tell you how unhappy
he is about it until you leave the military.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here Todd paused and looked at me and asked, “Am I correct in making
that statement?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “Yes, you’re right about
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve tried not to complain about
it, but it gets so frustrating at times.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“What’s important for you to remember is
that you know Rick won’t abandon you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One of Rick’s most admirable qualities is that he is a man of his
word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You could say that you’re asking
him to change one of his basic character traits to accommodate your wants and
desires.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you really want him to
change?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you want him to be someone
you can’t trust to keep his word?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do
you want to be married to someone who won’t honor his commitments because it’s
inconvenient?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Todd’s questions hit me hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked down at my plate and played with my
food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I raised my eyes to his and said,
“No, I don’t want Rick to change who he is.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I paused and took Rick’s hand in mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I know Rick loves me, Todd; but it’s hard for me to refrain from
showing my love for him in public.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Since they haven’t repealed the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ law, we have to
pretend we are nothing more than roommates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I hate living that way; always wondering if someone has seen us hold
hands, or kiss each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You guys can
show your love for each other and live openly gay lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure, you still have to watch for people who
wish to do you harm, but you don’t have to worry about someone calling your
boyfriend’s commanding officer to report him as being gay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t know what it’s like to always be
looking over your shoulder, wondering if you’ve ruined your boyfriend’s
military career by simply holding his hand.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">My tirade was interrupted by the arrival
of our meal, much to the relief of my companions!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zach grinned and said, “Thank God in Heaven
for sending out the food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, we won’t
have to listen to your whining, Glenn.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Zach laughed as I stuck my tongue out at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I believe I’ll collect that kiss after we
finish eating.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No you won’t, because my big, bad
boyfriend will get jealous,” I said, laughing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick ruffled my hair and said, “Who are
you calling your big, bad boyfriend?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I put my hand to my mouth and said, in a
stage whisper, “That would be you, Babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Zach and Todd guffawed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Todd said, “You make Rick sound like he’s
the big, bad wolf and you’re Little Red Riding Hood.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I took my cloth napkin and wrapped it
around my head like a scarf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked
at Rick and batted my eyelashes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh,
Grandma, what big eyes you have,” I said, in a high falsetto voice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">That set the guys to laughing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the table next to us, Greg leaned over
and pulled the napkin off of my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He grinned and said, “I have always wanted to meet Little Red Riding
Hood.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He handed me my napkin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you play Goldilocks and the Three
Bears?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I licked my lips and said, seductively,
“Why yes, I do.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory laughed and said, “I’d love to see
that, as long as I get to be one of the three bears.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg asked, “Are you going to plan a
series of competitions for our trip to Spain like the ones we had in Cancun?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That would be really cool,” Cory said,
with a big grin on his face.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Do you guys want me to do that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t want to plan too much this time,
because we’ll be staying with Joey and Tyler instead of at a resort hotel,” I
said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Zach said, “I think it would be
great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, you may have to
adjust some of the competitions, somewhat, depending on the situation.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Okay, I’ll talk to Joey and Tyler about
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to embarrass their
parents or cause us any trouble with the police,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Zach said, “We have to have some kind of
tournament, since Robbie and Adam will be there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robbie complained pretty loudly about not
being allowed to go to Cancun with us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Todd said, “It would be great fun for
them, because they’ll be newlyweds.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “Okay, I’ll do it, but I’ll need
some help with ideas of things we can do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t want to repeat the exact same things we did in Cancun.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Zach said, “I think we can canvass the
guys and come up with some good ideas.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Todd said, “We’ll talk to them after
lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think everyone is going to be
home for the afternoon.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">After that, I directed my attention to
the food on my plate and realized I was starving, since they didn’t have much
on the plane that I would consider edible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The conversation at our table moved on to a discussion of the classes we
had just finished, and what our plans were for the fall semester.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Later that evening, we were getting
ready for bed when Zach said, “We want you guys to stay in our room
tonight.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I raised my eyebrows in
surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hadn’t expected an invitation
to join them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had already pulled out
the bed in the sofa sleeper and were making it up with fresh sheets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked across the bed at Rick to see his
reaction to Zach’s invitation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Seeing our looks of astonishment, Zach
grinned and said, “We bought a king-sized bed last month, and we thought it
would be fun to play with you guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick looked at me and said, “I’m okay
with that if you are.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “I’m good as long as it’s
understood we only fuck our partners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
don’t want us to be the cause of problems between you two.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Todd said, “Agreed, but we can give each
other blow jobs.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “Okay, but that’s the
limit.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thought of sharing a bed
with our friends was causing things to stir down below.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Todd noticed the growing bulge in my
pants and laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can see you’re just as turned on as I am!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked down at his crotch to see his
very erect steel pole outlined against the fabric of his jeans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was obvious that he had gone commando
when we returned home from the boys’ graduation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I raised my eyes to his and gave him a
lecherous grin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I guess we don’t have to
finish making up the bed.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled
off the fitted sheet, folded the sofa bed back into its position inside the
sofa and replaced the cushions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
walked over and put his arm around my waist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Zach smiled broadly and said, “Rick, who
ever said you weren’t gay hasn’t seen how aroused you are at the thought of
sharing a bed with us!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Who wouldn’t be excited to share a bed with
the three best looking guys on the planet?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We practically ran up the stairs to
their bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zach opened their door
and signaled for us to enter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walked
in and stopped to stare at the huge bed they had purchased.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a gigantic four poster bed made of
oak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could tell the bed was very solid,
just from looking at it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had
changed the décor in their room to a theme of black with accents of gold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The comforter and duvet were black with gold
trim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their dressers were also black
with gold trim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a very masculine
room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their closet was open, showing
two sets of hockey gear on the floor underneath their clothes that had been
neatly hung.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The two men entered the room behind us
and I turned to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I really like
your room.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Todd said, “Thank you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We both like black, so it was easy to agree
on what we wanted.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We quickly stripped out of our
clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stood around in a circle
admiring each other before Todd said, “I want to shower with all of you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Todd took his husband by the hand and led
him into the en suite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick and I followed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grinned at Rick and said, “I think we
should give them a show.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick nodded his head in agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m so horny it won’t take much to get me
off.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We walked in the bathroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I whistled and said, “When did you guys redo
the bathroom?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Zach said, “Last January.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t you remember?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We called you and asked if we could remodel
it to suit our needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wanted a
shower like the one at the end of the hall as part of the master bedroom.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I shook my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t remember that, but maybe you talked
to Rick about it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I remember talking to them
about their plans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You were spending a
lot of time with Perry, remember?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I grimaced at the reminder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Unfortunately, I do remember.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick put his arms around my waist and
pulled me close to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t fret
about it, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That chapter of our
lives is past.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Todd opened the shower door and turned
on all the shower heads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were
eight in all; four just above my head and four at waist level with a tiled
bench built out of the wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We joined
him in the shower and began making out under the multiple cascades of hot
water.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The next morning, I was a little
disoriented when I awoke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the memory
of last night’s play, I grew so hard it hurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I could feel Todd’s morning wood poking me in the back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He nuzzled the back of my neck and nibbled
on my earlobe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He whispered in my ear, “I love you,
Glenn.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I turned my head and he kissed me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you, too.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I said those words, I realized I really
did love Todd; not in the same way as I loved Rick, of course, but I did love
both Todd and his husband, Zach.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Yes, we both love you,
Todd.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I turned my head and kissed Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good morning, Babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Zach yawned and stretched.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Man!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That was something last night!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He rolled over, spooning up against Todd while he slipped his arm around
his waist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Todd grinned and said, “It was pretty
wonderful, if you ask me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It was pretty amazing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Before we could say anything more, the
door flew open and Robbie and Adam flew into the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They climbed up on the foot to the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robbie said, “You guys were so loud last
night, we wanted to join you, but Adam said we had to wait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can we join you tonight?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Zach laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sure, if the rest of the guys don’t mind.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I grinned at the two teens and asked,
“Aren’t you two a little young to be interested in sex?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam sputtered as he started to
protest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robbie glanced over at his
boyfriend and said, “We’re both over 18 and we’re just as horny as you guys
are.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam grinned and said, “In fact, I think
we’ve got bigger dicks than you do.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Zach said, “I think that was a challenge
guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s see who has the longest
dick.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He got out of bed, showing off his
morning wood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned and said, “Come
one, guys, let’s show them!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We all climbed out of bed and stood in
front of the two teens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robbie’s eyes
got as big as saucers when he saw Rick’s steel pole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dang!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I forgot how big you were, Rick.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have to keep Glenn satisfied.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Zach said, “Stand up, bro., and show us
your stuff.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie stripped off his underwear and
stood next to his brother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zach wrapped
his large hand around their two dicks and said, “I win.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked over at Adam and said, “You’re
next.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam stood up, letting his boxers drop
around his feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stepped out of them
and over to where Zach was standing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Adam grinned and said, “I win.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He moved over in front of Todd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Todd said, “I think we’re even.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They moved in front of me and we compared
sizes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Todd and Adam said, together,
“We win.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick
grinned as they faced him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I win over all
of you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Todd laughed, “It was kind of obvious as
soon as you got out of bed that you had the longest dick of all of us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick added, “And the biggest!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie said, “Rick won the biggest dick
contest, but we still get to sleep with you guys tonight.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Zach clapped his brother on the back and
said, “Okay, but you have to play by the rules.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie looked at his brother in surprise
and asked, “What rules?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zach explained
them and Robbie said, “Okay, we understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>May we use your shower?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Zach nodded his head said, “Let’s all
get a shower.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We followed him into the
en suite and enjoyed a hot morning shower together!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I surveyed the hot studs in the shower
with me, I knew why I missed living here!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Later, the guys were all seated around
the kitchen table while Todd and I cooked breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Justin and Brian walked into the
kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Justin looked around the room
and said, “Good morning, guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We chorused back, “Good morning.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Justin asked, “Robbie and Adam, how was
your graduation party last night?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It was a blast,” Adam said, animatedly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie added, “You wouldn’t believe what
they did!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Between the two of them, they narrated
the events of the evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robbie ended
their narrative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We came home and
tried to get some sleep.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here he
paused and looked over at his brother and brother-in-law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But someone was being too loud.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Brian said, “We know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We heard them, too, only it made us really
horny.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Justin put his arm around his husband’s
waist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, we had some of the best
sex we’ve ever had last night.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie guffawed, “That would’ve been a
sight to see.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Justin smiled at Robbie, “Laugh it up,
boy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know where you sleep and you
just might wake up completely shaved.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie was immediately contrite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry, Justin.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Justin laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was just pulling your chain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
think Adam would like you that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
should do it for him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie said, “Maybe for our
honeymoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want to look good in our
Speedo swimsuits.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Brian asked, “Where are you guys going
for your honeymoon?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Adam won’t tell me,” Robbie said,
pouting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He says it’s a surprise.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I haven’t told anyone where we’re going.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Zach said, “I would tell someone here
where you’re going, just in case we need to get hold of you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’ll tell you after we get to the
airport and we’re standing in line to board the plane,” Adam said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“So we’re going to fly somewhere,” Robbie
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s the nearest thing to a
clue that you’ve given me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mark and Brandon joined us in the
kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mark said, “I smelled the
sausage cooking.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Brandon said, “And the coffee.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I poured two cups of coffee and passed
them down to Mark and Brandon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked,
“Justin and Brian, do you want coffee?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Brian said, “Yes, please.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Justin nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What are the plans for today?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Let’s go swimming,” Robbie said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I want to work on my tan.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mark said, “I’m up for that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“After that, we should go on a bike
ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a couple of extra bikes
for Glenn and Rick,” Brandon said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I like that idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We usually go out running in the mornings,
but a long bike ride would be a nice change.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I remembered the first time I met
Brandon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was in his biker gear and
it fit him so well!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was getting hard
down below, just thinking about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
turned back to the stove and turned the sausages to hide my growing erection.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Brandon looked meaningfully at Adam and
said, “Adam, next time you check your reservations for your honeymoon, make
sure you clear the browsing history and shut down the computer.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam blushed and said, “Please don’t say
anything about where we’re going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
want it to be a surprise.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Brandon smiled and said, “I won’t spoil
it for Robbie, but I promise you’ll love it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The sausages finished cooking and I
turned off the stove.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Todd had finished
the pancakes and the eggs were already warming in the microwave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We placed the food on the table and sat down
with the guys.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Zach said, “Let’s say grace.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Justin said, “I’ll say it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We fell silent and listened to
Justin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he finished, we chorused,
“Amen,” and attacked the steaming plates of food with gusto.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am still amazed at how quickly food disappears
with 10 hungry men around the table!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The next two weeks flew by for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every day we spent time at the pool, working
on our tans, so we wouldn’t be embarrassed at the beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent some one-on-one time with Justin,
quizzing him about computer programming and how to analyze customer
requirements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Todd sometimes joined us
for those discussions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went with the
two of them to Justin’s office, where he showed me the work he was doing for a large
construction company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was good to
see how his business was prospering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m glad we came early to spend time with our friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was good to be able to just be me and
enjoy being around my friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Just as important as the time spent with
Justin and Todd was spending time with the rest of the guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every night was a new adventure for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guys opened our eyes to many new ways of
pleasuring each other!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just thinking
about it makes me horny!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The big day arrived for us to drive
north to Duluth where we met up with the Andersons and the Ingrams, then on to
Thunder Bay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stayed at the Valhalla
Inn as we had for the guys’ double wedding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Zach, Todd, Mark and Brandon all reminisced about their wedding day as
we sat around the hotel pool.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie said, “I can’t wait until
tomorrow when I will become an Anderson-Ingram just like my brother and
brother-in-law.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam said, “I’m just as excited as
Robbie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was really cool getting our
marriage license today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The people
there were very nice to us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You are lucky that you live close
enough to Canada so you can get married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Georgia has a constitutional amendment prohibiting same-sex marriage,” I
said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“But Minnesota doesn’t recognize our
marriage,” Zach said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Maybe someday they will,” Todd
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But we aren’t waiting for
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zach is thinking of playing
professional hockey which means we’ll more than like move to Canada.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “That’s good news!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish we could move to Canada, but we have
to wait until Rick is out of the Marine Corps.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The longing in my voice caused Rick to
put his arm around my shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Be
patient, Babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We spent the rest of the afternoon and
evening relaxing at the hotel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
evening, we shared a room with Greg and Cory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We sat down on our bed across from Greg and Cory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “I’m really happy for Robbie
and Adam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They seem so well adjusted to
each other and to being an openly gay couple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Their experiences are very much the opposite of those Cory and I faced
in high school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we were harassed
and rejected by our fellow students, they have been accepted for who they are
and have been surrounded by friends and family who’ve supported them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glenn, I credit you for helping to build a
safe environment for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robbie can’t
say enough good things about you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I blushed a little bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Robbie thinks I walk on water, but I didn’t
do anything that I wouldn’t have done for anyone else.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory said, “That may be true, but no one
else was able to reach Robbie like you did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He told me how you listened to him when things seemed to at their worst,
and encouraged him to seek out the help he needed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That’s why he asked you to be his best
man, while Adam asked Justin to stand up with him,” Greg said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Adam and Robbie are pretty
amazing guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Justin has repeatedly
told us that they are the reason he is still with us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I think the world of those two young
guys,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hope that tomorrow
will be their best day ever!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “I remember the day we got
married; I felt so overwhelmed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
couldn’t believe that it was really happening, especially after everything we
had been through with my family.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory said, “We’ve talked with Robbie and
Adam quite a bit about our experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m afraid we may have turned them into gay rights activists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After hearing our story, Robbie was so angry,
he couldn’t stop talking about it for days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We finally had to convince him the best way to help combat the anti-gay
propaganda of the religious community was to get married and show them that we
are couples with families instead of the monsters they portray us to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to step into the limelight and prove
them wrong.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It sounds like you’re a gay rights
activist yourself,” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory grinned, “I am, and I should be,
after being attacked and nearly murdered by Greg’s father, because of the hatred
engendered by the teachings of his church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I want people to know that terrible, evil people are hiding behind the
veil of religion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of the worst
offenses against mankind have been perpetrated by those professing to believe
in God and claim to be doing His will.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “The way I see it, organized
religion is nothing more than a thinly disguised crime ring; fleecing believers
of their money, while brainwashing them into believing that they are doing
God’s will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of them work just like
the Mafia, holding secret meetings, inciting their believers to murder those
who don’t hold the same beliefs, and urging them to take over the government in
order to place themselves in power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Their goal is to turn our country into a theocracy, with these religious
leaders at its head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are all about
power and money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In nearly every
country of the world, the leaders of religious bodies claim the authority to
overrule government leaders and impose their will on the masses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, most political leaders bow and
scrape to those same religious leaders, acknowledging that they are really
figureheads, beholden to the support of those very same religious leaders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The real power lies with the religious
leaders, not the government.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe we
should start wooing the religionist just like the politicians do.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “You sound a lot like
Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is pretty anti-religion,
too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Hey!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Don’t be pointing the finger at me when you’re not exactly pro-religion
either,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re the one whose
family disowned him because of their religious beliefs.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory said, “The three of us have been
subjected to the worst aspects of Christian religion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They profess to follow the teachings of
Jesus; however, they are Christians in name only.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Not all Christians are fakes,” I
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Our friend, Jeb, claims to be a
Christian and he hasn’t been blinded by false teachings of his church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I admit that when we first met him, he was
pretty brainwashed; but he’s seen the light, and acknowledged that his church
teaches their adherents to hate their fellow men in direct opposition to Jesus’
teaching to ‘love one another.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jeb
couldn’t reconcile what he was being taught with what he read in the
Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said his father believes that
‘love one another’ applies only to the members of their church.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Jeb has a boyfriend, now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg raised his eyebrows and asked,
“Really?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, it surprised us when he showed up
with his boyfriend at our condo,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory said, “I guess it must be true that
the men who are most homophobic are really gay men who are so afraid of being
found out that they have to prove to the world that they aren’t gay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Otherwise, why would they be so afraid of
us?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “You might be right about
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think that every guy is
attracted to other guys at some point in their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that the first time I thought about
having sex with a guy was when I met Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Before that, the thought of having sex with a guy had never even entered
my mind.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “That’s how it was for
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a lot of girls throwing
themselves at me, since I was on the football team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I dated a few of them but Cory was always
the one who attracted my attention.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked over at Cory and said, “I think
we are the luckiest guys in the entire world.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory agreed, “That’s how I feel, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I’m looking forward to our
trip to Spain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey and Tyler are
really great guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “Yes, my brother-in-law is a very
blessed man, because he found Tyler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They are very good for each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Did they tell you about their new home on the beach?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “Yes, they did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t wait to see it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey seemed to be really excited about it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We chatted about our impending trip to
Spain and the touring around Europe that we wanted to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was pretty late when we finally went to
bed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The next morning Robbie woke his fiancé
with a kiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good morning,
sweetheart.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam looked into Robbie’s emerald eyes
and smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good morning.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put his hand behind Robbie’s head and
pulled him down for a deeper kiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
put their foreheads together and looked into each other’s eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie said, “I love you, too.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robbie kissed his fiancé again and said, “I
want to tell you that I can’t put into words how much you mean to me,
Adam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saying the words ‘I love you,’ doesn’t even
begin to express the depth of the feelings I have for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the first day we met, I have loved
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gave you my heart that day, and
I am so happy that you feel the same way about me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam said, “I’m glad you agreed to share
the rest of your life with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
always dreamed of marrying my soul mate, like Todd did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember watching them and thinking that
someday it would be me kissing my boyfriend on our front room couch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was even more devastated than Todd was
when your brother broke up with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
had this image in my head that they would always be together forever.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I thought the same thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad they decided to get back
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m even happier that Todd has
a little brother who is just as handsome and charming as he is,” Robbie said,
grinning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Do you think so?” Adam asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie said, “You already know so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You two are nearly identical in every way,
except I think I got the better brother, because your personality fits so
nicely with mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love Todd, but we
wouldn’t have made it as a couple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Todd
is Zach’s other half.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are meant to
be together, just as we’re meant to be together.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam sighed happily and said, “I’ve
lived in Todd’s shadow for most of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My parents always compared me to him as we were growing up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t until they sent me to high school
in Minneapolis that I finally was able to escape being compared to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, I met you and my world was
complete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sorry that sometimes I
need to be reassured that you’re not comparing me to Todd.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I do compare you to Todd.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reached down to stroke his fiancé
member.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You both look like Thor and
have perfect bodies.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam moaned in pleasure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He threw back his head and murmured, “Don’t
stop.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">A while later, completely relaxed and
enjoying the touch of Robbie’s skin next to his, Adam asked, “Seriously, do you
compare me to Todd?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie opened his eyes and gazed into
his lover’s eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, Babe, I don’t
need to compare you to your brother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You’re the perfect man for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Please, rest assured that I love you, and only you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After our wedding, you will be stuck with me
for the rest of your life and beyond.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam smiled, contentedly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know you love me, and I promise to stop
worrying about other people and concentrate on us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie rolled on top of Adam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked into Adam’s eyes and grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you ready for another round before we
get showered?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adam didn’t have time to
answer before Robbie captured his lips!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We were eating breakfast when the two
teenagers showed up in the dining room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was a glow about them that couldn’t be missed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The way they held hands and looked at each other
broadcast the love they had for each other to everyone who saw them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked over at Rick and said, “I hope
we look like that on our wedding day.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “We will, I promise.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">As the boys walked over to join their
parents, Sam observed, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a happier couple.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Vickie said, “They do seem to be
floating on air at the moment.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m glad we sent Robbie to that special
high school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meeting Adam has been a
very great blessing in his life,” Brad said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Melissa smiled and said, “It makes my
heart glad to see them so happy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The boys took their seats at the
table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their happiness radiated from
their big smiles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good morning,”
Robbie said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Good morning, boys,” Sam said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We were just commenting on how happy you
guys look.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam said, “That’s because we are.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He still held Robbie’s hand and gave it a
squeeze.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie’s grin widened and he said, “If
you were marrying the greatest man in the world today, you’d be just as happy
as I am.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam blushed from Robbie’s praise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Melissa said, “Adam, Robbie is correct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are the greatest man in Robbie’s life.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie leaned over and kissed Adam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mom is right you know.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam said, “No, Mom doesn’t know you
like I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re the best man on
earth.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie responded, “Then each of us is
marrying the greatest man on earth.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
laughed and ruffled Adam’s hair.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Their mothers looked at each other and
then back to their sons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vickie said,
“Melissa, I think they’ve got it right.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Melissa agreed, “They are doing the
right things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are very proud of both
of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing makes us happier as
parents than to see our sons making good choices and finding the right
partner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are confident that you two
are meant to be together, and we want you to know we are behind you one hundred
percent.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">There were many more words of parental
advice given to the two boys over the course of the next half hour, as the boys
ate their breakfast.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The wedding party gathered in the
parking lot of Founders’ Village.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
were met by one of the wedding planners, who led them to the village church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wedding photographer began taking photos
as the guests entered the church and took their seats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reverend Joynt spent a few moments with Robbie
and Adam going over the details of how things were to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They reviewed where the best men would stand,
and the order of events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reverend Joynt
asked, “Have you memorized your vows?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie grinned, “Yes, we both have, but
I wrote the words of our wedding vows on this note card just in case I
forget.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled out a 3X5 note card
from his pocket.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Reverend Joynt said, reassuringly, “I’m
sure you won’t forget.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you need a
little prompting, Adam can whisper it to you, since he has memorized it, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam smiled at his fiancé, “You won’t
forget, Robbie.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Reverend Joynt left us and entered the
chapel, walking down the aisle to take her place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The wedding music began playing, and
Justin and I walked up the aisle to the front of the little chapel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took our places on either side of the
chapel and waited for Robbie and Adam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They soon arrived and the music stopped.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Reverend Joynt looked around the small
chapel filled with Robbie and Adam’s family and friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said, “Welcome, and thank you for coming
here today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are gathered together to
celebrate the union of these two wonderful men in the bonds of matrimony.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She paused and then continued, “Robbie and
Adam, you may make your vows to each other.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie gazed deeply into Adam’s eyes and
said, “I, Robert Edward Anderson, take you Adam Corbet Ingram, to be my partner
in life, my best friend in life, and my one true love. I will cherish our
marriage, and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust
you, respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully
through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I
give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward, as long as we
both shall live.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam said, “I, Adam Corbet Ingram, take
you Robert Edward Anderson, to be my partner in life, my best friend in life,
and my one true love. I will cherish our marriage, and love you more each day
than I did the day before. I will trust you, respect you, laugh with you and
cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of
the obstacles we may face together. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love,
from this day forward, as long as we both shall live.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Reverend Joynt said, “You may now
exchange rings.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I handed Adam his ring and Justin handed
Robbie his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They took each other by the
hand and slid the rings onto their ring fingers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Reverend Joynt said, “I pronounce you
Robert Edward Anderson and Adam Corbet Ingram legally and lawfully wedded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may kiss each other.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They kissed deeply, causing the guys to
hoot and whistle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they came up for
air, Reverend Joynt said, “I present to you Robbie and Adam
Anderson-Ingram.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all stood up and
clapped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Please allow the newlyweds to
leave the chapel first, then you may congratulate the happy couple, as you
leave.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie and Adam went down the aisle, and
Justin and I followed them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we
arrived at the doors to the chapel, I put my arms around Robbie and kissed
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Congratulations!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie said, “Thank you, Glenn.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I turned to Adam and hugged and kissed
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Congratulations, Adam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take good care of Robbie for me,”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam grinned and said, “You can count on
me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I moved outside and waited for Rick to
join me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He came up to me and said,
“Hey, handsome!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I grinned at him and said, “Hey,
yourself!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He took my hand and said, “You look
great in that tuxedo.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I nodded my head in agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, but I think the stars of the
show look even better than I do.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Yes, Robbie and Adam both
look great in their white tuxedos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
pretty evident that they are living their happily ever after.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We were joined by the rest of the
guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zach said, “I’m so happy for
them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Me, too,” Todd said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were tears on his cheeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess I shouldn’t be so emotional, but I
can’t help it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Zach took Todd into his arms and held
him tight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s okay, Babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our brothers are very happy and you should
be, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I am happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s just that seeing them married means
they’re all grown up now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess I
always thought they would remain our little brothers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve watched over them and protected them
since they moved in with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact,
I’ve come to view them almost like they’re my own children,” Todd said, smiling
through his tears.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Zach said, “You’re right about that
part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will have to adjust our
thinking now that they are adults.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’ve
graduated from high school and have married their high school sweetheart.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Todd said, “We’ll have some time to
adjust, since they are going to spend the summer with us in Spain.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Zach nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Adam has planned a two-week honeymoon for
them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Todd looked at his husband in
surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How do you know?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adam hasn’t even told Mom and Dad what his
plans are.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Zach grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have my ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I’ll say is that they will come back
very relaxed and very tan.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Why did he tell you and not me?” Todd
asked, looking a little hurt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Zach said, “Adam didn’t tell me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg did.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He whispered in Todd’s ear, telling him Adam’s plans.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Todd grinned and said, “They’re going to
have a blast.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Zach looked over at us and said, “I’ll
tell you guys after they’ve left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their
flight leaves in a few hours, so I can share the information once they’ve
gone.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The photographer soon started organizing
us into groups, so he could take our photograph.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took photos of the two grooms and their
families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also took photos of each
of the couples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We made our way over to
the pavilion that had been set up for their reception.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The photographer kept snapping photos as we
visited with our friends and ate lunch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg, Cory, Rick and I made our way over
to Robbie and Adam, who were talking with their parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robbie turned to us as we came up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He grinned and said, “I’m so happy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “We know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can see it in your eyes.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robbie’s green eyes sparkled like jewels in
the sunlight, and his bright smile left no doubt about his state of mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “Robbie and Adam, we want to let
you know that my Uncle Greg and I, along with our partners, want you to know
that our wedding gift to you is the same as we gave your brothers.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie did a double take when he heard
me call Greg my uncle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh yeah, I
forgot that your Grandpa adopted Greg.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “Yes, he did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have set up two scholarships to pay for
your college education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each of you
will be the first recipients of the scholarship funds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The scholarships are called the Adam and
Robbie Anderson-Ingram scholarships, and will be awarded to outstanding gay
students, after you two have finished your college education.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“In addition, Grandpa Scarborough’s
wedding gift to you is the purchase of your first home as a married
couple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know you’ll probably want to
continue living with the rest of the guys; however, Grandpa wants you to find a
nice home to purchase that you can rent out until you’re ready to move into it,
after you finish school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The idea is
that you two will become part of our family owned business.” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam said, “Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never imagined that we would ever become
partners with you guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “You’ll be subject to the
same terms and conditions as the rest of us, with regards to the purchase of
the property; and will share in the same benefits with our family and
friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa said to call him when
you’re ready to begin looking for your new home.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie was speechless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had never imagined that he and Adam would
be included in the business arrangements, like all the other guys in their
house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had been too young when they
had entered into their agreements with Grandpa Scarborough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The realization that he and Adam were to be
treated as equals in the family business with the Scarboroughs left him without
words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I think we’ve witnessed the
unthinkable!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robbie is speechless!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam said, “Well, it is a little
overwhelming to think about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We just
graduated from high school and now we’re married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What you and your family have given us for
our wedding basically guarantees that we will be able to pursue our dreams,
without worrying about where the money will come from to move forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robbie and I have talked about our plans to
be independent and self-reliant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
couldn’t see a clear path forward to financial independence, without leaning
heavily on our parents for support.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie finally recovered and said,
choking back tears, “Thank you so much.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He hugged each of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You don’t
know how much it means to us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory said, “Yes, we do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve been in the same spot as you two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandpa Scarborough has made it very clear
to us that we and our friends are very important to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His expectations are very high, of course;
but he has made sure we have the support we need to achieve our full
potential.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sam said, “Thank you so much for you
generous wedding gifts.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Vickie added, “You are such wonderful
friends to our boys.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Melissa said, “I’m glad that Robbie and
Adam will be on equal footing with their brothers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is important for them to be able to
understand the responsibility they now have to make the most of what they’ve
been given.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Thank you for your love and friendship,
boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have made our boys so happy,
and that is the most important thing you have given to our family,” Brad said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie and Adam made sure they talked
with everyone before they came to bid us farewell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Guys, thank you for coming,” Robbie said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam said, “We’ll see you in a few
weeks.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Have a great time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie and Adam left us and climbed into
their waiting limousine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest of
the wedding party lingered for a while longer, before following them back to
the hotel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie and Adam arrived at the hotel and
returned to their hotel room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adam said,
“We need to hurry or we’ll miss our flight.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They changed out of their tuxedos,
grabbed their luggage and took a taxi to the airport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were standing in line to check their
baggage when Robbie asked, “Okay, Adam, where are we going?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam grinned and said, “We going to
Costa Rica for two weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re doing a
week of extreme sports and then we’ll stay at the beach for the second week.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Robbie grinned and said, “I knew you had
planned something special.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Adam said, “Yes and I promise you it
will be a trip you won’t ever forget.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He leaned over and kissed Robbie.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Author’ Note:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Information about getting married in
Ontario - </span><a href="http://www.ontario.ca/government/get-married-ontario"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.ontario.ca/government/get-married-ontario</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Founder’s Museum and Village - </span><a href="http://www.purpleunions.com/el/f/founders-thunder-bay.html"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.purpleunions.com/el/f/founders-thunder-bay.html</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Founder’s Village Wedding Brochure - </span><a href="http://www.founders.ca/upload/documents/fmpv---vintage-village-weddings.pdf"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.founders.ca/upload/documents/fmpv---vintage-village-weddings.pdf</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Photos of the Village Church - </span><a href="http://www.founders.ca/article/-169.asp"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.founders.ca/article/-169.asp</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Collette Bar and Bistro - </span><a href="http://www.sofitelmplsdining.com/"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.sofitelmplsdining.com/</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Music for this chapter – <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">One Direction –
One Thing - </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1xs_xPb46M"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1xs_xPb46M</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Natasha
Bedingfield – A Little Too Much </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUUc9tCUTgU"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUUc9tCUTgU</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Hot Chelle Rae –
Keep You With Me - </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M23Xu4Zh_00"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M23Xu4Zh_00</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><u>4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></u></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Roxette –
Reveal - </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjURwkhZsfE"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjURwkhZsfE</span></span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><u><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">A-ha – All I want - </span></span></u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-Q04ZvzrjA"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-Q04ZvzrjA</span></span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Carlos Baute – Colgando
por tus Manos - </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qExd-3oCTl4"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qExd-3oCTl4</span></span></a><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cristian Castro – Azul -
</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29NM6ySmwfQ"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29NM6ySmwfQ</span></span></a><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span><br /></div>
SaskBoyStories by Russ Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12705114426346134527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7739282925426125332.post-84860454113632579222013-05-13T23:04:00.000-04:002013-05-19T21:29:41.152-04:00The Man From Swift Current Chapter One Hundred Sixteen - The Nielsen Family Council<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Chapter One Hundred Sixteen – The Nielsen Family
Council<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">When we went up for breakfast the next morning,
Uncle Dave gave us the news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s
official.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your Mom and Dad are back
together, and your Dad spent the night at your Mom’s place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They called us first thing this morning.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Aunt Mary smiled and said, “I’m glad they worked
things out.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “So am I.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I had mixed feelings about my parents being back
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not sure how I feel
about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still remember how violent
Dad gets when he loses his temper.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
looked over at Randy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you remember
that day we hid in the attic because Dad was so angry at our mother?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We watched him tear apart our furniture with
his bare hands and set it on fire in front of the house.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy shuddered at the memory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mom sent us up in the attic to keep us out of harm’s way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were up there until Mom came to get
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad had left in his truck by
then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t come home for three
days.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Uncle Dave looked at us in horrified surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I didn’t know that was why your parents all
of a sudden purchased new furniture.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy said, “There were many other things that
went on in that house while we were growing up that no one else knows about.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked at Uncle Dave and Aunt Mary, who looked
like they were in shock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You knew that
Mom attempted to commit suicide a couple of times when we were little.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was about 10 when she tried to kill
herself with Dad’s shotgun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tried to
wrestle it away from her and it went off, blowing a huge hole in the front room
wall.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“She overdosed on sleeping pills about a month
later,” Randy said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I found her passed
out on the floor that day and went to get help.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Aunt Mary had gone white as a sheet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This is the first time I’ve ever heard
about these events.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That’s because Dad threatened to beat us if we
ever breathed a word to anyone about any of the things that went on in our
home,” Randy said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We knew he meant it
and didn’t dare cross him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Now you understand why I have mixed feelings
about them getting back together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
know Mom loves him, but at the same time, he’s not good for her; unless, of
course, he has really changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kept
watching him to see if he was putting on an act for your benefit, Uncle Dave
and Aunt Mary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had everyone fooled
at the church we used to attend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
pastor thought he was the most God-fearing man in his congregation, but we knew
better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as Dad left church, his
piousness would evaporate like water in a desert,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That’s why it was such a shock to me when he
threw us out of his house,” Randy said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I knew that he wasn’t as religious as he liked everyone to believe;
therefore, I wasn’t expecting him to reject me and Shawn like he did.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Uncle Dave shook his head in disbelief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought I knew my brother.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Aunt Mary said, “What I want to know is, why
didn’t your mother tell us about what was happening in your home?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy said, “That’s simple; she was scared of
what my father might do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you had
witnessed how angry he was; and the brute strength he demonstrated as he tore
apart our furniture, then setting fire to it, you wouldn’t be asking that
question.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Uncle Dave said, “Now that I know some of what
happened in your home, I will do my best to convince Don to get some
counseling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He needs to learn to
control his temper and learn better coping skills.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I laughed and said, “Good luck with that!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom has tried to get him to do that for
years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has always insisted that he’s
not the one who is crazy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“You won’t get far with him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I was tired of talking about my Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It only served to make me feel worse about
the whole situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided to
change the topic of conversation and asked, “What are our plans for our last
day here?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy said, “I think that Mom will try and
organize a family reunion.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I don’t want to see Gary or Eric after what
they had to say to us at Christmas,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Mom set them straight about her reasons for leaving our Dad, but they
still didn’t really seem all that sincere when they apologized to us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Glenn, you need to bury the hatchet
and let things go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Holding a grudge
against them won’t help you or them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You’re asking me to just let it go?” I asked,
in amazement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I am, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t need to carry that burden on your
shoulders,” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It really hurt to have their homophobia on such
prominent display after they seemed to accept us,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy said, “One thing I’ve learned over the
years is that you can’t trust straight people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They say one thing to your face, and then do another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you expect them to betray you, you will
never be surprised when they do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
better to take extra precautions when dealing with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though the laws of the land state that
discrimination against gays is illegal, it doesn’t stop it from happening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The worst offenders are those who profess to
be religious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They claim the right to
be free of the laws of the land when it comes to treating us with respect and
dignity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They scream that we are
forcing our views on them and that we are violating their rights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Always beware of them and don’t let yourself
ever be seen as vulnerable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
brothers and their wives are prime examples of how straight people will turn on
you at a moment’s notice.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Randy, you aren’t helping.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy said, “I’m sorry, Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t tell Glenn to turn a blind eye to
their homophobia nor should you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shawn
said, “Randy is correct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will be
much happier if you surround yourself with people you trust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a close circle of gay friends who
are like family to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have learned,
by sad experience, to limit our interactions with straight people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have always told us they are okay with
us being gay; but they really aren’t.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “We’re pretty much doing that
already, Shawn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have many great
friends, most of them gay couples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
so much easier to be around them, because we don’t have to worry about
offending them by holding hands or kissing each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Straight people think nothing of holding
hands in public or displaying affection for each other; but when it comes to
us, they’re extremely offended and complain loudly that we’re violating their
space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They never stop to think that
maybe we think they’re just as offensive to us with their public displays of
affection.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy said, “I’m glad to hear we don’t have to
educate you regarding who you choose as your friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just be particularly careful since you’re
living in a very homophobic part of the United States.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I replied, “That’s true for most of the state;
however, Atlanta does have a very active gay community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was surprised at the number of gay night
clubs there are.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Atlanta really isn’t as homophobic
as it might seem.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy looked at us doubtfully, “From what I’ve
heard, it’s not exactly gay-friendly.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well, compared to Canada, it’s definitely not a
desirable place to live,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
haven’t minded living in Atlanta; but I couldn’t live there permanently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to move home after I finish college.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Shawn looked at Rick and asked, “Are you okay
with that?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick nodded his head and said, “I’m okay with
moving to Canada; but only after I finish my obligation to the military.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Shawn said, “Are you sure?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sense that you have some reservations
about it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick looked at me and took my hand in his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I do have some concerns, but I’ve promised
Glenn that we’ll work those out, somehow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For now, we are taking things a day at a time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I knew that Rick didn’t want to move to Canada,
because he still had hopes that his family would change their minds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To him, moving to another country made it
seem like there was no hope of ever being reunited with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got that part; so I didn’t push as hard to
move home as much as I would have otherwise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The phone rang and we listened to Aunt Mary as
she spoke into the receiver.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she
hung up, Uncle Dave asked, “Who was that?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It was Eva.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She asked if she could invite her entire family to our home for dinner
tonight,” she answered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy smiled and said, “I told you so.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Aunt Mary replied, “That you did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know your mother very well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She and your Dad will be here in the next
hour to help get everything ready for tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Eva is calling your siblings as we speak, to make sure they can make it
for dinner with us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick looked over at me and said, “Are you going
to be okay?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I shrugged and said, “It doesn’t matter if I’m
okay with it or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mother wants to do
this; so I guess I’ll deal with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>BUT, I’m out of here if Gary and Eric so much as breathe a word about us
being gay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so done with dealing
with homophobic family members.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so
disgusted with straight people’s sensitivities about gays showing affection in
public.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s okay for them to hold
hands and give their loved ones a kiss in public for all to see; but it’s not
okay for me to hold hands with my boyfriend, or kiss him, because I might
offend some poor religious individual who can’t keep his/her thoughts out of
the gutter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heaven forbid that I cause
them to sin because I happen to love another man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their false piety makes me sick.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick put his finger to my lips and said, “It’s
okay, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We get it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy said, “We’re all on the same page with
you, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If any of them start
mouthing off about us, we’re out of here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I suggest we have our gear packed and ready; because we’ll drive back to
Regina tonight, instead of waiting until tomorrow morning.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Uncle Dave said, “I’ll make sure they behave
themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will be told that I
won’t tolerate it in my home, and they can leave if they have a problem with my
rules.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is my home, after all.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I smiled and said, “Thanks, Uncle Dave.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We spent the rest of the day running errands for
Mom and Aunt Mary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They did most of the
cooking, but we were sent for various and sundry items from the local
Safeway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully, Uncle Dave kept
Dad busy, so we were able to avoid having a lot of contact with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was still pissed off at him and everyone
knew it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was good that we hung out
with Randy and Shawn for most of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Later that evening, the rest of my siblings showed
up with their families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eric, Laura,
and Nancy arrived first from Saskatoon, where they are attending school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They greeted Mom and Dad
enthusiastically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nancy said, “Mom, I’m
so glad you and Dad are back together.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She smiled and said, “We aren’t completely
there, Nancy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want to talk to all of
you at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will explain
everything then.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Eric hugged Mom as did Laura.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re glad to see you both here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Dad said, “We’re glad you came on such short
notice.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We wouldn’t have missed it,” Eric said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They moved out of the foyer and into the front
room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I waited to hear what Eric had to
say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to give him credit, because
he immediately said, “Randy and Glenn, I am really sorry for what I said at
Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was wrong of me and I
should have known better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t blame
anyone else but myself for being so easily influenced by Gary and Jessica.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Laura said, “I have to apologize, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t argue hard enough to convince Eric
he was wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew about some of the
things that were going on between your Mom and Dad, but I didn’t make Eric
listen to me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Nancy said, “I’ve been giving Eric hell for what
he said to you guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was dead wrong
and he knew it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was living at home
with us when Dad disowned Randy; so he knew how hurt Mom was by it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More importantly, he also knew of the other
things that Dad has done over the years that I hope Dad is going to tell us he
is willing to change.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She glanced at
Dad and said, “That’s right, Dad, none of us has been blind to how you’ve
treated our mother over the years.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Before Dad could respond, the doorbell rang and
Uncle Dave answered the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We heard
Gary and Jessica enter the house with Jack and Miriam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The children ran into the front room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Miriam ran to Mom, who scooped her into her
arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jack saw us on the couch and ran
over to Rick and climbed up on his lap.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Uncle Rick, I’m glad you’re here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You missed my birthday,” Jack said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick smiled and asked, “When was your birthday?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It was two days ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m 5 years old now,” Jack said, showing
five fingers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Congratulations!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll have to celebrate your birthday
today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is that okay with you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jack asked, “Does that mean I get more
presents?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed and replied, “I guess it could, if
you’re really good.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jack thought for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve already been good today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shared my candy bar with Miriam.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I guess that qualifies as being
good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did you give her exactly half or
did you keep the bigger piece?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We split it in half, so we’d have the same size
piece,” Jack said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I’m glad you were nice to your
sister.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Miriam looked at her grandmother and said, “Mom
says that you’re going to be living with Grandpa from now on.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Not yet, Miriam, Grandpa needs to do a few
things before I’ll agree to return to the farm with him,” Mom said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Mom says that you shouldn’t have left Grandpa,”
Miriam said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well, Miriam, your mother needs to be a little
more discrete when expressing her opinions around you children,” Mom responded,
looking over at her daughter-in-law.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jessica looked embarrassed and said, “I’m sorry,
Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should not have said anything in
Miriam’s hearing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mom said, “I think it’s time we all had that
talk I mentioned earlier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don, please
invite everyone to join us here in the front room.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Dad nodded his head and went into the
kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He returned with Eric, Laura
and Nancy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aunt Mary and Uncle Don
brought in a couple of extra chairs, making sure everyone had somewhere to
sit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jessica leaned over to Miriam and
said, “Why don’t you take your brother downstairs to play for a bit, while we
talk with Grandma and Grandpa.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mom said, “I think the children should stay;
since they have already heard part of what has happened, they need to hear the
whole story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to make it very
clear how things stand between me and Don.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You, most of all, need to hear both sides of what has happened before
you rush to make rash statements, or judge me for leaving my husband.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jessica gazed at Mom with consternation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said, “Okay, Mom.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mom turned to Dad and said, “Don, I believe you
have something to share with the family.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Dad stood up and cleared his throat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Gary, Jessica, Eric, Laura and Nancy, I
need to confess to you what I have done.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He recounted everything he had done to me and Randy over the years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He explained his reasons and the fact that
he wasn’t proud of what he did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he
finished, he looked at Eva and said, “I need you to understand that I have
treated Eva very poorly over the course of our marriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few days ago, we met with a marriage
counselor and worked through many of my failings as a husband; and believe me,
they are many.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He went on to relate to
us the results of that session.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
stopped and looked around the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
need to ask for your forgiveness as a family for the mistakes I’ve made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have acted selfishly, without regard to
the trust you had in me as a husband and father.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">There were tears in Eric’s eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry, Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw what Dad was doing and I didn’t try to
defend you, or talk to Dad about changing his ways.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Gary looked sheepish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had been the most vocal in his criticism
of our mother, taking Dad’s part against all comers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mom, I owe you an apology as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve taken Dad’s side in all of this, not
thinking about all of those times Dad mistreated you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mom said, “I knew you had chosen to side with
your father, but I think he has a little more to share with you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked at Don and said, “You promised to
come clean about everything, Don.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
said there would be no more secrets.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Dad gazed into my mother’s eyes for a long time
before he finally sighed and said, “I did promise to put everything on the
table.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“To help you out, I’ll start,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I had suspected for some time that your Dad
was cheating on me, but didn’t have any proof.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then, one day I was putting away your Dad’s socks and found a stack of
love letters shoved into the back of the drawer. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I opened one of the letters and found it was
from a woman named Rene from Hazenmore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I confronted your father about the letters and he became very
angry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sent you children to the
attic, because he was so angry.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Dad said, “I’m not very proud of what I did that
day.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Gary had gone completely white.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I remember that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You tore apart all of our furniture and
burned it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jessica’s mouth was open in shock and
disbelief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking over at her, Dad
said, “You can close your mouth now, Jessica.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yes, you and Gary have said many hurtful things about Eva, as well as
Randy and Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Gary finally was man enough to look over at me
and Randy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think we both have some
major apologizing to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know we
apologized at Christmas, but I still believed you guys were the cause of Mom
and Dad’s problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was dead
wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can see that now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jessica stared at the floor and wouldn’t meet
our gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she didn’t say anything,
Dad continued, “I have agreed to take anger management classes as well as
therapy sessions, to help me figure out why I get so angry.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mom said, “Not only that, Don has been seeing Rene
again.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Gary looked at his father in pure
astonishment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’ve got to be
kidding!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Don admitted that he has been staying with her
frequently since I left him,” Mom said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Aunt Mary asked, “Why are you going back to him
if he’s been with Rene the entire time you’ve been separated?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I haven’t agreed to return to the farm with Don
until he has resolved his issues, including breaking things off with Rene once
and for all; in addition to the anger management counseling,” Mom said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I plan to continue living here in Swift
Current, until I can be sure Don has met all of his commitments to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of those commitments was to tell the
family everything that has been going on; and I meant everything.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Dad met her gaze and held it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve upheld my end of the agreement; except
for one thing.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked around the
room and said, “I need to inform all present that your mother and I won’t
tolerate homophobic behavior within the family; that includes making derogatory
statements or denigrating them in any way.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He paused and met Gary’s gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I know I’ve been one of the biggest offenders in this area and I’ve got
a lot of changing to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the
conditions your mother insisted must be met is that I lead the effort to make
us a family again; and that means everyone is treated with dignity and
respect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may not always agree on
things; but there must always be kindness and respect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have often failed my children as a father;
however, it is one of my goals to be as good a father as I can from here on
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I have your support to help us
heal as a family?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He continued to look directly at Gary and
Jessica and waited for their answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Gary squirmed in his chair and looked at his wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gary finally said, “You have mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jessica will have to speak for herself.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jessica looked around the room and stopped when
her gaze met mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry I’ve said
some really nasty things about you guys since Mom left Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t know all of the facts and I made
some pretty hurtful statements.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
turned her gaze back to Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, you
have my support.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Eric said, “Laura and I support you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned to me and Randy, “I’m deeply sorry
for what I said about you guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing
what I know now, I was very wrong; and I hope you guys can forgive me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Laura squeezed his hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Eric and I had planned to apologize to you
even if this meeting hadn’t happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’ve felt bad about how things went down at Christmas, and wanted to
make things up to you guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy smiled at Laura.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, Laura.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shawn has always insisted that you were
Eric’s better half.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Eric laughed and said, “That she is.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jabbing Eric in the ribs, Nancy said, “I’ve
never doubted that fact. Dad, you have my support to move our family to a
better place.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Dad turned to us and asked, “What about you
guys?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy said, “Of course, Shawn and I will support
you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I’m in.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put his arm around my shoulders and
leaned over to whisper in my ear, “It’s okay to speak your mind.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Dad looked at me and I returned his gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew that I was the skeptic in the
room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll support you, but it’s going
to take a lot of work to make things better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Change doesn’t happen overnight and the wounds from the last few months
aren’t going to disappear anytime soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s going to take time to rebuild the trust that once existed in our
family; and, to be honest, that trust may never be restored.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Dad nodded his head and said, “You’re right
about that, son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a lot of hard
work ahead of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for your
support.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Uncle Dave looked at his brother and asked, “Is
there anything else we haven’t heard about?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Dad sighed and said, “That’s about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>True confessions are over!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“What can we do to help you, Don?” Uncle Dave
asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Just be there for us when we need
encouragement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s going to be a long
road for all of us, and especially for me, because I have a lot of changes to
make,” Dad said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jack looked up at Rick and asked, “Does this
mean you can play ball with me now?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed and said, “Yes, we can go outside
and play ball; unless, of course, your parents had something else for you to
do.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jack slid off of Rick’s lap and skipped across
the room to his parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“May I go
outside and play with Uncle Rick?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Gary smiled at his son and replied, “Certainly.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jack turned around and looked at Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick said, “Alright, Master Jack, let’s go
outside.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stood up and took my hand
to pull me to my feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Come with us,
Glenn.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled at my boyfriend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew I needed some space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was obvious to me that Gary and Jessica
still had issues with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick
whispered to me, “Don’t say anything, please.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I gave him my “who me” look and said, “Let’s go,
Jack.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We followed a very excited little boy outside
into the front yard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jack said, “I
brought my soccer ball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s in the
car.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He scampered over to his Dad’s
car and opened the back door, retrieving a soccer ball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sat it on the ground and kicked it to
Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We dribbled the ball back and
forth around the yard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “Let’s go around to the back yard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we can rig up some goals back
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I remember correctly, Uncle
Dave still has our soccer gear in his garage.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We walked over to the garage and were met by
Uncle Dave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled and said, “I
thought you might want these.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
handed me a set of bright red cones and a mini-goal net.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Thanks, Uncle Dave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought you might still have some of our
soccer stuff,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Uncle Dave opened the gate to the back yard and
said, “I’ll send Randy and Shawn out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
know how much Randy loves to play soccer.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">A few minutes later, my brother and his husband
joined us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ran some drills with
Jack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to admit I was impressed
that he was as well coordinated as he was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I asked, “Who has been helping you learn how to play soccer?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jack said, “Grandpa has been teaching me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He says he wants me to be as good at playing
soccer as you are, Uncle Glenn.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked at my nephew in surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did Grandpa really say that?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jack said, “Yes, he did. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad said you have always been the best soccer
player in the family.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy said, “Dad and Gary are right, you
know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have always been the better
soccer player; but I wouldn’t let that go to your head, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know I can always outrun you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I laughed and said, “That’s what you think.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy grinned and said, “I not only think I’m
faster than you, I know I’m faster than you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed and said, “Okay, boys, let’s not
start that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy ruffled my hair and said, “Okay, Rick, I
won’t give Glenn a hard time, even though he deserves it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I do not,” I protested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve been a perfect angel, given the
circumstances.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Yes, you have, and I’m very proud of
the restraint you’ve shown this afternoon.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Shawn said, “Yes, I was very surprised you
didn’t lay into Gary and Jessica.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I thought about it and I probably will still
have some choice words to say to them, but it can wait until another time,” I
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Besides, we’re leaving in the
morning and I won’t have to deal with their issues for quite some time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “What Glenn is trying to say is that
we don’t have any intention of having much to do with them for a good many
years to come.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked at Rick and said, “Let’s just say that
our plans don’t include going down to the farm unless there is an emergency
that requires it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We understand where you’re coming
from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shawn and I will have to see
where things go from here before we make our decision regarding how we plan to
interact with them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Aunt Mary called to us from the back door,
“Guys, it’s time to eat.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jack ran past us and shouted, “Race you!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick broke into a sprint and caught up to Jack
at the back step.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He scooped Jack into
his arms and opened the back door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
think I won.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jack threw his arms around Rick’s neck and said,
“I love you, Uncle Rick.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I love you, too, Jack,” Rick said, putting Jack
back on his feet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The rest of us followed at a more sedate
pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We joined the family for
dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was pleasant enough, but
there were still some awkward moments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After one particularly awkward silence, I said, “I’m heading to
bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have an early start tomorrow,
and I’m exhausted.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said my
farewells to the family and left them to visit with each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick followed me down the stairs and into
Ben’s room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He closed the door and
said, “Thank you for not causing a scene with Gary and Jessica.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I did it for you, Babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I certainly didn’t do it for them,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You’re a saint,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did you know that?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I laughed and said, “Which saint might I be?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick pulled me into his arms and said, “Let me
see…hmm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think maybe Saint Russell
the Great might be too pretentious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How
about Saint Glenn, patron saint of all gay men?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I grinned and said, “As long as it means you’ll
fuck me tonight, I think it’s a great name.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick locked the bedroom door and proceeded to
seduce me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was half asleep when I
heard someone knock on the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I rolled
away from Rick and got up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I unlocked
the door and scampered back to bed, pulling the sheets over Rick and I as Randy
and Shawn came into the room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy said, “I’m sorry for waking you up.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Not a problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We should have unlocked the door before we fell asleep,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Shawn said, “We waited to come downstairs to
give you and Rick some time alone.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Thank you,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I needed it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We know,” Shawn said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You were pretty amazing tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You didn’t make one comment about how poorly
they treated us, and you even were pleasant to be around.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We knew you had reached your limit with Gary
and Jessica when we heard you announce that you were retiring for the night,”
Randy said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I was ready to give them a piece of my
mind, but thought better of it,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“They asked us what they had done to offend you,
and I told them,” Randy said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked at Randy in surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought I hid it pretty well.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You did, Glenn, but you forget that Shawn and I
are gay men and were just as offended as you were,” Randy said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “I’m glad you told them, then.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Shawn said, “Randy, we need to get some
sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can talk tomorrow on the
drive back to Regina.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy finished stripping off his clothes and
joined his husband in bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, dear,
I’m all yours.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, you’re all mine,” Shawn said, giving Randy
a kiss.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I curled up next to Rick and laid my head on his
chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t long before I was
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next morning, we returned to
Atlanta and things returned to their normal routine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler and Joey snuggled together in their new
bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had gone furniture shopping
when they arrived from Canada.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler’s
parents had given them money to buy a new bedroom set, as a wedding
present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler had never dreamed that
choosing bedroom furniture could be so much fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and Joey spent time researching prices
online and then, when they found what they wanted, they ordered it to be shipped
directly to the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had arrived
10 days later and they had finished setting it up earlier in the evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “How does it feel to be married to
the handsomest guy in the entire world?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey looked into Tyler’s eyes and said, “Tyler, it
feels like I’m living a real life fairy tale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve found the love of my life, and I’m so happy.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He caressed Tyler’s chest and abs with the
palm of his hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It helps that Rachel
and Sarah have really taken to the Nájeras.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “Mom and Dad have become good
friends with them, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad told me
that Sr. Nájera has got to be the most interesting man he has ever met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom and Dad are planning to drive down to Málaga
tomorrow to look at some property.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do
you want to go with them?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could find
us a place at the beach near them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey smiled at his new husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll go anywhere you want to go, my
husband.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“You don’t know how much that thrills me to hear you call me your
husband.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">"I think I do, because it makes me very
happy to call you my husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
were a few days there that I thought you would escape me,” Joey said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler leaned over and gave Joey a tender
kiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But that is all ancient
history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are happily married and
raising a family here in Spain, where our marriage is recognized and we have
the same rights and privileges as straight people.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m even beginning to understand some Spanish,”
Joey said, grinning at his husband.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m very impressed with how quickly you’re
picking up the language,” Tyler said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“However, Rachel is learning it much faster than you are.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That’s because she’s not afraid to make mistakes,”
Joey said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m very proud of her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has adapted much quicker to her new
surroundings than I have.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler cupped Joey’s cheek with the palm of his
hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have faith in you, because I
know that love will conquer all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No
matter what comes our way, we will face it together, hand in hand.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey put his hand over Tyler’s and said, “I love
you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I love you, too,” Tyler said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The next morning, they were awakened by
Rachel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She climbed onto their bed and
managed to squeeze her way in between them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Joey said, “Good morning, Rachel.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rachel said, “Good morning, Daddy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When are you and Dad going to get up?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “I don’t know, Rachel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe we should stay in bed all day.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rachel giggled and asked, “Does that mean you
want breakfast in bed?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey looked over at Tyler and said, “I think it
does, Rachel.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Nana told me I could make you breakfast this
morning,” Rachel said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“She did?” Joey asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes and Abuela said she would help me,” Rachel
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sr. and Sra. Nájera had become
Abuelo (Grandpa) and Abuela (Grandma) to Rachel and Sarah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sra. Nájera was completely taken with the
girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had become ‘enchanted’ by
them (those were her words) when they entered the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There wasn’t any doubt that Rachel knew the
Nájeras loved her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wriggled out
from between her two dads, and gave them each of them a kiss on the cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey helped her down off of the bed and said,
“We’ll wait until you come back with our breakfast.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They heard her little feet pad across the room
and the door click shut after she left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tyler said, “She is such a lovely child.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, she is,” Joey said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His thoughts went back to their first day in
Spain and how Sra. Nájera had won over Rachel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They had just arrived at their new home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hank had paid the taxi driver and turned to
look at the home Tyler had purchased.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He said, “It’s a very handsome home, Tyler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m looking forward to meeting the Nájeras.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They didn’t even have a chance to move away from
the driveway with their things when the front door opened and the Nájeras
appeared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They made their way down the
flagstone walkway and greeted Tyler.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Welcome back, mi hijo,” Sr. Nájera said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The he said, “Introduce me to your family.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler turned to Joey and said, “This is my
husband, Joey.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sr. Nájera stretched out his hand and said, “I’m
Jose Alejandro Nájera Tello and this is my lovely wife, Marimer Elena Santander
Cordova de Nájera.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sra. Nájera said, “Or you can call us Mamá y Papá.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe that God sent me a replacement son
in Tyler; and now, he has married you; so I’m doubly blessed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey smiled and said, “Then I will call you Mamá
and Papá, since my own parents are so far away.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sra. Nájera pulled Joey into a hug and kissed
him on both cheeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled and
said, “Welcome home, mi hijo.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
turned to Hank and Louise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You must be
Tyler’s parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope you don’t mind
that I’ve claimed Tyler as my own son.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Louise smiled and said, “I’m very glad that
Tyler has another mother to watch over him.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The two women hugged and Louise said, “Thank you for taking such good
care of Tyler.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Hank said, “Yes, we are very grateful to you for
everything you have done for Tyler.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sr. Nájera shook Hanks hand and said, “We are
very happy to finally meet you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please
call me Alex and my wife prefers to be called Mari.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“This is Sarah,” Hank said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was holding Sarah in one arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had both arms wrapped around his
neck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sr. Nájera said, “Hello, Sarah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re glad you’re here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sra. Nájera looked down at the little girl
standing behind her father and said, “You must be Rachel.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rachel clung to Joey’s leg and peeked around it
to see Sra. Nájera.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey said, “Rachel
this is Grandma Nájera.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sra. Nájera said, “You can call me Abuela.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sr. Nájera knelt down to look Rachel in the eyes,
“May we be your Grandpa and Grandma?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rachel said, “I have a grandpa and
grandma.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She pointed at Hank and
Louise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He smiled at her and said, “But you don’t have
an abuelo and an abuela.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can call
us Abuelo and Abuela.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is that okay?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rachel nodded her head and said, “Okay.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Would you like some cookies and milk?” Sra. Nájera
asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rachel said, “Yes, Abuela.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Then follow me and we will get you some cookies
and milk,” Sra. Nájera said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They followed her inside the house, hauling
their luggage with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sr. Nájera said, “Hank, your things have
already arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were delivered
yesterday.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Hank said, “Thank you for being here to receive
them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I stored them in the basement for now,” Sr. Nájera
said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They followed Sra. Nájera into the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rachel climbed onto a chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hank put Sarah in the high chair and
fastened her seat belt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sra. Nájera
pulled out cookies and milk and put them on the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The milk was the shelf stable kind in a
box.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sr. Nájera said, “Rachel, you can
have as many cookies as you like.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rachel looked up at Joey, and he smiled, “You
can have as many as you like, but you have to listen to Abuela when she tells
you that you have to stop.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rachel smiled and asked, “I’ll eat three now,
but can I have more, later?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sra. Nájera nodded her head and said, “Yes, you
may, and if you want to learn how to make cookies, there will always be cookies
for you and Sarah.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rachel’s eyes got big as saucers and she asked,
“May we make lots and lots of chocolate chip cookies?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sra. Nájera laughed and said, “Yes, and many
other kinds.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey smiled and said, “I think that Rachel likes
being here already.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler looked at Sra. Nájera, with a smile, and
said, “We’ll have to keep an eye on Mamá, because she’ll spoil Rachel and
Sarah.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sra. Nájera said, “It’s my job to spoil my
grandchildren.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t you agree Louise?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Louise laughed and said, “Yes, it is, Mari”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sr. Nájera said, “I think it’s time we left the
women folk to watch the girls while we get your things situated.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Hank agreed, “Yes, let’s get unpacked.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They followed Sr. Nájera out of the kitchen and
spent the rest of the day unpacking suitcases, as well as the boxes they
shipped over from Virginia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “Joey, our breakfast is here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey looked at Tyler and asked, “What did you
say, Babe?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I said that our breakfast is here,” Tyler said,
smiling at his husband.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sr. Nájera said, “Good morning, boys.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He came into their bedroom, carrying a
breakfast tray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rachel ran ahead of him and pointed to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Abuelo, the tray is for them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sr. Nájera said, “I will give it to them, just
as you say, mi corazón.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He leaned over and placed the tray between the
two men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mamá says that you must eat
well today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are driving down to
Malagá as soon as you boys are ready to leave.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We won’t be long, Papá,” Tyler said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sr. Nájera left them, and Rachel followed him
out of the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey looked over at
Tyler and said, “Have you decided whether or not we’re going to buy a house in
Malagá?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler smiled and said, “I think we should.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Staying with the Nájera is okay, but I still
want us to have our own place on the beach.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I agree with you,” Joey said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know we’ll live half of the year on the
beach if we have our own place.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler gave Joey a lecherous grin, “I want you to
be tan all over, no tan lines for my husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For that, we need our own place, where we can sunbathe in the buff,
without offending anyone.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“What about the girls?” Joey asked, knowing
Tyler’s answer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We can leave the girls with the Abuelos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know that the Nájeras and our parents
will jump at the chance to have the girls all to themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They practically monopolize all of their
time now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey nodded his head, “The girls are really
thriving with all of the attention they are receiving from their grandparents,
both sets of them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “And so are their Dads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, it’s the one-on-one kind of
attention that has made the most difference.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He leaned over and kissed Joey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He whispered into his ear, “especially from you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey gazed into his husband’s eyes and said, “I
love you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They caravanned down from Madrid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler and Joey took the girls in their car
while Hand and Louise rode with the Nájeras.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A few hours later, they arrived at the Nájeras’ beach house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The gate swung open to let them pull into
the driveway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPzUCuqco2pWkOQa7em9YrYjI094KR3cP3kDWUsKgFfAU1PftI2V8CA8xaAsfSqj1nO7fnvM_3r8FzxaEDP-oEk91pPoJRnMzoKuZIw63Yo7sE4rbrH68v4z3OaaHK2oMB0ElL6-Hhwpo/s1600/231538-13810-Marbella-Villa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPzUCuqco2pWkOQa7em9YrYjI094KR3cP3kDWUsKgFfAU1PftI2V8CA8xaAsfSqj1nO7fnvM_3r8FzxaEDP-oEk91pPoJRnMzoKuZIw63Yo7sE4rbrH68v4z3OaaHK2oMB0ElL6-Hhwpo/s1600/231538-13810-Marbella-Villa.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifyG-9D5Lcq7d161BOwv0uV_JaKqnOUWPVBqdT8SWisKDGKmJD3ORVAPOz0tXSxG8Zv2pa92H0Frb4-TLr_X-1e2SKFXAA7_LlNNO3X5OwE-1TROedbxC_UdfQ85Hsr-5JtzoqjkMU4w/s1600/231541-13810-Marbella-Villa2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifyG-9D5Lcq7d161BOwv0uV_JaKqnOUWPVBqdT8SWisKDGKmJD3ORVAPOz0tXSxG8Zv2pa92H0Frb4-TLr_X-1e2SKFXAA7_LlNNO3X5OwE-1TROedbxC_UdfQ85Hsr-5JtzoqjkMU4w/s1600/231541-13810-Marbella-Villa2.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter">
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0">
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1">
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1">
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0">
</v:f>
<v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f">
</v:path></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas></v:stroke></v:shapetype></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">It was a beautiful villa with a tile roof and
red cement walls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler turned to Joey
and said, “I’d love to have a place like this one.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You haven’t even been inside it, yet,” Joey
said, smiling at his husband.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I know it’s going to be wonderful inside,”
Tyler said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They got out of their car and opened the back
doors to retrieve the girls from their car seats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rachel asked, “Are we at the beach now, Daddy?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey replied, “No, we aren’t on the beach yet,
but we are at the beach house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Abuela
said that there is nice swimming pool here for us to enjoy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you want to go swimming?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rachel clapped her hands and said, “Yeah, I want
to go swimming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May we go swimming
right now?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Let’s see what Nana and Abuela have planned for
us first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is that okay?” Joey asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rachel nodded her head and said, “Daddy, you can
put me down now.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wriggled to get
free of her Daddy’s arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey set her on her feet and she ran to Abuela
and grabbed her hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked up at
Abuela and asked, in Spanish, “May I go swimming, Abuela?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Hearing his daughter speaking Spanish, Joey
said, “I can’t believe how quickly she has picked up the language.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “You would pick it up much faster if
you stopped speaking English all the time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey responded, “It’s just so hard to
communicate when I don’t have the vocabulary to express myself in Spanish.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler smiled at Joey, “It will come with time
and lots of practice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know how to
help you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s speak Spanish
everywhere except when were alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
way, you can practice your Spanish, but, at the same time, we can continue to
have clear communication between us.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Seeing Joey’s doubtful look, Tyler continued, “Let’s just try it for a
few days, and, if it doesn’t work, we can always revert to speaking English
most of the time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey sighed, in resignation, “Okay, I’ll try it,
but only for a few days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, you
have to promise you’ll help me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler wrapped his arms around Joey’s waist and
gazed deeply into his eyes, “Trust me, sweetheart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will be okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I promise.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He kissed Joey and rubbed noses with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are we good?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, we’re good,” Joey replied, with a smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler turned and undid Sarah’s seat belt and
lifted her from her car seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sarah,
let’s take Daddy inside.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She made some happy gurgling noise and wrapped
her arms around Tyler’s neck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler
said, “She needs changing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey smiled and said, “It’s your turn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I changed her just before we left.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler sighed, “Okay, I’ll do diaper duty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will you grab the diaper bag from the
trunk?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey replied, “Gladly.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He opened the trunk and retrieved the diaper
bag, handing it to Tyler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll bring
in the suitcases.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler left Joey to finish unloading the
car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked inside the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The foyer was beautifully appointed and made
him fell like he was in some upscale hotel lobby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sr. Nájera said, “The girls’ room is up the
stairs and all the way to the end of the hallway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the door on the left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your room is next door to theirs.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “Thank you, Papá.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He made his way upstairs and found the
girls’ room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He entered the room and
found that the baby crib had already been made up for Sarah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a changing table and a chest of
drawers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Against the opposite wall was
a youth bed for Rachel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler smiled
approvingly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Nájeras had thought of
everything, as usual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were the
perfect grandparents for the girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Nájeras had charmed his own parents as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hank and Louise couldn’t say enough good things about the couple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As he changed Sarah’s diaper, he reflected
on how perfect his world had become.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
had a wonderful husband, two beautiful daughters, not one, but two sets of
parents to watch over him and his family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some guys would have balked at having two sets of parents caring for
them, but not Tyler and Joey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They both
thrived under the care of the four older adults.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Theirs was a charmed life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He finished diapering Sarah and returned downstairs
to find that Joey had finished unloading the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Louise said, “Hand Sarah to me while you
help your husband with the luggage.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler did as he was directed and handed Sarah to
his mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked over and grabbed
two suitcases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey picked up the
remaining two bags and the two of them walked up the stairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hank and Sr. Nájera followed them with their
luggage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler opened their bedroom
door and stood there in amazement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
room was huge!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a giant
king-size four-poster bed with a gauzy white canopy that hung from the four
bedposts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The floor was covered with a
deep, white carpet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At one end of the
room, there was a fireplace with a loveseat and a couch arranged in front of
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the opposite end, sliding glass
doors opened onto a balcony that overlooked the swimming pool with a clear view
of the ocean in the near distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey said, “I love it already.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put down their suitcases and walked into
the en suite where he found a Jacuzzi tub, and a walk-in shower with six shower
head at different levels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything
looked to be made of marble and bronze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Joey called to Tyler, “Sweetheart, I think we should start our little
vacation in here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler joined him and whistled, “Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I agree, we should start here; however,
we need to finish unpacking first.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey nodded his head in agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This is going to be the best vacation
ever.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler grinned and pulled Joey into his arms, “I
can’t wait to get you naked.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kissed
him deeply before releasing him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey protested, “That’s not fair!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can’t get me all amped up and then leave
me hanging like this!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler gave Joey his evil laugh and asked, “I
can’t I?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He arched his eyebrows and
grinned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey laughed, “You are such a tease.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I never said I wasn’t,” Tyler said, as he
opened up his suitcase and began hanging up his clothes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey helped his and then opened the other
suitcases on the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They kept
touching each other as they put away the contents of the suitcases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They went next door to put way the girls’
clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After they finished, Tyler
pinned Joey against the door and said, “I want you inside me right now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey grinned from ear to ear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew they were going to make many good
memories on this trip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Author’s Note:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Music that inspired this chapter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 12pt 0in 4pt;">
<span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Amaia Montero – Quiero
Ser -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGn-k8qW8VM"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGn-k8qW8VM</span></span></a><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span><br /></span><br /></span><br /></div>
SaskBoyStories by Russ Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12705114426346134527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7739282925426125332.post-39845433773030384112013-05-07T20:50:00.001-04:002015-02-11T21:58:19.441-05:00The Man From Swift Current Chapter One Hundred Fifteen - Dad's Letter<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chapter One Hundred Fifteen – Dad’s
Letter</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">
<br /><br />
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After the Rick and Glenn left the
kitchen, Don said, “Randy, I’ve done more harm to you than I have to anyone
else, because of my selfishness.”</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">
<br /><br />
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shawn squeezed Randy’s hand, reassuring
him everything was okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Randy glanced
at his husband, who smiled at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Randy said, “Yes, you took pretty drastic measures to get me out of your
home, both times it’s happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
managed to survive both times, and have become stronger because of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, it’s nice to hear you acknowledge, you
caused me pain and suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
didn’t even try to work things out with me, the first time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your mind was made up, and you executed your
plan, regardless of the damage you caused our family.”</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Don looked away from his son’s accusatory
gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said, “You’re right.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“The second time was worse, when you
disowned me,” Randy said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You tore
apart our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, after you
seemed to accept us, you tried to drive us apart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t think of anything more despicable
than someone who pretends to accept you, and tells you it’s okay, then stabs
you in the back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least I knew where
you stood, when you disowned me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That I
could deal with; now I won’t know if you’re lying to me, or not, when you say
you’ve changed your mind about us.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Don looked across the table at Randy and
said, “I’m not asking you to trust me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I want you to help convince your mother to come back to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll do whatever it takes to win her back,
Randy, even if it means making peace with the four of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t know how much I miss her,
Randy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever you might think about
me, I really do love your mother.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Randy was glad Glenn and Rick weren’t in
the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glenn had been totally
convinced Don was putting on an act; and he had been right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s a good thing Glenn isn’t here to hear
this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was absolutely certain you
were putting on a show for our benefit, so Mom would come home with you, and
you just confirmed that, and he was pretty shocked to hear you’re jealous of
him.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Don said, “I can’t pretend to be what
I’m not, Randy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m still just as
self-centered as I was yesterday, and the day before that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I’m not lying to you about trying
to get your mother back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will do what
is necessary to get her to come home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
don’t want to live the rest of my life alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The last few months have taught me I’m pretty poor company.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shawn said, “That I can understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was pretty lonely, until I met Randy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s my perfect husband.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mary smiled and said, “Yes, he is, Shawn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dave and I knew you two were meant for each
other, from the first day we met you.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dave said, “Eva isn’t cut out to live
alone, Don.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She won’t stay single very
long if she divorces you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s a very
attractive woman and there are plenty of guys out there who would willingly
take your place.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I know that, Dave,” Don responded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She has already informed me she plans to
move to Georgia, once the divorce is final.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“So, how do you propose to win her
back?” Dave asked.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Don’s expression changed to one of deep
sorrow and he put his head in his hands, hiding his face from view.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pushed the palms of his hands against his
eyelids as he tried to get his composure back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He finally lifted his head and looked at his brother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a voice that communicated a deep,
heartfelt misery, he said, “I don’t know, Dave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She told me she doesn’t want to see me
again.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mary said, “You can start by letting the
boys be your emissaries.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She gave
Randy a quick look to gauge his reaction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Let them explain to her what agreements you have made with them; and
the conditions they have placed on any further interactions with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it would go a long way toward
getting her to at least speak with you.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Before Don could respond, Randy said,
“I’ll have to sleep on that idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glenn
wasn’t too keen on doing anything to help you convince Mom to return home with
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said it felt too much like
bribery to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wants you to be able
to convince her to return based on your own merits, not based on rebuilding a
relationship with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You often told us
the same thing, Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You told us we
need to be real men and earn our own place in this world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You emphasized to us we couldn’t be real
men, if we rode on someone else’s coattails.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Don grimaced as his own words came back
to haunt him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had taught his boys to
be independent and self-reliant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now
the same message was being communicated back to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe I can write her a letter you can
deliver to her, outlining what we’ve agreed to.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shawn said, “I think it would be
best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, Mom can confirm with us what
you write about is true, and we won’t be put in a position of being your
advocate.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Don nodded his head and said, “I guess
I’d better get started on that letter.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He stood up from the table and said, “Good night.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He left the room and Uncle Dave said,
“Mary, I think we’ve done enough for today”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He smiled at his wife and she reached out and took his hand.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Let’s go to bed, dear,” she said.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They both got up from the table and left
Randy and Shawn alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shawn leaned
over and kissed Randy on the lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Take me to bed, my dear husband.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Randy grinned and said, “Your wish is my
command.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two men walked hand in
hand down the stairs to Ben’s bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They quietly opened the door and walked inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They could see Glenn and Rick were both
asleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shawn said, “Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad they’re asleep. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need you to make love to me tonight.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Randy nodded his head and silently
disrobed, then turned to help his husband out of his clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They climbed into bed together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They managed to satisfy their desires for
each other, without waking up the two men sleeping in the bed next to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Randy kissed his husband and whispered,
“I love you.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shawn responded, in a very relaxed
voice, “I love you, too.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Randy curled his body around Shawn’s and
they soon drifted off into a happy and contented slumber.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next morning, I awoke to Rick’s fingers
running through my hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He brushed my
hair back from my forehead, then lifted my chin, raising my lips to his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His kiss was a tender one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled back, and looked into my
eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good morning, Babe.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I smiled at him and said, “Good
morning.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Shawn and Randy are still sleeping,”
Rick said, nodding his head in their direction.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I glanced across the room to see Shawn spooned
up against my brother with his arm wrapped around him, holding him close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I watched my brother’s face, a smile
played at the corners of his mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
did my heart good to see Randy’s husband, holding him protectively against
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was glad my brother had found
someone who provided him a loving and safe home environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Randy liked to show the world his tough guy
face; and, as a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), he cultivated
that image.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I knew that behind
the façade, was a very sensitive, caring individual; one who needed Shawn’s
warm embrace, and his loving acceptance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To me, it seemed they were two parts of a whole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The artistic and emotional facets of Shawn’s
personality were always on ready display, but underneath, Shawn was a very deep
thinker who valued logic and reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I watched them, Shawn’s eyes opened
and he gazed directly at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled
and said, “You must be thinking deep thoughts, Glenn.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I shook my head and said, “I was just
thinking how perfectly matched you and Randy are.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shawn smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“As are you and Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick is your knight in shining armor, just
like Randy is mine.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“No, he’s my Prince Charming,” I said,
with a smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ran my hand over Rick’s
chest as I leaned over and kissed him.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “It’s a tough job, but
somebody has to do it.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shawn laughed and said, “I know Glenn
has put you on a pedestal.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I have not,” I protested.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shawn said, “Okay, let me see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the last 24 hours, you have described him
as your perfect love, the best looking guy in the entire world, the best man
for you, the greatest lover, the kindest man you know, the one responsible for
keeping you organized, the only one who tolerates your craziness, your rock of
Gibraltar, your anchor in this world, the hottest stud in Canada and the United
States.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He paused and looked at Rick,
“Did I miss anything?”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick grinned and said, “The smartest and
most intelligent guy he knows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, I’m also
the most talented man in bed, as well as in the shower, or the Jacuzzi.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I blushed and said, “I can’t help being
totally and completely in love with Rick.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I tweaked his left nipple, making him gasp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt Rick’s manhood stiffen against me.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shawn said, “I didn’t say there was
anything wrong with putting Rick on a pedestal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He deserves to be there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is the perfect match for you, Glenn.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Randy opened his eyes and looked across
the room at me and Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled and
asked, “What’s all this talk of the perfect guy?”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “We were just discussing all
the ways I’m the perfect mate for Glenn.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Randy said, “One thing I can add to this
discussion is you certainly seem to keep him happy in the sex department.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shawn laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ve covered that angle already.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides it’s obvious Glenn has Rick right
where he wants him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we need to
let them shower first from the look of things.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I kissed Rick and said, “Let’s go,
Babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to take care of you.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I stood up and turned to pull Rick
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had slept nude, so we gave Randy
and Shawn an eyeful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing Randy’s
eyes widen as he looked us over, we posed for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Randy whistled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’d forgotten how well-endowed you are, Rick!”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shawn grinned and said, “Glenn’s no
slouch either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Randy, maybe we can
convince them to stay and play, instead of getting a shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Damn!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You two know how to get my motor going!”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Randy laughed, and said, “While you two
are in the shower, I’ll take care of my husband.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We grabbed a towel to wrap around us and
we stepped across the hall to the bathroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick took me in his arms and kissed me deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m glad we could help them out, not that
they need our help, but it was nice to see them react to us”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“It’s because you’ve kept us in good
shape, with all the running and weight training,” I said, flexing my arms.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick put his hand around my bicep and
squeezed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think there still can be
some improvement here.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I wrapped my arms around his waist and
said, “I can’t compete with you, Babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You have me beat in the muscle department.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “That’s okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like being the muscleman in our
relationship.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He leaned down to turn
on the water in the bathtub.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
adjusted the temperature before turning on the shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took my hand, pulling me into the shower
with him.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He pulled the shower curtain and
proceeded to do what he does best, as the warm water cascaded over us.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We returned to the room we shared with
Shawn and Randy, finding them lying in each other’s arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shawn grinned up at us and said, “Randy was
as good as his word.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I laughed and said, “I had no doubts Randy
would take good care of you Shawn.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Randy rolled off of his husband and got
to his feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked over and stood
next to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put his arm around my
shoulders and said, “Shawn wanted us to stand side by side, so he could compare
me to you, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we’re a lot
alike physically, but Shawn says you’re bigger than I am.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I looked at my brother and said, “We’re
the same height and have the same color eyes, but your hair is a little darker
than mine.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Randy laughed, “That’s not what Shawn
was talking about.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick gave me a lecherous grin and said,
“Glenn, he’s talking about how big your pistol is compared to Randy’s.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Blushing, I said, “Alright, I got
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s satisfy Shawn’s
curiosity.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started stroking myself
until I was very hard and erect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Randy
did the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shawn got up and walked over to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, now face each other and let’s see who
has the biggest pistol.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
faced off with Shawn on one side and Rick on the other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shawn said, “I think you’re pretty evenly
matched.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick nodded his agreement, “Looks like a
tie to me.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Randy turned to his husband and said,
“See, I told you we had the same build.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Okay, I’ll admit you were right,” Shawn
said, grinning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took Randy by the
hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s get showered.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They each grabbed a clean towel from the
closet and left us to get dressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick
laughed and said, “There’s no penis envy there.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“There can’t be, because we’re the same
size,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“However, I think you
win when it comes to size.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I caressed
his steel pole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And the most important
thing is it’s all mine.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In response, Rick kissed me deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pushed me down on the bed and said, “Are
you ready for round two?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded my
head and pulled him to me.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Later, we dressed and made our way
upstairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aunt Mary and Uncle Don were
already at the kitchen table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
greeted them, “Good morning!”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aunt Mary said, “Good morning,
boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where are Shawn and Randy?”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“They’re still in the shower,” I
answered.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Uncle Dave grinned and said, “I know
what that means.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess we don’t have
to wait for them to eat breakfast then.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed and said, “No, I don’t think
it will be necessary, because they may be a while.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We sat down and Aunt Mary brought a
plate of French toast over to the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Help yourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The syrup is
already on the table.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I looked at Uncle Dave and asked, “Did
you already say grace?”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“No, but you can go ahead, Glenn,” Uncle
Dave said.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I said grace, then dove in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were just finishing when Randy and Shawn
appeared in the kitchen.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Randy said, “Thanks, Aunt Mary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know how much I love French toast.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aunt Mary said, “You’re welcome,
Randy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember how you insisted on
French toast for breakfast every day, when you lived with us.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shawn said, “You spoiled him, Aunt
Mary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He won’t eat anything else.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“It doesn’t seem to have done him any
harm,” Aunt Mary said.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shawn replied, “No, but he drives me
crazy about it sometimes.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Randy said, “Stop whining and have some
delicious French toast.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He placed two
slices of French toast on Shawn’s plate.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shawn sighed and said, “Okay, you win.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aunt Mary laughed and said, “If you want
cold cereal, we have several varieties in the pantry.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shawn shuddered, as if he had been
doused in ice cold water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, thank
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cold cereal just isn’t my thing.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Or hot cereal either,” Randy said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He likes eggs and sausage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’ll even eat pancakes sometimes.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“How about some fruit? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have some grapefruit in the refrigerator,”
she asked.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shawn shook his head and said, “I’m
okay.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He poured maple syrup over his
French toast and made faces as he began eating.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Seeing the expression on Shawn’s face,
Uncle Dave burst out laughing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Shawn,
you don’t have to eat the French toast.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Randy said, “See what I have to put up
with every morning.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aunt Mary smiled at Shawn and said,
“Shawn, I’ll scramble some eggs if you’ll put some bread in the toaster.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shawn gave a sigh of relief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks, Aunt Mary.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Randy said, “You’re spoiling him, Aunt
Marry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we go home, he’ll be
insufferable.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aunt Mary glanced at Randy and said, “I
can spoil him while he’s here.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We heard the front door open and
close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Uncle Dave said, “That would be
your father.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A moment later, Dad entered the
kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He greeted, “Good morning.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We acknowledged his greeting with a
‘good morning.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took a seat between
Uncle Dave and Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked like he
had been up all night.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Uncle Dave asked, “Did the walk help clear
your head?”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dad said, “Yes, it helped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still haven’t been able to write down what
I want to say to Eva.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Maybe, start by apologizing,” I suggested;
the tone of my voice left no doubt about how I felt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick put his hand on my knee and shook his
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made a face at him.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dad looked at me, ignoring my sarcasm,
and said, “I tried to do that Glenn, but it sounded so hollow, even to me, when
I wrote it down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know how to
express myself well enough in writing to communicate how I feel.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Then, keep it simple,” Randy said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t oversell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will only make things worse.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dad said, “I tried keeping it simple, but
will it convince your mother I’m really sincere?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stopped and glanced at me and said, “My
litmus test is Glenn’s reaction to me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is a lot like his mother, and if he
doesn’t believe me, neither will she.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I nodded my head in agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re right about that.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick frowned and said, “Glenn, you’re
not helping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We agreed to be reconciled
with him, if he was willing to abide by our conditions.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“He agreed, but will he really follow
through with his promises, or will he renege on those promises as soon as he
gets Mom back,” I said.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dad said, “Glenn, please give me a
chance to prove I can keep my word.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Dad looked at Randy and begged, “Randy, please tell him you’re willing
to take a chance on me.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Randy said, “Glenn…”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I cut him off before he could say
anything more, “Randy, I don’t need a lecture from you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know you’re willing to take a chance Dad
won’t break his promises to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
doesn’t change how I feel.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked
across the table at Dad, “When you say you’re sorry, it doesn’t square with
what my experience with you tells me is the reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t believe people can change overnight,
and I don’t believe you’ve changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What I see is you’re operating in your usual attack mode.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I acquiesced to your request to declare a
truce in your war against us because Shawn, Randy and Rick want us to be
reconciled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve called for an armistice
because you want Mom back; not because you really have changed your mind about
how you feel about me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s almost like
an exchange of prisoners, us for our mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As soon as she is safely at home with you, the nuclear weapons will be
rearmed and launched.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I finished my monologue, there was
a heavy silence in the room as Dad held my gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said, “Glenn, I can’t express how sorry I
am you view me so negatively.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am the
only one to blame, since I treated you so poorly.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I truly believed you when you said you
loved us unconditionally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You used to
tell me every night when you came into my room to say prayers at my
bedside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, you disowned Randy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That act alone, destroyed what faith I had
in you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It meant everything you had
ever told me was a lie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess I
should have figured it out before you disowned Randy, because of how you
treated me when I told you I needed help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, you took me to therapists;
but you thought I was being a pansy, and just needed to be toughened up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You never looked beyond your own little
world to see I was hurting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t’
dare tell you what had happened to me for fear of being told I was imagining
things, or I got what was coming to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m still dealing with the anger and the shame I feel at being raped by
John and his friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have no idea
how depressed I get; and how physically ill I become, just thinking about it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I paused to catch my breath, then continued,
“I have tried to overcome my anger at being left with John that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve tried to stop blaming you for what John
did to me; but you sure didn’t make it easy for me to seek out help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, you did your best to ‘toughen’ me
up as you put.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You constantly threw it
in my face I needed to be a ‘real’ man.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dad’s expression was one of deep
sadness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His voice was thick with
emotion as he said, “I said I am sorry for everything that has happened to you,
Glenn, and I meant it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may be selfish
and egotistical, but I’m not a monster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I deeply regret what happened to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I should have been more vigilant and observant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t know how often I’ve tried to
figure out what I could have done differently to prevent you from being raped
by your cousin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not just saying
that to get you to convince your mother to return home with me.” </span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick put his arm around my
shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started trembling and I
suddenly felt sick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shrugged Rick’s
arm off of my shoulders and got up from the table, heading to the bathroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After losing my breakfast, I cleaned up the
mess, then stood staring at my image in the mirror.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought, “I’m so screwed up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick is right; I’m becoming a real basket
case.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After I left the kitchen, Dad asked,
“How long has that been going on?”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Glenn said it started when he began therapy
sessions to help him work through his memories of the rape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems worse now he is trying to work with
his new therapist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gets physically
ill any time his memories of that day come back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dealing with the situation between you and
Mom has really been hard on him.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Randy said, “We had no idea things were
this bad.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shawn said, “It’s going to get worse
before Glenn will get better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve seen
it with some of my friends who have been traumatized by similar experiences.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I’ve tried to get Glenn to
calm down, since you showed up yesterday.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dad shook his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I really am a failure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been totally oblivious to Glenn’s
suffering from the beginning.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Uncle Dave said, “You aren’t the only
one, Don.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mary and I missed it, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We knew things weren’t exactly right, but we
attributed it to Glenn’s initial confusion about his sexuality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had several discussions about it, but
Glenn never mentioned anything about what the real cause of his anxieties
was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were just as blind as you and
Eva were.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I’d better go see if Glenn’s
okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He should have come back by
now.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick left the kitchen and knocked
on the bathroom door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Glenn, are you
okay?”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was still staring in the mirror.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I responded, “Yes, I’m okay.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I unlocked and opened the bathroom door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick was standing in the doorway with a very
worried expression on his face.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Come with me,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took my hand and led me downstairs to
Ben’s room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He picked me up off of my
feet and set me down on the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
climbed into bed next to me, and pulled me into his embrace.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I put the palms of my hands on his chest
and looked into his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why can’t I
control this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It frustrates me to no
end to be so vulnerable to these emotional tidal waves!”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick reached up and smoothed my hair
away from my forehead, then cupped my cheek with his hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It will get better, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until then, let me help you make it through
these hard times.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I buried my face in
his shirt and clung to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The warmth
of his body against mine helped me relax.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick rubbed my back and ran his fingers through my hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, I love you.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I lifted my head from his chest and
gazed deeply into his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
tenderness reflected there reassured me and gave me a sense of safety and
comfort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you, too.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Are you ready to go back upstairs?” he
asked.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I shook my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can’t deal with my father right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not even sure I can see my mother, in
the state I’m in at the moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you
want to go back upstairs, I’ll be alright.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I need to have some time to calm down.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I’ll stay with you until
you’re asleep.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I looked at him in surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do you mean?”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You always fall asleep after one of
your episodes,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve seen
it happen about a dozen times so far.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I shook my head in disbelief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t remember it being that way every
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know I’ve fallen asleep a
couple of times, but not every time.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick smiled and gently kissed me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Believe me, it’s been every time.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Instead of arguing with him, I laid my
head on his chest and let the steady beat of his heart lull me to sleep.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick climbed the stairs and followed the
voices into the front room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Uncle Dave
looked up from the newspaper he was reading and asked, “How is he?”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“He’ll be fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I left him sleeping downstairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These episodes leave him exhausted and he
usually falls asleep,” Rick said.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aunt Mary said, “I’m glad Glenn has you
to care for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would be very
worried, if he were living alone.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I’m worried about him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These therapy sessions were supposed to help
him, not make him worse.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sat down
on the couch and stretched out his legs in front of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Where did everyone go?”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Don is in the kitchen working on his
letter to Eva, and the boys decided to go over and visit with their
mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They said they would be back
after lunch,” Aunt Mary said.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick stood up and said, “I think I’ll go
out for a run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to work off some
nervous energy.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Uncle Dave said, “I completely
understand.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick had just passed the kitchen when he
heard Glenn’s dad call his name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
backtracked and entered the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
sat down across from him and asked, “Yes?”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I just wanted to thank you for being
there for my son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m grateful he has
you by his side,” Dad said.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I’m doing my part to help
him get better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best thing you can
do is truly accept us for who we are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That will go a long way toward helping Glenn.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He nodded his head in
acknowledgement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m trying; Rick,
believe me I’m trying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want my family
back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know things will never be the
same; but, at a minimum, I would like us to be able to get together and spend
special occasions together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t
like the way things are, right now.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick stood up and said, “It’s in your
hands to make things better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve done
our part.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He left the kitchen and went
downstairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He quietly opened the
door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was awake, staring up at the
ceiling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick came over and sat down on
the bed next to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you up for a
run through the neighborhood?”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I smiled up at him and said, “Sure, if
there’s a special reward when we return.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick gave me a lecherous grin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There’s always a special reward for my
guy.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I sat up and wrapped my arms around his
waist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks for helping me calm
down.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He leaned over and kissed me, “Not a
problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s change into our running
clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to get out of the
house.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We changed clothes and went back
upstairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We left the house and did
stretches out on the lawn, before taking off at a good clip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick told me about his conversation with Dad
while we ran.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ran about 5 km. before
turning around to make our way back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At
the end of the block, Rick said, “Race you back to the house.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Okay, we’ll start as soon as we reach
the next driveway,” I agreed.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We sprinted down the block and Rick won
by half a stride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick said, “You’re
getting slow in your old age.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Old age,” I retorted!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I wouldn’t be talking about old age if I
were you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re older than I am!”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed and grabbed me around the
waist, pulling me into his embrace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
kissed me and said, “I’m glad to see you’re back on your game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An hour or so ago, you weren’t doing so well.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I said, “The run was a good idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You always know what’s good for me.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick released me, but held my hand,
instead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He interlaced his fingers
through mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hope you always
remember that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love you so much, I
can’t bear to see you suffering, Babe.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We entered the house and headed
downstairs to hit the shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It felt
good to feel my lover’s hands rub me down with soap, then rinse me off under
the hot water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I returned the favor and
we toweled each other off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We helped each other dress, then we joined
Uncle Dave and Aunt Mary in the front room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Dad walked in a few minutes later and handed me an envelope.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“There’s my letter to your mother,” he
said.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I said, “Are you sure you want us to
deliver this?”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I’m sure,” he replied.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I looked over at Rick, who asked, “Are
you ready to face your mother?”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I nodded my head, “Yes, I think I’m
ready.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Let’s go then,” Rick said.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Uncle Dave handed Rick the keys to his
Nissan Maxima.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You guys can take my
car, since Shawn and Randy haven’t returned yet.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Thanks,” Rick said.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We went outside and climbed into Uncle
Dave’s new Nissan Maxima.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had all the
bells and whistles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This is a nice
car,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not one I would
have chosen, but it’s still a nice car.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I said, “I like it, but it doesn’t suit
our needs right now.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick drove us over to Mom’s place and
parked the car next to Shawn’s SUV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
went up to her door and rang the bell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The door sprang open and Randy invited us inside.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Mom’s in the front room,” Randy said.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We walked into the front room and went
over to Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We gave her a hug and kiss
on the cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We have a letter from
Dad,” I said, handing it to her.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She looked at me and said, “Randy and
Shawn have told me about your Dad’s apology.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How are you guys feeling about it?”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick answered, “We’re fine with it, for
now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are waiting to see if he
follows through on his promises.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She nodded her head in agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s always wise to be cautious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me read what he has to say.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She opened the enveloped and pulled out the
handwritten pages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We waited as she
read them over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tears started flowing
down her cheeks as she finished reading the last page of Dad’s letter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked at us and said, “I think a
miracle has occurred here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never
expected anything like this from Don.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
had resigned myself to living the rest of my life alone, because of Don’s
stubbornness.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Does this mean you’re going back to
him?” Randy asked.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She smiled and said, “Yes, it does; but
just not right away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I, too, need to
see if this change is real.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“What should we tell Dad?” Randy asked.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Don’t tell him anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will call over and arrange to meet with
him,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you for bringing
me his letter.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We chatted about our lives and brought
her up to date with all of our plans for the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we talked, I could tell her mind really
wasn’t on our conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, I
said, “Let’s leave Mom to make her phone call.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mom smiled at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I haven’t been listening as well as I
should, but it would be good for me make the phone call.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We kissed her and left her to call
Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we drove back to Uncle Dave’s,
I asked Rick, “Do you think they’ll be able to work things out before we
leave?”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick smiled, “Yes, I do; but I think
your mother is going to make darn sure he keeps his word to us.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We pulled into the driveway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick pushed the button to engage the automatic
garage door opener.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled forward
into the garage and parked the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Uncle Dave came out of the house to greet us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the big smile on his face, we already
knew Mom had called Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick leaned over and kissed me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Please let your parents work out their
difference without interference from us.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I gave him an injured look and asked,
“Don’t you think I would afford them the same privilege I claim for myself?”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick gave me that look and said,
“Seriously, Glenn, I want you to promise me you’ll be on your best behavior and
treat your parents the way you want them to treat us.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took my hand in his and repeated his
request, “Will you promise me you won’t interfere?”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I looked deeply into his eyes and said,
“Yes, I’ll promise you I’ll be on my best behavior, even though Dad doesn’t
deserve it.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“If you can’t do it for him, do it for
your mother,” Rick pleaded with me.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I said I’d do it,” I said, in exasperation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick put his hand behind my head and pulled
me closer for a deep kiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As always, my
body began reacting to his touch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Rick, you know I can’t resist you when you kiss me like that,” I
protested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s not fair.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick smiled and said, “No one ever said
it was fair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just is the way things
are.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Uncle Dave tapped on the window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick opened the door and Uncle Dave said,
“Are you two lovebirds ready to come inside?”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick grinned at him and said, “Only if I
get to take my lovebird off to our room for some one-on-one attention.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I punched him in the shoulder, “You’ll have
to wait.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick turned back to me with raised
eyebrows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is that a challenge?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reached over and began caressing my inner
thigh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I grabbed his hand and said, “Rick, you
win!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s get out of the car before
you embarrass me.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed, “I think I’ve already done
that.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We got out of the car and followed Uncle
Dave into the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Uncle Dave turned
to us in the hallway and said, “Thank you for what you boys did today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the right thing to do.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick slipped his arm around my
waist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are they talking on the phone
right now?”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Uncle Dave replied, “Yes, they are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are planning to go out to dinner
tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it will be awhile
before things return to a new normal, but that’s okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least they are working out their
differences.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “If you’ll excuse us, I
believe my boyfriend owes me some alone time.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Uncle Dave grinned and said, “I’ll make
sure no one disturbs you.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick escorted me to our bedroom, closing
the door behind us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pinned me to the
door and said, “I think you need an attitude adjustment, Mr. Nielsen.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I gave him a lecherous grin and asked,
“And who, pray tell, will help me make that adjustment?”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick pinned me to the door with his body
pressed against mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My arms went
around his neck, as he kissed me deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When we came up for air, I said, in a husky voice, “You can give me that
kind of attitude adjustment any time.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We rubbed noses and continued our
exploration of each other’s bodies until Rick began stripping off my clothes
and carried me to our bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did a
strip tease routine, as he pulled off his clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was practically drooling all over myself,
as I watched him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, his shirt came
off, showing his well-muscled chest with his light covering of dark brown
hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tightened his abs to show off
his perfect six-pack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next, he unzipped
his jeans and reached inside to bring his pistol into view, blocking the view
of his dark brown treasure trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
slowly rolled his jeans down his narrow hips and into a puddle on the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last, he hooked his thumbs inside his bright
white bikini underwear and slipped them off, leaving his very erect steel pole
on prominent display.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He flexed his
legs, as he lifted himself up on the balls of his feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His super bright smile dazzled me, as
always.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He moved toward me with a
cat-like grace and pounced on me, pinning me to the mattress, as our passion
for each other exploded like a super nova!</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We basked in the afterglow of our
passion as Rick slowly caressed my body, running his hands lightly over my
skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His touch seemed to burn itself
into the memory of each one of the cells of my body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love it when Rick does this to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knows his touch leaves me totally in his
control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t think straight when
he’s caressing my skin like that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He kissed me and said, “I love you, Mr.
Nielsen.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I replied, “I love you, too.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We heard a knock on the door and Randy
asked, “May we come in now?”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick shouted, “Yes, you may.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Randy opened the door and he and Shawn
came into the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They sat down on
their bed and Randy said, “It’s a done deal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mom and Dad are going out to dinner tonight.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shawn said, “Thanks to you two, I think
things will work out for the best.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“What did we do?” I asked.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You pushed Dad to the limit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After he saw your mental and emotional state
this morning, he realized what an idiot he had been and wrote Mom a letter
expressing his sorrow for everything he should have done for you and for the
rest of us,” Randy said.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Do you really think he’s being
genuine?” I asked.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I do,” Randy said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I thought he was being sincere before;
but he is even more contrite now than he was yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really do think witnessing your collapse
this morning made all the difference in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He got to see just how badly things are for
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think any of us realized
the impact the rape had on you nor the emotional stress Mom and Dad were
causing you because of their separation.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I said, “Well, we’ll see how things work
out.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Randy agreed, “We are in a wait and see
mode right now, just like Mom is.”</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We chatted for a while, then we got
dressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We joined Uncle Dave and Aunt
Mary for dinner, while we waited to see what happened with Mom and Dad’s dinner
date.</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***</span></span></div>
</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span></div>
SaskBoyStories by Russ Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12705114426346134527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7739282925426125332.post-52302901001142521792013-05-02T19:22:00.001-04:002013-05-03T11:13:23.782-04:00The Man From Swift Current Chapter One Hundred Fourteen - Dad's Confession<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Chapter One Hundred Fourteen – Dad’s
Confession<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mary opened the door and met Don’s
gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wasn’t surprised to see him;
she had hoped he would return after he had some time to think things
through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She saw the change reflected in
his countenance and knew that things were going to work out for the best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She opened her arms to him and said, “I’m
glad you came back.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He let himself be enfolded in her
embrace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tried to keep control of
his emotions, but failed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He managed to
choke out, “Thank you for not sending me away.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She held him tight until she felt him
push her away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked into his eyes
and said, “Don, I told Dave you would be back and I’m glad you came.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know how I like to be right.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled as he laughed at her admission. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mary could tell he was very nervous, so she
said, “Please come inside.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She took
him by the hand and led him into the front room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">His appearance in the doorway caused all
conversation in the room to cease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everyone waited, wondering what was going to happen next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don looked around the room, meeting the gaze
of each of the boys and his brother, Dave.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Dave started to speak, but Don held up
his hand to silence him, “I’ve come to apologize.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked at Rick and we in turn looked
over at Randy and Shawn, who were seated on the loveseat across from us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of us wore surprised expressions on our
faces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quite frankly, I wasn’t sure I
heard him correctly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought to
myself, “Since when does my father ever apologize for something he’s done?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know of only one time that he’s ever said
he was sorry for something he did and that was when he apologized to Shawn and
Randy about kicking them out of his house; but he had turned around and tried
to get Shawn to divorce Randy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">When the silence following his statement
began to be uncomfortable, Mary said, “Please sit down, Don.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will hear what you have to say.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked around the room and her gaze
lingered on her husband’s face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We
will listen to you without interrupting.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Dave met his wife’s gaze and nodded that he understood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don sat down in an armchair, facing
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He began by meeting his brother’s
gaze and said, “I first have to thank Dave for having the courage to tell me
what I needed to hear; even though he knew it would make me angry.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He paused before continuing, “You have always
been the wiser one of the two of us, and I’m glad you weren’t afraid of hurting
my feelings in order to get me to see the error of my ways.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Dave smiled and nodded his head in acknowledgement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew how hard this was for Don.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was proud of his brother for admitting he
had been wrong, and admired his courage to face his sons and their partners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, it remained to be seen what Don
intended to do to restore their confidence in him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don turned to his sons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your Uncle Dave has rightly pointed out
that I’ve not been as good of a father to you as I should’ve been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sent Randy and Glenn away from the farm to
attend school here as a way of removing any reminder of how I was failing as a
parent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Randy and I had our
disagreement his senior year, I didn’t handle it well and begged my brother to
take Randy into his home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, I
recognize how selfish I was to send you away. ”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy looked at his father and said,
“That was one of the worst days of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You dragged me out of my bed at midnight and drove me to Swift
Current.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was the last time I saw
you until graduation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember I
hated you so much that I would have been happy never to see you again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Uncle Dave and Aunt Mary talked me into
speaking to you at graduation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
still so angry at you that I couldn’t speak to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I signed up for the RCMP and went directly
to their training school in order to avoid going home with you to the farm.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Randy’s voice showed the bitterness he still
harbored.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dave told me,” Don said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I knew you hated me, but I was just happy
that you were moving on with your life and that you would have the opportunity
to become a ‘real’ man in the RCMP.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy said, “Yes, I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was your definition of what a ‘real’ man
is that started our argument in the first place.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His face reflected the anger he still
harbored toward his father.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “It was much the same
conversation you had with me, only Mom stepped in to stop the argument.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She knew where it was headed, and told you
to back down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But in the end, you got
your way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I came here with Nancy to
finish out high school.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don said, “There is more to it than
that, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to admit to you
that I was jealous of the special relationship you shared with your
mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought that if I sent you
away, she would transfer her attentions to me instead.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked at my father in complete
astonishment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never had I ever even
thought that he was jealous of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
had always been close to my mother, but I took it as a natural state of
affairs; not something that he had to worry about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thought that he worried about me
replacing him in my mother’s affections was beyond my comprehension.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How someone could get that idea about their
own son just didn’t compute for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don, seeing his son’s expression of
disbelief, said, “It’s true, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
know it doesn’t make sense; but you have to remember that affairs of the heart
don’t depend on logic and reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
tried to convince myself, intellectually, that I didn’t have anything to worry
about, and that your mother loved me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But as you know, I failed spectacularly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Nancy started hanging out with
undesirable suitors, I decided that not only would it be good to send her away,
but that it would be a perfect opportunity to have your mother all to myself.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy was just as surprised as I was to
hear our father’s explanations of his behavior toward me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You sent Glenn away simply because he and
Mom are close?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His incredulity showed
in his voice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not proud of what I did, but that is
why I did it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need you to understand
where I was coming from and why I did the things I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the only way I can see for you to
understand that I’m being totally upfront with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dave made it clear to me that you don’t
trust me, and that I’m going to have to do quite a lot to convince you to move
from where you are right now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well, you do have that part right,”
Randy said, with heavy sarcasm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don flinched at the tone of Randy’s
voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know that you aren’t going to
trust me just because I say I’m sorry for what I have done to all four of you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You can start by acknowledging that
Randy and I are happily married,” Shawn said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“The most offensive thing you have ever said to me was that you couldn’t
believe that two men, married to each other, could possibly be as happy or ever
be as close as a man married to a woman can be.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy said, “In fact, we are closer than
you and Mom ever were, at least from what I’ve observed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe when you were first married things
were different; but from the time I can remember, it has always seemed like
there was a certain disconnect between you two.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don’s expression changed to one of
extreme pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His son had hit him hard
with his statement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After his
counseling session with Eva the day before, he knew Randy was right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He lowered his eyes to the floor, trying to
gain control over his emotions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
was no way he was going to show any weakness in front of his sons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was bad enough having to apologize to
them for his behavior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I watched my father’s expression and his
body language and knew that what Randy said was true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mom must have told you the same thing
yesterday.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’s head snapped up and
his look of surprise confirmed that I had guessed right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mom didn’t tell us what happened
yesterday, just in case you were wondering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We guessed that things didn’t go well or she would have told us you two
were getting back together.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don’s eyes were bright with unshed tears
as he struggled with his emotions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
finally was able to speak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your mother
told me she never wanted to see me again.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked at Rick, who took my hand in
his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did she say why?” I asked,
already knowing what the answer would be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mom had told me on several different occasions that she couldn’t go back
to my father if he couldn’t accept me and Randy as gay men.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don looked at me and replied, “She said
that as long as I rejected my sons and their partners that she didn’t want to
see me again.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">There it was!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had wondered what had wrought a change of
heart in my father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew it couldn’t
have been anything other than something so catastrophic that he had no other
choice than to change his thinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
it wasn’t real, his apology and his professed sorrow for how he had treated
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He really wasn’t sorry for what he
had done to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was only trying to
get on our good side; so he could get Mom back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This whole thing was an act!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked over at Randy; and then said,
“I wondered what the real motivation behind your apology was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sorry to be just a little bit cynical,
but this is really all about you, isn’t it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It has nothing to do with how you feel about us or about how you’ve
changed your views.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t help
thinking that all of this is just a ploy to get our mother to return to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you honestly expect us to believe that
you’ve had a complete change in your religious beliefs?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you really think we are so blind that we
can’t see through your attempts to make us believe you really accept us for who
we are?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don knew he had just stepped on a
landmine, and it had exploded doing major damage to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before he had a chance to speak, Mary said,
“Hold on a minute, boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You weren’t
here earlier today to hear the argument between your Dad and your Uncle
Dave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think you should hear your Uncle
Dave’s side of this.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Dave cleared his throat and said, “Let
me tell you what I had to say to your father.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He looked at Don and said, “I think it will help him clarify his
thoughts as well as let you see that he is being sincere.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dave repeated for us their conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he had finished, Don was looking at the
floor, not daring to look his sons in the eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He felt totally and completely ashamed of himself and his behavior
toward them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had every right to
doubt him and his motives for being here tonight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">There was a heavy silence in the room
for quite some time as each of us were trying to decide if my father’s
appearance of being sincerely sorry for his words and actions was real, or just
a good acting job on his part.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mary looked at each of us in turn and said,
“If you can’t see that your father is being earnest in his apologies to you,
you need to step back and take a look at your own reasons for holding onto your
grievances against him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy said, “I don’t doubt that he’s
sincere in his apology, but I don’t know if I can trust him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tried his best to separate me and Shawn;
despite acknowledging us as a couple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our relationship is as strong as ever, but it didn’t need to be
challenged by someone who supposedly loved us unconditionally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, I knew that there wasn’t any
unconditional love there from the moment he dragged me out of my bed in the
middle of the night to bring me here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“He has already admitted to being an
imperfect father for you,” Mary said, hoping to blunt Randy’s anger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “Okay, let’s say you’re really
sincere about your feelings and that you’ve changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where does that leave us now?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are we supposed to pretend nothing happened
and that all of a sudden we’re just one big happy family?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick took my hand in his and gave it a
gentle squeeze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think that we need
time to absorb what we’ve heard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I, for
one, am not sure how I feel about the whole situation.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Shawn said, “I agree with Rick on this
one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t say that I’m ready to let
you back into our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought you
had truly accepted me and Randy as a couple when you apologized to us for
disowning us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It came as a major shock
to me when you approached me about divorcing my husband and leaving him to
become a true man; a man who would be free to marry a woman and sire children.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I was blinded by my own religious
beliefs and those of my pastor,” Don said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I believed every word my pastor said about gays, and I didn’t want my
son to be gay, so I tried to convince you to leave him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought that if you left him, he would be
able to turn away from his desires for other men.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turning to me and Rick, “I thought the same
thing would happen if you left Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
had hopes that with Shawn and Rick out of the picture, I could force my views
on my boys and that they would obey my wishes.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">At that moment, I needed to get away
from the man who called himself my father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I turned to Rick, “I need to get out of here for a while.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy said, “Let’s go get a drink at a
local bar and we can talk over what we’ve heard.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mary said, “Just don’t stay out too
late, boys.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy stood up and pulled his husband to
his feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned to Mary and said,
“Yes, mother.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sarcasm in his voice
made the rest of us laugh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mary laughed and shook her finger at
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You had better watch your
manners, young man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know where you’ll
be sleeping tonight.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy laughed and said, “Yes, Ma’am.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That’s better,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now, go relax and think over what you’ve
heard tonight.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">None of us spoke to our father as we
filed past him and out into the hallway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We left the house and climbed into Shawn’s SUV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are we going to our usual place?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Sure, why not?” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Shawn drove us to the Buffalo Brew Pub
near Memorial Park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He parked the car
and we walked inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were seated and
we placed our drink orders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Randy and
Shawn ordered chicken wings while Rick and I ordered burgers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Shawn handed me the keys to his SUV and
said, “Here, you’re the designated driver.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I want to enjoy a couple of beers and I don’t want to worry about
driving drunk.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I nodded my head in agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll be glad to be the DD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was tempted to order a beer, but I hate how
I feel the morning after.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll stick
with my diet coke.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy said, “After what I’ve heard
tonight, it’s going to take more than a couple of beers to get me out of my bad
mood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still can’t believe Dad
expected us to swallow that crap about him having a change of heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s never shown as much emotion in his
entire life as we saw tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just
doesn’t seem natural to me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “I don’t believe a word of what
he told us tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s all about him
and his desire to persuade Mom to go back home with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not about us at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He always treated me like I wasn’t related
to him because I wasn’t into sports or farming like he is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After hearing he was jealous of me, it all
is starting to make sense.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy said, “But it doesn’t explain why
he lost it when I told him he needed to stop trying to control my life.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Shawn said, “He did say he was sorry for
not being there for you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I didn’t want him there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hated him, Shawn, and I still don’t
particularly like him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He may be my
father, but that doesn’t mean there is any love lost between us,” Randy said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“At least he acknowledged that you’re a
‘real man’ since you joined the RCMP,” Shawn said, smiling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put his arm around Randy’s
shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can attest to that
fact.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reached over with his other
hand and gave Randy’s package a playful squeeze.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m glad to know that I’m man enough to keep
you happy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Shawn leaned over and kissed Randy on
the lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone behind us said,
loudly, “I wish those guys would get a room.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Shawn smiled and said, “I guess I’ve
made someone a little uncomfortable.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I’d say so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d like to say something and I want you
guys to think about it before you respond to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I admit your father was completely out of
line to step into our relationships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m just as angry about that as you are; however, I think we should at
least establish a civil relationship with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have been disowned by my family and I don’t want the same thing to
happen here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s bad enough for me to
be disowned by my own family, let alone by my partner’s as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we continue our feud with your father, it
will make it very uncomfortable for everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They won’t want to offend anyone, and it will become a real hassle to
orchestrate family gatherings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you
imagine trying to have a family party but not being able to invite half of the
family because they are fighting with the other half?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s accept the olive branch your Dad is
offering and let’s move on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly,
we don’t intend to be here all that often; so we won’t have much to do with him
anyway.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked at my life partner like he had
just grown two heads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What planet are
you from?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed and said, “I’m trying to
convince you and Randy to give your Dad some slack here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not saying you have to get all lovey-dovey
with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not even I could do that,
given what has transpired between us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let’s smooth things over for your parents’ sake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom wants to be with Dad, but she feels she
owes it to us to defend us against his bigotry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we need to tell her that we’re adults
and can fight our own battles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t
need your mother fighting our battles with your father.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Shawn looked at Rick with a new
admiration in his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well said,
Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t have said it any
better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Randy and Glenn, I’m with Rick
on this one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t spend a lot of
time with your parents; and, if need be, we can further limit our time with
them, if your Dad gets out of hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
don’t think your Mom is happy with the single life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I spoke with her last week, she sounded
pretty down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She told me she is very
lonely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to be the one responsible
for her leaving your Dad and living life alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know I wouldn’t do very well without
Randy; so I can imagine how hard it has been on your mother.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy said, “I think she has proven her
point to Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had some genuine
grievances that needed to be addressed, and, hopefully, they’ve been able to
resolve them.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stopped to down about
half of his beer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have to say I’m a
little amazed that he would even dare approach us, after what he had to say the
last time we saw him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, it was a big surprise to me, too,”
I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, say we do as you two
suggest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we need to extract a
promise from him that he will never interfere with us or our families again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to adopt children, and I don’t want
to have to worry about him trying to take our children from us; or turning them
against us; because he has changed his mind about gays.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy said, “Agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could live with that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I’m not sure we can trust any
promise he might make to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, we can
always take precautions, knowing he might turn on us at any moment.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick nodded his head in agreement and
said, “Thank you for listening to me and Shawn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know it’s hard to forgive your
Dad for what he’s done; but, maybe, over time, he will be able to demonstrate
that he has really changed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The waiter brought out our food and
brought more beer for the guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having
resolved the matter of how to deal with Dad to our satisfaction, we chatted
about other things as we consumed the wings and burgers. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don sat in the front room with Dave and
Mary after the boys had left and said, “Eva made it very clear that when it
came to choosing between me and our boys, I lost out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was pretty blunt about the fact that she
wasn’t coming back to me if I continued my campaign to separate our sons from
their partners.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mary said, “I completely understand her
position, Don.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I were in her shoes,
I would feel the same way.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Dave said, “I hope you understand why
she has taken a stand against you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
you don’t, she will never return to you, Don.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don said, “I’m trying, Dave, because I
want her back in my life in the worst way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The boys are right in one respect, I’m willing to do anything to get her
back, and that includes apologizing to them for interfering in their
relationships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today, you pointed out
my failings as a father and made me realize that I needed to do something to redeem
myself in my sons’ eyes.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That remains to be seen,” Mary
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hope you weren’t expecting
them to receive you with open arms.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don looked at her and said, “No, I
didn’t expect them to speak to me at all; so I was glad they at least heard me
out.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Dave said, “It was obvious that they
weren’t convinced that you really meant what you said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They see it as another one of your
deceptions to get Eva to come back to you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don said, “In part, they are right about
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I won’t lie to them about
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I only hope I’ve done what I need
to do in order to get Eva to give me a second chance.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mary said, “I’m not sure you have,
Don.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think you’re going to have a
difficult time convincing the boys that you really accept them as gay men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your self-righteous attitude still shines
through pretty strongly, despite your attempts to hide it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s pretty evident that you’re being forced
to apologize, because you can’t get what you want any other way.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don said, “I’m having a really hard
time, Mary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apologizing doesn’t sit
well with me, and I can’t hide that fact.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Dave asked, “Do you want a relationship
with your sons?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don looked at his brother and replied,
“To be totally honest, not really.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Seeing them reminds me of what a failure I am as a father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t forgive myself for not being there
for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to be a father to
them like our father was to us, Dave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were always close to him and we knew we were loved and wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel like I let him down by failing to be
as good a father as he was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never
been able accept failure, especially when it comes to my own life.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You could turn your failures into
successes if you can overcome your aversion to them as gay men,” Mary
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You can still be a father to
them if you will allow yourself to turn this situation into a positive one for
everyone concerned.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Dave said, “I think Rick and Glenn are
at a critical point in their relationship, Don.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You could be a positive influence in their
lives by being a positive role model for them of how to forgive and forget past
grievances; and, more importantly, you can show them how to repair a damaged
relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You and Eva need to be
role models for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have to be
able to step outside of yourself and take a leadership role here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You need to show them that you can be honest
and genuine about your desire for them to be happy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don nodded his head in understanding as
he listened to his brother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can see
how I can make this work for all of us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They continued to discuss how Don could
implement a strategy that would bring his family back together in a positive
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had moved into the kitchen
for a cup of coffee when they heard the boys come in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mary noted that they seemed happy from the
way they were trash talking each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She never understood why the guys needed to talk trash, but she knew it
was how they related to each other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The four boys entered the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Randy said, “Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad you are all still here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Dave smiled at his nephew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We figured we would wait up until you guys
returned.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The guys took seats around the
table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mary handed me a cup of hot
cocoa. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, she handed cups of coffee
to the others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She sat down at the
table and said, “Okay, boys, what have you decided?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy said, “We have decided that we are
willing to give Dad a chance to prove he’s sincere; however, there are some
conditions.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He enumerated what those
conditions were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked over at Don
and asked, “Are you willing to accept our conditions?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Dad nodded his head and said, “Yes, I
am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are reasonable, given the
circumstances.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy said, “Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad that’s settled.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don looked around the table and said,
“Thank you for giving me a second chance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I promise that I will do my best to be the father I should have been all
along.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His voice cracked with
emotion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He blinked his eyes rapidly,
trying to keep from crying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He cleared
his throat and managed to continue, “I am very humbled by all of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have been able to overcome your feelings
and look past my obvious selfish desires to give me a second chance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that if I were in your place, I’m not
sure I could be as forgiving, or as kind as you have been to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fully expected you to tell me to get lost;
but you listened to me and have given me an opportunity to correct the error of
my ways.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We looked at each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Randy gave me a slight nod and I said, “I
think we need to be upfront with you, Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We aren’t nearly as forgiving as you make us out to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are only doing this because we want our
mother to be happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is something
she wants very much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You still have yet
to prove yourself to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is why we
insisted on outlining our terms to you; so there won’t be any misunderstanding
later on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hope you and Mom can work
out your differences, now that we have removed the issue of your rejection of
us as gay men who are happily partnered.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Dave smiled and said, “Well said,
Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad you’ve been able to
work things out.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We finished our coffee and hot
cocoa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at Rick and said, “I’m
beat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we should go to bed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick grinned and said, “I’m with you,
Babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We stood up and Rick said, “Good
night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll see you in the morning.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy said, “We’ll be down shortly as
well.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We left them in the kitchen and went
downstairs to Ben’s room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick closed
the bedroom door and pinned me up against it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I’m very proud of you, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You handled yourself very well.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked up into his eyes and said,
“Only because you were there to support me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I think we did the right thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t need to have an ongoing feud with
your father,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kissed me
deeply and his hands roamed my body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
we came up for air, Rick said, “Let’s get a shower.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I grinned broadly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was a long and luxurious shower, one that gave us plenty of time to
show our love for each other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Afterward, we dried each other off with
a towel and walked across the hall to Ben’s room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We climbed into my old bed and Rick pulled
me into his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you, Babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I replied, “I love you, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I settled myself into his embrace and
laid my head on his chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It felt good
to be in Rick’s arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone should
have a lover like Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled to
myself as I drifted off into a dreamless sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span> </span><br />
<br /></div>
SaskBoyStories by Russ Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12705114426346134527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7739282925426125332.post-30574584491471720902013-04-28T14:28:00.002-04:002013-04-30T19:33:22.813-04:00The Man From Swift Current Chapter One Hundred Thirteen - Don<br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Chapter One Hundred Thirteen - Don</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The next morning I woke up to find Rick
running his fingertips through my hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He has had a fascination with my hair from the first time we slept
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the feeling of his
hands in my hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he first did it,
I thought he was crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, he told
me he couldn’t resist touching my hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He had looked so self-conscious about it that I told him he could play
with my hair any time he wanted to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
let him play for a while longer before lifting my head up from his chest and
looking into his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good morning,
Babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Good morning, sweetheart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope you haven’t forgotten that we need to
leave for the airport in about an hour,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, I haven’t forgotten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad you woke me up,” I said, yawning
widely.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Tyler and Joey’s flight
leaves about the same time as ours does; but they won’t have room for us in the
minivan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m afraid we’ll have to take
the hotel shuttle to the airport.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I played with the dark hair on Rick’s
chest, and then gently bit his left nipple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I heard the sharp intake of his breath as his body reacted to my
teasing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I moved to his right one,
doing the same thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I moved up his
body to his lips and kissed him deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Let’s get a shower,” I murmured against his open lips, kissing him
again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We moved to the en suite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick turned on the water and adjusted the
temperature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stepped into the shower
together and enjoyed our usual activities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Did I mention that showers are for lovers? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, they are, at least for us they count as
wonderful place to make love to each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Afterward, we dried each other off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were soon dressed and packed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We made our way down to the lobby to find Tyler and Joey already there
with the rest of their family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They both gave us a hug and a kiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey said, “Thank you so much for being
here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler added, “We’re so glad you made it
for our wedding.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We wouldn’t have missed it for anything
else in the world,” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We’re looking forward to visiting you
in Spain next summer,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “We should be settled into
our new house by then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our friends have
a house on the Costa del Sol, and we can spend a few days on the beach when you
come.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That sounds fantastic,” Rick said,
grinning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re beach people and love playing in the
sand and surf.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey laughed and said, “Yes, we
know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve heard about your Cancun
trip.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick grinned, “Everything you’ve heard
is all true.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I wouldn’t doubt it,” Joey said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ll make sure you get plenty of time in
the sun when you come to Spain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe
by then, I will be able to speak Spanish.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler put his arm around Joey’s waist
and said, “Don’t worry, Joey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll take
good care of you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey smiled at his husband and said,
“I’m counting on it, especially now that we’re married.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rachel pulled on Rick’s hand, “Good bye,
Uncle Rick.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick knelt down and gave Rachel a hug
and a kiss on the cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good bye,
Rachel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take care of your dads for me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She nodded her head and said, “I will.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I knelt down beside Rick and asked, “Do
I get a hug and a kiss, too?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rachel giggled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Uncle Glenn.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She put her arms around my neck and hugged
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She gave me a peck on the cheek and
said, “There, I gave you a hug and a kiss.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She looked at me seriously and said, “You be good for Uncle Rick.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I blushed at her admonition, wondering
what had prompted that remark; but I said, “Okay, I’ll be good for Uncle Rick
if you’re good for your dads.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She nodded her head and said, “I’ll be
good.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I smiled at her and said, “Then we have
a deal.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I stood up and Joey said, “I hope Rachel
didn’t offend you, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She overheard
us talking about Perry and what happened between you and Rick.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I nodded my head in understanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She’s right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to be good
for Rick.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey smiled, “We all go through rough
patches at one time or another.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put
an arm around Tyler’s shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ll
have to tell you about our rough spot sometime.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler laughed, “Remind us to tell you
about it when you come to Spain.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg and Cory joined us in the
lobby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They detoured to the front desk
before approaching us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg announced,
“We’re all checked out.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick asked, “What are you plans for the
rest of spring break?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cory said, “We’re driving down to
Niagara Falls where we’ll spend a few days, and then we’re driving back to
Minneapolis.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You have to go to the Skylon Tower for
dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s really cool,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg smiled and said, “I’m one step
ahead of you, because I’ve already made dinner reservations for tonight.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Good,” I said, approvingly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “Why don’t all of you plan
to join us in Spain as soon as school is out?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg looked at Cory and said, “That
sounds exciting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you think,
Cory?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I think we should do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve always wanted to go to Europe,” Cory
replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey said, “Then it’s settled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll see you in June.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope you can stay with us for a
while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s a lot to see and do.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Greg said, “I’d like to make it all
summer if that’s okay with you guys?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We’d love to have all four of you stay
for the summer,” Tyler said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We have
enough room in our new house for you to stay with us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “I’ll call you later, Greg, to
plan out the details.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned to Joey
and Tyler, “Do you mind if we bring along a few more of our friends to spend a
few weeks at the beach?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Do you mean everyone who went with you
to Cancun?” Joey asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yeah,” I said, grinning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think you two would fit right in with the
rest of the crew.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well, let’s plan to rent a house at the
beach for a couple of weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way
there will be room for everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
wouldn’t be able to accommodate that large of a group at our new place in
Madrid,” Tyler said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Okay, I’ll call you in a few weeks and
we can work out the logistics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll
have to figure out what dates would be the best ones for everyone.” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Joey nodded his agreement and said, “That
sounds good to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hate to break up
our party, but we need to be on our way to the airport as do you two.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We said our farewells to Louise and
Harry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Louise said, “Thank you for
coming to the wedding.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Harry said, “We expect to see you in
Spain this summer.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “We’ve already made
arrangements to do just that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Good,” Harry said, with a smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We finished our farewells before we
caught the hotel shuttle to the airport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As soon as we had our luggage checked in, and we were sitting in the
boarding area near our gate, I turned to Rick and said, “I hope Mom and Dad
have managed to at least talk to each other.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Me, too,” Rick replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Didn’t Mom say she and Dad were going to a
counseling session yesterday?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, she did,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We chatted about our plans for the rest of
the week as we waited to board the plane to Regina.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">At that moment, Eva sat in her front
room thinking about the marriage counseling session she had participated in
yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She thought the session had
gone pretty well for the most part; however, it ended in a bad way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She went back over what had happened during
that session.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She had arrived early and had been shown
into the counselor’s office.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The marriage counselor stood up and
introduced himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hi, I’m Durant
Marshall.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Eva Nielsen,” she had responded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She ignored his outstretched hand, choosing
to acknowledge him with a nod of her head.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He withdrew his hand and said, “Please
have a seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Nielsen should be here
shortly.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She had agreed to this session only
because she wanted to give Don one last chance to prove to her that he was
capable of changing his ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don had
chosen this counselor; and that alone had made her suspicious of this
counselor’s ability to be impartial.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Mr. Marshall, let me be blunt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am very doubtful that you can facilitate
this session with impartiality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
fact that my estranged husband chose you raises doubts in my mind about the value
this session will have in resolving the issues that divide us at the moment,”
Eva said, giving him a steely-eyed stare.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Durant said, “Thank you for being
candid, Mrs. Nielsen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would rather
have any doubts and questions brought out now rather than waiting until the
session is over.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The office door was opened and Don
walked in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Durant stood up and said,
“Welcome, Mr. Nielsen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please take a
seat.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don took a seat opposite Eva.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked over at her and smiled, “Hello,
Eva.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Don,” she replied in acknowledgement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don wondered how the session was going to
turn out since Eva was obviously not in good mood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Durant said, “We need to address a
couple of items before we start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First,
I must assure you both that I do not have a vested interest in the outcome of
this session, other than to provide a neutral place for you two to discuss your
relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will not take sides,
nor will I make value judgments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now
let’s lay down some ground rules for this discussion.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He outlined a list of rules and then
said, “I’ve posted the ground rules on this board so we can be reminded of them
during the course of the discussion.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He walked over and turned around a white board filled with writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you both understand the ground rules?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They both said, “Yes.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Good, let’s get started,” Durant said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They began their discussion, laying out
their grievances and talking about their root causes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The conversation grew heated from time to
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At such times, Durant would call
for a 10 minute cooling off period.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They would get up to walk around, get coffee or take a walk
outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, they returned to begin
their conversation afresh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They had worked through all of their
issues and concerns when Eva said, “I’m satisfied with where we are on
everything we have talked about up until now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, that leaves one more major item unresolved.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’s body went taut as he anticipated what
she was about to say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She noted the
tension in his face and said, “Don, your treatment of our sons and their
partners is something I cannot countenance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I will not remain under the same roof with a man who can’t accept his
children for who they are; and who chooses to interfere in their relationships
to their detriment.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don knew this was coming and had steeled
himself to stand strong in his opposition to his sons’ same sex
relationships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had conferred with is
pastor the night before to help strengthen his resolve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wanted to make sure he was on good terms
with the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked across at
Eva and said, “I can’t approve of their relationships.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Then, this conversation is at an end,
Don.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your rejection of them is also a
rejection of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are my flesh and
blood and I refuse to stand idly by while you persecute them, and display your
ignorance and bigotry for all to see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m sorry, Don, but this will be the last time I speak to you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She stood up to go; but Don said,
“Please, Eva, can we talk about this in a logical manner.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She glared at him and said, “What more
is there to discuss?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The logic behind
your position is purely based on your religious beliefs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That alone tells me that logic doesn’t enter
into this discussion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think there
is anything more for us to talk about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Goodbye, Don.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She walked out of the door and got into
her car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don had followed her out of
the building and tapped on the car window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She rolled it down and looked up at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes?” she asked, giving him a look that
would have stopped anyone else dead in their tracks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m willing to accept them for who they
are, Eva.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just don’t approve of their
same-sex relationships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can’t I hold that opinion?” he asked,
practically begging her to accept his position.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Not when you actively engage in
activities designed to drive them apart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I still can’t believe how far you went trying to convince Randy and
Shawn to get a divorce not to mention your conversations with Rick, pushing him
to leave Glenn,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You tried
to impose your belief system on your sons without regard to their feelings or their
right to choose who they marry.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don said, “I realize I was wrong to try
to interfere in their relationships, Eva.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I did go too far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recognize
that I acted completely out of self-interest rather than looking out for the
best interests of my sons.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">His confession that he had acted out of
self-interest surprised Eva, but it still didn’t change her mind about ending
her marriage to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe you can try
to make amends with them since the four of them will be here tomorrow,” she
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It might also be a good time for
you try out your idea of accepting them for who they are, but not approving of
their relationships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me know how
that works for you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The sarcasm in her voice shocked
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know they won’t come to see
me, let alone speak to me,” he replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Do you blame them?” she asked,
pointedly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, I guess I don’t,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Like I said, I hope you can reconcile
your acceptance of your sons’ sexuality with your refusal to acknowledge that they
are happy with their partners despite your disapproval.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t remember there being any law that
required them to gain your approval before choosing a mate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know our other sons certainly didn’t
consult you on who they married; and you haven’t tried to break up their
marriages,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“But that’s different,” he responded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I fail to see how it could be any
different for Randy to choose Shawn as his mate than it was for Gary to choose
Jessica.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You disapproved of Gary’s
marriage to Jessica; but yet you haven’t tried to break up their marriage,” Eva
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It seems like a double standard
to me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don started to respond, but she cut him
off, “I’m through arguing with you, Don.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You need to face the fact that our marriage is over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You obviously aren’t going to change your
ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From this point forward, I will be operating
under the assumption that I will be moving to Georgia within the year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope you are able to find someone else to
take my place in your bed, because we’re through.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her voice was harsh and left no doubt her
mind was made up about the subject of their marriage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She rolled up the car window,
effectively cutting off any further discussion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She backed out of the parking space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was extremely disappointed by her
husband’s continued opposition to her sons’ same-sex relationships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had to admit that she wasn’t surprised,
given her husband’s disposition and penchant for always being right; even if he
was dead wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She hoped that one day
he would come to his senses before it was too late to have relationship with
his sons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Eva’s mind returned to the present with
the ringing of her cell phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
picked it up off of the coffee table and answered it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hello.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Hi, Mom,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ve landed in Regina.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Randy and Shawn are here to pick us up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought I’d call you to let you know we
had arrived.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Eva said, “Thank you for calling me,
Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m excited to see you boys.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“How did the session go with Dad yesterday?”
I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I will tell you all about it when you
get here,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Drive safely.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “We will, Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shawn is driving, remember?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She smiled and responded, “Yes, I do
remember.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a good thing, too, since
Randy drives like a crazy man; and you aren’t much better.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I laughed, “We are crazy men, Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s why we have such stable partners to
keep us well grounded.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You both have chosen well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick and Shawn are wonderful men,” Eva said,
smiling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’ll call you if our plans change,” I
said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Eva said, “I love you, son.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She placed the phone back on the coffee
table in front of her and leaned back into the cushions of the oversized
couch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She thought about her two gay
sons and their partners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She felt that
Randy and Shawn were well matched.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
had taken a shine to Shawn from the moment she met him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her maternal instincts told her that Shawn
would be as protective of her son as she was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She was happy that her first impression of him had been correct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She turned her thoughts to Glenn and his
partner, Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She loved Rick and felt he
was the right man for Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, she
knew that there needed to be better communication between them; especially
given the recent events with some guy named Perry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She knew her son well, and hoped that Rick
would have the patience to work with Glenn, to establish the kind of
relationship that they both needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her
heart went out to them, because of the things they had both suffered at the
hands of family members; specifically Glenn by his cousin and Rick by his parents,
cousin and uncle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She knew that those
kinds of emotional and psychological wounds take time to heal; and sometimes
reopen at the most unexpected times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She wanted to do everything in her power to help them reach their full
potential.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She had talked to Rick at length last
week about the ‘Perry Incident’ as Rick called it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had counseled him to love Glenn
unconditionally, and to overlook Glenn’s apparent lack of trust in Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had reminded Rick that Glenn had
remained faithful to him, despite Perry’s attempts to take him away from
Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick had openly wept as he spoke
to her about how deeply hurt he was by Glenn’s accusations that he wasn’t
totally committed to him, and that he would abandon him for the next beautiful
babe that walked by him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her memory
returned to that conversation:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She had tried to console Rick and said,
“Let Glenn know how you feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You need to
talk these things out between you two.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick replied, “But I don’t want to
reopen that conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It still
really hurts when I remember what Glenn said.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Rick, I know my son loves you very
much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trust him to listen to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go tell him how you feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can’t move past this until you both have
relief from the hurt that you feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Trying to plaster over it won’t work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That wound won’t heal until you’ve cleaned it out and sterilized
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want you to hang up and go talk
to Glenn right now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick had replied, “Okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love you, Mom.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I love you, too, my son,” she replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Later that night, they had called
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She picked up the cell phone and
said, “Hello.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Mom, it’s Glenn and Rick.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I hope you’ve called me with good
news,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “We wanted to thank you for
your advice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did as you said and
talked to Glenn.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Thanks, Mom,” Glenn said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought we had worked through all the
issues we had with the Perry Incident; but, apparently we hadn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad Rick reopened the subject and we
were able to address his concerns.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They both sounded happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe they were beginning to become perfect
soul mates for each other like Randy and Shawn were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, I’m happy you two are back in synch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was worried that you two were starting to
drift apart.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">There was a guilty silence on the other
end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick said, “We were drifting
apart, Mom, at warp speed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“If we hadn’t stopped to talk things
over, we wouldn’t be together now,” Glenn said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We were both at fault for not looking past
our own interests, especially me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I let
Perry turn my head and I should have kept my eyes on my best friend in the
entire world.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It’s the same with me,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We just wanted to call you to let you know
we worked things out.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“How are things working out with Dad?”
Glenn asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She said, “We’re not any closer to
resolving our differences than we were when I first left him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Have you gone to marriage counseling?”
Rick asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Her voice was hard and brittle as she
said, “No, but I’m not going to even try to get Don to go to counseling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will have to be the one to initiate
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried several times over the
years to get him to go with me to marriage counseling and he refused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He always tried to make it seem like I was
the one with a problem; and that I was the one who needed the counseling, not
him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Maybe you could get Uncle Dave to talk
to him about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes Dad will
listen to him,” Glenn suggested.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’ll do that,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You boys need to get to bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s late.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You’re right, Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s nearly 1 AM here,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ll call you tomorrow.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We love you, Mom,” Glenn said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I love you, too,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
had done as the boys had suggested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
next morning she had called Dave and asked him to talk to Don.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That conversation had born fruit in the form
of the marriage counseling session that took place yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had been hopeful that something positive
would have come of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, it had
ended badly and she was very depressed and lonely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked forward to seeing her boys, but
she didn’t want them to know how down she felt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She made up her mind to put on a happy face
and enjoy the time she had with them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I ended the call to my mother and turned
to Rick and said, “The session with Dad didn’t go well.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Did she say that?” Rick asked, raising
his eyebrows.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, but she wouldn’t tell me how it
went over the phone,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick nodded his head, “I’m thinking
you’re right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here come Randy and Shawn.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The two men were given an enthusiastic
greeting as they were swept into a bear hug by Shawn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shawn
said, “You two are a wonderful sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
think you’re even better looking than I remember.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed, “And you’re still a real
charmer, Shawn.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Shawn grinned and said, “That’s my
middle name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve always been Mr.
Charming.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy gave them a firm hug and said,
“Let’s get your luggage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m eager to
get on the road.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put his arm around
Shawn’s waist, “Alright Mr. Charming, let’s go.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gave his husband a quick kiss.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Shawn laughed and said, “Is there more?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, when we get to Uncle Dave’s
house,” Randy said, smiling at his husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“But not before then.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shawn
pouted until Randy gave him another kiss on the lips.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Shawn smiled and said, “I know I can
always get Randy to give me a kiss.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “He’s just like his
brother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loves giving kisses.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I grinned and said, “Absolutely.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Our luggage showed up on the carousel
and we grabbed it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We made our way to
Shawn’s SUV and piled our gear in the back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We climbed inside and Shawn started the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He asked, “Are you guys hungry?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked at Rick, who shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m good for now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe we could stop for something in Moose
Jaw.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Shawn nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That sounds good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll probably be hungry by then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a big breakfast this morning, so we aren’t
very hungry right now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “Since we’re going to stop in
Moose Jaw, let’s take a detour to Buffalo Pound Provincial Park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick has never been there and I think he’d
like it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Shawn looked at Randy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do you think?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I think it’s a good idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t have to be in Swift Current until
dinner time,” Randy said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Shawn said, “Okay, let’s do it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy looked over his shoulder at us and
smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick had his arm around my
shoulders and I had put my head on his shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I placed my hand on Rick’s thigh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m glad to see you two still like each
other.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick asked, “Why do you say that?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We heard you two had a little falling
out a little bit ago,” Randy said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Did Mom tell you what happened?” I
asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, but she hinted that things weren’t
going well between you guys,” Randy said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Shawn looked at us in his rearview
mirror and said, “What Randy is trying to say is that he wants to hear all the
gory details.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “Okay, we’ll tell you, but
you have to wait until we’re done to make any comments.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy said, “Alright, we’re
listening.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Between the two of us, we
explained what had happened with Perry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When we finished, Randy said, “You guys aren’t the only ones to go
through something like that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I sat up and leaned forward in my
seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Out with it Randy! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We shared with you, it’s time you shared your
experiences with us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy looked at Shawn before
proceeding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It was before we were
married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shawn was working long hours
on his art project in Vancouver; and I was working the night shift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was given the assignment to train a new
guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Phillip turned out to be gay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was an extremely cute blond kid, with
bright blue eyes and a pert little nose and mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shawn and I weren’t seeing much of each
other; and I was beginning to fall for Phillip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Phillip and I had taken to sleeping together
during the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We always stayed at
Phillip’s place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One day Shawn came
home early and didn’t find me at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He came over to Phillips place and walked in on us fucking each other.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">To say I was shocked would be an
understatement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, “I thought you
two had never had any doubts that you were meant for each other.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We haven’t had any doubts about
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s just that Randy was feeling
lonely and decided to take advantage of a young, horny guy,” Shawn said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I didn’t take advantage of Phillip; he
wanted it as much as I did,” Randy said, defensively.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Shawn reached over and patted his
husband’s knee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t get so upset,
Randy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Randy felt so bad for stepping
out on me that he promised never to do it again.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That was the day Shawn proposed to me,”
Randy said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Shawn said, “I realized I would lose
Randy if I didn’t get a ring on his finger.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy smiled, “We have been happily
married ever since.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I’m glad to know that we
aren’t the only ones who have had our ups and downs.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Shawn laughed, “I hope you didn’t think
we were the perfect couple.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I grinned and said, “I know better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grew up with Randy, remember?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The kilometers flew by as we caught up
on each other’s lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About an hour
later, we pulled into Moose Jaw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Where
do you want to eat?” Shawn asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy said, “Let’s do Humpty’s.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We pulled into Humpty’s where we had a
quick meal; then drove north from Moose Jaw to Buffalo Pound Provincial
Park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we entered the park, I said,
“Dad used to bring us here to go camping and fishing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy asked, “Do you remember how scared
you were of the buffalo?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I said, “Yes, I remember and I also
remember how much you and Eric used to tease me about being a scaredy cat.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well, you were,” Randy said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Glenn used to be scared of his own
shadow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember hiding under his
bed, pretending to be a monster under the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Glenn thought Eric and I were real under-the-bed monsters.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You guys were mean to me,” I protested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You would jump out of the closet and scare
the piss out of me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy laughed, “We did do that a time or
two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never seen anyone get as
scared as you did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom would get so mad
at us, because you wouldn’t go to bed on your own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You would beg her and Dad to sleep in your
bed until you fell asleep.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well, if you guys hadn’t scared me so
much, I wouldn’t have needed their protection,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Gary tried to stop us most of the
time,” Randy said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He felt sorry for
you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“At least somebody did,” I retorted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Rick rubbed my back, soothingly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s okay, Glenn.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Shawn drove us through the park, while
we pointed out things of interest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Since we didn’t intend to stay, we soon headed back the way we came
until we hit the Trans-Canada Highway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Shawn pulled onto the main highway and we were soon flying along at a
good pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I leaned against Rick and
relaxed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I soon drifted off with Rick’s
arm around my shoulders.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don sat across from his brother, Dave,
at the kitchen table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was tension
in the air between them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’s faced
was contorted in anger and his hands clenching and unclenching.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Dave said, “Getting angry with me serves
no purpose, Don.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know what you need
to do to resolve the situation your actions have placed you in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m just saying that if you intend to
continue to feud with your boys and their partners, I’m going to ask you to
leave my home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t agree with how
you’ve treated them and I won’t condone such behavior in my home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m asking you to behave civilly and to abide
by my wishes to make them feel welcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you can’t do that, there’s the door.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pointed to the front door that was
visible from the kitchen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don tried to stare down his brother, but
failed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew Dave was right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only must he respect his wishes as the
owner of house; but also about his ongoing feud with his boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hadn’t changed his views, nor did he
intend to stop what he saw as his parental duty to prevent them from going to
hell as the sinners they were.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">His pastor, at his request, had visited
him for the second night in a row, and had reassured him that he was doing the
right thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when he had started to
talk to Dave about it, Dave let him know exactly where he could take his
religious bigotry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While he was still
trying to decide how to respond, Dave said, “In fact, Don, if you insist on
pushing your religious views on others, I don’t want anything more to do with
you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Are you saying that you are going to
disown me?” Don asked, barely holding on to his temper.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I am, Don.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our parents raised us to be respectful of
all people, no matter what our differences were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your insistence that everyone has to conform
to your view of the world is wrong, and I won’t have you insulting my guests or
badgering them to meet your expectations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The boys are adults now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
ceased to have any authority over them when they left your home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You need to face the fact that they are not
your responsibility anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have
made your choices, and they’ve made theirs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You need to get over your need to control their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are no longer their guardian; nor are
you their keeper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If anything, you have
become their number one enemy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope
you give that some serious thought, Don.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You are viewed as an enemy to their happiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your actions have proven you to be a
hypocrite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You espouse Christian values,
yet you don’t practice them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“How dare you preach to me?” Don said,
his voice beginning to rise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I dare to preach to you because you are
in my house, under my roof.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you
don’t wish to hear it, you are invited to leave my home and never to return,”
Dave said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You have destroyed your
marriage, Don.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have destroyed your
relationship with your boys, and now you are destroying your relationship with
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we’re being candid with each
other, I think it’s time that you owned up to the fact that I’ve been more of a
father to Randy and Glenn than you ever have been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You sent them to live with me during their
senior year at high school because you couldn’t take the time to be their
father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You couldn’t accept that they
weren’t carbon copies of yourself and dismissed them from your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know how you can look at yourself in
the mirror every morning, knowing how you abandoned them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is beyond my ability to comprehend how
you can even be related to me, given the arrogant and condescending attitude
you have toward your sons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With regards
to their sexuality, how dare you pretend to know what is best for them?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who do you think you are to force your sons
to bend to your will?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you think you
are a bloody tyrant that can demand complete and utter obedience from your
family; just because you say it is your will that it be so?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Dave’s face was flushed and he knew he
had said many things that maybe he shouldn’t have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gave himself a mental shake and said, in a
voice that belied his mental and emotional state, “I think it is time for you
to go.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don stood up from the table and glared
at his brother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He started to leave
when Mary entered the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She saw
Don’s face and knew things hadn’t gone well between the two brothers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stepped aside as her brother-in-law
stormed past her and left the house.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mary walked into the kitchen and asked
her husband, “What happened?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Dave related to her his conversation
with Don.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shook his head and said,
“I wish it didn’t have to come to this, but Don is so hardheaded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It takes a major disaster to get him to reconsider
his position when he has already made up his mind about it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mary put her arms around his waist,
“Don’t let it bother you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don is
responsible for his own actions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
shouldn’t worry about him, Dave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
will come around eventually.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I don’t think so, Mary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said some pretty harsh things just
now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope he thinks about what I’ve
said; instead of letting his anger overwhelm his sense of reason,” Dave said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don climbed into his truck and slammed
the door shut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned the key in the
ignition and backed out of the driveway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was seething, and he wanted to put as much distance between himself
and his brother as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put the
truck in gear and started his journey home to the farm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He was about half way to the farm when
his anger started to dissipate and reason started to reassert itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He felt completely drained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled over to the side of the road and
turned off the engine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put his head
in his hands and leaned against the steering wheel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dave’s words kept coming back to him as he
sat there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every one of his statements
had struck him hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was why he
had been so angry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew what Dave
had said was true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had sent Randy
and Glenn to Dave’s home to get them out of his house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had been ashamed of them and didn’t want
to be reminded of his failure to turn them into men like himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had wanted them to be “true” men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Randy had been the first to tell him to
fuck off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He remembered how upset he
had been that night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had called Dave
and begged him to let Randy move in with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He had dragged Randy out of bed in the middle of the night and driven
him to Swift Current.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dave had welcomed
Randy with open arms, telling him that everything would be alright.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The memory of Dave holding his son in his
arms and comforting him seared his heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It should have been him who had consoled his son, and told him it didn’t
matter what Randy did, and that he still loved him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that wasn’t how it happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had failed as a father, and wasn’t
willing to admit defeat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, he had
banished Randy to Swift Current so he could pretend that he wasn’t a
failure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Randy had shown up with
Shawn and announced they were partners, Don had completely lost it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew he had failed Randy again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Later, when he was faced with Nancy’s rebellion
against his authority; he, again, went to his brother and asked him to take his
child into his home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had also taken
the opportunity to send Glenn away as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In Glenn’s case, it was jealousy that motivated him to send him to Swift
Current.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had always been jealous of
the closeness between his wife and his son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was a special connection between them; and he resented the fact
that he didn’t share in that special connection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had always taken a special interest in
Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that he thought about it,
they were a lot alike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Glenn grew
up, the bond between them seemed only to grow stronger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had tried to ignore his feelings over the
years, but had failed miserably.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So,
when the opportunity presented itself to get Glenn out of the house, he made
the case for sending both of them to live with Dave.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Dave and Mary had been more than willing
to take in their niece and nephew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their
own children were the same ages as Nancy and Glenn, so it was natural for them
to fit right into their family as if they had always been there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking back on that time, Don realized that
he had given up the opportunity to share in his children’s lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had abdicated his responsibility as their
father in favor of his brother, Dave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He was too proud to cry, but he came
pretty close to it, as he sat there pondering Dave’s words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He felt a huge emptiness inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His wife had left him and his sons had made
it clear they didn’t want any association with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He still had contact with his other three
children; but, even that was becoming less and less, as they had their own
lives to lead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was startled by
someone tapping on the window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
looked out to see an elderly gentleman signaling for him to roll down the
window, which he did.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Are you all right?” he asked Don.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I’m okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for stopping to check on me,” Don
said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Okay, we’ll continue on our way
then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We saw you slumped over the wheel
and thought maybe you had suffered a heart attack or a stroke,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don smiled and said, “No, I’m fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well, don’t stay out here too much
longer,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don acknowledged the advice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll be on my way shortly.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He rolled up his window and started the
engine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He decided he needed to go back
to Dave’s house and try to set things right with his boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dave had been right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything he had said was true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His pride hadn’t let him admit that his sons
were unique individuals; not automatons that could be pre-programmed to achieve
what their creators designed them to do and nothing more, nothing less.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The more he thought about his
conversation with his minister, the more he was convinced that the paid
professional preacher had been wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
guy had insisted that, as their father, Don had a responsibility to rise up and
condemn his sons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don had argued that
he wasn’t their judge and executioner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, the pastor kept reading and rereading the story of Eli and his
sons from the Old Testament; emphasizing Don’s responsibility to weed out the iniquity
in his family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">However, Don couldn’t reconcile the
pastor’s vision of the Mosaic Law with the New Testament teachings of Jesus
that said to judge no man and to love everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had always been taught that Jesus’ love
overcame all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It occurred to Don that the
man was more interested in keeping his flock happy and, thus, they would keep paying
him rather than being right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He taught
the congregation what they wanted to hear rather than delve into the true
meaning of the scriptures to help them draw closer to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">As he drove his truck north toward Swift
Current, Don decided he needed his family more than the preacher’s
sermons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That, coupled with his admission
that he had committed some grave mistakes with his sons, caused Don’s remarkable
transformation during that ride back into Swift Current.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time he arrived at Dave’s house, it
seemed as if a different man sat in the cab of his truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew what he had to do to repair his
relationships with his sons and his wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was going to take a lot of courage on his part to face them; but he
knew in his heart of hearts that it was the only way for him to be happy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">As he pulled into the driveway, he
noticed Shawn’s SUV was parked next to Dave’s car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put the truck in reverse and pulled out
onto the street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled parallel to
the curb and parked his truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
climbed out, walked over to the front door and knocked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Author’s Note:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Buffalo Pound Provincial Park -http://www.saskparks.net/Default.aspx?DN=37fa3b92-c079-4778-aaa8-cc896d2cc7fc&subDN=9f6a5d04-e1d0-4432-9cd1-d2148af70f5e<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">One Lawyer Specializing in Gay
Immigration for Canada -http://www.jordanbattista.com/immigration.html<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Music that inspired this chapter – <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Lifehouse – Broken - </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6cdPeYJh0s"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6cdPeYJh0s</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Lifehouse – Aftermath - </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRiMqwUiIqo"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRiMqwUiIqo</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">La Quinta Estación – Recuérdame - </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X05T3FmRzZ0"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X05T3FmRzZ0</span></span></a><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />SaskBoyStories by Russ Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12705114426346134527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7739282925426125332.post-2512216862488384792013-03-17T00:06:00.002-04:002013-03-18T18:57:44.464-04:00The Man From Swift Current Chapter One Hundred Twelve - In Between The Tear Drops
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chapter One
Hundred Twelve – In Between the Tear Drops<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick sat on
the couch trying to bring his anger under control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a good thing that Perry wasn’t
anywhere in the vicinity or there would have been one dead guy laid out on the
floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was even angrier with
himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glenn was right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had been chafing at the restrictions he
felt had been placed on him; but it was the military that had placed those
limitations on him, not Glenn or their relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The government’s misguided policy on gays serving
in the military was the cause of his angst.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It made it hard to be a normal couple, having to hide their relationship
from public view; always worrying that someone might see them and turn him
in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He had tried
to explain to Glenn that it wasn’t their relationship that caused him grief;
but Glenn wouldn’t listen to him, or at least it seemed that he had already
made up his mind to walk out of Rick’s life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When Glenn said he wanted to give Rick his freedom, it had been like
Glenn had landed a sucker punch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then,
he became angrier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He felt like shaking
some sense into Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why couldn’t he
see that Rick loved him more than life itself?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In
retrospect, he could kick himself for admitting to Glenn that he sometimes fantasized
about fucking women when they were making love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had been caught off guard by Glenn’s
question and had decided to be truthful with his lover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now he knew that he should have kept that
piece of information from Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
then, Glenn seemed to have already figured out that he was really having a
difficult time not going after some of the cute girls they had seen lately on
campus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t that Glenn wasn’t
meeting his needs in the sex department; but he just wanted to fuck a woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had fucked many different women before
meeting Glenn, and he had quite enjoyed the variety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe he was growing restless due to being
with the same person for such a long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Glenn had suggested that they change things up a bit; but he hadn’t
really been in the mood to try something different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick put his
head in his hands and tried to think of what he should do next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t want to lose Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quite frankly, leaving Glenn had never even
crossed his mind, despite the things that irritated him or caused him grief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His thoughts returned to the handsome
interloper who seemed bent on destroying their relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could Glenn let the guy convince him
that Rick didn’t love him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He couldn’t
comprehend how that had happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more he thought about it, the anger he
felt earlier started to rise in him again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He knew he was going to explode if they didn’t work things out soon.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He decided
to push the issue and got to his feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He walked toward their spare bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The door was slightly ajar as he approached it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put his hand on the doorknob and stopped
to listen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He could hear Glenn sobbing
on the other side of the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
anger in his heart was washed away and he felt like a real loser for not seeing
how hurt Glenn was by their conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He had only thought of himself and how offended he felt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wanted to reach out and comfort his
lover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hated being the source of so
much sorrow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hesitated before putting
his hand on the door, unsure of what kind of reception he would get from Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He began pushing it open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stopped when he realized that Glenn was
talking to his mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stood
silently, listening to their conversation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I sat on the
bed in our spare bedroom, trying to decide what to do next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had just left Rick in the family
room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was still angry with me for
confronting him about not being gay and lusting after women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt so depressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perry had been right about Rick after
all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That made me angry at Perry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until he came along, I had been quite
content with my relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why had I
ever listened to him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish Rick had
denied that he was attracted to women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I would have known he was lying to me; but at least I could pretend that
he was really gay and wanted only me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
started to cry, letting my grief manifest itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hate not being able to keep myself under
control when I feel strong emotions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After the initial storm had passed, I pulled out my cell phone and
called my mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew she would understand
why I felt I had to give Rick his freedom.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She answered
on the first ring, “Glenn, thank you for calling me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been so lonely the last few days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your phone calls have been the highlight of
my day.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Mom, Rick
and I split up today,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What happened?” she asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her voice was full of concern.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I told her
everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, “I don’t know what
to do, Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still love him; but I
have to let him decide who he really is.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The tears were cascading down my cheeks and I was sobbing again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mom said,
“Glenn, you need to listen to your heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What does your heart tell you?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“It tells me
that Rick loves me; despite the attraction he might feel toward women,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Then, you
need to talk to Rick and patch things up with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think about it, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What kind of man is this Perry?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you think he really has your best
interest at heart?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It sounds like he
has only one aim in life and that is to take what he wants; no matter the
consequences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isn’t it true that Rick
has never given you a reason to doubt his love for you?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I said,
“Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick has always been there for me
and he has always loved me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Well, I
think you know what you need to do,” Mom said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Thanks,
Mom,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I knew you would have all
the answers.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mom laughed,
“If that were true, I wouldn’t be sitting here by myself, wishing that your Dad
was here with me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Maybe you
should do the same thing I’m going to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You need to call Dad and patch things up with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s been long enough, now, that he should
have realized that he can’t take you for granted anymore,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She said, “I
will give it some thought, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
will talk to you tomorrow, son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go talk
to your boyfriend and fix things up between you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I
will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good night,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cut the connection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The phone rang as soon as I put it into my
pocket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I retrieved it and answered it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“What do you
want, Perry?” I asked, my voice as hard as steel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hearing his voice brought the anger I felt
to the surface.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Did you
split up with Rick?” he asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“That is
none of your business, Perry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think
it would be best if we stopped studying together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t need the constant barrage of
negativity coming from you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve
tried to poison my relationship with Rick and take his place in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, you’ve been upfront about your goal of
winning over my heart; however, it’s come to an end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please don’t call me anymore or expect me to
help you study.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Goodbye, Perry,” I
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hung up and threw the cell
phone on the bed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As Rick
listened to Glenn tell his mother what had happened, his anger rekindled
against Perry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guy was lower than
dirt!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he overheard Glenn telling
Perry to stay out of his personal life and to get lost, Rick’s heart nearly
burst with remorse for being angry with Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was glad he hadn’t interrupted Glenn’s conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He saw Glenn
throw his phone on the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick tapped
on the door and asked, “May I come in?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I looked up at him and nodded my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He stood in front of me and shifted from one foot to the other before he
said, “I want to apologize for getting angry at you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shouldn’t have lost my temper with
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sorry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you forgive me?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I looked up
into his eyes and saw the sincerity in them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I nodded my head and patted the bed bedside me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, but I need a hug.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He sat down
next to me and pulled me into his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I clung to him and said, “I’m sorry, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shouldn’t have pushed your buttons and
made you mad.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said,
“It’s okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least we’re talking
now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to make sure you know that
I love you and only you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I might
fantasize about women from time to time; but it’s you that I love.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“But Perry
said you aren’t really gay,” I said, uncertainly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Do you
believe everything Perry tells you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Think about it, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve had
ample opportunity to leave you for someone else over the last two years; but
I’ve stayed by your side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I was
on active duty, I could have had any girl I wanted; yet I remained faithful to
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never stepped out on you and I
still won’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may not be a
stereotypical gay guy who is hot to fuck every guy I see; but I’m very much
attracted to you and intend to spend the rest of my life with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does that make sense to you?” Rick asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I pulled
back from his embrace and looked deeply into his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, it does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s kind of like you’re straight, except
for when you’re with me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed
and said, “That pretty much describes how I feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not really attracted to other guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe that’s why no one suspects that I’m
gay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As for why I’m attracted to you, I
haven’t been able figure out why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
just am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we were meant to be
together; otherwise, I would be in a relationship with a woman.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Maybe it’s
because I’m so sexy,” I said, grinning.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Maybe so,”
Rick answered, rubbing his hands up and down my back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think it’s the whole package.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love your eyes, your hair, and your
fantastic body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love your quirky
smile, your twisted sense of humor and I even love how emotional you get
sometimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m addicted to you, Mr.
Nielsen.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“And I’m
addicted to you,” I said, rubbing noses with him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I
overheard you telling Perry to get lost.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I nodded my
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Mom told me I needed to fix
things with you and part of that was getting rid of Perry.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick grinned
and said, “I love your Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is a
wonderful lady.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I smiled and
said, “Yes, she is.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Are we
okay?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean can you live with the fact
that I sometimes fantasize about being with a woman?” Rick asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I hesitated
before answering, “I won’t pretend that it doesn’t bother me; but it seems to
have worked for us so far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What will
you do if you can’t get it up because you’re not really into fucking a guy?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick put his
hand under my chin and raised it until he could look into my eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If that ever happens, I will bottom for you
and you’ll fuck me until I get horny again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You have to admit that I’ve never had a problem fucking you and I don’t
anticipate having a problem in the future.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I smiled and
said, “I have to give you credit for keeping me pretty happy in the sex
department.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I intend to
keep it that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember, we are
equal partners in that area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I only
wish you would top for me more often,” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I ducked my
head and wouldn’t meet his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You
know why I don’t like to top.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I do
and you’re still going to therapy to work through what happened to you,” Rick
said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I looked up
and met Rick’s eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hate going to
therapy, Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guy gives me the
creeps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He seems to take some secret
pleasure in the pain I feel when I relive the horror of being raped by my
cousin and his friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After each
therapy session, I come home so exhausted and physically sick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we need to find a new therapist.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I thought
you were making good progress,” Rick said, with raised eyebrows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What happened?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I was in
Minneapolis; but since we returned to Atlanta, I feel like things are way
worse,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know the
reason why things aren’t getting better.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’ll help
you do some research to find someone who can help you,” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I nodded my
head and said, “Thank you for being so understanding.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said,
“I love you, Glenn.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I know,” I
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stood up and pulled Rick to his
feet next to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s go to bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m still an emotional wreck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want you to take me to bed and just hold
me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick led me
to our bedroom and gently undressed me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He held me tight and kissed me before he put me into bed; then disrobed
and joined me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I snuggled against him
as he took me into his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I listened
to his heartbeat and soon drifted off.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next
morning, Rick awoke to find himself alone in their bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He panicked at first, thinking that Glenn
had left him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he heard the toilet
flush in their en suite and he relaxed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He put his hands behind his head and kicked the comforter off the
bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His morning wood was on prominent
display as he stretched his legs and feet, flexing his toes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I came into
our room and spied Rick’s gorgeous body stretched out on the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My eyes lit up with anticipation and I
licked my lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I met Rick’s eyes and
he grinned at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“May I be of service
to you this morning, Mr. Lernier?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick
replied, “I think you might be able to assist me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He began stroking himself and then gestured
for me to take over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon, I had Rick
moaning with pleasure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was determined
to give my guy the best blowjob ever!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Later, Rick
held me close and said, “I love you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We kissed and he said, “I hope I’ve managed to dispel any doubts you had
about whether I could get it up.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I laughed
and said, “You’ve never had that problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was just worried that you would grow bored with me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick looked
into my eyes and held my gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Glenn,
I promise you that I will work with you to make sure our relationship doesn’t
grow stale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will take both of us to
keep things fresh and interesting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
know that I am guilty of not doing my part in that regard over that last few
weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was more concerned with
getting my homework completed and studying than I was in maintaining our
relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sorry I neglected
you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hearing
Rick’s confession brought tears to my eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I said, “I’m just as guilty of that as you are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I let myself be swayed by Perry’s words
instead of working things out with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I feel so ashamed, Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
nearly threw away the most precious thing in my life.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick put his
hand to my face and wiped away the tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“What’s important is the fact that we have recognized that things need
to change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The past is past and we need
to move forward from here to strengthen our relationship.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I took his
hand in mine and said, “I love you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick gave me
a tender kiss, “Let there be no doubts in your mind that I love you.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A few hours
later, I entered my economics class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Instead of taking my usual seat at the back of the room, I went to the
front row and found a seat next to a really cute blond girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked at me and said, “Hi!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My name is Annjanette.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s your name?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’m Glenn,”
I replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s nice to meet you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Don’t you usually
sit in the back next to that really gorgeous guy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s a real hunk,” she gushed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, but I
decided to sit up front today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His name
is Perry,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She beamed
at me as if I had just given her a piece of candy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nearly rolled my eyes in disgust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you so much for telling me his
name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I’ll go back and
introduce myself.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She got up
from her seat and flounced to the back of the classroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned to see what Perry would do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She bent over his desk, giving him a clear
view of her cleavage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could hear her
bubbly little laugh as she flirted with Perry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She sat down next to him and placed her hand on his leg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nearly laughed out loud at the expression
on his face as she continued to rub his inner thigh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned around so I wouldn’t have to hide
my expression from him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think Perry
had just met his match!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t have
to worry about talking to Perry that day or any of the following ones, since
Annjanette monopolized Perry’s time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was nearly two weeks later when I crossed his path without his new found friend
hanging on his arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was on my way out
of our statistics class when he managed to escape from her and he caught up to
me in the hallway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He caught me
by the arm and said in a low voice, “It’s all your fault.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I looked at
him, wide-eyed and innocent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What’s my
fault?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I haven’t done anything to you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">His eyes
narrowed and he hissed at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You told
Annjanette to harass me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I tried not
to laugh; but I couldn’t stop myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Perry’s face darkened with anger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I only told her your name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
did all the rest of her own volition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
swear I didn’t tell her to harass you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She asked if I knew that gorgeous guy at the back of the room and I said
I did and that your name was Perry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
immediately got up and made a beeline straight to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can ask her yourself since she’s
standing right there.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded toward
her as she came out of the classroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
pulled my arm free of Perry’s grasp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“It’s nice to see you again, Annjanette.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled at her and walked past Perry toward
the exit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her high pitched, bubbly
voice followed me down the hallway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
started laughing and couldn’t stop until I was nearly to our meeting place.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick looked
at my red face with concern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you
okay?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I said, “I’m
fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wait until I tell you what
happened today!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I related the incident
with Perry.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick’s
hearty laugh rang out over campus, causing a couple of students to look our
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It serves him right!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I
agree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s go eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m hungry,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick nodded
his head in agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you up for
pizza?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s head over to the Mellow Mushroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll call the guys and tell them to meet us
there in about 30 minutes,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While we walked to our car, I called Duane and Cordell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both of them agreed to meet us at the
restaurant with their partners.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I looked
over at Rick and said, “The guys will meet us there.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will be nice to catch up with them,” Rick
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We found our car and climbed
in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick leaned over and kissed
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I love you,
too,” I responded.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick drove
us to the Mellow Mushroom and parked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As I got out of the car, I noticed that he had parked in the exact same
spot as that fateful night last summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The memory of what had happened here made me shudder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick saw my expression and asked, “Are you
okay, Babe?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I’m
fine,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I glanced around to make
sure no one looked like they were waiting to jump me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Whenever we come here, I get a little
nervous after those two guys assaulted me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I like coming here, so I won’t let a bad memory stop me from enjoying
some good pizza.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The rest of
the guys pulled into the parking lot as we made our way inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got our usual table by the window and
waited for them to join us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Duane
grinned at us and said, “Are you ready to play some trivia games?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Sure,” I
replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think I can beat you this
time.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mason
laughed and said, “You two are just crazy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cordell and
Michael came in next, followed by Jeb and a big fellow I didn’t recognize.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cordell said, “Hey guys!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick gave
him a high five and they sat down with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jeb walked over and asked, “Do you mind if we join you guys?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cordell
said, “We invited them to join us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
hope that’s okay?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick smiled
and said, “The more, the merrier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Please have a seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But who is
your friend?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He nodded toward the big
guy standing next to Jeb.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jeb turned
and said, “This is Larry Coburn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s
on our football squad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Larry, this is
Rick, Glenn, Duane and Mason.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Larry stood
at least 6’4” (188 cm.) and weighed about 250 lbs. (113 kg.).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could see he had plenty of muscle on his
solid frame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His white muscle shirt and
skin tight jeans left little to the imagination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My eyes about popped out of my head as I
realized he was running commando, with his package clearly visible through the
fabric of his jeans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I raised my eyes
to his and he reached down and adjusted himself.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">That’s when
I noticed he had a wide grin with slightly crooked teeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His bright blue eyes were deep set under bushy
blond eyebrows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had a huge bulbous
nose, a ruddy complexion and square chin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His long blond hair hung down his back in a ponytail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reached out his meaty hand to shake
mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s nice to meet you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Same here,”
I responded, as he continued to shake everyone’s hand around the table.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He and Jeb
sat down to our right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The waitress
took our order and left to bring us our beverages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at Jeb in surprise when I saw Larry
slip his hand down Jeb’s leg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I caught
Jeb’s gaze and he blushed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said,
“Yes, Larry and I are a couple.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick did a
double take.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did you just say you and
Larry are together?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Larry
grinned and said, “Yes, he did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve
been together about a month now.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Okay, spill
it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How did you guys get together?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jeb said,
“After I broke up with Jill, I was pretty down in the dumps.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“That’s when
we started hanging out,” Larry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“At first, we did all of the usual guy things:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>playing video games, going to the movies,
driving go-karts, or just chilling in the dorms.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I didn’t
know Larry was gay until six weeks ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was fooling around on his computer when one of his gay friends IM’d
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I answered it and I started
chatting with the guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was shocked
when the guy asked if I was Larry’s new bitch.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I saw Jeb’s
expression change, so I asked what was going on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jeb explained that Mark had asked if I was
fucking him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is when I asked Jeb to
be my boyfriend,” Larry said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“But I
thought you were straight,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I was until
that night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Larry can be very
persuasive when he wants to be,” Jeb said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cordell
said, “You should have seen Jeb the next day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He came to me and asked what he should do about Larry.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jeb looked
around nervously at our little group and said, “I was worried that you would
judge me for being a hypocrite for being so anti-gay before; and now I am in a
relationship with a guy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Duane said,
“Don’t sweat it, Jeb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most straight
guys are really gay, deep down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
found that the most virulently anti-gay men are usually severely repressed
closet cases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Men who are truly
straight don’t have to worry about gay men and don’t have an issue with a guy
having sex with another guy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Larry smiled
and said, “See, Jeb, I was right about your friends.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jeb nodded
his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m glad you were
right.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked around the table and
said, “The turning point for me was the fact that you let me hold Bible study
sessions in your home with your gay friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I could see that being gay is really who you are; that you were being
true to yourselves, instead of living a lie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then, I went to church with you guys and I talked with the pastor about
being gay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reverend Goebel was very
helpful and helped me see how the Bible has been twisted to suit the views of
those who quote it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We’ve kept
our relationship secret until now; because Jeb was afraid of what our teammates
would do when they found out,” Larry said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cordell
said, “I told Jeb not to worry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
teammates know I’m gay and that I have a boyfriend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I haven’t had any trouble with any of them,
unless you count the ribbing they give me about getting laid every night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, Jeff was asking me how he could
meet some good looking guys like Michael.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Michael blushed; but didn’t say anything as Cordell put his arm around
his shoulders.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jeb said,
“But you hadn’t been preaching against gays and making quite a show of being
super religious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was afraid they
wouldn’t accept me as being gay because of everything I’ve said in the
past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve tried to get them to come to
church with me in the past.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Being gay
doesn’t mean you can’t be religious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are a lot of gays who attend church services and lead lives of
devoted service to their church,” Mason said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“It’s those who hate us that spread false rumors that all gays are
ungodly or at a minimum, unchurched.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jeb nodded
his head in agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know I was
blinded by the hate propaganda that’s preached from the pulpits of most “Christian”
churches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have missed the point of
the gospel.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Larry said,
“When Jeb agreed to be my boyfriend, I wasn’t sure what to think.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jeb laughed,
“He was so stunned that I said “yes” he couldn’t speak for nearly ten minutes.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Larry
punched Jeb in the shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It wasn’t
ten minutes.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Maybe not;
but it sure seemed like a long time,” Jeb said, grinning.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The waitress
returned with our beverages and asked, “Okay, guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will it be your usual?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick looked
around the table and the guys nodded their heads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Alright,
I’ll put in your order,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Larry said,
“You guys must come here often.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You could
say that,” Rick said, with a smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Tammy knows what we like and usually just places our order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think she waited this time because you’re
with us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Besides,
Tammy has a crush on Rick,” Duane said, grinning.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick blushed
and said, “She’s been pretty obvious about it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I said, “You
could say that again!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Michael
said, “Glenn has been very good about the whole thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She practically sat on Rick’s lap the last
time we were here.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I nodded my
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She was pretty bold last time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought she was going to fall out of her
clothes because she had so much cleavage showing.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I don’t
think she has figured out that Rick and Glenn are a couple,” Mason said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought she would’ve figured it out when
Rick gave Glenn a passionate kiss; but she seemed to ignore that.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“It’s more
like she’s trying to prove she can get Rick’s attention and take him from me,”
I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick nodded
his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s also why you got so upset with me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The guys
looked at me with added interest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If
you must know, Rick and I had a little bit of discussion about that, and a few
other things.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mason said,
“I bet that discussion included Perry.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Unfortunately,
it did,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But, we’ve worked
things out.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Who is
Perry?” Jeb asked, with interest.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said,
“He’s a guy in Glenn’s classes who has made it his goal in life to get Glenn
into his bed.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Duane said,
“We’ve met the guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s one of the
best looking guys I’ve ever met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean
he could be a model.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We’re
talking jaw-dropping gorgeous,” Mason said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“When Glenn introduced us to him, I had to pick myself up off of the
ground when he smiled at me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick
agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, he is good looking; but he’s
also extremely arrogant.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I said,
“He’s history as far as I’m concerned.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed
and said, “Glenn sure fixed his wagon.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Duane asked,
“What do you mean?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I explained
how Perry had been pushing me to leave Rick and what his tactics had been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, I told them about dumping Perry, and
how I accidentally sent Annjanette his way.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Everyone had
a good laugh and we moved on to other topics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our pizza arrived and we dug in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The three football players among us demolished one entire pizza on their
own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a good thing we had ordered
three pizzas!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Louise and
Harry were at the airport in Toronto, waiting for Tyler’s arrival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had strategically chosen a place where
they would see him when he showed up to claim his luggage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sarah was sleeping in Louise’s arms, while
Rachel raced from Joey to Harry and back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rachel laughed as she ran.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glancing
at Joey’s face, Harry had to smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey’s
excitement was very evident in every line of his body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Louise and Harry laughed when they saw their
future son-in-law jump up from his seat and wave his arms over his head to draw
Tyler’s attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Louise
looked over at Harry and asked, “Do you think he’s excited or what?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Harry
laughed and said, “Yes, I think he’s a little excited to see his fiancé!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tyler
grinned when he spotted Joey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He made
his way through the crowd and threw his arms around him, lifting him off of his
feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey’s joyous laughter rang out
as Tyler whirled him around and set him down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They kissed and Joey said, “I love you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The smile on
Tyler’s face grew even wider.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can
see that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think anyone else’s
arrival was greeted with as much excitement as mine!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rachel
pulled on his pant leg and said, “Dad!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She lifted up her arms to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tyler released Joey and picked up Rachel.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She smiled
and put her arms around his neck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
kissed his cheek and said, “I missed you and so did Daddy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I missed
you, too,” Tyler said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Where’s Sarah?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rachel
pointed to Louise and said, “She’s with Nana.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He set Rachel on her feet and she took his hand to lead him over to
Louise and Harry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Nana, Dad is
here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May we go now?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Louise
smiled at Rachel and said, “Yes, we can leave as soon as we retrieve Dad’s
luggage.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tyler leaned
over and kissed his mother on the cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Thank you for helping with the girls.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She smiled
up at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I wouldn’t have it any
other way, son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve looked forward to
watching my grandchildren for a long time.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joey came up
beside his fiancé and looped his arm around his waist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is this the only suitcase you brought with
you?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tyler
glanced down at the suitcase in Joey’s hand and answered, “Yes, that’s it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Harry asked,
“Are we ready to go?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, we’re
ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for picking me up,
Dad,” Tyler said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Harry smiled
and said, “Not a problem, son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope
you brought your documents with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
have just enough time to get to the York Civic Centre and get your marriage
license.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I have
everything with me,” Tyler said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“And I have
my documents as well, including Kathy’s death certificate to prove that I’m a
widower,” Joey said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“It sounds
like we’re ready,” Harry said. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Harry stood
up and Tyler gave him a hug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you
for everything you’ve done for us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Harry patted
his back and said, “It’s the least we can do to help you two get started out in
life.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They made
their way out to the parking garage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They climbed into their rented mini-van and Harry drove the 15 km. (9
miles) to the civic centre.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Harry said,
“We’ll wait here while you two go inside.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joey looked
over at Tyler and asked, “Are you ready?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tyler
grinned and said, “Yes, I’m ready.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
leaned over and kissed Joey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s
go.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They got out
of the van and disappeared inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
short while later, they returned, walking hand in hand with huge smiles on their
faces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they opened the van door,
Harry said, “I take it that you got your marriage license.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tyler
replied, “We got it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joey said,
“They were very efficient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could
have gotten married here as soon as we were issued the marriage license.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It feels so good to be treated like anyone
else who wants to get married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad
we’re moving to a country that treats all of their citizens equally.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said,
“Spain is a wonderful country and most people are very open and friendly to
gays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, just like every other
country in the world, there are those who don’t agree with us and treat us
poorly.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“But what’s
important to me right now is the fact that Spain will recognize our marriage as
legal and that we can adopt children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
want us to have more children,” Joey said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Louise
asked, “How many more children do you want, Joey?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“At least
two more,” Joey replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think twin
boys would be wonderful!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We’ll name
them Joey and Tyler,” Tyler said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joey said,
“Yes, we’ll give them Joey and Tyler for their middle names.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tyler
smiled, “We have plenty of time to think of what their names will be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have to get married first!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Tomorrow is
the big day,” Louise said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Harry
started the van and drove them to their hotel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They entered the hotel lobby and found Greg and Cory there, checking
into their room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg hugged Joey and
said, “I’m so happy for you and Tyler.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joey said,
“Thank you for standing up with me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’m honored
to be your best man,” Greg said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory hugged
them both and said, “I’m so excited for you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tyler
smiled, “We’re just as excited.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Harry
confirmed the truth of Tyler’s statement, “Yes, I can say that Joey was
practically bouncing off the walls with excitement while we were waiting for
Tyler’s plane to arrive.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rachel
pulled on Greg’s hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uncle Greg, I
want up.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg knelt
down and took his niece in his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“How are you, Rachel?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’m happy,”
she replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wrapped her arms
around his neck and gave him a hug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
miss Mommy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The child’s
statement reminded Greg of his sister’s death a few months earlier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I miss her, too, sweetheart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But you have a new Dad to help Daddy take
care of you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rachel
pointed at Tyler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He’s right over
there.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg nodded
his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, he’s right there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your Dad and Daddy are going to be married
tomorrow.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rachel said,
“I get to be the flower girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daddy
said I will have a basket of pretty flowers.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg smiled
and said, “I’m sure you’ll be the best flower girl ever.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory
finished checking them into their room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He put his arm around Greg’s waist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“We’re all checked in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are
our plans for the evening?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said,
“Mom and Dad are taking us out to dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’ll meet here at 6 PM.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joey asked,
“Has anyone heard from Rick and Glenn?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg
answered, “Yes, Rick sent me a text message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They are on the ground at the airport and should be here within the
hour.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory said,
“I’m glad you asked Rick to stand up with you, Tyler.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“It was a
hard call for us,” Joey said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We
wanted to include the four of you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You still
can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All four of us can stand up with
you,” Cory said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tyler looked
at Joey and shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t see why
not.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joey smiled
and said, “Okay, we’ll have each couple stand up with us; Greg and Cory with me
and Rick and Glenn with you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Sounds like
a plan,” Tyler said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The group
had started toward the elevator bank when Cory said, “There’s Rick and Glenn.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg turned
to look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The guys are here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s wait and we’ll go up together.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick spotted
them and waved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hey guys!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg looked
closely at Glenn and noticed how flushed he looked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, he noticed that both of them were very
much aroused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He started to laugh as it
dawned on him what had been going on in the back of the taxi!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Rick, did you give the taxi driver an
education in gay sex?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick’s laugh
filled the lobby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You could say
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was being such a prick that we
decided to give him a ringside seat to what gay sex is all about!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I nodded my
head and said, “We did everything except have intercourse and if we’d been in
the taxi cab a little longer; we might have done that, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cory said,
“What happened when he dropped you off?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Nothing, we
paid him and he drove off,” Rick answered.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joey and
Tyler hugged them both.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joey said,
“Thanks for coming, guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that
this isn’t what you had in mind to do for spring break.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said,
“We wouldn’t have missed your wedding for anything.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’m glad
you included us in your wedding plans,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Mom and Dad
are taking us out to dinner tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
will meet down here at 6 PM,” Tyler said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Cool
beans!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll get checked in and take
some time to freshen up,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Should we be dressed up or is casual okay?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Harry said,
“I think casual is good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll have the
two girls with us and we chose a family friendly restaurant.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Good,” I
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m starving!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All they gave us were a few snacks on the
plane.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We’ll let
you get checked in, then,” Greg said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They left us
and we completed the check in process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick had booked us a room with a Jacuzzi tub.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think we need to make use of the
Jacuzzi,” I said, as Rick hung up his clothes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick grinned
at me and said, “I think someone’s still horny.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Guilty as
charged,” I said, rubbing my crotch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
walked into the en suite and started the water running into the tub.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I adjusted the temperature and then stripped
out of my clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The flight had been
uneventful; but I was still tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
climbed in and let out a sigh of contentment as the hot water climbed up the
sides of the tub, covering my legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
closed my eyes and relaxed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I opened my
eyes when Rick turned on some music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
looked up to see him totally naked and very aroused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He grinned as he put his cell phone down
next to the sink and walked over to join me in tub.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I scooted forward and he wrapped his legs
around me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I leaned back against his
chest as he nibbled my earlobe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whoever
invented Jacuzzi tubs must have had making out in mind!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We basked in
the afterglow of our lovemaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
rubbed noses with Rick and said, “I’m glad we came.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve needed some time alone without the
pressure of school.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said,
“I think we’ve come a long way since our little argument a few weeks ago.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You know
that wasn’t little,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“No, it
wasn’t; but it was the best thing to happen to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I needed to be reminded to pay attention to
your needs instead of being so centered on my own,” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“And I
needed to be brought back to reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Perry had me so turned around in my head,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I know,”
Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I wasn’t paying enough
attention to you and Perry was there to take advantage of that fact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was as much my fault as it was yours that
Perry managed to sabotage our relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m sorry I wasn’t there to support you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“But you’re
here now and so am I,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think
we’ve both learned a lesson about what it takes to keep our relationship
going.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick smiled
and kissed me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, we have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I won’t let myself get so distracted that I
forget to pay attention to you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’ve
learned not to listen to handsome gay guys who want to fuck me in the worst
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perry isn’t the first guy who has
tried to seduce me,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’m well
aware of that,” Rick said, with feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“But he was the most persistent and the one who nearly succeeded.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He paused and gazed into my eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sometimes, I wish you weren’t so damn
cute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Guys are attracted to you like
moths to a candle flame.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You make me
sound like one of those sirens in Greek mythology that led men to their death,”
I said, grinning.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick laughed
and said, “That thought did cross my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You captured me long ago and I know the strong attraction I feel for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can only imagine what kind of power you
have over truly gay guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I laughed
and said, “None, because I already have the guy I want.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put my hand on his chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He’s right here.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kissed him as I gently caressed his bare
chest.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My cell
phone rang and I broke off our kiss to answer it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hey, are you guys going with us?” Greg
said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, we’ll
be right down,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Okay, we’ll
wait for you,” Greg said and cut the connection.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said,
“I guess we have to get dressed then.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, we
need to get dressed,” I said, smiling.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We got up
and ran through the shower before getting dressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We joined Greg and Cory in the lobby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We waited for you; but we sent the rest of
the group ahead,” Greg said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Thanks for
waiting for us,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“The hotel
has a shuttle that will take us to the restaurant,” Cory said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked over to the concierge and said,
“We are ready to go now.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The bell hop
went outside and signaled to the shuttle driver that we were ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled the shuttle up to the door and we
climbed in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He dropped us off and we
joined our party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a nice evening
for all of us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next
morning we joined Harry and Louise for breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The others soon joined us as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Harry asked, “When are you two going to get
married?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick
answered, “We have to wait until I’m out of the military.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Harry nodded
his head and said, “I had forgotten that Tyler said you were in the military.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Most of our
gay friends are married or are engaged to be married,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve been a little impatient about Rick’s
desire to finish his commitment to the Marine Corps.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick glanced
at me and said, “That’s an understatement.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Louise said,
“I can understand Glenn’s impatience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
felt that way about waiting for Harry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He insisted that I had to be out of college before we could get married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t see the sense in that; since we
were already living together.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I wanted us
to be out of school when we married; so we could concentrate on our
relationship, and not on trying to keep our grades up,” Harry said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I looked at
Rick, who said, “We found that out the hard way a few weeks ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both of us had been too busy to see to the
needs of the other and we ended up getting into an argument that could have
ended our relationship.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Louise said,
“I know that things can get out of hand sometimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Harry and I have had our ups and downs over
the years; but we come out stronger every time.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said,
“Joey and I already had our first argument.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I
remember,” Louise said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I don’t
want a repeat of that one,” Joey said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I promise you I’ll do my best to make sure it never happens again.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We finished
breakfast and returned to our rooms to get ready for the wedding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I helped Rick get into his tuxedo and he
helped me with mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We rejoined Harry
and Louise in the lobby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Harry said,
“I’ll make two trips so we can get everybody to the wedding centre.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We followed
Harry out to his rental.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg and Cory
came with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He dropped us off and
returned for Joey and Tyler, as well as the girls and Louise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were met by Mark Gillen who showed us
into the chapel.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“It’s good
to see you again, Mr. Scarborough,” he said as he shook Greg’s hand.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Thanks
Mark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re back for another happy
occasion,” Greg said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Is Tony
here?” Cory asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, Tony
will be taking photographs of the wedding,” Mark said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A few
moments later, Tony entered the wedding chapel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hello,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Fancy meeting you guys here again!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We’re here
for another wedding,” Cory said, as if it wasn’t already obvious.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tony laughed
and said, “I would expect that to be the reason for your return visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have all of my equipment right here.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He patted his camera bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We heard the rest of our party arrive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They soon joined us in the chapel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tony walked over to Tyler and Joey and
introduced himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m Tony Degarlais
.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m your photographer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s step outside and take a few shots
before we return inside for photographs of the rest of the wedding party.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He led them
outside while Louise settled Rachel on a chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They soon returned and Tony began
photographing us in different groups and arrangements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he had finished, he gave Mark a nod,
indicating he was done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mark asked,
“Are we ready to have the wedding ceremony?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tyler smiled
and nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re ready.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mark led us
out of the chapel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He returned and
said, “Would every one please stand.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The wedding
music began to play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rachel went in
first and scattered red rose petals along the aisle and then went to stand by
Louise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked so cute in her lacy
white dress with white bows in her hair.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg and
Cory went in first and stood to Mark’s right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We followed them and stood to the left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tyler and Joey came in next and stood directly in front of Mark.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The music
stopped and Mark said, “You may be seated.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He waited for Harry and Louise to be seated and then continued, “We are
gathered together this morning to join together this happy couple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler you may make your vow, followed by
Joey.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “I, Tyler Rian
Damasiewicz, take you, Jospeh Michael Malone, to be my wedded husband. I
promise to strive always to consider your needs in addition to my own; to be a
source of strength for you; to accept your strength for myself; to share freely
my thoughts and feelings; to listen when you share yours with me. I make these
solemn promises, to keep in times of plenty and in want; in joy and in sorrow;
in sickness and in health; from this day forward.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joey said, “I, Joseph
Michael Malone, take you, Tyler Rian Damasiewicz, to be my wedded husband. I
promise to strive always to consider your needs in addition to my own; to be a
source of strength for you; to accept your strength for myself; to share freely
my thoughts and feelings; to listen when you share yours with me. I make these
solemn promises, to keep in times of plenty and in want; in joy and in sorrow; in
sickness and in health; from this day forward.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mark said, “By the authority
vested in me, I declare you, Tyler Rian Damasiewicz and Joseph Michael Malone,
to be legally and lawfully wed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may
exchange rings and kiss each other.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick handed Tyler his ring
and Greg gave Joey his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They exchanged
rings and then kissed each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
applauded, and the newlyweds continued kissing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When they parted, Mark said,
“You may congratulate the newlyweds.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick hugged Tyler and kissed
him on the cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Congratulations,
Tyler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve married a great man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve known Joey since high school, and I can
vouch for him.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tyler’s eyes sparkled with
happiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks, Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad we have finally tied the knot.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I hugged him next and said,
“I wish you both all the happiness in the world.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tyler held my hands in
his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Glenn, thank you so much for
being our friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want you to come
visit us in Spain this next summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Please say you’ll come.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I said, “I think we can
manage to spend a few weeks with you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tyler said, “Why don’t you
plan to stay with us all summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
can make our place your center of operations while you tour the continent.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick said, “I like that
idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will let you know what our
plans are.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We moved to Joey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick took him into his arms and held him
tight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Joey, I’m so happy for
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve found the perfect guy for
you and I want you to have all the best.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joey’s eyes were full of
tears as he said, “Thank you Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
don’t know how much it means to me that you were able to be here to celebrate
my marriage to Tyler.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick pounded his back and
said, “I wouldn’t have missed it; just like when we were playing together on
the football field.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joey nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I knew I could count on you back
then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s nice to know I can still
count on you now.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I hugged Joey and said,
“Congratulations, Joey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish you the
best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that you will take good
care of Tyler, and he will do the same for you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joey nodded his head in
agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Tyler has already done a
lot for me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rachel pulled on Joey’s
hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daddy, I want to hug you, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He bent down and lifted her
into his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She hugged him and
kissed his cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“May I hug Dad, too?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You certainly may,” Joey
smiled, as he answered his daughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
passed her to Tyler.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She hugged and kissed Tyler
and said, “Now Daddy can be happy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tyler laughed and said, “I
hope so, Rachel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I certainly hope so.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joey embraced them both and
said, “I know I will be happy now, sweetheart.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Harry and Louise came
forward to congratulate the happy couple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Louise handed Sarah to her father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Congratulations, Joey, and welcome to the family.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joey said, “Thank you, Mom.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Harry said, “Well, I guess
it’s official now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Welcome to our
family Joey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are very happy you decided
to marry our son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are especially
happy to welcome your daughters into our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have given us grandchildren; and, for
that, we are extremely grateful.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Harry turned to his son and
said, “Congratulations, son.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hugged
Tyler and gave him a kiss on the cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I’m very proud of you for finding such an outstanding young man to be
your husband.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tyler blushed at his dad’s
praise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Actually, he found me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Harry smiled and said, “It
often happens that way; just like your mother found me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Louise hugged Tyler and
said, “I am so happy for you and Joey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know you will always love and cherish each other.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We posed for more
photographs and Mark delivered the completed marriage certificate to Tyler and
Joey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Congratulations and best wishes,”
he said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tyler and Joey held hands as
they posed for more photos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a
beautiful, happy glow about them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That
will be us someday,” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I hope so,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You can count on it, Babe,”
he replied.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Author’s
Note:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Non-Religious
Weddings in Toronto - </span></span><a href="http://weddingsoftoronto.com/"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://weddingsoftoronto.com/</span></span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Music I
listened to while writing this chapter:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What Ever It
Takes - </span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0ERtpogPTs"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0ERtpogPTs</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Listen to Your
Heart - </span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCC_b5WHLX0"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCC_b5WHLX0</span></span></a><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Between the Raindrops - </span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dG6-bU6esKo"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dG6-bU6esKo</span></span></a><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">First Time - </span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0YvWQNWEJA"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0YvWQNWEJA</span></span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Talking to
the Moon <span style="color: blue; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;">-<u> </u></span></span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K59Tmrs9YD0"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K59Tmrs9YD0</span></span></a><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Caminando - </span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yR5jN_vLYgw"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yR5jN_vLYgw</span></span></a><u><span lang="ES-MX" style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
SaskBoyStories by Russ Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12705114426346134527noreply@blogger.com2