Chrysalis Part 3-Chapter 13
This story is about a young man's quest to fix a major birth defect--he was born without a penis. On his quest he meets challenges, his soul mate and many other soon to be friends.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, and events are the product of the author's imagination, or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to any real person is coincidental.
The story depicts procedures and practices common for gender reassignment; however, this story does not claim to be a medical treatise, and information is primarily for the purpose of the story and not medical advice. This story is written for adults with adult themes. If you are underage or live in a location where references to gay relationships or transgender people is forbidden, please log out of the story or move.
This work is copyrighted by Boethiuscell@gmail.com © 2023
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Chapter 13--Nuptials
It was the end of October in New York. The leaves were still in color although many had fallen, littering the streets around Chris's place. Chris had seen his doctor that Friday morning, and no serious side effects of the testosterone pellets. They discussed a time frame for the surgery. January or February of the coming year were the soonest feasible time because of the weddings. The big question was to have the surgery in New York or L.A.. Mount Sinai in New York was one of the top three rated while Santa Monica had the Transgender Surgery Institute.
"I have to decide soon so I can meet with the physicians." Chris stirred up leaves as he walked with Tom in the park across from the condo. "I already know the physician here, but."
"I understand Chris," Tom pulled Chris closer; the chill in the air was making Chris tremble. "But L.A. is closer to my family and our home. I know we have a place here in New York, but L.A. is our home. At least it feels that way to me."
"I agree, Tom, it's just that as a possible date for the surgery gets closer, I am getting more anxious."
"Having second thoughts?"
"Aways, but then I look at myself naked in the mirror and want to retch. Out and about, active, especially with the testosterone, I am more comfortable in myself. I feel male; people treat me as male so the reality of my body is hidden. When I blew up at you for being insensitive and calling me a fraud, a poser. My anger came because I knew you were right. I am play acting. I am pretending to be other than I physically am. Psychologically I am not female, but the dysmorphia hits me like a pickaxe to the brain. I feel ripped apart like melon and all my insides are mush."
"Chris, whatever your decision I will support you. But you need to feel whole. If surgery will do it, then it must be done."
"The fact is Tom; I have researched the surgery for several years and talked several times to Izzy's son. Surgery will correct the physical appearance, the testosterone will emphasize my maleness, but at the core, my core, my DNA will be XX. I will always be a genetic female. This is part that I am struggling with."
"I do not care about your chromosomes. They are not in my bed each night, they do not make me feel stronger and a better person, they are not what I love about you. So, screw the XX." Chris kissed Tom under the fall leaves, red and gold.
Boyd and Chaz were married at the Unitarian Church. All Boyd's family came along with Cynthia, Adam, and Leandra from Dreamweavers-East. Stu and Helga also came, which tickled Boyd because he did not know then well. A couple of Chaz's friends from Chicago came, but no family. The ceremony was simple, but moving. Boyd's parents walked him down the aisle. Chris cried. Bubbles replaced the rice. The Unitarian church had a hall where the reception was held. Ollie and Louis catered. After the reception and a rest, the party moved to Jazzabel's, where the contest went into high gear with Chris adding French songs.
Safely in bed well after 3 AM, Chris turned to Tom. "We have three weddings to plan. We need a wedding planner."
Tom kissed Chris, "We need three wedding planners. We can start looking for one for New York."
"We're only doing a reception here. Jazzabel insists it be held at his place."
"Then we only need to show up because he'll plan over the top."
"I need to talk to Ollie and Luis about catering our wedding in L.A. and maybe England. And..."
"Hush Chris. This is a tomorrow discussion." Chris sighed agreement and fell asleep safe in Tom's arms.
Monday morning at 4:30 AM, Lizette gave birth to a 7-pound 11 ounce very vocal boy. Boyd was dancing on moonbeams and Chaz was the tether to earth. Their house was totally remodeled. The nursery was bright yellow with large flowers, butterflies, and birds on the walls. An automated mobile hung above the state-of-the-art crib, near a plush changing table. One closet was only diapers. Two chests of drawers held clothes. Shelves brimmed with stuffed animals and a toy chest bulged to capacity.
That evening Chris and Tom went to visit Lizette and the baby. They were to be the godparents. Chaz and Boyd were in the hospital room with Lizette when they arrived. The baby was in Chaz's arms, who was cooing at the little bundle. "You are a natural," Tom said. "You are going to make a great parent.
"They both are," Lizette smiled, but was not happy.
While Tom walked over to Chaz and Boyd, Chris went to Lizette's. She was sitting up in bed wearing a hospital gown looking at Boyd and Chaz. She looked at Chris. "The baby will have a very loving home. I am happy for them."
Chris reached out and clasped her hand; it was cool to the touch. "Lizette, I know that intellectually you are making the best choice for your son, but you carried him for nine months. It will be hard to let go. That is OK."
"They have a counselor who has talked to me. She has been very helpful. She said I should refer to the child as the baby and not my son. It helps start putting emotional distance between us. The tough part is knowing that I will see Boyd, Chaz and the baby in social settings; not often but it is possible. I don't know if I can handle it then." Chris pulled her head to his chest.
"It will be, but you will be strong because the child needs you to be."
Boyd walked over and joined Chris. "Lizette, Chaz and I have been talking. We want you to be the baby's mother. You may not live with us but you will be around for important events or just to visit. He will always know you as Momma. Are you OK with that?"
"What happens when I get married and have my own children."
"We just tell everybody that you were our surrogate." Chaz had walked over and put the baby in Lizette's arms. "We are family. Not traditional, but loving all the same."
"Do you have a name? Can't call him Baby." Chris asked.
"Yes, finally. We almost separated fighting over names." Chaz said.
"We compromised on Dangleburt." Boyd finished.
"You're shitting me." Tom bleated out. "Can you imagine the nickname of Dangle."
Boyd and Chaz both laughed. "No, we decided on Christopher Thomas." Chaz said with a grin.
"May he have Tom's looks and Chris's strength." Boyd added.
"We are both extremely flattered and honored," Tom said. There is a custom in my family that the godparents give the child a blessing."
"Like in Sleeping Beauty?" Lizette asked.
"Yes like that." Tom was smiling at the baby who was looking back at Tom with large dark eyes. Tom pulled from his jacket pocket a brilliant red oak leaf. He placed the leaf on the baby's chest. "May you be as long lived as an oak tree and may your heart always carry beauty." The baby looked at the leaf and smiled. Tom handed the leaf to Chaz.
"I have a blessing too," Tom looked at Chris with surprise. Chris pulled out of his pocket an acorn. "May you grow strong not only in body but in mind so that not even the strongest winds can topple you. May you nurture all those under your care. May you have the wisdom of the ancients." Chris touched an acorn to the baby's chest. The baby looked at Chris and sneezed. Chris handed the acorn to Boyd.
"Thank you for the blessings. It was very special for us. With you as godparents, he will never want for love and protection." Chaz took Christopher Thomas from Lizette and handed him to Chris. "You need practice for when you have your own."
A nurse stood in the door to the room, she smiled at the group and Chris with the baby. "Sorry, but he needs to be weighed and put down for a rest." She looked at the baby. "And you, young man will be going home with your Daddies tomorrow so you need your sleep." She looked at Chaz and Boyd. "And you young men need to go home and get your sleep because after tomorrow, I guarantee you will be sleep deprived."
"Oh, we forgot," Tom said, "We have another gift for our godson." He handed Chaz a blue box. Inside was a sterling silver rattle with an engraved C on one end and a T on the other. "How did you know about his name? We only decide once we needed to have the birth certificate completed." Boyd asked.
"That was Chris. He had a feeling. And I never doubt my man." Chris and Tom said goodnights and left.
The next evening after spending the afternoon with Millie, they brought supper to Chaz and Boyd. The baby was home and nursing. Boyd was breastfeeding using a prosthetic. He looked up at Chaz and Tom. "Hey guys, got C T on the man boob. Can't wait to breastfeed in public." He laughed so hard that the baby was dislodged and let his dissatisfaction be known. "Great device. Feels like the real thing and the kid does not know the difference and it keeps both my hands free. Also keeps the formula body temperature. Perfect for making him a happy camper."
Chris looked at Chaz. "Haven't tried it yet. It's too much like the Folkers. I will do a bottle. It worked for me, and I'm mostly fine." It was wonderful seeing both of them at home and relaxed. It was very domestic, and Chris had a tinge of envy. Someday he and Tom would be slinging man boobs. A twinge of regret surfaced and quickly fled--he could have kept his breasts and fed his own children. But the image repulsed, him and he smiled at Boyd.
They plated the Chinese food and ate at the table. C T sleeping inside Boyd's sling shirt and occasionally suckling on the fake tit. Aren't you a little worried that when he is older he will have a fetish for plastic nipples?" Chris asked with humor.
"If it is coupled with plastic vaginas, I'll be good with it." Chaz spat back. "I'm not worried about fetishes, yet. Let's get him into grade school first." And the banter went until the meal was finished, and Tom and Chris left the proud parents to their first night.
After working at Dreamweavers-East most of the day. Chris and Tom were to meet Louis and Ollie for drinks and supper. Since it was the middle of the week, the two did not have a catering event. Louis and Ollie's business was booked for three months with a few requests for six months out. They were happy but exhausted. The newspaper article from Chris's supper, was worth six months of advertising. "So, what are the wedding plans?" Ollie asked as the four sipped cocktails at a nice Serbian restaurant.
"Time is creeping up on us since we were in Europe for several weeks. We have about two weeks until an official wedding in L.A., then two days for a reception here, thank god Jazzabel is planning that, and finally a wedding in England at Tom's Grandda's estate. That is in December, so we have time."
"Ollie and I," Louis smiled at Ollie. "will be in L.A. for your wedding. We need a vacation from here. We need to take a break. If you don't mind, we would love to plan the reception after the wedding."
Chris wanted to melt in gratitude. "You guys are life savers. I was dreading booking a caterer. We don't have time. Traveling is wearing me out."
"Have you decided a location?" Louis asked.
"Booking a place is a nightmare. We have the room at our home so we will do it there."
"By doing that, we can keep it small."
"Yeah, Chris. I already have forty RSVPs. I expect maybe one hundred. Both Dreamweavers-Central and East will be coming. Everybody from Dreamweavers-West. My parents and family. Your parents and family. The Powells are attending. Then friends from here are planning on making the trip. It will be a crowd."
"If the weather is nice. We have the space with the living room, dining room, family room, office and two patios. We managed our open house here in New York with about the same numbers."
"At the open house, people wandered in and out. At our wedding the crowd is fixed."
"The reception will be at your house. What about the ceremony?" Ollied asked trying to get a handle on the event and the food needs."
"We had talked about City Hall, but both sets of parents screamed loud against that." Tom hands covered his ears. "We quickly changed the plans. We can do it at the house. If the weather is good, we can do it on the patio. There should be plenty of room, more if people can swim."
Louis looked at Tom quizzically. Chris jumped in to help. "We have two patios; the lower one has the pool." Chris turned to Tom. "Tony Krenn is insisting that he officiate."
"Tony Krenn," Tom told Ollie and Louis, "is the pastor at one of the larger churches in L.A.. His son is the boyfriend of my brother. We met them when the two boys got into some adolescent mischief."
"Their son is gay and accepted?" Ollie said in disbelief. His parents were resigned but not accepting.
"Very liberal church. They are good people, so we should let him do it."
"Amen to that. one less detail." Chris said. Chris thanked the waiter as his steak was dropped in front of him. He did not realize how hungry he was until the food arrived. "Can we talk about other things than weddings." The topic changed to Chaz, Boyd and the baby, Juan and Zack, Chet and Hector, and the rest of the gang. By dessert, Chris felt he was current with his friends. Louis was interested in their trip to Europe and the in-laws. Tom relished telling how Chris tamed the dragon of Thistledown. Chris repeatedly stressed that Grandda was never an ogre, he was stuck. Chris unstuck him, like a car caught in sand needs a push.
The evening was over too soon. Tom had an early call for work.
Saturday, Chris and Tom were back in L.A. with only six days until the wedding. Ollie and Louis were to fly in on Tuesday together with Chaz, Boyd--C.T. was staying with Lizette.
Monday at work, Chris, Nat, and Cecelie reviewed the final form of the music video with the editing crew. They were very proud of their work and were prickly with anticipation. The video exceeded their anticipation. "This is amazing," Nat said. "I think it is one of the most moving music videos I have ever seen." She was wiping tears from her eyes. "The ending is perfect." At the end Chris dissolves in a dust of glitter, Cecelie is standing alone in the desert, her head bowed, when the coyote howls. "We need Claret in here." Chris called Claret on his cell phone.
"What's up?" He looked around the room. Saw Nat with a wet tissue. Cecelie almost catatonic, Chris beaming along with the editing guys. "Who died?"
"Claret, I want you to watch this music video and think about how we can market it?"
Claret watched the video. "Holy shit. That is fucking amazing." He plopped onto the sofa beside Chris. "I think we need to create a buzz before the release. A few select copies will be leaked to a few select people, who will spread the word and a few pirated copies."
"I don't want to deprive Cecelie of any revenue from illegal copies." Nat was very protective of her artists, which made her good at the job and loved by the artists."
"No, don't want that. How long is the video?"
"4 minutes and 22.3 second," said Max, the sound editor. "We tried cutting parts of the video to get it closer to the standard three minutes, but it comprised the artistic integrity, so we left it as is."
"Glad you did," said Nat. "You guys were inspired when you edited it."
"It helps to not have to edit crap. Bruno and I will be very pleased to have our name attached to this video."
"Back to the promotions." Claret refocused the group. "What if we give out snippets, say three 1-minute clips."
"One minute is too short," Chris joined the conversation. "It will take the view at least ten seconds to focus on the action. Do two minutes from the beginning. Leave the ending hanging like a tease to see more."
"Not bad Chris. Is there a natural place to cut but not make it feel like the song is done?"
"About two minutes in, after the second verse. Cecelie pauses while Chris changes key for the third verse. He has this bit where the scale ascends, hits an off chord, pauses before resolving. We could end at the off chord."
"Let's watch until that point." Claret was giddy with excitement over the potential. The music played; the second verse ended and Chris hit the keys possessed. The F minor chord ended and there was the pause and he continued. "That is the perfect place." Claret's hands and arms were flying all over the place. "We will give a copy to my dad, Sharon Dale, and Alexander Greenwood, I assume a relative to Tom." Claret, who was pacing the room thinking, sat back down.
"How about a copy to a high school. If it is good it will hit the grapevine in days." Chris looked at Claret and then Nat.
"Not a bad idea. High schoolers are the influencers, but we need to be careful that the copy is not circulated." Nat looked at Chris like he had a plan.
"Tom's brother is in high school. I trust him." Chris paused, tapping his chin. "Tracey could have a small party, invite a few friends. Accidentally find a copy, play it. Only to have it confiscated."
"That is devious Chris." Nat looked at Chris almost appalled. "But it might work. It makes it more forbidden. We could show the entire video, like a test market and focus group."
"Why be so devious. Set up a focus group of influential people and see what happens."
Chris liked Claret's plan. "Just make it high schoolers from the local schools. Serve pizza and drinks. Could we do it in the schools?"
Possible," said Nat, "but we are in a time crunch. The music video drops December 3. In time for the Christmas holidays. The album drops on the 6th."
"Small group of high schoolers. Best if we want quick." Claret was writing notes in his tablet.
Chris pulled out his phone and called Tracey. "Hey Tracey, this is Chris...no emergency or problems....How would you like to throw a party for twelve people...I know, duh...Dreamweavers-West has finished a music video...Yes the one we went to Death Valley to shot, but we would like a small focus group of articulate teens to preview it....Yes very cool....Do you have twelve friends from different schools that you could invite...Haven't set a date, time or place yet. Thought you could be doing feelers for interest...Yeah I know time is limited. What about this Sunday at our place. Say 1:30, pool party....No I have not talked to your brother...It would need to be over by 3:00. Tom and I have a flight to New York and a reception starting at 9:00 PM....It puts us on a very tight schedule, but for this video I am willing to push us....Do you think they would....Nat would help." Chris looked at Natalie, who rolled her eyes as yes. "...I am sure your dad would love having twelve loud teens around the pool...[Chris laughed]...I am sure no more rawkus than your parent's parties....Check and let me know." Nat was on the phone calling Linc to add pressure to the parents.
"Claret, can you join me on Sunday for a pool party focus group?"
"Love to." Claret added the information to his phone. "Better than Sunday brunch with the parents and their boring friends. I will also bring a camera to record comments for ads."
"Great idea. We have a plan. Meeting adjourned." Natalie gathered up Cecelie, who found the whole meeting overwhelming. "We have your back and want only good things for you Cecelie. If you have questions, please ask. We can get lost in the process and forget the people. You are people, very important people."
Chris and Tom were awoken by noises in the office, giggling secretive noises. "Linc is likely planning a prank."
Chris rolled over toward Tom with a grunt. "Beach, display on the TV in our bedroom the guests in the house."
"Sir, there are currently five guests in the house. three in the kitchen and two in the library. Which group would you like to see?"
"Library." On the TV were Linc and Tracey decorating with Christmas lights a humongous penis. It must have been five or six feet tall. It reminded Chris of the large penis in Clockwork Orange. "What should we do?" Asked Tom with a wicked grin.
"Beach, have Rosie West scare the two intruders. Research how best to do it without harm but acting angry." We, because Beach wanted her, had a Rosie built for the house. She was vastly improved over the Rosie East. Tom and Chris watched Rosie sneak up behind the two focused on dribbling sour cream over the head of the penis. "Intruder Will Robinson, Intruder, Intruder." Her voice was screechy high, with an edge of fingernails on a blackboard. Linc and Tracey jumped back three feet to face Rosie, stretched to nine feet tall wielding a baseball bat. She swung at Linc, missing by several inches. "Intruders. Must defend, must destroy." She swung again at Tracey, who tripped over Linc while trying to dodge the bat. At Chris's request, Rosie froze in position. Tom and Chris descended the stairs from the bedroom laughing so hard they almost fell down the stairs.
"Caught you Linc. Knew you would be up to mischief." Tom sputtered while laughing.
"The look on your faces was priceless. Didn't know you could move so fast." Chris sat on the floor laughing at the two. Linc and Tracey were not amused. They wanted to be pissed off but knew they were in the wrong to start with.
"Where did you find the big dick?" Tom asked. "Is it ours to keep. Chris needs some diversion from me."
Chris walked over and licked a glop of sour cream off the monstrosity. "Tom, is a great lover but his endowment is less than adequate. This may fill my needs." Chris licked another rivulet of sour cream running down the side. "Yummy."
Chaz, Boyd, and Ollie found the four on the floor laughing like there was a nitrous oxide leak. They looked at the four and then the massive homage to Priapus. Boyd giggled.
"Like to see the ass that fits in." Chaz said as he walked around the sculpture. "I like it. Minimalistic, a statement to the male dominated society where size is everything. I think it should go in the family room."
Louis walked in. "Fuck, who's been masturbating the floor?"
"It's a gift from Linc and Tracey. Do you like it?" Tom was pleased about the prink. it reduced everybody's nerves, especially Chris's.
Louis folded his arms, thinking. "On a cold night it will do." He stood next to the phallus and licked the side. "Know where all my sour cream went. Tracey, Linc, get your asses to the store and replace what you used or this thing will be up both your asses. Oh, by the way, breakfast is almost ready."
Breakfast had barely begun when Tom rang in his parents with Bette and Chris's parents with Britney. The Greenwoods invited the Wentworth's to stay with them. It was a chance to spend time learning about each other. And it kept Chris's mother out of his hair.
"This is where you live son?" Chris Sr. said as Tom and Chris greeted them in the courtyard.
"Yes we moved in about a month ago." Chris tried to corral his parents who looked stunned at the entrance.
"You can afford to live in a place like this? The mortgage payments must be very high."
"No mortgage, paid cash." Chris gloated when he said that. His dad, as an accountant, was always frugal, not cheap, but making sure money was wisely spent. "It was below market value because the owners were anxious to sell. We bought it before it hit the marked and a bidding war jacked up the price. Chris grabbed his mom's arm; she was staring at the rose garden and fountain. "Mom, let's go inside out of the heat." It was not actually hot, about 84, but it was an excuse.
"How much land?" Chris Sr. took back the conversation.
"A little under four and a half acres." Chris Sr. nodded with approval. Not that Chris cared.
"Hey bro, like the entrance. Very Hollywood." Britney hugged Chris, worming her way between Chris and his mother.
Anda took the arm on the other side of Chris and guided him toward the front door. "So how are you doing? nervous?"
"Not until five minutes ago." Chris' eyes turned toward his mother. "need to keep the bear in the cage." Anda laughed, she had just spent an evening with Helen Wentworth.
"Everybody is in the kitchen," Tom said as he marched everyone in that direction. Helen, dawdled looking at the furnishing and art work.
In the kitchen Chris's parents met Chris's gay friends. Louis was at the stove, while Ollie was making Bloody Marys. Chaz and Boyd were sitting at the kitchen counter. Chris pulled his family to meet them. "Mom, Dad this is Chaz and Boyd; they're married and have a new baby." Chris waited for a negative reaction.
"You have a newborn." Chris's mother melted. "Boy or Girl? How old. Is it here with you?" Chris's next comment was lost that Chaz was the interior designer for this place when Helen asked to see pictures. Everybody gathered around to look. Including Louis and Ollie.
"Try these," Ollie said as he shoved tall low stemmed glasses in front of the crowd. He looked at Britney and Tracey and gave them one. "It is my newest take on a Bloody Mary. Of course, Louis had input since he has the refined pallet."
"Damn fine bloody Mary," Chris Sr. said to Ollie, "best I've ever had. Nice touch of spice and something else." Everyone agreed as they sipped.
"Food will be on the table in five, so find a seat." Louis was waving everyone to the table. Like cows ready to be milked, the chairs were filled. It was tight but everyone fit around the table.
"My this is a lovely table." Helen said. "The roses from your garden? Chris."
"Hope you don't mind that I picked a few this morning." Boyd said.
"The smell wonderful," Anda added as Ollie and Louis set plates in front of the guests.
Each plate had an individual souffle, fresh fruit medley, and a chocolate croissant. "I hope no one is allergic to seafood. The souffle is lobster. Not every day my friend Chris gets married."
"Where did you find these croissants," Anda said as she stuffed a second piece in her mouth. "They are divine. I've never had such flakey croissants."
"They are one of the recipes I am trying to perfect. I am very pleased that you like them Mrs. Greenwood."
"You baked these? And please with food like this call me Anda." She took a bit of the souffle "Oh Elizabeth, I just went to heaven."
"Louis is a classically trained chef. He and Ollie just opened a catering business in New York. He catered a couple of parties for me in New York." Chris was so proud of Louis and Ollie and what they had accomplished. "He is doing the food for today too. I tried to talk him out of it and just be a guest but...."
"I could not let any hack do this event. Besides it gave Ollie and me a change of scenery. California is not cold New York." Chaz and Boyd added an Amen. The gate announced the florist and a delivery. Boyd said he would manage the gate. Chris was pleased someone remembered to order flowers because he and Tom did not think of flowers. Boyd, through the intercom called for help. Tracey went to assist.
"Chris, would you mind giving us a tour?" It was Helen, Chris's mother, so he could not refuse. Being in L.A. he soon learned what a poseur was, Mother was that. Both she and dad worked, made very good money but she always wanted to impress others with her sophistication. Chris knew that she grew up living in the country without much, where less was expected and creature comforts were frowned on as frivolous. That he understood did not make her actions more endearing. "Sure Mom, be happy too." Chris trapsed off with Helen, Chris Sr. and Britney. Tom declined so that he could play host as other people arrived. The look Chris gave Tom, Tom knew he would pay later.
"You have seen the living area, dining room and kitchen. Off the kitchen is the family room and media room."
"Nice set up Chris," Chris Sr. said when he spied the 74" TV and theater seating. Britney gave Chris a shit eating grin. She would pay.
"Next to the family room are three bedrooms with access to the pool."
They went into the first bedroom. Helen gushed. "This is a beautiful room. It could be the master."
"It was the family room, the now media room was the master. It was a very awkward. Chaz flipped the two. He took the two upstairs bedrooms and office and combined them into a master suite with a sitting area. It is on the other side of the house."
"Smart to separate yourself from guests. How many beds does this place have and what is the square footage?" Chris sighed. His dad was always into details while his mother was into looks.
"The house has about 6,500 sq ft. It had five bedrooms, but now has four. We figured that we would never need five bedrooms since we have a two suite guest house with two bedrooms in each suite."
"You have a guest house?" Chris Sr. was surprised.
"Yes, with a couple of out buildings which we use for storage and for the backup generators. It has a couple of stalls for horses."
"Are you going to get horses? And a dog?" Britney was excited about that prospect.
"No, not now. Tom and I travel too much."
"What are you doing with your place in New York?"
"We are keeping, Dad. Like I said, Tom and I travel frequently and often spend significant time in New York." Chris moved them along. "This is bedroom two."
Shuffle them to the next room. "This is bedroom three. We can exit through the patio doors to the pool area."
"Nice to be in a warmer climate where you can use the pool year-round." Britney leaned over and ran her hand through the pool. "Think I can swim in it? You and Tom skinny dip?"
"You are welcome to swim here anytime. Tom and I need to leave for New York tomorrow. Friends there are having a reception for us tomorrow night, but Tracey has a key if you, him and a few of his friends want to swim here." Chris looked her sternly in the eyes. "You need a responsible adult supervising."
"Yes, Chris, I understand. And no booze or drugs."
"Righto Sis." Chris led them up the steps to the upper patio. Chaz and Boyd were placing massive vases of exotic flowers. "Those are beautiful." Chris stopped to smell. "Divine." This patio connects to the dining room and living area." But he did not enter. He took them on a slate path around bush monkey flower, hawthorn and blue elderberry to another entrance. "These doors go to our library and offices. Both Tom and I have management responsibilities at Dreamweavers-West besides modeling. This is why we decided to move here as our official residence. And before you ask Dad, the taxes are about the same." Chris opened the doors. His mother oohed and dad nodded approvingly and Britney snickered at the large penis in the middle of the room. Since no one mentioned it, Chris ignored it. "The stairs lead to the master suite."
"Glad we don't have a circular staircase. Gives me vertigo." Chris showed his father the elevator. "Still glad we don't have a circular stairs." His mother ran her hand over the carved dark oak doors. He swung them open. Chris thought these were the nicest rooms in the entire house.
"Chris this is amazing, and so you, comfortable, masculine, and elegant." Chris blushed at the compliment from his mother.
"No, Mom, it is us. Although Tom and I are very different, our cores share the same sensibilities."
"Yes, I can see that when he looks at you. He is madly in love with you. You deserve it." His mother started to cry. Chris pulled tissues from a drawer in a side table.
Chris hugged his mother. "Thank you, that means a lot to me." Chris took them to the hallway leading to the bedroom. "On the left is the bathroom." His dad loved the toilet. Then he went across the hall to the closet. "This is our closet/dressing room."
"Where are the clothes?" Britney asked. Chris pushed on one of the wood panels and it slid open. "Way cool."
Chris, with his family in tow, entered the master bedroom. "Beach, turn on the master wall." The stained glass wall glowed, the fireplace lit itself and Rachmaninov wafted through the speakers.
"Sir, I hope you don't mind that I added to your request since I thought you might like to show off several features of the room."
"Who the hell is that?" Chris Sr. pulled his wife closer to him as he looked for the person talking.
"That is our virtual butler, Beach. He basically runs the house. "Beach, could you pull out the clothing for Tom and I for our wedding?"
"Gladly sir." They walked back to the closet and two suits of clothes hung on the back wall.
"Damn, that uncorked the genie bottle." Chris Sr. exclaimed. They followed Chris into the sitting area and sat. The fireplace there burning too.
"Sir," Beach interrupted as Chris explained some of the features of the master suite. "Reverend Krenn, his wife and son have arrived and would like to speak with you and Master Tom."
"Why does he have a British accent?" Helen asked.
"Because I thought it would be fun to have a British butler. I told him of the character from P. G. Wodehouse. He researched himself and this is what I have. I think he even has a sense of humor."
"Sir, I am an algorithm. I do not have a sense of humor."
That got a chuckle from everybody as Chris led them down the stairs. Chris motioned them toward the kitchen, but his dad held him back.
"Chris, I want to tell you how proud I am of you. Despite having an old man that is an idiot, you have done very well for yourself. But more than that, I am even prouder that you fought to be who you are despite pressure to change yourself. I have had time to research and think about all this transgender business. I could have destroyed the person I love more than myself from ignorance and guilt. You have built yourself a network of loyal friends and family. You have found yourself a remarkable person to love and who loves you back. Can you forgive me. I only wanted the best for you. And I failed miserably." He stood there, swaying unsteady on his feet. Not knowing what to do next.
"Dad, I forgave you a long time ago. I knew that your actions were not from hate but misguided love. I always knew that I would have you back in my life. You don't know what it means to have you and Mom here." He pulled his dad into a tight embrace, both cried.
Tom coughed from the doorway. He was glowing at the sight of his soon-to-be husband and his soon-to-be father-in-law embracing. "Tony wants to go over our vows."
"Oh, yeah, got them right here." Chris broke slowly away from his father and rummaged through his desk.
Tom walked up to Chris Sr., put a friendly arm around him. "Thank you for being here. It truly makes the day special."
"Thank you son for loving Chris. He is very special to me and knowing that he has the love of a good person eases my soul."
"I do so much like crying at weddings." Chris said waving a manila folder at Tom. "Could you take our dad to the kitchen and we will meet with Tony in the office. I need a few moments to myself."
"Sure thing Hon." Tom kissed Chris in front of Dad, who smiled. A few minutes later Tony was in the office and the three reviewed vows.
"Before we return to the group, I want to thank both of you for helping Gab find himself. The time away with you to Napa Valley matured him into a focused and remarkable young man. Melody thinks you are miracle workers. I almost agree."
"We are delighted that Gab is finding himself. All we did is give him responsibility. That gave him confidence in himself and his artistic ability. Your son is a great artist. You and Melody have done well in encouraging that side of him. Too many parents would want their children in a more traditional career."
"Thanks, Chris. Melody and I have tried. I am of the firm belief that God gives a child his blessings at birth; it is up to the parents to help the child find those blessings. That is why my church tries to be more about embracing the individual than many other churches."
Chaz walked into the study. "Your house is starting to fill up. You may want to make rounds before you change."
Chris and Tom walked into the living area where the Powells and the three sons sat chatting with Helen Wentworth and Anda Greenwood. Claret flew over to hug both Tom and Chris. Helena Powell looked up. "Nice to see you again Chris and Tom. I love what you have done with the place. I hope you don't mind but Chaz gave us a tour of the downstairs. I am impressed. Chaz is a genius, but you know that otherwise you would not have hired him."
"Chaz, was a friend of Tom's from Chicago." Chris explained. "He moved to New York to expand his business. He did my place in New York, and insisted he do this one too. I and Tom had very little input, but he did do a brilliant job matching our tastes. So yes, he is a genius, but he was not hired. He hired himself."
"We would have been stupid to refuse." Tom added.
"And your caterer is the bomb," Conner Powell said without his usual condescension. "Where did you find them?"
"Again, friends from New York, who insisted to cater for this event. Louis is extremely talented. He and his boyfriend Ollie recently opened their own catering business. It is doing very well according to them. But people always want quality."
"You have an impressive set of friends. I wish they were on the West Coast. They would be booked for two years in advance. Give Wolfgang a run for his money. He needs the competition to increase his creativity."
"Chris has a knack for spotting talent. That is why he offered the job to Claret." Claret blushed at Tom's compliment.
"Yes, the job seems to be just what Claret needed to channel his energy. I always knew he would excel if he could find the right place." Bill Powell tipped his glass of white wine toward Chris. "I am very impressed at the video. You and Cecelie made. It is a work of art. And it will be a huge financial success. Dreamweavers will be a new force for talent in town."
"Yes, the video made me cry." Helena looked down at her wine.
"What video," Chris's mother asked. "He never tells me anything."
"That, alas, is the fate of mothers, Helen. Sons say nothing until they need our help." Chris smiled at his mother. She was so clueless that she was talking to one of the richest and most powerful women in Hollywood. "If you don't mind, we will watch it while you boys get ready for the ceremony."
"If you will excuse us, we need to greet other guests." Tom pulled me away.
"Your Mom seems to be settling down. Think we need to keep her in the cups?" Chris laughed as they walked into the kitchen to be greeted by Linc and Nat, Cecelie and Gab, who had a camera around his neck. He was to be the unofficial photographer.
Cecelie walked up to Chris. "Chris, I know it is your wedding, but would you mind if I sang after your vows."
"Cecelie, thank you for wanting to sing for our nuptials. It will make it very special." She murmured a thanks before fading away to join Nat and Linc. Jacob was talking to Chris's sister, rather flirting with. Chris was not sure about that but he felt his sister could handle herself. Ollie came over to reassure Chris that the food for the reception was done. It only needed to be taken out of the fridge and a few items popped into the microwave or oven for warming. Tony and Melody next found Chris to wish him well and not be nervous. If one more person said don't be nervous, he would be. He told Tony that there would be a song before the procession after the vows. Tony said fine as long as it didn't include stripers.
"Chris," Tom handed Chris a glass of wine. "relax, these are our friends. They want to wish us well not stress you to death."
"This is the young man that captured your heart." Chris did not recognize the older man. He was wearing a caftan, a solid dark lavender caftan that hid his girth. He fluttered his fingers like Cinderella with birds, toward Chris. "He is a beauty, Tom. Far above your usual. Did you drug him to marry you?" His laugh was overly florid, like funeral flowers.
"No Alexander, he actually captured me." Tom, rolling his eyes, looked at Chris. "This is Alexander Greenwood. I may have mentioned he is a gossip columnist here in L.A.."
Chris looked again at the man and saw the Greenwood eyes. "Alexander, a pleasure to meet you. I am so glad you could attend." Chris knew , from his mother, how to be socially polite.
"Oh Chris, the pleasure is all mine. My second cousin Tom and his family are so boring that there is never anything to write about them. But you my little cupcake are entrancing. You have been here only like a month and there are rumors about you and how enchanting you are." He leaned in closer to Chris, the cologne as thick as a teenage boy on his first date. "You are the minx who tamed my dour uncle. You have Helena Powell eating out of your hand. And that video with Cecelie." He fanned himself. "You are definite gossip material."
"I am flattered that I fascinate you, but you will find that I am boringly ordinary."
"Such genuine modesty, it is a rare commodity here. It is very refreshing, but you are not ordinary by a long stretch, and I will ferret out all your secrets."
"I have no secrets." Chris did not want to be rude but Alexander was stretching his limits.
Alexander gasped and clutched his breast. "My god, you don't." He took a step back like he might faint. then recovered. "I assume you know about the Greenwood trait." Chris did not respond. "My trait is to know when people are lying and to convince people to tell me the truth. You have not lied to me; you have only told me the truth." He stared at Chris then nodded. "I understand now. My dear boy you are a treasure." He kissed Chris's cheek. "Tom, take good care of this man. You are very lucky to have found him." With that he excused himself to mingle.
"That was weird." Chris said to Tom.
"That is my cousin and a Greenwood. That is what you are marrying into. If you want to run, now is your chance."
"Chris, Tom." It was Chaz. "Time for you to change. I have the attire for your dads, Chaz, Boyd, and your brothers in the second bedroom. And for Britney and you mothers in the new master guest. I will tell them they can change."
Chris and Tom went upstairs with Blaine, who had shown up with a boyfriend, Rusty. Blaine insisted on helping and talking.
"So, tell me about your date?" Chris said as he was buttoning his pale yellow tuxedo shirt with yellow sapphire studs and cufflinks. Tom's shirt was pale blue with blue sapphire studs and cufflinks.
"His name is Rusty, I met him at a Chamber meeting. He's an international corporate attorney. He speaks five languages, sophisticated, a little older than me and has a perfect cock." Blaine rushed saying. "He is so perfect."
"I'm very happy for you Blaine. Is it love?"
"Not sure, but very definite lust. We have a few things to work out, like who gets to top, but otherwise he is perfect."
"What about your career and his?"
"He is transferring to the Rome office so we can be together."
"Sounds like love to me, Blaine." Tom had finished slipping on his patten leather shoes. Chris and Tom both looked at Blaine waiting for the confession.
"Yeah, maybe."
Chris had Blaine tie his bowtie before slipping on the dove gray leather tuxedo that Ted, from Tuxed-In designed and made for both Chris and Tom. The blue forget-me-nots embroidered on the jacket set off Chris's robin's egg blue eyes. Tom's jacket was embroidered with lily of the valley. Chris looked at himself and Tom in the mirror. The jackets hung to almost knee length giving the feel of added height. The leather of the jacket and pants was soft like chamois. It was the most elegant and sensual garment Chris had ever worn. He and Tom looked stunning, if Chris said so himself.
"I think I'm ready," Tom turned toward Chris. "Wow, do we need to leave the bedroom?" Chris threw one of the matching grey gloves at Tom.
"This is it guys. No backing out." Blaine opened the door to the suite and led the pair down the stairs. The rest of the wedding party was waiting with Tony Krenn. They received a round of applause and a couple of wolf whistles from Boyd.
All the men in the wedding party had black tuxedos with shirts to match the side of the aisle they stood on. Chris's mother and sister, wore full length gowns the same color of Chris's shirt. The gowns were high waisted with a hint of cleavage. Each wore a single yellow sapphire on a gold chain. No one wore or carried flowers. They were not needed.
"It's 3. Time to get the show on the road," Tony said as he led Tom, Chaz and Linc out the office door to the upper patio.
Melody led Chris, Boyd, Britney and their parents to the kitchen where they would enter to walk from the pool patio to the upper patio and the waiting Tom. "Places everybody." Melody, from years of experience positioned the participants. Chris's parents on each side of him. Chris looked at both his parents. Stunned by how happy they looked. He never a year ago would have thought he would be marrying the love of his life in a formal wedding with his parents giving him away. The music started, Faure's Pavane. Chris was out the door and in front of the minister with no understanding how he arrived.
"Good afternoon friends and family of Chris Wentworth and Thomas Greenwood. Today we celebrate the joining of two souls in holy wedlock. I have performed many weddings, but seldom have I seen two people so devoted to each other. As we see them join together in love, a lasting bond, think of your bonds present or future. Tom, would you recite your vows."
"I, Thomas Greenwood, take Chris Wentworth as my consort and husband. What I have is his: my body, my mind, my soul, my love. I promise to protect and cherish him every day. I acknowledge that there will be difficulties; that is the way of the world. But I pledge to listen, compromise and never stop loving him with my whole soul." Tony Krenn said to place the ring on Chris's finger. "This ring is a symbol of my commitment to us. It is a weak symbol because nothing can convey my devotion to your happiness and welfare." Chris looked into Tom's eyes and needed ropes to keep him from floating away."
"Chris, your vows now."
"I, Chris Wentworth, take Thomas Greenwood as my consort and husband. You had my heart, body and soul from the first day we met. I see in you kindness, strength, courage, and love. I am humbled that you want to spend your life with me and pledge to always be worthy of your love. I know we will face challenges, but together we are stronger. I know we will face each other's egos and wills, but together we are one in honesty. I will not take your love for granted. I will earn it every day. I will not promise a thousand tomorrows, because who can say what tomorrow is. I pledge and vow to cherish each day with you until they stack up as high as Everest." Chris slipped the ring on Tom's finger. "This ring is just a token of my love for you. My heart encircles you stronger than this gold, but look on the ring to know the truth of that."
Tony paused to look at the two young men, then smiled at his wife. "By the power vested in me by the state of California and the blessing of God Almighty. I pronounce you married.
Cecelie voice broke the silence in pure tones.
There is a path through the forest
For those who dare to walk it
It is a path beset with evil
For those who dare to take it.
The forest path had sleeping robbers
The forest path has claws and fangs
But if walked not alone
A shield embraces both.
And if you find a companion
To walk the forest path
You are blessed, blessed, blessed
Upon the forest path.
Chris turned around with Tom to face family and friends. Chris's mother was crying, so was Tom's. Chris felt tears too as he felt the love toward him and Tom. He did not know how he deserved such love, but he was not going to deny it. The wedding party walked out and turned into the dining room, which had a bar and tables of food. Soon the crowd swarmed around Chris and Tom to offer congratulations. Chris lost track of all the people. He nodded and said thank you for coming. Someone, he did not know who, handed him a glass of champagne. As the crowd thinned around Chris and Tom to partake of the victuals. Tom pulled Chris into a tight hug. "Husband. I love saying it. You are my husband." They kissed to the applause of the crowd.
Chris and Tom circulated: talking to guests, sampling the food, which everyone raved about, and wishing everybody would leave. He found Ollie and Louis to thank them for their efforts. Helga, Stu, Dorn, and Miriam cornered both Chris and Tom. Helga gushed over how beautiful the ceremony was. Dorn liked how short it was. Miriam felt the coats. Chris was touched that they flew in to attend. Looking around, Chris noticed that his mother, Anda, and Helena Powell were missing. That could not be good.
"Attention guests," It was Beach. "Please escort the newlyweds to the family room. Thank you." That brought several chuckles, but did nothing to stop people from doing as directed.
Everybody crowded into the room. Extra chairs were set up, so no one had to stand. In front of the patio doors were two plush chairs, taken from the office. Helen called for Chris and Tom to come front and center and to sit their asses down in the chair. "I and Anda are tickled pink to see our sons so happy together. I thought I'd cry when our daughter Britney wed and be the bitch mother-in-law to my son's spouse." A few people laughed. "But Chris has found himself an amazing man to love and be loved back. There is nothing more a parent can wish for." Chris Sr. joined his wife. "I agree with my wife. It took me a while to appreciate what an amazing man our son is. I did somethings I deeply regret, But I wonder, as I look at my son and son-in-law, if the fates had a hand in creating this union. Chris went through his trial of fire. Rather than break him; it purified him." He wiped tears from his face. "Tom I want to officially welcome you as part of the Wentworth family. I do not need to instruct you to care for my son because I see that you do that with every fiber of your being. However, it never hurts to have embarrassing baby pictures as back up. So, this envelope, with flash drive, is for you." Chris tried to grab the envelope first, but Tom was faster.
Tom opened the envelope and pulled out one picture. "Oh my God, you 're so adorable in the cowboy outfit."
Chris looked at the photo. "Oh fucking no. not that one." He tried to rip it from Tom's hands, but Tom handed it to Tracey. Tracey chortled at the photo, gave Chris a thumbs up and passed it to his sister, who was sitting next to him. The photo made the rounds to chuckles and ooh so cute.
"Chris, Tom. Your father and I were stumped on what to give you for a wedding present. You are doing well for yourself and don't need the cash. We also don't know your tastes and didn't want to buy you something you thought tacky. Since the two of you travel so much, we have arranged a housekeeping and landscape serve for a year." Chris and Tom said that was the best gift ever. "When we had dinner in Chicago last. I mentioned my grandmother Glorissima Verde." Helen looked at the crowd, "She was touched. I thought touched. She said my first child would be a boy and would be special. That memory brought back the rest of the conversation. She asked me to give you this when you married the man you love." She handed Chris a quartz sphere about the size of a round quarter. The inside was fractured brown to look like a tree. She said it was a family heirloom and you would know what it means."
Anda stood and moved close to Helen. "Quent and I agree firmly with Chris Sr. and Helen about how happy we are that our sons found each other. Their happiness makes us all better because we can again believe in the power of love. Chris," Anda looked directly at Chris with a grin. "It would not be fair if you didn't also have blackmail against Tom. Here is an envelope with Tom's baby pictures."
Chris rushed to Anda and grabbed. "Mine." He tore open the top and pulled out one. picture. "This is way too cute. Little Tommy dressed for Halloween." Tom ground loudly. "He is an adorable Glenda the Good Witch." Chris bypassed Tom to hand the picture to Tracey.
"Nice one Tom. Doing drag at age five. I thought with your personality, you would have gone green." He passed the picture to his sister, who almost lost her bladder laughing. "I remember that. He was so insistent that Mom and Dad could not refuse." The picture made the rounds along with Chris's.
"Chris," Quent stood beside Anda, "I and Anda are so proud to call you family. I know it is a cliche to say that you have changed our lives for the better, but he has. I know that Chris Sr. might give you a little slack, but you better treat Chris right."
"Yes Dad," Tom loudly said, "I know who the favorite son is now."
"Damn right and don't forget it." Quent laughed. "Chris made an honest man of you. I am not proud to say it, but before Chris you were a slut. A kind, generous, smart, and handsome slut, whom we loved, but still not very discerning in bed partners."
"Tell me about it." Chris loudly added.
"How you convinced Chris to go on a date, I do not know."
"I will have you know." Tom stood. "Chris propositioned me. His first words were `hey baby got a light?'"
Chris stood to confirm the telling. "I did...and he has lit my fire since then."
"Way to get the man, Chris boy." It was Ollie.
"Back to the important shit." Quent refocused the room on him. "I wish both sons a long and happy life together. Like Helen and Chris Sr. we were stumped on what to gift our sons with. After consulting our other children, we know that this property has unused space. We are going to plant a vineyard on it for them." Chris's jaw dropped. He would have a vineyard.
"If you need help, let us know." Ramon yelled from the back of the room.
"I'll take you up on that."
Stu and Helga stood up as the parents sat. "Tom, Chris," Stu said. "I am so pleased that you found each other. I know you have challenges ahead, but together you prevail. The owners of Dreamweavers, that's Miriam, Dorn, Helga and I, have a gift for you."
"A vacation?" Tom yelled to the amusement of the audience.
"Why would I give a vacation to my two top models, who rake in the most money. Don't think so. Chris just signed the Ducati endorsement; I don't think he wants to return the bike."
"You have a Ducati motorcycle and didn't tell me. Can I drive it?" Tracey said leaning over Tom to face Chris with puppy dog eyes.
"Not touching it Tracey." Chris shot back.
"As I said, the owners of Dreamweavers value Tom and Chris for the hard work they do, the professionalism they display, and for the positive and supportive workplace they promote. They have never been prima donna, Tom early on was, but he was 16, has never refused an assignment in inclement weather or hostile environments. Chris came to us at the beginning of April and has blossomed into one of our best models and judge of talent. Tom took on the task of acquiring Dreamweavers-West. Tom, Chris, the board of Dreamweavers has unanimously voted to make both of you full partners with 10% ownership. This includes seats on the board of directors."
"Does that mean they need to be in Chicago more?" Helen gleefully asked.
"They are there often now, but are usually working. That will not change, but as a shareholder, they have a say about when the board meets, which is usually quarterly. we will make sure they have time for family." Neither Chris nor Tom knew what to say. This was way beyond what they ever expected.
Helena Powell stood up. "If I may say a few words. I met Chris on a plane from New York to L.A.. I found our conversation delightful. Naturally, we invited him and Tom to dinner. They enchanted everyone. Malvia sends her regrets, but she is on location. But she wanted you to have this." Helena handed Tom a small box wrapped in gold foil. Then she handed a similar one to Chris. "This is from the Powell family as a gift for the occasion, and your help with Claret. Looking at you two, I know the best comes in pairs."
Chris and Tom opened the gifts. It was a pair of black glass with deer in a forest. Chris knew the pattern because he had drooled over it in a book--Birches designed by Lalique.
"They are beautiful." Chris ran his hand over the satin glass. "They should look perfect in our bedroom on the mantel."
Chris and Tom hugged the Powell family, except for Claret, who gave each a kiss on the lips.
"If I could have your attention," Gab stood.
"This is starting to sound like a funeral where everybody gives a eulogy." Chris humorously moaned.
"Then you should have the courtesy to sit still and shut up." Gab barked back, the large smile contradicting the remark.
"Fine," Chris huffed and crossed his arms.
"I have not known Chris and Tom long. I met them when I was being a petulant son. They helped me find out how important family is, and what I want to do with my life." He stood, along with his parents, who were smiling so broadly with pride in their son. Behind them was a large cloth. Gab pulled the cloth off to reveal a portrait of Chris and Tom about four feet tall. Tom was leaning against a falling stone wall, surrounded by grape vines, in jeans and no shirt, holding Chris close to his chest, both arms around Chris. Chris was in white gauze shirt and pants that were almost see-thru. They looked at each other as if the entire world did not exist except each other. The location was from the trip to Napa Valley.
"This is beautiful Gab," Chris said as he studied the painting, the figures were realistic but the background became more unfocused until the background became white canvas. "I don't know what to say except thank you, and we will cherish it always. Tom where should we hang it?" It was either the bedroom, the sitting room or the living room. By a vote of several people the living room over the fireplace was chosen.
"Chris," Tom said, "do you know how fortunate we are to have one of the first Gab Krenn paintings. You know he is going to be a famous artist." Chris concurred and pulled Gab into a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you. It is too amazing for words."
Chris's attention was required by Ariel and Cedrick. "Chris, it is so good to see you again. Grandda sends his best. I told him we could Skype so he could watch, but that is too modern for him. He still thinks telegrams are the best way to communicate."
Chris laughed, "He will learn soon enough because I will demand it."
Cedrick chortled. "If anyone can, you can. But he sent gifts for you and Tom." Anda and Quent joined Chris and Tom. Cedrick handed Tom a small package and then Chris.
"I don't remember ever getting a gift from Grandda, except a tongue lashing."
"Lucky you, I got the switch." Cedrick replied with a laugh.
Tom carefully opened the packaged. Inside was a gold ring with an intaglio garnet. As Tom studied the ring he started to hyperventilate. "Fuck" He handed the ring to Cedrick.
Cedrick looked at the ring. "Tommy boy, it looks like you have been given the mantle."
"Why the fuck would he give me that? I mean, you have children, you are older. This is so many ways fucked up."
Tom's reaction caused a crowd to look his way. "May I?" Chris asked. Cedrick handed Chris the ring. "I don't understand, it is a very nice ring, and a prized heirloom."
"Chris, this is the heir's ring. It was given to the heir Lord Greenwood by Queen Elizabeth, Elizabeth I. Since then, the heir to the Greenwood estate has been given the ring. This means that Grandda has chosen Tom as his heir."
"Does that mean that Tom will become Lord Greenwood?" Chris's mother gasped and almost fainted.
"Yes, and inherit Thistledown and responsibility for the Old Man." Ariel handed Tom a glass of scotch, as Tom fumbled into a chair.
"I don't want it. I need to send it back."
The entire Greenwood clan laughed uproariously. "Not going to happen," Quent said. laying a reassuring hand on Tom's shoulder. I think Chris needs to open his gift. I have a feeling I know what it is." Both Ariel and Cedrick nodded in agreement.
Chris carefully opened the packaged. Inside a gilt box, on a velvet cushion was a ring. It was a gold ring, with an emerald on each side. Chris took it out of the box to show Tom. "We're fucked, royally fucked." Tom said with a bitter laugh.
Chris looked at Cedrick for an explanation. "This is the consort ring. Both rings were gifts at the wedding of the heir and his bride. The story goes that the heir, I don't remember his name, went to the Netherlands to fight on behalf of the queen with his friend Phillips Sydney. They met when they both studied at Shrewsbury. Sydney was killed in battle, and our ancestor held him as he died. His name was Thomas, I think I now remember, returned to England with the body and an intended bride. She was a beauty, a daughter of House of Orange. Of course, Lord Greenwood objected since she was not of solid English stock. The Queen intervened and they were wed. The rings were a gift to the couple. The bride did bring a large dowry, so that somewhat mollified Lord Greenwood."
"Think there is a painting of the two in the Tudor room." Ariel added.
"What do we need to do?" Chris looked around him. He did not see any way to not accept the rings nor the responsibility. In his bones he knew there was no choice.
"Not much we can do." Tom was still shaky. "Grandda has decided. I am sure the entire family knows by now. Are you OK with this? It is not anything we ever planned for."
"I, for one, think the decision is absolutely capital." Ariel was obviously thrilled, likely because it was not her and Cedrick. "But Chris, you will need British citizenship. You can have dual, like Tom."
"What does this mean for our jobs? Do we need to live on the estate?" The realization of what being heir presumptive meant was hitting Chris. He knew in his soul this was right. He looked at Helga, who was looking at Stu with an evil smirk. It did not bode well.
"You will need to live in England some of the time. Tom will be expected to participate in Parliament, the House of Lords, or he can designate a proxy. I don't think Grandda been to Parliament since Margret Thatcher." Chris appreciated Cedrick's information, but it did not make the thought of spending time in Europe and away from L.A. better. One consolation would be that he would have time to sightsee.
"What do we do with the rings?" Chris thought his ring was nice. It was, however, the age of the piece that made him nervous.
"We need to save them for our wedding at Christmas time. We will exchange them then." Chris mouthed a silent O. It did make sense.
"Do I need to call you your ladyship," Tracey teased Chris, which lightened the mood.
"Be careful or it's off with your head."
"Sorry Chris, you don't think you get a title. You will be plain old mister."
"Gather then that I will remain a punk from Chicago."
"You were never a punk. You just looked that way." Tom laughed. He would put the heir thing behind for now. It was his wedding day. "You're like a walnut. Tough on the outside, yummy inside." The celebration returned to its levity.
"Chris, Tom. Cedrick and I have a housewarming and wedding gift for you. We don't have any spare Turner's sitting in the attic," Gab's head turned at the mention of Turner. "Rather, we thought you might like this." She showed Chris and Tom a picture on her phone. "It will be delivered next week."
"Is that Slim's Orpheus fountain?" Chris's eyes light up with delight.
"No, it is a variation on it. It is designed to be part of a pool. The animals around the base jet into the pool. I've seen it and it is among his best works."
"Thank you so much, Ariel and Cedrick. Tom and I love it."
By 8:00, people were starting to leave. It was only the family, Chaz and Boyd, and Louis and Ollie.
"Louis and I were not sure what to get you for a wedding present. We decided to wait until we saw your home. We want to get you a convection steam oven."
"You'll love it. It does more than steam vegetables. It bakes and cooks meat. It's faster than an oven. Also, your Thanksgiving turkey will never be dry." Ollie put a hand over Louis's mouth. "His thing, and he'll ramble for years."
"Tom, Chris." Chaz snagged their attention from a discussion about wine. "Our gift you already have. It is your bed."
"We had extra heavy-duty springs included." Boyd winked at Chris. "What are your plans for Thanksgiving. We are hoping that you can spend it with us and C.T.."
"Guys we would love too, but we have family obligations." Tom said with a roll of his eyes and a frown.
"We will spend it with Tom's family in England. They have not been back for almost 30 years. Tom's siblings have never met their grandfather. It is important."
"Get it." Boyd stood and walked over to Chris. "I'm heading to bed. Got a long day tomorrow. Chaz and I are flying home. Miss our little shitter." He took Chaz's hand. Chaz said good night and left for the guest house. Ollie and Louis said the same and left. It only left both sets of parents and Tracey, Bette, Linc, and Britney, who were swimming.
"Guys," Chris's dad said. "That was one of the nicest weddings I have ever attended. Usually someone is drunk and obnoxious, or family is bickering. You both have solid friends. That is important. And hell, you are shareholders in your company. And both so young. You will have an amazing life together."
"Chris." His mother was getting into the act; Chris tensed. "I guess all the ballet lessons, piano lessons, and adult entertainment at our house paid off." Tom snickered into his Irish Mist. "Now, Tom, I didn't mean that kind of entertainment," Helen blushed but laughed. "Horny young men." She said to no one in particular. "Back on track. I feel much better as a parent watching you tonight and seeing some of what I taught you shine through. Being a parent is very hard work. You do your best and hope you don't screw up too badly." Chris said he thought both his parents did well considering that Chris was not a normal child. "Just remember when you have children. It is OK to make mistakes. Because somehow most kids grow up just fine." She looked at Chris with deep love. "You had Malvia Strickland give you a fucking wedding present. Wait until I tell the girls at work. My son is famous, and if they give me any shit about you being my son. They can all go fuck themselves."
"Who's fucking?" Britney entered the room with Tracey and his siblings very close behind.
"None of your business young lady." Helen snapped and sipped her Brandy Alexander.
"Chris, your sister is so cool. What happened to you?" Tracey plunked himself down on the sofa next to Chris. Chris shoved Tracey off the sofa, he landing on the floor with a loud smack.
"Tracey, I hate to say this but she is now your sister too." Tracey blanched at Tom's comment. Britney turned red also. Tom and Chris shared a glance.
Britney wormed her way in on the other side of Chris. "He's my brother-in-law. Not the same as brother. No genetics to birth troglodytes." Britney turned serious. "Chris, if I attend UCLA, can I stay here?"
"Why UCLA and why here and not on campus for the full college experience?"
"Good school and your place is so cool. I could house sit while you and Tom travel."
"We'll discuss it if you get accepted at UCLA. They have a very low acceptance rate--like 12%."
"I have excellent grades, have done extracurricular activities, and I have you. I am sure you know someone that can pull strings." The last was half teasing.
"Have you started the application?" Tom was curious.
"Yes, before you guys moved here. They have an excellent psychobiology program."
"You have looked at the admission requirements?" Quent asked. "They are more stringent than other California System schools."
"Yes, when I was a sophomore I thought about UCLA so I designed my high school program to exceed the requirements."
"You started planning for college when you were a sophomore." Tracey was flabbergasted by that thought. "I just started planning."
"Which is why you will likely not go to UCLA." Quent said with a laugh.
"I have an application for Columbia, their business school. If Britney can stay here, I can stay at your place in New York. Like house sit."
"It is rad, Tracey. You would love living there." Chris did not need Britney offering housing. "It would be perfect. Each of us would have a place to live. you would have your homes looked after. I mean you have your castle in England where you will be living most of the time."
"First of all, it is not a castle. Second, the place is not mine until my Grandda dies, which will be a century from now because he is so ornery. Third, you are too young to live by yourselves."
"Chris is only two years older than me and has two homes where he can live by himself." Britney counter argued.
"Chris is far more mature than you. And he was not alone. He has friends and neighbors who have his back. Who do you have here or in New York?" Tom was irritated, Chris knew because his ears were red and he enunciated each word. Chris thought it was cute.
"Britney," Chris Sr. had his father voice on display. "You are not moving into Chris and Tom's home. If you get accepted to UCLA, you will live on campus in a dormitory."
"And you Tracey," Quent had his arms crossed over his chest; his face was puffed. "Will not be moving into Tom and Chris's home in New York."
Britney and Tracey looked at each other then laughed outrageously. "It was worth a try." "Definitely." "No hard feelings." The adults, including Chris and Tom, just shook their heads.
"Dad, Mom?" Chris changed the subject. "When are you flying back to Chicago?"
"We are leaving Sunday afternoon. Why?"
"Tom and I need to fly to New York tomorrow. And we hate leaving you on your own."
"They will be fine," Anda said. "We have already asked them to spend tomorrow with us sightseeing, and we'll get them to the airport Sunday."
"We really appreciate your hospitality Anda and Quent. I am so happy we in-laws get along so well." Chris's mom was smiling at Anda like they had known each other for decades.
Chris and Tom looked at each other pleased that the parents got along so well too. "You will be attending the wedding in England?" Tom asked Helen and Chris Sr.
"We would like you there." Chris added.
"It's during Christmas break so I would not miss any school." Britney helpfully added.
"I don't know. It is the end of the year. The second busiest time for the year for an accountant. Tax season is busier. But I could work remotely. There is WIFI?"
"Yes, parts of the house have WIFI. Grandda doesn't even have a cell phone, but there is a business office on site. You would be expected to stay at the house. There is more than enough room."
"The place has more than 20 bedrooms." Chris added. "It is a large house. You will love it. It has furniture and art going back a thousand years. It has servants, who have been there forever." Chris looked to see if he was selling the idea. "It is a great experience for Britney--all that culture. And Mom, Dad, when was the last time you took a real vacation. Mom, you have always wanted to go to Europe."
"Fine, we will arrange it. We will need passports. Helen can you do that Monday?"
"The wedding is the day after Christmas, but Chris and I will be over earlier if you want to spend time playing tourist with us. I have a valid license; I'm sure Grandda will let us use the Rolls." Tom liked mentioning the Rolls.
"Your grandfather has a Rolls?" Chris Sr. was almost drooling.
"Actually, his father bought it just before the war. It is a beautiful white Wraith limo. Grandda rents it out for weddings otherwise he uses his Bentley."
"He has a Bentley too?" Chris Sr. was hooked on the trip
"Yeah, bought it in 1953 as an anniversary present for his wife."
Quent looked at his watch. "I think it is time to leave you boys to get some rest since you need to fly out tomorrow. How are you getting to the airport? Because we would be happy to drive you."
"Thanks," said Tom. "but Jacob from Dreamweavers is coming with the limo. Chaz, Boyd, Lois and Ollie are flying out with us. We have a section of the plane reserved so we can sit together."
"But do you want to have breakfast together?" Chris looked at the parents.
"We will go out for breakfast. Our treat." Quent said with Chris Sr. agreeing. "Say 9:00. Your friends who are staying here are invited too."
"It's a plan."
"I'm exhausted, husband." Chris giggled as he said `husband'. "But it was a perfect day. Thank you for marrying me, because I love you so much."
Tom crawled naked into bed next to Chris. "Beach, secure the house and grounds. All lights off except security lights. Master bedroom lights dimmed."
"Yes, sir." The lights in the bedroom had a soft glow.
Chris snuggled next to Tom. "I love you Chris Wentworth. When you said `I do.' you made me the happiest man in the world." He turned Chris to face him and kissed him on the lips, the only lips in the entire universe.