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THIS WORK DEALS WITH A FICTITIONAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TWO MEN. IF READING ABOUT HOMOSEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS OR SEXUAL CONTACT BETWEEN TWO MEN IS EITHER ILLEGAL IN YOUR AREA OR OFFENDS YOU, PLEASE DO NOT READY ANY FURTHER.
ANY SIMILARITIES TO ANY PERSON LIVING OR DEAD ARE PURELY COINCIDENTAL. THIS WORK IS ENTIRELY FICTITIONAL.
Guys I really appreciate all the great responses you've sent me after that the original posting of Daniel's Love. Because of these letters and the multitude of requests I am writing the sequel. Since these characters have taken on a life of their own, I'm not sure how long this series will continue but there are several more chapters to follow. Again, thanks for the encouragement.
DANIEL'S LOVE
Michael A. Raburn
Chapter 5
Over the next week we spent our afternoons lazily strolling around the neighborhood, checking the shops for gifts for our friends. Nina was the easy one to shop for; a quick trip to the local jeweler for gold anything and she would be happy. We also found a nice chunky chain for Robb at the same store. Mikey and Alan needed things for their new apartment so we found them a bedding set where we bought ours. Daniel insisted that we stop by the adult novelty shop for assorted lubes and a few toys for them as well. I think we ended up buying more for ourselves than for the other couple. We got so worked up discussing the uses for the various items on display that we ended up having to head home to experiment. But, hey, I was not complaining.
Mr. Garland's favorite vices were good cigars and fine bourbon so we packed up two fifths of the best with a box of his favorite smokes. Cornelia was the big problem. What do you buy for someone who has everything there is? Finally we settled on a selection of fine coffees, ten different blends from around the world. She could at least get her caffeine rush in assorted flavors.
I had wracked my brain to find just the perfect gift for Daniel. We agreed that we wanted to only exchange small gifts and not spend a lot of money on something that we would not use or enjoy. One afternoon when he went off to the library I rushed back to the jewelry shop to see if they had anything wonderful that he would appreciate. When we were there together I noticed him several times glancing at the displays.
"May I help you sir? The white-haired old jeweler asked. "Oh Paul, I'm sorry I didn't recognize you. Where's Daniel? I thought he was attached at the hip." He joked.
"I sent him off to the library to do a little research. Actually Dale, I needed to get him out of the house so I could find the perfect Christmas present." I laughed.
"Well, what did you have in mind?"
"I really like those." I pointed to the ring display. One set of rings drew my eye, double strands of gold and silver entwined in a slender braid.
"Paul, those are really pretty, but I sold that set earlier today, to a nice young man. Wouldn't you like something else? A nice chain or bracelet instead?" Dale was almost pleading, a strange look on his face.
"No, I really want those. Can you get another set?" I asked.
"Yeah, I can if that's what you want." He trailed off.
"Yep, that's it. I need a size ten and a size eleven. When can you have them ready?"
"It will take a couple of days. Come back Friday."
I handed him my charge card and again turned to look at the rings. Perfect, just perfect. Daniel would love them. Christmas was on Sunday so picking them up on Friday was no problem. I just had to remember to get back before the party we were having that night with the gang.
"Wake up, Daddy Bear." I heard through the fog of my dreams. Daniel was whispering in my ear between kisses. "It's time to get up."
"I'm already up. Who wouldn't be with your beautiful body lying across them?" I moved my hands up to caress his strong back.
"Merry Christmas. I brought us breakfast in bed." He gathered me in his arms and kissed me passionately, rubbing his hardon against mine. "Hmm, maybe breakfast can wait."
"Nah, I can't stand cold eggs." I said as I rolled us over, pinning him under me. "I think I'll just eat you. Merry Christmas, my Baby Bear."
We shared some more hugs and kisses then separated. He reached to bring the tray from the floor up to the bed. It was laden with crispy bacon, fluffy omelets and mixed fruit in champagne. We ate slowly, stopping frequently to exchange kisses and snuggles. When we finished he moved the tray back to the floor on his side of the bed. I reached over to the bedside drawer to retrieve his gift and placed it in front of him as he turned back with mine. I pulled him into my lap, wrapping my arms around his back.
"Daniel, I love you so much. You stole my heart that first night we met. We've been through lots of ups and downs, good times and bad these last six months. I don't know what I would do without you in my life."
"Paul, you know I feel the same way. You saved me in so many ways. I can't imagine a life without you. I love you."
I picked up my gift for him, urging him to unwrap it. As he began tearing off the paper, I took a deep breath.
"Baby, will you marry me?" I whispered.
His eyes shot up from the blue velvet box to meet mine. He leaned in to kiss me.
"Oh, Paul, of course I'll marry you." He lifted the lid that held the matched set of bands and began to laugh. I took the smaller of the two rings and placed it on the third finger of his left hand.
"What's so funny?" I asked after I kissed him.
"Here, open yours. Looks like we had the same idea."
Under the wrapping I found an identical box from the same jeweler. Opening them I realized why he was laughing. He had been the nice young man who purchased the rings I had chosen.
"Umm, Daniel. What, why?"
"Paul, if you hadn't beaten me to the punch I was going to ask you." He giggled.
"Well, go ahead."
"Paul, will you marry me?"
I nodded as he slipped the ring on my finger.
"I love you, baby. Now, how about dessert?" I eased him out of my lap, pulling him around to lie on top of me. My hands caressed down his back and into the waistband of his boxers, pulling him to me. We made love gently, slowly then slipped into a nap, wrapped in each other's arms.
"Daniel, I'll take the other set of rings back tomorrow."
"No, Paul. Look." He took the other ring that was my size and slid it on my finger. The two meshed perfectly together lying side by side. The pair seemed to be one wide band and not two separate units. I reached around to find the other box then slipped the mate on Daniel's finger. They reminded me of our relationship; we were so good together, incomplete apart. It really had turned out to be the most wonderful Christmas of our lives.
"Paul, baby, wake up. The phone is for you." I unwrapped my arms from around Daniel's strong body and sat up.
"Huh? Who is it?" I asked, groggily trying to wipe the sleep from my eyes.
"It's Margaret Johnson. She sounds upset."
"Hello, Margaret what's wrong? It's...three o'clock for God's sake." I asked.
"Paul, I'm so sorry to wake you and Daniel, but I've got a problem. Can I come over?" It was obvious she was upset and sounded like she had been crying.
"Sure, come on. We're up now."
"Okay, thank you so much. We'll be there in about twenty minutes."
"Be careful." I said as I replaced the receiver and turned to Daniel.
"Baby Bear, we need to get dressed. Margaret sounds upset."
As we were pulling on some clothes I explained what little I knew about the phone call. Daniel went off the kitchen to make coffee and I went through, turning on the lights and unlocking the front door. I had just flipped the switch for the lights out front when Margaret's car pulled into driveway. I ran out to greet her and was shocked at the sight as she pulled herself from the car.
"Daniel! I need the first aid kit! Hurry! Margaret, are you okay, what happened?" She staggered from the car and into my arms. She had red splotches forming on her face where someone had hit her; her dress was soaked down the front with blood.
"I'm all right. Get the kids." She gestured to the back seat of the car.
Daniel came running out of the house, first aid kit under his arm. "Oh god, Margaret, what happened?"
"Daniel, help Paul. I'm okay." She took the kit and urged him towards the car.
As Daniel ran up behind me, I opened the back door to a sight that made our hearts stop, two boys, about fourteen years old huddled together. Their faces were bruised and covered in tears, their hair matted with blood.
"Boys, I'm Paul and this is Daniel. We need to get you in the house and get you cleaned up." I tried to speak as softly as possible to not alarm them.
"No! Don't take him away from me!" one boy yelled as I tried to pull them from the car.
"We're not going to hurt you and we're not going to take anybody away from anybody. Okay?" Daniel asked, reaching out his arms.
They looked at each other then nodded. Climbing up into my arms one of the boys wrapped his arms around my neck and his legs around my waist. I stepped back and the other boy practically jumped into Daniel's arms, reaching out his hand for the boy in my arms. We moved towards the house side-by-side, linked by the clutching fingers of the youngsters.
Margaret led the way to the kitchen, introducing us to Kyle and Jason. We sat the boys on the bar and began to examine them for wounds. Other than the bruises and a few small lacerations to their heads, nothing seemed to be too extensive. Kyle's neck showed evidence that someone had attempted to strangle him, bruises ringing his shoulders and neck. At least there were no broken bones.
"Margaret, shouldn't we call the police? We need to get a report on file." I asked.
"No, please don't call them, they'll make us go back." Kyle began to cry. Jason moved to pull the smaller boy into his arms, whispering into his ear.
"Kyle, Jason, come on let's get you both in the shower and get all that blood off you. We'll talk about it in the morning." Daniel said.
"Baby, get the camera first, we need to get some photographs just in case..." I urged.
After we took a few shots of their faces, we helped them remove their shirts, revealing more bruising. Daniel took several shots of their chests and backs then turned his camera to Margaret. While he was finishing up with her I ushered the boys to the master bathroom and started the water to warming.
"Okay, boys, get in the shower and try to get all the gunk off you. I'll go get some clothes for you to wear. Be right back."
"Thank you Mr. Paul." Jason hugged me.
"Yes, th, thank you for helping us." Kyle moved to join our embrace.
I held them for a few seconds before ushering them into the shower. "In you go. Be careful and help each other get clean. Use plenty of soap and shampoo; just don't be too rough on your scalps. You don't want the cuts to start bleeding again." I closed the sliding door after them, gathered up their bloody, torn clothing and headed for the laundry room. Standing in front of the filling washer I emptied their pockets onto the dryer then dumped their clothes in with plenty of detergent.
"Paul, are you okay?" I turned to see Margaret holding an ice bag to her swollen face.
"Who...who could do this to them. To those sweet boys?" My voice caught in my throat. My vision blurred as the tears threatened to stream down my face. "No, they need us now." I swiped my hand at my face, brushing away the tears.
Daniel appeared in the doorway carrying two sets of his sweat pants and shirts. From the look on his face I could tell he was as disturbed as I was. Hearing the water stop in the shower, we turned back to the bathroom to check on our charges. They were slowly drying off with the fluffy towels I had laid out for them.
"Here you go guys. These are probably too big, but they'll do for now." I said. I moved to help Kyle dress in the oversized clothes; Daniel helped Jason. When they were clothed I returned with them to the kitchen to bandage their wounds while Daniel and Margaret turned down the blankets in the guest bedroom.
"Okay, guys. Ready for bed?" I asked.
"Yes, sir." Jason replied, reaching out to catch Kyle's hand. "We're ready."
Daniel and I tucked them in, ruffling their hair as we pulled the blankets up under their chins. Jason swatted at Daniel's hand, then pulled him down for a hug. Kyle faintly smiled up at me as I leaned over to kiss his forehead. As we turned to leave I glanced back at the boys to see them moving towards each other in the middle of the bed. Pulling the door closed behind us I noticed that Kyle had turned to spoon his back to Jason's chest, pulling the stronger boy's arms around him.
"Good night, guys." I said, the tears I had fought back earlier streamed down my face. Daniel moved to embrace me, leaning his head on my shoulder as sobs wracked his frame. We held onto each other, trying to regain our composure, yet hurting for the brave boys.
"I don't know about the rest of you, but I need a drink." I said, walking towards the kitchen. Daniel and Margaret agreed as I moved to take glasses from the cupboard. After pouring three strong brandies, I moved towards the den.
"Margaret, why can't I call the police? What happened tonight?" I asked, settling beside my lover on the sofa.
"Jason's father is a police officer and he and Kyle's dad are big buddies. That's why they are so afraid of the police. They're sure that they will have to go back to their homes if we file a report. Kyle's dad found a letter that Jason had written expressing his love for Kyle. From what they told me, his dad went ballistic and started beating up on him when Kyle got home. He tried to strangle Kyle until he passed out. Kyle woke up a little while later on the lawn, his father had thrown him out not knowing whether he was alive or dead. By the time Kyle got to Jason's house his father had already called Jason's dad. Jason managed to call me before his father busted through the bedroom door and started hitting him with his nightstick. When Kyle rang the doorbell, Jason's dad stopped hitting his son and ran to attack the other boy. Jason somehow got between them before Kyle could be hurt anymore. They ran away and hid in some bushes nearby. When I got there Jason's dad punched me a few times before the neighbors came out to see what was happening. I stumbled back to my car to find the boys hiding in the backseat. I wasn't sure what to do or where to go, so I came here."
"What do we do now?" Daniel asked.
I picked up the phone and began dialing numbers, glancing at the clock. I hated to wake Bruce, but what were attorneys for if you could not call them when you needed them. After several rings his wife answered the phone. I apologized for calling so late then began to explain the situation to her. I could hear her waking Bruce in the background, telling him to get on the phone and start making phone calls. We talked for a few more minutes exchanging ideas before hanging up.
"Margaret, can you call your friend the judge and a couple of your social worker buddies? Bruce wants to meet with them here as soon as possible. Daniel, do we have the stuff to make breakfast for everybody? I need to call Alan and Mikey and get them here too."
Margaret and I finished our calls at about the same time and joined Daniel in the kitchen. He already had a good start on breakfast, but Margaret jumped in to slice some fruit as I placed dishes on the counter. Less than thirty minutes later the doorbell rang.
Opening the door to Bruce and his wife I was amazed to see Police Commissioner Evans and his wife with them. We had barely finished introductions when Judge Nelson arrived with a court reporter. Alan and Mikey pulled in the driveway, followed by a car with two middle-aged ladies, presumable the social workers. I ushered everyone in to the kitchen, introducing them to Daniel and Margaret.
The thirteen of us filled our plates and moved to the dining room. Daniel passed out coffee to everybody and started the third pot of the morning. We settled down and Margaret retold the story of what had happened before they arrived at our house. Daniel and I filled out the exposition by explaining the extent of the boy's injuries and showing everyone the photographs we had taken. Thank goodness for digital cameras.
The commissioner took out his cell phone and started making calls, as did the judge. While the big boys planned the strategy for helping our children, funny how I had begun to think about them as "our" children, Daniel and I talked with the social workers. We were working on a strategy to have the kids placed somewhere safe, where their fathers could not get to them.
Commissioner Evans finished first, telling us that warrants had been issued for the arrest of the fathers. Because of their involvement with the police force the GBI had been called in to help with the investigation. Judge Nelson hung up to hear the last of Evans' statement. He needed to get back to the courthouse to sign the papers that were being drawn up. Restraining orders had been issued preventing the fathers from coming near the boys, Margaret or us. Temporary custody had been granted to Daniel and me. When we told him that we had not started the paperwork on the foster parents certification he explained that had been handled as well.
Everyone tried to reassure us that we could handle all the upheaval that had come into our lives and that they would do their part in helping keep the boys safe. The Evans and the Nelsons were the first to leave, followed closely by the social workers. Mikey offered to drive Margaret home since I wanted to talk to Alan about some security measures for the house, but she declined. After she left Alan set the alarms then he and Mikey urged us to go back to bed and get some more sleep. They would stay around and clean up some while we rested. Daniel and I hugged them both then set off for our bedroom.
We had only been asleep a little while when I felt someone tugging at my shirt. I opened my eyes to see Jason and Kyle standing hand in hand beside the bed. I reached over to move Daniel over some, opening a space between us for the boys. He barely opened his eyes before reaching down to lift the covers, inviting the boys in with us. They settled down between us and were asleep embracing each other before I had tucked the covers back around them. Daniel and I turned on our sides entwining our fingers, our arms around the boys.
"I love you Daniel." I whispered.
"Hmm, you too, Daddy Bear."
"Cornelia, what are you doing here? Why didn't you call, we could have picked you up at the airport." I laughed as she breezed in through the doorway.
"That's what chauffeurs are for, dear." She said as she dropped her handbag and coat on the chair in the entry. "I hear I'm a grandmother." She laughed as the driver brought in her luggage.
"Well, not officially, yet." I said, hugging her. "Daniel, mom's here." I yelled towards the kitchen.
"Cornelia, what a surprise." He rushed to hug her.
"Came to see my grandkids, cutie. Where are they?"
"Out back, come on. I just brewed fresh coffee."
"Bless you, my child." She giggled.
Since it was one of those unseasonably warm January days we had been having breakfast on the patio when Cornelia rang the bell. Jason and Kyle were just finishing up when we returned.
"Jason, Kyle this is Cornelia Garland. She is sort of an adopted mother to both of us." I explained to the boys.
"You two are so cute. Come here and give granny a hug."
"Granny?" Kyle asked. Through the weeks they had been with us their wounds had pretty much healed, only faint bruising was left around Kyle's neck. I realized that the psychological wounds their fathers had inflicted would take years to heal, if they ever did. Jason was the more outgoing of the two, ever protective of his Kyle. Kyle, while shy around strangers had begun to open up to Daniel and me and proved himself to be the joker in the family. We had had several discussions about what they wanted and needed in life. We had talked to both the boys together and separately. Jason and Daniel had been to the park to roller blade a few times, giving them time to forge their bond. Somehow they had been drawn together just as Kyle and I had formed a special bond. They both were assured that they could come to either or both of us with problems or questions but I guess they felt more comfortable with the one-on-one that had developed.
We had been shopping several times, augmenting the clothing the social workers had retrieved from their homes. They were both settling into our little household quickly. The guestroom had become their space, somewhere they felt safe and that belonged to them. We had only stipulated that they keep it clean and relatively neat. Daniel and I had wondered just last night what it was that we did before they came into our lives.
"Boys, after you done giving granny her hugs, please clean up out here and put the dishes in the dishwasher. I'll finish up and start it later." Daniel said, returning from the kitchen with the coffee pot and a mug for Cornelia.
"Yes, sir." Jason responded.
"So polite too." Cornelia added.
When the boys left with the dirty dishes she turned to me.
"When are you due in court?"
"How did you know about that?" I asked.
"I have my ways. I want to be there to support you both, well, all four of you now. I'm not sure what it will matter to the judge, but I can sling around my weight if it is needed." She joked.
"We have to be at Family Court at two o'clock this afternoon. The families have pretty much washed their hands of the kids. They don't want anything to do with two little "perverts" as they so kindly put it." Daniel responded, bitterly.
"Fools." She muttered as she reached for the phone. "Cornelia here, two o'clock, Family Court. You bring the big guns? Yes, see you there."
"What are you doing?" I asked.
"Hmm, wait and see, darling. Paul, can you get the kids ready? Daniel and I need to run a little errand before court." She asked.
"Yes, but I don't understand."
"All will be revealed, in time." She giggled.
The driver returned Cornelia and Daniel after their little errand and we all set off to the courthouse to meet Bruce and the social workers. The boys were dressed in their new blazers and slacks but kept pulling at the ties I made them wear. Bruce met us outside the assigned courtroom and asked if we were ready. He had explained that the judge wanted to formalize the custody decree for the next six months until the issue of adoption could be discussed and decided.
"In the matter of Jason Hughes and Kyle Tollson, are all the parties represented?"
"Actually, your honor, no. The boy's families have chosen to not attend these proceedings nor have they sent their attorneys." Replied one of the caseworkers.
After a brief exposition of the particulars of the case the judge asked the caseworker to examine the inquiries that been made into our lives. She explained that background checks had come back clean, no incidents in our pasts in any way detracted from us being certified as foster parents. The necessary checks of our home were clean and their office felt we were up to the job required. The only item that was up for question was the fact that neither Daniel nor I had a job in the traditional sense and as such they were unable to verify our income.
When Bruce called Mrs. Garland to the stand to question her about my involvement with Garland International the judge made a point of thanking her for her appearance, seems her husband and the judge were old friends. She explained what I had been commissioned to do for the corporation and the deadlines that were to be met. When the judge asked about the payment for the commission I was floored by her response.
"The total amount of the commission, less River Park Gallery's percentage was deposited this morning into Mr. Jamison's and Mr. Scott's joint account." She stated, producing the deposit slip to back up her testimony. "And, Judge Nelson, if I may continue?"
He nodded his assent.
"I have known Paul and Daniel since June and want to personally vouch for them as decent, hardworking young men. In many ways they have become the sons that I never had. And those two wonderful young men, Jason and Kyle are already my grandchildren in spirit if nothing else. If they ever need anything that Paul and Daniel cannot give them, well, that's what grannies are for."
Bruce next called Marcie to the stand to testify about Daniel's novel and the potential earnings when it was published. She also offered a glowing reference, vouching for our position in the community, and then was excused.
There was a slight commotion at the back of the courtroom as the bailiffs ushered in several people.
"Judge Nelson, your honor, I would like to apologize for being so late for these proceedings. Our plane was delayed in landing here in Atlanta."
"Mr. Avery, welcome to my courtroom. Seems these gentlemen travel in some pretty powerful company." The judge laughed.
"If I may, sir?" Mr. Avery asked.
"Certainly."
"When I heard about Paul and Daniel and their situation with Jason and Kyle, I, well, we felt it necessary to come here to support two of the finest members of the Avery family. We could not allow them to not be represented by the entire Board in this matter. We all feel a debt of gratitude for these special men and what they have done for The Avery Foundation. During a meeting on the flight down, we unanimously elected them both to take their places as board members of The Foundation."
As surprised as I was by Cornelia's revelation about the money, Daniel and I both were totally caught off guard by Mr. Avery's statement. I could only squeeze Daniel's hand as we both fought back the tears that were welling up in our eyes. I caught a quick glimpse of Cornelia and realized that she too was just as surprised.
"Thank you for your testimony, Mr. Avery. Now, in the matter of certification of Mr. Jamison and Mr. Scott, I rule that they are so certified. Now to you Mr. Hughes and Mr. Tollson, is there anything you wish to say before I formalize the custody decree?" Judge Nelson asked of the boys.
Daniel turned to look at me as Kyle stood to address the court. We were both surprised that he and not Jason would speak for them. We had not talked to the boys much about the proceedings, as we knew very little about them ourselves. No one had suggested that they would have to speak to the judge like this.
"Your Honor, Mr. Paul and Mr. Daniel have been wonderful to both of us these past few weeks. They took us in when our father's beat us up. They cleaned and bandaged our wounds, made sure we had enough to eat and a safe place to sleep. And they helped us realize that we are worthwhile people, that just because we are gay and we love each other that there is nothing wrong with us. There were so many times that Jace and I felt we were not worth anything because of what our families had done, but Paul and Daniel were always there to talk to us, to make us feel better about ourselves. I don't think we know anyone who we would rather call 'parents' than Paul Jamison and Daniel Scott. Thank you."
When he turned to look at me I saw tears streaming down his cheeks. Jason's face mirrored his love's as he too turned to look at Daniel and me. Of course, both of us were also quietly crying and clutching each other's hands.
"Then if there is no objection. Especially since the parents of these boys did not bother to make an appearance. I award custody of Jason Hughes and Kyle Tollson to Paul Jamison and Daniel Scott." The judge proclaimed, his gavel striking the desk.
Kyle and Jason ran to our waiting embrace as the courtroom erupted in cheers. We hugged, laughed and cried all at the same time, as our little family was certified legal by the courts.
TO BE CONTINUED...