Disclaimer: This story concerns mainly homosexual men and their lives, relationships and sexual activities. It was inspired only by my visions and invention. This tale is entirely fictional. If there are any similarities to actual people, places or events, it is purely coincidental. If you are under 18 or if reading this story would be illegal for you in your area or if you don't like the subject matter, please leave now. Always be SAFE. Otherwise read on and I hope you enjoy.
The Dukes of Windsor 2004 by Paul H. Daventon. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author. If you are enjoying this story, write to me at dukesofwindsor@juno.com
When you write, please put "Dukes" or "Dukes of Windsor" in the Subject line so I concentrate on story email. Thanks, Paul.
THANK YOU I'd be remiss if I didn't thank David and Allen for editing the chapters of this story. They have made the writing smoother, more correct and easier to read.. Thank you guys so much for your help and your encouragement, keeping me on the path. Love you forever. Paul Daventon
AUTHOR'S NOTE: The Dukes and Duchess of Windsor has 38 chapters and the story is finished. I will put a chapter on each week if all goes well. P.D.
========= Chapter Six =========
The following morning, Saturday, was warm for a late September which was building into a chilly Fall. The three young men in Steve and Becky's home awoke early, about 7 a.m., rising and showering. Matt and Hardy showered together in the master suite bath where Steve had been before them. From the aromas in the air, they knew he was in the kitchen making breakfast for them, and they hoped he'd asked Gary from next door, too.
Matt stepped into the huge shower space, four heads spewing warm water from all directions, followed by Hardy who pressed himself against Matt's back, his hard cock thrust between Matt's thighs, nudging his balls..
"Wolfie, we can't take the time now, lover. The aromas we smell mean that Steve practically has our breakfast on the table."
"Aw, Matty, I just wanted to .... oh, well, maybe this afternoon, ok?"
"Absolutely, babe, and tonight, too." He turned to hold Hardy, kissed him and broke away. "Come on, man, we need to get moving."
They finished washing, then used the fluffy towels they found to dry their bodies, wiping each other's back and butt.
"Hey, Matt, I just remembered, I have a white tie and tails tuxedo suit at home. I could get that and use it with the Dukes, if you would like to come with me."
"Where's your home?"
"Oh, guess I never told you, did I? My mother lives in Upper Arlington at the new golf course. Her house is next to the fifth tee."
Matt questioned Hardy, "Have you called your mother to see if she would be home?" His mind was working. Hardy's family name was Wolfe, so his mother's name should be Wolfe, and in Columbus Wolfe is a well-known name. The family has been prominent for many years as business, financial and cultural leaders. They were connected with the Columbus Dispatch for many years and a city park on the east side was named Wolfe Park. The park was between Broad St., north and Franklin Park South, and followed along Alum Creek and the Bexley City line on the east.
He thought, 'This young man I'm getting very close to could have a very secure financial background ..... or maybe not. Doesn't really matter. Guess I'll just follow along with my man.'
"Why don't you give her a call and ask her if we can come to see them, or wouldn't they be up yet?" He wondered, "Would your Dad be home?" As he said that, Matt was looking at Hardy's face, watching his expression change to an anxious one.
"Ah, I'm sorry I haven't talked about my family. After my father left my mother for another woman, they divorced and he is still a big wheel in Columbus as usual. Mother got a great settlement but I'm out one father, even though he never paid much attention to me anyway." He took a large breath, "Matty, I've never really come to terms with the situation, I've put off thinking about the effect of the divorce on me." He seemed to close in upon himself, but also moved to hold Matt.
Matt took Hardy to his naked body, trying to console him, to comfort him, holding him tight. He looked at the doorway and Steve was there, starting to say something. Hardy was facing Matt, away from the door. Matt put a deep frown on his face and waved at Steve to go away. Fortunately he understood and mimed going downstairs to eat. Matt nodded slightly.
"Hardy, what can I do for you? Can we go to see your mother?"
Hardy sniffed, pressed his cheek against Matt's. "Yes, we can do that. I'll settle down in a minute." He tried for a warm smile and came close.
Matt slapped Hardy on his bare butt, then squeezed him forcefully.
"Ok, babe, let's get dressed and have breakfast." He moved away and was surprised by Hardy giving his butt a hard slap. "Ouch, damn. I guess I better be careful of what I do to you."
Both of them ate well of Steve's breakfast cooking and the three of the talked about all sorts of subjects. Without warning the back door swung open and Gary stormed in, yelling, "Hey where's my breakfast, Stevie. I'm famished."
The three men sitting at the table pretty much empty of food, laughed and laughed. Steve got up, walked to Gary and apologized, "I'm sorry, Gary, we ate too much, I guess," he solemnly pointed at the table, "we didn't think you were coming. We are just finishing what's left, don't you see?"
Gary's face exhibited his lack of understanding, and a real fear that he wasn't going to get any food. "Jeez, Steve, I thought ..... ah .... " He exploded, "Damn you, Steve, one of these days you are going to pull one of these stunts and I'll .... I'll ..... oh, shit," and he broke out in gales of laughter. "Get me a chair and bring me FOOD 'cause I'm gonna eat .... NOW."
Steve gave Gary his chair, got him some coffee and pulled a hot plate scrambled eggs and bacon from the oven. He embraced Gary before he sat down with a kiss on his delectable, bow-shaped lips. Gary's lips would have looked perfectly at home on a woman, if in fact they closely resembled his sister's. This was in spite of the fact that nothing about Gary looked feminine, just the opposite. No, he didn't look like an ape, just a handsome, masculine man.
Hardy left to try to get his mother on the phone. Matt heard him talking and assumed that she was home. "Guys, we are going to visit Hardy's mother in Upper Arlington. Hardy has a white tie and tails outfit which we need for the Dukes, so we'll pick it up. Probably won't be back until early afternoon. Don't fix anything for us for lunch, we'll catch something while we are out."
Soon after Matt and Hardy left, Steve and Gary spent a good hour muscling Matt's statue back into the studio. Steve had gotten a large hand cart with oversized wheels made to transport his heavy marble sculptures and he had made a ramp to get Matt's stone image into the house and out again.
Coming back into the house, Steve suggested some coffee before they cleaned up.
"Sounds good to me, Steve. Would there be any of those sweet rolls that Becky made the other day? They sure were good," Gary wheedled at Steve, smiling sweetly. "Pretty please."
"Damn, Gary, all I've seen you do since I met you is eat with a capital 'E-A-T'. And yet you don't seem to gain any weight. How do you do it?"
"Oh, clean living, I guess," Gary teased, "and a pure heart." He started laughing heartily, happy to stick it to Steve once in a while. Actually, that's what he'd like to do, soon.
The two young men sat and ate, sipping their coffee, just quiet for a while. Gary looked at Steve, "My friend, I can't believe how close to you I've become in just two weeks. I give you your due, you haven't forced yourself on me or put any pressure on my feelings. Maybe I will come to a decision in my mind soon."
"Thanks, Gary, I'm in much the same position. However, I'm under a different set of circumstances than yours. Let's keep the faith, my friend." Steve smiled lovingly at Gary, "Why don't you save time, Gary, and go clean up in our shower. I'll be along in a few minutes after I give Becky a quick call. Oh, get some clean clothes out of my dresser, we're about the same size."
"Ok, sounds good to me."
"Hi, is Becky there, Mom? Could I talk to her?" Steve liked Becky's parents a great deal, in fact, if he were honest, he would admit he liked them better than his own. His parents, and Matt's, were good people, but very quiet, so laid back that they rarely did anything with them as a family. They tried extra hard not to influence their boys in any way. Steve and Matt thought that was just what parents were for.
"Hi, hon, how's it going? And how're the kids?"
He listened to their activities, then asked how she was feeling. Becky had not been up to par the last few weeks, feeling so wiped out and exhausted. Her doctors hadn't found anything.
"No dizzy spells? That's good. Yes, Matt and his friend came down. They are out running around to see his friend's mother."
"Yes, Becky, I hope they can make it and stick together. He's got a good one, I'm sure."
"Oh, not much, Gary's been over to help me in the studio. Move heavy stuff, you know."
"Yes, I made my special breakfast for all four of us this morning, we had a great time." He asked a loaded question since he didn't want Becky driving home with just the kids. "When are you coming back, dear?"
"I'm glad your Dad is driving you back. We'll buy him a plane ticket home for Monday."
"Ok, you go corral the kids. I miss you, too, dear. Talk to you later. Love you."
Gary was thoroughly enjoying Steve's shower, the four multidirectional shower heads and nice warm water. He was luxuriating in it, indulging himself at Steve's expense, thinking that maybe he'd have one of these showers constructed in his own master bath, but suddenly he was startled out of his fantasy.
Gary felt a very large cock slide itself between his buttocks. He could easily tell that a naked man had come up behind him, holding him and caressing his whole body front, from his pecs down to his fast rising cock and balls.
"Oh, Steve, that feels so good. You are going to make me break my resolution to go slowly, to take my time with you." He turned to face Steve, then ran his hands down Steve's back to tenderly cup his buttocks, so full and meaty, yet superbly malleable and supple. He couldn't get enough of Steve's feel, his bodily strength along with his concern for his partner.
"Gary, I talked to Becky, just normal stuff, but while I was doing it, I couldn't help considering her relationship with me and our connection, yours and mine. I have to tell you, I can't live without you, Gary, if you will have me. I know our coupling will take so much self control and deviousness, too. I will hate to deceive Becky, but I just need you, my dear friend."
"And I you, Steve, you have worked your way into my heart and soul, not your fault except that's the way you are. I love you so much. We'll just have to find a way." He giggled, "In the meantime I'd be so pleased if you would send that great cock up my chute to put out the fire in my ass. Please, Stevie." Gary leaned his hands against the wall of the shower, shoving his ass back toward Steve and that eight inch monster cock.
Gary was pleased to feel Steve's hands pull his buttocks apart, his crack opening up to reveal his brownish-red asshole, so wrinkled and spasming rhythmically in expectation. Steve stuck his face deep into the cleft between the two round orbs, massaging them while his tongue searched out the little bud, surely too tiny to permit Steve's cock to enter. As his tongue managed to pierce Gary's sphincter, Gary moaned, wriggling his body, feeling the shocks flood his nervous system through his whole body but especially his crotch, balls and cock. His sensual stimulation was reaching new heights, his cock harder than ever, draining a flow of precum to the shower floor.
Steve was enjoying Gary's anal pucker, tasting some soap flavor, but also some of Gary's man tang going farther to attempt to spear Gary's rear end. When Gary yelled, "God, Steve, nobody's ever done that for me. That feels so hot, so nasty and bad my balls are almost ready to unload their cargo." Steve continued playing with Gary's asshole, using his fingers to explore it's depths, spreading the sphincter and reached far in to toy with Gary's prostate. He yowled.
Instinctively, Steve grabbed Gary's hips and flipped him around so his cock was practically down Steve's throat when it stopped swinging. In one gulp Steve took Gary's steely cock to it's base, admitting to himself he had learned that well with his brother. He only kept it on his tongue for a couple minutes, when he released it and twirled Gary around again.
This time he bent Gary over toward the shower wall, spreading his ass cheeks until his cockhead could push against the wrinkled opening. This wasn't Gary's first time to have a cock up his ass but he wasn't sure about the size. Again, Steve knelt behind Gary and shoved his face into his butt crack, reaching with his tongue for his lover's slick hole, moistened with Steve's saliva dripped onto it.
By the time Steve's cockhead arrived at the hole, Gary was ready for it, prepared to accept Steve's monster into his lower mouth. Slowly the soft/hard prick stretched Gary's sphincter until it was spread enough that Steve's glans could enter easily. Gary was holding his breath, squinching his face tight from the pain. Giving Gary time to become used to having a log up his rectum, Steve pulled back a little, then forward a little more. Finally, his progress succeeded in having Gary's rectum like a sheath closing on his hot, turgid cock, constricting and embracing it with gentle pulsing like a velvet glove. Gary's pain was easing, lessening almost into all pleasure.
By then Steve had wrapped his arms around Gary, embracing his chest, lying on his back, but still humping his pelvis against the full buttocks with hard punches. One hand slid down Gary's front to grab his cock, slippery with precum, and clenched it tightly as he began to pump it.
"Oh, Steve, pump me and fuck me, it feels so good, I'm so hot and getting hotter. Come on, cum with me, big man, let's do it!" Gary felt his semen rising in his balls, to his cock, rushing in a big hurry to get out. "It's cuming, man, now!"
When Steve heard him yell, he knew he had to cum, to spread his cum all along Gary's guts, so he shoved his cock as far as it would go inside his lover and let go, shooting stream after stream of semen up his rectum. Gary's cum spread over the shower's wall and floor since he was moving when the streams erupted from his cockhead, pushing out the hot, white semen all over.
The two men relaxed and stood up, clutching each other's body to theirs. Finally, Steve's cock, somewhat flaccid and becoming more so, slid out of Gary's rear to drip on the floor.
Steve whispered in Gary's ear,. "Your ass is magic to me, man, you are the greatest. Could I talk you into a return engagement soon?"
"You sure can, Stevie, anytime, in fact the sooner the better."
"Well, Matt and Hardy will be back a little after lunch, they said they would get their own lunch." He caressed Gary's slick, naked body, starting his cock to twitching a little from the sexy feel of his flesh, muscles and skin. "We better get cleaned up and dressed before they catch us and think we are real 'horn dogs', can't keep our hands off each other." He laughed, "Which we are."
Matt followed Hardy's directions to his mother's house, entering the gated community where the gatekeeper called his mother to be assured they should be admitted. Matt's ancient car hardly looked like most of the cars that usually entered that gate.
"I've only been here twice, Matt, Mother just moved here last summer. Her house was part of the divorce settlement, plus a ton of money, investments, club memberships and all that."
Matt was looking around, while driving, at all the huge homes of all types, homes that would probably sell for half million to a million or more, all in a beautiful park-like setting. He could see parts of the golf course as they drove along a winding road.
"Here we are, Matt. That stone-front house with all the peaks is it."
The car just settled to a stop and Hardy jumped out, heading for the front door.
"Hey, Hardy, I'm coming too. Wait up."
Hardy's face became very anxious, he'd rather have had Matt stay in the car. But quickly he showed a happy face for Matt. "Sure, Matt, I'm sorry. I'd like you to meet my Mom."
A beautiful woman, about the mid 50s, opened the door before they got to the portal.
"Hi, honey, glad to see you. Bring your friend and come in."
"Mom, this is Dr. Ridgway from Windsor College. He's my graduate professor in the music department."
"How do you do, Dr. Ridgway, I'm pleased you could come. Hardy said that you were both staying with your brother in Bexley?"
Matt smiled at this gorgeous woman, shaking the slim hand she held out.
"Yes, we had a free weekend and I hadn't seen my brother's family for a while."
The three walked through a two story foyer into the sprawling living room.
"Ah, Mom, do you know where my white tie and tails outfit is? Dr. Ridgway is starting a new brass group at the college, and I was selected to be in it. And, he has even made me the assistant director!" Hardy's eyes lit up so brightly they sparkled, a brilliance his mother rarely noted with her son.
"Wolfie, you will just have to go look. It should be in your bedroom closet or the main walk in closet in the hall. I don't remember seeing it, and it most likely will be in a storage bag. You'll just have to look." She smiled at her son with the love of a doting mother. That look Matt easily noticed.
"Dr. Ridgway, come with me to the sun porch, I have coffee and some goodies laid out for us." She slid a hand down her side and over her hips. "I do have to watch what I eat." Her smile brightened and she reached for Matt's hand, leading through a couple more rooms to the completely windowed porch.
"Please call me Matt, Mrs. Wolfe, I'm only Dr. Ridgway to the students, and then only sometimes," he laughed. His relationship with his students pleased him immensely.
One of the rooms they had passed through was a library with many artifacts scattered around on tables. One sculpture caught Matt's eye, drawing him to it like a magnet.
"Mrs. Wolfe, could we go back to your ... ah .... library, is it? Just for a minute."
"Of course, did you notice something?"
"Yes."
She led Matt to the library, where he walked directly to an etagere which held a number of art objects. He reached between the glass shelves, then turned to Mrs. Wolfe, "May I?" he asked. She nodded. Matt picked up a sculpture in white marble to hold up to the light. The piece was about 12" high and showed two young boys, one slightly older than the other, walking along, the older one's arm around the younger one's neck. As he stared at the faces, he knew for sure that his brother sculpted it because the faces had to be Steve and Matt.
"Do you know the sculptor of this piece?" he asked Mrs. Wolfe.
"Yes, I met him at the gallery when I bought it."
"Do you remember his name?" He smiled at her.
"Yes, why it was ..... oh my goodness .... Steven Ridgway .... must be your brother, right?"
Matt grinned proudly, "Yes, that's who we are staying with this weekend."
"You Ridgways are the most talented brothers I've ever met." She looked amazed, "Bring it with you if you want, the sun porch has much better lighting."
On the porch they sat at a white wrought iron table with similar chairs and Matt set the sculpture on the thick glass table top. He peered at it closely, intently, all over.
"Hadn't you seen that before, Matt?"
"No, Mrs. Wolfe .... "
"Please call me Anne, Matt."
"Someday you will have to ask Hardy why I hadn't seen it. I've only seen one of his works besides this one."
"Obviously, those two little boys must be you and your brother, right?"
Matt blushed, his feelings were bared as moisture filled his eyes, "Yes, we must have been about three and six, he must have used a photograph that I remember well, to do the sculpture."
Anne Wolfe poured them coffee and uncovered a plate of small sweet rolls. She had noticed Matt's reaction to the statue, and she knew something serious had happened between this handsome man and his brother. She would find out soon enough. And, besides that, she knew she had just figured out this imposing man, young but with a tortured background already.
"Matt, I'm going to say something very personal and I hope you don't mind." Matt shook his head as he picked up a roll. "First, Matt, you do know that Hardy is gay, don't you?"
Several thoughts scrambled through his mind, but he was prepared to be honest.
"Yes, of course, Anne, and I am also."
She was surprised that Matt didn't seem worried or frightened, just concerned.
"And, if I'm not completely mistaken, and I'm not, I would say that you and he are in love and just about to become partners, or are partners. Am I right?"
"Yes, Anne, you are correct. We are going keep our relationship as quiet as we can until I succeed in my new job and possibilities for a huge step up in the academic world. We are deeply in love, the only love of my life, and we have a wonderful love life too." She winced a bit.
Anne Wolfe looked very serious then. "Matt, I have been very worried about Hardy, he is my only child and I love him dearly. But I'm afraid he has been terribly hurt in the past, and I only want happiness for him, as any mother would.
"From what I've seen of you so far, I'm sure you are the man for Hardy. I just wonder if you are prepared for him and his baggage of life."
"Does he know you know he is gay?"
"No. We've never talked about it, either of us. I've been waiting so long. I want to help him and I just don't know how. Can you tell me?"
"If you can be patient, I probably can help your situation."
A shout from the front of the house, "Hey, Mom, where are you?"
"We're out on the sun porch, Wolfie." Then, to Matt, "I never could figure out a better nickname for him. 'Hard' did not seem appropriate." She laugh and Matt laughed with her.
"Wolfie is what I settled on, too, Anne."
Hardy stumbled onto the sun porch, carrying a suit bag, "I found it, Mom, thanks for keeping it safe. It was in the last place I looked ... ah .... sorry about that .... of course it was in the last place." He reddened and looked so damn cute and much, much younger. Men, in the presence of their mothers, seem to lose at least half their age.
"Well, thank you so much, Anne, for the brunch and all, but we better get moving. Lots of errands to do this morning. I hope to see you again, soon." Matt led the way to the front door.
Anne shook his hand again, smiling mysteriously, "I'm sure we will meet again, Matt. I'm glad you could come."
Hardy gave his mother a perfunctory kiss on the cheek, "Bye, Mom, we'll be down again soon to see Matt's brother and you, too."
This time Anne looked at her son sadly, "Ok, Hardy, I love you, take care."
Hardy looked away from his mother quickly, opened the door and headed for the car.
Matt turned to Anne Wolfe, "Don't go anywhere, Anne, I'm going to try something and I hope I don't screw everything up. Hopefully I'll be right back."
Walking out to the car, Matt could see Hardy in the passenger's seat, head down, not looking very happy. Matt opened the passenger door, looking in at Hardy.
"Hardy," he said strongly, "I am not leaving here until you go inside and tell your Mother that you are gay and that you and I love each other and we are going to be partners. Can you remember all that?" Matt's face was determined, stern and resolute.
"Oh, Matt, I just can't. I know she'll hate me. I don't want to hurt her, I love her so much."
"Hardy, I wasn't going to tell you, but I guess I have to. Your mother already knows very well that you are gay. No, no, I didn't tell her, she already knew." He started to walk away, "I mean it, Hardy, do I have to hold your hand?"
Hardy looked so frightened, so fearful that he actually couldn't move.
Matt did what he had to. He grabbed Hardy's hand and pulled him out of the car toward the house. He turned the doorknob, pushed open the door to see Anne still standing where she'd been when they left.
"Ok, Hardy, my Wolfie, and your mother's, now is the time. Do it."
Hardy could hardly look at his mother, but finally stuttered, "Mom .... I .... I .... I'm ...... g .. gay." Tears streamed down his cheeks, his blond curls drooping over his forehead, he was not able to move, he was so frightened his mother would disown him.
Hardy couldn't see, but his mother's eyes also were flooded as she walked the few feet to her disconsolate boy, still a boy to her.
"Hardy, it's all right. I've known you were gay for about ten years, since you were almost thirteen." She smiled into his eyes, "You never were very careful with your things, especially your hiding places. Don't worry, I never told your father even though he would never have paid any attention."
She embraced Hardy, holding her only child whom she loved beyond measure.
"Oh, Mom, I was so afraid that you'd hate me, you'd disown me and throw me out."
"Wolfie, I've always tried to show I loved you, no matter what. Remember when you stole a CD at that store? I made you take it back and pay for it. If that isn't love, I don't know what it is. I'll bet you never did that again."
Hardy shook his 'no', burying his face in her neck, getting her very wet, I was sure.
Finally, they released each other, standing side by side with their arms around their shoulders.
Anne spoke first, "I want to thank you, Matt, for helping my son to 'come out' to his mother." She grinned, "That's the phrase for it, isn't it?"
Matt grinned back, "Yes, that's it. Hardy would have come to you eventually, but I didn't want to have to wait until our wedding to stop hiding all this from you."
"Would you two stop talking about me like I'm not even here? Please?"
We laughed at his complaint, patronizing him as you would a small child. I even patted him on the back.
"Come on," he complained again, "I'm grown up now." He even pouted a bit.
Matt walked to them, put his arms around both of them, kissing each lightly on the lips.
"Ok, you are grown up. Anne, thank you for being such a loving parent. And, you better say something now if you don't like it, because you are going to have a son-in-law around you soon. I know we can't get officially married, but," Matt stared into Hardy's beautiful eyes, still slightly damp, "we will have a commitment ceremony if Hardy will have one."
"Of course we will," Hardy spoke vehemently, then turned and grinned at his mother, "sorry, Mom." His mother was puzzled until Hardy let go of her, embraced me with both arms and kissed me soundly.
Then she laughed brightly, "You two better get going and rent a room. In fact, if necessary, you can have a room right here. I'll sequester myself in the in-law suite for the time being."
"You won't have to do that, Moth .... I'm sorry," I blushed deeply, "I'm getting ahead of myself," I put my hand over my face, "We do have to get back to my brother's. But," I assured her, "we will be back before we return to Windsor College tomorrow. Right, Hardy?"
He had no choice but to answer in the affirmative.
Anne Wolfe put her face between us to be kissed on both cheeks, "Now, be careful and drive safely. I keep trying to give Hardy a car, but he always refuses. He says he will get one when he can afford it."
As Matt backed out of the driveway, waving at Anne in the doorway, he said, "Well, are you happy, Hardy, or are you mad at me."
He immediately kissed me on the lips, "Lover, I can't thank you enough. I probably would have been 50 before I'd tell her. Now we have two places to go and be ourselves." He considered, "But, maybe we'd better hold off on much passion in front of her for a while."
When Matt and Hardy were leaving Hardy's home, at Windsor College the Dukes and Duchess of Windsor were meeting to practice in the Music Building with the help of Marty Stuart. She was amazed at how far they had come to have a specially poised and technically fine musical group. And she was excited about the music which Matt had arranged and the dance steps they had learned.
The first piece they tried as they sat formally in a semi-circle was a Venetian style Motet of Gabrielli, about 400 years old. Her disbelief escalated when they reached the middle where, very gradually, instrument by instrument, the music changed, harmonically, rhythmically and tonally. In a few bars she realized that they were now playing "Somewhere" from West Side Story. As each instrument part was altered, that player stood up and moved into position. By the time "Somewhere" began in full, they were swaying slightly to the slow tempo in unison as they played from memory. As the end approached, they formed a single line, right to left, facing the audience. Roger Adams, playing in place of Hardy, kept up with the rest just as Hardy would.
When Marty and Jamal applauded their performance, the quintet bowed slowly and back up in perfect precision. The quintet grinned broadly, high-fiving with each other, yelling their feelings out in the open. Roger Adams, as their 'roadie', and Jamal Woods, as the other 'roadie', slapped each other on the back, knowing that their work will help the Dukes and Duchess a lot in the coming months.
Marty spoke to the group in Matt's stead, "I certainly don't want to give you all big heads, but ... if you keep going as you have been, this group should be a most outstanding quintet; I'm talking 'professional', lady and gentlemen. I mean 'Big Time', that's what! Dr. Ridgway has showed you the way, now get to the top."
The six students were quiet, considering what Marty had said, wondering in a way if she was right, if they were that good. Individually, they all decided to wait until Dr. Ridgway heard them to see his reaction. They figured in reality that he would probably be more critical than Marty was, but all hoped he could see the same outlook for their Dukes and Duchess.
The afternoon sun streamed in the dorm room window, shining brightly across Jamal Woods' single bed, illuminating Jamal and his visitor, Rick Balsaam, lying in Jamal's bed. They were both naked, lying flat out next to each other. Rick turned to lie on his left side facing Jamal. Both were worn out from their sex of the previous hour, especially since they had just come from the Dukes-Duchess practice in the music building.
Rick laid his hand softly on Jamal's abdomen, feeling his warmth, his smooth cafe au lait skin, 'a beautiful tone', Rick was thinking, so light, still black. He wondered out loud.
"I want to ask you something very personal, Jamal, but I don't want to offend you."
"You go ahead, Rick, you won't offend me. And if you do, I'll just cut off your dick."
He sounded so serious that Rick, worried some, glanced into his eyes. Immediately, Jamal started laughing, "Jus' teasing you, Rick. You're my friend, a pretty close friend, so I wouldn't cut your dick off, I like it too much." He snickered again.
Not totally convinced, Rick laughed with him, yet wasn't quite sure. 'Oh well, can't hurt much', he thought.
'Please don't beat me', Rick thought, then said, "Jamal, was one of your parents white?"
He held his breath, almost shaking with apprehension.
"Little Ricky, you know you shouldn't have asked that question. How would you feel if I said I didn't know?"
Rick had never thought of that. 'Oh, shit, I'm done for.' "Please, Jamal, don't ..... "
Jamal turned and wrapped himself around Rick, "Don't worry so, Ricky, I love you, I've told you that. I would never, ever hurt you. 'Sides, you the best dick sucker I've ever had. Course, that's only out of you and one other, my high school bud. Haven't been around much."
Rick's relief was perfectly visible, his body relaxed and he breathed much more easily.
"And, yes, Ricky, my mother was white and my Dad was a 'high yeller' I think they used to call it. And the result - ta-da - you have right before you, a gorgeous rich light brown from head to tippy-toes." He slid his palm along Rick's side to hips, "And, you, little Ricky, you are beautiful, such a nice rosy off-white. We're just a perfect pair." And he giggled, then tickled Rick until he giggled, too.
To stop the tickling, Rick slid his partly closed fist down over Jamal's revived cock, standing so straight and tall, a darker shade than the skin on his body. Rick loved it, so he stretched his mouth toward the deeper shade head. Jamal understood what he wanted to do so he pushed Rick back so he was laying flat.
"Rick, babe, you don't get to suck my cock again until I suck yours. That's our bargain, right?"
"Geez, Jamie, I don't remember .... "
"Damn it, little Ricky, even if I made it up, it's still a rule." He kissed Rick on his nose, "I'm bigger than you so my word is law."
Suddenly, Rick sat up, incensed, all ready to fight. "Jamal Nigel Woods. I don't care if you are bigger than me, I got rights!" As he said that, Rick broke into giggles, uncontrollable fits of laughter for saying he had rights. He did have rights, the rights to suck and fuck, and rights to be sucked and fucked. That was their bargain. They were equal partners in their relationship; no husband or wife, just two men in love, living as a pair of males on Noah's ark way back when.
Soon Jamal joined in Rick's laughing fit since he also was shattered by Rick's 'rights' demand. He was able to get Rick laying down again, calming him physically and trying to sooth his silliness.
Jamal got on his hands and knees over Rick, looking down at his naked lover, his handsome face and wonderful body, so well proportioned though not developed muscularly. The muscles were there, not under fat but yet not defined as a body builder's would be. Jamal loved feeling Rick's body, almost completely smooth with the usual underarm and pubic hair plus a light film on his pecs, a medium brown color, which didn't hide his darker red nipples that were the size of a nickel with a tiny pip in the middle.
Rick opened his eyes and smiled lovingly into Jamal's black ones as he reached up around Jamal's neck, pulling his head down for a kiss. Their lips met equally tight, both narrow lips and fairly wide. Jamal's face held many of the same elements of Rick's, thin lips, straight narrow nose, high cheekbones, all of which maintained that beautiful tan color of his whole body.
As one, they initiated their thrusting tongues between glistening lips, aiming to touch the other's teeth, gums, tender inner cheeks and solid, tough tongues. Both were becoming aroused, their cocks filling and swelling, squeezing together in pools of precum as Jamal lay on top of Rick. That sensation drove them higher and stronger erotically as they recovered from their recent romp on that same bed. They were so lucky that Jamal had a single room because Rick had three mates in his room where at least one of them was around at all times.
The two young men seemed to be wrestling vigorously even though they were just endeavoring to join their bodies wherever possible, hands all over from pecs to butts, crotches to shoulders.
"This is for you, Ricky, I'm making love to you as best I can. I told you that I haven't had much experience with another man, just one. We were in high school together and didn't know what to do." He laughed, "I did learn how to deep throat a nice-sized cock like yours. I'm sure glad you came equipped with this big one - but not too big." He rose from Rick's body, moving down to his groin, aiming for his crotch. "Just lay there, babe, and accept my loving."
Jamal lay between Rick's legs, spread wide apart, with his face on top of Rick's bat and balls, starting to lick them with his tongue, wetting them, the balls in their wrinkled sack and his six inch bat, lying on his abdomen. Jamal licked from the base along the underside toward the glans, dousing everything with his slippery saliva. He carefully sucked Rick's cockhead between his lips, wetting it with his lips and tongue. The tongue slid around the firm yet spongy meat, a deeper red than his cock shaft, flicking under the flange of flesh where it joined the pole.
Rick had already been driven wild by Jamal's tactics, his lovely tongue and inner mouth. He was having a difficult time staying still, jerking and jolting under Jamal's behavior, but he let his arms and hands extend to Jamal's head, his black, curly, but not kinky, hair.
The excitement in his loins was causing spasms in his system and he had to move. Rick let his legs pull up toward his own head, spread wide to give Jamal plenty of room to access his whole genital region, his cock and balls, his perineum which led to his ass and the tiny hole there. Jamal followed Rick's legs, his hands pushing the thighs tight against Rick's chest so he could attack the ass crack, licking up and down over the hole, spreading his liquid lube along his ass.
"Oh, Jamal, you got me too hot - man - I can't hold it much longer. Please suck me - suck me hard and take my jizz." Rick lowered his feet to the bed, leaving his knees bent and forcing his legs together around Jamal's head in the throes of his sensual passion.
"Damn it, Rick, let go my head," Jamal muttered with his mouth pushed against Rick's balls which he had been sucking into his mouth. As Rick relaxed his thighs, Jamal moved his mouth higher to the tip of Rick's cock, pushing his pointed tongue into the piss hole, tasting Rick's delicious precum with maybe a touch of actual cum.
Slowly Rick's pounding cock slid into Jamal's mouth, gradually the head reached his throat and by working the muscles, the darker man kneaded his soft head while still tonguing his shaft.
"Oh, damn, Jamie, I'm cuming, I'm cuming .... don't stop .... don't let go .... keep sucking my fuckin' cock, make that burning pecker do it ... make it cum .... cum ... Jamie, you got it - ."
Rick's groin pushed up off the bed, trying to force his cock all the way down Jamal's throat. "Take it, man, eat it." The pressure in his crotch was full on, his juices were being driven through the tubes until stream after stream of his cum forced it's way into Jamal's throat.
Jamal pulled partly off Rick's cock so he could taste the savory semen from Rick's body, his germ of life and Jamal's ambrosia to drink. Rick collapsed, relaxed his body after his exhausting spasms and jolting. Jamal kept Rick's prick in his mouth while it diminished to a mere image of it's former self.
Jamal slid himself up on the bed to lay beside Rick, holding his body closely, his hands rubbing that naked flesh, trying to relax Rick even more.
He kissed Rick gently on the lips, humming low tones, almost singing to his lover.
"Jamal," Rick started, "you are a wonder. I can't imagine anything better than that, you certainly could go on the road with that mouth." He kidded Jamal, crushing him to himself, almost ready to weep over the explosion he just experienced. "Jamal, man, I'm so glad you are with us on the Dukes. If or when we go on the road, we can room together, can't we. No one would ever guess."
"Ricky, everyone will know for sure when they see us together unless we play it very, very cool. That is, no hugging, no hand holding, certainly no kissing or touching, is that agreed?"
"Oh sure, Jamal, anything you say." Rick kissed him again, then considered, "Hey, Jamie, couldn't I move in with you?" He waved his arm around the room, "There's loads of room, I think."
"You don't know how sorry I am, Ricky, but if the dorm managers ever found out, this would no longer be a single room. If they see that two could live here, we wouldn't have this wonderful single room all to ourselves."
He played gently with Rick's limp prick, flopping it in his fingers, "Isn't it interesting what this little dong can do when properly aroused."
"Yes, and I'd like another chance at this guy, after I rest a bit." Rick was holding Jamal's still erect pole, drooling and pulsing slowly.
Jamal laughed evilly, "Sure, buddy, any time you want." He kissed Rick's lips, "Any time you want," he emphasized. "If I haven't told you before, I love you."
Back in Windsor on Monday morning, Matt and Hardy woke early, finding themselves still spooned as when they went to sleep, Hardy's backside shoved into Matt's crotch where Matt's full erection pressed between his butt cheeks, nudging his hole as Matt tightened and relaxed it trying to wake his lover. Finally, Matt bit Hardy's ear lightly, resulting in a wave of motion called 'Hardy waking up'. He didn't wake easily or eagerly.
"Hmmm, ooh, what's that there, astickin' up my butt? Could that be my favorite cock toying around with my private hole?" Hardy snuggled more tightly in the curve of Matt's chest and legs, "Do we have to get up? Really?"
"Yes, babe, we do, lots to do this morning and we have to sneak you into the music building. It's good you have a bunch of clothes here in my duplex."
Hardy raised himself and turned to look into Matt's eyes, "Hon, why I couldn't rent a room in your house, here. That wouldn't be bad, would it?"
"I've been thinking about that, Wolfie, it would solve some of our problems, but I'm not sure that it would be wise. Let's go on as we have been and think about it." He kissed Hardy on his lips which he rarely did just after waking because of possible poisoning from their morning breath. That didn't happen often, but both were uncertain about reality.
"I want to talk to Marty about it, see what she thinks. She's very bright and knows her way around Windsor. "We'll see, lover. Now, we get up, cleanup, eat up and get to school."
Matt's first duty after arriving at the music building was to pick up his mail. He was leafing through junk mail but stopped quickly when a letter from his Dean appeared in the pile. He wasn't apprehensive, but his nervous system was on alert as he scanned the letter. Well, it was what he expected, Powers was going to make him prove his competence .... and fast. The meeting of the dean and Faculty Council would be Friday evening in the theatre.
Matt mused, 'nothing I can do but be there with the gang'. Walking to his office, he said 'hi' at least twenty times, a chore of sorts, but still gratifying to his soul. He walked into his office to find Hardy at work on the new arrangements for the Dukes. Matt pointedly shut the door.
He whispered, "Hi, hon, feeling OK?"
Hardy stood up, smiled and landed on right on his lips. Matt could only kiss back, then indicate they better move away. A rap on the door separated them immediately, just before the door opened and Marty came in.
"Hi, guys, good to see you back. Have a good time?"
Matt answered, "Well, I'm sure you've talked to Gary so you know we had a great time. Didn't we Hardy?"
Hardy couldn't help it, he thought about what they had done at Steve's house and his face bloomed like a red, red rose. He muttered, "Oh, it was OK."
Marty smiled, but kept her sarcastic laughter on the inside.
Matt recounted, "Hardy and I visited his mother in Upper Arlington, a beautiful house on a veritable park grounds, and a golf course. You'll have to come down with us sometime and we'll go visiting. He had a white tie and tail outfit, so he's set. We just need three more."
"I'd like that," Marty agreed. "Hey, have you heard anything about the Dukes?"
"Oh, I just got a letter from Dean McAllister. We are to go on stage Friday night at 8 P.M. in the College Theatre. Sure gave us a lot of time." He looked disgusted.
"Now, Matty, don't get strung out. I watched the Dukes play and dance on Saturday in the music building, they are very fine. Their playing is out of this world and the dances, even though they are simple, work out perfectly with the music. Matty, you had a great idea for them, just stick to it and the basics and you'll do fine."
Hardy was excited then, "You mean we get to play, Friday? Hey, man, we're ready already. Ms. Stuart, how did Roger do in my place?"
"Not as good as you, Hardy, but better than good, all the way. He certainly could do it if you were sick or too busy with directing or something." She blushed, "No, guys, I didn't mean that 'or something', don't get me wrong."
Matt started pacing his little office, "Marty, the first problem we have to solve is costumes. Could you check with the Drama department to see if they have any formals and white ties, etc? Otherwise we'll have to rent them. I must have the right look to the group or they will lose a lot of presence and poise."
"Ok, Matt, I've got to go. See you, Hardy, keep your eye on him, will you?" She pointed at Matt, winking at Hardy.
"Ok, Ms. Stuart."
By Friday night everyone in the Dukes was excited beyond belief. The proper costumes were obtained, mostly from the Drama department of Windsor College, and Christina had a choice of 4 different slinky gowns to use. Now, if only everything works fine.
Matt got to the theatre with Hardy about 7:30 and couldn't believe the mobs of people around the entrance, mostly students as he checked. How did this happen? 'Ah Ha,' he thought, 'I wonder if our Dukes and the Duchess have been putting out the word.'
He found his people backstage, dressed and ready, anxious but they didn't seem scared, just ready to go on.
"Why do I get the feeling that some of you might have invited some friends to this show of ours?" He smiled when no one admitted committing the deed, "You know, this is our do or die performance, so I guess you all are sure we've got a lock, right?"
"Yeah, man, we're goin' ta cinch it in just 30 minutes." Everyone agreed with Jamal.
"I'd like to meet with you in the classroom across the hall and I'd appreciate it if you would warm up softly and check your tuning with the tuner. I need to see the Dean before we go on, see if we're all set with him." He beamed at them, "Hey, with this crowd we have, it might be considered a contest between the Christians and the lions." The group laughed until Hardy spoke up, "Ah, Dr. Ridgway, which ones are we?" Again they broke up into gales of laughter.
Matt spoke over the noise, "Get over in the classroom. I'll see you in a couple minutes." He reflected on their appearance. Little Jeff, Big Jeff, Rick and Hardy looked so handsome in their 'penguin outfits', and Christine was a very beautiful woman, as if she just came out of a 1940's fashion advertisement in Vogue.
The ceiling lights dimmed in the theatre but rose on the stage which was still closed off by the curtain. Matt stepped through the split in the center of the stage curtain.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, this is quite an unexpected crowd since we only anticipated playing for the Arts Dean, Dr. McAllister and the Faculty Council. But .... but we are happy that you all are here.
"This group, called a brass quintet but more defined by the name, The Dukes and Duchess of Windsor, is new this year and I hope will continue for many years. I expect the musical quality and technical expertise to be at the highest level.
"Enough for now, the group has only been in existence for two weeks so we could not have a full concert ready, but you will certainly have an excellent preview.
"Now, let me present The Dukes and Duchess of Windsor." His arm swept behind him.
As the curtain spread to the sides, the audience erupted into extended applause until the five students were settled in their chairs, facing each other in the usual semi-circle. Hardy gave the initial downbeat with his slide and they were off.
They began with an instrumental piece by Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741), fast tempo with lots of runs and an articulated melody. After two pages, Hardy stood up, walked around the circle to a point on stage left. His part was changing to a different rhythm and harmony but which still stayed in accord with the other four. Big Jeff was next to move, carrying his tuba to stand behind Hardy. His music had changed to rapid syncopation which Hardy followed. Quickly then, the other three rose one after the other toward Hardy and by the time they reached Hardy and Big Jeff the group was in a wild version of Alexander's Ragtime Band. They danced a simple but effective routine, performed with style and elegance.
When they finished playing, the audience burst forth in applause and cheers, easily recognizing the Dukes expert performance and their popular appeal even though they started with two hundred and ninety -two year old music. Matt was thinking that maybe his idea had been a good one, and yet he did some quick praying that they continue to do well.
By the end of their performance Matt's young people were almost exhausted, but so high they would take a week to come down. He stood in front of the stage, clapped for his 'kids' as hard as he could. They bowed time after time, but soon Matt turned around to face the audience.
"Thank you , Ladies and Gentlemen, I speak for the Dukes .... and the Duchess ... ", he saluted Christine and bowed to her, "and I know they appreciate their friends attending."
"Dean McAllister, that is our performance and we all hope you will let us continue with this organization."
The Dean stood and faced the audience. "I see all the Faculty Council is sitting in the front row, so that makes it easy. Could I see the hands of you who approve of the new music group as set up by Dr. Ridgway?"
Every Council member raised their arm high, even Victor Whinery, however those arms were soon lost in the mass raising and waving of arms by the audience.
Matt was thinking, 'This is one Friday night that I am very happy to be in my bed early, especially since I have a good friend of mine with me.'
"Wolfie, I am so damn proud of you guys, that was a magnificent performance, presented in the most professional manner. And you, dude, led the way perfectly." He kissed Hardy long and hard. "I love you so much, Wolfie, I couldn't live without you, you must know that."
"Me, too, Matty, I'm still high and yet you are what really matters to me." He giggled, "And this thingy here." Hardy held Matt's soft dick gently but lovingly, "This is my idol." He snickered some more and grabbed some ass, one arm around Matty's neck to pull their heads closer, kissing, licking and sucking lips and tongues. The two lovers were warming up with their foreplay as a prelude to hot sex.
Matt's cell phone chittered on the bureau and he had to get up to answer.
"Hi, Steve, how ya doin'?"
He listened for a few minutes, then a pained expression on his face, and sadness in his eyes.
"Oh, Steve, I'm so sorry. Can we help at all?"
Matt put his hand to his head, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand.
"Ok, Steve, now listen. I'm going to call a person who can come and take care of the boys, a fine person, my mother-in-law actually." He raised his eyebrows at Hardy, questioning his decision. Hardy smiled soberly and nodded.
"I'll talk to her in the next 5 minutes. If that goes wrong, I'll send some other friends. Ok?" Matt was thinking about the Montoni twins, they would be good with kids.
Hardy stood up, moved close to Matt and put his arm around him, holding him tightly for support. He didn't know exactly what happened, but if Matt was sad, then he was sad, too.
"Wait a minute, Steve, we can check with her right now. Hold on, don't go away."
"Hardy, get your cell phone, quick! I'll use that, you talk to Steve. Try to settle him down."
Matt took Hardy's phone, brought up Hardy's mother's number and pressed call.
"Hello."
"Anne?"
"Yes?"
"Anne, this is Matt. We have a problem."
"Oh, hi Matt. Just tell me the problem. I'm sure we can solve anything."
"My brother just called. His wife, Becky, has been found to have a brain tumor which has to be operated on as soon as possible. He has sent her by ambulance and has tried to locate Gary, his neighbor, but no sign of him. The problem is the two boys, Jacob and Joshua, because Steve may be living in the hospital for days.
"Now, Hardy and I will be down as soon as we can, but not soon enough. Could you possibly get to his house as fast as you can to take care of the boys there, or maybe you know of somewhere you can entertain them until we can get there?"
"Why, sure, Matt, just tell me where he lives."
Matt gave her the number on Parkview Avenue, near the Jeffrey mansion in Bexley.
"That's no problem, Matt, and when you get to Columbus, just come to my house because that's where we'll be. Ok?"
Oh, Mom .... oops ... I'm sorry, Anne, it just slipped out, I feel so comfortable with you, like with my Mom only better. If you don't have any, there are child car seats in the garage, just in case Steve doesn't recall. Jacob can help you with them, too."
"That's alright, son, I'm going to love getting used to those names. Now, let me go so I can get to Steve's as soon as possible."
"Ok, bye, Mom." He smiled broadly as he said it.
"Hardy, tell Steve that your .... our mother will be there soon." His face relaxed in relief.
Hardy revealed after he clicked off, "Steve said that he can wait for Mom ..... yes, our Mom .... to get there and he's very grateful."
"It's late, but we better pack a weekend bag, get dressed and head out. Pronto, as Red Ryder would say." Hardy gave Matt a quizzical look, who returned the look, "You had to be there, Wolfie, I'll explain later. Let's go."
Matt let Hardy drive that time, he knew he wouldn't be nervous with his lover handling the car, in fact he did sleep some.
Our lovers arrived at Columbus in record time and Hardy knew quick ways to Upper Arlington and screeched to a stop in his mother's driveway. They got out with their bags and walked through the front door only to break into uproarious laughter to see the huge mess made by just two small boys. And, Anne Wolfe was sitting in the middle of the living room floor, Lego building blocks all around her. 'But,' Hardy thought, 'she looks happier than he'd ever seen her. Her hair is a mess, her makeup askew, but a brilliant, beautiful mess, laughing at herself and her position.'
"Oh, Matt, I want to keep these boys, they are loves and I adore them."
"I'm sorry, Anne, but I'm sure Steve will want them back, sometime."
"I talked to Steve while driving there and asked him to pack their bags, plenty of stuff. He did, everything was ready when I stopped, a master of efficiency."
Matt called out, "Hi, Jacob, Joshua." and he got a very bland, "Oh, hi." in return. They were too busy playing with toys from the Wolfe attic, old ones of Hardy's, he imagined. He turned around and Hardy was on the floor, too, playing with them.
Matt was surprised the boys were still awake, running on reserves.
"Matt and Hardy, you better take these munchkins up to bed. They may want to sleep with you, so why don't you take the guest room with two queen-sized beds. And, put out their belongings where they can see them. Oh, a personal question, Matt, is Joshua toilet trained?"
"He sure is, Anne, and very proud of it. He wants to do everything like Jacob and he was trained early, for a boy."
Hardy and Matt both kissed Anne on the cheek, thanking her for bringing them to her house. Matt carried Jacob while Hardy had Joshua over his shoulder in a 'fireman's carry'. The guest room was fine, except that the boys wanted to sleep together in one bed, so the big boys decided to sleep together, too. And they did, very lovingly.
Becky Ridgway and her boys were driven from Virginia to Columbus by her father the day after Matt and Hardy went back to Windsor. They decided that she should not drive, she had experienced some fainting spells the last few weeks. Her mother wasn't well enough to travel, so her father flew back to Virginia right after he delivered Becky to her husband. Steve had his tickets all ready and sent him in a taxi to the Port Columbus airport, not too far from Bexley.
Five days later in the morning Steve called Matt and Hardy, telling them that the operation would take place that afternoon at 1 p.m.., and the surgeons were hopeful. The tumor was in a difficult spot though normally operable.
"Steve, do you need anything now?"
"No, Matt, I'll just keep in touch. Love you guys."
"Us too. Did you know that Hardy's mother has your two boys statue? She thought she had met you at the gallery."
"What's the name?"
"Anne Wolfe."
"Oh, yes, what a fantastic woman, you have to love her on sight. Tell her I remember her very well."
"Uh, Steve, the faces on those two boys seem very familiar to me. Could be?"
Steve snickered, "Yes, Matty, that's us. Remember the picture was one our mother took that strangely came out clear and in focus. Probably one out of a zillion she took. I gotta get off, talk to you later. Hi to Hardy and Anne and give the boys a hug for me."
Matt relayed Steve's greetings.
"And I sure remember him," Anne spoke warmly, "he's going to be one of the great ones."
Anne had made a wonderful breakfast for everyone and the boys, the 'big' boys, cleaned up, teasing, tickling and goosing each other in the process. Their shouts of laughter could be heard by Anne, who played again with the 'little' boys. Her smile broadened when she heard them, loving the male voices, particularly Hardy's. Hardy had not been a totally happy boy, though he hadn't been completely unhappy either.
She was so pleased that he had found a man who would love him and whom he would love in the same way. Even though she didn't know him very well, Anne would adopt Matt in a second, and his brother, also.
Matt and Hardy decided to take the boys to C.O.S.I., Center of Science and Industry in downtown Columbus, a beautiful new building on the banks of the Scioto River, at that point the combined Olentangy and Scioto Rivers. Part of the building was an old Columbus High School no longer in use by the city.
Many of the exhibits were too old for Jacob and Joshua, but some just fit their sense of humor, like the magic of science. Since visitors can pick and choose among all the available science and industrial settings, Hardy kept their total time to an hour. The boys didn't get too tired or bored. Neither did the 'big' boys.
She took the boys to her country club for lunch and dazzled her friends with her new 'grandsons'. She didn't explain the relationship, not wanting to get into 'her son-in-law's brother's sons in her charge', especially since her friends knew she didn't have any daughters.
When they returned to 'Gramma's house', by Matt's eyes the small boys were just about ready for a nap. So, when they reached the house, against all complaints to the contrary, Joshua and Jacob ended up in their bed, and slept.
Saturday evening, both Matt and Hardy felt the need of a short nap after supper, so great a need that they didn't even play around with each other. They did spoon as usual, Hardy curled up against Matt's chest and crotch, but their passion remained cooled.
About 9 p.m. Matt heard his name through his dazed sub-consciousness, turned his head to look up at Anne, leaning over him with the cell phone. Quickly, he noticed that she was crying, "What is it, Anne?"
"Matt, it's your brother, it isn't good news, I'm so sorry."
She handed him the phone, Hardy still hadn't awakened.
"Hello."
"Matty, come get me, please. Please."
"What is it, Steve, is it about Becky?"
Steve broke down, sobbing into the phone, "Sh .... Sh .... She .... didn't ..... make it, Matty, she's gone." He coughed, trying to settle himself, "We'll have to come back later for my car. I can't drive, oh Matt, she's left me, she has passed away." He broke down again, crying so hard with such a pitiable, wrenching wail, "Matt, I can't take anymore. Please come get me."
"Ok, Stevie, I'll be there very soon, and Hardy will come to bring back your car. We'll be coming back here, to the boys."
"Ok, love, hurry."
Anne gave Steve a sedative and tucked him in bed, kissing him on the forehead. She hugged him for a few minutes until his breathing slowed and he relaxed.
Later in the family room, Anne asked, "Matt, where is Becky now? Still at the hospital?"
"No, Anne, I called a funeral home and they came before we left. She wanted to be cremated, so that will be done tomorrow. We can be there or not, depending on what Steve will want to do." He was holding Anne's hand on one side and Hardy's on the other. "I think there will be a memorial service for Becky, time for all her friends to pay their respects."
Joshua and Jacob were playing as usual with the toys, but they were very quiet. They had not been told about their mother, in fact no one knew just how to do it. And they obviously had sensed the adult's change of behavior, complete shift of mood. When Matt tried to hold the boys, to cuddle them, Joshua would allow it, but not Jacob. 'He must be sensing on a more serious level', Matt thought.
The three adults sat on the couch, holding hands, lost in their own thoughts, just waiting. Suddenly from the second floor came a cry of extreme pain, somewhat like a coyote wailing at the moon, an uncontrolled screech of someone who had lost all reason.
Matt stood immediately, "It's Ok, I'll go, he'll react well with me."
Entering the bedroom, he found Steve sitting in the middle of the bed, his head raised toward the ceiling, howling as he clutched his chest.
"Steve," Matt said. After no response, he yelled as loud as he could, "STEVE, listen to me."
Slowly Steve lowered his head and stared blankly at Matt for a few minutes, finally he recognized his brother. He took a large breath, "Matty," he cried, "Matty, she's gone, Becky's gone, I can't believe it." He held his head in both hands, shaking it.
Steve peered into Matt's eyes with a gaze wholly filled with guilt, "Matt, I killed her," he confessed, "I know I killed her because I wished I was free and clear, so I could be what I know I am." His tears ran freely down his cheeks, "Don't you see, Matty, I did it, I killed her." Again the wailing started, high pitch keening issued from his throat to fill the house with terror and fear.
Matt acted quickly. He rushed to Steve's side, embraced his brother and pushed him back on the bed. He whispered in Steve's ear, "Stevie, my dear brother, Stevie, you have not killed your Becky, you cannot cause a tumor to appear in someone's brain then to grow and grow until it causes death." He tightened his hold on Steve. "Do you hear me, Steve, listen closely. You had nothing to do with it. That tumor would have loomed in her brain even if she had never met you."
Steve relaxed, as did Matt. Finally, Steve embraced Matt's body in a grip of iron, hurting Matt who decided he could stand the compressed ribs for a while. "Oh, Matt, thank you for helping me, trying to calm me. I still don't understand how I'm going to go on. We were each other's best friend, lover and true companion."
Matt knew he must explain as well as he could. "Steve, you still have part of Becky with you, you still have a responsibility to her and you have a debt to her to be paid." Matt kissed his brother's ear, then whispered, "Stevie, Jacob and Joshua are at the heart of your need, they are the responsibility and debt which you owe to Becky, to see they grow up healthy, educated, cultured and compassionate."
"Oh, my god, I forgot the boys. How could I?" Steve buried his head in Matt's chest.
"Stevie, we haven't told the boys about their mother, we didn't know how. We all should talk it over, including Hardy's mother. OK?"
"Yeah, let's go down. I'll try to act normal for the boys." They stood and hugged, sharing their strength in a difficult time.
Walking from the room, Matt told Steve, "You won't be normal, Steve, and the boys will know it. They have been unusually quiet today. You are just going to have to tell them."
The brothers clasped hands as they walked down the stairs..
Write to Paul at dukesofwindsor@juno.com
Turning The Page
Some characters in this story have been drawn from my first book, Turning The Page, Nifty/Adult Friends/August 13, 2002. It is not necessary to read that book first, but it would give you a background for The Dukes and Duchess of Windsor.