Disclaimer: This story is fiction and is not intended to imply anything about the true sexuality of the celebrities mentioned or any personal knowledge about their private lives.
My Night With Howie D. Finale: The Remix
By: CJ
I'm baaack! Hello Niftyland, when I submitted the original finale it wasn't with my heart, it was to get something out there quick. Things were kinda hectic and writing was on the back burner. It took a few years and my muse kicking my ass, but finally the true finale of My Night can be read. Hope you enjoy. __________________________________________________________________________
Late November 2000
Its 4am, dark and rainy. I stand by my window looking down at my mom's front yard. The sight of the tragedy. The tragedy that should be over with this morning. At 9am we bury Rachel. The last week has been hectic. Bad and good combined. I found out 100% that Dominic is mine. I had to contact Rachel's parents and let them know their daughter was dead. Instead of sending her to California they opted to have the funeral here in Tucson. They said they would take care of all the details. Howie has been taking absences in the tour to be with me. This is sweet but I know he has to go back soon. And we are supposed to finalize the wedding. I turn and smile. Howie is asleep in the bed with Dom on his chest. I yawn and crawl in next to them.
What seems like minutes later my alarm goes off and I jump up. Howie reaches over to turn it off and smiles at me. Our two week old son in his arms is just a sight that I want to remember forever. We kiss. There can be good with bad.
"Babe, you want to shower while I feed or vice versa?" I ask.
"Go ahead and shower and I'll feed." he says.
He gets up and throws on a robe and heads downstairs, where I can hear the rest of the family. I get in the shower and hurriedly go through the motions and get dressed. I come down to the dining room and see everyone dressed and eating. Very drab. All of us are wearing black of course and have down faces. But we smile whenever we look at Dom. He is the light of our lives. I take him from Howie and finish feeding so he can shower.
I change Dom as Howie gets dressed. We head downstairs and all meet up in the garage. Scott, Beth and the twins take his Yukon. The rest of us get into Mom's Escalade. I strap Dom in between Howie and me. Sel rides shotgun with Mom. We pull out of the driveway and the sky opens up. Its pouring rain. Almost as if the heavens are mourning Rachel as well.
Its complete silence to Evergreen. Howie keeps his arms around me the whole way. We pull into the chapel lot and see only two other cars.
"Are we too early Mom?" I ask.
"Craig, they said 9am, its 8:45 right now."
Stumped we get out with the umbrella's. I take the car seat since baby boy is still asleep. We meet up with Scott and crew.
"Dude are we early?" he asks.
"No, but something is off about this." I say and we head to the door.
We are greeting by the manager. He ushers us in and in the foyer is Rachel's family. Her parent's Judy and Tim. Siblings Josh and Naomi. I tense. I never liked them much. And now I had a grandchild of theirs. They hadn't asked to see him yet.
"Craig, its so good to see you again. I just wish the circumstances were better." Judy says.
"I do too." she comes over and hugs me. She looks down at Dom.
"Is this who I think it is?" she asks.
"Yes, say hello to Dominic Jesse Bingham. Your grandson."
Then the manager came back.
"We are ready to start." he said.
"Wait, aren't we waiting for the others to arrive?" I asked.
"what others Craig? Rachel kept in touch with no one. Your family were the only ones I could get in touch with." Tim said.
This was horrible. I had reservations about them. They had been nasty to her when she was a kid. And as an adult they weren't much better. And now that she was gone they were acting like they were taking out the trash or something.
So we followed the manager into the chapel. There was the coffin. Of course closed due to the nature of the gun wound. My family sat in a pew and Rachel's the opposite. The minister began his speech. He talked of Rachel as if he had known her. He then did the Lord's prayer and then asked if anyone would like to come say a word. No one on her side made a move. I couldn't stand it. I got up and approached the pulpit.
"I just would like to say that Rachel was one of the most caring and giving people I have ever know. When we were in high school we had so much fun together. I brought her out of her shell and she showed me how to care. She was always involved in charities and fund raisers. Its what impressed me the most about her. The time we had in California had its ups and downs but I choose to remember the good. I hope that we all remember her for the good person she was, the person who always gave. I know I will think of her always when I look at the gift she gave me. Our son."
I stepped down and they thanked me. We were told to follow to the plot. We all got in the same cars and followed the map and her parents.
"Can you believe how awful they are being? If one of you kids were gone I would be hysterical. You would not see me calmly having conversation. What is wrong with those people?"
"Mom, they are holy rollers, Rachel became dead to them when she didn't follow them. To them she has been dead for years. This is but a motion to go through." I said through tears.
We pulled up to the plot and got out. Dom was awake at this point and fussy. Almost like he knew what was happening. Howie helped me wrap him with a scarf so he wouldn't get sick.
We stood next to the plot and again the religion started. This time fire and brimstone. Howie defiantly put his arm around me and made it clear what we were. This got dark looks from the minister. Not too mention Tim. He finished and the coffin started to lower into the ground. I cried. Hard. Howie had to take Dom and hold him in one arm and me in the other. Scott stood with his arm around Beth. Mom held Sel. We all were crying. From one month of being with her, she had touched us all. Yet across the plot her own family just stood there and watched them lower her into the ground.
They were through and we turned to go. Judy came over to us.
"May I hold him?"
I handed Dom to her. Upon being enfolded in her arms he screamed.
"That's weird he never has done that before." Howie said.
Which got a glare from them.
At this point Dom's face was turning red. I took him back.
"Craig, I had heard, thought,..well ..." Tim stuttered.
"Yeah, Tim I'm gay. And Howie is my boyfriend. We plan to raise Dominic together. Problems?"
I could see anger flash in his eyes. But he bit his tongue and said nothing.
"Craig, will you allow us to see our grandson?" Judy asked.
"Of course. I mean, if you're here in town just call or come by and its cool."
"Thank you. Well, now that the deed is done we must be heading home. I do hope you meant that, because it's a shame for a child not to know his family."
And with that the whole family walked away and got into their car. Meanwhile my family just sat their gaping.
"I cannot believe those people. Bro, I thought rednecks were bad, but woo-boy. They make rednecks look good!" Scott said.
I nodded.
"We should get the babies in the cars. We don't want them catching cold." Beth said.
"I'll be right there. Howie will you stay, Sel put Dom in the car ok?"
"Sure" she said and took him.
Howie took my hand as I walked over to the plot.
"Rachel, I know you saw all this and I am sorry that your family was like that. But you know that we love you. Our son is beautiful and Howie and me will make sure he never has to feel like you did. He will be safe, loved and wanted."
With that I broke down and cried. Howie had to lead me back to the car. I couldn't stop. When we got to the house Mom and Sel took Dom while Howie took me to the room. I spent the entire day in his arms. I cried myself to sleep.
December 2000
Middle of winter in Tucson and its only 50 degrees outside. I sit in the rocking chair with Dominic in my arms. He's finally asleep. My baby has his days and nights mixed up. Either that or he's a born party boy.
"Craig?" I hear with a knock on the door.
"Shh, come in."
Sel comes in and slowly closes the door. She comes over and look down at her nephew.
"Up all night again huh?" she asks.
"Yeah, I'm learning to catch naps when he does. We didn't wake you did we?"
"Nah, your rooms to far away for that. `Sides, he doesn't cry when he's up."
"I know, he wants to play. All night." I sigh.
"So how come when Howie is here he sleeps?"
"Cause my man has that voice. He just sings to Dom and he's out."
She smiles and I looked down and Dom is smiling at me.
"Aw, baby boy your supposed to be sleeping!"
"Let me take him for breakfast and you get some sleep." she says as she takes him from me.
Dom starts cooing. He is one of the most peaceful baby's I have ever seen. And he will let anyone hold him. Well almost anyone. I stand up and give him a kiss on the forehead and smile as Sel walks out with him. Living at home still has perks. I am full time daddy. Or learning to be. And it helps having my family to help out like this.
I crawl into bed and as I doze off my dreams become my to-do list. There are now 30 days left til the wedding. We got the details all done. Or more like our moms do. Now we just need to find our house. Howie has his condo in Orlando, but we also want something here in Tucson. The way we have a place near both our families. And we don't have to stay with the parents.
In my slumber I am at the tux shop getting fitted for my tuxedo. I stand there getting measured. The guy doing it is out of my line of vision. While he's behind my, he gropes my ass. Instead of being offended I get aroused. His hand massages my ass and my dick starts to stand. Suddenly its no longer his hand. He is rubbing up on me. I can feel his dick straining against his pants. I arch my back into him and feel his breath on my neck. He leans into me and brushes against my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. He whispers, "I love you Craig." Then he starts running his hands up and down my chest and toying with my nipples. This is getting me very hot. He is licking my neck when suddenly I start to cum. I jerk awake in an upright position almost knocking Howie off the bed. I start laughing.
"How long have you been here?" I ask.
"Long enough to turn you on babe." he smiles and looks at my boxers.
I look down and see the cumshot in my dream was real. I throw a pillow at him and smile.
"You got here early!" I say as I pounce on him.
I straddle his waist and look into those Spanish eyes. He puts his hand behind my neck and pulls me into him and we kiss passionately. Our hands start to explore each others bodies and we start getting excited again. Then Howie pulls back.
"Not til the wedding night remember?" he say with a mischievous smile.
"Arrgh! I know." I say as I stand up.
I look over at the clock and see I slept for two hours. I slip out of my boxers and walk to the bathroom. I turn and see Howie licking his lips.
"Like something?"
"Oh you know I do. But I can wait...I think."
I grab a towel and wipe myself off. I walk back into the room and grab a clean pair from the dresser.
"So what time are we supposed to meet Bridget?" I ask.
As I am grabbing close out of the dresser he is making the bed. What a great guy.
"10:00 so we should get Dom ready too."
"Okay, you want to grab him while I take a shower?"
"No prob."
I start to walk to the bathroom when he puts his hand on my waist and turns me.
"Yes?" I ask.
He pulls me towards him and we kiss again. And of course I start to stand at attention. Feeling this he grabs it and gives it a gentle squeeze.
"We are going to have the best sex on our wedding night." he says with a smile. "Now go take your shower."
He slaps my ass as I walk into the bathroom. I turn on the water and let it warm up while I look into the mirror. A little darkness beneath the eyes. My little guy is wearing me out. Then I look at my hair. Ugh. I think my long hair phase is coming to an end. I brush my teeth quickly and drop my boxers. I hope into the shower and start shampooing my hair and lathering my bod. I start thinking of the last month. Not because I want to. Really. It just keeps creeping up on me.
I realize I am crying in the shower. I rinse off quickly and grab a towel. I dry off and start getting dressed. I hear a voice from the other side of the door. Intrigued I finish dressing and crack the door.
Howie is sitting in the rocking chair with our son in his arms. He is looking down to him and talking.
"...and today we are going to find a house. Somewhere for you, me and daddy."
"Aww"
Howie looks up and smiles.
"Baby, you almost ready? Bridget called and is on her way."
"yeah I just need to do my hair." I say as I walk over and kiss him.
I walk to the dresser and start brushing my hair.
"Babe, what do you think of me with short hair?" I ask.
"I think you'd be hot either way. Why you want something new?"
"Yeah, I am tired of the long hair. I am thinking of short and spiky."
"As long as you keep the goatee its cool with me." he says with a smile. "Hey I forgot to mention, someone is coming in this afternoon at the airport."
"who?" I asked.
"A surprise."
"Alright, I am ready to go. Got Dom's bag ready?"
Howie stands with Dom and the bag. I smile and kiss him again. We walk out of the room and down the hall. The house is quiet today.
"where is everybody?" I ask.
"Mom went to work already and Sel took off early since I had Dom."
Since Scott and Beth had moved out the house was quieter. They figured with the twins and a new one on the way it was time to get their own place. Nice place too. Not too far from us. Perfect house for the growing family.
We went into the kitchen to grab my keys and were out in the garage. Howie put Dom into his car seat it the back of the Mustang. Then we both got in and I started the car. Opened the garage and took off. Our realtor was showing us some home in the Catalina Foothills. Howie put his hand on my leg as I shifted to fourth. No words said, we just drove in a comfortable silence.
After about twenty minutes we pulled up to a two story Mediterranean style house. Bridget was parked out front waiting for us. Bridget is awesome by the way. Friend of my mom's. She is the one who found Scott's house. She is 43 but looks 23 and acts it. We pull up and get out. I grab Dominic's car seat since he is sleeping.
"Hello boys!" she says as she comes towards us.
"Hey Bridget. How are you doing today?" I ask.
She comes over and hugs us both with pecks on our cheeks.
"Wonderful as long as I can get you three into something that makes you happy."
As she says that I am looking at the house. Beautiful landscaping, palm tree and crushed gravel with a nice sized lawn. The neighborhood was beautiful as well. Gated as we had to come through security to get here. Bonus considering our status's.
As she led us into the house I look over at Howie. Knowing things about realty I know he is being objective. Myself? The entry way has me already.
Bridget leads us through the house doing her spiel. Howie and I walk together holding hands while I carry the car seat with the other. I am loving the house. The bottom floor if built around the kitchen. The living room, dining room and family room all open off of it. A study and library are tucked behind them. The upper floor is an amazing five bedroom spread. Each room is roomy and the master suite is breathtaking. Two large walk-in closets. Bedroom and sitting room. Enormous bathroom with shower stall and Jacuzzi tub. To top it off, the backyard is all lawn. Huge and perfect for kids. A clubhouse stands in one corner and a gated pool in the other.
As we walk through I keep squeezing Howie's hand. This is it for me. But I know from the looks he gives that he doesn't want me to show my excitement yet.
When Bridget finishes the tour she finally turns and asks us.
"Well?"
"We'll take it." Howie says and blows me away!
"We will?" I ask with a huge smile.
"Of course. I loved it from the driveway and I would have accepted after the first floor, but the master bath is what cinched it for me. Then the back yard cinched it for the family."
I put the car seat down and give him a huge hug. Bridget smiles at us.
"See I told your mom I knew you two!"
We all smile and head back to her office to draw up the papers. She explains the community to us. It sounds awesome. Its gated and patrolled so privacy is key. Visitors have to check in with the guard, either you leave their name or the guard will call the house to see if they are okay to pass. The house was only built five years ago. Family lived there and got transferred to Europe. Mint condition. The price of course was high but with the amenities it was to be expected. But the shocker was this..
"Okay so all you and Howie have to do is sign on the dotted line and its yours." Bridget said.
"But we haven't discussed price, mortgage or anything." Howie said.
"Umm kids, you don't need to. The house is paid."
We both looked at each other.
"Huh?"
"Your dad said whatever house you picked was yours. Paid in full."
Howie turned to me in awe. He had only met my dad once.
"Bridget, can you hold this for a few. Be right back." I say and grab Howie.
We walk out to the hall and into a conference room.
"Craig what's the problem?"
"Him. Plain and simple. Him." I respond.
"Ohkay, I know that you never talk about him and that something has happened. I only met him when we brought Dom home. You were really cool to him then. So, you wanna tell me what's up?"
I look at him and sigh.
"My dad and me are the closest of people. When we were growing up Scott was daddy's boy. I never liked the same things as him. We just didn't click like they did. So I had some jealousy issues. They divorced when I was ten and when we visited him I always felt like Sel and Scott were more favored than me. I'll admit it, I am a momma's boy, but only cause she's the one that seemed to pay attention. When I was 16 he gave me the `Stang, which was cool cause he had rebuilt that like all my childhood. I got it, not Scott. That was a good sign, right? Wrong. My dad felt that Scott could make it on his own with no help and that Sel and me needed help. When I graduated and did the acting bit, he tried to give me money and pay for my housing. I wouldn't let him. I would show him that I could make it just as well as Scott. And here he goes again buying me a house like I can't do it on my own."
Howie put his arms around me and I realized I had tears only when he wiped them away.
"Its okay baby. We can buy our own house. Neither one of us are exactly hurting right?" he said with a smile.
"Thanks baby." I said and kissed him.
This was a defining moment for me. Howie was willing to do this. Any other guy probably would have argued and wanted my dad to spoil us. Howie really gets me.
"What?" he asked. "What's that smile for?"
I told him. He smiled back and embraced me tightly.
"I just want you to be happy Craig. That's all I want."
"And that's all I want too son." a booming voice said.
I look up and see my dad standing in the door. He comes in and looks at us.
"How are you sir?" Howie asks nervously.
"Son, you can call me dad if your comfortable enough or Fred, but no sirs or Mr. Bingham for the man who is marrying my son."
Howie smiled and they shook hands. This brought a slight smile to my face.
"Craig, I know that in the past I did a lot of things to hurt you. But this isn't one of them. I know you can take care of yourself. Even better than Scott. Hell, you're the one who got HIM out of trouble remember? Son, this is my wedding present. I was you three to have a the home of your dreams. And I want it to be something I give you. That way I can know that I gave my grandchild something I missed with you. Please son, accept it?"
I looked at him. I had never seen my dad like this before. Open and giving. I looked at Howie and he smiled.
"Okay dad. We'll take it." I said.
He hugged me tightly. And I felt closer to my dad in a way I had never felt before.
"Now, lets get Bridget to sign that paper." he said as we walked to her office.
We walked in and Bridget had a sheepish look on her face.
"Craig I wasn't going behind your back, he called at the house and was already meeting us here."
"Its okay Bridget." I said with a smile.
I looked over and my dad was taking Dom out of his car seat.
"Well hello grandson." he said as he folded Dom in to his arm.
He looked over at me and said, "He looks just like you did."
"Yeah and according to mom he sleep just like I did." I said.
"Ah, nights and days off kilter. You put your mom and me through the wringer." he said with a smile.
"Dad, do you want to grab lunch with us?" Howie asked.
I looked at him in surprise. I had just been thinking the same thing. He grabbed my hand and squeezed.
"I never really got to talk to you and I would love to get to know you a little better before I marry your son."
Dad got a little teary eyed and nodded. We finished up the paperwork and walked out to the car. Dad was still carrying Dom and I had the empty car seat. We put Dom in together and decided on Olive Garden. As we got into my car I turn to Howie with a big smile.
"Your awesome you know?" I said as I started the car.
"Thank you. But it was you really. I saw your face when he said that Dom is just like you. And myself I would love to hear the stories, and you look like you would too."
"Yeah, I have never heard my dad talk about me as a baby." I said as I guided us into traffic.
We arrived at the Olive Garden and found dad had got the table for us. We walked in and were seating. Dad insisted on taking Dom to his side of the table. We ordered and then started talking. Howie with his arm around me and me with my head on his shoulder.
"So I was up all night and slept during the day?" I asked.
"Yes, it was difficult. See, when we got married partly because of you. You were actually at the wedding."
"I was?" I asked.
"Your mom never told you? Son, your birthday is January 14th and our wedding anniversary was January 20th didn't that ever strike you funny?"
"I just assumed your first anniversary was after my birth."
"No, you were born and we got married. Not so much because we had to. Although we did. I loved your mom. I wanted to do what was right also. But I was scared. Woo-boy. I was still in law school. Your mom being an "heiress" made it difficult to be the gentleman. Your grandpa hated me. He felt I would never amount to anything and your mom would support us. But we showed him."
The waitress came and put salad and breadsticks down. We served it up and started munching as we talked.
"So when you were born I was still in school. We lived in your grandparents house and it was hell. I would be in school all day and would come home to my wife and son and a houseful of out-laws as I called them. I would have a ton of work to do and you would be up with me while I did it. There's a picture somewhere of me doing studies with you draped over my shoulder. Then we would try and go to bed and you would be up all night. Not crying mind you, but wanting to play."
"That's Dom alright." Howie said with a smile.
"The way we broke you of it was hard. I don't know if its because your mom kept you awake all day or if your internal clock finally set itself. But one day you just fell asleep at night and found yourself a routine. But you were just like this little guy right here. Sound asleep and if picked up you stayed asleep."
"dad, did mom do most of the stuff with me?"
"actually yes. That was a hard time. I was working and when I was home you were asleep. When Scott came along I was in a position to have more time. So I was able to do a lot of Scott's firsts with him. Same with Sel. But I always felt we had that bond from when you were a baby."
I smiled and said," We did."
We finished up lunch with more stories of my youth. I paid the check though. Dad just smiled and let me. I had a newfound respect for him. It didn't make all the years of hurt go away but it helped. Dad had to get to the firm and Howie said we had to get to the airport so we hugged and split.
On the drive to the airport I just smiled as Howie drove. We arrived at the parking garage and got shuttled to the gate. A flight from Orlando was just disembarking. I looked for one of the guys. I figured that was Howie's surprise. Imagine mine when a blonde girl with a rockin' body came over to us and gave my man a big hug.
"Howie! Oh my god its been so long!"
"Come on Britney its only been a few weeks since the shoot. Brit this is Craig."
Britney turned to me and smiled.
"The hubby to be? Sweet. But I already know Craig. We met at MTV remember?"
I smiled and said, " I thought you might have forgotten me."
She hugged me and said, "Not! Your one of the hottest guys on the big screen. Oh! Is this Dominic!?"
Hearing his name baby boy jerked awake. Britney squatted down and smiled at him.
"Your just the cutest thing. You look just like your daddy!"
We grabbed her bags and she grabbed Dom. We took the shuttle back to the car and got loaded in. As we drove back to my mom's we talked.
"So Britney what brings you to Tucson?" I asked.
"Well Howie and I were at a shoot and he had invited me to the wedding and was telling me about Tucson. I thought that since I had a break in schedule I would come down and see you guys and the place for myself. Who knows maybe I'll find a home here?"
Howie then told her about our new home. She wanted to see it so we swung by the community again. Bridget had given us a key so we went in and on the second pass it looked even more amazing than the first time. Britney was in awe with the place. As we walked through Howie and me started discussing the rooms and decided the study would his office and the library would be mine. We were going to set three of the rooms as guest rooms and put Dominic in the room across from us.
As we were in the backyard I heard the doorbell and ran to get it. It was Mom, Sel, Scott and family. Dad had already sprung the news and they wanted to see the place themselves. Sel freaked when she met Britney. Her idol you know? We all walked the place and the family made suggestions of things we could do. Mom kicked into interior designer mode and we put together a plan for the furniture and themes.
We ended up eating out as a celebration. Britney seemed to be loving the family and the town. She insisted on staying at a hotel but was convinced by mom to stay with us. We ended up at the house by nine and she disappeared with Sel. Howie and me took Dom up to my room.
"Just think, soon we'll be in our house and officially married." I said.
"I know, I can't wait." he said with a smile.
We changed into our pajamas and got Dom dressed as well. He was wide awake. Only a month old and full of energy. He laid on the bed looking up at us kicking his feet and squirming. We talked baby talk to him and tickled him. It was awesome. At some point I fell asleep because I woke up with Dom nestled between Howie and me. I looked over at Howie who was out. And then down at my son who was awake and alert. I winked at him and fell back asleep.
When I wake next I was in bed alone and heard soft crying. I turned quietly and saw Howie and Dom in the rocking chair. He was rocking and trying to get him to stop crying.
"Come on baby boy, no tears, don`t want daddy to wake up."
He put Dom on his chest and patted his back and started to softly sing,
"Come stop your crying It will be all right Just take my hand Hold it tight
I will protect you from all around you I will be here Don't you cry
For one so small, you seem so strong My arms will hold you, keep you safe and warm This bond between us Can't be broken I will be here Don't you cry
'Cause you'll be in my heart Yes, you'll be in my heart >From this day on Now and forever more
You'll be in my heart No matter what they say You'll be here in my heart, always
Why can't they understand the way we feel They just don't trust what they can't explain I know we're different but, deep inside us We're not that different at all
And you'll be in my heart Yes, you'll be in my heart >From this day on Now and forever more
Don't listen to them 'Cause what do they know We need each other, to have, to hold They'll see in time I know
When destiny calls you You must be strong I may not be with you But you've got to hold on They'll see in time I know We'll show them together
'Cause you'll be in my heart Yes, you'll be in my heart >From this day on, Now and forever more
Oh, you'll be in my heart No matter what they say You'll be in my heart, always Always"
He stood and walked over to Dom's crib and laid him down. He bent over and kissed him then turned back to me and jumped when he realized I was awake.
"How long you been awake?" he whispered.
"Long enough to hear your sweet voice put our son to sleep."
He crawls in next to me. I put my arms around him and he puts his head on my shoulder. We both just lay there comfortably and fall asleep. I awake to a knock on the door. I glance over at the clock and see its 9am. Dominic is in his crib gurgling at his feet and Howie is sound asleep with his arms around me.
"Uh come in?"
Britney pokes her head in the door. She takes in the scene and smile.
"Sorry, didn't mean to wake you, but I just wanted to let ya'll know I'm going out with your realtor this morning. Call me on my cell ok?"
"Sure Brit, hey lets do something later ok?"
"Sounds like fun cutie."
As the door closes Howie opens his eyes. I smile and him and we cuddle.
"You know I gotta leave this afternoon." he says with a frown.
"I know baby, but TRL calls and you guys are blowing up the charts with Millennium."
"Yeah. I miss you guys though. You realize that I am not going to be back until the wedding? And after our honeymoon I am back on tour again?"
Actually I hadn't realized all of THAT.
"Lets look at it this way baby. Right now you have to tour. But after the tour you get to come home."
"And head to the studio to start the next album."
"But, your not walled up the entire time doing that. You can still be with us. And don't forget, we can go to you too. Spend a little time on tour with you."
"I just wasn't sure if you wanted to take Dom out like that."
"Of course silly, he needs both his daddies."
The rest of the day is a blur. Howie keeps Dom the whole time like he's already missing him. We take him to the airport and he boards his flight looking sad. Dom and I head over to Bridget's where Britney has just inked a deal on a house.
She is so excited to show it to me. She gives me directions and I notice I am driving to me new neighborhood. I look over at her and see her smile.
"What? I liked the neighborhood..sue me!"
We pull up to "her" house. It looks split level from the outside, but when you go inside, you realize your on the top floor. The house is built on a hill. The architect flipped the front side view to face the mountain. The top floor was the living room, dining room, den, family room and two offices, kitchen. The entire north wall of whatever room your in is glass so you see the Catalina's.
We go down the stairs to the bottom floor where the bedroom suites are. Total of six. Each has a sitting room, bedroom and bath. The master suite is a duplicate of mine and Howie's. The back yard is huge. Olympic size swimming pool and gazebo in the middle still leaving tons of acreage.
"This is awesome!" I say.
"I know, I am so glad you guys didn't see this one!"
"Well, I don't know..I still think I would have picked ours. Bridget has a way of knowing what the person wants. Which house was this on your tour?"
"well actually it was first, but I didn't say a word about it til after I looked at the other houses."
"Yeah but she knew this was the one you would pick. Woman is psychic."
We laugh and decided to head to home for food. We get there and my mom and Sel are just getting in. We all head to the kitchen and while I start the salad, Mom orders the pizza. Brit tells them about her new digs and asks Mom to help her design.
With that mom comes out with complete designs for my house and I look them over while she talks shop with Brit.
"Mom, this is perfect. The exact furniture me and Howie talked about and the paintings, curtains..everything."
"I know. I overheard. Do me a favor, call Howie."
I do and find that she had sent him the plans also. We agreed we loved them and I put him on speakerphone.
"Mom, they are awesome! How did you know exactly what Craig and I would want?" Howie asks.
"I listened to what you guys said at the house, added in your personal likes and touches and voila!"
"Cool, its gonna take some time to decorate, but thank you Mom." I say.
"Actually, if you let me, I would like this to be my wedding present. Your dad bought you the house and I would like to decorate it and furnish it."
You could hear a pin drop. I was speechless and so was Howie. Making a judgment call I took him off speaker and went into the other room.
"Babe, its just us, what do you think?" I ask.
"its overwhelming, but I say lets do it. I got a surprise for you too."
"What's that?" I ask.
"My mom is redoing my condo. Making Dom a nursery. Its their gift to us."
"Baby, do we have the most amazing families or what?"
I go back in the kitchen and tell Mom we accept. She tells me it will be done by the wedding so that when we get back from the honeymoon we can move right in.
Brit asks if Tucson is going to be permanent base for us. We talk about that. Tucson will be where I stay when its just me and Dom. When Howie is off tour it will be wherever we want to go. I ask Brit why she has so many houses. She says its because the one in Louisiana is for when she is home and its where her family stays and this one is for when she wants her own space.
Then the wedding talk starts. My mom's mom is coming in with my uncle and aunt. She has been doing pretty bad lately. Back in `98 she had surgery and they gave her eight months. Three years later and she is still here. Though lately her breathing is getting worse. She is on 12 units of oxygen and if she talks to much or for too lunch her lips get purple and she has to sit and intake for ten minutes. I am happy that she is coming to see me married and to see her great grandson, but sad because this might be her last trip.
My mom tells me that the flight arrangements have all been made. Every guest who has RSVP'ed was booked on the flight. The wedding planner in Hawaii had everything taken care of. The tuxes were fitted. All we had to do was show up.
"But there's one small problem. Your cousin Kira has the flu, she's not going to be able to be in your party." mom says.
"Damn! Who am I going to put in there? I need four to balance out Howie's side. That just leaves me with Scott, Sel and Aaron. Unless..Brit, would you.?"
"Hell yeah! Just let me know what I'm wearing and I am there."
"Actually its your call. Since its all guys, I got fitted for a suit and am wearing it with heels." Sel said.
"Sweet, lets me and you head down there tomorrow and get me fitted too!"
Decided, while Sel and Brit did that I would go with mom to start the decorating on our house.
The weeks before the wedding flew by. What with decorating my new home and helping Britney with hers. Britney was awesome. We hadn't really known each other long but in the short time we had connected on a level I am have felt with few others.
Howie and me talked on the phone every day. We could not wait for New Year's. The pressure and anxiety started to build with the last two days before the wedding. But before I could stress much we were boarding our flight to Hawaii.
I slept through the flight while Brit and Sel watched Dom. Scott and Beth had their hands full with the twins and Mom was with grandma. We landed in Honolulu. Two limo's were waiting for us to take us to the Hilton. We arrived and the bell boys took the bags to the corresponding rooms while we all stood and admired the beauty that is Hawaii. We checked in at the front desk and found that Howie and the guys were already checked in. I called him on my cell and he picked up right away.
"So what are you doing on your last single night Mr. Dorough?"
"Well Mr. Bingham I am hanging with my friends and family and eagerly awaiting tomorrow night with you."
"Ditto. I love you babe."
"I love you baby."
We went up to our rooms. I was bunking with Britney since I would be in a suite with Howie the next night. Brit, Scott and Sel were plotting something so I picked up Dom and left them to it and went to mingle with the family and friends who had arrived. Amazingly, one floor of the Hilton had been booked for my people and another for Howie's.
I walked down the hall and saw my aunt and uncle. We exchanged pleasantries and then I moved on to find my grandma. Halfway there I ran into my dad who wished me luck and said he had something for me in the morning. Finally I got to grandma's room. She was laying on her bed doing a breathing treatment when I walked in. She motioned "one more minute". I sat on the edge of the bed with Dom and watched her finish and put the machine away.
She turned and gave me a big hug and took Dom.
"This is it. Your finally getting married. I am so happy for the two of you. You have never looked so happy in your life and Howie is better than I could have asked for. And this little guy here is just the cutest. Aren't you?"
"I love you Grandma. I am so glad you are here. I miss you so much since you moved to Kansas."
"I know, but the hospital and doctors there are the best for my situation."
That's the sad part. They are what's keeping my grandma alive. And I can see that the plane trip wore her out. She is trying to hide it but she is ready to sleep. I say as much and give my goodnight kisses. We leave and I hear her lay down. It saddens me to know that Dom will probably not have much time with his great grandma.
I go to my mom's room as she is watching Dom tonight. The little brat is already asleep in my arms when we get there.
"You shouldn't have any problems tonight mom, he's sleeping already."
"You just have fun tonight Craig. We'll see you in the morning."
I kiss my son goodnight and my mom, then leave to see what my friends and sibs have waiting for me.
When I get to the room its just Brit and she tells me we need to go to the lounge. So we head down and when we get there I see the guys and Howie's friends. AJ comes running over and kisses me.
"My little man is getting married. I am so happy for you!"
"Thanks AJ. How have things been?"
"Good, busy. Hey can I ask you something?" he ask and pulls me to a corner.
"Yeah?"
"You really love Howie right?"
"C'mon AJ you know I do."
"Okay. Just making sure. I love you a lot too, but Howie is my lil bro and I don't want him to be hurt."
I put my arm around him and put my mouth right next to his ear and just breathe. I feel him shiver.
"I love him with all my heart and soul. You just make sure you guys don't hurt him."
AJ pulls back with a smile and kisses me on the cheek.
"I knew you were the right one." he says with a smile.
Kevin, Brian and Nick come over next. It more of the same pleasantries and double talk. It amazing how the guys are so much like siblings. Then the lights flash and everyone is pushing me to sit down. I look and I am in a chair in front of the dance floor. The music starts and a guy comes dancing out. He is wearing a green silk dress shirt, slacks, jacket and fedora. He sensually dances across the stage to me and plops him on my lap. Before I can protest he is giving me the lap dance of my life. He gets up and does a strip tease. He loses the jacket and the shirt. He writhes around half naked and I get very turned on. He pulls the pants and is just left with a neon green g-string. By this time all the girls and some of the guys are cheering. I hear Britney behind me yelling "Take it off!" He comes back over and straddles me and the hat comes off and it Howie smiling down at me. He leans in and kisses me and I can't help but touch that ass. The crowd starts hooting and hollering. Howie pulls back and smiles.
After that the party starts. Everyone is up dancing and drinking. Even the underagers. Meanwhile Howie and I sit at a table where much to his dismay I won't let him put his clothes back on.
"Babe, come on everyone can see my stuff." he says.
"I'm not thinking about them, I just like how I can touch you anywhere and its skin." I say and run my hand up his leg.
He shivers, "Exactly, your turning me on and there's nothing I can do about it."
"I don't know about that." I say and slip my hand under the table.
I put my hand on the g-string and feel his dick hardening. With a quick massage its straining against the fabric. I pull the g-string back and wrap my hand around it. Howie looks around to see if anyone's close and then nods. I work my hand from top to bottom in slow motions. Its been awhile for Howie because he is already stiffening. He nuzzles against my neck and nibbles on my ear lobe. I increase the motions and within a minute Howie is gasping in my ear and I feel his come all over my hand. He looks at me and we kiss. Then I wave AJ over with a trench. I'm not totally without feeling.
Soon Scott and Sel are taking me away and the guys drag Howie off the other way.
"You can't see each other now til the wedding." Kevin says over his shoulder.
Scott and Sel take me down to the beach and pulls out a three
bottles of Cuervo.
"To your last night of freedom." Scott announces with his bottle aloft.
We clink our bottles together and drink. And drink. And drink. Til we are laying on our backs watching the stars and listening to the surf. We shakily get up and support another back to the lobby. We get in the elevator and laugh as we fall on our butts when it goes up. We get to the hall, Scott and Sel head to their rooms and I head for mine.
When I get in Britney is already there, she is talking to someone on the phone is hush tones when I walk in. When she hears me she hangs up and smiles.
"Guess someone had a few drinks." Then she gets closer. "Whew! Or maybe a lot of drinks. C'mon wedding boy, into bed with you."
She helps me strip to my boxers and into my bed. She gets into hers and turns out the light. I pass out til the sun wakes me. Or the cold water. Not sure which.
"Morning Craig."
I squint and see two Aaron's. I sit up and throw my arms out. He jumps in the bed and hugs me. I haven't seen him for ages.
"Aaron, I'm so glad you're here. Thank you for being my usher."
He draws back.
"Ugh, lets get you some mouthwash and toothpaste."
I laugh, forgot about the alcohol. Til I stand and sway a bit.
"Oops, guess I had a little too much." I say as I stagger to the bathroom.
"You guess? How many bottles of Cuervo did you kill?"
I gargle the mouthwash before I answer.
"Three."
I start brushing my teeth and look in the mirror. The hair has got to go today.
"Aaron, wanna go with me to get my hair cut?"
`Sure, but you want breakfast before that?"
"Ooh! Great idea, lets ask Bri...hey where's Britney?" I ask.
She let me in and went down to the pool with Sel. They are working on their tans before the wedding.
The wedding. It comes crashing in. I look at the clock. 8am. Ten more hours. I fly into action. Clothes on, grab the wallet and key. Aaron just follows me laughing. We get the restaurant and eat quickly. I get my hair done at the salon. Just like I said. Short and spiky. Funny thing is, when she cut it, I thought my roots would be darker. Instead I look like I got highlights now. Awesome.
The rest of the day is a blur. There are family and friends arriving and coming to talk to me. I don't remember a word. I just remember the people. Friends from high school. Shana, Drew, Mateo and Kyle from the show. Jeff with his kids. Jennifer Love Hewitt. LFO (we met through the soundtrack of Believe). Elijah Wood. Ananda Lewis. Meant a lot that these people cared enough to come see me get married.
Next thing I know its 5:30 and we are in the dressing room at the Haiku Gardens. Scott, Aaron and me are putting on our tuxes. Basic black with bluish-green vests. I got here at 4 to check out the place with my mom. The wedding planners did and awesome job. They set us up in the botanical garden. A waterfall would be the backdrop to the altar. Every flower imaginable was present. It was awesome. After the wedding we were having the reception at Haleiwa Joe's Seafood Grill. Awesome food and a awesome view of the Ko'olau mountains.
I look around and see we are ready. Sel and Brit walk in. They look gorgeous in their tuxes. They got the slimmer jackets and rolled their dress sleeves out over the jackets cuff. Hot. Now all we had to do was just sit back and wait. The way we chose the ceremony was that we were coming from the two separate ends of the garden. Howie and his crew. Me and mine. The planner came in and said it was time.
We all stood, everyone converged me with a group hug and the next thing I know is we are walking through the garden. All I can hear is the heart pounding. I look out and see all my family, friends and then Howie's family and friends. I look across and see Howie coming towards us with the guys. He smiles and it melts the butterflies out of my stomach. As we approach "Still The One" plays over the speakers.
We get to the altar I Howie takes my hand. I look at him and the guys. Their tuxes are similar to our except their vest are deep purple.
I look into the crowd and see my mom and dad smiling at me. Grandma next to them with Dom already getting tears in her eyes. Then to the other side I see Paula and Hoke, they smile at me. Angie, John and Pollyana besides them. I feel the love from them all.
I look into Howie's eyes and smile. I am calm now. Strange that effect he has on me. The song ends and the minister steps up.
He began, "I want to thank you all for joining us today. It is always wonderful when two of gods creations come together in love. I would like to start the ceremony with a prayer passed onto me by a friend.
Now you feel no rain,
For each of you will be shelter to the other. Now you will feel no cold,
For each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there is no loneliness,
For each of you will be companion to each to other. Now you are two bodies,
But there is only one life before you. Go now to your dwelling place,
To enter the days of your togetherness. And may your days be good and long of earth.
Craig and Howie have prepared their own vows. Craig?"
Craig looked at Howie and started, "I do promise to love only you In good times and in bad In sickness and in health I loved you before I knew you I will love you for all eternity You are my beloved Howie You are my best friend."
Scott handed Craig the ring. He took Howie's hand and guided it to his ring finger. As he put it on his finger the minister said, "Do you Craig take this man as your lawfully wedded husband? In richer and poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, honor, cherish and to hold from this day forward?"
"I do."
Howie looked at Craig with glistening eyes. Then he started his vows,"
When I first met you I already knew There was something inside of you Something I thought that I would never find You bring me joy and happiness You were there for me in my despair You will always be my one You are my beloved Craig You are my best friend."
AJ handed him the ring. Howie took Craig's hand and guided the ring onto his ring finger. As he put it on his finger the minister said, "Do you Howard take this man as your lawfully wedded husband? In richer and poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, honor, cherish and to hold from this day forward?"
Howie looked at Craig and smiled, "I do."
"Then by the power vested in me by the state of Hawaii I now pronounce you husband and husband. You may kiss."
We kiss and the world stands still. There is nothing but this perfect moment of me and Howie just kissing. The reality comes back and I hear the applause and look to see our family and friends standing and cheering for us.
"Still The One" comes on again and we walk together down the aisle. Our friends follow suit. We are to go to the waterfall and get photos down while the rest of the guests go to the restaurant and wait for us.
As we wait for the photographer to set up I kiss Howie.
"I love your hair baby. It looks blonder now." he said
" Thank you. Hey, we did it babe. We're married now."
"I know" he says "We did it. I was so nervous all day. It just dragged by slowly and all I wanted was for it to speed up so I could be with you."
"How funny, my day flew by. I cannot tell you a word that people said to me. I just see faces and that its. I couldn't believe it when I was walking to the altar and you were there."
The photographer has the usual group shot. Howie and I in the middle, while our ushers flank us respectively. Then just shots of us. Gazing into each other's eyes. Kissing. And of course the family shot with us and Dom. Then the family shots of us with parents and sibs. After a half hour we are headed to the restaurant ourselves.
We are seated at the main table, with the wedding party, that looks over the dining room at all our family and friends.
"I love you Mr. Dorough" Howie whispers to me.
"I love you too Mr. Bingham." I whisper back.
The food and drinks arrive and Aaron stands to make a toast.
"This is to two of my best friends. I saw them overcome so much to be together. Was with them when I lost my love and its THEIR love that keeps me going. To Craig and Howie. May your love last forever."
Then the guys stood.
Kevin started, "To Sweet D., our brother. When we were first together you were the heart of our "family" and kept us right."
Brian chimes in, "You were there for us when we needed you and even when we didn't."
Nick adds, "To Craig, the only guy who has made our bro forget studio time and made him smile like no other."
AJ concludes, "May the two of you be together forever. And put up with us along the way."
Everyone laughed and drank. The room was filled with clinks and everyone at and drank.
"This is so cool, but you don't know how badly I just want to go upstairs right now and be with you." I whisper.
"I know baby. But good things come to those who wait."
"Mom's got Dom for the night. Then we'll take him and he'll stay the week with us right?" I ask.
"Yes sir. I want my honeymoon to be with you both." he says with a smile.
The deejay starts his thing, announcing us as a couple and all. Then he asks us to come to the floor for our first dance. Howie stands and offers me his hand. I accept and he leads me to the floor. We get there and stand and face each other. He puts his arm around me and takes me hand in his and then... "Viva Forever" starts. But not by the Spice Girls. We look and it's the BSB crooning for us. We smile at this and kiss once more. Its perfect. The rest of the evening moves slowly. Family and friends give their best wishes. Music is played. We cut the cake and no one gets hit.
Eventually it wears down and we are getting ready to leave to our room. Everyone forms an aisle and we are hit with rice and bubbles. We enter the elevator and ride to the honeymoon suite.
The rooms is beautiful. The French doors are open and the ocean breeze comes in. There is a trail of rose petals from the floor to the bed. Candles everywhere and a bubble bath waiting.
I turn to Howie and look in his eyes. I see the man I love and hopefully spend the rest of my life with. In this moment I know true happiness.
We slowly remove each other clothes. Then we stand in front of each other naked.
Howie smiles and says, "Its just like I left it."
"And its all yours."
He takes my hand and leads me to the bath. We climb in and he sits behind me. He puts his arms around me and runs his hands up and down my chest. Toys with my nipples while nibbling my ear lobe. He then takes the cloth and starts working it around my body in slow motions. Then we switch and I do the same to him. We face each other and start to kiss. Its gently at first. Our lips touching with sweet kisses. Then it becomes more intense. We are savagely kissing each other and our hand are roaming over the others body. We pull back and catch our breath. We get out and towel each other. Our dicks are rock hard and begging for attention yet we still ignore them.
We go over to the bed, hand in hand. Howie lays me down on my stomach and I hear him grab something. A bottle is opened and then I feel a liquid being applied to me. I lay there as he work the oil into my skin and deep massages my back. He works to my shoulders, my arms and back. He goes up and down my legs. He works my ass. Kneading the cheeks like dough. Then parts them and lightly tongues my hole. I shiver as he blows and licks. He turns me and applies the oil to my chest. He works down and seems to ignore my dick and applies his attention to my shaven balls. He licks and sucks with his mouth while his hands squeeze and rub my hard nipples. He moves below my sack and starts to lick my ass again. This causes me to gasp in pleasure. He comes back up with a smile. My dick is standing at full attention. He puts his lips to the tip, opens his moth and engulfs me. He works my shaft slowly then increases his speed. He grips me at the base and as he feels me tense up he swallows me to the base. This results in me shooting down his throat. He waits til my dick stops twitching and slowly comes up. He licks the head sending shivers down my spine. He comes up to me and kisses me. I taste traces of myself on his lips.
I turn him so I can straddle him. I kiss him and feel his hard dick pressing against my ass. I turn around and 69 him. Except instead of my dick he rims my ass. I turn my attention to the beautiful latino dick in front of me. I grab it by the base and use my tongue to lick the outline of his head. The causes him to shake a huge drop of pre-cum to come out. I open my mouth and slowly take him into my throat. I go all the way to the base and constrict my throat, then rise about mid shaft and proceed to bob up and down. While I do this Howie is taking his tongue to my ass like there is no tomorrow. He enters me with it. After a few minutes of this, I am ready for more.
Without a word I get up. I find his bottle of oil and lube his dick. My ass is dripping wet at this point. I straddle him and guide his dick to my hole. He tries to slowly enter, but I take control and take it all at once causing us both to gasp. I sit atop him and ride him slowly. I twist my pelvis around erotically and feel him deep inside me. I look down at him as he looks up at me and we lean into a kiss.
Then he flips us. I am on my back and he is a top me. He likes this position because he can go deep and slam harder. I feel his hard dick filling up my ass and he plunges in and out. I am moaning and groaning. He pick up his temp and I can hear his balls slapping against my ass. He flattens on top of me and kisses me. My hard dick compressed between our stomachs tenses and shoots a load. This causes my ass to grip Howie even tighter and he yells out and I feel his dick feel up my ass with his hot cum.
We lay there. Howie on top of me, catching our breathe. His dick still hard inside me. Breathing hard Howie kisses me again.
We go at it about four more times. Two in the bed, one on the balcony and one in the shower. We finally sate ourselves and get into the bed. We lay there, me on my back with Howie across my chest. Our hands our intertwined and we admire our wedding bands.
"We never discussed this..what are we going to do about the last names?" I ask.
"Simple. Your Craig James Bingham-Dorough and I am Howard Dwayne Dorough-Bingham."
"So when we get him christened he will be Dominic Jesse Bingham-Dorough?" I ask.
"Yup, that what all our kids last names will be." he said with a smile.
"I love you Howie."
"And I love you Craig."
We lay there drifting off with our thoughts. I smiled and thought back to the beginning, when I thought that that one night was going to be the best there was. And then when that one night made its way into a year. It had its down but its had so many ups and always Howie there to love. I couldn't wait to see how my life would Howie D. would be.
The End
As always: question, comments and critiques are always welcome. You can email @ capricorn77dude@aol.com Stay tuned for the spin off in early February.