The story below is a work of fiction and contains erotic and/or sexually explicit behavior between consenting males. If you find this type of writing offensive, or if you are underage and it is illegal to view it, please do not read further, but exit now. The author reserves all copyright privileges. This work may not be reproduced, except for personal use, without permission of the author, and may not be linked to any pay sites.
Author's note - The cruise was great. It was nice to be able to drive over and get on the ship in New Orleans and not have to deal with airports for a change. This is a short chapter. I had a lot of new ideas pop into my head during the cruise so future chapters should get more interesting.
Your emails keep me motivated so keep them coming. In the mean time, all the best and thanks for reading Sojourn. Dan
Chapter 32
Rick was stunned. How did Ethan keep this from him? Did Sarah know too? He couldn't believe he had a multi-million dollar jet that was his namesake.
R-1 was gorgeous. It was a smaller version of A-1. There was only one bedroom on R-1 and there was seating for 12 total. The plane was plush with the finest of fixtures and furnishings. It had an intimate and luxurious feel to it. Rick went over and kissed Ethan and thanked him for the honor. It seemed like such a trite thing to say but Rick couldn't think of anything else to say at the moment.
Brian introduced the new captain and first officer for R-1 to the gang. "I would like you to meet Kevin, he is your captain, and this is Shelia, she is your first officer. I am going for training on the A320 to I can be back up. Since we only have one of these types in our fleet for now, Kevin and Sheila are dedicated to R-1. Kevin joins us from a major airline in Arizona where he has extensive flying experience with this type of aircraft. Shelia joins us from a large airline where she was based in Chicago. She also has extensive experience with this type of aircraft. Both will be finding a place in Pensacola where we will base R-1. Kevin lived in Pensacola when he was in flight training with the U.S. Navy so he is looking forward to being back there again. You are in good hands with these two. I will miss travelling with you on a regular basis. So, have a safe trip. I am now going to fly A-1 to Long Beach to begin her conversion to passenger configuration. We will be just ahead of you for take-off. Kevin, Shelia, they are all yours now."
Brian stepped off R-1. Kevin stepped forward. He looked like an ex-military guy. Not in a bulky sort of way but rather clean cut and obviously very fit. His hair was close cut, piercing blue eyes, and an electric smile. Bottom line - the guy is hot. Rick thought he was like a slightly taller and younger version of Ethan.
Kevin gave a safety briefing on R-1 since nobody had flown on this type of aircraft before. He explained that the noises would be different then they were used to in A-1. Airbus jets tended to have noisy hydraulic systems. Kevin said was normal and not to worry. The engine noise was a little louder than they were used to on A-1 but he assured them it would still be very quiet. With that, he asked if anyone had any questions and then Shelia closed the main door and the two went to the flight deck. The in-cabin personnel were from the Compass Air fleet. They were always in good spirits since it was considered an honor by the Compass Air in-flight folks to work on one of Ethan's personal flights.
As everyone settled in they could see out the windows that A-1 had started her taxi towards the runway. Soon, R-1 began her taxi as well. A-1 and R-1 slowly making their way to the end of the runway. A-1 took the active runway and her engines came to full power. The tremendous thrust shook R-1.
Everyone watched as the massive and beautiful jet began her roll. In a few seconds, A-1 leapt into the air. Ethan had tears in his eyes as he watched the jet climb into the Florida sky. As R-1 turned on to the active runway Ethan could see A-1 make her slow turn to the north over the Atlantic Ocean. Soon she would turn west for the flight back over Florida, out over the Gulf, and then a straight line to Long Beach. R-1 surged forward as her engines came to full power. The jet was soon speeding down the runway and then effortlessly and smoothly taking flight. Her path took her over Port Everglades where Harmony was taking on passengers for her next cruise. R-1 followed the same path as A-1, banking north, then west, back over Florida, then out over the Gulf towards Pensacola.
The flight was smooth. As they were about to begin their descent into Pensacola, Kevin came on the PA system. "Hi everyone. Someone wants to say goodbye. So if you would please look out the window on the starboard side, you will be in for a rare treat."
Everyone gathered and didn't see anything. Then, like watching a submarine rising up from the mysterious depths, A-1 came into view. She was flying a safe distance away but close enough for everyone to see the plane clearly. Brian's voice came over the PA on R-1.
"Hi everyone from the flight deck of your good friend A-1. She wanted to say one last goodbye to everyone and wish you safe travels."
With that A-1 rocked back and forth her wings going up and down as if she were waving. She did this a few times and then banked sharply - her massive wings, large and powerful engines and underbelly glistening in the afternoon sun. It was beautiful and moving. Ethan had tears streaming down his face.
He was sure Albert would understand.
R-1 was approaching Pensacola from the South. This meant a beautiful approach over the beach and the bay. Rick tensed as the plane flared for landing the memories of watching A-1 barely stopping that night a few weeks ago still fresh in his mind. There was no need to worry. R-1 touched down and easily came to a stop with room to spare. The new plane taxied to the private aircraft facility. Rick saw a crowd was waiting and turned to Sarah and Ethan.
"Ethan, Rick, there is something I need to tell you," Sarah said. "The media reports in South Florida following your accident were picked up by the Pensacola press. They have been contacting us for the last few weeks wanting to arrange an interview with their hometown billionaire. The folks in media relations have put them off saying that you are a private man and want to live your life in peace and quiet. But you know how the media can be and in Pensacola, a billionaire is news. I guess they found out we were arriving today."
The anger was visible on Ethan's face. He was very tired from the trip still not able to handle too much activity. He just wanted to go home and be with Rick and Adam. He longed to be a family again. This was not what he wanted or needed.
"Sarah, I can't face this today. I am just a regular guy and I don't deserve or desire this attention. I am too tired and too weak to handle this."
Rick spoke, "Sarah, Ethan will not face the press today." Rick then picked up the phone to the cockpit. "Kevin, we have some unwelcome guests awaiting our arrival. I want you to radio the folks in the hangar. Have them bring the catering truck around to the starboard side out of the view of the press. Upon my direction, they will take Ethan into the hangar. The doors will be closed and he will be transferred into the van inside the hangar."
Kevin acknowledged the instructions. Ethan and Sarah exchanged looks. Rick was in charge - make no mistake about it. R-1 came to a stop, the onboard stairs extended and locked into place and the main cabin door opened.
"Sarah, you and I will go down and handle this. Let's go," Rick ordered.
Sarah knew not to question and followed Rick. As they descended the stairs, cameras whirled into action. Rick and Sarah walked to the crowd as questions were being yelled.
Rick spoke, "Ladies and Gentlemen, we were not aware that we would have a welcoming committee today. We are pleased to have Ethan home in Pensacola and look forward to a quick and full recovery. He is doing very well but has a lot of hard work ahead of him. Pensacola is his home. It is a place that he loves and one of the things he loves is the compassion and family like protectiveness of the people of Pensacola. I am sure that they and you understand that Ethan needs to focus on getting well and he needs the time and space to do that. I thank you in advance for you understanding and cooperation."
Shouts from the reporters rang out. "Who are you, how is he, is Compass Cruise Line sound or will it be closing down, will Mr West's businesses be moving here to Pensacola, is it true he is gay and has a lover?"
Rick spoke, "I am Rick Stephens and this is Sarah Williams. I have already given you and update on Ethan's condition. We will not answer questions regarding Ethan's private life as it is just that, private. Ms. Williams will give you an update about Compass. Ms. Williams is Executive Vice President of Compass Cruise Lines and is in charge of the day-to-day operation. She will only answer the one question and then we will conclude this unplanned discussion. We will not respond to speculations about future plans for Ethan's other business ventures. Ethan will not be meeting with you today"
Sarah gave an update on Compass reciting the talking points that she had used with the press a few weeks ago. When she finished, Rick took her arm and they both walked away from the crowd and into the hangar. The press followed shouting questions. At the hangar entrance security personnel from the airport security team arrived to prevent the press from entering the hangar. When inside, Sarah looked at Rick with new eyes. She saw a strong, determined, and protective man. She was even fonder of him now than before.
By the time they made it to the condo on Pensacola Beach, Ethan was exhausted and very weak. Rick got Ethan into bed while Sarah kept Adam entertained. Rick carefully undressed Ethan and put a nightshirt on him. He helped Ethan brush his teeth and then Rick mustered all the strength he could to get Ethan into the bed. Ethan was so weak that he couldn't help much. Rick managed and had Ethan in the bed and tucked in. He sat down next to Ethan and stroked his hair. Ethan's eyes were lacking their normal sparkle, were blood shot, and tears welled. Ethan took Rick's hand, raised it to his lips, and kissed it gently.
"Rick, I love you so much. It was you and Adam that got me through the last few weeks. Wanting to be at home, as a family, it was my strength. I can't ever thank you for everything you have done for me. You majorly impressed Sarah today. I told her that I have always known you were strong. You have been there for me. I love you so much and I am going to get through this and you, Adam, and me can get back to living our lives again," Ethan said softly.
Rick caressed Ethan's cheek and leaned in and kissed him gently on his lips.
Both wanted more and longed for each other deep in their souls. To hold each other, kiss, make love. But it was not to be for now. They both knew their love was solid.
Ethan could hear the sounds of the Gulf and the voices of the people he loved most in the other room. The feel of Rick's lips lingering on his, he drifted to sleep.
Sarah and Rick made dinner and Adam was very tired. The strain of seeing Ethan not feeling well was taking its toll even on Adam. Sarah bathed Adam while Rick took some food into Ethan and helped him to the bathroom. He tucked Ethan back into bed and went in to say goodnight to Adam.
"Daddy, when is Ethan going to be better?"
"He should be better in a few weeks. He has to work real hard over the next few weeks to get stronger. I know he is happy to be home and to be back with us," Rick explained.
"Daddy, you seem so much happier when Ethan is around. I feel happy when he is here too. Daddy, I hope you won't be mad, but I want to ask you something."
Rick got in the bed and held Adam in his arms. "I won't be mad son, you can ask me anything."
"Well, I have been thinking. I really love you and I really love Ethan too.
He is such a nice man. He is fun too. I was wondering, would it be ok if I called him Dad?"
Rick was stunned. This was such a sweet thing for Adam to suggest. He never wanted to push Ethan on Adam. But deep down he did view Ethan as his partner in raising Adam and he hoped Adam would see it that way too. It seemed that his wish was coming true.
"Adam honey, that is fine with me. I know Ethan would love it. So you will have two daddys."
"Yeah, cool. Can I go in and give him a good night kiss?"
Rick kissed Adam's cheek and led Adam into Ethan. Ethan was still awake and Rick watched as Adam walked over to the side of the bed. He was such a cute boy, only 4 years old but so mature in many ways. The look in Adam's face was one of concern and love. He was afraid he would hurt Ethan but wanted to give him a kiss and tell him that he loved him. Rick's heart was full.
"Hi kiddo, I see you are all ready for bed," Ethan said to Adam.
"Yeah, but I wanted to come and make sure you are ok and say goodnight. I am glad you are home. I have missed you," Adam said in a sweet little boy voice. Rick was full of pride and love. The two guys in his life that he loved the most were there together.
"Thanks for coming in to say goodnight. I am glad to be home. I am sorry I can't play with you right now. I hope I can play with you again soon," Ethan said.
"Oh, it is ok. Daddy and Sarah are playing with me. You have to work hard.
I will help you get better. I promise to be a good boy and help you if you want," Adam explained.
"You are helping me already. You are a good boy and you better watch out, I may take you up on your offer to help," Ethan playfully said to Adam while rustling his hair.
"Ok then. You go to sleep and I will too. I will come and see you in the morning," Adam said.
Adam then reached up on his tip toes and kissed Ethan on his cheek. "I love you Dad and I am glad you are home. Night night"
Rick and Adam left and after Adam was safely tucked into bed, Rick went in to see Ethan. Ethan was still awake with tear filled eyes.
"Rick, he called me Dad. I love that boy so much but you are his Dad. I don't want to step on your toes. I had no idea," Ethan's voice faded.
"Ethan, it was his idea. He asked me about it. He said it is cool that he has two Dads. And I think it is cool too. I want you to be my partner in raising Adam. Now close your eyes and go to sleep, Dad." Rick then kissed a smiling Ethan, opened the balcony door so the Gulf breeze could come in, undressed, and slid into bed next to the man that he loved. Life was returning to normal. No, better than normal. The family had so much to be thankful for.
Coming soon - Challenges for Compass. An update about Sean and his business plans. You will learn more about Kevin, the new pilot for R-1. The good and bad of Pensacola come to light. And, of course, more from Ethan, Rick, and Adam and Ethan's recovery. Stay tuned.