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 - OK guys. I am going to take an author's liberty. I need Ethan to be up and about so, he is. I hope you will forgive me. At least it isn't a shower dream sequence or a moment of divine intervention and he is healed. Nothing cheesy or dramatic. It is just a blatant change and I admit it. This is my longest chapter so far. Hope you enjoy it. As always, keep the emails coming. Note the slight change to my email address. Pnskid61@cox.net
Dan
Chapter 36
Kevin woke to the phone ringing at 8:30am. It took him a moment to figure out it was the phone. Sean was nestled up to his side and had his arm on Kevin's chest. Rather than wanting to run from the situation, Kevin resented the telephone's invasion. He reached for the phone and croakily managed to say hello.
"Good Morning Kevin it is Ethan. I hope I didn't wake you."
"Hi Ethan. Well, yes you did. I haven't been well. Shaking off a bad stomach problem. But I think I am slowly getting back to normal. What can I do for you?"
"Well, you may not be able to help me if you aren't feeling well. I am needing to get Sarah up here this evening. If you aren't feeling well enough, I can have her come up commercial."
"Ethan, I know I haven't worked for you very long and this looks real bad, but, I don't think I should fly today. When does she need to go back? I should be better tomorrow."
"I think she may stay until Sunday. How about I get her to fly up commercially and you go ahead and plan to take Sarah back to Ft Lauderdale on Sunday. How does that sound to you?"
"Great. Ethan, thanks. I am sorry about today."
"No worries buddy. You get better and we will see you on Sunday."
Kevin hung up the phone and turned and looked at Sean. He had stirred while Kevin was on the phone but he was still in the twilight of sleep - those wonderful moments before you are fully awake. Sean looked peaceful and Kevin also realized again how handsome and beautiful Sean was. His black hair was a mess, a textbook example of bed hair. But it still looked wonderful. Kevin wanted to stroke it but knew he wasn't really ready for that.
Just as Kevin was about to get out of the bed, Sean's cell phone began ringing. Sean leapt up with a dazed look. Kevin couldn't help but chuckle.
"Yeah, go ahead and laugh. Just be glad I didn't see you when your phone rang," Sean said to Kevin as he pressed the talk button on his phone.
"Sean, it is Ethan. There is a lot of stuff going on and I need to talk to you as soon as you can get here. Can you make it over right away?"
"I could be there in about an hour. Would that be OK."
"That is great."
"Ethan, is everything ok?"
"Well, I don't know. They are trying to take Adam away from Rick."
"Oh shit. OK, I will be there as soon as I can."
With that Sean jumped out of the bed. Kevin looked sad and worried. Sean relayed to Kevin what Ethan had said. Kevin said that his call was also from Ethan wanting to go get Sarah this afternoon.
"Well, I guess this really is very serious. I need to get over there. Are you going to be OK on your own?"
Kevin said that he'd be fine and went to the kitchen to make some coffee while Sean showered. He also put Sean's clothes in the dryer with a sheet of Bounce to freshen them up.
Sean was at the beach condo in just under an hour. He felt bad leaving Kevin but Ethan needed him. Sean had grown to love Ethan and, besides, Ethan was his boss so he had better get there!
Ethan explained the events of the last few days including the meeting with Mitch and the idea that a financial settlement may be a viable option. Ethan and Sean talked over a few scenarios and amounts. Ethan had an idea that he held back for awhile.
"Sean, I have an idea about something. I got hell the other night for not talking things over with Rick first and I learned my lesson. I just want you to check if this idea is viable and quantify it for me. If it looks like a possibility I will want to talk it over with Rick before we do anything."
Ethan then spelled out the idea for Sean. It seemed like a good plan and may accomplish what needed to be done. Sean set out to get the details Ethan needed and agreed to pick up Ethan at 5pm and they would drive over to the house in Destin together.
The social worker arrived at Rick's at 2pm. She appeared to be in her early 30s, had a stern look about her which Rick was sure was all part of the job. She introduced herself as Nancy and Rick asked her in and introduced Adam to her.
The three sat and talked and drank some iced tea together. Adam sat in Rick's lap for much of the conversation until he felt more comfortable with the stranger. Rick had told him that she would want to talk to him by himself and Adam was now starting to think that it may be OK. The conversation at the table focused on what a typical day was like, what they did for fun, and general small talk. Adam was loosening up. Rick knew that this was all part of the plan. Get everyone comfortable and hopefully they would let their guards down and reveal more than they had planned. Rick also knew that he didn't have any secrets and laughed when he saw Nancy trying to reword questions to see if she got the same answers.
Nancy asked Adam if it would be OK if they went and talked together for a few minutes. Adam looked at his Dad and Rick told him it was OK. With a smile, Adam said, "Sure, come to my room. I can show you my legos."
So off they went. Rick suddenly felt completely alone and powerless. A cold chill ran through him at the thought that this could be the last day that he and Adam would spend together. Tears formed in his eyes. He sat at the table. Unable to do anything about the situation. The quiet was deafening.
"I love my legos. See what I made," Adam said to Nancy pointing at a ship that he was building. It did look a little like a ship. "I am going to build it to be just like the ship I was on. It was real big and nice. It was fun. My Daddy, Ethan, and I had a fun time."
"What did you do for fun on the ship?" Nancy asked.
"I played in the big tent of balls, dressed up like a pirate, went on a treasure hunt, played games and I even got to dance. It was fun."
"It sounds like it. Adam, how do you like it here?"
"I like it a lot. I also like it on the beach at Ethan's. I have my own room because I am a big boy."
"Yes, you are a big boy. I have a little game for us to play. I want to show you some pictures. I want you to tell me what you see. Is that OK, want to play?"
"Sure," was Adam's happy reply.
Nancy ran through a series of pictures. This was to test his intellectual development and some of the pictures were designed to measure his emotional response to certain images. They flew through the pictures in record time.
"Adam, I want to ask you some important questions. It is important to answer me truthfully. OK?" Nancy asked.
"Sure, Nancy."
"Do you know why you are living with your Dad and not your Mom?"
"Yes."
"OK, Adam I need you to answer me with a bit more than that. Why are you living with your Dad and not your Mom?"
Adam's smile disappeared and he grew fidgety. "Cuz my Mommy is dead."
"That is right. Do you know what that means?"
"It means she isn't coming back."
"How do you feel about that, do you miss your Mommy?"
Adam was whispering now. "No. I don't miss her."
Nancy was surprised at the response. "Why not?"
"Cuz she used to hit me and so did Eric. She always called me names. I was always a bad boy and never a good boy."
"Can you remember what you did that made you a bad boy?"
"I talked while the TV was on. I didn't eat all my food. But I don't like carrots - they make me sick. I spilled my drink. Sometimes I would get scared in the night and that would wake up my Mommy. I was a bad boy."
"You said your Mommy and Eric hit you?"
Tears were now rolling down his cheeks. "Yes. Sometimes Eric would kick me. Sometimes they would poke cigarettes at me. It would hurt." Sobbing now.
"Adam, you are being very brave. I know this isn't fun. We won't talk about this much more but I am proud of you." Nancy said. "Now lets talk about your life with your Dad, OK?"
The reaction was noticeable and immediate. The tears stopped and his mood perked.
"Daddy loves me. He says I am a good boy."
"How does he tell you that you are a good boy?" Nancy asked.
"He says so. He gives me a big hug when I am a really good boy. I like that. I never got hugs from Mommy."
"These hugs. Do you ever feel uncomfortable with the hugs? Has your Daddy ever hugged you or touched you in a way you didn't like?"
"No. When Daddy hugs me it is nice."
"Has he ever touched you in a way you didn't like?"
"No. What do you mean? My Daddy loves me. He wouldn't do anything I didn't like." Adam angrily said the words.
"Adam, I know these questions are hard and may make you mad. But I have to ask them, OK?"
"Does Ethan give you hugs?"
The smile returned. "Yes, just like my Daddy does."
"Has Ethan ever touched you in a way you didn't like?"
"No."
"Can you think of a time when you were a bad boy since living with your Daddy?"
"Uh-huh. I spilled my drink all over the table. I was so scared. Mommy would have beat me with the belt for that." Adam said shrinking.
"Tell me what happened."
"I knocked over my cup and stuff went everywhere. I got really scared and started crying. I knew I was going to get it. But my Daddy came over and hugged me. I was crying and I knew I was in big trouble. But he hugged me and told me that little guys do these things and that I should try to be more careful. He told me he loved me. Ethan and Auntie Sarah said the same thing. Nobody hit me or yelled at me. Now I try real hard to be careful."
"OK Adam, I only want to ask you a few more questions and then we are done. You are being such a good young man. Thanks guy!" Nancy said to a smiling and proud Adam. "I want to talk about your grandparents for a few minutes."
Just like the mood had instantly brightened when Nancy wanted to talk about living with his Dad the mood went very dark at these words. Kids that are Adam's age have not learned poker face yet. The face will tell you more than words.
"When your Mommy died you lived for them until your Daddy came to get you. Is that right?"
"Yes"
"What was that like?"
"Like living with my Mommy and Eric. Granny would spank me a lot. Poppa would yell at me and call me names. They also called my Daddy names too. They made me stay in my room most of the time. I wasn't allowed to watch TV with them cuz I talked too much. Sometimes I would stay in my room all day. Granny would bring me food. One time I tried to go pee pee but the door was locked. I banged on the door and Granny yelled at me to be quiet. I told her I had to pee pee. She told me that I didn't, but I did." Adam was now looking at the floor.
"What happened?"
"I went pee pee on myself. I tried not too. I pinched my pee pee real hard but it hurt. I couldn't help it. I was real wet and stinky." Adam was now crying.
"That must have been horrible. I am sorry that happened to you. What happened next?"
"Granny came in later and saw what I had done. She made me take off my clothes. She then put my undies in my face and made me smell them. She hit me in the face with them and told me I was a dirty boy like my Daddy."
Nancy was losing control of Adam now. He was crying hard, "My Daddy is not dirty and not a bad boy. He is good. He makes me happy. I hate granny for saying mean things about Daddy."
"Adam, you have been a very brave boy. You have answered my questions. Can I ask you two favors? You can say no if you want." Nancy said in a calming voice.
Adam wiped his eyes on his sleeve and tried to stand straight like a good little guy.
"OK, sure."
"First, the things we just talked about are between you and me. Is that OK with you? We shouldn't talk with Daddy or anybody about this."
"Sure."
"Second, and this is a big favor. Can I give you a hug for being such a good and brave guy?"
Adam didn't answer he just went over and put his arms around Nancy.
"Thank you Adam. You are right, those hugs do feel real good. You made me feel real good."
Adam smiled even though he still had tears in the corner of his eyes.
Nancy asked Adam to play for awhile in his room while she said good-bye to his Daddy. Adam agreed.
Nancy went out to see a worried Rick. He looked like he had aged 10 years in the last 30 minutes.
"Mr Stephens, I want to thank you for your time today. You have a wonderful little guy in there."
"Thank you Nancy. He is my life. Please, please, I can't bear to think of life without him. He can't go back to Ruth and Buddy. They are the abusers, not me," was all Rick could manage before breaking down.
"Mr Stephens, I know this has been an ordeal for you and for Adam. I can't talk about my report with you at this time, I am sure you understand. I can ask you one thing. Don't stop loving that boy, he is a treasure."
"I won't Nancy. I could never stop loving him."
With that they shook hands and Rick showed Nancy to the door. He went to the bathroom to try to clean his face and pull himself together. Then he went into Adam's room. Adam was busy with his legos. "Daddy, come play with me. I am building a ship for Ethan." Rick's love for this boy grew deeper every day.
Sean had a productive time checking on Ethan's idea. He had his facts and figures ready to review with Ethan and Rick later in the evening. With that task done he decided to drop by and check on Kevin.
Kevin greeted him at the door with a big smile. A mere 24 hours ago the scene was very different. Kevin offered Sean some lunch and they sat down to some sandwiches. Kevin had made a trip to the grocery store and the refrigerator was fully stocked. They ate a leisurely lunch while Sean explained what was going on with Ethan, Rick, and Adam. He didn't reveal Ethan's plan since it really wasn't anything definite at the moment and also, it was confidential. Sean said that he would be driving Ethan over to Destin. Ethan had called and said the custody hearing was being held tomorrow at 10am in at the County Courthouse in Crestview. Everyone was surprised at how fast things were moving. The unsaid feeling was that it wasn't a good sign. Kevin said he would pick up Sarah when she arrived in Pensacola and drive her over to Destin. Sean was pleased. First at Kevin's rebound and secondly that he would get to see him again later that evening.
Sean and Ethan arrived in Destin around 6pm. Adam was watching cartoons and Rick was putting the finishing touches on dinner - meatloaf, potatoes, and peas. Gourmet it wasn't but it was good comfort food which was sorely needed. General small talk was the dinner conversation. After dinner, dishes, Adam's bath, and Adam was busy watching TV again, Ethan reviewed his idea with Rick. Sean relayed what he had found out and the three sat silently for a few minutes as Rick pondered.
"Ethan, I don't want them to get anything. Nothing you hear me. Nothing."
Rick got up and went back to the bedroom leaving Sean and Ethan at the table. Ethan got up and went back to the bedroom to find Rick looking out the bedroom window.
Ethan put his arms around Rick and kissed his neck. "Honey, I know they don't really deserve anything. Sometimes I forget that we haven't been together for years. But there is something about me that may help you understand things a bit more. We haven't ever talked about some of my spiritual beliefs. In Buddhism there is the concept of karma. The idea is that if you do good you will get good in return. If you do evil, you get evil in return."
"Oh wow, lets really get the Christians riled up," Rick said laughingly, "not only are you gay, and rich, but also a Buddhist? Pagan heretic!"
The mood was lightened which was needed. Ethan said, "Well, I think that religion and spirituality are very different concepts and I also think that people should be free to explore their spirituality in ways that make sense to them. I don't feel the need to be public in my thinking. I prefer to show my beliefs through actions rather than rhetoric."
"I agree," Rick said. "But Ruth and Buddy have done evil so they deserve to get evil back. You are not giving them evil back."
"It is not for me to decide their karmic fates. I can choose how I want to react to each situation and I am responsible for that choice and its consequences and/or rewards. I will not perpetuate their hate. If I give evil I will get evil back. What happens to them is almost irrelevant. It is my choice. Our choice. We can do nothing, we can give good, or we can give evil. Evil in the form of revenge and hatred is not an option in my book."
"OK, then let's do it. I admire you Ethan. I have so much to learn from you. You are a much bigger person than anybody knows. I love you babe." They moved into a deep embrace, gently rocking, holding each other and feeling the warmth and love flow between them.
As they made the decision, Sarah arrived.
"Oh gross, can't you two keep your hands off each other for more than 5 minutes. Perverts!" Sarah said as she approached them with outstretched arms. She joined the hug and now the three of them stood in a group hug. Each gaining additional strength from it.
Ethan brought Sarah up to date including the plan. He explained his reasons for it and also Rick's reservations.
"Rick is right. Those fuckers don't deserve anything but for someone to show them their place. I will be glad to do it. I don't subscribe to your mushy feel good shit Ethan. I want to hurt them. Nobody messes with any of my guys. Full stop. End of Story. Karma Schmarma."
"Sarah, I love you for your concern and protectiveness," Ethan said to a red faced Sarah. "But we are going to do this my way, our way. Rick has agreed. I don't want you making any trouble. I mean it Sarah. I am not kidding and I won't tolerate anything sneaky going on with this. Clear?"
Rick had never seen Ethan be so firm with Sarah but wasn't surprised. Sarah was a hell cat and needed someone to reign her in. Sarah mumbled, "OK Boss. But I love you guys so much. I can't bear to see anything..." her voice gave way before she could finish the sentence.
Another group hug.
"Listen Rick. If you ever tell anybody how Ethan just spoke to me and that I gave in to him I will kick your arse. Understand?" Sarah said sternly to Rick before breaking into a belly laugh.
Adam then ran into the bedroom and joined them. "Auntie Sarah," the boy said in mid air as he leapt up to hug Sarah. Sarah grabbed Adam, hugged him, swung him around. Her world made sense with him in her arms and Ethan and Rick by her side.
Sean and Kevin went back to Pensacola while everyone else stayed at the house in Destin. Everyone would meet again back at the house in Destin at 8am. Only Rick and Mitch would be going to the hearing in Crestview. Kevin dropped Sean off at the Ethan's condo where he picked up his car and then went home. Kevin went back to his apartment. He didn't feel the despair and loneliness he had before.
The courthouse seemed fairly empty. Rick had visions of a Perry Mason type courtroom. Instead he found a fairly regular office which had 6 chairs arranged around the desk.
Rick could see Ruth, Buddy, and another guy he assumed was their attorney. At 10am they were ushered into the office and were joined by Nancy. Within a minute or two the judge arrived. Looking to be no more than 30, in khakis and a polo shirt, he greeted everyone with a handshake. So much for Perry Mason.
The judge read the complaint and heard remarks from both lawyers. Mitch was eloquent talking about the bond between a biological parent and their child and the warm, stable, loving environment that Adam now enjoyed. Ruth and Buddy's lawyer focused on the unhealthy environment that Adam was in and that they were sure would lead to some sort of mental and physical harm to the child. They also stated that since Rick had no apparent signs of income and no job that he was not able to take care of Adam financially.
The judge then asked Nancy for highlights of her report.
"I met with Mr Stephens and Master Adam yesterday at their home in Destin. The house is well maintained, clean, and very comfortable. Adam has a room of his own and is very proud of his legos. The day-to-day life described both by Mr Stephens and Adam does not appear to be out of the ordinary."
"I had an hour with just Adam. I ran through the normal battery of tests and questions. I then spent time exploring Adam's understanding of what has happened to him. We also discussed details about his life and treatment in the past and now and how they differ."
"My conversations with Adam and details of those are available for your review Judge. I will say that I found Adam to be in good health and given what he has been through in remarkable mental condition. He is advanced beyond his age in his communication, motor, and reasoning skills. He is a bright, articulate, and happy boy."
The judge listened and then asked, "Nancy, in your opinion, is Adam currently at any risk in his current environment?"
"No sir."
"Nancy, in your opinion, is there any reason to believe that Adam is at risk in the future or that the environment he is in is unhealthy to his mental or physical well being?"
"No sir, quite the contrary."
"Nancy, you said you have a report I can read?"
"Yes sir. It is fairly brief but I believe it is essential you read it before making a decision," Nancy stated.
"Thank you Nancy."
Now looking at Mitch and Rick, "I assume your have financial data for me concerning Mr Stephens ability to adequately care for Adam?"
"Yes sir." Mitch handed several pages to the judge.
Ruth and Buddy's lawyer spoke, "Sir, we have not seen those reports and request a copy of those for our own review."
Mitch then quickly spoke, "Sir, the information in that report is personal to Mr Stephens. I request that the information be kept confidential."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I am going to call a recess in this hearing while I review the information in Nancy's report. Regarding the financial data, I will review the data. The specifics are not important and will remain confidential. I will make a determination if I believe there is sufficient resource for the care of Adam. Let's plan to be back at 1pm. I will make my decision about the request for the suspension of Mr Stephen's parentl rights at that time."
The tensions in the room after the judge left was more than anyone could bear. Mitch took Rick out into the hall and they decided to go to a café for some lunch to await the judge's return. Rick called Ethan to give everyone at the house an update. Rick could feel the concern and tension through the phone. "Hang on babe. By 2pm we should know how this will go. Love you. And tell Adam I love him too"
Ethan hung up and looked at 3 pairs of eyes staring at him. Kevin, Sean, and Sarah looked like they were holding their breaths. Ethan gave them the update. The tension didn't ease. Nobody was eating the muffins on the table. Nobody was speaking. Adam was busy in his bedroom coloring but he could sense that the grown-ups were worried. He drew a picture for each of them. He went to the kitchen and gave one to each person. They all hugged him.
Kevin looked around at the situation. The concern and love in the room was overwhelming. This wasn't Will and Grace. This wasn't Billy on Soap. This wasn't the sex driven group on Queer as Folk. This wasn't the queeny theatrics of Birdcage. This was real. These people were real. They were genuine, loving, beautiful people. What was once Kevin's perception of gay life was being replaced by a very different reality.
Everyone gathered back in the office and at exactly 1pm the judge returned.
"Thank you for being back on time. Nancy, I have a question before I continue. Do you have any reason to doubt what Adam told you?"
"No sir."
"Do you have any reason to believe that he was coached in anyway about what to say?"
"No sir. I have almost 10 years of experience in these types of cases and a degree in child psychology. Adam's story is not a fabrication."
"Very good, thank you Nancy."
"I have reached a decision. First, regarding the financial question, I have no concerns regarding Mr Stephens ability to provide adequate support for Adam's care." The judge gave a slight smile to Rick as he said that. The judge had not had many millionaires in his office before. Nor had he had a child multi-millionaire that was in this type of situation before.
"Secondly, regarding Mr Stephens providing a healthy environment for Adam. I understand your concerns about Adam being raised by a single man and a partner. I know that images on television and the media often paint this as a risky environment. However, the scientific and quantitative data simply do not support that image. In fact, quite the opposite. Only in cases where there is abuse or a past history of abuse by one of the parties would there be reason to remove a child from a biological parent's care. I do not find that to be the case in this case."
"So regarding the request to remove Adam from the care of Mr Stephens, that request is denied."
Adam sighed and as hard as he tried not too, tears ran down his cheeks.
"Further, I am most disturbed by information that has been presented in this case regarding Adam's care and treatment by you two," the judge said while looking at Ruth and Buddy.
"Based on what I have read it would appear that you not only have no interest in caring for Adam but that you actually pose a risk to his safety and well being. Further, I can only surmise that this case was motivated by something else besides a concern about the child's welfare."
"I am sufficiently concerned that I am issuing a restraining order preventing you from seeing or making contact with Adam. You are not to contact him, directly or indirectly. If you do, you will be in violation of the restraining order and you will be charged accordingly."
"I am dismissing this case and there will be no further actions on this case."
"Mr Stephens. You have a very special guy there in your care. It is obvious that you have attempted to provide him with comforting and love. He has a very mature understanding of his past and a very deep love and affection for you, Ethan, and someone named Aunt Sarah. I can only say, thank you and well done. I do some advice if you don't mind."
Rick was still stunned but managed, "No sir, I'd welcome it."
"Adam has suffered a lot. At the hands of his mother, step-father, and grandparents. This abuse should not have been tolerated. He is dealing with his past in a very mature way but I would encourage you to have him see a child psychologist. Sometimes they can detect things and help ensure that Adam grows up to become an outstanding and well adjusted adult. Secondly, I suggest you get him involved with some children. He is maturing very fast and I am sure that is due to the fact that you treat him as a little adult. It is important that he is allowed to be a little boy and to develop his social skills appropriately."
"Thank you sir, I appreciate your comments and will follow your advice."
"Very good. We are now adjourned. Mr Stephens, I suggest you get back to that great little guy and to your friends and family. I am sure they are anxious to hear the news."
"Filthy faggot. You slime. Burn in hell." This was Ruth's parting comment as Rick and Mitch left the office.
Rick thought about calling but they would be home in less than 30 minutes and decided to wait to tell everyone in person. Mitch drove as quickly as possible to the house in Destin.
Rick entered to find all eyes on him. He tried his best to not show anything on his face but couldn't help it. He burst into a smile. With that chairs fell over as everyone jumped out of their chairs and ran to Rick. It looked like a football huddle as six grown adults tried to hug all at once. And then there was one more. Adam came barrelling down the hallway and jumped into the melee. "I want a hug too." He got more than he bargained for as the huddle moved and swallowed him up.
Rick told the whole story including the restraining order that was issued. It was more than anybody could have hoped for. They decided a BBQ was in order to celebrate. Kevin, Sean and Sarah went to Winn-Dixie for food and supplies as Ethan, Rick, and Mitch got other things ready. Soon the grill was going full steam, every burner on the stove had a pot going, the counters were filled with food. Beer and wine was flowing and some grape kool-aid was prepared for Adam.
As everyone filled their plates and sat down to eat, there was a knock at the door. Rick went and answered and ushered his two guests into the kitchen. The sight that greeted them was chaotic but you could feel the fun, humor, and love in the room.
"Hey everyone, I'd like you to meet Nancy, the social worker, and Judge Crain. I'll let you each introduce yourselves to them. I am too hungry and want to eat. Nancy, Judge Crain, welcome to our home and fix yourselves a plate."
"My name is Dan, not Judge Crain, and I think I will join you. Thanks!"
Food was being consumed at a tremendous pace. Laughter filled the room. Adam was in heaven as he got hugs from Ethan, Rick, Sean, and of course the great Auntie Sarah. Adam, Sean, and Kevin went to look at the surprise that Adam had been working on with his legos. Sean and Kevin returned so that Adam could finish up his masterpiece.
Dan spoke to the group, "You know, I see a lot of cases. Some of them break your heart. Some of them anger you and you want to cut off people's legs and arms. Very rarely do I see a case that warms your heart. A case that shows what good old fashioned love and good parenting is about. Today was one of those times. So, I raise my glass to Rick. Great job!!" Nancy seconded the toast.
"Thanks Dan. But I can't take full responsibility. Adam makes it easy. He is simply wonderful and so beautiful and is a gift I am not sure I deserve. But, I believe you can only give love if you love yourself and allow yourself to be loved. I didn't know how to love myself. I didn't know how to love others. That is, until I met Ethan. He is not only my lover and partner, he is my mentor. He is my inspiration and my guiding light. Ethan, thank you for being there for me, being there for Adam, and for just being you."
The table went silent for the first time in the evening. The sincerity and passion that Rick just said those words had left everyone speechless. After what seemed like hours, but was really only seconds, Ethan reached over and hugged Rick. The table applauded.
"Oh, and as much as I think Ethan is the center of the universe, there are two other people that have made this all possible. Bossy, bitchy, demanding, task master, mean old badillacs is what she wants you to believe. But anybody that knows her knows better. She is the most amazing woman I have ever known. I love her. Who knows, if Ethan weren't around she would have to fight me off. Cheers to Auntie Sarah."
Sarah blushed brightly and then stuck her tongue out at Rick. "You are going to pay for that you little shit."
"And now to thank my best friend. We had lost touch for awhile. But we have one of those friendships that never ends. When I needed him the most, he was there. He didn't know nuttin bout taking care no kids, but he did. When Ethan was so ill, Sean took care of our little guy. Sean is now a part of our family. Thank you Sean. Cheers to Sean!"
Ethan added, "And to my good buddy, Mitch, thank you guy for dropping everything and being there for us. I owe you."
"You bet your rich sweet ass you do. Wait until you get my bill."
Laughter followed. Then everyone started to clean the mess. Nancy excused herself and left. Mitch followed shortly afterwards. Sarah and Dan were busy in the kitchen. Talking, laughing, they were an amazing team clearing the mess. Sean and Kevin said their goodbyes and headed back to Pensacola. It was bath time and then bed for Adam. Rick decided to do the honors with Adam while Ethan finished getting everything back in order.
Sarah and Dan were now sitting in the backyard. Talking non-stop. Laughing every once in awhile but mostly talking. After about 30 minutes they came inside. Dan thanked Ethan for a wonderful evening. He had never been so sure that he had made the right decision. Dan was shocked when Ethan hugged him.
Dan said goodnight to Rick and Adam. Sarah walked him out to the car. Ethan was sure that there was glow in Sarah's cheeks when she came in.
"So, what is this all about? Got the hots for the judge," Ethan taunted Sarah.
"Kiss my arse you cheeky monkey. I am going to bed." She went up and hugged Ethan. "I love you Ethan, I am so happy everything turned out the way it did."
Rick came into the bedroom. The house was quiet. Adam was asleep. Sarah was in her room. This day was finally over. It could have gone either way. Rick could not bear to think what the other way would have been like.
He looked over at Ethan on the bed. Ethan's blue eyes sparkling. The silver in his hair made his eyes seem even bluer. Rick quickly shed his clothes and climbed into bed next to the love of his life. He kissed Ethan. Gently at first but soon their passions took over. He needed Ethan - now in an intensely physical way. Hands explored each other. Both gasping as hot spots were found. They knew how to push each other's buttons. Rick wanted to feel Ethan inside him. He wanted to be joined with this man and to make complete love to him. It was passionate and beautiful. Rick felt Ethan fill him with a part of him that he only shared with Rick. At that moment they were one. Transported to an ethereal place that nobody else shared. Rick came without touching himself. Both felt that their orgasms had never been so intense. The aftershocks lasting far longer than in the past. Their love had reached a new level. They were truly partners. In love. In Adam. In life.
Coming soon - I know I promised some of this for this chapter but this chapter ran a bit long. Stay tuned for Ethan's meeting with Buddy and Ruth, the media frenzy reaches a new (and different) level, Kevin embarks on his journey of discovery, and an event in Mobile has tragic impact.