The Captain of My Dreams

This story is a work of fiction. The events in this story are fictional. The characters in this story do not exist, any resemblance to real people is purely coincidental. Any use of celebrity or other real persons is entirely fictional and in no way reflects upon their actual sexual orientation. This story contains erotic and/or sexually explicit activities between consenting adults. If you are under age, find this type of work offensive, or it is illegal for you to view this, do not read it.

The Captain of My Dreams -- Part 12 By tmabare ©2012

• • • From Part 11 * * *

It wasn't much later that everyone had decided to call it a night and they started heading to bed. Teddy noticed that Dustin and Devon were talking in the living room quietly. He thought they made a good couple and hoped that they could each find happiness with the other. Just after the children were put to bed, Edward appeared in the living room looking for Teddy.

"Hey babe, you ready for bed?"

"Yup." He stood and looked over at Devon and Dustin, "You guys have a good night."

They looked at each other and smiled before they looked back at Ted. They each said their good nights and went back to talking as Edward and Teddy left the room.

After a quick shower with not too much sexual temptations, Edward and Teddy climbed into bed. Edward set the alarm, even though he was sure he wouldn't need it. He climbed behind Teddy and kissed him on the neck, "I love you."

Teddy smiled and snuggled back into Edward's chest, "I love you too."

• • • Part 12 * * *

A few minutes after four in the morning, Edward's eyes opened. He stayed still and looked at the man in his arms. He tried to remove his arm slowly so he wouldn't wake Teddy. As soon as he started to move it though, Teddy grasped it tightly against his chest.

"Is it that early already?" Teddy's voice was groggy.

Edward kissed the back of his neck, "Yeah, babe. Why don't you just stay in bed."

"I'll go back to sleep later. Let's go take a shower. What time do you need to leave?"

"I'm going to go over at five. Are you gonna drive me?"

"Yeah, that sounds great."

They both got out of bed and after a quick hug, headed to the bathroom. While Teddy started the shower so it would warm up, Edward was brushing his teeth and started shaving. When he was done, Edward placed a waterproof bandage on Teddy's back. Edward then jumped in the shower, as Teddy finished shaving.

Just as Teddy put down his toothbrush, a large wet hand reached out and grabbed him. Edward pulled him into the shower and into a kiss. Teddy wrapped his arms around Edward's waist and with one hand on his back and the other on his ass. "I swear... your ass is the best on the planet."

Edward smiled and slipped his hand between the cheeks of Teddy's ass. "I think I have some competition for the best bum." He kissed Teddy again, letting his hand linger. He was rewarded with a moan as his finger moved over the opening to Teddy's ass.

They reached for the shower gel at the same time, which made them both laugh. Edward swatted at Teddy's hand and grabbed it first. He cleaned Teddy first and was then washed by his lover. When they were out of the shower and had dried each other off, Edward headed towards the closet.

Teddy quickly dressed and walked to the hallway. When he opened the door and looked out, he saw Devon moving towards the kitchen and Dustin headed that way from the living room. Teddy walked quickly down the hallway and found them in the kitchen sitting at the table.

"Are we ready?"

Devon smiled, "Yes, relax would you. I have all of the food ready and as soon as he leaves I'll start getting the tea and coffee ready."

"Ok, I better get back in there."

Teddy headed back down the hall and sat on the bed. He was checking his email when he noticed Edward had walked back into the room from the closet. When he looked up Teddy was immediately speechless. This was the first time since they met, that Edward was in uniform. Teddy started at the tip of Edward's highly polished riding boots, and continued looking up his body. The khaki riding breeches were tight and the jacket and leather Sam Browne belt brought attention to Edward's muscular form.

When Teddy finally made it to Edward's head, he found Edward smiling down at him. "Do I pass inspection?"

Teddy stood up and walked over to him, "Holy shit! Yes, you do." He leaned up and kissed Edward lightly on the lips. "You ready babe?"

Edward hugged Teddy tightly, "I'm ready. If you need anything call me, if you can't get me on my mobile, just call the office."

"I'll be fine babe, let's go."

They headed out of the flat and climbed into the Range Rover. Teddy was driving as they crossed over to South Carriage and headed for Knightsbridge. When they pulled up at the gate, Edward leaned over and kissed Teddy's lips.

"I love you, have a good day." He smiled at Teddy.

"I love you too. Call me when you're ready to come home."

Edward stepped out onto the sidewalk and was greeted by a salute from the sentry on duty. Teddy watched as Edward walked towards the gate. Just before he entered the compound, he turned and waved at Teddy.

Teddy waved back and smiled. As Edward disappeared inside, Teddy drove back towards the flat. When he got there, Devon and Dustin were waiting outside with folding tables. They loaded them quickly into the back and headed upstairs for another load. By the time they were walking in the door, the rest of the family was up and getting dressed.

As the men were in the kitchen getting the drinks together, Vladimir appeared. "We've got two more vehicles downstairs for people and food."

"Thanks Vladimir, have you eaten yet?" Teddy was glad to see the young man.

"I had something before I left home."

"Well, we have plenty if you want something else." Teddy turned back towards the counter, "Devon, what time do we need to be there?"

"We need to be set up by quarter to seven, if they hold to schedule."

"Are you sure they're going to be there?" Teddy was a little worried that they would set this all up and their surprise wouldn't come to fruition.

"Yes, don't worry. They'll be there. I asked Edward last night where he was planning to do the entire watering order his first day back. I wanted to make sure."

Teddy smiled, "Good man Devon."

The drive to Wormwood Scrubs was easy, but only because it was so early in the morning. Devon directed them to where they needed to park and in a few minutes they were setting up two tables with enough food to feed a small army. Just after they had finished setting everything up, Devon tapped Teddy on the shoulder and pointed to the far end of the scrub.

Coming at them were twenty riders on horseback at a full gallop. Teddy could easily recognize Edward on Thunder immediately and it took his breath away as they got closer. Laura and the kids were equally in awe of the horses and men. Teddy noticed that Matthew was standing there with his mouth open and a huge smile on his face. John and Laura were looking at Matthew's reaction and then smiled at each other.

Edward was shocked when he saw his family and friends standing on the far side of the scrub. As soon as he realized they were there with food for all of the troops, it made him feel incredibly loved. He changed directions so they were headed right for them. When they were close enough, he brought the ride to a stop and dismounted Thunder.

Teddy wanted to run up to him, but he held back as the kids ran up and each was rewarded with a hug. Edward had instructed everyone to dismount and for the next few minutes it was a mad house as the troopers, NCOs, and officers took their turns getting food and drinks. Those not getting their food were holding the reins for theirs and someone else's horse. Teddy was amazed at how well it all seemed to work.

Edward stood there smiling as Teddy walked up to him. Teddy wanted to hug him, but he held back and just smiled back at Edward. "Good morning, soldier boy. Come here often?"

The laugh that escaped from Edward's mouth brought an even bigger smile to Teddy's face, "I love you. I can't believe you guys did this."

Teddy reached out and took Thunder's reins from Edward, "Why don't you go and get something. I'll look after him."

Edward hugged Teddy tightly and then walked towards the table. Teddy noticed that a few of the Troopers had seen them hug and were now smiling at him. He could feel himself blush and turned back to Thunder and began petting his head and neck.

As Edward was getting some tea, Laura grabbed his arm. She took a quick deep breath and mumbled something under her breath.

Edward turned and saw Harry standing there. He tried to stifle a laugh as he started to talk. "Lieutenant Wales, this is Ted's cousin and his wife, John and Laura Hillsgrove. John and Laura, this is Lieutenant Harry Wales."

John grasped Harry's extended hand, "Your Royal Highness."

Harry laughed, "It's just Harry." He then turned to Laura and shook her hand, "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Laura still couldn't speak. She just smiled with a look of joy on her face. John and Edward both started laughing and John was rewarded with an elbow to the ribs.

As soon as Dylan and Matthew saw Harry, they ran up to him. He knelt down and started talking with them. Bess was a little more shy than usual, which Edward noticed and thought was so unlike her. She finally came up and talked with Harry and was rewarded with a hug. She was beaming at him when she pulled back.

Teddy was still rubbing Thunder's head when Edward walked up behind him. Teddy knew he was there somehow and just smiled, without turning to look at him. "Did you like your surprise?"

"Damn, I can't even begin to tell you babe. When did you decide to do this?"

"Devon helped me set this up Saturday. As soon as you said you were going to be riding this morning I knew I wanted to do something. Devon helped me come up with doing this. He said it was something families have done before."

"Well, I appreciate it and so do the lads. It was a huge shock to see you all standing here."

As Edward and Teddy were standing by Thunder talking they were joined by Harry. "Good morning, Ted."

"Good morning, Harry. How are you doing this morning?"

He smiled wide and took another bite of a bagel. "I'm doing great now, I was starving."

"Well, eat up, we brought enough for the whole regiment I think." Teddy thought about something briefly and then continued, "My family is leaving at the end of the week. Would you like to come and have dinner with us some night before they go?"

"I'd enjoy that. Mind if I bring someone?"

"Of course not, that would be great."

"Just let me know what night." He smiled and then turned to walk back for more food.

Edward looked at Teddy, "That was nice of you. I don't think many people would be brave enough to invite him to dinner."

"You said he was a friend, so I figured it would be nice to have him over. Besides, Laura will absolutely shit." Teddy's version of an evil grin made Edward laugh. "Maybe we better have Tony and Andrew come and serve as his protection detail."

Edward laughed and then noticed that Matthew was wandering around talking to the troopers and looking at all the horses. "I think we have a cavalryman in the works there. Not sure how we can do it, but I'll find a way if he wants it."

"Yeah, we'll see what happens when he goes home. If he still wants to do it after a while, we'll talk to Laura and John about it. Maybe we can get him here next summer and put him in a riding school."

Teddy reached into his pocket and pulled a mint out for Thunder. He was rewarded with Thunder's version of a kiss to the cheek. It made Edward laugh, "What have I told you about trying to steal my horse."

Teddy just laughed at him, "You're all I can handle, trust me."

Edward laughed and headed over to throw out his cup, with Teddy continuing to hold Thunder's reins. While Edward was talking to John, Harry walked back up to Ted.

"I can't tell you anything officially, but there are some very important things about to happen to Edward." He smiled and made sure that Edward wasn't close enough to hear them, "He's going to be on the New Years Honors List and it looks like he is going to be the new Second in Command for the squadron."

Teddy tried to keep his voice low, "Oh my God. When will he find out?"

"He won't know about the Honors List until December. He should know about the other this week. I'll let you know as soon as the date for the announcement is set."

"That sounds great, thank you, Harry."

Harry walked back to his horse, just before Edward returned. Teddy wasn't sure if Edward had seen them talking, but he wasn't about to mention it unless Edward did.

Before they started to mount up, each member of the ride thanked Ted and the other members of the family while shaking their hands. They all were genuinely thankful for the effort the group made on their behalf. Before he mounted Thunder, Edward kissed Teddy quickly on the lips, causing a cheer to rise up from his men. Edward blushed and shook his head.

When they were back at the flat, Teddy decided he needed to get some work done. After he helped Devon and Dustin put things away, he sat at the table in the dining room and spread some papers out. He answered some emails, but wasn't overly surprised that there weren't that many left. Stephanie was handling things much as she always did when he was out of the office.

Elizabeth wandered in after Teddy had been working for several hours. She pulled a chair out and climbed into it so she was sitting near him. She didn't say anything, just watched Teddy working.

Teddy finished reading the memo he was on and looked up at Bess. "Hey there, sweetie, you ok?"

"Yes, sir. Are we going to go see Daddy at work today?"

"Not today, we're going to do that on Wednesday. Is that ok?"

"Yes, sir. I just wanted to make sure we're going to see him at work before the boys leave."

"I promise we will. We're going to go watch him at the changing of the Guards on Wednesday morning."

"Ok, thank you." She jumped down and then scooted over to his chair. When she was standing next to him, he leaned over and she kissed his cheek.

Teddy pulled her into a hug, "I love you kiddo. Why don't you go play with the boys."

"I love you too." She was quickly on her way back to her room.

Teddy was pretty sure the boys put her up to it, but he wasn't going to ask. As he sat there he began to realize he was getting tired quickly and the pain was back. He closed up his laptop and headed toward the bedroom. As he passed the kitchen, John saw him and called out.

"Hey, where you headed?"

Teddy turned towards the kitchen, "I'm going to go take a pill and then a nap I think. Feeling really tired."

"Ok, we're going to take the kids to the Natural History Museum here in a little bit."

"They'll love it. You guys have fun." He didn't say anything more, just headed off to his room.

When he had shut the door and was on the bed, he laid his head on Edward's pillow and just breathed deeply. He could smell Edward's distinctive scent and it made him smile. Before he knew it, he was asleep.

The next thing Teddy knew was he wasn't alone in the bed. Someone was sitting next to him, rubbing his back. When he rolled over he was looking up into Edward's green eyes. He also realized that Edward wasn't wearing the same uniform as earlier. He was in a dress uniform this time.

"Babe, what are you doing home?"

Edward leaned down and covered Teddy's mouth in a kiss. He slowly pulled back, "I came home for lunch and was surprised that I couldn't find anyone. Then I came in here to grab something and here you where. Where is everyone else?"

"They took the kids to the Natural History Museum."

"Oh, that's great. I don't think Bess has ever been." Edward leaned down and kissed Teddy again. "Thanks for breakfast this morning babe. That was something really special to me."

Teddy was rubbing his hand up and down Edward's thigh. "I'm glad you liked it. When do you have to go back?"

"Shortly, Vladimir is downstairs waiting for me. I called him to come and get me because I wanted to surprise you for a change."

"Well, you did." He leaned up and kissed Edward again. "Want to grab something to eat?"

"Yeah, I was just gonna get a sandwich, you want one?"

Teddy stood up and took Edward's hand, "Not exactly what I want to eat right now, but it will have to do." They walked in to the kitchen and made lunch standing side by side. The conversation was fun and both enjoyed the fact that they were alone for a change.

"I love our family and friends, but damn it's nice to be alone." Teddy took another bite of his lunch.

"I know what you mean. Do you think the boys still want to stay? Since we've resolved the problem with Dylan I was just curious if they still wanted to."

"That's a good question. I'll talk to them this afternoon and see what they want to do."

When they were finished eating, Teddy walked Edward down the hall to the door. When they were there Edward turned around and kissed Teddy. After a couple minutes of making out in the entry, Teddy pushed Edward towards the door.

"Call me when you're ready to come home."

"I will, I love you." He opened the door and turned to smile at Teddy.

"I love you too."

By the time everyone was back, Teddy was again working at the dining room table. Dylan and Matthew ran into the room. They were obviously very excited.

Dylan was wide eyed, "Uncle Teddy, they had dinosaurs!"

"Yeah, they had a bunch of them. You should see them!" Matthew was just as excited.

"I'm glad you both enjoyed it. Where is Elizabeth?"

"She and mom went to the store." Dylan looked out the window, "When is Uncle Edward coming home?"

"He'll be home late this afternoon."

"Cool. We want to tell him about our day." The boys started to head out the door.

Teddy was starting to feel hurt. "Hey, you don't want to tell me about it?"

"We want to tell you both at the same time." Dylan had turned and started back towards Ted while Matthew continued out into the hall. "I wanted to tell you, but Dad told us not to bother you until Uncle Edward came home."

"Oh... Dylan you are never a bother, remember that. But, thank you for being so sweet. I love you."

Teddy leaned over and was quickly wrapped in two little arms. "I love you too, Uncle Teddy." Dylan kissed Teddy's cheek.

"Dylan, let me ask you a question. Do you still want to stay with us when your parents go home?"

Dylan looked away and then back to Teddy. "I think I'm ok now. I want to go home with them. Do you think Elizabeth can come with us?"

"I don't know kiddo, we'll have to see."

When the phone call from Edward came it sent Teddy quickly out the door and on his way to Knightsbridge. He was extremely happy to be able to see Edward. Even though he saw him only a few hours ago at lunch, this was what he had been waiting all day for. Pulling up, the sentry recognized Teddy and opened the gate allowing him to pull in. Teddy saw Edward walking across the courtyard and he got out of the driver's seat and walked around to the passenger seat.

Edward didn't seem to mind that he was going to be driving. He climbed into the driver's seat and leaned over for a kiss. He placed his hand on the back of Teddy's neck and held him in for a long kiss. When Teddy moaned around his tongue Edward smiled. "Babe, I've wanted that all afternoon."

"You and me both. How was your afternoon?"

"It was great. I got to ride down to Horse Guards for the inspection this afternoon. It was great, not too much traffic. It topped off a great day. There were no problems for my first day back."

As they pulled out and headed back to Albert Court, Edward was talking non-stop about his day. Teddy was enjoying listening to him detail his first day back to work. The excitement he still has in his duties was evident in these moments.

"Did the kids like the museum?"

"Oh definitely, they are waiting to tell you all about it when you get home?"

"I can't wait to hear how they liked it." He turned to look at Teddy's face, "Ok, so what's going on with you and Lieutenant Wales?"

"What do you mean babe?"

Edward wasn't smiling, "He asked me for your mobile number this afternoon."

"Probably just wants to talk about coming for dinner with the family." Teddy squinted his eyes while he looked at him, "Edward Smythe, you aren't jealous of me talking to him are you?"

Edward stayed silent for what seemed like an eternity to Teddy. "I know I shouldn't be. I know there is nothing going on or could be going on between you two. But on some level it bothered me that he walked back over to you after I walked away this morning. Then he asked me for your number this afternoon."

Teddy reached over and grabbed Edward's hand, "You know that you have nothing to worry about. You are the only man I have eyes for, the only person I want to share my life or bed with. Nothing is going to change that."

"I know babe, I'm just being stupid."

"Actually, I think you're being damn sexy. I can't tell you what it does for me that you would be jealous of me talking to someone. But, you really have nothing to worry..."

They were interrupted by Teddy's cell phone ringing. He didn't recognize the number, but it was a London exchange. "Ted Jackson."

"Ted, it's Harry."

"Hey, how are you doing Harry?" As Teddy said it he looked over and Edward had a frown on his face.

"I'm great, just wanted to let you know it's going to be announced tomorrow. Should we plan something for tomorrow night? I thought it would be fun to just make it a low key thing."

"Yeah, that sounds great." Teddy tried to moderate his tone and was hoping Harry would pick up on it.

"Bugger, is he sitting right there?"

"Oh yes."

"Just tell him I called about dinner. Why don't you call me tomorrow morning at this number and we'll talk more about it."

"Yeah, I think we can set dinner up for tomorrow night. Thanks for letting me know you would be free."

"Later, Ted."

"Have a good night." Teddy hung up his mobile.

Edward had pulled up outside the flat and was just sitting there looking at Teddy. Teddy couldn't read the look on his face. It was a look he hadn't seen from Edward before.

"So, he's coming for dinner tomorrow night?"

"Yeah, something about being the only night he was going to be free. He also wanted to know if he could bring someone."

Edward's face changed by softening, "Ah, guess you were right then."

"Told you... Nothing for you to worry about."

Edward told himself that there wasn't anything to worry about, but deep down he had his own doubts. He knew that Teddy loved him, but...

After a nice family meal, Edward and Teddy sat in the living room with the kids. They were given a complete run down of the excitement they missed during the trip to the Natural History Museum. All three children loved the exhibits and all were especially excited by the dinosaurs. They talked for almost an hour before they started to show signs of being tired.

Teddy and Edward put the kids to bed that night. Even before Teddy could finish the story he was reading them, they were all asleep. The excitement of the day must have worn them all out, since it usually took more than one book when you put them to bed.

Walking back into the living room, John and Laura were waiting for them. John was reading the newspaper and set it down as they walked in the room.

"So, what do we have planned for the rest of the week?"

Teddy looked at Edward and then back to John, "Well, tomorrow night we are going to have some friends over for dinner. It'll just be a quiet evening at home with family and friends. Wednesday we are going to have to be at Horse Guards by about ten so we can get good spots for the changing of the guards. That night, I'm going to go and have dinner with Edward. Thursday I have an appointment at Doctor Anderson's office for a follow-up. I think that's about it. Is there anything you want to do?"

"No, probably going to go to another museum tomorrow. Maybe we'll just go play in the park with the kids."

"John, I talked to Dylan today and he said he didn't want to stay now."

"Wow, I guess your little talk the other day did wonders for him. He's been a lot happier and now he wants to go home. Trying to put me out of practice?"

"Not at all, just being a good uncle."

Laura leaned forward towards Edward, "I'm going to ask since the boys aren't going to stay, if you would consider letting Elizabeth come stay with us. Until you guys come to close up Teddy's house in Florida."

Edward thought about it for a minute, "Sure, I think she would enjoy the time with the lads. She has some counseling scheduled, but I guess the two of you could handle that."

John smiled, "Yeah, I think between Laura and I, we got the counseling covered."

Teddy was surprised that Edward would go for it, but at the same time the thought of being alone with Edward was exciting.

Devon had been quiet during the conversation, until now. "Do you mind if I go with Bess? I would like to spend some time in Savannah, and I will be there if she needs anything."

A smile broke out on Edward's face, "Couldn't have anything to do with Dustin flying home, could it?"

It was the first time Teddy had seen Devon blush. "Don't listen to him Devon. Of course you should go, but you know I think John and Laura can handle it, why don't you take a vacation and go visit... Florida."

Devon and Dustin both smiled at that, causing Edward to roll his eyes and shake his head in mock annoyance. Deep down he was happy for both of them and even happier he and Teddy would be completely alone.

The next morning came too early for Teddy. Thankfully they didn't wake up as early as Monday, but Teddy could have gone for a few more hours. By the time he was out of the bathroom, Edward was dressed and headed for the kitchen.

When Teddy joined Edward in the kitchen, he had already made eggs and toast for them both. "Wow, soldier boy, I will have to keep you around."

"Babe, you know you don't have to get up with me. I feel bad, you're still recovering and you aren't getting much rest."

"I'm okay, really. I want to spend time with you whenever I can and I'll go back to sleep when you leave. Why don't you go ahead and take the car to work today."

"You sure?"

"Yeah, I don't need it. If they want to go anywhere we can just call Vladimir."

"Ok, sounds great."

After breakfast was finished, Edward headed out while Teddy headed back to bed. Once his head hit the pillow he was quickly back in a deep slumber.

When his mobile started ringing, Teddy looked at the clock, it was almost nine. He didn't even look at the caller ID. "Ted Jackson."

"Ted, it's Harry."

"Hi Harry."

"Did I wake you up mate?"

"It's okay Harry. How are you doing?" Teddy's voice finally started to sound normal.

"I'm good. So, they are going to tell him at eleven in a ceremony in the courtyard. Can you and the family be here?"

"Yeah, we'll be there."

"Ok, what I want you to do is come to the Knightsbridge Road side. There is a gate right across from Trevor Street. Meet me there at ten-thirty. I'll get you in and hide you all until its time."

"Sounds like a plan. I can't thank you enough."

"Just make it a good home cooked meal tonight and that will be thanks enough."

"You got yourself a deal."

As soon as he hung up the phone, Teddy was on the move. After he got dressed, he called Edward's mother at work. Unfortunately, she and Stephen would not be able to attend the ceremony. They did, however, make plans to attend the get together that evening.

Teddy walked into the kitchen and told the family what was happening. By his reaction, Teddy thought Devon was the most excited of all. They all agreed to ditch their museum trip for the morning in order to be at the ceremony.

Entering Knightsbridge from the Trevor Street gate, the family was met by a sentry. After they walked in and were heading up the steps into the building Laura grabbed Teddy's arm. She took a deep breath and mumbled something that Teddy couldn't understand. Without looking John knew what was going on and just started to laugh.

"What is it La?"

Before she could answer, Dylan and Matthew ran up to the man at the top of the stairs. "Harry!"

Dressed in his full dress dismounted uniform, Harry looked as regal as Teddy had ever seen in photos or in person. Harry leaned over and spoke directly to each of the boys and then looked over at Elizabeth. He walked over to her and had a short conversation. When he was done, she was smiling ear to ear.

"Hello Ted." Harry extended his hand towards Teddy.

Teddy couldn't help himself, as he shook Harry's hand he also bowed his head. Before he could say anything Harry interrupted him, "Hey, what did I say about that? You don't have to do it unless we're at some official function, ok?"

"Of course. You just look so... royal."

Laura cleared her throat, which made Teddy stifle a laugh. "You remember John and Laura?"

Harry shook both of their hands, "Yes, I sure do. John, it's good to see you again." He shook John's hand and then Laura's. "Laura, are you enjoying your stay."

For the first time he could ever remember, Laura was still completely speechless. John noticed it too, but dared not say anything, his ribs still hurt from yesterday morning. She finally was able to get the words out of her mouth, "Yes... thank you..."

"Come on, follow me. There has been a slight change of plan." He held open the door at the top of the stairs. "Edward has been told there's going to be a Colonel's Inspection, so that's why everyone is in full dress or in state kit. When we get the inspection party out there, the Colonel will then announce his promotion."

"Sounds incredible. Where are you going to hide us?"

"Once everyone is lined up, I'm going to walk you out. That will be his first clue that something is going on."

The ceremony was something that none of the family would ever forget. The look of total surprise on Edward's face when he was called to the front and the announcement was made was priceless to Teddy. A cheer went up from the troops when Edward was named the new Second in Command of the Blues and Royals.

Another highlight, for Teddy, was being able to meet the Colonel of the Blues and Royals, The Princess Royal. Edward showed great pride in introducing Teddy and Elizabeth to her. He then introduced her to John, Laura and the twins. Teddy was extremely impressed by the women he had only scene in pictures before now.

Teddy was speaking with Harry about the ceremony, while Edward was speaking with the Squadron Commander. Teddy and Harry were joined by The Princess Royal, and Teddy immediately bowed his head.

"Mr. Jackson, may I speak with you?"

"Of course, Your Royal Highness."

"I don't know if you are aware of this, but I am a Patron of The WISE Campaign."

"I'm sorry ma'am, I'm not familiar with..."

"WISE stands for Women into Science, Engineering and Construction. Its purpose is to encourage women to pursue careers in the fields of science, math, technology, engineering or construction. I was wondering if you would be interested in becoming involved, as long as you are going to be in the country."

"I would love to. Anything I can do to help, please let me know."

"I think that having you and Jackson Global on board would give us a whole new ability to reach girls and also new resources to actually change some of the stereotypes of women in the field."

Teddy reached into his pocket and removed a business card, "Ma'am here is my personal contact information. I will be out of the country for a few days soon, but other than that I will be glad to help you any way I can. It would be an honor if I was able to create an opportunity for even one young woman to have the career she might have otherwise been denied."

The smile on her face told Teddy that the call would be soon. "I will leave you two to your conversation. I'll be in touch." She extended her hand and grasped Teddy's in a firm handshake before she walked off.

Harry smiled at Teddy, "Well, I hope you know what you just got yourself into."

"No... What did I do?" Teddy was laughing because he hadn't thought it sounded too bad.

"You just opened yourself up to my whole family wanting you to help with things now. The Firm will be on high alert now."

"Well, if I'm going to be with Edward I might as well do things that will reflect well on him."

"You just did that, in one big step. Are we still on for tonight?"

Teddy looked around to make sure that Laura wasn't within ear shot. "Of course, how is half past six?"

"Sounds perfect, it's still okay that I bring someone?"

"Yup, who are you bringing?"

"It's a surprise."