This story is a work of fiction. The events in this story are fictional. The characters in this story do not exist and 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 19 By tmabare ©2012
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- From Part 18 * * *
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For the rest of the ride to the airport, Teddy rested his head on Edward's shoulder while holding his hand. Arriving at the airport, Teddy and Edward grabbed their own luggage and walked towards the cargo hold. The ground handlers placed the bags in the hold and then closed the hatch, as the guys climbed the stairs.
Walking inside, the air was noticeably cooler and Edward could feel his mouth start to water at the smell of the ever present cookies. He walked into the main part of the cabin and sat down on the couch. He turned on the television and started flipping channels to find something to watch.
"You are spoiling me. I don't think I can fly coach again." He smiled as he said it and winked at Teddy.
"I'm right there with ya." Teddy sat at the desk and fired up his laptop. He hadn't checked his email since they had flown down and he was sure he'd have tons to answer.
After they were in the air for about an hour, Teddy closed up his laptop and turned to see Edward watching him, smiling. Teddy winked at him and then tilted his head towards the rear of the aircraft. Edward smiled wide and nodded.
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- Part 19 * * *
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The flight back to London was smooth, as was the landing at London City. Nothing was said about the guys disappearing into the bedroom for most of the flight. When they finally emerged Devon and Dustin just smiled at them and walked to the front of the plane.
Following the drive back to the flat, Teddy and Edward ended up going to bed early. As they were in bed that night, Edward looked over at Teddy. "Babe, do you have any plans for tomorrow?"
"Not really. I was going to go into the office for a little bit after the ceremony, but not really sure if I am going to do that or not. Why, what's up?"
"After the ceremony, I was wondering if you wanted to grab something to eat with a few of us?"
"Of course!" Teddy started smiling at the thought of seeing Edward on Thunder.
"I figured we could just hang out for a couple hours and then go to eat. I'll let Devon know you're going in the morning and he'll make sure you get to the best spot for the ceremony. Okay?"
"Cool, I can't wait." Teddy was still smiling as he said it.
Edward leaned over and kissed Teddy on the lips, "Night, babe."
"Night."
When Teddy woke the next morning, he realized that Edward was already gone. He knew he was tired, but didn't realize he was so far gone that he never heard Edward leave that morning. Looking over at the clock, he realized it was just after seven and he knew he needed to get ready.
After his shower, Teddy walked to the hallway and called out. "Devon."
The young man's head appeared from the kitchen doorway, "Morning."
"Good morning, what I should wear this morning?"
"I'm going to wear some dress pants and a shirt, you may want to wear the same thing."
Teddy nodded, "Okay. What kind of ceremony is this?"
Teddy didn't notice the look on Devon's face, "Just an old tradition, we don't do it often, but it's something really special."
"Sounds great, especially if it doesn't happen often."
Walking back into the bedroom, Teddy headed to the closet. He chose a pair of blue dress slacks and a white shirt. For some reason, he also picked out a tie and put it on. Walking into the kitchen he found Dustin was there and was dressed much as Devon.
"Morning, Boss." Dustin's smile was infectious and as soon as he spoke, Teddy found himself smiling back at him.
"Good morning, Dustin. You're going to the ceremony with us?"
"Yeah, hope you don't mind me tagging along. Devon said it was something I shouldn't miss."
"By all means, the more the merrier don't you think?"
Devon looked at his watch and then at Ted, "I think we need to get moving. Don't want to be late."
The three men headed out of the flat and down to the street. Vladimir was there with a vehicle waiting for them and after climbing in they were quickly in the park. They drove to a section of the park Teddy hadn't been to before, even though it wasn't far from Knightsbridge. Getting out of the Range Rover, Teddy was greeted by Harry. Ted couldn't get over how good he looked in his uniform.
"Morning, Harry. How are you doing?" Teddy extended his hand, but instead Harry pulled him into a hug.
"I'm great, Ted. Did you enjoy your trip?" As he asked the question, he released Ted from the hug.
Teddy couldn't help but smile at the contact with Harry and also at the friendship that had grown between them. "It was incredible, but I'm glad to be home."
"I knew you would love it. I was talking to Edward about it earlier. He told me some of your adventures and also how much fun he had."
Teddy could feel himself cringe at the thought of the evening in Anfora, "I'd like to forget about one of the adventures, but overall I think it was the most incredible trip I've ever been on."
"Yeah by the sounds and I can't tell you how much Edward enjoyed it. It's all he's talked about all morning." Harry rolled his eyes in mock annoyance.
Laughing at the expression, Teddy just smiled. "So, what is this ceremony all about?"
"You'll see, it's something very special in the Regiment. In fact..." Harry looked at his watch, "I think we better move into position."
Teddy looked around and suddenly noticed they were the only people in that area of the park. He followed Harry into a small clearing just off the main path. As they stopped, Teddy looked over and saw horses approaching from the opposite direction from where they were walking into the clearing. He instantly recognized Edward, who was leading ten troopers on horses. They were in their khakis, but the troopers had their helmets on with their swords drawn.
Watching the troops cross the clearing, Teddy couldn't help but smile at what he was seeing. Watching his man lead troops, even in a ceremonial function reminded Teddy of how different his life had become since he had met Edward. To top it off, the sight of Edward riding Thunder was almost more than Teddy could handle.
Harry leaned over and whispered into his friend's ear, "Down big boy."
Teddy couldn't help but laugh at the comment. He looked at Harry and smiled, "Shut it!" Teddy then smiled a little wider, "Your Royal Highness."
They both broke out laughing as the riders came closer. As the horses came to a stop, Devon walked over and held the reins for Thunder as Edward dismounted him. The troopers formed a line on each side of Thunder and Teddy found himself in awe of them. Their professionalism and the image of them dressed that way on horseback was something he had loved since he was a child.
Edward was smiling as he got closer and Harry was now standing beside Edward. As Edward was approaching, Teddy could feel his chest tighten up. He had the feeling that this wasn't what they had told him it was. His excitement level was going up and he could feel himself starting to sweat.
When he was standing directly in front of Teddy, Edward reached out and grasped his hand. Edward was smiling as he looked into Teddy's eyes. Before Teddy knew what was happening, Edward dropped to one knee.
Teddy felt his breath catch in his throat, and he could also tell that his eyes were starting to water. Edward's green eyes were full of love and his smile showed the happiness in his heart.
"Theodore Jackson, you have become the most important thing in my life. You saved me and showed me what true love is. You have opened your heart and your home to not only me, but also my daughter. You continue to amaze me every day and I can't imagine my life without you. I love you more each day and I'm amazed by the love you have shown me."
Teddy knew what was coming and the tears were full flowing. He was squeezing Edward's hand for all it was worth and he was glad that his friends were around him.
Edward paused and smiled wider at Ted, "Teddy, will you marry me?"
When Edward said the words, Teddy felt as if he was going to faint. He couldn't speak at first, so he just nodded his head repeatedly. Finally, he was able to force the words out. "Yes, oh God, yes."
A cheer went up from the troopers and from their friends who were there. Edward stood up and wrapped Teddy in a giant hug. When he pulled back and kissed him another cheer went up from the troopers.
"Oh my God, Edward, I can't believe you did this." Teddy was finally smiling.
"Surprise, babe, I've been planning this since before John and Laura left. I hope you liked the way I did it."
"Are you kidding, I'm speechless. This was amazing, the troopers, the setting, the whole damn thing... You amaze me more and more the longer I know you."
When Edward released Teddy, Harry pulled him into a hug. "Congratulations, Ted. You two make an incredible couple and I know it will only get better." When he released Ted, he shook Edward's hand. "Edward, be good to him or it's the Tower for you."
The three laughed and were soon surrounded by Devon and Dustin. After a few minutes of conversation, Teddy walked over and thanked each of the troopers for their helping to make it such a special event. They each had kind words to say and their genuine sincerity astounded Teddy.
Edward walked over to Teddy and kissed him on the cheek. "Babe, we're going to have to leave to ride back to the barracks. You're going to come back there now, right? Lunch is at eleven."
"Okay, we'll be there." Teddy leaned up and kissed Edward. He then watched as Edward mounted Thunder and they rode off towards Knightsbridge. When he turned around, his friends were smiling at him.
Teddy looked at the three of them standing there and started to shake his head, "Okay, so you three knew about this and didn't warn me?"
The luncheon at Knightsbridge was small and informal. It was made up of mainly Edward's friends and their wives. Many of the same people, who had been at the flat to celebrate Edward's assignment as the Second in Command, were also at the luncheon. Teddy couldn't have felt more welcome.
As Teddy was looking out the window, which had a great view across into the park, Harry walked up beside him. "So, I haven't asked Edward yet, but any idea on a date?"
"We talked about it while we were sitting in his office earlier. I think we're going to try for February for the actual ceremony. Since we can't get married here, we're going to do our civil partnership ceremony and then we are going to go to Canada for the wedding."
"Oh wow, any place in particular you want to go in Canada for it?"
"Yeah, we were thinking of Banff."
Harry smiled wide, "Incredible, it's gorgeous there. I've been once and I've always wanted to go back. What a setting that will make, it's like a castle."
Teddy smiled, "Exactly, it's not like we can use one of yours." Ted couldn't help but laugh at his comment, "You know you are invited to the wedding. I just hope you can come and that it won't cause too many problems."
"I'll deal with the problems. I wouldn't miss it for anything." The sincerity in Harry's voice and the look on his face let Teddy know that he meant it.
As Harry walked off, Teddy's mobile phone started to ring. He didn't even look at the caller ID, "Ted Jackson."
"Congratulations!" Laura's voice was full of excitement.
"Thanks, La. Remind me to be mad at you for keeping it from me."
Laura laughed before she could talk again. "No way, I wasn't going to spoil it for him. He was so excited planning it. I just wish we could have all been there."
"Me too, La. How are John and the kids?"
"They are all great sweetie. John has the kids in the park running with him this morning. I wanted to call you while they were gone, so it didn't turn into a circus."
Teddy laughed at the comment. Too often their phone conversations turned into just that. "How did the sonogram go?"
"Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Are you sitting down?"
"Holy crap, not twins again?"
"Yup, I'm going to cut it off so he can't come near me with it again."
"Right, you'd be miserable." Teddy couldn't help but laugh at the comment. He knew her well enough to know that Laura wouldn't damage John for anything.
"True, but it sounds good. Twin boys again, I should have known. I'm eating enough to feed a small football team, so I knew it had to be boys again."
"Wow, that's great La. I know you wanted a girl, but that's just great. Two more nephews, I can't wait!"
Edward had walked up and was standing behind Teddy as he said it. "Twins! That's great!"
"I hear Edward, let me talk to him." Laura said just before Teddy handed the phone to Edward.
Teddy stood there as Laura and Edward held a quick conversation. When Edward hung up the phone, Teddy had a surprised look on his face.
"She said that John and the kids were walking up the driveway. She's going to call you back later."
"Oh, okay."
Edward looked at his watch and then back at Teddy, "Looks like I need to get back to work. See you at home?"
"I'll be there." Teddy smiled and hugged Edward.
The next week passed like a whirlwind for the couple. Plans and arrangements for the wedding and civil partnership ceremonies were underway. Teddy had enlisted Stephanie's help and was glad for the assistance she was able to offer. On top of everything else, the flat's remodel was scheduled to start when they left for the States and they had already transferred belongings to the flat on King's Road.
The night before their flight to Savannah, Teddy wasn't getting much sleep. As soon as he would fall asleep he would be startled back awake. He couldn't remember what he was "dreaming" when he woke up, but he knew it wasn't good. Trying to go back to sleep again, he rolled onto his stomach.
"Babe, are you ok?" Edward's voice showed concern. Teddy also instantly knew that he had been keeping Edward awake.
Teddy rolled over and faced Edward, "I'm sorry. I'm not sure what is wrong, but I keep having some kind of dream and it's waking me up. I can't remember what it is though."
"You want to get up and do something? We don't have that long before we have to get up anyway."
By nodding his head, Teddy agreed with Edward. They got up and headed to the bathroom to shower and get ready for their long day ahead. As they were in the shower, washing each other, Edward looked hard into Teddy's eyes.
"Something from your past is bothering you, isn't it?"
Teddy found that he couldn't look into Edward's eyes, "Yes."
"It's ok babe, what is it?"
"I'm not exactly sure. Something is bothering me about this trip to the States. It's as if I know something is going to happen while we are there and I can't stop it. I know I'm being stupid, but for some reason I just know that someone from my past is going to cause problems."
Edward knew better than to question, "Well, I think we will get thru it together, don't you think?"
The simple statement brought a smile to Ted's face. He suddenly remembered the one thing he had forgotten while he was worried about his dreams. He wasn't alone anymore and he didn't have to go through this by himself. "You're right, babe."
By the time they had finished showering, Teddy was feeling better than he had been. After they were dressed he walked into the kitchen and started making breakfast for them.
Edward couldn't get over the spread of food that Teddy laid out for breakfast. He enjoyed all of it and ate more than he normally would have. As he sat there, he couldn't help but smile at Teddy. By the time they were finished, he was finally getting Ted to smile. "So, what's the itinerary?"
"Let's see, we are flying out of London City and will be landing first in Halifax. There we will clear U.S. Customs and then fly down to Savannah. We're going to spend a few days with John and Laura before we go to Florida. I've already made reservations at Disney for all of us and then we're going to head to my house and close it up. While we're there, I thought we would go to Fort DeSoto and go camping or just spend the day there. I haven't been in years and I would like for us to go together."
"Camping? I just can't picture you camping." Edward was laughing lightly.
"I'll have you know that I love to camp. I have a tent and everything."
Edward laughed a little louder, "Okay, camping it is."
Teddy couldn't help but laugh himself, "Yeah, maybe just a day trip. Come to think about it, I'm not sure I want to be sleeping on the ground."
"Babe, do you know who you want as your best man?"
The sudden change in subject surprised Ted. It took him a minute to think about it. "Well, I know it will be John. Part of me would like to have the boys do it, but I don't want to leave Elizabeth out." He thought about it for another minute, "Yeah, definitely John. What about you?"
"Well, it was a tough choice. I had thought about asking William, but I think there is someone who is a better representation of a best man for me."
Teddy couldn't help but laugh, "Are you going to tell me, or do you want me to guess?"
"I'm sure you are smart enough to guess." Edward's grin told Teddy instantly who it was going to be.
"Have you asked Harry yet?"
"Of course and he said yes."
Teddy nodded, "As if there would be any doubt."
"What about the kids? What can we have them do?"
After thinking for a few minutes, Teddy had a plan. "Ok, so how about something traditional for Bess? Flower girl? Then for the boys, how about if we each have our own ring bearer who will stand next to our Best Men?"
"That's a great plan, babe. I know who you will pick and that's great, that leaves me with my little trooper."
"He'll be in heaven."
By the time the plane touched down on the runway at Savannah International Airport, a small group was gathered at the Executive Terminal. Walking down the stairs, three children came running up to greet the guys. Elizabeth threw herself into her father's arms, while the twins jumped at Teddy.
"Uncle Teddy!" Dylan and Matthew screamed at the same time as they were picked up.
"Hi guys! How are two of my favorite people?"
Dylan had his face buried in Teddy's neck, "I'm great now that you are here. How long are you staying?"
"Not long, but you guys are coming with us to Florida."
Matthew answered this time, "Cool!"
Dustin walked up behind Teddy, "I pulled your bags for Savannah out of the hold. You just want to leave the rest in there and we'll unload them in St. Pete?"
"Yeah, sounds like a plan."
Walking down the rest of the stairs, Teddy set the boys down and walked towards John and Laura. He was pulled into a hug by John.
"Hey, dork. It's good to see you." John was smiling wide.
"Hi, John." Teddy was happy to see his cousin. As he released John, Laura pulled him into a hug.
"Hi, sweetie!"
"La, how are you doing?" Teddy resisted the urge to put his hand on her stomach.
"I'm doing great. The morning sickness has finally stopped, so just waiting to see how big I get with these two."
"Well, you were beautiful when you were carrying Dylan and Matthew, so I'm sure you will be just as gorgeous this time."
Laura gave Teddy a frown, "You're so full of shit. You know that right?"
"I know, but it sounded good."
After walking to the car, Laura turned and looked at Teddy again. "So, we are planning a little engagement party tonight." She almost had to start laughing at the look of shock on Ted's face.
"No way, I can't believe you did that."
John was now standing beside him, "Of course she did. Were you thinking she would let you visit without celebrating this? You know any reason to have a party..."
Teddy just shook his head, "I was hoping."
Edward walked up behind Ted, "Did I hear someone say party?"
"You sure did. They are throwing us an engagement party... tonight."
"Isn't that... great, babe." Edward's face and voice showed no signs of being happy however.
Laura laughed and poked Edward in the arm. "Look, we wanted a reason for a party and you gave it to us. You will love it and have a good time."
"Yes, ma'am." Edward came to attention and saluted Laura.
The drive to the house wasn't as bad as it could have been. Traffic was mercifully light that time of day and John was taking every back road he knew of to avoid the main traffic arteries. Climbing from the car at the house, Teddy felt like he was home. He had always had a special connection to this place and even though it wasn't his house, it was still a home for him. Savannah now had even more meaning to him, it was the place he met his future husband.
After their bags were put away, Edward called for Elizabeth to come up stairs. He sat her on the bed and then he and Ted sat on each side of her.
"Bess, we need to talk to you about something very important."
He little face fell and she looked like she was about to cry. "You guys aren't breaking up are you?"
Edward pulled her into a hug, "No, baby, we aren't. In fact, do you remember what you told me you wanted more than anything?"
"For you both to be my daddies?" A smile crossed her face as she asked the question.
"That's right, Teddy and I are going to get married."
The scream of excitement that came out of the little girl, made both men jump and then smile. She kept hugging them both until she finally calmed down. "That is the best present ever. Can I tell the boys?"
Edward looked at Teddy, who just smiled and nodded. Bess jumped down and ran out of the room as fast as she could run.
Brad thank you for the help.
I want to say I am sorry, to all of you, for the delay. Things in my life have been in upheaval. I also want to thank everyone for the messages of support and understanding as I was depressed and feeling very alone. I guess that as many of you said, things happen for a reason and I would find someone when I least expected it. Well, I have to tell you that you were all right. For almost two months now, I have been dating someone who is my Edward. He came into my life at a point where I was down and feeling very bad about myself. All I can say is that his love and support has carried me thru a large amount of problems in the past few weeks. I have had some serious medical problems and he has been beside me thru all of it. While everything is not perfect, it is the love I've been waiting my entire life to find. This chapter is dedicated to him. Shaun, I love you more each day and I look forward to, as you say, "the lifetime."