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 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 20 By tmabare ©2012

• • • From Part 20 * * *

As Teddy carried Dylan from the room, Edward walked onto the back balcony and looked out to the ocean. He saw Devon, Bess, and Matthew playing in the surf. As he was watching, he heard Teddy walk up beside him.

"Edward, what do you think?"

"It's amazing here. I honestly can't believe you are giving this up to live in London."

"This isn't my home anymore and you know that. My home is wherever you and Bess are." Teddy placed his hand on Edward's back.

Edward leaned over and kissed Teddy. "I'm not sure what I did to deserve you."

Teddy looked up into Edward's eyes, "I think the same thing every day."

"So, what is the plan?"

Moving to sit at the outside table, Teddy pulled a chair out. "Well, we have two days to bum around here and then we are off to Disney for four days. Then it is back here for a day before we head to London."

"Damn, busy week by the sounds." Edward just wrapped his arms around Ted and held him tight. He continued to look out to the waves crashing against the beach.

• • • Part 21 * * *

Teddy woke to the sound of thunder outside. He couldn't get over how that simple sound was so different here than in London. Sound travels so much further over the water, but this was right outside. He could see the rain and the lightning in the distance, it was very romantic.

"Babe, you awake?" Edward's voice was low and quieter than usual.

"Did the storm wake you up too?"

"Yeah, but I couldn't really sleep anyway. Was going to wake you up earlier, but thought I'd let you sleep."

"What's wrong? Do you want to talk?"

Edward rolled over and propped himself up on his elbow, "I'm not sure what to talk about. I'd just like to hear your voice."

"Babe, are you okay?" Teddy couldn't help but worry about what was going on.

"Feel like I'm lost somehow. I want so much, but I feel like I'm missing something."

It felt as if someone had just punched Teddy in the stomach. The memories of Phillip's leaving came flooding back. He could feel his eyes starting to water.

"Oh baby..." Edward reached out and pulled Ted closer to him. "I didn't mean it like that. Please don't cry. I'm not talking about us."

Teddy was trying hard to moderate his voice, "What do you mean then?"

"I'm not really sure. I have been feeling like there is something missing from our lives. I want something that is going to connect us more than we are."

"You don't think the wedding is going to do that?"

Edward shook his head slowly, "It's more than that. It's... I'm not sure."

"Well, I hate to tell you, if I'm not pregnant by now I'm not going to be." They both laughed at the comment. "Are you starting to be bothered by the money?"

Looking off into the distance, Edward's face changed. "I don't think so. It could be part of the problem, but I think it's more that everything is yours. We don't have anything that is ours together. The flat was yours before we met, this house, everything."

Teddy suddenly realized that Edward was right. There was nothing in their relationship that was theirs alone. Everything had been Teddy's before they met and Edward had nothing that was his own left. The only thing that had purchased was a new bed and some other furniture.

"Edward, do you want to look for a new house when we get back to London?"

"But you love the flat..."

Teddy just shook his head, "I love you more. You are more important than anything else in my life. I thought I had done a good job showing you that, guess I was wrong."

"No, baby, you've done a great job of it. I'm just a little slow it would seem. I constantly find myself questioning what you see in me and what I bring to our relationship."

"I see the man of my dreams, the man that makes me a whole person. You bring yourself and your love for me, that's what you bring to our relationship."

With a small smile on his face, Edward leaned over the kissed Teddy's lips. His hand reached behind Ted's neck and held his head in place.

When he was finally released, Teddy smiled himself. "Okay, I think we need to try to get some sleep. I want to take you somewhere special tomorrow."

"Do you think we can try getting you pregnant again?"

The drive from the house was short and Edward watched the scenery the entire time. Pulling into the gift shop at Fort De Soto, Teddy parked and looked over at Edward.

"Let's go for a walk." Opening his door, Teddy stood and took a deep breath. The air was fresh and smelled like the ocean.

"What is this place?"

"Well, we're going to walk through the batteries." Walking past the gift shop, Teddy looked over and saw Edward's eyes as he saw the large concrete and earthen structures.

"I didn't know there was anything like this around here."

Teddy smiled, "I didn't think you did. I liked to come here as a kid and dream. These are from the Spanish-American War."

The two walked along for several minutes with Edward reading every sign and looking in every doorway. He was like a kid exploring. "Babe, this is great. Did you read that sign that said these guns are the only ones like them in the United States? It says that the only other ones like these are on Corregidor, in the Philippines."

"I know, I actually went and saw them several years ago. I went to the Philippines on business and took a little side trip to see them."

Edward finally made his way up the stairs and walked along the top of the installation. "What a beautiful view, babe. This is just so different from home."

"Yes, it sure is." Teddy looked around for a little bit and then turned to Edward, "When you're ready, there is one more place I want to show you."

"Okay, let's go."

Nothing was said as they walked back to the car. After he started the car, Teddy turned to Edward. "I'm going to take you somewhere very special to me."

It was a short drive along the main road in the park to get to where they were headed. Teddy turned left and parked in a spot near one of the bathrooms. "This is North Beach. It was voted as one of the best beaches in the US. I have to say that I agree completely. You ready to go for a walk?"

Edward just nodded his head and opened the door. He waited for Teddy to walk around to his side of the car and the two headed off down the paved walkway towards the beach. As they reached the sand, Edward took off his sandals and headed for the water.

"Babe, this place is amazing. It's so peaceful."

"Yeah, but during the summer it is a mad house. I love the beach here, but the one at the house is quieter."

"True, but I bet this place is even more amazing with people to share it with."

With hardly anyone there, Edward reached over and grabbed Teddy's hand. They headed off along the beach. The water was colder than usual, but Teddy still thought it was a perfect morning.

"Edward, I called an estate agent this morning before we left the house. He has a couple places lined up to look at when we get home."

"Bugger, you don't waste any time do you?"

"I'll do anything to make you happy." Teddy looked out over the water and then back to Edward. "The remodel is under way on the flat. I'm not going to sell the flat. I've wanted to do this for too long. We can use it as a guest house for when family and friends come. Plus, it is still a great investment."

"I agree, it's going to be amazing when they are done. I don't know what it is, I just don't..."

"Babe, you don't have to explain. I understand, really I do. That is why I called the agent this morning. I asked him to send me some brochures and pictures too. I do have a question I'd like to ask though."

"Of course, anything."

"Edward, what would you think about getting a house in the country too?"

"Jesus, don't you think that is a bit overboard?"

Teddy laughed, "Just hear me out, okay?"

Nodding, Edward laughed. "Go ahead."

"I'm going to be working more when we get back. I'm not sure if I am going to be going into the office as much as I used to, so that means I am going to be working more from home. Plus you've been working more hours since your change in job, but you have been getting more weekends off."

"True, but what does a country house have to do with any of this?"

It was Teddy's turn to laugh, "Well, I was thinking that it might be nice to have a place to get away to. Someplace we can go and relax, someplace that isn't right across the street from Knightsbridge."

Edward was quiet for a little bit, just looking out across the ocean. "It seems you've given this some serious thought. How long have you wanted to do this?"

"Ever since I was in the hospital. I had a bunch of time to think and knew I wanted to get out of the city some. I've actually looked at a few places while you were at work the past few weeks."

The expression on Edward's face showed the surprise he felt. "I had no idea. You've done a good job hiding this from me."

"Well, this was actually going to be a wedding present. But, given the feelings you are having I think it's a good idea to move it forward, together."

That boyish grin spread across Edward's face. "So, are you going to tell me about what you picked out?"

A laugh escaped Ted's mouth before he could catch it. "Well, I've narrowed it down to two places. One is outside Cambridge, it's a modern single story house. It's pretty big and has a bunch of land around it."

"That sounds nice, what about the other?"

"Well, it's my favorite. It is a house in Windsor. It's on a small island, not far from the castle."

"Is it on the river?"

"It sure is. Best part is it has an indoor pool and a boat house."

"Sold!" Edward's excitement was obvious. "I've always wanted a boat."

"Well, that was easier than I thought it'd be."

"I'm not going to argue with you. If it makes you happy, I know it's the right thing for us to do. Plus, you are right. It would be nice to get out of the city some. Bess needs the fresh air and I know I could use with being as far away from work as I can be."

"You don't mind that it's in Windsor do you?" Teddy had been concerned about the proximity to Windsor Castle and the Combermere Barracks.

"No, in reality, it's perfect. For the days I have to go to Windsor we can go down together and stay there. Plus when I am reassigned to the armored side of the regiment again, I'll be stationed at Combermere."

Teddy realized he hadn't even thought about that. He could feel his face change as the thought of Edward back in combat hit him.

Edward saw the change and reached out, placing his hand on Ted's shoulder. "Babe, I'm sorry. I guess I shouldn't have brought that up."

"No, it's something I need to be prepared for. I forgot that there was more to the regiment than the ceremonial part."

"We have a few years before we need to revisit that. But, this way we will have a house already there."

The practical part of Edward made Teddy smile. "You're right. So you ready to head back to the house? We need to pack for Disney."

Walking through the World Showcase in EPCOT on their final day, Teddy was glad to be next to Edward. Dylan and Matthew were in front of them and Edward was carrying a very tired Bess on his hip. Dustin and Devon were walking beside them, appearing to be in a daze of their own. The pace the group was walking had grown slower as the days had gone by. Over the past few days, Teddy was now re-convinced that Disney was the most magical place on Earth but had also learned it could be every parent's nightmare.

"I think I am going to be glad to go back to work. I could use the rest." Edward's voice showed just how tired he was.

Slowly nodding his head, Teddy looked over at him. "I think I'm going to sleep for a week when we get home."

"Daddy, can we go home?" Bess had her face next to Edward's ear. "I'm tired."

Dylan stopped in his tracks causing Teddy to almost walk into the back of him. "Uncle Teddy, I'm ready to go home too. "

"Yeah, can we go back to the beach?" Matthew had turned to stand next to Dylan. "This place is great, but I'm ready to go too."

Ted almost wanted to laugh, "Sure, let's go pack and go home."

For the first time that day Edward had a smile on his face. "I didn't think was ever going to end."

"I know what you mean. This has been fun, but way too much."

Walking towards the exit, the group found new energy. The bus ride back to the resort seemed to take forever. The kids fell asleep on the bus and Teddy and Edward were on the verge when the bus pulled up to the resort. When they carried three napping children from the bus and into their room, the guys could finally relax.

"Babe, do you want to go back now or tomorrow?" Edward was softly placing Bess on her bed when he said it.

"It should only take a little over an hour to get home. I think we should go now, but I'll leave it up to everyone."

Devon and Dustin looked at each other and smiled. Dustin looked at Ted and nodded his head, "We're ready as we'll ever get."

Teddy felt as if a weight had been lifted off of his shoulders, "Great, let's pack."

The phone ringing in the middle of the night was the first clue there was something wrong. Teddy reached for it without lifting his head from the pillow. His voice was barely audible as he picked up the receiver, "Hello, this better be good."

"Mr. Jackson?"

"Yes, who is this?" Ted was trying hard to not let the annoyance in his voice show.

"Mr. Jackson, my name is Dr. Antonio Valenti, I'm your mother's physician. I'm sorry to do this on the phone, but she has had a massive heart attack."

Ted sat straight up in the bed, "I'll be there as soon as I can."

"You need to hurry Mr. Jackson."

"I will, thank you for calling."

Edward was now up and had his arm around Teddy. All Ted could do was put his head on Edward's chest and cry. He had no strength left in him, the exhaustion of the past week at Disney was now compounded by the news that his mother was ill.

"Babe, what is it?"

After a minute, Teddy finally found his voice again. "My mother, she's had a heart attack."

"You need to go, pack your bags and I'll call Stephanie."

"But..." Teddy couldn't get anything else out of his mouth.

"Babe, she needs you. Look at the progress the two of you have made since her visit to London. You need to go to her. I'll get the boys home and I'll meet you there."

The numbness was starting to set it and Teddy could feel himself starting to shut down. He just nodded his head and sat there.

"Tell you what, why don't you just lay here and I'll get things together for you."

The next thing Teddy remembered was Edward waking him up to go the car. Dustin was in the driver's seat of Ted's BMW, dressed in khaki pants and a Jackson Global polo shirt.

Edward leaned over after Teddy sat in the car, "Babe, I love you. I'll see you as soon as I can."

After a kiss, Teddy smiled. "I'll call you from the air. Tell the kids I love them and I'm sorry."

"They'll understand."

"Ted, do you want anything to eat?" Dustin was standing in the doorway to the bedroom.

"Yeah, something not too heavy." Teddy rolled over and sat up in the bed. "I just can't get over the size difference between this one and the Legacy."

"I know what you mean. Even though it's smaller, it feels really empty without Edward, Devon, and the kids around."

"I just don't like it. Remind me to not travel without them." Teddy laughed softly as he said it. From being an independent person who loved to travel alone, to being the type of person who didn't like to go anywhere alone was a huge change for him. Was it the attack, the incident at Anfora, or was it just him missing Edward?

Ted reached over and picked up the phone next to the bed, "Hey, how much longer?"

"We'll be on the ground in about three hours."

"Sounds great." He disconnected from the cockpit and dialed a number he knew by heart.

"Hey babe, how's your flight?"

"Long and I miss you."

"I miss you too. John and Laura just got here to pick up the boys. They decided to come here so I didn't have to make a stop in Savannah."

"What are you doing then?" Teddy knew what he wanted but wasn't going to pressure his partner.

"I'll be leaving for the airport as soon as I get the boys in the car. Devon and Bess are taking a commercial flight back to London this evening. I should be in Siena by tomorrow morning."

"How are..."

"Stephanie got me on a Jackson Global flight taking some engineers to a project in Barcelona. Then the guys are going to pick me up and bring me to Siena."

"I really need to give that woman more money."

Edward laughed, "Yes, you sure do, and I think you should move her to London."

"I've thought about that many times, she keeps telling me she wants to stay in Florida. Why don't you ask her and see what she tells you."

"I will." Edward smiled and turned to see John standing in the doorway. "Babe, I have to go. They are loading the boys up and I want to go say goodbye. Call me when you land."

"You know I will. I love you Edward."

"I love you too."

The drive from the Siena airport to Montepulciano, seemed to take forever to Teddy. His mother's driver had met his plane at the airport. He hadn't waited to see the aircraft take off again for Barcelona, something so unusual for him. His mother's pilots had taken over for his own flight crew. Dustin had decided to stay onboard so Edward would have a familiar face for his flight.

Sitting in the back of the Range Rover, Teddy was staring out the window watching the beautiful scenery of Tuscany pass by. His mother had fallen in love with Italy when he was a child. Over the years, she would spend as much time as she could in Tuscany and Teddy had to admit that he had a love of this country as well. It was a hard choice for him, when he chose London over Tuscany for his European home. The scenery and architecture of Italy held such interest for him. After his father's death, there was no surprise when Sarah announced she had bought a villa and was moving to Italy. The only thing that surprised Teddy was her selection of Montepulciano to call home. The town was incredible, but wasn't as well-known as some of the other Tuscan walled cities. That was until it was chosen as the filming site for Voltera in the Twilight movies.

Entering the city, Teddy couldn't remember the last time he had visited. It had been too long and now it seemed like so much wasted time. Even though his mother and he had talked almost every day since her visit to London and her gift of their stay in Ibiza, there was so much more he wanted to say. He couldn't wait to sit beside Sarah and just enjoy the time they would be able to spend together.

When the car pulled up in front of the villa, Teddy was met by Sarah's secretary who ushered him inside. The formal entry dated back to the middle ages, and even though it had been redone several times it still looked like it would have back then. As he set his attaché down, he noticed that his mother's physician was standing at the bottom of the stairway.

"Mr. Jackson, I'm Doctor Valenti."

"Doctor, it is a pleasure to meet you. How is she?"

"I'm so sorry, but Mrs. Jackson passed away about twenty minutes ago."

Sorry it is taking me so long to write new chapters. I don't want to bring everyone down during the holidays, so let's just leave it as... Sometimes people are not who we think they are.