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
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- From Part 21 * * *
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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 even waited to see the aircraft take off again for Barcelona, before starting the drive to the villa. He was thankful that his mother's pilots had taken over for his own flight crew. Dustin decided to stay onboard so Edward would at least have a familiar face for his flight to Italy.
Sitting in the back of the BMW, Teddy was watching the beautiful scenery of Tuscany pass by the window. His mother had fallen in love with Italy when he was a child. 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. The scenery and architecture of Italy held such interest for him. After his father's death, there was no surprise when Sarah had announced that 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 and when it was chosen as the filming site for Voltera in Twilight, Teddy wasn't surprised.
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 had 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 sorry, but Mrs. Jackson passed away about twenty minutes ago."
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- Part 22 * * *
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When Ted woke he couldn't remember where he was. He was in a strange bed and didn't recognize the room. His head felt so heavy he couldn't imagine trying to lift it off the pillow.
"Babe, are you okay?" He felt Edward's hand on his back and the pressure of him sitting on the bed next to him.
It was then that it all came back to him, his mother was dead. He had missed being able to say goodbye by such a short amount of time. He kept running over it in his head. Had he done something that kept him from seeing her. He knew that there was nothing anyone could have done to get him there any sooner. He just had to accept the loss, but it was so hard to believe.
"You got here quickly." Teddy's voice was groggy from the sleep. He felt like he was very heavy and couldn't make himself move easily.
"Not as quickly as you think. The doctor said you passed out, he gave you something to help you sleep." Edward leaned over and kissed Teddy's forehead.
"I've missed you."
"I missed you too." Edward kept rubbing Ted's back, "Babe, your mother's lawyer is here. He said he needs to talk to us. He said it couldn't wait."
"Us?"
"That's what he said." Edward's voice showed the concern he was feeling. He was nervous of why Sarah's lawyer wanted to talk to him along with Teddy.
After a few minutes, Teddy was able to clear his head enough to start to move. Edward helped him up and into the shower. Once he was out and dressed, the two walked down stairs and into the sitting room off of the entry foyer.
As they walked into the room, a good looking younger man stood to greet them. Teddy noticed that he was dressed in casual clothing, not in a suit. He knew instantly he would like this man.
"Mr. Jackson, Captain Smythe, I'm Carlo Marino. I have been your mother's private attorney for the past year." While it was obvious he was Italian, Teddy noticed that his accent wasn't thick. He had a strong handshake, and looked both Teddy and Edward in the eyes when he spoke to them.
Ted was surprised by this man, Sarah had the same attorney for as long as he could remember. "I'm sorry, Mr. Marino, I wasn't aware my mother had retained a new attorney."
"Ah, yes. She used my uncle until he finally retired last year. When he did, your mother was nice enough to hire me. I had been handling her foundations for the past few years and now her personal affairs."
"Edward said you wanted to talk us about something?"
"Yes, Mrs. Jackson left strict instructions with me. The moment you were together I was to find you and go over her will. We had just completed a new will a few weeks ago and she was anxious that should anything happen to her that certain matters were taken care of immediately."
"That's my mother, please let's sit down." Teddy knew he was still feeling the effects of the medication and didn't want to stand any more than was necessary. He motioned for everyone to sit on the couches and he moved Edward next to him as they sat across from the lawyer.
Edward reached over and held Teddy's hand as they sat and smiled at his partner. He mouthed to Teddy, "You going to be okay?"
Teddy just squeezed Edward's hand and nodded his head.
Carlo started into the will, reading all of the formal opening portions and then paused. He looked at both men for a moment, before he continued.
"Let's see... To my son, Theodore Jackson, I leave all my assets with the exceptions of the items below. Additionally, I leave him complete control of the Jackson Foundation and also my other charities that are not listed below."
Teddy knew something had seriously changed, his mother had told him before that the foundation was going to be split among the family and that was now not her wishes. Additionally, there had never been anyone else in her will. Sarah had felt strongly that all of her property should go to her son.
"To Edward Smythe, I bequeath the following. I leave him my share of Jackson Global and all its subsidiaries. Edward it is my wish that you and Teddy are partners in all things. This will make you his equal both financially and give you an interest in the company that has been built by our family. You are as much a part of this family as any one of us, because of your love for my son. I hope that you have a long and happy life together."
"To Devon Baker, I leave the sum of twenty million pounds. I hope that these funds will allow him to enjoy the things in life that he was never able to before. Devon, you helped me realize the love that was present in my son's life and I can never thank you enough for that and for caring for him, Edward, and Elizabeth."
Carlo looked up from the paperwork, "That is it. There are minor personal item gifts to other members of the family, but those are the major gifts. There are also some personal letters here to both of you and members of the family."
Teddy looked over at Edward who appeared to be in total shock. He wasn't moving and didn't say anything. Teddy did notice that Edward's grip on his hand had grown tighter as the will was being read.
"Thank you, Mr. Marino. I can't believe the changes she had made in her will. I would have never imagined she would do any of that."
Nodding his head, Carlo smiled. "Yes, she said you would be completely amazed by the changes. She told me it was important to her. She said she regretted so many things and this was her way of showing you what her true feelings had become."
"Well, she did do that." Teddy reached his right hand over to the young lawyer, "Thank you very much. I would like to ask if you would consider staying on with us?"
Edward finally moved and nodded his head in agreement. He released Teddy's hand from his grip. "Yes, please."
A smile formed across Carlo's face, "I would love that, thank you both. I have to admit I was a little concerned about what I was going to do. I turned down a number of offers to come to work for Mrs. Jackson. I can't thank you both enough, Mr. Jackson."
"Please, it's Ted and Edward."
"Carlo, please." He extended his hand and was greeted by firm handshakes from both Ted and Edward.
Edward knew there was important question that must be asked. "I'm sure you know, we have our home in London. Are you looking to remain here in Italy or are you willing to relocate?"
"By all means, I would love the opportunity to return to London. I lived there while I was in university and I miss it." A smile formed on Carlo's face at the thought of living in London.
"I get the same look on my face, whenever I think of going home." Edward was growing to like this man. He needed to ask Ted his opinion of Carlo when he left. There was something he was sure of, but maybe he could be wrong.
"Well, I need to get to the office and draw up some paperwork and file the will. Will there be any problems with the family?"
"Definitely, not. I'm the sole heir and I couldn't be happier with the changes she made." Teddy looked at Edward as he finished saying it and could swear it still looked like Edward was in shock.
"Would it be okay if I stopped back by in a few hours?"
Ted nodded his head, "Of course, Carlo, we look forward to it." He turned his head towards Edward, "Babe, I'm going to walk Carlo out. Be right back."
Walking towards the door, Carlo stopped and looked at Ted. "Will he be okay?"
"Yes, I think he's in as much shock as I am. Edward's family never had much money while he was growing up. I don't think it has truly hit him about how much he has now. He's never been comfortable with all the money my family has and now he has had it thrust upon him."
"Mrs. Jackson said something about that. She also said that was why she knew she had to do it. Something about giving him an equal footing in your relationship and she said she knew it, and you, would be safe with him."
A smile formed across Ted's face, "She always was a smart woman."
"I'll be back in a few hours."
"Sounds good, Carlo. We look forward to it. Why don't you plan on coming to dinner?"
"I would enjoy that, Ted. May I bring someone?"
"Of course, bring whoever you like."
Once Carlo was outside, Teddy returned to the study to find Edward still on the couch. He was reading the letter that Sarah had left for him. Teddy could swear there were tears forming in Edward's eyes.
After a few minutes, Edward looked at Teddy. "I can't believe it. I never wanted any of this you know. All I ever wanted was you."
"I know that, baby. So did my mother. That's why she did this." Ted paused a moment to organize his thoughts, "She told Carlo she knew the company and I would be safe with you. That's something I've known since that day in Savannah when you didn't run away when you saw my scars."
"That seems like a lifetime ago." Edward knew he wouldn't trade the past months for anything.
"So, what do you think of Carlo?"
Edward laughed before he could catch it, "I think he's gay. He seems like a great guy and I think you made a good choice in asking him to work for us."
"Wow, you're developing gaydar, aren't you?" Teddy laughed as he watched Edward blush slightly, "I think you are correct, sir. I also think that we are going to meet his partner tonight. I invited him to dinner and he asked if he could bring someone."
"I can't wait." Edward paused and looked deeply into Teddy's eyes, "Babe, I'm so sorry. I wish I knew what to say."
"Thank you, Edward. Just know I couldn't do this without you. I'm going to be depending on you a great deal over the next few days."
"You know I will be here for you. I'm not going anywhere." That boyish grin appeared on Edward's face, "Except maybe to the kitchen, I'm starved. Someone ate all the cookies on the plane before I could get any."
"Oops, I had the munchies on the flight over."
"Yeah, yeah."
Teddy suddenly thought about the need to get the family to Italy, "I need to work out how we're going to get everyone here?"
"Stephanie and I have it all handled. We're using the big jets to get the American contingent here. The guys are flying to London tomorrow to get my parents and brother."
"I'm glad they are going to be able to come."
"I am too. Stephanie asked my parents if they wanted to take a mini-vacation. They are staying at a villa at Lake Como."
"I'm glad she thought of that. If they are coming to Italy, they need to have fun and enjoy themselves. I don't want this to be a depressing experience for everyone."
"Even with all of this going on, you still take the time to think about everyone else. You are amazing, you know that Theodore Jackson?"
"You're biased." He leaned in and was rewarded by a soft kiss, "But, I love you anyway."
Several hours later, Teddy and Edward greeted Carlo at the door. They were both shocked to find him standing there with what appeared to be a four or five year old girl.
"Maria, this is Mr. Jackson and Captain Smythe. Gentlemen, this is my daughter, Maria."
Edward was the first to get down on one knee so he was closer to Maria's level, "Maria, you look about my daughter's age. I'm Edward, it's nice to meet you." He extended his large hand and smiled when Maria reached out and shook it.
She didn't say anything, but she did smile widely. When Teddy leaned down she blushed slightly at the attention she was getting.
"Maria, I'm Ted or Teddy." He also shook the young girl's hand. He noticed that she had great manners, something he was sure her father had taught her.
Teddy stood and look at both of the guests, "Please, come inside. Dinner will be ready shortly."
Walking into the lounge, Carlo smiled at his hosts. "I'm sure this is not who you expected to be my companion this evening."
Edward laughed, "To be honest, we really had no clue who to expect."
It was Carlo's turn to laugh, "I should have told you earlier. I adopted Maria from a childhood friend. She was a single, unwed mother and she didn't want the responsibility. I wanted a child, more than anything. I also knew that I was never going to able to have one of my own. If you know what I mean?"
"We understand and can relate. Edward has a daughter, Elizabeth, from his previous marriage. She lives with us. She'll actually be here tomorrow and I bet she would love to meet Maria."
"You know she will." Edward was delighted with the thought of Elizabeth making new friends.
"I hate to ask this, but do you have any contacts for child care in London? The last time I was there, I didn't have Maria and it's my only concern about moving back."
Edward and Teddy looked at each other and just smiled. Edward knew the answer, "I think we can help you with that." He paused, "Carlo, is there anyone else in your life?"
"No, not right now."
Teddy found himself going thru his list of friends, "Well, maybe something will change when you get to London."
"I'm going to have to find an estate agent to help find a place for us."
Thinking of the list of properties that the family owned, Teddy was sure there had to be one that would work for Carlo and Maria. "I think we should see if any of my mother's properties are available and if they would meet your needs. I'm sure we can find something in Kensington. It would be nice if you are close by."
"Sounds like a great plan. I have the list in the car actually, so we can do that after dinner if you'd like."
"That sounds perfect, the sooner we can get things arranged the better Teddy and I would feel." Edward felt relieved for some reason. He never thought he'd have a lawyer of his own, let alone one that worked for him and not a law firm.
The funeral was set to be low key. They were only expecting a small number of outsiders, mainly from Sarah's contacts with the foundation and some local community members. His cousins were all there, as well as their wives and children. Devon and Matthew had been very happy to see Ted and Edward again so soon.
As the guys were standing outside the chapel greeting people, Teddy was shocked to see several black Range Rovers pull up. The first people he recognized were Tony Price and Andrew Green, when they climbed from the lead vehicle. When the rear door of the second vehicle opened, Harry emerged and walked towards them.
Edward was the first to extend his hand, "Harry, what an amazing surprise."
"When I heard, there was no way I couldn't be here for you." He retrieved his hand and then pulled Teddy into a hug. "How are you holding up?"
"I'm doing well, given the circumstances. I can't tell you what it means for us both for you to be here." He pulled back from the hug, "How long are you staying and where are you staying?"
"They have me in a hotel and we're staying until tomorrow afternoon."
"Why don't you stay at the villa with us? There is room and it will give you much more privacy then a hotel."
Harry smiled, "Sounds great. I look forward to talking more, but I better get a seat."
"Please, sit with the family."
"I'd be honored." He started to head inside, before he turned and looked at Ted again, "By the way, you've both been invited to dinner."
Edward got a strange look on his face, "Dinner?"
"Yeah, my grandparents and father want to meet you both." Harry just smiled and headed off into the church.
Once he was out of sight, Edward looked at Teddy, "Wow."
"You're telling me. I can't believe that." The thought of meeting the Queen was overwhelming to Ted. It was a dream that would be coming true.
Edward reached for Teddy's hand, "Come on, babe. Let's get inside."
Riding back to the villa, Teddy couldn't get over how beautiful the service had been. The turnout had been much bigger than anyone had expected and it was a good mix of attendees. There were a large number of people who had been touched by Sarah's work with charities. He was thankful everyone had given Harry the respect he deserved by not hounding him. Ted was glad Harry sat with the family. As strange as it seemed, he had grown to be like a younger brother to him, more family than friend.
"I think she would have loved the service." He turned and looked at Edward, who was smiling back at him.
"You're right. I wish I had gotten the chance to know her better. I'm just thankful the two of you were able to make up at the end and I was able to be part of that."
"I agree, babe. She really changed and I think you and Bess had a great deal to do with that."
"I think she finally understood, I'm glad we were able to do that."
Teddy watched the narrow streets go by, "Driver, stop please."
"Babe?" Edward looked concerned.
"It's not that far, I'd like to walk some. Just head back to the house, we'll be fine."
"Yes, Mr. Jackson." The driver was confused, but he could understand the need the fresh air.
The car pulled over and both climbed from the back seat. As soon as they did, two of the security detail got out and started to follow them.
"Edward, I would like to move the civil ceremony forward. Would you be okay with that?"
A huge smile formed on Edward's face. "Of course, I'm more than okay with that. What about the wedding?"
"Move it forward too?"
"I think we should. I can't wait. With every day that goes by I want nothing more than to be with you and tie myself to you."
Teddy tried his best impression of Edward's grin, "Mmmm, bondage."
"Don't be a perv." They both laughed at the comment. "When do you think we should do it?"
"As soon as we get back to London. I just wish we had done it before now, I know mother would have loved to be there." Ted could feel tears forming in his eyes.
Edward put his arm around Teddy and pulled him close, "Babe, she will still be there with us. She is part of you and no matter where you go or what you do, a part of her will always be there."
A few minutes later, they arrived back at the villa. Opening the door, they found Harry, John, and the boys in the study. Dylan and Matthew were asleep, one on each side of Harry, on the couch.
Harry looked up as the two walked into the room. A smile formed on his face, "What are you two up to? You are both grinning like the Cheshire cat."
Edward burst out laughing, "I don't know what..."
Laura leaned forward in her seat, "Oh please, I can ready Teddy like a book. I know just what he is smiling about? When are we going to London?"
Lots of things coming in the next few chapters. Want to thank everyone for your emails and support. Things are getting better and I can only hope that the future holds something special. I completely believe that the right person can come into your life but just at the wrong time. I hope the right time will come.