Timothée's Promise Chapter 23
Timothée's Promise
This story is for mature readers only, dealing with all lifestyles.
The lifestyles of the celebrities mentioned herein are all fictitious and only fantasy, not reality.
It's all for the reader's enjoyment.
If you are underage or you don't like stories about gay romance, please turn to something else to read.
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Chapter 23
Timothée smiled, his man snuggled against his side, the two on the sofa in the living room.
Christmas dinner was over, the five having feasted on a meal of succulence.
Nancy had cooked a turkey and a smoked ham, as well as side dishes galore.
They'd feasted on mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, carrots and turnips, and Brussels sprouts roasted in butter and honey.
For dessert they'd had rich apple pie and cherry pie, as well as Henry's pastries, everything beyond delicious.
Here now it was after dinner, the five relaxing, drinking Kolby's special blend.
Dina, Timothée and Nancy had cleaned up the dishes.
While they cleaned up, Kolby had taken Henry down to his bedroom, showing him his vast array of paintings and sketches, the older man in awe of Kolby's talent, scanning each one with wonder.
Henry promised Kolby that he'd attend his first showing with enthusiasm.
He was enamored of the young man's talent and just his all-around specialness.
Everyone joined in the living room relaxing, the room festive with Christmas decorations.
"I should get up and make a few calls to my family, my love. It's only late morning in New York." Timothée smiled, kissing his man's lips.
"Give them all our best wishes for the season, Timbo." Kolby smiled, Timothée nodding, getting up and walking down to the bedroom.
"That was a delicious meal, Nancy. How ever did you find the time to cook all that food?" Henry smiled, sipping at his coffee, taking a chocolate out of the box lying on the coffee table.
"Two days of preparations wasn't
hard to do." she smiled, Henry smiling at her.
"Momma Bear's one hell of a good cook, Henry." Kolby smiled, Nancy smiling at him.
"I see that easily. Well, she can cook for me anytime. I'm getting sick of eating out in different cities. Home cooked meals are such a treat. I'm always travelling." he smiled, Nancy smiling at him.
"Anytime you need a home cooked meal, I'm always here." she smiled, Henry beaming at her.
"You lead a hectic life, Henry. Don't you think it's time you slowed down a bit?" Nancy said, Henry hearing the caring in her voice.
"I've been thinking that myself, dear lady. I'm getting tired, I'd like to settle down for good; maybe retire here to London, and maybe find a nice little cottage in the Highlands for relaxation." Henry said, the two younger ones smiling at him.
"Sounds like a nice dream. London is a beautiful city, and the Highlands are so beautiful." Nancy said, taking a chocolate for herself, Henry smiling at her.
"We seem to like the same things, Nancy." he said, she softly blushing.
"Must be because we're two old fuss pots." she said, Henry laughing.
"With age comes wisdom and experience. And I don't feel that old." Henry said, Nancy nodding, the other two quietly listening to them.
"I'm so looking forward to that party for New Year's. I haven't danced in years." Nancy said, Henry smiling more.
"I'm an accomplished dancer, Nancy. I'll have you in my arms all evening."
She smiled, softly blushing, Dina and Kolby trading soft looks.
Timothée walked into the room a few minutes later, in his man's arms quickly.
"Everyone sends their Christmas greetings. I only had to make one call; everyone was at my parents' place. My parents, grandparents, and my sister, with her boyfriend, were all there for Christmas brunch." he smiled, Kolby nodding.
"Mom said it just snowed in New York last night, she said it was so beautiful." Timothée smiled, looking towards the windows.
"We had a white Christmas as well." Kolby smiled, Timothée kissing his lips.
"Pasty white at times." he smirked, Kolby lightly patting his ass.
"Okay, we're starting to vegetate. How about we play a game or cards?" Kolby smiled, everyone agreeing, starting to get up.
They all walked into the kitchen, sitting down at the table.
"Anyone for more coffee, wine or iced tea?" Nancy said, Henry asking for a glass of red wine, Timothée and Kolby opting for iced tea, Dina having another coffee.
Nancy brought her and Henry each a glass of wine, the five deciding on Scrabble.
For the next couple of hours, they enjoyed each other's company, laughter and happiness flowing.
Timothée was surprised how intelligent Dina was, she won most of the games, Timothée a close second.
"Stick with me, kid. I'll teach you something." Dina smiled, Timothée laughing.
"You're as tenacious as my Kobe." he smiled, Kolby smirking.
"Yes, but I get the sexy spoils when I win." Kolby smiled, wiggling his eyebrows.
Dina laughed, Timothée softly blushing.
"Then I'll make sure to lose often." Timothée smirked, kissing Kolby's cheek.
Kolby's phone went off, Timothée handing it to him from the counter, Kolby answering.
"Happy Christmas, Steph!" Kolby said, everyone yelling greetings to Stephan.
"He and Olivia both say the same to all of you. Yes, we're just sitting here playing Scrabble. All lethargic after a wonderful, delicious meal." Kolby smiled, talking to his friend for a few minutes, then handing the phone around, everyone giving Stephan and Olivia their best wishes.
He and Olivia thanked them all for their gifts, touched by Timothée's generosity the most.
The man had gifted them a five-day getaway to Paris, the two deciding to save it for their honeymoon.
After their thanks, Timothée handed the phone back to Kolby, he was the last to talk to Stephan.
"Okay bud, I'll see you tomorrow then. And bring your gloves." he said, Stephan laughing on the other end.
"I'll give you two rounds because I'll be on crutches." Kolby grinned, laughing, Timothée smiling at his happiness.
"Have a good night, Steph. Love you too!"
Kolby smiled, ending the call.
"He and Olivia are with her parents. They're going to stop by tomorrow for lunch. I invited them." he smiled, Timothée nodding.
"What was all that talk about gloves and two rounds?" Timothée asked, Kolby smiling, kissing his man's lips.
"Tomorrow's Boxing Day, Timbo. I told him I was going to box his ears in, and it would only take me two rounds, since I'm on crutches. The wimp!"
Everyone laughed, Kolby grinning.
"What's Boxing Day? You don't really fight each other, do you?" Timothée said, everyone laughing, Timothée blushing, Kolby kissing his lips.
"No, babe. Boxing Day is a British tradition. On the day after Christmas, in past centuries, people would make up boxes of food and clothing, distributing them to the poor, the less fortunate; or give them gifts of money. It's a day to give alms to those less fortunate. It's been called Boxing Day because of that box tradition. It's a national holiday, always the day after Christmas."
Timothée nodded, liking that tradition.
"I've heard of the day; I know Canada celebrates it also. Just never heard the history behind it." he smiled, Kolby smiling at him.
"We'll box later, sexy. Right now, I have `Zionist' for triple word score!" Kolby grinned, Timothée laughing.
Nancy added up Kolby's score, smiling.
"You've won this game, love." she smiled, Henry glancing at his watch.
"My goodness, it's eight already. I'm feeling hungry again." Henry smiled, Nancy patting his arm.
"I'll fix us all up some leftovers, if you're all hungry." she smiled, everyone heartily agreeing, Henry offering to help.
Dina and Timothée boxed up the game, the three relaxing around the table, all three watching the older adults smiling at each other, chatting and working together to get some food ready.
Timothée winked at Dina, she lightly chuckled, winking back.
Timothée and Dina got up, setting the table again with plates and silverware, Henry and Nancy bringing a platter of meats and a couple bowls of salad to the table, along with a large bowl of warm rolls and condiments.
They all sat down, making themselves light sandwiches, filling their plates with salads.
They ate together in happiness, the five enjoying the light meal.
After their snack, they returned to the living room, lightly chatting and laughing.
Before long, it was eleven, Henry saying his farewell, the other four hugging him tightly.
"It's been a wonderful Christmas Day. Thank you for your hospitality and for your joyous togetherness. This has been the nicest Christmas I've had in a long time." Henry smiled, everyone seeing soft tears in his blue eyes.
"You're welcome anytime, Henry." Nancy said, the man smiling widely.
"I'll take you up on that offer, Nancy. You'll soon be sick of me." he smiled, Nancy laughing.
"I'll see you tomorrow then, Henry." she smiled, the man leaning forward, kissing her cheek, his arms filled with two bags of his gifts.
"Thank you for the lunch invite. I'll bring some things." Henry smiled, Kolby smiling at him.
"Goodnight, Boss." Kolby said, Henry smiling at him.
"Goodnight, Kolby. Happy Christmas, everyone." he smiled, everyone wishing him the same, Timothée holding the door open for him, the man leaving.
Timothée locked the door behind him, he and Dina headed into the kitchen to clean up the dishes.
Kolby crutched and Nancy walked into the living room, the two sitting down on the sofa, Kolby smiling at his Momma Bear.
"It's pretty easy to see that you like Henry, Momma Bear." he said, Nancy softly blushing.
"He's a wonderful man, Kobe. He's so interesting, so giving, nice and honest. He reminds me of my late Felix." she said, looking towards the hallway.
"And I'm pretty sure he likes yourself back. I think the two of you should get closer." he said, she blushed more.
"We're too old for such things, Kobe. But I really like him. I'd really like to get to know him better. We could be great friends." she said, Kolby smiling, kissing her cheek.
"Well, he's hoping to retire soon, I'm sure he'd love to spend that retirement with someone special, even if it's only friendship. But I sense in both of you so much more." Kolby said, Nancy smiling at him.
"Another vision, Kobe?" Nancy said, Kolby smiling with love.
"Life is the vision of our hearts. What's before us we only need to see." he said, Nancy blushing, nodding.
"Beautiful words, Kobe."
"Beautiful words for a beautiful lady." he smiled, kissing her cheek again.
She hugged him tightly, Timothée and Dina walking into the room, Timothée phone in his hand.
"Okay, time for some photos. Everyone in front of the tree!" he smiled, Nancy and Kolby rolling their eyes, Dina pulling her mother up, Timothée's hand going into Kolby's, pulling him up.
"Leave the crutches, my love. I'll wrap my arms around you for support." he smiled, guiding Kolby to the tree, Dina taking his phone, Timothée arms around his man, she snapped a photo of the two of them wrapped in their Christmas love.
Individual photos of all four were taken, all four smiling in happiness.
Other photos were taken of Dina and her mother together, one of Kolby with both, and a selfie taken of all four together.
After that, the four called it a night, hugs given, Kolby attached to his crutches again, he and Timothée heading for their room.
Once they'd used the bathroom, and were back in their bedroom, the two were in each other's arms, their lips attached, the day's length felt against their needs for each other.
Within moments they were naked in bed, their love flowing with passion.
They both devoured each other, lost in the needs flowing.
An hour later Kolby was wrapped in Timothée's arms, the actor smiling with happiness.
"As beautiful as ever, Kobe. Even more so with no rubber between us. Your passion feeds my soul." he said, Kolby's lips meeting his.
"As yours feeds mine." he sighed, laying his head on Timothée's smooth chest.
"It's been a wonderful holiday, Timbo. Thank you for everything. It's been so special having you here." Kolby said, Timothée kissing his forehead.
"It truly has for me too, my love. And I promise you I'll try to be with you every holiday. Your happiness I crave." he smiled, Kolby's head raising, moving up more, laying his head on Timothée's shoulder.
"When do you leave, Timbo?" he said, Timothée kissing his lips gently.
"On the twenty-eighth, around ten." Timothée softly said, Kolby nodding.
"Two more days of passion, and happiness." Kolby smiled, Timothée kissing his neck.
"Looking forward to it. Let's not focus on the departure, let's just focus on what we have together now." Timothée said, Kolby smiling, moving his hand, wrapping it around Timothée's soft shaft, beginning to breathe life into it again.
"Right now, I have my hand on the gearshift. I think I'll take this baby for a ride again." he smiled, Timothée lightly laughing.
"Keep doing that and you'll strip my gears." Timothée smiled, their lips meeting, a bit more passion flowing between them.
They parted, Kolby smiling at him.
"Just think, my Timbo. In less than two weeks I'll be coming to New York." he said, Timothée beaming.
"You're staying at my place, babe. No hotel for you. Tit for tat." Timothée smiled, Kolby laughing.
"Why sir, are you looking to add me to your boudoir? You take favors when none given." Kolby smiled, batting his eyelashes.
"Okay, then I'll give them." Timothée said, sensing Kolby's mirthful mood, taking Kolby's hand in his, lifting it to his lips, kissing each finger, lightly licking his stump.
"Would you partake of my invitation to visit my mansion of debauchery, Mr. Wentworth? I promise to be a total gentleman, kind sir." he said, batting his eyelashes, Kolby moving, climbing on top of Timothée's naked form.
"I'm hoping you'd be less than a gentleman, stud muffin." he said, Timothée laughing, his hands finding Kolby's naked backside, squeezing each globe.
"That can be so arranged, beautiful."
"Then I accept, kind sir. Right now, I'd love it if you would just fuck me deep, kind sir!" Kolby said, Timothée moving, rolling his man over, now on top of him.
"With pleasure, my horny young gentleman. First off, I'm going to suck all three of your stumps!" Timothée said, pulling Kolby's hand to his face, sucking his finger stump into his mouth, sucking it with passion.
"Kinky little fucker, aren't you?" Kolby smiled, Timothée smiling, pulling the finger out of his mouth.
"Learn from the best!' he said, moving lower, licking all over Kolby's left knee stump, bathing it in wetness, Kolby softly smiling, then gasping when Timothée's mouth swallowed his third stump, his shaft disappearing down his throat.
"Oh fuck, Timbo! Own me, fucking please!" he moaned, Timothée pulling off the shaft, moving upwards, lifting Kolby's legs, his own shaft searching for its need.
He sunk down, sinking deep into his soulmate, their lips meeting, tongues entwining, the actor starting a slow deep rhythm, the two attached to their desires.
For twenty minutes they made love, their lips meeting often.
They broke their last kiss, staring into each other's green pools.
"I love you, Kobe. God you're so warm, such a perfect fit! We're so meant for each other!" Timothée groaned, increasing his rhythm, Kolby's lips attaching to Timothée's right nipple, nibbling on it, Timothée gasping, feeling his passion let go, filling his lover's warmth canal with his seed.
He collapsed on top of the young man, Kolby's arms wrapping around him, the two kissing each other again.
"Something tells me I'm going to be in this position often. You're one fantastic top, kind sir." Kolby smiled, Timothée lifting his head, smiling at him.
"And you're one fantastic sexy bottom, my fine young gentleman." he said, laying his head back on Kolby's glistening smooth chest.
"Thank you for the offer of staying at your place, Timbo. I'd love to stay with you. I want to see every aspect of your life. I'm sure it's a beautiful spot."
"It is, my Kobe. I think you'll love it. And the greatest treasure I'll ever own is your love."
Kolby smiled, the two snuggling together.
"I think you may end up owning more, kind sir." Kolby smiled, Timothée lightly slapping his smooth chest.
"Enough of the aristocracy mirth, Kobe. We're just two young men in love. Let's leave it at that." he smiled, Kolby smiling.
"Ok, Timbo. Well, one of us is young anyway."
Timothée's fingers found Kolby's armpits, the young man struggling and roaring with laughter.
He stopped his tickle barrage, the young man gasping for breath, Timothée smiling down at him.
"I guess I'll always be the older one." Timothée smiled, Kolby kissing his lips tenderly.
"You're young and beautiful. And your beauty is timeless." he smiled, Timothée laying his head back on Kolby's warm smooth chest, wrapping his arms around him.
"Love you, my young angel. Goodnight, babe."
Kolby's fingers went through Timothée brown curls, the young man looking out the moonlit window.
"Love you more, Timbo, my young sex god. Goodnight, my love." he said, the young man slowly closing his eyes, his mind on the future.
The next morning saw the two men fall into a routine of happiness, both just being together.
They showered together, making love under the water, enjoying the pleasures of each other.
Timothée cooked a late breakfast for everyone, the four enjoying his cooking.
He and Dina did up the dishes, Nancy started on some food for lunch, company coming.
At eleven Timothée let in their visitors who buzzed from downstairs, Timothée rising from his lover's arms, walking into the hallway.
Timothée opened the door, two arms wrapping around him, lifting him off his feet, two lips against him.
Olivia and Henry stood in the hallway laughing, Stephan breaking the kiss with Timothée, the actor looking surprised.
"Too much tongue, Chalamet! Merry Christmas, stud!" the handsome manager grinned, releasing his hold on him, Timothée laughing.
"You're a perv, Steph! I like it! Gimme some more tongue, stud!" Timothée grinned, moving forward, Stephan backing up wrapping his arms around Olivia, going behind her.
"Go get your play toy if that's what you need! I was only joking, Tim!" Stephan said, Timothée laughing, kissing Olivia's cheek, giving her a hug.
"Your fiancé is a flirt, Olivia. But what a sexy stud!" he said, Olivia kissing his cheek.
"He planned that earlier. He was hoping you or Kolby would answer the door. He was all over you. I think he's going bi." she said, Stephan blushing, smiling at his fiancée.
"Nah, babe. You're the one for me alone. Kolby can take on this stud." he smiled, Timothée smiling at the couple, the man hugging Henry, taking their coats, the four walking into the living room, Henry carrying a couple of bags.
"Hello everyone. Happy Christmas!" Stephan smiled, Dina and Nancy hugging him.
Stephan leapt onto the sofa, hugging Kolby, the young man hugging him back.
"Your man attacked me in the hall, Kobe. He wants me so bad!" Stephan smiled, Olivia leaning down and giving Kolby a kiss on the cheek, Henry hugging Dina and Nancy, handing them the bags.
"Deli meat from Partridges' in York Square. As well as some bagels and Kaiser rolls." Henry smiled, Nancy thanking him, taking it into the kitchen, Dina following.
"I think you meant you attacked Timothée, honey. He surprised him with a jumping kiss." Olivia smiled, Kolby eyeing Timothée.
"You after my man, Steph?" Kolby smiled, Stephan blushing, sensing his plan had backfired.
"I was just playing a joke on Mr. Movie Star." he said, Kolby smiling, grinning at his friend.
"And what about me? Timbo and I share all. Gimme some of that!" Kolby said, wrapping his arms around him, kissing Stephan's lips.
The man pushed his friend off him, backing up and standing, Kolby smiling up at him, licking his lips.
"Mm, Chalamet juice. So tasty!" Kolby smiled, Timothée smirking.
"You're both pervs!" Stephan said, Timothée laughing, sitting down beside his man.
"Relax, Steph. You haven't got what I need! Kobe's tongue is a lot longer, among other things." Timothée smiled, his and Kolby's lips meeting, Stephan and Olivia smiling and joining them on the sofa.
"Everyone have a nice Christmas?" Olivia said, Timothée smiling widely.
"The best. I was wrapped in Christmas heaven. You must see what Kolby gave me!" Timothée smiled, rising again, heading for the bedroom.
"Something else beside the hickeys?" Stephan smiled, Kolby elbowing him in the ribs, Henry laughing, seated in the wing chair.
Timothée returned, his painting in his hands, the man showing the two and Henry the painting.
Kolby explained the symbolism of the river and the bridge, everyone staring with amazement.
"That's amazing, Kobe. You paint with such meaning." Olivia said, Kolby smiling.
"I paint what I see in my mind. That's influenced by what happens in my life. Love, drama and happiness." Kolby smiled, Timothée kissing his lips.
"Less drama, more love, that's my plan." Timothée said, Kolby smiling at him.
"Ditto, Timbo."
Everyone smiled, seeing their love so easily showing.
"So, all excited for your trip to boy toy's big city? New York must be amazing." Stephan smiled, Timothée smiling at him.
"It's no different than London, Steph. It's big, it's boisterous, but it's home." he smiled, Stephan nodding.
"I understand, Tim. Home is where the heart is."
Kolby smiled, Nancy and Dina walking back into the room, a tray of drinks in Dina's hands.
"Kolby's special iced tea." she smiled, everyone taking a glass, Henry smiling at Kolby.
"Is there anything you can't do, Kolby?" Henry smiled, sipping the drink, his eyes widening.
"This is The Red Lion's iced tea!" he said, Kolby nodding.
"Yes, Henry. I gave Jacob the recipe a year ago. It's been on the menu since then." Kolby smiled, Henry grinning.
"Simply remarkable!" he smiled, offering Nancy his chair, the woman thanking him, the two smiling at each other as she sat down, Olivia and Kolby exchanging looks, both smirking.
"Well, we've made our appointment at Trinity House in West London for this Friday. We're going to look over the wedding venue you gifted us, Henry." Olivia smiled, she and the two other women chatting about wedding plans.
"Excellent. You'll both love it. May I join you? I know the owner well, and I'll show you some exceptional places within its beautiful walls." Henry smiled, the two thanking him again, and insisting he come with them.
"How about you, Nancy? Would you like to tag along with us?" Henry said, smiling at her.
"Wow, myself in a ritzy place like that. I'd love to see how the other half lives." she smiled, Henry laughing.
"Stick with me, dear lady. I'll show you the world." Henry smiled, Nancy blushing.
"Well, lunch is ready. You'll have to bring two more chairs in from the bedrooms, Timothée and Dina." Nancy smiled, rising from her seat, everyone rising as well, Timothée and Dina heading for the bedrooms.
Kolby smiled, Stephan helping him up, the young man chatting with Stephan, everyone walking into the kitchen.
The meal was wonderful, Henry's culinary contributions a big hit, the man smiling at everyone.
Nancy had created several other dishes, salads, scones, pastries, and a hearty stew.
After lunch they all returned to the living room, chatting, and laughing.
Dina, Nancy, and Olivia cleaned up the kitchen, the men relaxing with full stomachs.
Timothée smiled at Kolby, winking then, the man smiling at Stephan.
"So, did you bring your gloves? It is Boxing Day. I'd love to box with you, sexy. Both of us in only shorts. Woof!" Timothée said, wiggling his eyebrows.
"I'm not going near you if you're half naked. You want me so bad!" Stephan said, Kolby smiling and kissing Timothée cheek.
"You're missing out on one fine sexy man, Steph." Kolby grinned, Stephan smirking from the wing chair.
"He hasn't seen me yet." he smiled, Kolby smirking.
"I have, Steph. Dodged a torpedo there, babe. He's huge!" Kolby said, Timothée laughing, Stephan blushing.
"Oh, that sounds exciting!" Timothée grinned, winking at Stephan.
"You're both pervs. I told you, no touching!" he smiled, Henry laughing at their teasing each other.
Kolby smiled at the older man, he seated beside him on the sofa, Timothée snuggled beside his man.
"So, Henry. It's none of our business, but we've all noticed your interactions with Nancy. I take it you like her?" Kolby smiled, Henry softly blushing, lowering his eyes.
"She's a wonderful woman, Kolby. I hope you understand that my intentions are honorable." Henry said, Kolby patting his arm.
"You're a wonderful, kind, giving man, Henry. I know you're a gentleman." he said, Henry nodding with a smile.
"She's so amazing, Kolby. I've never met anyone who makes me feel so happy. I've only known her for a week, but it's like I'm seeing life for the first time." Henry softly said, all three men smiling at him.
"She's all that, Henry. I've known her for over four years, she's claimed a special place in my heart. I sense she's doing the same to you." Kolby smiled, Henry softly smiling.
"Indeed, she has, Kolby. Would you excuse me for a moment?" Henry said, rising from his seat, Nancy, Dina, and Olivia walking into the room, smiling and laughing.
"Nancy, could I speak to you, please?" Henry smiled, Nancy stopping, the man walking up to her.
"Certainly, Henry." she smiled, Henry smiling at her, Dina and Olivia going to their seats beside Stephan and Timothée.
"Would you like to talk privately in the kitchen, Henry?" Nancy smiled, Henry looking at the younger people smiling at him.
"No, the kids already know how I feel, I believe." he said, taking Nancy's hands in his, staring at her.
"I like you, Nancy. I think you're an amazing person. You've shown so much kindness, happiness and goodness to me. You've treated me like one of your friends. But I'm beginning to have stronger feelings for you. God, it's been so long since I've done this!" Henry said, everyone smiling at his nervousness, Nancy squeezing his hands.
"I was wondering if you'd like to maybe go out with me for dinner tomorrow evening. Just the two of us. I'd like to get to know you better, on a more personal level. I think I'd like that very much." Henry said, Nancy staring at him, a soft smile showing on her face.
"I'd love to join you, Henry. To be honest I'm having the same feelings. I haven't felt like this in a long time. I feel like I'm a teenager again. Tongue tied and nervous."
Henry smiled, leaning forward, kissing her cheek.
"You're as beautiful as one." he said, Nancy blushing.
"And you're a charmer!" she said, Henry laughing.
"Then it's a date." Henry said, she smiled, kissing his cheek.
"Indeed, it is." Nancy said, the two smiling at each other.
They heard clapping, everyone rising from their seats, the two older ones blushing.
"I think the kids are on to us." she said, Henry laughing, Dina's arms going around her mother.
"He's a keeper, Mom." Dina smiled, Henry blushing, Kolby patting him on the back.
"Love knows no boundaries. Neither age, standings, faith, or gender hold no sway on its journey. For love is its own path." Kolby smiled, Timothée's arm going around his man.
"Beautiful words, Kobe." he said, everyone agreeing, the young man smiling.
"Now we just have to get Dina going on that path." Kolby smiled, his adoptive sister laughing.
"I'm fine as I am. I have my schooling and my friends. Time enough for romance later." Dina smiled, Kolby kissing her cheek.
"Love knows no time frame. Falling trees make welcoming introductions." Kolby said, Dina smiling at him.
"Okay, whatever that means." she said, Kolby smiling.
"It means I have some more ideas for paintings." he smiled, crutching his way back to the sofa, sitting down, everyone staring after him.
Timothée joined him, Kolby kissing him tenderly, everyone returning to their seats.
At four Henry, Stephan and Olivia had to say their goodbyes, the three hugged goodbye by everyone.
Kolby and Timothée promised to come to the restaurant before Timothée left in two days.
Nancy and Henry smiled at each other, Henry telling her he'd pick her up tomorrow at five.
She smiled, kissing his cheek, the man beaming as he left.
Timothée and Kolby traded smiles, Dina smirking.
Kolby volunteered to make dinner, Timothée at his side, helping.
The four sat down to a late dinner, Kolby making grilled chicken as well as salads.
The four ate quietly, Nancy smiling at the two young men.
"So, one more day left, Timothée. We're all going to miss you around here." she smiled, Timothée smiling back.
"I'm going to miss both of you as well. It's been a magical fun holiday." he smiled, Kolby smiling at him.
"First the drama of your injuries, then my own surprises for you. And it was a beautiful day yesterday. I wouldn't have missed any of it." Timothée smiled, Nancy and Dina smiling at him.
"You made it a special holiday, Tim. What with your mountain of gifts, and just your friendship." Dina smiled, kissing his cheek.
The man smiled, soft wetness showing in his green eyes.
"Christmas is about family. I consider you both that now." he said, Nancy and Dina tearing up as well.
"You've got the women folk tearing up, Timbo. A Hallmark moment." Kolby smiled, Timothée laughing, kissing his man's cheek.
"For that mirthful comment, you're doing the dishes." he smiled, Kolby smirking.
"Yes, master. The man of the manor has spoken." Kolby smiled, Timothée laughing again.
"I'll help, my sexy cook."
Nancy and Dina both smiled, the two young men smiling at each other, the four finishing their meal.
The office was quiet, the hour after ten, one lone individual seated behind its central desk.
Sir Cedrick Holsten rubbed his eyes, glancing over the reports open before him, lightly tapping his pipe on a glass ashtray on his desk.
He packed his pipe with tobacco, the bowl now full.
His three-piece tweed suit now felt uncomfortable in the warm room, the embers of a dying fire glowing in the corner fireplace.
He'd been sitting here for a few hours, gradually warming up, going over late reports that had come in from London while he was away.
He himself had returned only this afternoon half chilled from Claythorn Manor; a two-day holiday break over Christmas, an invitation he couldn't refuse.
His most important client and old friend never took no for an answer.
Since his late wife had passed several years before, Cedrick had buried himself in his work, amassing a mountain of information, a lot of favors called in, the man precise in his need to know every detail of his client's life and business.
He'd just received these reports from several sources, no real new information forthcoming from the first ones he'd looked over.
He put his pipe back into his mouth, lighting it again, a cloud of smoke rings forming over his silver-haired head.
He opened the last report, this one from Scotland Yard, the man perusing the computer screen in front of him, his laptop open.
Most were police reports, warrant bulletins, old file cases and other security details.
He scrolled through the lengthy reports, nothing really registering in his mind.
He sighed, lifting his glass of scotch, sipping its warm liquid, setting his pipe down in the ashtray.
His cellphone went off, the man picking it up from his desk, seeing the name showing, taking a deep breath.
"Good evening, Ali. I assumed you wouldn't call until the morning. Yes, I'm in my office at King Street, going over the morning's reports. Nothing new, Ali. Still drawing a blank on any evidence or a trace of anything." Cedrick said, scanning the reports on the screen.
"Thank you for the festivities, Ali. It was a wonderful holiday. I haven't eaten like that in ages. I was surprised to see Evelyn and Samuel so demanding. No, it's alright, I took their venomous questions in stride. They seemed rather adamant in calling this intrigue off, Ali. "
Sir Cedrick remained silent, listening to the man's reply.
"Our only hope lays in our finding a starting point. The stars, Ali? Yes, I guess the stars will have to align correctly. Indeed, sir. I'll give you a full report first thing in the morning before I head to court. Good evening, Alistar."
The man closed off his phone, sighing, downing the last of his scotch, setting the empty glass down on his desk, stretching his tired back, rubbing his neck, his eyes focused on the page showing on the laptop screen.
It was a list of police altercations, nothing interesting drawing his thoughts.
He sighed, changing the page, drawing up some local auctioneer reports he'd received as well.
He took in the information, looking confused.
He scrolled through the report, taking in the information showing, as well as the dates.
Images showed before him, his eyes widening, catching one photograph staring back at him.
His eyes widened, his breath catching, a look of soft hope showing on his face.
"It can't be!" he softly said, remembering that image.
He printed off a copy of all the reports, staring at the last paper he'd scanned.
"Wherever did you find that?" he said, staring at the name shown on the report.
He went back to his laptop, keying in the information, a dossier coming up on the screen.
He smiled, picking up his pipe again, putting it to his lips, taking a few puffs, leaning back in his office chair, smiling at the photo and reading the report.
"Well, well, Henry Struthers. It's been quite some time, my old friend Harry." Sir Cedrick Holsten smiled, staring at the man's photo.
"The Red Lion. Right here in London. Paths cross for reasons, dear Harry. The stars are aligning, Alistar. Finally!" Cedrick smiled, closing his laptop, rising from his seat, walking around the desk, putting his briefcase on top, putting the printed reports in it, closing it.
He put on his overcoat, smiling, and walking out of the office, pipe smoke following him, locking the door behind him.
End of Chapter 23
Well, that was an intriguing end.
Who is Sir Cedrick Holsten?
What's Henry's involvement with him?
Christmas is over, our two young friends enjoying each other's love.
Timothée's time with Kolby will soon end, the two parting again.
But their love will join again soon, this time in New York.
What lies ahead for Kolby and his possible careers?
Up next, parting love and guiding paths.
Hugs, Angel.
Email: music-fan-1@hotmail.com