Friends and Family Series

Alex

By: Ron Robbins
(© 2011 by the author)
Editor: Frank Perry

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at...

Chapter 7

"Thanks again for the accolades you heaped on me at lunch this afternoon, Alex," Sandy said. "You are full of surprises. I never expected a luncheon in my honor in front of the entire damn company. I know it was a great honor, but I was unprepared for that. My knees were rubber when I stood up to give my speech."

"I thought you gave a great speech," Alex said. "You didn't appear nervous at all. In fact, I was very proud of the way you handled yourself. You had them in the palm of your hand, Sandy. I wanted to hug you and plant a great big kiss on those beautiful lips of yours instead of just shaking your hand."

Sandy laughed, "I'm glad you didn't. I hope I haven't become a bad influence on you, Mister President."

"On the contrary, you've become a good influence on me.” Now, Mister Vice President, have you had time to peruse the list my father-in-law sent me?"

"Yes sir; from what I can see, you don't have to send a 747 to Washington after all," Sandy chuckled.

Alex smiled, "That doesn't bother me." Alex looked over the list and handed it back to Sandy. "I thought there would be more people than that, the way you two were going on about it the other night. Why do I have the feeling your folks have pruned the list? What do you think, Sandy?"

"You're right. I did notice some selective cutting," Sandy said. "A number of my cousins are missing and the out-of-town relatives are down to just a handful. I don't know; maybe they couldn't get away, or it could be that they would feel uncomfortable attending a homosexual engagement party; I don't have the answers, baby."

"Could it be that they cannot afford to spend the money on the wardrobe they'll need?" Alex said.

"No way, they have the money, anyway, if they didn't, Dad would help them out if need be," Sandy said.

"Let me call Dad again, right now, and find out the score. I know you need to have the list to the printer as soon as possible."

"While you're doing that, I'll call the Stevens clan with our good news and see if they can attend," Alex said.

Kim answered the telephone. "I'm sorry, Mr. Savage, "the family is at dinner, I will give them the message that you called."

Alex continued down the list of friends he wanted to invite, the Cavanaugh’s, the Erickson’s, the King family, the Harcourt’s and the Westerville family. He was dialing Noel Erickson's number when the other line rang. It was Mac returning his call.

"How was South America?" Mac asked.

"Best trip ever," Alex said. "The reason I'm calling you tonight is to invite you and Drew to my engagement party next month."

"Wow, this is good news," Mac said. "Who is the lucky guy?"

"My prince charming is none other than Sandy Lambert, my new vice president."

"You're kidding, I thought he was already married," Mac said.

"Was, is the operative word. The divorce was final last month. Now he's going to marry me."

"He's a super guy; Drew and I will be happy to attend, let me know the date."

"The engagement party is going to be held at Jekyll Island a month from this Saturday," Alex said.

"I'm going down my list now and wanted to invite Drew's family but, I'm not that close to his mother and stepfather. Naturally, I'm inviting Claudia and Charles. Maybe you can kick it around with Drew for his thoughts?"

"Who are you inviting from this neck of the woods?" Mac asked.

“The Harcourt’s, Cavanaugh’s, Noel and Scott, Mike and Karl, Doug and Pete, the Purdy’s, the Westervilles, Dan and Sandy Dunnlap, Lois and friends, and thirty of the Lambert family. My plan is to ask you to coordinate the flight arrangements with the Harcourt’s, the Cavanaugh’s, and the Kings, and of course, the contingent coming from the Retreat. I'll make arrangements for the people from Atlanta and the Lambert contingent. My two good neighbors are lending me their estates for that weekend. There is enough space to accommodate everyone. The homes are large enough to sleep a small army.

"Then there is my villa. I would like to have you and Drew as well as Mike and Karl stay with us."

"Those arrangements sound fine with me," Mac said. "I'll have Doug call you tomorrow. I don't know that I've ever met the Cavanaugh’s."

"They were good friends of Terry's and are also with the law firm that handles our legal work. They have become close friends over the years," Alex said. "Their family owns a prestigious law firm in Manhattan. I know you'll like them, Mac. Drew probably knows Randy's mother and father. I became good friends with Randy Cavanaugh shortly after he married Lloyd King. They are the nicest couple you'll ever want to meet. As a matter of fact, Randy's parents live down the block from your in-laws, the Baldwins."

"If Molly Harcourt and the Cavanaugh’s are attending, I'm sure Drew's mother will attend. You know how those grand dames are. If you haven't spoken to my neighbors at the Retreat yet, I'll be happy to invite them for you."

"Just another reason why I love you so much, Mac," Alex said. "I would really appreciate that. I had better call Mike Lee myself. He would never forgive me if I didn't break the news to him personally.

"The company cocktail party for Sandy is on Friday night to celebrate his promotion to a corporate vice president. If you'd like some free publicity for MacDonald-Stevens, let me know and the word will go forth," Alex said. "I would really appreciate it if you would ask my colleagues on the board if they would like to join us for the fun and games; let me know and I'll make all the necessary arrangements.

"The engagement party for Saturday night will be on Jekyll Island and will be restricted to close friends and family only. I'll send you a copy the itinerary by the end of the week. Sandy's family will be arriving in Atlanta on Thursday evening. It should be a fun weekend. My people are going all out for this party. They are booking all our guests at the Ritz-Carlton in Buckhead. Again, I would like you and Drew and Mike and Karl to stay at my home."

"Sounds like fun," Mac said. "I'll be happy to ask around and let you know tomorrow. We'll coordinate the transportation with you as soon as everything is firmed up. Our aircraft are at your disposal."

"You're a prince, Mac. I'll talk to you tomorrow." Alex reached the Westervilles and the Erickson’s to round off his guest list. Sandy returned and sat on the sofa while Alex was finishing up his conversation with Karl. Karl said, "Mike just walked in, let me put him on."

"Hi Alex! What's up, buddy?"

"I called to invite you and Karl to my engagement party next month."

"We wouldn't miss it for the world," Mike said. "Who's the lucky guy?"

"Sandy Lambert, my executive assistant."

"My, my, you latched onto a super guy. I ran the investigation on him myself. At the time, he checked out straight arrow, squeaky clean, all American type. Are you sure you're not rushing into this? The last time we talked you were still mourning Terry's loss. Now, you're engaged to be married. Sandy was not even in the picture then."

"Sandy has always been in the picture, but untouchable for me. I've had the warm fuzzes for him for some time. You know how it is, my friend, you have trod that path yourself. If fact, the scenarios sound alike.

"Sandy has been my right hand for the past two years and I grew fond of him over a long period of time. It wasn't until he left for South America on that extended trip that I realized how much he meant to me. It became so bad that I had to go back into therapy again.

"He's a great guy and I consider myself twice blessed," Alex said.

"I'm happy for you," Mike said. "I think you are both very fortunate. Where is this party and what date do you want us to be there?"

"Next month in Atlanta and on Jekyll Island," Alex said. "The plan is to put you, Karl, Drew, and Mac up at our villa on Saturday and at our town home in Atlanta for the company party on Friday night. The rest will stay at two other estates. I'm also inviting the board of directors to our office party on Friday night in Atlanta. Mac is planning to talk to you about that tomorrow."

"I would like your company to handle the security on the entire weekend. I want the full treatment, and Mike, no freebies on this one. Send the bill to the firm."

"You got it, tiger. I'll fly down to Atlanta with Doug this week to check everything out. Can I gain access to all the locations this early in the game?"

"I'll make sure you do. My house manager at the villa can help you out, he heads up my security on the East Coast. His name is Farley Berry."

Mike laughed, the name has kind of has Christmas ring to it; see you later this week, tiger."

Sandy had closed the door and walked over to Alex, and kissed him. "That's for the nice things you said about me. Now let's sit on the sofa and make out."

Alex sat on the end of the sofa next to the phone and laid a pillow on his lap. Sandy stretched out on the sofa and rested his head on Alex's lap.

"Why the long face?" Alex asked. "Is everything all right with your family?"

"You were right about Dad," Sandy said. "He feels uncomfortable that you're paying for everything. He thinks he should be contributing his share toward the engagement party."

"How do you feel about that, Sandy?"

"I know how you spend money and I've become used to that. My dad is in the upper income bracket, by normal standards. He has absolutely no concept of how wealthy people like you spend money. My family was well off when I was growing up, and we never needed for anything. My dad was generous, but didn't flaunt his money. After I started traveling around in your circles, I was shocked to discover how the wealthy lived and spent their wealth. It's was an education, believe me.

"I've tried explaining this to my dad, but he still has this old fashioned hang-up about paying his own way. It a pride thing with him."

"Look, my love, call your dad back and ask him if we could drop by for dinner tomorrow night, unless you would rather not."

"No, that's great. I would like you to meet my parents and have a chance to see the farm at the same time."

"Oh, and Sandy, please ask them not to go to any trouble; pot luck is fine with me. We'll try to be there by four if that's okay with your folks."

Sandy made the call to his dad and talked for twenty minutes. Alex was playing with Sandy's hair and his mind was miles away. He was unaware that Sandy had hung up the telephone.

Sandy reached up, pulled Alex's lips to his and kissed him. "Whatcha thinking about?" Sandy asked.

"I was thinking about your parties, but mainly about you. I guess it was something that Mike said that got me a little upset; now your dad has uncomfortable feelings about the money thing. I love you so very much Sandy, and I want what is best for you. I'm worried; maybe this is too overwhelming for you and your aspirations for the future.

"You are a talented and highly competitive executive. You have several more years ahead of you before you take over as President of this company. Promise me you will never stop the climb to the top. You're my spouse and it's natural that I want to protect you and make the road ahead a little easier for you. On the other hand, I'm your boss and have an obligation to do what is best for the company and our stockholders. I only hope that there will never be a time when there is a conflict between the two.

"My obligations to you and the children will always come first. I would never survive if I lost you. I made an oath to myself when Terry died, that if I found another lover, we would never be separated from each other again. As much as I love Stonewall & Savage, I would resign tomorrow if it came between us. I've made a commitment to you and I intend to keep it. Sandy, my love, you and the children are my life. How would you feel if I asked you to resign and go away with me?"

"How can you even ask a question like that? Don't you trust your own instincts about me? Alex, I love you and plan to spend the rest of my life with you. We don't have to go through any engagement party, or marriage ceremony for that matter. We have professed our love for each other and have vowed to live together as a couple for the rest of our lives. I will do whatever you want. I am your spouse. If you want me to quit my job I will; if you want me to move to God knows where, I will. You are wrong if you think I put my job before you and our family. I know you have been through hell too many times in the past. Even after you found the right man, he was taken from you. You are a strong man and you are a survivor. God never gives us more grief than we can bear. I'm not going to leave you, and I'm not the kind of person who plays around. I have a very high moral standard. I also believe in a monogamous relationship. The only way you'll lose me, Alex, is if you break your word to me. In that case our marriage would be over.

"Now, stop thinking these negative thoughts and believe in me and our life together as a couple." He took Alex's head in his hands and pulled him down and kissed him tenderly. “God, you're beautiful. If you're finished playing around down here, let's go to bed and play doctor."

Alex laughed, and ruffled Sandy's hair. "That's the best offer I've had all day. Come on, you beautiful creature, show me how the doctors play."

Dulles International Airport

The Stonewall & Savage Gulf Stream Jet touched down at 3:30 PM. The pilot taxied to the General Aviation Terminal where a limo was waiting to take Alex and Sandy, and their security team, to the Lambert farm in Manassas, a twenty-five minute drive from the airport. They turned off the expressway and onto a country road. The landscape was lovely, rolling green pastures with weathered split rail fences dividing the pastures. The fences were constructed the same way they had been for generations.

Sandy was pointing out some of the historical sights of the region and how some of the traditions were still practiced today. One tradition that remained was that of riding-to-the-hounds. "This was serious horse country, and don't you forget it," Sandy said laughingly.

Sandy pointed to the fence that marked the boundary to Lambert Farm as they turned into the lane marked by a quaint Colonial sign that read 'Lambert Farm'. They drove several hundred yards before they saw the large two story red brick Colonial farmhouse. It was a beautiful setting, flanked as it was with large oak trees. Their driver pulled up to the front entrance and opened the car door.

Doctor Lambert stepped out the front door and hugged his son. Sandy stepped aside to introduce Alex to his father. They shook hands, then he ushered Alex into the house.

Alex could see where Sandy got his good looks. Doctor Lambert was a handsome looking man. The good Doctor was a slightly older version of his son, yet with the same gracious Southern charm.

The exterior of the house was deceiving. The house appeared much larger inside. It felt as if you stepped back in time. It welcomed you with a warm and friendly feeling and of the genteel living of bygone days. The furniture was authentic and had been well cared for. The warm wood hues of the flooring were beautiful, a coloring that could only come from age, and years of care. The Oriental rugs and other furnishings were of museum quality and priceless in today's antiques market.

Sandy's mother was waiting for them in the sitting room. Sandy kissed her and introduced Alex.

"Thank you for receiving me on such short notice," Alex said. "I thought it would be nice to take this opportunity to visit my future in-laws. Sandy has told me so many wonderful things about you. I feel I know you already. It was unfortunate that we never had the opportunity to meet with you before now."

"I hope your flight from Atlanta was on time, Mr. Savage," Sandy's mother said. Usually the air traffic is heavy at this time at Dulles. You were lucky to book a flight on such short notice. Most people like to fly into Washington National for that reason."

"Please call me Alex. I thought that Dulles was closer to Manassas, Mrs. Lambert."

"Oh, it is, but not that many airlines have flights into Dulles."

"Oh, I see," Alex said. "We had no problem, thank you for asking."

"Mom, we flew in one of the company jet aircraft from Atlanta," Sandy explained.

"Oh, that's wonderful; imagine that, how nice to have your own plane."

"I agree, it's one of the perks that go with the job, Mrs. Lambert. Now that we're family, you are welcome to use our aircraft to visit us in Atlanta. We hope you visit us often; we have plenty of room. You are also welcome to use our villas in Jekyll Island or, Paradise Island as well; let us know in advance and we'll send the jet to pick you up."

"That is very kind of you to offer, Alex," Mrs. Lambert said.

"Would you like a tour of the estate before it gets too dark?" Doctor Lambert asked."

"Yes, I would enjoy that."

"Come on then; Sandy and his mother can catch up on the latest gossip while we're gone. Unless you would like to join us, son?"

"No, Dad, you and Alex go ahead without me. I'll visit with Mother."

Dr. Lambert took Alex out the back way to the four-car garage through the enclosed breezeway.

"This passage is very convenient when the weather turns nasty," Dr. Lambert said.

Dr. Lambert told Alex some of the history of the farm as they drove to a hilltop that overlooked the farm and the surrounding area.

"I'm impressed, Dr. Lambert. It's really quite beautiful. I've always been fascinated with the history and traditions of our country. That was one of the courses I enjoyed so much at the Naval Academy."

"Funny, Sandy never mentioned that you were an Annapolis man."

"Yes, sir; I was on active duty overseas for three years after I graduated. But, that's a long story and one I would prefer to save for another time."

"Dr. Lambert, I'm here because I wanted to meet you and your wife before the parties next month. I thought meeting with you face-to-face would help you to understand my feelings on the upcoming award dinner and engagement party for Sandy. I certainly don't want to ruffle any feathers, or get off on the wrong foot with my future in-laws.

"Quite frankly, I find it a little awkward to speak to you about my marriage to your son. This is a heck of a lot harder than the time I asked for my wife's hand in marriage, the first time around. But, it's very important that you understand exactly what Sandy means to me.

"I love my children with all my heart, Doctor, but Sandy comes first. He is the most important person in my life and I care for him very deeply.

"On a business level, Sandy is an outstanding executive, and is being rewarded for his hard work, hence the company party in his honor. As of yesterday, I have promoted him to a staff vice president. We are embarking in a new life together and we are both excited about the future we are about to face together.

"I happen to be a successful business man who has been rewarded for my efforts and hard work. These past several years have not been easy for me and I've been very lonely. All the success and money in the world mean nothing, if you don't have the right person to share those things with. I've found that person in Sandy.

"Sandy has agreed to be my spouse and to share the rest of his life with me. To me that will mean that he will share everything I own. We consider ourselves as a couple already. Sandy knows he can have anything money can buy in this world. I'm a billionaire, Doctor, and if everything goes according to schedule, I should be a multi-billionaire in two years. If anything happens to me, Sandy and my children will inherit my estate. Please don't think me crass for discussing my wealth, but I feel you should know where I stand. I would like to feel that I'm part of your family now. The money I spend on these parties is petty cash to me and I would spend millions more if it makes Sandy happy. In any event, my company is paying for the award dinner.

"Being wealthy also has it drawbacks, one of which is my private security. Don't be alarmed by the presence of a small army of security people in evidence at all times. They are very discrete and are really a fine group of people. You may wish to mention this to the guests you invite to our parties. Security will be especially tight at our two parties. Most of my guests are paranoid of kidnapers. Yet, you would never suspect them of being so. I hope you don't mind, but you will be asked to vouch for all your guests.

"Sandy has become my responsibility now as well. He has a deep love for his family, and although he has not said so, I know he is upset about some of the guests who were excluded from the invitation list. This is his party and I want it to be a special weekend for him. I really don't care what it costs as long as he is happy. I assure you that the engagement party will be very conservative and there will no display or outward signs of affection toward each other. Sandy and I are very discreet and keep our personal feelings private.

"Often life doesn't allow us the opportunities to share the happy times together. Sandy's roots are here, and he loves his family and friends. I want these two events to be something we can look back on in years to come and say we did it well, and everyone had a great time.

"I'm here tonight to ask you to put aside your sense of pride and let these parties be my gifts to Sandy and his family. I want this to be a memorable occasion for all of us.

"You've raised a fine son and have done everything a father could do for a loving son. Sandy belongs to me now and I plan to take good care of him the best way I know how. I would be pleased if you would let me take care of all the expenses of this party."

"I did not realize how strongly you felt about this, Alex. Had I known, I would have not been so headstrong. You will be the first billionaire in the family, and it's going to take some getting used to. Some day you must tell me how you did it while you're still in your late thirties."

Alex smiled, "God, do I look that old?"

"I just assumed you were in your late thirties or early forties, do you mind telling me how old you are?"

"I'm thirty-four years old, Doctor."

"My God, you're thirty-four years old and you're a billionaire. To be honest with you, Alex, you look the same age as Sandy. I figured you had to be older to accomplish what you have so far. I'm glad we had this opportunity to meet. You've made me feel more comfortable about everything. I will add another twenty people to the guest list."

"Great, I know Sandy will feel much better. Here is my card. Janet Goody is the gal you want to speak to, she is coordinating everything for me. When you've put your list together, just fax her a copy of your guest list and she will take care of everything. She will work out the logistics of the hotel accommodations with you in a few days. She's really quite good at this and very efficient."

"I'm really getting very excited about this," Dr. Lambert said. "We should be heading back to the house now." Dr. Lambert started the jeep and headed toward the house. "You know, you're not what I expected at all. I was pleasantly surprised when I met you. I expected you to be my age, gray haired and wrinkles. That would have been okay, if that's what Sandy wanted, mind you, but Sandy already has a father.

"My son has been obsessed with his job for some time," Dr. Lambert said. "The last time Sandy and Maryann visited, about a year ago, Maryann told me how unhappy she was with their marriage. She felt that Sandy was married to the firm and she took second place to his career. She also didn't think that he would change. Maryann believed their marriage was a big mistake after the first sixth months. According to her, they were just going through the motions.

"Naturally, I felt it was my duty to discuss this with Sandy," Dr. Lambert said. "I asked him to see a psychologist to resolve this problem. The reason I suggested a psychologist instead of a marriage counselor was because of Sandy's obsession with you and his job. I felt there was more behind this breakup than Sandy was willing to admit even to himself; he really needed a psychologist to help him with his problems. As it turned out, I was right on target.

"That was a traumatic time for us all," Dr. Lambert said. "Sandy accepted the fact that he was homosexual, and made the transition quite well. It was difficult for him in the beginning because he was more concerned about our reaction once we learned the truth. Sandy has always been open with us, he has never changed since he was a child. He felt miserable until he told us the truth. After that he was able to adjust. Sandy has always been a warm and loving person. I've never known him to say a bad word against anyone. He is a wonderful son and we all love him.

"Sandy admitted to me that he was physically attracted to you. Naturally, I was concerned about this, because I thought he was confusing his loyalty for something else. However, he insisted that he was going by his instincts, and they were never wrong. My son can be a determined individual once he has made up his mind about something. You were the person he wanted, and he was determined to get you. For his sake, I'm glad he was right. It could have ended up in a disaster if he were wrong.

"There is a great deal I don't understand about homosexuals, and perhaps one day we can discuss it in more detail. The medical profession is learning more every day, but in many cases, we are still sitting on the fence."

"I'll be happy to discuss it based on my own experience," Alex said. "The only difference between a heterosexual and a homosexual is their sexual orientation. Homosexuality is something you are born with and it's not something you chose. I'd always considered myself to be a heterosexual. I married after graduating from the Naval Academy and I was content with married life.

"After graduation I was assigned to sea duty and was away at sea most of the early years of my marriage. Yet, I never had any sexual desires for another male during my time at the academy, or at sea. It wasn't until after my wife dumped me, for my best friend, mind you, that I began to realize my true orientation. I did become attracted to other men. But, that's a long story for another day."

"You've had an interesting life," Dr. Lambert said. "I would like you and your children to spend some time with us whenever you feel up to it."

"We will, I know Sandy would like that. By the way, is Sandy a good horseman?"

"He was one of the best. He gave it up after his last jumper went lame. That was around the time he decided to go to graduate school and really didn't have time to spend at home. Why do you ask?"

"I used to like to ride at the Academy and think I would like to take it up again. I also want to give Sandy a present he would really appreciate. I thought he might like a good jumper. Do you think Sandy would like a couple of good mounts?"

"I know he would," Dr. Lambert said.

"Would you mind boarding the horses here if I paid for their upkeep?"

"Don't worry about the cost, I'll keep them for nothing. The two mounts we have are old. I keep them around for the grandchildren to ride. It would be nice to have a couple of good jumpers in the barn again."

"Good, that's settled then," Alex said. "Would you mind coming along with me to help me pick out a few jumpers?"

"My pleasure, you just let me know when and I'll take the time off," Dr. Lambert said.

Let's plan on doing that next week. I'll give my new vice president something to keep him busy for the day.

"Do you think he would prefer a Mercedes, or a Rolls Royce?"

"If you're serious, he has always dreamed of owning a Rolls Royce convertible. I've always thought of owning one of those red Mercedes convertibles myself, but my wife would kill me if I spent my money on an expensive toy like that."

"I'm not allowed to drive anything that dangerous," Alex said. "My security chief would have a fit if I drove a convertible around Atlanta. He'd like to see me in an armored Hummer if he had his way, speaking of which, I hope you didn't mind me bringing my security men along."

"That's not a problem, we converted one of the out buildings into to a guest cottage; they are welcome to use that," Dr. Lambert said.

"Not a word to our boy about anything we've discussed about his gifts," Alex said.

Dr. Lambert smiled and said, "I can keep a secret. What about your folks, Alex; are they coming to the parties?"

"My parents are both dead. My only brother might as well be dead as far as I'm concerned. He's a druggie and has been in and out of rehab for years," Alex said.

They returned to the house and had a glass of wine before dinner.

"Sandy, your dad has invited us for a visit," Alex said. "I warned him about the little army that we travel with, but he didn't seem to mind. Do you think we should inflict our brood on your folks?"

"Mom, Alex's two children are adorable and are well-behaved; you would not know they are in the house. Anyway, their Nanny travels with them wherever we go."

"It won't bother me, dear," Mrs. Lambert said. "You and your family are always welcome, Alex."

They had a leisurely dinner and after desert and coffee left for the airport. They sat in the private compartment with the door locked. Sandy was lying on the lounge with his head in Alex's lap.

"You and Dad were gone a long time," Sandy said. "Did you accomplish your mission?"

"Yes, your dad is an intelligent man and agreed to see things my way," Alex said. "Everything is just fine now and he is inviting twenty more guests."

"You do have a way with the Lamberts. My mom thinks you're super. She can't believe you are the boss I've been telling her about all this time. Mom told me that you would make a welcome addition to the family. Are you serious about visiting them again with the kids?"

"Would I fib to you, baby? Of course we'll be visiting them again. I found the farm charming," Alex said. "Your mother is a beautiful, elegant lady. In fact both your parents make an attractive couple. It's easy to see where you got your good looks. I think it will be fun to learn to ride again. Your dad said you were the best horseman around these parts. So, my handsome lover, you are elected to teach me in the fine arts of jumping. Anyway, the children need grandparents, if you're sure they would like that. The children really need to have someone to turn to other that you and me. What do you say, my love?"

"They will be very happy to have the children around, and the kids will learn to love the old place," Sandy said. "It gave me a warm fuzzy feeling seeing you there today in the old homestead. I wanted to take you up to my bedroom and make love to you. Thank you for making the trip up here today, baby."

Alex kissed him tenderly. "Sandy, I want to push our wedding date up. There is no reason for us to wait. We'll keep it restricted to our close friends and your entire family. I plan to ask Randy Cavanaugh to draw up our Living Trusts."

"That's fine with me, Alex. But why do you feel you need a Living Trust?" Sandy asked. "I have everything I want now."

"I know, but what if I become disabled," Alex said. "My worthless brother would try to tie up my estate in the courts for years. What if I had a stroke and was incapacitated? I want you to have a regular income and everything you will need to raise the children. I don't expect a handsome guy like you to be tied to a cripple. That is why I want a Living Trust.

"I pray to God I never lose you, Sandy. I'm emotionally drained at losing the people I love. You and the children are my last hope for happiness. We must both work hard to keep our love for each other alive and healthy. I would like to have at least two more children with you, even more if you want them.

"I feel it's important that you share my dreams for the future," Alex said. "If you don't agree, we should discuss it and deal with it."

"You have paid a heavy price for what you have today, Alex. The tragic loss of Terry and the emotional blow your former wife dealt you. In addition to that, the emotional experience of coming out, and of being dumped by your first lover. Yet, in spite of all that, you survived and have become a stronger and a wiser man. It has also made you more compassionate in your dealings with people. I'm very lucky to have found you at this stage of my life. You are everything I want or need in a spouse. There are no guarantees in this life, Alex. There is nothing to say that a similar tragedy couldn't happen again, only this time to me, or our children. I pray to God that it doesn't happen, because I like the idea of our growing old together. We can only live each day to the fullest and do the best we can to make each other happy.

"I'm glad you want more children, I'd like to sire my own children very much," Sandy said. "We love each other and we're both intelligent enough to make this marriage work. I'm not a complicated person but I'm excited about the challenges with the company. I enjoy working with you and I know we will make a great team. I also admire and respect you as a fine and intelligent businessman. I've succeeded in keeping my personal feelings for you completely separate from my responsibilities as your vice president. I will never let our personal relationship interfere with my position at Stonewall & Savage. You own the company and you're the boss. Our marriage has not changed my career goals or aspirations. There is no reason for me to change, and I will continue to be that hard working executive you hired. When I earn the right to be promoted, it will be because I'm better for the job than anyone else. It will not be because I'm your spouse. By the same token, I would expect you to promote me if I merit the promotion and not penalize me because I'm your lover."

Alex kissed Sandy, "I am truly blessed."

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To be continued...

Posted: 03/16/12