The Professor and Sean I
By: Scotty
(Copyright 2006 by the author)
 

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

Chapter 51

[Sean narrates].

For a reason I can't explain, I awoke early the morning after Christmas. We had made love into the early hours of the morning, not all of it intense, but some of it gentle and slow. We both had aching testicles by the time we finished our lovemaking. We took a quick shower, changed the bed linens, and snuggled together, immediately fell asleep.

We were lying facing each other, and I marveled at how handsome Ry was. I leaned to him and kissed him softly on his lips. I had to relieve my need to piss, so I slid silently out of the bed, ran to the bathroom and soon was releasing a steady stream of urine into the toilet. It felt so good; 'it was a kin to cumming', I thought, 'because in both instances, there is such a total relief. But I prefer cumming'.

Finished in the bathroom, I returned to the bed and quietly got back in, moving close to my lover and partner. I had chosen to face him in the same manner I had left him. I noticed a growing smile on his face, and then he opened one eye and looked at me. I smiled back at him, and slowly he opened the second eye. His face was rough from his beard growth. He yawned and then spoke to me,

"Hey, Charmer, did you sleep well?"

I just laughed and told him,

"After the workout we had last night, I certainly did. How about you, did you sleep well?"

"Hmm, yes. Come here, Baby, kiss this tired old man and see if you can perk him up."

"I'll kiss you good morning, but after last night there's no need to perk you up. Come on, out of bed, take a piss, and let's get going on the day," I razed him.

'"Right, I have to get the turkey in the oven. I'll piss, then do that. Then maybe, if I promise to be good, we can take our shower together. I just want you in my arms for a short time. We won't have any privacy after the gang arrives. Your body excites me, Sean. I love the feel of it. Is that a good idea?" He just giggled in his wonderful way and said,

"Okay, but you must be a good boy. Understand?"

"Yeah, yeah, I understand. Now you go to the kitchen and start the coffee and I'm headed to the bathroom to piss. Are you going to stay naked, or what?"

"I think aprons will be enough. That way, Hon, if I can't contain myself, your body will be easy to get to."

And so we went our separate ways. Before long, we were both in the kitchen; Ry doing wonderful things with the turkey and stuffing, while I worked at preparing breakfast. We accomplished a great deal in a short time.

After a quick breakfast, we prepared the dining room, took a lovely shower together, getting each other off again, dressed, and got out our gifts for the company. Ry adjourned to the kitchen to prepare the rest of the meal, and I sat at the piano and practiced for the concert. It had been quiet except for my playing the piano. Suddenly, I had a strong desire to play something for Ry, so I began to play our song: "The Story of My Life".

I hadn't played much of it, when I saw Ry standing in the door in his apron, wiping his hands and looking at me with such love that I almost couldn't finish. I saw the tears running down his face. Thankfully I knew the music by heart, so the tears that filled my eyes, and then spilling down my cheeks, didn't prevent me from playing it correctly.

He slowly walked to me. As I finished the music, he pulled me to my feet and we embraced, both of us knowing how true the lyrics to that song were in our lives. I just hugged him, and was about to kiss him again when the phone rang. Ry moved to the phone and picked it up.

"Hello, oh, hi, Dan. Merry Christmas to you and Craig, too. Oh, what wonderful news. Wait a minute. Sean, get the extension phone and come in here, Dan wants to talk to us."

Soon Sean was on the phone, they exchanged best wishes, and then Dan began to speak,

"Look, I can't think of a better Christmas present than to tell you that Craig found a child for you to adopt. He's only six months old. But there is a catch," he told us.

"What do you mean a catch?" I asked somewhat impatiently.

"Well, see, there are two other children in the same family, and the agency, a good one, won't let you adopt just one." There was an audible gasp from Ryan. I remained collected.

"You have to adopt all three. They're all boys. The oldest is Jacob who is eleven. Then there's Ethan who is seven, and the baby is Zachary and he's six months old. It's a tragedy that made them available. You don't need the details now." Tears were running down my face, and I thought, 'God is good.'

Dan continued, "Look, here's another wrinkle. They have to be adopted soon, as the agency assumes there will be many others who will want them. I'm not so sure of that, I mean, three kids at once. I'd say that's a pretty big responsibility to assume. You don't have to answer me now. Think about it; discuss it while you are away for a vacation. I need to know your decision in three weeks. I won't be able to stall them any longer than that."

"We'll do that, Dan," answered Ry.

"Also, there's the homosexual thing. No problem for the agency, but I haven't had time, nor has Craig to look into that. I know we can overcome any obstacles. Any questions?" Dan asked.

"Not at the moment, Dan. How about you, Sean? Do you have any questions for Dan?" asked Ry.

Through a muffled sob, I told him,

"None. Thanks, Dan. This is so important to us. God bless both you and Craig."

"We'll be in touch, Dan. Thanks for such prompt action. This makes a wonderful Christmas gift to both of us. Bye for now."

Ry hung up the phone and came immediately to me, taking me into his arms and holding me. My tears had stopped, but my throat had an enormous lump in it, and for the longest time I couldn't talk. Then it came flooding out of me,

"Oh, my God, Ry, three children of our own. Three children to love and help grow into good adults. Do we deserve it? How will it change our lives? I want them, Hon. I want them. I want them to know and love you as I do. You are so gentle and giving. You will make a wonderful father."

"Quiet, Baby! You will be an extraordinary father, too. If they can learn your sensitivity, your caring, your spirituality, and a thousand other things, they will grow into remarkable men. But for now, let's just think about it."

"Okay, but we need to talk about it, Ry. We need to do that," I said with that smile I knew would win him to my side.

I went to the piano and began practicing. The room grew quiet except for the piano. I had much to think about.

********

[Ryan narrates].

Just as Sean had been, I also was left almost breathless by the news from Dan. I knew that Sean deep down had strong emotions, in a way that I really couldn't understand. His whole childhood was central to his emotional response, for he had known a childhood almost entirely bereft of love and caring. Although I had some inkling of his emotions, I didn't possess the background that would help me to really understand his intense feeling.

His desire to have children and to raise them in a loving home where they would know sincerity, spirituality, caring, and intense love was obvious to me. I love Sean so completely, so intensely, I could never stand in his way. And anyway, I wanted children, too. The thought of three at one time was a little daunting for me, but I knew that with Sean's deep love and strong caring, we would succeed in raising the boys. I didn't know when to tell him that we should just go ahead.

Sean was at the piano playing something that I didn't recognize, but I chose not to interrupt him as I knew he was deep in thought and was working on a strategy to convince me that we should move forward with the adoption. I decided to wait for a little while to see what he would say to me. I knew I wouldn't have to wait long. The piano playing stopped abruptly.

"Ry, you do like children, don't you?" he asked quietly.

"Yes, Sean, I like children. So?"

"Do you want us to have a family and have kids to raise and to love as if they were are very own?"

"Yes, I am pretty much on board with that idea. It's just..."

"Don't give me that 'it's just...' business. Either you want kids or you don't. It can't be both ways, or sort of. You have to really want to do it. Otherwise it would be a terrible mistake. I don't want you to do anything that is contrary to what your heart and mind dictate, Hon. I will be happy with just you alone; I love you totally and without reservations. So if children don't fit into your vision of our relationship, I will accept that. I will be able to handle it. And I..."

I abruptly interrupted Sean, "Be quiet, Baby. I love you completely and totally; but Baby, I want kids. I want to share your love with them. As long as you are with me, loving me as you do, and as long as I love you as I do, I can't imagine a better place for kids.

He flew across the room and knocked me onto the sofa. He was kissing me wildly, crying a little, I think. When he pulled away, he looked at me with those beautiful eyes, and smiled. And even though his cheeks were streaked with tears, he was at that moment, the most beautiful thing in the world. Then he spoke in a voice so emotional and full of love, that I thought I might not be able to keep it all together.

"Ryan Taylor, does this mean that we are going to be fathers in the near future. Are you telling me that we are going to try to get Jacob, Ethan and Zachary. Is that what you want, my husband and lover? I love you so much, Ry. You complete me," he said with a deep soul-touching sigh.

My voice cracked with emotion, and I drew him into my arms, gently, and whispered,

"That's exactly what I mean, Baby. I want us to be fathers together to those three boys. I want to adopt them and give them our name. That's what I want."

And as if some force stronger than both of us caused our emotions to increase to an almost unimaginable level, we hugged each other as tears of joy streaked down our faces. We kissed those tears away for each other. That moment was on the same level as our meeting, our first lovemaking, Sean's return from near death, and our marriage. Neither of us spoke for a long moment. Then Sean said,

"Ryan, my beloved, what you just said, shows how wonderful and loving you are. I am so lucky to have you. I could eat you up for being so wonderful."

"Not just yet, Baby. I think we should call Mom and Dad and tell them that they are probably going to be grandparents. That should make their Christmas perfect," I told him.

"Wow! That's a awesome idea. We can call them grandmother and grandfather. Hon, do you think they will be happy? I mean, do you think they will wonder if we are in our right minds to want to adopt the three brothers?"

"No, Baby, they will be happy and thrilled. Don't worry about what they think, or what anyone else thinks. This is what you and I want, Sean. That's what's important."

"Now get the cordless phone and come back here to the living room and we'll call them. After we say 'Hello', Sean, I will leave it to you to tell them about the situation. After you drop the bomb, I will join in. They are going to be so happy," I told him.

He hurried from the room and returned immediately with the cordless phone. I picked up the phone and dialed their number in Florida. The number passed through the circuits quickly and we could hear the phone ringing. It rang three times and we were about to hang up when someone picked up the phone and we heard a breathless 'Hello' from Mom.

"Hi, Mom, it's Sean and Ry. Is Dad around? Would you please get him on the extension?" I asked.

"Ryan, what's wrong? Has something terrible happened?" she said with great emotion.

"Calm down, Mom. It's just that Sean has something he wants to tell you and Dad. He'd like to tell you both at the same time. It isn't anything terrible, just exciting. Now please get Dad."

"Okay, Ryan Taylor, this isn't one of your deceptive little jokes, is it? Just a second and I'll have your dad on the phone." We looked at each other and smiled as we waited through the silence, which was only a few seconds, but which seemed like hours. Finally it was evident that someone had picked up the extension.

"Ryan, what the hell's going on? Your mother is in a tizzy. This had better be good," he said with a little edginess in his voice.

I quickly responded with a smile on my face, "Just relax, Dad. Is Mom back on the phone?"

"Yes, Ryan, I'm listening."

"Okay, here's Sean."

Sean took a deep breath, and then spoke clearly, but with a tinge of emotion in his voice,

"Hi Mom, Hi Dad. I, no we, just wanted you to know that we are pregnant." There was just silence.

Sean smiled as he said that with great joy and happiness in his voice,

"You know both of you, this means Grandma and Grandpa. How's that sound?"

Still silence, and then two voices filled with joy and emotion both talking at the same time expressing their disbelief at our situation. It was obvious that they were thrilled. My Dad, being the man is he, asked,

"What the hell do you mean pregnant? I never heard such silliness. Now what's going on?" he demanded.

Sean was laughing lightly as he responded, "Not only pregnant, but pregnant with triplets."

I couldn't let this go on, so I quickly added. "Look Mom and Dad, Dan and Craig have found us three boys who need adopting, Jacob is eleven, Ethan is seven and Zachary is six months old. And here's the deal, you have to adopt them all, as they are brothers and must stay together. Some horrible incident occurred; we don't quite know what yet, but that's the only way we can have any of the three is to adopt them all. So?"

Silence.

"Mom, Dad, are you there?" Sean asked his voice full of concern.

I quickly asked, too. "Mom, Dad, are you two okay? Please answer us."

Then we could hear Mom softly crying in the background. There was no sound from Dad until he bellowed:

"I'll be a son-of-a-bitch. A granddad three times and I never thought I would have a grandchild. You two guys never cease to amaze me. I love you both, Ry and Sean. What a great Christmas present. I can't believe it."

Mom's soothing voice could be heard next,

"Ryan, Sean, I am so happy for the two of you. What a wonderful family that will be. And with you two there'll be no worrying about the care those boys will receive. This is the best Christmas gift I have ever gotten. Imagine, three grandsons, all at once. I can chuckle now, Sean, it is like having triplets, the only thing is they are separated by eleven years. When do we get to see them? Where are you going to live?"

"We don't have all those answers, Mom, but we will call Dan tonight to tell him we want the boys. By the way, the adoption agency has no problem with our sexual orientation, but Dan has to research the law in Vermont about adopting children if you are a same sex couple." I told my parents.

Sean added, "And Mom and Dad, we don't know what state they are living in. We know nothing about them except we have to adopt them all, or we get none."

It was Dad's grave voice, now tinged with emotion, that sealed the deal,

"You two get your asses moving, hear me. I want those three boys to have the home I know you will give them. And another thing, I want to be their doting grandpa. I plan to spoil them rotten, so prepare yourself."

"Now, dear," Mom interjected, "don't be giving orders to the happy couple. We can wait a little while, but it would be nice if we could see them soon. You know, Ry, once you hear that you are going to be a grandparent, well, then you want everything to happen immediately. I guess it's an age thing." We could see her smiling broadly as she spoke and we knew that Dad was probably close to laughter. They were happy. That's what mattered to us.

Sean, with a wide all encompassing smile, told them,

"Mom and Dad you are the only ones who know about this, with the exception of our attorneys and ourselves. We may, or may not, tell Rog and Greg, and Cathy and Janet tomorrow when they come for dinner. Our gift to them is some jewelry, but the real gift is first-class tickets for the flights to and from Florida and the Caribbean. Can't wait to see their faces. We'll let you know how the day goes and if we tell them. It won't be long before we are with you and can enjoy some more talk and planning about the boys."

I was quick to add,

"You realize that we will be settling in with you folks in about 3 days. We have a car rented, so don't worry about us getting to your place. You have our arrival time. I would think by the time we pick up the car and luggage and get on the road, we should be at your place by one in the afternoon, that is, unless we stop for lunch, and..."

"Ryan Taylor," Mom interrupted, "don't you dare have lunch anywhere. I have everything planned. So just get here safely and we will enjoy some time together out by the pool. I know it will be a sunny beautiful day."

"Okay, Mom. I love you and Dad."

Sean chimed in, "And I love you, too, Mom and Dad. Bye!"

In unison they told us, "We love you two guys so much. We can't wait to see you. Bye for now. Imagine, we're going to be grandparents. Splendid!" And the line went dead.

Sean rushed to me and was in my arms laughing and crying at the same time. We were both happy; we had not encountered any problem with our parents, but I never really anticipated any. A great deal of love happened that day.

Later when our friends heard about the boys, they would add to our ever-expanding circle of love. Later that night we would hold each other and quietly discuss our future. How would it play out? Only time would tell.

********

[Sean narrates].

The rest of the morning passed quickly. The wonderful smells of turkey roasting and the aromas of root vegetables make me hungry, but I was vigilant in not eating too much junk food, as I wanted to enjoy the wonderful meal that Ry was preparing. I busied myself with small duties, making sure everything was picked up and dusted. I double-checked the bathrooms, put out clean towels, freshened the deodorizers, and generally acted as the upstairs maid. I laughed to myself thinking about what roles we would be taking on when the boys arrived. It would prove interesting. I knew that if they arrived before summer that we would spend it in our newly rebuilt cabin in Vermont.

"Where are you, Baby?" asked Ry, causing me to jump a few feet off the floor. He laughed as he saw my reaction to the sound of his voice.

"You scared the shit out of me, Hon. My mind was wandering. Actually I was thinking about spending the summer in Vermont at the cabin. I hope it all works out."

"Sean, my beloved, relax. Things will work out, just wait and see. Everything will be fine, so enjoy the rest of the day. Tonight will be our special time to make love if we want, to just whisper about the future, or whatever. But now, Baby, you need to get into your best 'Host with the Most' mood. We have guests arriving in about half an hour. Dinner is actually about ready, just a few last minute things like making gravy and mashing the potatoes, and things like that," Ry told me quietly.

"Okay, okay. I understand, Hon; enjoy today with our friends. Worry about tomorrow and the rest of our lives at another time. I wonder where I got this worry streak. I'll have to ask Aunt Emily sometime if it was my mother, or my father, who was the worrywart. Who knows? It might have been both of them. Kiss me, big guy, and I will be fine."

A long, passionate kiss later, I followed Ry into the kitchen and helped him prepare the hors d'oeuvres. We would have a variety of drinks, too; both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. We chatted about the gifts we had for our friends; wondering if they might think they were too extravagant, or if they would be embarrassed because they couldn't return in value what we were giving them. We knew that they had a good idea of my inheritance and that I was able to do things such as this. It wasn't in anyway a desire to show off; it simply was done to show our love for these special friends. We knew, deep in our hearts, that they would react in a positive way.

The kitchen quieted and our conversation ended for a bit. We were enjoying the Christmas music playing on the stereo in the living room. I quickly checked the dining room and marveled at how spectacular it looked. 'That's my Ry', I thought, 'he drips with good taste." My reverie was broken by the sound of the doorbell.

"Do you want me to get the door, Hon," I asked.

"No, let's go together."

"Terrific."

Together we hurried to answer the door. Ry opened it and there, beaming like two Santas, were Rog and Greg. They were carrying bundles and their Santa Claus hats were slightly crooked, especially Greg's, but it made you feel wonderful.

"Merry Christmas to our best friends in the world," said a happy Rog.

And then boomed Greg, "And a Happy New Year filled with joy and good fortune."

Ry and I echoed their greetings and led them into the entryway. I took their bundles from them, and Ry took their jackets and put them in the closet.

"What would you like me to do with these things?" I asked Greg.

He laughed. "The presents go under the tree, the beer in the refrigerator, and the wine into the wine cellar."

"Gotcha," I replied with a laugh.

Rog gave Greg an evil eye and warned him,

"Don't be a wise-ass before we ever sit down. Sean, ignore him. I'll help you with those things. Ry, you try to tame the wild man in Greg, will you?"

Through his laughter, Ry replied,

"Oh, I don't know, Rog. I think Greg is sorta cute."

Now we were all laughing, and it was left to Greg to put an end to this little tête-à-tête.

"Cute?" he shouted. There was more laughter.

"Handsome maybe, or studly, but cute? Really, Ry, you are losing it. If I am cute, then Rog sings soprano. Without missing a beat, Rog began singing "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" in a falsetto voice. It was horrendous.

"Enough!" demanded Greg. With more laughter, and a number of warm hugs, we made our way to comfortable seating in the living room.

"I want to get some stuff ready for an appetizer. Who would like a drink, and what would you like?" asked Ry.

" A beer for me," said Greg. "Rog will have some Chardonnay. You know, don't you, Ry, that beer keeps you cute?"

"Hadn't heard that, Greg. Should I try it?" asked Ry.

"No need to drink anything to make you cute," offered Rog, "You're already a handsome dude. What do you think, Sean?"

I know I was blushing, but I decided to go along with the small talk. "Well, it depends. Most of the time Ry's handsome and breathtaking. But in the morning, when we first awaken, he is scary. I mean he can barely open his eyes, his face is covered with a wiry beard, his hair (what there is of it) is straggly and standing on end, and, well, his morning breath wilts flowers," I kidded.

"Really? Is that what you think, Sean. So, I'm ugly in the morning. I'll remember that in the future. No more fun and games in the early morning. You'll have to wait till I shower, shave, deodorize myself and put on my toupee," Ry offered from the kitchen.

"Kidding, only kidding, Hon. You are tempting all the time," I replied as I winked at Rog and Greg, who were restraining their laughter.

"Sure I am, and elephants fly, too," came his quick reply as he entered the room with a beer for Greg and a glass of wine for Rog. I went to him and hugged him, giving him a thorough kiss. He smiled at me and returned the kiss.

"You are always the perfect man I married. You always will be, whatever the time of day, whatever the place. It's that way because I love you, Hon, and I always will."

"Same here, Baby,' came his whispered reply.

"Now, Rog, ain't they just too cute. I mean, you don't ever say anything emotional to me. No, you're more apt to say to me, 'Get your lazy ass out of bed, pecker head, we have lots to do today'. See you guys, that's what Rog thinks is romantic," he said with a genuine belly laugh. He leaned to Rog and kissed him. Rog smiled and said nothing. Then it was almost as if he had taken time to load his gun. Then he took aim and shot,

"You two don't know what romantic is until you see Greg at his best. Just out of bed, naked, erect (well that's nothing special), smelling of sex and day-old perspiration and burping and farting and wandering around the room looking for something to eat. He makes my heart pound with joy!"

"No, Rog, don't pick on me, I'm just..."

Saved by the doorbell. Ry hurried to the door and ushered in Cathy and Janet, taking their coats from them. The two women came into the living room wearing their festive best. They were a stunning couple. The men were on their feet for greetings and hugs and kisses. Both of the girls wanted wine, so I went to the kitchen and got the wine while Ry got out all of the hors d' oeuvres. I also poured both Ry and myself a glass of sparkling water, which I set on the tray and brought to the living room.

Everyone had settled comfortably into a seat, and the conversation was lively and entertaining, but not of the nature of the talk when there was just the men. Ry had moved to my side, and after a bit, he whispered in my ear. "Let's show them the paintings." He rose and stood facing our guests and said,

"I want you to see my gift to Sean. It was a difficult task finding something that I felt was worthy of his love. But I think I found it; at least, that's what he told me yesterday morning."

"The gift is splendid. It's more than I would have expected, and it is surely more than I deserved," I offered.

"Now folks, please all move opposite the sofa." Everyone did as Ry had asked. I joined them, standing behind the seated women and joining Greg and Rog who were standing. "It's like a picture show," said an amused Cathy. She didn't realize how close to the truth that reply was.

After taking a minute for suspense, Ry reached behind the sofa and pulled out the portrait of me. There was an audible gasp, especially from the women. I was a little embarrassed as I was hoping the Ry would show his portrait first.

Janet was the first to speak, "My heavens, Sean, that is such a perfect rendering of you. The artist captured so much of your essence. It's remarkable!

"Holy Toledo!" said Greg. "It's amazing. My God, Sean, you must be really pleased. Fantastic."

Cathy was next, "To tell the truth, Sean and Ry, the portrait is breathtaking. Those of us who know you Sean, can see immediately that the painter understood many things about you. It's just spectacular." Rog remained silent and I began to wonder, if for some reason, he didn't like the portrait. While I was wondering, he began to speak,

"Ryan, I don't know for sure who you got to do this painting, but it is marvelous. It captures Sean. My God, Sean, those eyes in the portrait are penetrating. I am amazed. You know what I want. I want this photographed so that it can be used in the program at the concert. We have to use that portrait. It's so good." With that he turned to me and hugged me tightly. I was surprised, but I welcomed the hug from this gentleman who had been such an inspiration in my life at State.

It was Ryan, who brought me close to tears when he said,

"It is Sean, isn't it. I look at it and I wait for him to speak to me. His eyes speak volumes about love and kindness, and the smile that the artist captured, is the smile that captured me. I love his portrait, but I love him even more than I can express. Now, for number two."

Life-like

Out from behind the sofa came the portrait of my lover, my partner, my beloved, my Ry.

"Wow!" came Cathy's immediate response.

"Ry, you are one handsome dude, do you know that?" asked Greg.

Janet spoke next, "It's so lifelike. The artist really captured who you are, Ry. It's wonderful.

"You know, buddy, after the years we have been teaching here together, I don't think I ever saw you the way the artist did. It was my mistake because the portrait is you. It shows you as a wonderful man of intellect and caring, and you appear to be just what you are, a wonderful teacher. It's a great portrait."

"I told him earlier that I thought the artist captured more of his personality than he had of mine. But as usual, he doesn't agree with me. He says mine is the better portrait, which I don't agree with at all," I told the group.

"Look," said Cathy, "the paintings are amazing, and for us to pick one as better than the other would be foolhardy. They are both great and do show you as you appear to us. You know, all of us sometimes forget to really look at the people we love. I guess we take them for granted and don't realize how very special each of them is. These portraits are evidence that it often takes a stranger to see in each of us what our friends, and maybe even our lovers, don't see. Sometimes, when we are closest to the one we love, we don't see them for what they are, either physically or emotionally or intellectually or spiritually. I have learned something today: open your eyes and really look at the world, and see your friends for who they are. Thanks, Ry and Sean, for sharing your portraits, they are very special."

I had a lump in my throat and couldn't really say anything, and I knew that Ry was in the same condition. It was Rog who summed it up. He said,

"After what Cathy just said, all the rest of us can say is 'Amen'."

Ry finally spoke, "There's one more painting for you to see. Here it is." He pulled the portrait of the two of us at the cabin out from behind the sofa. There was deadening silence. It was Greg who started the applause, but the sound of the four of them showing their appreciation soon filled the townhouse. It was not necessary for anyone to say anything more. Lots of kisses and hugs followed.

********

[Ryan narrates].

After the showing of the portraits, I announced that dinner would be served in about fifteen minutes. Sean and I excused ourselves, and hurried to the kitchen. The turkey had been resting and was now ready to be carved at the table. In short order all the vegetables, the rolls, and the other fixin's were ready. Sean went to the living room and invited our guests to the table.

After everyone was seated, I asked Sean to say grace. We all held hands and bowed our heads. He spoke softly but with firmness and humility,

"Almighty Father, we friends gathered here in honor of Your Son's birthday, thank You for caring about us and keeping us safe and happy. For the multitude of good things that each of us has experienced this year, we thank you dear Father. We know that we have been particularly blessed by You when we look at the large bounty You have provided for us. These friends, dear Lord, gathered here with us, are special people in Ry and my life. They sustain us and love us and welcome us into their lives. For this, and many other blessings, we thank You, Heavenly Father. Bless my Aunt Emily and our Mom and Dad; keep them safe and healthy. For all those loved by Cathy, Janet, Rog and Greg, we ask You humbly to bless and keep them. For Ry and me, I ask that You continue to keep us as we have been since we met; loving each other to the exclusion of others. With humble heart, I beg you to bless us both. We ask all of this in Christ's name. Amen."

"Amen."

"Sean, that was such a beautiful grace. Thanks for including all of us by name," said Rog.

"Amen," was the chorus again.

Before more could be said, Ry appeared in the door with a platter laden with the beautiful turkey and the root vegetables and holly for decorations. After some loud and sincere 'Ahs', there was again applause. And so the meal began.

After everyone was filled, and all begged for an extension in time for dessert, all of us helped with clearing the table and cleaning the kitchen. In a very short time with all six of us doing a job, the work was done and we adjourned to the living room to exchange gifts. Rog played Santa.

"Okay, little ones. If you were good, Santa has something, but it you were naughty like Greg, you may not get anything."

"Hey, Santa, what do you mean I was naughty. I was a good boy. Please Santa, don't forget me," begged Greg.

Amid the laughter, Rog replied, "Oh, you old fruitcake, how could I forget you? I love you, my silly partner."

"The first gift is for the youngster in the room. Here you go, Sean."

I was surprised to see Sean' hands shaking a little as he took the gaily-wrapped gift from Rog. He examined the tag carefully before announcing that it was from Cathy and Janet. He tore open the package, lifted the cover of the box and yelled for joy. He carefully lifted out a marvelous bust of Mozart.

"It's so beautiful, Cathy and Janet. Thank you very much. Ry, look at it. It's just perfect."

"Next is a gift for our other host, Ryan. Here you go, friend."

I took the gift from him and noticed that it was from him and Greg. The box seemed light, but I had learned long ago, not to judge packages in any way. I carefully tried to open the gift.

"For heaven's sake, Ry, open it. We'll be here until next Christmas if we all take that much time."

Janet laughed and added, "Now, Greg, you cannot hurry anyone who is anal-retentive. Give him his space."

By that time Sean was almost rolling on the floor with laughter. He kept saying, 'anal-retentive" over and over as he laughed harder and harder. All of us soon joined him in a belly laugh at my expense. I finished opening the gift, removed the cover from the box and saw an envelope. I opened it, and found a season ticket to the Boston Pops. I was stunned.

"My God, guys, this is spectacular. I will go to every performance. Thanks so much."

"Here, Sean, you better open yours now." Sean took his gift and opened it and found a season ticket to the Pops, too.

"This is terrific, guys. Now we can go together. I wondered if I would have to stay at home alone when Ry went to the performances." Everyone laughed.

Janet spoke up, "Santa, give that one, yes the one in blue, to Ry."

"Here, Ry. This is a heavy one," said Rog.

I opened it quickly and discovered a bust of James Joyce in bronze. It was breathtaking. My eyes teared just a little. I spoke softly,

"Thanks Cathy and Janet. It's a wonderful gift. I will treasure it forever. Now Santa, you are excused as Sean and I want to distribute the rest of the gifts."

"Okay, I know when my services aren't needed anymore," said a giggling Rog.

Sean came and stood beside me. He took two of the small boxes and I took the other two. Then I told everyone in my most authoritative professorial voice,

"Just hold the gifts until I tell you, so everyone can open them together, " I handed my two to Greg and Cathy. Sean handed his two to Rog and Janet.

"Okay, open." Although it seems too much to be true, they all arrived at opening the boxes together. Inside they found lovely bracelets, very masculine for Rog and Greg, and extremely delicate and feminine for Cathy and Janet. Then they noticed the engraving, it read simply, "Our friends make our lives happy."

"What a terrific gift, guys," said Greg who continued to admire his bracelet.

"They are spectacular. Thanks to both of you," said Cathy.

"I agree. They are magnificent. Thanks Ry and Sean," added Janet.

"You can be sure I will wear this all the time. What a thoughtful gift. Thanks so much. Oh, and by the way, Greg and I will be joining you at the Pops, as will Cathy and Janet. It's a long story, but not for now.

"Now friends, Sean has something to give each of you and something to say to you for both of us. Come on, Baby, do it," I urged him.

Sean handed each of our friends a white legal-size envelope. They all examined it carefully, but said nothing and did not open them. He said to them,

"I suppose that you might think this is extravagant of Ry and me, but it isn't. I have so much money I don't know what to do with it all. This is something that we really wanted to do for you. Please accept it graciously. Now take a look."

"Holy shit! Excuse me, girls," said an embarrassed Greg.

"First-class airline tickets to our vacation destinations. You really shouldn't have done this. But it's absolutely wonderful. Thanks," Cathy said.

Janet was on her feet hugging me and kissing me on the cheek. "You are a wonder, Sean Kelly. Thanks so much ".

"Ryan and Sean, this is spectacular. Do you know I have never flown first-class before. Wow! Thanks, guys, thanks."

"There is just one more thing that Sean has to announce. You need to keep this a secret among us. Okay?" I said. They all shook their heads and I motioned to Sean to go ahead.

He stepped up to me and took my hand in his, smiled at me, kiss me gently on the lips and announced,

"We're pregnant with triplets!"

There was pandemonium! Everyone was talking at the same time. Questions flew at us from all directions. We were being hugged and kissed. The confusion continued until I asked for some order to explain our pregnancy. Our four best friends quieted immediately.

I proceeded to tell them, with Sean adding his details from time to time, about our plans to adopt and the uncertainty of the outcome at the moment. I told them about Jacob, Ethan, and Zachary. Sean told them about the expansion of the cabin and his desire to spend the summer there with the boys. The faces of our friends were a mixture of awe and complete happiness. Dessert followed, and we had a wonderful time discussing all that had happened.

Sooner than we had wanted, our guests had to leave. Hugs, kisses, thanks, and congratulations filled the entryway. It was a happy moment. Then they were gone and we were alone.

Standing there together, I realized first how much I loved Sean, and secondly, how much I loved our friends. It had been a great day. I had one more thing I wanted to attend to, but only with Sean's blessing.

"Baby, want me to try to get Dan and give him the go ahead with the adoptions?" I asked.

He flew into my arms kissing me wildly and in an excited and joy-filled voice he encouraged me to call immediately. I did just that and reached Dan and Craig. They were thrilled that we wanted the boys. They assured us that they would begin immediately making the necessary arrangement - visitations, interviews, all the usual. We thanked them a number of times and finally hung up.

We fixed ourselves a cold turkey sandwich, some chips and pickles and milk, and sat in the living room with all the lights off except the Christmas lights. We didn't talk much, but we were connected in the most amazing spiritual way. Love permeated the room. Finally we finished our sandwiches and opted for a piece of pie and more milk. The snacks finished, we cleared things up and got the kitchen in spic-and-span condition.

"Ry?" he questioned.

"Yes."

"Are you as happy as I am tonight?"

"I am. I'm very happy."

"It's been a wonderful Christmas. I don't mean just the great presents, but I mean the love that filled our home yesterday and today. We're lucky aren't we, Hon. I mean our lives are pretty magnificent."

"Yes, we are lucky, Sean. But we have had some disappointments, some tragedy, but because of our love, we have survived and moved on. That's an important lesson, Baby. You have to handle what life hands you, deal with it as best you can, and move on."

"It scares me a little, but I know that you are right. Just always love me, Ry. If you do, I will be able to handle anything."

"Guaranteed, Baby. I will love you forever."

"I want to go to bed, Hon. I want you to hold me. I want to fall asleep in your arms. That would be a perfect ending to a wonderful two days."

"Come, Lover, let's go to bed. I may make love to you first, then we can fall asleep in each other's arms. Is that okay?" I asked.

He smiled that wonderful smile at me and told me,

"I wouldn't want it any other way."

Lights out, we walked hand-in-hand to our bedroom.

********

It has rained most of the morning, and the gray sky is still dripping a misty gloom over the gathered group. Under the tent I stand, older now, with gray hairs plentiful among my still golden curls. My face is lined with wrinkles, and my beautiful eyes, so loved by Ryan, are darkened by lack of sleep and unspeakable sorrow. My frame, now thin and bent by the past months of concern, is lovingly supported by two handsome young men, our sons Ethan and Zachary.

Ryan's father, now an elderly widower, stands with Jacob, our oldest son, and his lovely wife, Rebecca. Ryan's and my five-year old grandson, Adam, stands between Jacob and Rebecca. She is holding their three-month-old daughter, Emily, our latest grandchild.

Roger and Greg, men now in the last quarter of their lives, stand nearby, their faces drawn and lined with sorrow. And there, too, is Cathy, who has been confined to a wheelchair for the last few years. She is lovingly accompanied by her life-mate, Janet; both of them were now grayed and wrinkled.

The other gathered figures are in special ways connected to Ryan who is being laid to rest. It is obvious that our two younger sons are having difficulty helping me maintain control, as they, too, are in abject sorrow, so penetrating that it touches their souls. And Jacob, who stands with his wife and grandfather, sobs in unison with Ryan's father.

So here, a close-knit congregation is connected by love and caring for Ryan Taylor, who now lies in death within the rain-glistened casket.

Father Jim, older and grayed, moves to the foot of the casket and begins reading the Committal Service. As he reads, my sobs become so loud, so uncontrolled, and so filled with agony that they echo across the small burial plot near the cabin in Vermont. Each of our sons, Ryan's father, and his best friends are struck with such deep despair that for a long time only weeping and sobbing can be heard. And as a final punctuation mark, I scream,

"Noooooooooooo!"

********

I was awakened by a terrifying howl that sounded as if it came from the depths of Sean's soul. Still asleep, but with his body trembling, tears running down his face from his closed eyes, he again screamed the terrible howl,

"Noooooooooooo!"

"Sean, Baby, wake up." I shook him firmly, and from some far away place, a terrible place based on his howls, I saw Sean returning. He opened his eyes, and immediately he was in my arms, weeping, holding me tightly with a firmness I had never felt from him before. His sobbing was still uncontrolled, and I spoke gently to him,

"Everything is fine Baby. You had a bad dream, a nightmare. But I am here to protect you, Sean. Relax in my arms, Sweetheart. Try to calm yourself. It's okay, Baby. It's okay."

Amidst his sobs, he told me,

"Ryan, it was terrible. I can't talk about it yet. It was too horrible. Please hold me; I need your strength and your love more now than I can ever remember. Don't leave me, please, Hon. Stay with me; let me fall asleep in your arms. Please don't let go. It was so terrible. Oh, dear God, please don't let me have that dream again."

As I caressed him, I reassured him with soft, gentle words that I wouldn't leave him, that I loved him, that I would always be there for him. Slowly, I could feel his body relax against mine and soon his regular breathing signaled his return to sleep. I couldn't imagine what had been so terrifying about the dream, but I felt uneasy about it. Hopefully, in the near future, Sean would tell me about it. I could only hope that it would not terrify me as it had him.

My eyes grew heavy, and as much as I wanted to stay awake, to make certain he didn't wake up and find me lacking in my promise to him, I slowly fell into an uneasy sleep, jumping at the least sound and pulling Sean tighter to me. Soon we both slept in each other's arms, secure for that moment in time.

What was to come?


END OF BOOK ONE

Dear Faithful Reader,

The story of Ryan and Sean is not complete in the way I envisioned, but I need to have some time away from them, exploring other stories and characters. I do want to finish the story in BOOK TWO, but I only want to do it, if you, my friends, wish to have the story go to its completion. I await your responses. It has been a pleasure writing this part of the story for all of you. Holiday Greetings to all of you.

--- Scotty
 

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All 52 Chapters Posted: 07/13/07