The Professor and Sean II
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 34

[Gerry narrates].

After everyone had hugged and kissed Sean and Ryan, it became obvious that we were all getting hungry. I knew that both our sons were in no condition to prepare a meal, and I thought that if we had dinner together it might help the boys make the transition back to the reality they needed.

I had decided that no one was going to return to his home this night, as I had called the Inn earlier and reserved rooms for everyone with the exception of Sean and Ryan, and Ellen and me. I knew that they would want to return to the cabin. They needed and deserved some private time. I also didn't want to leave them alone just in case something was to happen relative with Ryan's head injury. He seemed fine, but his mother and I were still concerned. I didn't want either of them driving, so they would be returning to the cabin in the limo with us. Tomorrow we would decide what we should do next.

I had also put the Inn on notice that we would be coming for dinner, the number somewhat indefinite, but approximately sixteen. They were happy to accommodate us. Ellen, of course, as she always does, had insisted that I do most of this as she always does. Her gentle way of persuasion always makes me think that I come up with the great ideas. She's a beauty! When I told everyone our plans, they were pleased. Ryan and Sean did emphasize that they would not stay too late. We agreed.

Interestingly, both Ellen and I noticed Jer and Blake. They resembled Sean and Ryan; they were obviously in love, and were planning for the future. Ellen and I were surrounded by same-sex couples, and each of these couples demonstrated how perfectly normal they were, wanting all the same things that anyone else wanted: to share their lives together, to find happiness, to be a family, and to contribute to their society. What more could you ask of any couple.

I knew that society had to change and see how homosexual couples want all the same things that heterosexual couples dream about. We can't explain love, and neither, for that matter, can we explain sexual orientation. Nature and God decide that for us. There may be gays who don't help their image much, but so, too, there are heterosexual couples who don't help the image of marriage and sexual monogamy.

I had gotten to know all of these couples well, with the exception of Jerrod and Blake, but as I had observed earlier, those two guys love each other. They want to be a couple; not sexual partners only, but supportive members in a meaningful relationship. I thought this would be a much better experience for Jerrod than his tumultuous relationship with Kevin.

Sean and Ryan got up and suggested that we go to the Inn so that we could have a leisurely dinner and they could still get back to the cabin and get a full night's sleep. Everyone agreed, and soon we were on our way there.

********

[Ryan narrates].

My head had stopped hurting and I was clear-headed. I wanted Sean in my arms to hold and to gain strength from, but that would have to wait. Dad's idea about dinner and putting the travelers up at the Inn for the night was terrific. All that Sean and I wanted was to get back to the cabin early so that we could make love, gently I suspected, and then sleep soundly for the night.

Dinner at the Inn was excellent, and everyone was in a happy though serious mood. Sean was not his bubbly self, still recovering from the horror of the afternoon. But he was social and was able to convince everyone that he was fine. I knew better. He was wrapped in a guilt that only making love to him would cure. I definitely had plans to attend to that.

Sean was happy that Mom and Dad would be spending the night at the cabin with us. They could use the other bedroom or the pullout sofa in the living room. Either way, they would be nearby if we needed them. I wondered how we would get back to State. I knew Dad wouldn't let either of us drive, but how would we be able to get the car back? I should have known that Dad already had everything planned.

When we finished dinner, of which neither Sean nor I ate much, we asked for forgiveness about leaving so early and told them all to enjoy the evening. Before we could leave, everyone had to hug us tightly and remind us of what a wonderful life we had together. The boys were on everyone's mind, and Sean and I were anxious to get them and bring them home. We wondered if this episode would change anything.

Finally we left for the cabin in the limo with Mom and Dad. It was eerily quiet for most of the ride back. Sean had put his head on my shoulder, and in an attempt to give him some comfort, I stroked his beautiful blond head. We seemed at peace. Mom broke the silence, asking,

"Are you two okay? I mean, Ryan, how's your head, and Sean, how's your psyche?"

I could feel Sean giggling silently against my chest. I took a deep breath and answered,

"Mom, I'm fine. I'm tired and I want to go to bed and get some rest, but I'm fine." Sean, the devil, rubbed my crotch and my cock began to expand in anticipation of lovemaking. As he did it, he spoke,

"Mom, Ryan's fine. Everything is working as it should. He has a hard head." (More rubbing of my crotch and then a firm squeezing of my rod.) I nearly laughed aloud, but instead, I returned the favor and began to feel him up, both his crotch and his beautiful, firm ass. Mom and Dad laughed. Mom said,

"But Sean, how are you, sweetheart? I know it was a terrible afternoon for you, dear. Are you okay?" There was real concern and emotion in her voice. Sean stopped our sexual foreplay, sat upright and with a trembling voice, spoke,

"Frankly, Mom and Dad, I don't think I will ever be able to forget the horror and emotional beating I endured when I thought Ryan had been killed. I tried to remember you and the boys and all the reasons I should stay alive. But when I thought about my life without Ryan, nothing seemed important. I finally decided that I had to be with him. But God had other plans and Ry was there and the gun went flying and exploded, and then to the horror of the day, I imagined that I had killed Ryan. I just lost it all. I'm sorry that I turned out to we such a deplorable weakling..." Ryan exploded from beside me,

"Damn it all, Sean, stop saying that. You are a strong, caring, and loving man. If the roles had been reversed and I thought that you had been killed, I would have acted just as you did. Now, please, don't call yourself weak because you're not."

"Amen," added Dad.

"You're so right," chimed in Mom. Then it was quiet again, but not for long.

"Ryan, have you and Sean thought about when you are going to pick up the boys and start living in your new home?" asked Dad.

"Gerry, don't pester them with questions like that. They have some other issues to get past," Mom said as she poked Dad in the arm.

"It's okay, Mom," said Ryan, "we did discuss it briefly earlier. We want to get them as quickly as possible. We're ready to move in tomorrow if we can. We'll have the piano moved later. There is one problem. Rebecca Smythe, our housekeeper and cook, can't begin until the beginning of next month. Also, Teresa McPherson can't assume the responsibilities of nanny until the same time. So, I guess we'll wait until then."

"There's no need to wait. Your father and I will take care of all that stuff until they can come on board. Dad made some important changes with things in Florida, so we have no need to rush back. Charles will be joining us as soon as we call," Mom said with glee in her voice.

"Mom, are you sure? That would be just wonderful. The sooner we get our family together, the better. Those boys need a home and some peace after what they went through. Thanks for offering. Ryan, is it all right to accept this wonderful offer?" asked Sean.

"Don't ask him, Sean. Tell him you're going to accept the offer so you can get the family going. He'll just melt anyway if you kiss him before you ask," Dad said as he tried to repress a laugh.

"Dad!" whined Ryan.

"Shush," contributed Mom.

"Done," Sean declared.

********

[Rog narrates].

After Sean, Ryan, Ellen and Gerry left, we all withdrew to the cocktail lounge. Dinner had been outstanding, but there was a strong inclination among us to discuss the day and its meaning. No one refused to join the gatherings.

Cathy and Janet were the quietest, but I knew something of Cathy's health condition, and I wondered if the events of the day might have brought to the foreground of their thinking, the possibility of the limited time they might have to be together. I know that I had thought about it and cringed at the thought of my life without Greg.

Greg had stayed close to me since we found out the news at State. He actually hovered over me, watching everything I did and cautioning me to be careful, not to get too tired, all the things he might never say if he, too, was not thinking about the fleeting time that is given to each of us.

I had also observed Dan and Craig touching, kissing, whispering and quietly enjoying a laugh. There seemed to be something more substantial about their relationship, something that had been missing previously. Before today they seemed more like law partners than lovers. Today they were a couple.

I smiled every time I watched or thought about Jerrod and Blake. This was a new relationship, a very strong one. Blake looked at his lover with eyes shining with care. For Jerrod, there was excitement in his new love. The irony of it was that because his ex-lover Kevin had left him comfortable, he was able to move so directly into this new love affair. I prayed that this affair would be the one Jer had so desired with Kevin, but never had. In Blake I saw a strong, self-directed man who, having chosen Jerrod for a life partner, would be sterling in his devotion.

The events of the day had made each of us aware of the unrelenting forces of life, which at anytime can change the direction and the purpose of our existence. For Ryan and Sean, today had demonstrated all the vagaries of living. In a mysterious way, life had cautioned each of us about that uncertainty. Life was not, after all, a bowl full of cherries, but rather at times, a black abyss!

********

[Sean narrates].

I loved Mom and Dad, and appreciated all that they had done for us today, but I really wanted to get home and go to bed. I wanted to finish the day with Ryan and me in each other's arms as lovers. I know that Dad had sensed that need, but for Mom there was the need of reassurance that both sons were safe from all harm.

Dinner had been pleasant, especially with all of our supportive and concerned friends. There was laughter, thank God for that, and good spirits. Ryan and I did not eat much, as neither of us had an appetite, our systems too tightly wound by the happenings of the day to allow us the pleasure of an appetite. I watched Ryan closely, observing each of his moves, sighs, and groans with scrutiny, praying that I wouldn't see anything that would indicate trouble.

We told everyone, that in consideration of the stress brought on by the events of the day, we would not stay late as we needed a full night's sleep. No one objected. On the ride back to the cabin, Mom wanted to know how we both were holding up. At one point I apologized for being weak. Ryan became furious and lashed out at me, forbidding me from any more self- deprecating talk.

After saying goodnight, Ry and I retired to our bedroom. We stood quietly looking at each other. There were tears in our eyes, and when Ry smiled at me, I ran to him and into his arms. I never wanted to be separated from him again. Today had been one of the worst and one of the best days of my life. I cried silently as I burrowed my head into Ry's shoulder. I could tell that he, too, was emotional. I tried to speak, but the words stuck in my throat. Ry finally found the strength to speak,

"Sean, in all my days, in all my dreams, I never thought I could find someone to love as much as I love you. I'm sure that God sent you to me, to make me complete, to bring happiness and joy into my life. Together we begin a new stage in our life with our three sons. We are now a family and I am certain that your love will permeate it and will cause our family to be one filled with happiness and caring. You give of yourself unselfishly, but, my love, by putting yourself last you are first in my eyes and in the eyes of all those who know and love you. My aim the rest of our days will be to support you, to love you more than I can imagine, and to work side-by-side with you, to raise our boys to become men like you. I thank God that He saved you for me."

I held tightly to my lover, my husband. I didn't want to let go, to lose the feeling of his warmth and strength against my body. Now that he was with me, that our life move ahead, and we would raise our boys to be contributing members of our society. I had to respond to Ryan, so I gathered together all my emotional strength and whispered into his ear,

"Ry, how can i say what I feel at this moment in my life. Earlier when I thought I had lost you, I couldn't imagine living without you. But God saved you for me, and I was shamed by my lack of faith. I should have known that you are too kind, too gentle, too loving, too necessary to help raise the boys for God to take you away from me. I love you more now than ever, and I love God for sparing you, for giving us the chance to begin our family. I will want our boys to learn about God and His kindness and love. Love me, Hon, as you always have. I promise that I will love you as I always have."

As an answer, Ry began to undress me. I followed his lead and soon we were standing naked and aroused. Ry lifted me and carried me to our bed. He stood me beside the bed and quickly pulled down the covers. Gently picking me up, he placed me on the bed. He crawled over and covered my trembling body with his, and thus began our lovemaking for this, another stage in our relationship.

********

[Ellen narrates].

I had an idea to make what had been this terrifying day into something joyful for our sons . Earlier I had shared my idea with Gerry, and as soon as the boys had gone to their bedroom, we discussed it further. He was in complete agreement. Almost immediately we began making plans. Soon he was calling all the necessary people and making all the arrangements. No one was better at this task than my beloved Gerry.

He called the friends at the Inn. He called the Inn. He called his friends for use of a helicopter. He talked with Emily and Father O'Rourke. He called St. Anthony's and checked on the boys. He ascertained from Don that the new "cabin" was ready, that it was fully furnished, and only needed someone to use it. I had that well-thought out in my head. Tomorrow would be a very special day for Ryan and Sean.

********

[Sean narrates].

To awaken in the arms of your lover is something that many people never experience. But on this lovely morning with the sun shining brightly and the birds chirping merrily, I awoke in Ryan's arms. He was still asleep so I was able to watch him. My head was on his well-defined chest, my lips close to his right nipple, one hand lying quietly on his abs, and one leg thrown across his body, my thigh lying over his cock and balls. There was some firmness in his crotch, but he wasn't fully erect.

I licked his nipple lazily, enjoying the feel of it hardening. Still he slept. I moved slightly and took the nipple into my mouth and began gently to suck it. I could feel increasing hardness in his crotch. I rubbed his cock with my thigh once or twice and it immediately began to go to full erection. At that moment I felt his hand on my butt. He stroked it gently, letting his fingers wander into my ass crack.

As he kissed my head, he spoke in a just-awakening voice,

"So, Baby, are you trying to wake me up, or get me up?"

I laughed and grabbed his now fully engorged penis.

"What do you think, Hon?" I asked.

He rolled onto me and held me down, kissing me roughly on the lips as his hands played with my body. I could feel his cock pushing between my legs and I suddenly wanted him in me, making me feel captured by him.

"Please," I murmured, "please, make me yours, make love to me. I need you in me, Hon, please."

Our lovemaking became intense, with both of us wanting the other to experience the ultimate in sexual pleasure. When we both ejaculated, exploding in passion, we knew we had experienced a great sharing of love. I asked Ry not to take his love tool out of my body. I wanted him to be connected to me in this special way for as long as possible. We lay there for a while, my legs still tightly encircling his back, we kissed from time to time, and rested. Finally nature prevailed, and as much as I didn't want it to happen, Ry's penis slipped out of my love channel. Still we didn't move apart, he was still holding me down, while I kept him connected by tightening my legs around his torso.

"I don't want to let you go, Baby," he said with a deep sigh.

I laughed lightly and replied,

"Don't worry, I don't plan to let you go anywhere either."

We kissed again and my cock began to swell with pleasure, Ry rolled us over and in minutes I was deeply in him, returning to him some of the pleasure he had given me. I lost sense of where we were and began to pound him rapidly moving both of us to climax. I was loudly telling him how good a fuck he was, and he had begun to munch on my nipples. Lost in the pleasure of the moment, we were startled by Mom's voice.

"Ry, Sean, you should get up and get showered. I'll leave some clean clothes outside the door. Dan got some things together for you two to wear. I'm working on breakfast, so get going because I don't like anyone getting to breakfast late and after the food is cold."

Ryan was laughing with his head against my pecs. I was giggling, too. I suppose we were amused thinking of Mom walking in on us. Thank God she hadn't. Ry stopped laughing and answered Mom,

"We were just about to get up, Mom. We'll take a quick shower, and thanks for the clean clothes."

Mom said nothing more, but we heard her walking away and into the kitchen. I couldn't help myself, and before I would let Ry out of bed, I licked his body from head to toe. I enjoyed tasting his cum as I licked his chest where some of his cum had landed. His groans and moans encouraged me and I gave him a trip around the world. Finally, he lamented,

"If you don't stop, I'm going to lose it. I don't want to cum unless you do. Let's shower and maybe we can pleasure each other there."

I stopped my lovemaking, and sat up in bed. Ry looked up at me with such love and desire in his eyes that I nearly shot my load at that moment.

"I love you, Baby," he said simply.

"And I love you, Hon."

I jumped out of bed with Ry quickly following me. We relieved ourselves and then were in the shower, more interested in making love than in showering. I dropped to my knees and within minutes, Ry was filling me with his delicious seed. Not to be outdone he fell to his knees and took my throbbing cock deep into his throat, his tongue doing marvelous things. It didn't take long, and I spurted load after load of hot cum into my lover's throat. Completely satiated, we finished out bathing, found the clothes outside the door, dressed while kissing each other continually. Finally we left the bedroom and walked to the kitchen.

We found Mom alone in the kitchen, busy at the stove preparing breakfast.

It was a pleasant sight!

********

[Ryan narrates].

Mom turned and smiled at us, it was almost a knowing smile, but I convinced myself that she didn't think things like that. I was surprised that Dad wasn't helping her, so I asked,

"Where's Dad?" I asked.

"Yeah, isn't he having breakfast with us?" asked Sean.

Mom walked over to the table where we were now seated. She kissed me on the cheek first, and then went to Sean, gave him a hug and kissed him on the cheek. Then she smiled that knowing smile again and spoke,

"Your dad has some business to attend to and he needed to run a couple of errands. He and and I had breakfast earlier. You two must have had a good night's sleep, and you hung around in bed this morning. Is everyone feeling okay? Ry, how's your head?"

"I'm fine, Mom. I did get a good night's sleep."

"And you Sean?" she asked.

"I'm fine, Mom, and I slept well, too. We stayed in bed this morning as we had some things to take care of before we got going."

Mom laughed a little, and with a smile turned back to the stove, saying as she went,

"Well, it's good that you got all the 'things' taken care of."

Sean was desperately trying to stifle a laugh, while I played at straightening the silver at my place. I dared not look at Sean fearing I would break into uncontrolled laughter. Mom apprised the situation and quickly ordered,

"Drink your juice before it gets warm."

For Sean that was not helpful, but he managed to control his laughter and we drank our juice, still not looking at each other in the eyes. I thought how wonderful it was that we were acting like a couple of teenagers. I needed to get our minds onto something else so I asked.

"What's dad doing that's so important that it can't wait a day or two?"

"You know your father, Ryan. When he has his mind set on doing something, there's no stopping him. You'll have to ask him the details yourself. I hope you boys like scrambled eggs and bacon. My cooking repertoire is somewhat limited since our cook does most of this. But I think I did okay."

Sean got up and went to Mom at the stove. He hugged her from behind and told her how wonderful she was and how he knew that everything would be fine. I know that made her feel good. He then asked,

"Are you going to join us?"

"Yes, just let me finish up a few things here. Ryan, pour the coffee and Sean get yourself the milk from the refrigerator. The eggs are done and the toast and bacon are in the oven keeping warm. If you want jelly or jam, please get it from the pantry."

We all did our assigned duties, and shortly were sitting together enjoying breakfast. Sean began the conversation on an especially difficult topic.

"I wonder how Sister Mary is doing with the boys. We didn't see them last night, or get them ready for bed, or read them stories. I really miss that. I miss them," he said, his voice cracking and tears glistening in his eyes.

Before I could move, Mom was on her feet, hugging him tightly to herself. It was pretty evident how much Mom loved Sean. It didn't bother me any, as I also loved him and I knew that she loved me as intensely as she always had. I reached across the table, and took Sean's hand. Mom was consoling him.

"Sean, don't worry. We all had something much more important to attend to yesterday. Sister Mary knows all about it as we called her last night before dinner. She has managed the boys for some time, and I suspect she is infinitely able to handle any difficult situation. You'll see the boys in a day or two, so don't let your emotions get the best of you. You both are surrounded by love from your Dad and me, and from all your friends who rushed here to be with you in your moment of need."

Tears had escaped Sean's eyes and were now running freely down his face.

"I know, I know. It's just when I think of what almost happened yesterday, and I realize that I might not have ever seen them again, my heart breaks," he whispered through small sobs.

I was up and out of my seat, and had pulled him into my arms, holding him so tightly that neither of us could breathe normally. I rubbed his back trying to lessen the tension I could feel in his body, and then without any other provocation, all three of us stood there with tears running down our faces, and for once in a long time, I saw my mother, overcome by emotion.

"Baby, we're all here together. We're all fine. We're surrounded by so much love that it's palpable. Let's try to deal with today here and now. Tomorrow or the next day we'll see the boys and bring them home. Let's concentrate on that. Grab on to all this love and take it with you to share with our sons."

Then we went into a group hug, Mom encouraging both of us to maintain our control and reminding us of all the good things in our lives.

"Yesterday,' she told us, "was past. We had to live in the present."

That assurance, that wisdom of living, helped us in trying to deal with today and tomorrow, and to remember only what we had learned from the past.

********

[Gerry narrates].

I had not had any difficulties bringing Ellen's and my plan to fruition. Not a single soul made an excuse. Everyone was willing to do what I asked. It wasn't easy getting in touch with some people, but I did it. Old friends came to our rescue. And what would have been impossible without them, they made possible. It would take a lifetime to repay them, but I knew that none of them would expect repayment, other than a round of golf or dinner at a nice restaurant with our wives.

Having so many of the important people in Ryan and Sean's life with us here in Vermont made my job considerably less difficult. They helped me with some of the obstacles so that together we were able to arrange everything.

The first person I contacted was Naomi Stephensen, the designer who had decorated the new "cabin". After a chat with her and some arrangements, she assured me that she would take care of everything. After a discussion with Dan over a cup of coffee at the Inn, he assured me that he would be in contact with the architect and he was certain everything would be in order. A conversation with the general contractor assured me that no one would be working today. He apologized about the landscaping which had not yet been finished. He assured me that all the utilities were on and working. There was water, heat , etc. I was relieved.

Next, I called Emily and spoke with her. First, I had to tell her all about yesterday and then about my plan. She agreed with everything and made it clear she would take care of her side. Shortly thereafter I was talking with Father O'Rourke. He was astonished at what had finally happened, but agreed to take care of what I asked him to do.

I telephoned the President of the Board of Trustees of the condo association where Ryan and Sean lived. He already knew us and that we had purchased the unit and would be living there in the near future. When I asked him to let the piano movers in to move the grand to the new house, he was very cooperative. I had contacted the movers earlier and knew that they would be at the condo at nine in the morning. I had also contacted the contractor at State and he would be at the house to open it so that the piano could be moved into the family room. That attended to, I had to move on because I had some important fish to fry.

Earlier, I had spoken to the owners of the Inn, and all the details were taken care of from their end. Now for the important call. I had no trouble getting Sister Mary at the home. When I told her what I wanted her to do, she was hesitant, but when she heard the whole story, she quickly agreed. That made the plan complete. Now we simply had to wait for all the pieces to come together. Ellen had the job of keeping the boys away for a few hours. They would shop for some clothes and have lunch in Brattleboro before returning to the cabin.

Ellen and the boys had only been gone for a half an hour when Naomi Stephensen arrived with a van filled with flowers. Our plan was now in progress. I prayed all would go well.

********

[Sean narrates].

When Mom suggested going into Brattleboro to get some new clothes for us, I wasn't particularly interested. For one reason, our friends were at the Inn and I wanted to spend some time with them. But Mom insisted telling us that everyone was staying overnight and that we would be having dinner together. My lover convinced me when we were again in the bedroom . His kisses were magnificent, bringing me to a near sexual high almost in line with a climax, but falling short.

He assured me that it was important that we accompany Mom on the shopping spree since it would make her happy and might help get our minds off the happenings of yesterday. Also, he promised to make love to me as soon as we returned. That sealed the deal.

We didn't drive but rather were whisked away in Dad's hired limo. The trip to Brattleboro was uneventful; our conversation pretty much consumed by Mom telling us what she planned to purchase for us. Since we would be going to dinner with all our friends, she wanted us to look well groomed. Argument was useless so we relented and let her make the choices.

The reality of the situation was that Mom had impeccable taste and her choices were right for us. We would have a casual but well-groomed look, our clothes tastefully coordinated. For lunch Mom had selected a small restaurant with wonderful greenery. In fact, part of the restaurant had once been a greenhouse. We had a leisurely lunch, discussing the new house and how much we appreciated all that Mom and Dad had done. Mom pooh-poohed their contribution, but we knew better and loved them even more for all their love and support.

When we arrived back at the cabin, Mom accompanied us inside. We adjourned to our bedroom to shower and get dressed for cocktails before dinner. There was a note from Dad telling Mom that he was already there and that we should join him. We took a long sensuous shower together, saving any real sexual activity for later that evening. While we were in the shower, Mom had come into the bedroom and laid out our new clothes. Thankfully we were not shouting obscene things at each other.

We dressed slowly, stopping to kiss each other frequently. It was so wonderful to know that we were still together, still alive, still in love, and about to begin our lives as family. We were so fortunate, so blessed! My reverie was interrupted by Mom calling to us inquiring if we were ready to leave. Another quick kiss and we went into the living room to meet Mom. She examined us carefully, making us feel as if we were about to meet the queen.

As we were walking to the limo, Ryan noticed all the lights on in the new cabin. He asked,

"Mom, what's happening in the new cabin. I thought it wasn't finished yet, but there are lights on?"

"Why don't we stop by and see what's going on?" she suggested.

I stopped and really looked at the new cabin realizing that I hadn't taken notice of it in the last day and a half. It was beautiful. I grabbed Ryan's hand, holding him back,

"Did you realize how beautiful the new cabin is?" I asked.

"I guess I hadn't really looked at it, but you're right, Baby, it is beautiful. I bet the sunset from the new porch will be spectacular. Mom, can we wait until after sunset to go to the Inn?" Ryan said.

"I guess we could. But right now, how about checking out the lights so that we can at least find out what's going on," she suggested.

We climbed the steps to the wide front porch and the double doors leading into the cabin. I tried the door and it was unlocked. Pushing on the door it opened into the entryway which was quiet and empty. Ryan pushed me gently and I entered and he followed. Mom followed him, a little afraid I guess of what we might find. I looked questioningly at Ryan and could read confusion in his face.

Although the entry was lighted, the area of the living room was darkened, but we could see through to the family room, which was also lighted. I hesitated, and at that point, I think Ryan understood my unspoken fear. He moved by me, running his hand on my back and then up my left arm. He whispered to me,

"Everything will be all right."

Mom just smiled a knowing smile again. I wondered. I moved into the darkened living room, still holding Ryan's hand. Suddenly there was bright light and shouting,

"Congratulations!"

All our friends were there wishing us well. Mom and Dad were beaming brightly, and then I saw Aunt Emily and Father O'Rourke. I ran to them and hugged them both. Tears of joy were streaming down Aunt Emily's face and Father O'Rourke's eyes glistened. Ryan was right behind me and he hugged them both. All of our friends were around us wishing us well, hugging and kissing us.

Naomi Stephensen was there to tell us about the cabin and its decoration. The cabin was breathtakingly beautiful and met all our expectations. This was a house warming and it was an emotional time for both of us. The Inn was represented by the catering department, which was there to provide food and drinks. They were set up in the large-windowed family room. The master suite was everything we could have hoped for, as was the guest suite and the children's bedrooms and the servant's quarters. But I think it was the family room with it's wall of windows facing the lake and the west that I liked best. Just off it, outside, was the large back porch with steps that ran nearly the width of the porch.

The day was slowly waning and I knew, as did Ryan, that the sun would soon set and we wished we could watch the natural fireworks of colors as we had done many times before. Mom came to us and suggested that if we wanted to, we could go out and watch the sunset. She would take care of the guests. Ryan and I walked out onto the porch and sat on the top step. It was quiet outside, the silence broken only by the occasional call of a mockingbird. I heard the doors to the porch open as did Ryan, then two excited boys ran to us shouting,

"Daddy, Dad, we're here. We love you."

They ran into our arms, Jacob to Ryan and Ethan to me. Standing there holding Zachary and smiling broadly was Charles. He walked to Ryan and handed Zachary to him saying,

"Here's the youngest one, Mr. Ryan, he's a little tired, but he wants to be with his family."

We were both overcome with emotion and tears were streaming down our cheeks. Neither of us could speak.

"What's the matter?" asked Ethan.

"Yeah, Dad, why the tears? asked Jacob.

"We're just happy, that's all," Ryan told them as he handed Zachary to me.

I noticed that all the family and friends who loved us so deeply were gathered on the porch behind us. There was not a dry eye in the group.

"Look!" shouted Ethan.

The western sky was ablaze with color, bright pinks, fire-like crimsons, royal purples and magentas, slices of yellow and deeper oranges. God was painting a spectacular display for us. Ryan had put his arm around my shoulders and we sat there; a family brought together by love, held together by adversity, saved by faith and love. The spectacle was repeated on the placid lake. Then the sky seemed to brighten more, a message, I thought, that there was happiness ahead for the Professor and Sean.

THE END

Epilogue:

It is difficult to know what lies ahead for these characters, but it is certain that love is the basis of their relationship. There is the tenuous expectation that only bright days are ahead, but the future also holds some deeply sad days for Ryan and Sean.

Aunt Emily and Father O'Rourke die in a few years. Cathy's condition worsens, but Janet's steadfast love and support helps her to go on.

Dan and Craig enter into a civil union in Vermont and then marry in Massachusetts. Shortly thereafter they adopt Tobias and Ned. Over the coming years their practice will become more closely associated with the representation of gay couples who wish to adopt.

Blake will finish his education and became a pediatrician. He and Jerrod move to Florida and continue their life together. Jerrod becomes a financial advisor.

Rog and Greg live at State even after Rog retires. They travel extensively all over the globe. They are generous in supporting music-related charities. Rog continues to teach piano privately, while Greg takes up painting and becomes a successful artist.

Ellen and Gerry decide to live permanently in New England. They buy a house near Ryan and Sean's, finally selling the townhouse. In later years, Ellen dies of cancer; leaving Gerry alone. He sells the house and moves in with Ryan and Sean.

Ryan and Sean have a happy life watching their sons grow and mature. Ryan stays as English Department Chairperson for only one year. Sean finishes his education at State and then they move to Vermont to live out their lives in the new cabin.

Jacob becomes a Roman Catholic priest, Ethan becomes an attorney, and Zachary decides on architecture. Jacob and Zachary are heterosexuals. Ethan is gay.

Let us leave Ryan and Sean here. What happens as their lives move to completion is theirs and they choose not to share. As we have lived with this remarkable couple, we have learned some important things about life and love.

*************************************

FROM THE AUTHOR:

Thank you for reading my story. My special and heartfelt thanks to Wayne, my editor. without whom the story would not have been so verbally and grammatically acceptable.

Bless all of you, dear readers.

Here are a few selected quotes from the story which perhaps show a little about the author.

"I don't know that I believe that we picked each other. I think the Fates did it. I think we were meant to be together."

"There has to be a God because he gave you to me. I never want to leave you. I think if anything ever happened to you I would want to die. I don't think I could go on living. That's how much I love you."

"You are what is the matter. You have already taught me about real love and have made me the happiest man in the world."

"This was the man I loved, the man I wanted to be with forever, to love unconditionally, to make mine, and to be loved by him. I had never felt so happy, so wanted in my life."

"You are the love of my life, Ryan Taylor. I will never love another person the way I love you. You brought me back from the abyss. In a real sense, you gave me another chance at life."

"If there were ever two people who didn't need this crisis in their lives it was Ryan and Sean. But life doesn't always treat the best people in the best way."

"Why does all this shit happen to such good people."

"How could such terrible things happen to such loving men. It didn't seem fair, and it took all my faith to help me accept God's will. Gerry wasn't as accepting of it all as I was."

"I just can't understand why this fuckin' shit is happening to those two. Those guys are good people. They want to help those who need it. They give of themselves. They took those three boys into their hearts asking nothing in return. How many would do that?"

"It just fuckin' isn't fair."

"Ryan, you are one of the nicest, most loving people I have ever met. God is good, and my dear friend, He will not let you down."

"Ryan, I don't know why this happened. It's just one of those things. Something happens. You and Sean have done nothing wrong, instead you have done some wonderful things. There was no one to adopt those three boys, but in a heartbeat you and Sean wanted them to give them a chance at a happy family life. And you're not sinners. Man can't judge that. Only God can determine who is a sinner. There are too many folks today who have forgotten that simple fact. Man is not to judge, that is God's job. I don't think that God is vindictive, Ryan. I suspect that God has nothing to do with this. We're seeing the results of coincidence, of accidental happenings. You must not forget that. Let your love for Sean direct you to him. Your love is strong enough to keep him with you. Let your love flow out to him, envelope him."

"You know how it is sometimes when you need to embrace solitude. You draw strength from silence. Our world is so full of noise that the mind can be dulled by it."

"Yesterday," she told us, "was past. We had to live in the present."

That assurance, that wisdom of living, helped us in trying to deal with today and tomorrow, and to remember only what we had learned from the past.

********************

I would really appreciate hearing from you, dear readers, letting me know how you feel about the entire story, and if the ending does credit to the story. I had written the ending: the confusion about the plane crash, Sean's consideration of suicide, the accident on the steps of the old cabin, Ryan's apparent injury (or death), his recovery, and the family together watching the sunset as Sean and Ryan had done so many times, before I had written any other part.

Please email me if you wish to know when I post my newest story. Please give me some time.

For a while there will now be a period of silence. Hopefully, after sometime away from Sean and Ryan, I will be ready to tell another story. Let me know what you thought of the ending. It was difficult to write it, and even more difficult to say goodbye to characters I love. I hope that in each of your lives you know wonderful people who resemble Ryan and Sean. Our tired old world needs the kind of love they inspire.

With a big hug and much affection for each of my faithful readers, I am,

Scotty (and a little bit of Ryan and Sean)
 

Feedback always welcome:     

 

Chapter 1-34 Posted: 07/20/07