Date: Fri, 13 Aug 2004 00:01:19 -0700 (PDT)
From: dl mercer <dlmercer27@yahoo.com>
Subject: The Farmer and Dale Chapter 6

This story is a work of fiction. It deals with love and sex between men. If
such things offend you, please do not continue. The characters in this
story practice safe sex when necessary. If you're not sure of your partner,
Protect Yourself!

This story is dedicated to my dear friend, Bobby/RimPig. I would also like
to thank Peter for his stellar editing.

The author retains all rights. Please direct all questions and comments to
dlmercer27@yahoo.com


THE FARMER AND DALE

Chapter 6

"Hey, Dad, come on in," Rick welcomed his father, as he walked in the back
door.

Dale, and a cup of coffee waited for him at the kitchen table. Gerald
greeted him warmly, then sat and took an appreciative sip of Dale's
renowned brew. His eyes wandered the cozy kitchen as he relaxed into the
solid comfort of the oak chair that he rested in.

He approved Dale's choice of the muted celery green paint he'd chosen for
the walls, it gave the room a calm, soothing ambience. The air was scented
with apples and cinnamon. Dale had proved to be an excellent cook, and
Gerald's mouth watered at the thought of the apple pie that even now was
baking in the oven.

He took a second sip of his coffee, "There's got to be a little magic in
this cup," he sighed, "nothing totally of this earth could taste so good."

Dale gave him a grin. Rick smiled and fidgeted with the ceramic chicken
salt and pepper shakers that sat in the middle of the table. He seemed
fascinated by them, as though he'd never seen them before. Gerald watched
his son over the rim of his cup, then spoke a gentle demand.

"All right, son, out with it."

"What?" Rick asked innocently.

"Whatever it is that has you trying to dissect that poor rooster." Gerald
took the salt shaker from Rick's hand and set it on the table. He looked at
Dale, "Rick never was one for hiding his feelings very well. I could always
tell when he had something to confess, it always began this way."

"I know what you mean." Dale agreed giving Rick a look filled with tender
fondness.

Rick knew he had better come out with it ^Ö his dad had him cold, "I need
to ask a favor," he told him, "Dale's publishing company called. They want
me to come to New York to sign a contract for my book."

Gerald rose from the table, Rick doing the same to intercept his dad's
congratulatory hug, "That's wonderful news, son! Your mom is going to be so
proud. She'll be calling everyone in the family."

Dale beamed at the two of them. Seeing them together, in this way, he could
see how Steven had at first mistaken Rick for Gerald. They were the same
height, their honey blonde hair the same shade and those eyes. Those
beautiful, blue-green eyes that so took Dale's breath away, were bequeathed
directly from Gerald's DNA. Their body type was similar, Gerald being a bit
slimmer than Rick, but no less fit.

He worked hard. Physical labor kept his body honed and healthy. His skin
was tanned and still smooth. His face bore laugh lines etched around the
eyes, the only real indication that here was a man of greater maturity than
first impression might make one assume. At 57, Gerald was fit and hearty,
and, Dale had to admit, a fine looking man. He knew he'd give him more than
a second look if circumstances were different.

Rick and Gerald resumed their seats, "The thing is, Dale's got a deadline
to beat, he's been a bit distracted lately." Rick shot Dale a wicked look
that sent a blush to Dale's cheeks. Gerald chuckled at Dale's bashful
display, " I don't want to go to New York by myself. I was hoping you might
come with me." Rick offered.

Gerald looked surprised then pleased. He considered a moment, "Well, I
think I could find the time for that. Your mother might like to come too,
son."

Rick paled slightly and Dale cleared his throat, "Um, that might be a bit
of a problem."

"How so, Dale?" Gerald questioned.

"We met Steven, Dad." Rick told him.

At Gerald's blank look, Rick clarified, "Steve, your lover, before you
married mom."

Rick saw a welter of emotions crossed Gerald's eyes; surprise, delight,
melancholy and finally a kind of wistful caution.

"How did you meet. Where?" Gerald asked quietly.

"He's Dale's publisher, Dad. We met on the trip to New York. Dale had met
him before, but had no idea he was your Steve." Rick explained. "When he
saw me, he called me Gerald and then...  then it all came out." Rick
hesitated, "I would have told you sooner, but I... I wasn't sure I should."

"Your Mom... you wanted to protect your Mom." Gerald guessed.

Rick could only nod.

"It's all right son, I understand. But understand this. Years ago, I gave
my word to your mother, and I have no intention of going back on it. I had
a choice to make and I made it. It damned near broke my heart to let Steve
go, but given the opportunity to change it all, I'd stay with your
mother. She's my heart. Without her I would never have had the joy of being
a father." Gerald cleared his throat as emotion filled it.

"I know that I could have been happy with Steve, but even at 21 I knew that
I wanted a family, children of my own. If I had never met your mother, I'd
most likely be with Steve now, I felt that strongly about him. But I did
meet your mother and knowing that I did want that family, that home, I made
the best choice for me." Gerald's voice held a note of sure finality, his
eyes took on a faraway look.

"Sometimes I'd dream that your mom and Steve would meet and grow to like,
even love each other, that the three of us could be together. It was a
young man's wishful fantasy, but I'd have done it in a heartbeat, damn the
scandal it might cause. I loved them both," Gerald revealed on a wistful
note. He shook himself and smiled at Dale and Rick. His eyes cleared as
that thought receded. "Is he all right?"

Rick found himself too touched by his dad's revelations to answer. He
looked to Dale. "He's very well, Gerald." Dale told him, "Not long after
the two of you split up, he met James, his lover and partner. They've been
together almost as long as you and Irene."

Gerald's face lit with delight, his eyes going misty, "I'm so happy to hear
that, boys, so very happy." He reached out and took Dale's hand in one of
his and Rick's hand in the other, giving them a reassuring squeeze, "Now
when do we leave for New York. I want to say hello to an old friend."

                                              * * *

The night before their trip to New York, Gerald emerged from the bathroom
after a long, soothing shower. He paused in the doorway between bath and
bedroom, taking in the familiar and oh so beloved vision of his wife.

Irene stood before the mirror, brush in hand, giving her dark, lustrous
hair a last few strokes before going to bed. Gerald often teased her about
the futility of having such well groomed hair before bed, knowing that it
would end up mussed and tangled, many times the result of his
handiwork. Their lovemaking was often, and oft times vigorous. Irene had
proved to be no shrinking violet in bed or out, something that Gerald had
felt blessed with over the years.

In all their years together, she'd never used sex as a weapon. Irene was a
fighter, up front and straight on the attack. If something bothered her,
they had it out, cleared the air and many's the time sealed the deal with a
powerfully potent bout of lovemaking. The fact that Gerald had been true to
her all these years was not only the result of his promise and integrity,
but due also to the fact that she never left him wanting. They fulfilled
each other absolutely.

He leaned in the doorway, breathing in the familiar scent of her. She
wasn't one for fancy soaps, perfumes or lotions. The scent was female, his
woman, sweet and arousing. Gerald felt himself stiffen in anticipation.

He moved across the room and reached for her brush, laying it aside as his
arms wrapped around her. He pressed himself against the soft yet firm
buttocks that had cradled him many times. Irene was more than willing to be
adventurous, and anal play was a big part of their `routine.'

He stared at their reflection in the mirror, his reflected gaze meeting
hers, "Did I ever tell you that you were the most beautiful woman in
Illinois?" He dipped down to nuzzle the side of her neck.  She tilted her
head, giving him easy and welcome access. "I believe you may have mentioned
it a time or two, but I'm not adverse to hearing it again." She sighed with
pleasure, "I'm so glad you're going with Rick tomorrow. The two of you need
some time together."

"Rene, you can still come, it's not too late."

Irene turned in his arms, her smile was soft, her eyes filled with love,
"You know the one thing I've always admired about you? Your honesty. When
you tell me I'm beautiful, I have to believe, because I know you'd never
lie to me. When you tell me I have nothing to fear from Steven, I believe
that too. You've proved it time and again the past thirty five years.  You
go, speak with your friend, and enjoy the time with your son. I'll be here
when you get home."

Gerald felt the tears prickling his eyes as he gathered his wife close in
his arms, "I'm the luckiest man on the face of the earth." he whispered.

Irene slipped an arm between them. Her hand found the opening in his towel,
sliding in and wrapping around the firm throbbing length of his cock. At
her touch, it swelled, thickening, the blood pulsing under the skin. She
slowly stroked him.

"Come to bed," she murmured, "You're about to get even luckier."

Gerald chuckled, a warm, husky sound, filled with love and
arousal. Slipping the robe from his wife's still firm body, he walked with
her to the bed.

                                             * * *

"Like this, baby?" Dale panted as he continued the long slow thrusts that
filled his lover with each forward motion.

"Ah, yeah! Yeah, babe. Don't stop! God, don't stop!" Rick chanted. He
groaned under the continued sensual assault. Dale's thick, swollen length
slid freely in the tight clasp of his velvet- skinned sheath.

Dale's body was on autopilot, his senses filled with the smell and taste of
his lover. His gaze wandered the planes of Rick's face, watched as his
plump, kiss-swollen lips parted, a moaning whimper of pleasure issuing from
between them. His eyes were closed, his expression one of deep
concentration. Another slide of Dale's cock within, and Rick's shoulders
bunched, the muscles in his arms bulging as his hands tightened on the
rumpled sheet beneath their laboring bodies.

His torso was bent, his legs resting over Dale's shoulders. Rick's cock was
at full mast, the skin stretched taut, the round, plump head weeping. Dale
kept it sandwiched between their damp, sweat-slicked bodies. Rick's precum
coated their skin as his cock throbbed against their bellies.

With each long glide, into the dark, wet and welcoming heat, Dale could
feel the convulsive clasp of Rick's channel as it grew increasingly tight
around him. The rapturous peak was mere moments away.

"Rick." he gasped softly.

Rick's eyes opened, distant, lost. They slowly focused, blue-green melding
with mossy green. The pleasure arrowed between them.

"Come with me." Dale ordered.

His body moved. Long glides, became short, hard punches that pummeled the
hard knot of Rick's prostate. Dale reveled in the roar of Rick's
release. As climax twisted his gut, his cock spewed it's hot load deep into
Rick, giving in to the hard milking spasms of his sheath, filling it with
the tribute it demanded. Rick's cock erupted between them, milky cum, warm
and wet, coating them, mixing with their sweat.

Dale collapsed, shuddered and went limp. He sank down onto Rick and felt
his arms move up to encircle him. He lay against his lover as his pounding
heart slowed. With his ear pressed to Rick's chest, he could hear the
steady, slowing thump of Rick's heart. It was comforting, reassuring.  Dale
sighed and eased out of Rick's arms, rolling to his side. Rick followed,
spooning Dale.  Neither made mention of the fragrant cum that decorated
their bodies. It was as though those intimate fluids anointed and joined
them.

"I really am going to miss you." Rick whispered. His breath was a warm mist
against the back of Dale's neck.

Dale shivered and felt tears well in his eyes. He fought to keep his
emotions under control, fought to keep his voice steady. He pushed back
into Rick's arms, needing the warmth and comfort of his lover.

"I'll miss you too," his voice breaking up as he lost the struggle.

"Dale?"

"Mmm?"

"Turn over, look at me." Rick ordered softly

Dale hesitated, blinking his lids to rid his eyes of their sheen of
moisture. As Rick moved back to give him room, he rolled and came to rest
on his other side, facing Rick, who looked deep into his lover's eyes.

"Are you all right, baby?" he questioned softly.

Dale nodded, unable to speak past the lump in his throat.

Rick's arms wrapped around him and pulled them tightly together. His warm,
musky scent filled Dale's nostrils. Dale breathed it in, wanting to hold
every bit of Rick he could, for as long as he could.

 "I love you so much," Rick murmured softly, "The next couple of days are
going to seem like forever." Rick hesitated, then continued. "There's one
thing I discovered about what happens when two people who love each other
part, even if it's only for a little while."

"What's that? Dale whispered.

"It's always hardest for the one who gets left behind." Rick answered.

Tears flooded Dale's eyes and he couldn't stop the sudden small sob that
caught in his throat.  Rick's arms tightened around him.

"This is stupid," Dale choked out, "you're only going to be gone a couple
of days."

"It's not stupid," Rick assured him, "I'd feel the same way if I was the
one staying home. Even though I'll miss you, I've got the distraction of
going somewhere and doing something different, while you'll just be here,
in our home, by yourself. It makes a difference, Dale."

Dale nodded, his cheek rubbing in the soft curling hair on Rick's chest.

"What you have to remember is that I love you, that I'll be thinking of
you, and that I'll be counting the hours until I can be home with you. Does
that help?" Rick asked hopefully.

Dale smiled, "It helps," he admitted, "I love you too, angel."

Rick could feel Dale's smile against his skin, "Good, now get some
sleep. I'm going to make love to you in the morning before I go. Dream
about how good it's going to be, baby."

Dale yawned, even as he felt a tightening tingle in his loins, "No fair,
now I'll be horny all night."

He felt the vibration of Rick's chuckle under his cheek and quickly slipped
into sleep.

                                              * * *

"Dad?" Rick felt compelled to ask the question that had been bothering him
ever since their trip began. They were ensconced in the comfortable luxury
of first class. Gerald, who'd been idly scanning a magazine, looked up
expectantly.

Rick, as promised, had started his morning by making love to Dale. He'd
left him warm, sated and sleeping in their bed. Just the thought of Dale
lying there, looking so sweetly innocent, his hair tousled, his breathing
soft and slow, made Rick glow with love. He'd insisted that Dale go back to
sleep as he got ready to leave. He didn't want Dale feeling increasing
melancholy as he prepared for the journey and to have it reach a peak as he
walked out the door. He couldn't bear the thought of leaving Dale in that
state.

Before beginning his journey, he'd picked a bouquet of flowers from those
that grew around the house. He put them in a vase and left them on the
bedside table with a note.

The note read; "My Love, As I walk out the door, I leave a part of myself
behind. You. You have become my heart. I will not be whole again until I
return. I love you, Dale. Yours Always, Rick."

He'd resisted the urge to caress that beloved face once more and left
quickly, feeling a wrench at the parting.

He'd gone to his parents house to say good-bye to his mom. She was all
smiles, and excited for him. She bade the two of them a good time and to
enjoy the trip. Rick drove. The trip had taken about an hour. They chatted
or rode in comfortable silence as the flat farmland vista's had rolled by
out their windows. He and his dad had made it to the airport in good time
and were now in the air, the trip more than half done. Rick couldn't keep
his agitation at bay any longer.

"Yes, son." Gerald answered.

"Do you feel guilty, not telling mom about Steven?"

Gerald chuckled, "I wondered what was bothering you. I thought maybe you
were just missing Dale." Gerald sobered, "I would have felt guilty, son, if
I hadn't told her."

Rick's eyes widened, "You told her and she let you go?"

Gerald smiled indulgently, "Your mother trusts me, son. You'll find that if
you always act honorably and keep your word, that people learn they can
trust you, especially those closest to you.  That's one of the rewards of
being an honest man. Have you ever felt you couldn't trust me?"

Rick automatically shook his head. He didn't even need to think the
question over. "Never."

Gerald's smile brightened. "I always wanted you kids to know I was there
for you. That you could always trust and depend on me. Your mom feels the
same way."

"We know, Dad," Rick told him, "Each one of us knows how lucky we are to
have you and Mom."

"That's good to know, Rick." Gerald felt a warm glow inside at his son's
words. He gave Rick's leg a pat, then changed the subject, "So, you say
Steve knows I'm coming?"

"Yes, sir. Dale and I thought it would be a good idea to let him know in
advance. If for no other reason than to make sure he was there when we
arrive. I didn't want you to come all this way and then not see him." Rick
revealed.

Gerald nodded. "Good. It will be good to see him. I'm anxious to meet his
partner too."

"You'll like James, Dad. He's a nice guy."

"Knowing Steve, I would expect nothing less." Gerald answered.

At that moment the, "Fasten Seatbelt", sign came on and the flight
attendant announced their arrival. Rick and Gerald both took a deep breath,
each preparing to face new and potentially troubling experiences.

                                             * * *

Not long after the flight landed, they were checked into their hotel and on
their way to Eddington's Publishing. Gerald and Rick marveled at the sights
the city afforded. Though he'd been here before, one trip had hardly been
enough for Rick to become jaded at the sights provided.

When they arrived at the building that housed the publishing company, they
entered the lobby and Rick guided his dad to the waiting bank of
elevators. He selected the button for the reception area and they took the
ride, both silent, immersed in their own thoughts and fears, the music from
the recessed speaker system flowing over them.

At the publishing houses reception area, Rick was cordially greeted and
they were shown straight to Steven's office where Steven and James were
waiting for them.

Gerald felt his insides churn in a way he'd not felt in ages. He was
nervous and yet anxious to see his old lover. When they entered the office
he felt tears prick at his eyes. Steven had aged, just as he had, but he
could still see the young man he'd fallen in love with all those years
ago. As though the years had fallen away, they strode to each other and
hugged, their arms tight around each other. There was silence as the two of
them silently communed, their affection for each other flooding back.

Finally they broke their embrace and stood face to face, teary eyed, until
smiles turned to laughter.

"My God, it's so good to see you." Steven told him. "I couldn't believe it
when Rick showed up here with Dale. It was like seeing a picture from the
past."

"I've always told him how lucky he was to take after his handsome old man."
Gerald laughed.

"Hmmm... I see you still have the old conceit." Steven teased, turning to
Rick, "Your dad always did think he was the cock of walk."

Rick and James laughed appreciatively.

"Gerald, I'd like you to meet my partner, James Duncan. James, my old
friend, Gerald Hunter."

Gerald walked to James and took the hand he held out, shaking it firmly, "I
can't tell you how pleased I am to meet you. When the boys told me they'd
met Steven, and that he was well and happily settled, I... well, it's what
I'd always hoped."

James had watched Gerald from the time he entered the office. Shaking his
hand and seeing the warm sincerity in his eyes, the small fears and
insecurities he'd hidden away at the thought of this meeting
disappeared. Gerald projected an air of forthright honesty that could be
felt on a visceral level. It was there, without question. James understood
now why Steven held him in such high regard all these years.

"I'm very pleased to meet you too, Gerald. I'm really delighted that you
and Steven have this chance to renew your friendship and connect again. I
know how much it means to you, to both of you." his gaze found Steven's and
he was rewarded with such a look of love that any doubts he'd had about the
wisdom of this event were swept away. "In fact, Rick, if you'll come with
me, I'll take you down to get those contracts signed and we'll give your
dad and Steven a little time to catch up in private."

"That's fine with me," Rick turned to his dad and teased. "No hanky panky
now."

"Get along with you, youngster, before I put you over my knee." Gerald gave
Rick a mock frown.

Steven and James laughed. Steven gave James a peck on the cheek, "Thank
you, love."

"My pleasure, and you owe me one." James teased.

"Then it'll be my pleasure to give you one." Steven returned archly.

James actually blushed, "Damn, I left myself open for that one didn't I?
And no, don't say another word," he'd seen Steven poised to deliver another
quip.

Everyone chuckled. Rick and James made their exit, leaving Gerald and
Steven to reminisce.  Steven ushered Gerald across the lushly carpeted
floor, to the section of his office that had been decorated and furnished
with relaxation in mind. There were comfortable padded chairs with
convenient tables for holding drinks or snacks and a sofa that was large
enough for a man wanting a nap to stretch out on with ease. A well stocked
bar held the makings for any kind of drink wanted. Behind the bar was a
sink and a fully stocked refrigerator.

"You still have that razor sharp wit, I see." Gerald remarked as they
settled on the tapestried sofa.

Steven grinned, "One has to stay sharp in this business," his grin faded
and he faced Gerald, a soft smile on his face, "Now tell me, how have you
been? Is everything all right with you?"

Gerald returned Steven's smile, "I've been well. It wasn't easy at first, I
love Irene, but I missed you so much."

Tears filled both men's eyes as they recalled what might have been had fate
not stepped in and changed the course of their lives.

Steven raised his hand and lightly caressed Gerald's cheek, "I missed you
too."

Tears spilled down both their cheeks and they embraced, offering each other
comfort, mourning their lost love and, though it was now different, muted,
they celebrated the renewal of the love that lingered between them. Holding
each other, feeling the warmth that settled between them, even after so
many years, felt completely natural, like coming home. Finally they parted
and drying their eyes, began sharing with each other, their lives that had
taken such divergent paths.

When Rick and James returned, Gerald and Steven were laughing at a tale
Gerald was relating about how his children played baseball in the fields
and how a very young Rick was tricked into believing that a seemingly solid
cow patty was home base. Rick discovered just how not solid it was when,
encouraged by his elder siblings, he slid into home.

Rick frowned at his dad, "Did you have bring that up?"

Gerald chuckled, "It's a classic Hunter tale, son."

"Great." Rick intoned sarcastically, much to the delight of the others.

The four of them sat chatting for awhile until interrupted by Steven's
assistant, "Excuse me, sir, but there's a phone call for Mr. Rick
Hunter. It's Mr. Vaden, on line two.

Rick frowned, a chill of apprehension swept him as he walked to the
phone. He picked it up and punched the button for line two, "Dale? Are you
all right?"

When Dale's voice came over the line. Rick could hear the tension and
barely restrained tears in his voice, "Rick, you and Gerald have to come
home. Now. It's Irene. There's been an accident, Rick. She's in the
hospital."

Rick had been gazing at the three men seated across the room, his vision
blurred, "Is she all right?  How bad is it?" Rick questioned, he felt
himself sway and quickly sat down in Steven's chair.

"It's bad, Rick, very bad. Hurry, you have to hurry." Dale's voice caught
on a sob.

"All right, Dale. We're leaving now. Hang on, baby. We're coming. I love
you." Rick strove to keep his voice even.

"I love you too." was Dale's shaky reply before he hung up.

Rick looked up to see his dad hovering over him, "What is it Rick? What's
happened?"

"It's Mom. Dale says there's been an accident. She's in the hospital. We
have to get home, Dad.  Now Dad, NOW!" Rick could hear the break in his
voice even as fear made the blood seem to slow in his veins. He felt as
though the air had suddenly become thick and hard to breathe.

Gerald's face went sheet white, "Dear God," he whispered, "Rene."

Rick immediately rose and took his dad's arm. He'd never seen such an
expression on his father's face. He took a deep breath and knew he had to
stay strong. His dad needed him.

Steven and James, who had been listening from across the room went into
action. James was on the phone calling the airport. His firm kept a small
private jet and he ordered it made ready. He arranged for Steven's
assistant to go to Rick and Gerald's hotel to retrieve their luggage and
check them out. The car would pick them up and deliver them to the
airport. They could be on their way within the hour.

Steven steered Gerald and Rick back to the sofa and gave them each a
brandy, seeing to it that they sipped it slowly. He could see the color
returning to Gerald's face. Rick roused from his daze and took his dad's
hand.

"She'll be all right, Dad," Even as he said the words he silently prayed
that it would be so.

Gerald nodded, "I know, I just need to be with her, son."

The phone rang. "The car's here." James announced.

They all went to the elevator and rode down to the lobby. Steven and James
accompanied them out to the car.

"Let us know if there's anything else we can do." Steven told them as he
hugged first Rick then Gerald.

"I can't thank you enough as it is." Gerald told him, returning the hug. He
turned and shook James' hand.

"Our prayers are with you and your wife." James told him.

"Thank you." With a final look at them both, Gerald entered the car. Steven
and James were both shaken at the look of desolation and desperate hope
they saw reflected in his eyes.

"Rick, keep us informed, will you?" Steven asked, he laid a comforting hand
on Rick's shoulder.

"I will," Rick promised, "Thank you for everything."

He quickly followed his dad into the car. Steven and James watched them
pull away to be swallowed by the busy afternoon traffic.

                                              * * *


Hours later, the Hunter family and Dale were gathered at the hospital. Each
of the children had been allowed to see their mother. Dale had accompanied
Rick. Rick held it together until leaving her room when he broke down. Dale
held him, rocking him like the lost child he was, knowing that his mother
would not be returning home.

In the waiting room, Paul, Sharon, Karen, Rick and their spouses were
huddled together talking quietly. The atmosphere was stunned
disbelief. This was an event none of them had thought to face for many
years yet and certainly not with this wrenching finality. It was a shocking
reminder of how fragile the human existence is and how the simplest of
actions can have the most devastating results.

Irene had made a late afternoon run to the grocery store. On her return the
sun had been setting.  Just as she turned on her headlights, a deer had
appeared from out of a corn field and run in front of her car. She'd jerked
the wheel sharply to avoid hitting it and the car flipped, landing in the
ditch by the side of the road. Another car had come along soon after, and
alerted the paramedics and sheriff, who rushed to the scene. Irene had been
quickly taken to the hospital, but her injuries, including internal damage
to several major organs, were too extensive and too severe to be
repaired. She was clinging to life. Just as her husband was clinging
desperately to her hand.

She'd been unconscious when they arrived. As Gerald gazed at her beloved
face, her lids fluttered and opened. A small smile played at her lips as
she beheld the man she loved.

"Hi," she murmured, huskily.

"Hi, baby." Gerald returned, he bent and kissed her gently. He laid his
cheek against hers, breathing in her scent and warmth, feeling the familiar
satin softness of her skin. He could not accept that these would be their
last moments together.

"Are the kids all right?" she asked.

"They're fine, honey. They're out in the waiting room, just waiting for you
to wake up."

"I'm so sleepy. Did I hit the deer?"

Gerald held back his tears. Despite her effort not to hit it, the car had
clipped the deer. The sheriff had had to shoot it. It was just like Irene
to worry about an innocent animal. He wasn't about to tell her the truth.

"No, baby, you didn't hit it." he managed. He kept a firm hold on one of
her hands, his thumb rubbing over her knuckles, soothing, comforting.

"Good. I love you, Gerald." she frowned slightly, "Everything's all right,
isn't it?" Drugged, she felt no pain, but something in Gerald's expression
set off an inner alarm.

Gerald lightly smoothed the hair back from her face, "Everything's fine,
baby. Rest. I love you, Rene," he kissed her again.

Comforted and reassured, always trusting her husband's word, Irene smiled,
her eyes closed softly as she slid gently away.

"Oh God, Rene." Gerald choked out, "I lied baby, I lied. Nothing will ever
be right again."

He lay his head on his wife's shoulder and sobbed out his pain and grief as
her doctor and several nurses came in and as unobtrusively as possible,
disconnected the wailing machines that announced her passing.

                                              * * *

Three months later, Rick was on the phone talking to Steven. He sat
cross-legged on the floor in the living room. Dale sat on the sofa behind
him. Rick rested back against Dale's legs as Dale slowly and firmly
massaged the tension from his shoulders. Rick studied the pattern in the
carpet, the tone of his voice clearly showing his concern for his dad.

"No, he's not improving. Paul, the girls, and I, make sure he eats at least
one good meal a day, but he's losing weight. He tries to make us think he's
ok, but he's not. Dale and I have tried to persuade him to move in with us,
but he won't consider it. After that first week, he was bound and
determined to go home." Rick hated to confess it, but he knew Steven needed
to know, "He gets angry if we fuss over him too much," Rick swallowed the
lump in his throat, "He never used to get angry so easily. He's not
himself, Steven."

"James and I have been discussing it, Rick. We think it would do Gerald
good to get away for awhile. With that in mind, we've come up with a plan."
Steven told him.

Steven had been calling regularly for updates on Gerald's condition. He too
was very concerned at his slow decline.

"I'm all for anything that will help," Rick said, "Dad's hurting,
Steven. Hell, we all are, but it's worse for Dad. Even though he has us,
he's still essentially alone. However much we want to, we can't fill that
empty place in Dad's heart.

Steven sympathized, "I know Rick, it's a desperately hard thing to face,
losing a loved one. I've lost both my parents, I know how you feel. I can
only begin to imagine Gerald's pain at losing Irene.

"So what's your plan?" Rick asked. Dale had leaned forward to rest his chin
on Rick's shoulder.  He reached back to lightly touch Dale's cheek.

"I have a nice place in Florida, near Ft. Lauderdale," Steven explained,
"James and I thought we'd take your father there. He could swim, get some
sun. There are nice places to eat and shop. We could take in movies and
possibly a play or musical programs of some kind. There's lots to keep him
busy. It's very different from Illinois. The change in scenery is bound to
do him good."

"It sounds great," Rick enthused, "Are you sure you want to do this? What
about your other responsibilities?"

"Things run like clockwork around here. James and I can easily take a few
weeks away, and if we're needed, well, we're just a phone call away,"
Steven told him, "Please say you'll help us do this, Rick. Gerald means so
much to me. We truly reconnected that day the two of you came to see us. I
want to help him if I can."

"What about James?" Rick inquired softly. Rick was concerned that Steven
and James' relationship might be affected by Steven's insistent need to
help his former lover.

"James is every bit as enthusiastic as I am, Rick. He saw Gerald for the
good man he is. He knows our own relationship is solid. He's right here
with me now shaking his head in agreement."

Rick could hear the happiness in Steven's voice, "All right. But the next
thing is to persuade Dad.  I don't know how easy that's going to be."

"Leave that to us. James and I will be there tomorrow afternoon. We'll see
you soon."

"All right, Steven. Have a safe trip." Rick disconnected the call and
turned to Dale, "Did you get the gist of that?"

Dale shook his head, "Not all of it. Tell me."

Rick recounted the conversation and Dale agreed it was a good idea. They
just hoped that Steven and James could persuade Gerald. They both knew,
without having to say it aloud, that Gerald needed help, and soon!

To be continued....