Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2004 03:43:25 -0700 (PDT)
From: dl mercer <dlmercer27@yahoo.com>
Subject: The Farmer and Dale Chapter 7

This story is a work of fiction. It deals with love and sex among men. If
such things offend you, please do not continue. The characters in this
story practice safe sex when needed. Don't take chances. Protect yourself
and others.

This story is dedicated to my good friend Bobby/RimPig. I'd like to thank
Evan Bradley for the thoughts that inspired part of this chapter. A big
thank you to Peter for his editing skills, and one to Drew Hunt for `who's
on top.'

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


THE FARMER AND DALE

Chapter 7

Steven stood at the window gazing out at the view. It was spectacular;
clear azure-blue skies unmarred by even a wisp of cloud; creamy-white,
sandy beaches caressed by gentle waves. The rhythmic ebb and flow of water
erased any trace of those impertinent enough to believe they could leave
evidence of their passing.

Far out on the diamond-bright water, several boats, their sails full-set,
gracefully skimmed the waves. Closer to the house, seated in lounge chairs,
were two men. Both were a healthy shade of bronze, kissed by the sun they'd
courted daily.

Steven studied them both. The man on the right, with his raven hair touched
only slightly with gray, was his lover, James. The expression in his eyes
softened as he regarded the man who had shared his life for almost thirty
years. He again felt astonished at the thought; it seemed impossible that
so many years had passed. He and James had not only managed to stay
together, something that so many couldn't accomplish, but they continued to
love and cherish one another. Steven thanked the divine providence that had
brought James into his life.

His gaze shifted to the man on the left.

Gerald's honey blonde hair had lightened in the sun so that it gleamed with
pale highlights.  Steven's fingers twitched as he remembered the feel of
his former lover's skin, how they'd touched and loved each other through so
many endless nights. He ached to go to him, to pull him into his arms and
draw the pain from him.

Gerald had finally agreed to Steven and James' entreaty to go to Florida
with them. He'd stubbornly resisted until Steven used the one argument he
knew would sway him: his family.  His children were worried about him; this
trip would reassure them that he had an opportunity to heal. Gerald had
given in, thinking that perhaps Steven was right, and that now his sons and
daughters wouldn't fuss over him so much.

Steven was relieved that he'd agreed, but he was still worried. Gerald was
eating better, he'd even re-gained some of the weight he'd lost. He seemed
to enjoy all their activities from simple sun- bathing to the concerts they
had attended. They went to movies and Gerald participated in their
conversations and discussions, laughing in all the right places. He seemed
his old self. Seemed, being the key word.

Gerald had built an invisible barrier between himself and the world. Behind
that barrier, he held on to his loss, held on to his pain and grief. After
breaking down at the hospital, he had not cried again for Irene. He
stoically endured, saying little about her, acting as though everything was
fine, when little by little he was dying inside.

Steven had caught him several times with a sad, faraway look on his face,
the sparkle dying in his eyes. Those sparks of inner fire were growing
dimmer with each passing day. He knew Gerald was trying to bury his heart
and emotions, trying to deny the pain as if with his denial the cause for
it would no longer exist. Steven knew something needed to be done. He had
an inkling of what that was, but was unsure how to go about it.

He sighed and made his way to the kitchen. After eating out the last four
evenings, the three of them agreed that, for a change of pace, it would be
nice to stay in and enjoy a `home' cooked meal. Considering where they
were, they'd enjoyed many a meal of seafood, so Steven had decided on
simple baked chicken breasts, salad, baked potatoes, crusty rolls and
sorbet for dessert.

He'd chosen a crisp white wine to serve with their dinner and had found a
special blend of coffee he wanted to surprise Gerald with. Gerald had
confided his addiction to Dale's coffee. Steven thought perhaps this blend
might come close to that which Dale brewed, and that it might produce
pleasant memories to help steady him.

Steven prepared the chicken, lightly seasoning it and laying it out in the
baking dish. The potatoes were washed and like-wise the salad greens which
were also drained and placed back in the refrigerator to keep them
crisp. The rolls had only to be warmed.

He was just about to go out to ask James and Gerald when they would like to
eat, when they came to the back door. Steven beamed at the sight of
them. They looked so fit, healthy and beautifully male in their bathing
trunks which exposed lots of smooth, tanned skin. They stood in the doorway
using their towels to wipe down and to brush the sand from their
feet. After Steven's complaints about the sand being tracked in, they knew
to use the broom that rested by the back door to sweep the excess sand from
the walkway that led to the door.

The two of them were joking about whose turn it was to sweep. Over the past
two weeks Gerald had become quite as comfortable with James as he was with
Steven. They joked sometimes, calling themselves the Three Musketeers.

The first to walk in, James observed Steven's preparations, "Why didn't you
come and get us, love? We'd have helped you get things ready," he said,
wrapping an arm around Steven's waist and giving him a kiss.

Steven breathed in his lover's scent; James smelled of suntan lotion, fresh
air and heated male, a potent combination, one his cock approved as it
twitched and thickened under his shorts.

Gerald smiled at the two of them, "I thought you were coming out to join
us? What have you been up to besides getting dinner ready?"

"I was doing a little reading, and lost track of the time." Steven
confessed, then grinned mischievously, "Actually this book might interest
you. It's a first effort by a very talented young man by the name of
Richard Hunter."

Gerald returned his grin, his eyes sparkling with pride, "Talented, huh?"

"Oh yes, it's actually quite good, but then we don't offer contracts for
mediocre manuscripts."

"I'll tell him you said that."

Gerald walked to Steven, leaned in and placed a quick kiss on his cheek. He
jerked back, surprise, embarrassment, and dismay registering on his
face. His cheeks flushed and he began to apologize.

"James, Steven, I'm sorry, I don't know why I did that," he began to back
away.

James placed a hand on his arm, halting him, "Gerald, it's ok," he told him
gently.

His arm slipped around Gerald's waist. With his other arm around Steven, he
drew them into a three-way hug. Gerald stood stiffly at first, then slowly
relaxed, his head dropping gently down to rest on James' shoulder. With a
sigh, the tension flowed out of his body. Steven smiled softly and slid his
free arm around him, his eyes meeting James' over Gerald's head. Steven
gave him an encouraging nod.

James rubbed his chin over the top of Gerald's head. Steven knew then that
this was the key.  Touch was the answer to dissolving the barrier that
Gerald had erected around himself. Steven watched his lover touch Gerald in
this simplest of ways and knew that Gerald, however unconsciously, had
opened the door. Steven rubbed Gerald's back gently, eliciting another sigh
from him.

He and James had discussed just this possibility. This simple, human need
to be touched, could unlock Gerald's heart. It was not something they had
done before, sharing their bed with anyone, but they had agreed that if
doing so would help Gerald, they were both willing and yes, even eager to
do so.

When they first met, they had discussed all the aspects of Steven's
relationship with Gerald. They had been very open and honest with each
other about all their previous experiences and love affairs. James knew,
that had Gerald not chosen to honor his engagement to Irene, that he and
Steven would very likely have stayed together. Just as Steven had earlier
thanked the divine intervention that brought James into his life, James
previously had had those same thoughts.

He could so easily never have had the opportunity to meet Steven, let alone
build the life they'd made together. But they did have a life
together. Their love was strong, solid and unshakable.  They both knew that
loving Gerald would only strengthen their commitment, each to the other.
They were determined to see this man, so good and so deserving of more,
recover and find joy again in his life. Working together, to heal their
friend, would be yet another bond between them and a proof of their trust
in each other.

Gerald's head lifted from James' shoulder as he slowly pulled out of their
embrace, "Thank you."  he said with quiet, sincere dignity, "I'm going to
get cleaned up."

After he left the kitchen, James and Steven met each other's gaze and
smiled, "It's just as you thought," James told him.

Steven took James' hand, his fingers lightly exploring the contours and
curves of it, "How could it not be?" Steven answered, "When he lost Irene,
he didn't just lose his wife, he lost his lover as well. Rick told me how
affectionate they always were with each other. Beyond a few hugs from his
children, Gerald hasn't touched anyone in months. It has to have an affect
on the psyche. It must be like going through withdrawal."

He brought James' hand to his mouth and kissed the knuckles, "It's so easy
to take everything we share for granted. Not only is that person there to
talk with and to share things with, but there are the tactile things. Not
just making love," Steven stepped back, releasing James' hand, "but simple
touches. Have you ever thought about how many times we touch each other in
the course of a day?"

James shook his head.

"I'll bet it would surprise both of us just how many touches we actually
share in that time-frame.  To suddenly have that withdrawn, the warmth,
comfort and love that each touch conveys," Steven's eyes filled with tears,
"James." he whispered, his throat suddenly constricted.

James reached out and enfolded Steven into his embrace, "It's ok,
baby. We're going to fix this. It's all right."

Steven relaxed into the comfort and strength of his lover's touch.

                                              * * *

Gerald stood under the warm shower spray, his body tense again, his
thoughts in turmoil. He could still feel the warmth and comfort of his
friend's embrace, how his body had yearned for it, and reveled in it. He
sighed, and cursed softly as he felt his cock stir.

Since Irene's death he'd not had an erection, had not experienced desire of
any kind except one.  The overwhelming desire to be with her. It wasn't
that he contemplated suicide. That was something he would never do, it was
just that he dreamed of things being as they had been before the
accident. This world that he was left in, seemed empty. He felt desperately
alone, even when he was surrounded by the love of his children and
grandchildren.

But now there was this burgeoning desire for Steven and James. He squeezed
his eyes tightly, burying his face in his hands. How could he even
contemplate such a thing? His beloved Irene was gone. How could he possibly
consider finding happiness, or even physical pleasure without her?  Even
now, his body was betraying him; his cock stiffened as that scene with
Steven and James replayed in his head.

In the darkness behind his closed lids, his thoughts strayed from
impression to impression. The scent of them, each was different yet equally
provocative. James had been warm from the sun, his scent stronger, musky
male mixed with sunlight and suntan lotion. Steven's scent was more subtle,
his fresh, clean yet masculine aroma had risen subtly with the warmth his
body exuded. It aroused Gerald senses, drawing him into the past, to a
place and time that he had reluctantly put behind him.

And when they touched him, dear God, had anything ever been so welcome? For
those fleeting moments the pain receded, the desperate anguish diminished
so far that he no longer felt like a helpless child, cowering in the dark,
crying for the one person who would make it all better. Irene, who could
not be there, who would never be there again.

He dropped his hands from his face and looked down the length of his
body. He stared at his erection as though it were some unfamiliar and alien
part of himself, something he'd never seen before and certainly nothing he
welcomed. Slowly his hand moved down and he wrapped his fingers around
himself. A groan burst from his throat as pleasure shuddered down his
spine. His breath began to speed, his hand moved, slowly stroking.

"Ah God!" he groaned.

Images of Steven, of their past, appeared in his mind, being acted out like
a play on a stage. His perspective shifted to the present, shifted to
include James. The thoughts that filled his head were shocking in their
conception, stunning for the sheer sensuality and daring of them. Another
groan was torn from his throat. He felt the familiar tingling buildup that
told him he was still very much a man.

Suddenly, wrapped in the approaching pleasure came another image. An image
of Irene as she moved beneath him, welcoming every pounding thrust of his
cock. Irene, Steven, James. Each face vied for supremacy in his mind. With
an anguished wail, Gerald pivoted and cut the flow of hot water. The shock
of the shower spray, now icy cold, sliced through the images, shredding
them like so much tissue paper. His lust disappeared as fast as his
erection. Shaking and shivering with cold, he shut off the water
completely.

Shuddering, he stood frozen for a few seconds, his eyes wide, unseeing, as
he fought to hold all his wildly careening emotions at bay. At last he
stepped slowly from the shower, and taking a towel he began to dry himself,
his expression mirroring the blank state of mind he achieved.
Automatically, he returned to the bedroom and dressed. He sat on the edge
of the bed, debating whether to wear shoes and socks. The only evidence of
his buried agitation was the occasional twitching of his fingers as they
sought to tighten into fists.

                                             * * *

James had set the dining room table, lighting some candles to enhance the
atmosphere.  Gerald had rejoined them and volunteered to help. Steven had
set him to tossing the dressing into the salad. They had exchanged several
significant looks over Gerald's withdrawn and subdued mood; he wasn't
making the slightest effort to put on a show of normalcy.

The food was carried into the dining room and they began their meal. James
and Steven carried the conversation; Gerald would not speak unless a
question was directed his way. He played with the food on his plate, eating
very little. Steven and James' own appetites were affected until the food
seemed some tasteless mass that dared them to consume it.

Steven's nerves, stretched taut, hit the breaking point. He reached out and
covered one of Gerald's hands with his own.

"Don't," Gerald told him without making eye contact.

"Don't what?" Steven asked.

"Don't touch me."Gerald elaborated, he looked up, his eyes bleak, "You
don't have the right to touch me."

"You're right, Gerald, I don't have the right to touch you. I'm just trying
to offer you some comfort." Steven told him quietly.

Gerald's face flushed, his eyes taking on a glittering anger, "I know what
you're trying to offer.  You've got no right," he snapped, "no right to
make me feel..."

"What are you feeling Gerald?" James, seeing Steven's face blanch with
hurt, decided it was time to intervene.

Gerald turned his anger on James, "And you, you're just as guilty. Trying
to make me betray Irene."

"Is that what you'd be doing, Gerald? Did Irene tell you that she expected
you to stay celibate and alone?" he demanded. Gerald didn't answer and
James repeated sharply, "Did she?"

Gerald flinched, tears sparkling in his eyes. He shook his head, "We made a
pact," he swallowed hard, tears clogging his throat, "We agreed that if
something happened to either of us, the other would go on living."

James nodded, "That was good. Irene is very wise, she loves you so
much. Did you notice that I said she loves you, present tense?"

Gerald nodded.

"That's because she's still with you, Gerald. She's an integral part of you
and always will be. You do know that don't you?" James questioned.

Gerald nodded again.

"Do you think Steven and I would ever want to change that, that we would
try to take that from you?"

He shook his head, tears starting down his cheeks. He turned to Steven,
"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." he whispered desperately.

Steven stood and went to Gerald, who buried his face in his
midriff. Anguished sobs wracked his body. James moved in behind him and
they held him between them, James massaging his shoulders and back as
Steven murmured words of comfort, his hand sliding through the thick
strands of Gerald's hair. Eventually he quieted. Steven urged him to stand
and he and James shepherded Gerald to their room.

Steven steered him into the bathroom, "Why don't you get yourself cleaned
up?.  There's some aspirin in the medicine cabinet; I think you should take
two or three, they'll help you to relax, ok?"

Gerald nodded and with a sigh, went into the bathroom and closed the door.

Steven drifted into James arms and laid his head on his shoulder, "Thank
you. I would never have found the words."

James hugged him tightly, "You would have. I've just had all that
experience at cross examining people. Gerald was trying to hide from his
feelings, and we just had to make him see them."

Steven sighed, "We should go clear the table and clean up."

"You stay here, love. I don't think he should be left alone right now."

Steven began to protest.

"Hush, don't fuss. I'm only going to throw everything in the fridge, rinse
the dishes and load the dishwasher. It won't take me long. Now do as I
say." he gave Steven's ass a light swat.

Steven smiled, "I just love it when you go all alpha male on me."

James chuckled, "Too bad I can't show you just how alpha I'm feeling right
now," he sobered, "Are we keeping Gerald with us tonight?"

"I'm going to try, is that all right?"

"Of course, but you should make it clear that nothing is expected of him."
James instructed, "I don't think he's ready for that yet, if ever."

Steven agreed. James left to take care of the cleanup. Steven sat on the
bed and listened for Gerald's movements. He heard the toilet flush and the
water in the sink running for a bit. A few minutes later, Gerald emerged
from the bathroom.

His face was freshly washed, his eyes and lips were still slightly puffy
from his tears, but he looked much more serene and in control. He looked at
Steven almost shyly, a hesitant smile trying to make its appearance.

Steven smiled in return and went to Gerald, taking him in his arms. He
sighed, laying his head on Steven's shoulder as he slowly rubbed his
back. Gerald could feel the tension drain away as exhaustion swept in.

"Ok now?" Steven asked.

"Yes." Gerald admitted quietly. He hadn't felt so at ease in months, it was
a relief to drop his guard and release the pain that had imprisoned his
heart.

"Gerald, we want you to sleep with us tonight." Steven could feel Gerald
grow tense in his arms, "We don't expect anything from you, now or ever. If
something happens or not, it's your decision, but we want you with us,
neither one of us wants you to be alone."

Gerald pulled away feeling suddenly shy as butterflies took wing in his
stomach, "Could we just sleep? I hate sleeping alone." he whispered.

"Of course we can. Why don't you get undressed and get in bed, James is
doing a quick cleanup in the kitchen and I'm going to make use of the
bathroom for a few minutes."

Gerald nodded and started undressing, pulling his polo shirt over his
head. He emerged from under it to seethe bathroom door close as Steven went
in to get ready for bed. Gerald was feeling very strange, excited, yet
apprehensive, all underscored by a weariness that dragged at him
unmercifully. He took off his shorts and folded them and his shirt, laying
them neatly over a chair.  He usually slept nude and debated for a moment
then decided to keep his briefs. They gave him a feeling of security, even
though he knew that neither Steven or James would try to force anything
from him.

He pulled back the covers of the super-size king bed and crawled in. His
mind tried to keep his body from relaxing, but was overwhelmed by the
exhaustion brought on by his emotional outburst. Gerald lost the struggle
to keep his eyes open and was asleep in seconds flat.

James returned from kitchen duty and smiled at the sight of Gerald sound
asleep in their bed. He went into the bathroom and joined Steven in their
preparations for bed. They returned to the bedroom and Steven paused.

"He always did look like an angel when he slept." Steven whispered
reverently.

James smiled, "No more than you, love."

He took Steven into his arms and kissed him soundly, throughly.

Steven emerged from his embrace, his face flushed, "You, on the other hand,
are pure devil."

James chuckled, "Just wanted to remind you who you belong to."

"As if I'd ever forget," Steven scoffed, but he wore a pleased expression
on his face.

He rounded the bed and slid in next to Gerald. James stayed on the side
nearest the door and slipped under the covers on his other side. Gerald
stirred and moved to his side, mumbling softly in his sleep. He ended up
facing Steven, snuggling against him. Steven sighed and pulled him
close. James moved in and spooned Gerald from behind. Steven found James'
hand and wove their fingers together. A few yawns later and all three were
in the arms of Morpheus.

                                             * * *

Several hours later, Gerald surfaced from sleep, his body tensing then
slowly relaxing as he felt the comfort of the tangle of limbs that
enwrapped him. A slow, joyous smile teased his lips. He opened his eyes. In
the dim glow from the bathroom nightlight, he could just make out Steven
and James.

Gerald had moved to his back. James was snuggled in on one side, Steven on
the other. Each had laid their head on his shoulders. Arms and legs draped
over him, he was cocooned in warm, human and very male flesh.

His smile blossomed as his cock began to fill. He could feel Steven,
already erect against his thigh.  James' cock was just beginning to
stir. Both men were still asleep.

Gerald turned his head to James, whispering his name. James murmured
stirring slightly then woke with a start.

"What is it, baby?" he murmured sleepily.

Gerald grinned and chuckled; he was sure James, in his sleepy state,
thought he was talking to Steven. He bent his head and kissed the top of
James head.

"Wake up, lover, I need you." he whispered, huskily.

"Ummm," James' hand began moving over Gerald's chest.

Gerald shivered and turned to Steven, repeating the procedure, gently
waking him. James and Steven soon were both fully awake and aware of who
had woken them.  James leaned up on his elbow and hovered over Gerald. On
the other side, Steven did the same.

"Are you sure?" Steven asked quietly as he gazed down at Gerald's smiling
face.

Gerald nodded, "I need to touch you," he turned to James, "Both of you."

James smiled and bent down, taking Gerald's lips in a warm, tender
kiss. Gerald opened for him and their tongues explored with a slow, languid
grace. They moaned at the exquisite pleasure of it.  When James released
him, Steven started his own explorations. Gerald returned his kiss
fervently. Together and without a word, they reached for Gerald's briefs,
pushing them down and off, their own following.

James pushed the sheet down to the foot of the bed, wanting to see the two
beautiful men sharing his bed, the two beautiful men with whom he was going
to make love.

Hands touched warm, yielding skin, caressing and arousing. Breathy moans,
murmurs of pleasure and the subtle sounds of the bed disturbed the silence
of the room as bodies shifted and combined.  The pure, rich scent of male
rut perfumed the air.

Gerald was lost to all coherent thought. His mind moved backward in time to
a place where this was the most natural and welcome order of things. His
senses were raw, open. Taste, touch, smell, sight and sound, all were
inundated, filled and overflowing with the undiluted essence of man.

A seeking mouth found his. Another found his nipples, first one then the
other, licking, nipping and sucking until he was gasping into the mouth
that held his captive. He pulled away and nearly came up off the bed when a
broad-fingered hand wrapped his cock in gentle steel and began
stroking. Another hand found his full, aching balls, rolling and squeezing
firmly, yet gently insisting. He lay panting, stunned by the exquisite
pleasure.

He felt the rock-hard lengths of James and Steven pressed against his
body. They undulated against him with a steady insistent rhythm. Gerald's
own hands moved down until he captured those throbbing poles. He was
rewarded with growls and gasps of pleasure.

The heat rose. Their sweat-slicked bodies writhed in an ancient, primitive
motion as one thought consumed their bodies and minds. The pleasure built
to immeasurable heights, growing and growing until it burst spectacularly
free.

With a deep, groaning wail, Gerald came. Thick ropes of seed, creamy white
and hot, flew from the swollen cap of his quivering cock, arching up to
land on his chest and stomach. Twin roars of release burst from James and
Steven as they both shot. Their spurting semen added to Gerald's own,
coating his shuddering body. The pleasure wrung them out, then slowly
receded, leaving a wondrous afterglow. Sated, the three of them sprawled
together as their racing heart-beats and laboring breaths resumed their
normal rhythm.

James rose up and bent over Gerald's body. His tongue slid over Gerald's
stomach causing it to quiver and tighten. Steven joined him and together
they gathered the cum that had mingled and mixed from the three of
them. Steven and James met mouth to mouth over Gerald's body and exchanged
a hot, languid kiss. They again bent and gathered the remains of the heady
fluid and this time, rising up to Gerald, one at a time they fed him their
thick male cream.

Gerald accepted their gifts, their tongues, their touches and their
love. His heart opened, beating free, unrestrained by pain for the first
time in months. Pulling the two of them close, he kissed their stubbled
cheeks.

"Thank you," he whispered, then paused. "I think I'm ready to go home now."

"Well darn," James quipped, "just when things were getting interesting."

The three of them dissolved into light-hearted chuckles.

Steven cupped Gerald's cheek, "Are you sure you're all right now?"

Gerald placed his hand over Steven's, "Oh yes," he answered, "You made me
see that trying to stop living wouldn't bring Irene back. She'd be madder
than a hornet at the way I've been acting."

"You needed time to grieve, Gerald," James told him.

"We were just afraid you were going too far, we were afraid we might lose
you." Steven whispered.

Gerald kissed him lightly, "I'm not going anywhere. I've got too much left
too do, to much to live for. My kids, my grandkids and my very dear
friends," he kissed Steven again and then James.

Steven sighed, "I don't know about you two, but I'm tired. Anyone want a
shower?"

There was a short silence.

"I want to stay here, just like this, until morning," Gerald said softly.

James and Steven nodded their agreement. James reached down and pulled the
sheet back over them. They settled down in a sprawling heap of tangled
limbs and contented sighs and again courted sleep.

                                              * * *

That same morning, after showers, and breakfast, Gerald, Steven and James
packed and left for Illinois. Steven called the company he employed to look
after the house to tell them that they were leaving. They would see that
the refrigerator was emptied and that everything else was put to rights for
their next visit. James again employed the use of the company jet, so they
were not constrained by the need for commercial transport.

There was a car waiting for them at the airport and they arrived at Dale
and Rick's all smiles and totally relaxed. Dale and Rick came out of the
house in a rush to welcome them. They were amazed at the change in
Gerald. The pale, solemn man who had left so reluctantly had been replaced
by a tanned, laughing man who glowed with health and well being.

Gerald greeted his sons, for he considered Dale his son as well as Rick,
with hearty hugs. James and Steven were also treated to hugs from Rick and
Dale. Gerald's bags were unloaded from the trunk and they all headed into
the house.

Dale quickly brewed up a pot of coffee and brought out an apple pie.

"You must have just baked this one," Gerald quipped, "Rick never wastes
time polishing off your pies."

"You're right about that," Dale answered, "he usually manages to finish one
off in two days." He gave Rick and impish grin.

"Hey, I have help, you know," Rick defended himself, "As I recall, you eat
your fair share."

The three older men looked on, amused by this bit of teasing.

"That's right I guess," Dale admitted, "As I remember, we had the last one
in bed. You were wearing it and I was eating it."

"Dale!" Rick's cheeks flushed crimson.

Gerald and James began laughing. Steven had just taken a sip of his coffee
and narrowly avoided spitting a mouth-full at Dale's outrageous remark. As
it was, he did a bit of sputtering and coughing.

James rubbed his back, "You ok, babe?"

Steven nodded, then cleared his throat, "Apple pie? We should have tried
that in Florida."

James and Gerald stared at him open mouthed and actually blushed. Dale and
Rick exchanged grins.

"Um, Dad?" Rick began, "Is there something you want to tell us?"

"No, and don't even go there son," Gerald warned. He turned a jaundiced eye
to Steven, "You should know better, now these two are going to be hounding
me for details."

"No we won't." Dale told him quietly. All eyes turned to Dale, "We don't
need to know how or why, we're just happy you're back."

Rick nodded his agreement and the moment was saved.

Gerald rose and took his boys into his arms for a three way hug, "Good Lord
above, I've missed you." He held them tightly and rocked, his eyes closed
as happiness and contentment swept through him, "It's all right,
boys. Everything's all right."

The kitchen was filled with a deep, comfortable silence. Love gathered them
into its sphere, holding them safe and warm. James and Steven looked at
each other and joined hands. Unspoken was the knowledge that their actions
had borne such shining results. They were each proud of the other and eager
to express their love for each other in private.

Gerald released Dale and Rick, "I miss her, but she's in my heart and I
know a part of her will always be with me. And with you too."

They nodded their agreement, Rick struggling to hold back the tears that
threatened. He reached for Dale's hand and found it meeting his
mid-way. Dale knew and he was there, lending his strength and love. Rick's
eyes met his and saw that love and understanding boldly painted there.  He
smiled and silently thanked God for this most treasured of men.

Gerald turned and addressed the room at large, "Who's up for a barbeque?"

There was a round of laughter and several excited yeah's. It was decided
that James and Steven would spend the night. Gerald too was going to stay
over. Rick and Dale made a mad dash to the grocery for steaks and raided
the deli for pasta salad, macaroni and cheese and baked beans. They also
bought some fresh bags of salad greens and a case of beer.

By the time they got home with their purchases, Gerald had the barbeque
ready. James and Steven had been recruited to put fresh sheets on the beds
in the room that would be theirs and the one that would be Gerald's, and
had come back downstairs to keep Gerald company until Dale and Rick got
back.

Rick and Gerald volunteered for chef's duty and barbequed the steaks, while
Dale, Steven and James prepared the rest of the food which mainly consisted
of heating what needed to be hot and putting the salad together. The table
was set and everything ready when Rick and Gerald brought the steaks
in. They served themselves buffet style from the kitchen counter and
bringing their plates to the table, they dug in.

The meal was accompanied by easy conversation and murmurs of approval over
the steak and other dishes. Although the side dishes all came from the
grocery deli, they did a good job and the food tasted wonderful. The apple
pie that had been ignored earlier when things had taken an emotional turn,
made a reappearance, accompanied by vanilla bean ice cream. Eventually
everyone rose groaning from the table with complaints of having eaten too
much.

They all pitched in to cleanup, then adjourned to the front porch to enjoy
the approaching dusk.  James, Gerald and Steven had all changed into jeans
and tee or polo shirts before the cooking began, so they were all
comfortable and relaxed as they settled into chairs on the front porch.
Rick and Dale opted to sit on the edge of the porch with their bare feet
buried in the cool, damp grass.

The five of them sat mostly in companionable silence as the light grew
dimmer with the setting sun. Darkness brought the chirping of crickets and
other night creatures. Tree frogs sang and in the distance they could here
an occasional moo and once the braying of donkey. There was general
laughter at the sound and Rick explained that their neighbor kept a donkey
along with his horses. He had a small pony cart and was occasionally seen
on the road with the donkey between the traces in lieu of a pony.

A quarter moon rode high in the sky and myriad stars made their
appearance. A light, fresh breeze, laden with the smell of green growing
things, stirred the leaves on the trees causing them to sway with a
hypnotic rhythm. It also brought a low, mysterious whisper issuing from the
surrounding corn fields.

"By George, it's peaceful out here," James observed quietly, "No wonder you
love it."

"Now that we've got you hooked on all this country charm," Gerald joked,
"you and Steven are welcome to drop in for a visit anytime."

"We'll take you up on that" Steven promised.

They fell silent, listening to the soothing sounds of the night while
watching the lights of an occasional plane as it moved slowly across the
darkened sky.

Steven yawned, "I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm ready to turn
in. We had an early start and while it's been fun, it's been long too."

James and Gerald agreed with him. Dale and Rick decided to stay up for a
while. After wishing everyone a good night and exchanging rounds of hugs,
they curled up on the sofa in the living room to watch a movie. Upstairs,
Steven and James faced a smiling Gerald.

"Are you sure you don't want to stay with us?" Steven questioned him, "You
know we'd welcome you."

Gerald's smile grew broader, "I know and yes, I'm sure," Gerald asserted,
"I love you both, and I'm so grateful for they way you helped me last
night, but I'm ok now. You two need to be alone and I'm not ready to go any
further with anyone yet."

"We understand," James told him, "If you need us, the door's open."

The three of them exchanged hugs and parted company. James was actually
secretly relieved that Gerald had opted to leave them alone. Although last
night had been wonderful and exciting with the addition of Gerald to their
bed, James found himself wanting his lover. He wanted Steven's full
attention and the closeness that happened when they were wrapped up in each
other, totally and completely. He also anticipated the tight clasp of
Steven's sheath as he moved within his warm, welcoming depths. James soon
got his way and was making sweet, slow love to his partner.

Dale and Rick came upstairs and celebrated their father's return to life
with a vigorous round of mating. Rick was determined to punish Dale for
embarrassing him earlier in the kitchen. His method of punishment was to
bring his lover to the point of orgasm again and again, stopping at the
brink until Dale was frantic and begging for release.

Rick finally gave in, only because his cock could no longer take the sweet
massage of Dale's warm, velvet-soft chute. Together they came, Dale almost
crying with relief. Rick was worried for a moment that he'd gone too far
until a drowsy and sated Dale made him promise to do it again tomorrow.

The household settled down to sleep and even Gerald, in his solitary bed,
was content. He was secure in the knowledge that Irene was with him and
that he was surrounded by the love of his friends and family. Sleep came
easily and his dreams were peaceful and serene.

The next morning saw Steven and James take their leave. They promised to
come visit again soon and offered the use of the house in Florida to Dale,
Rick and Gerald for whenever they felt the need of it. They also extracted
the promise that the three of them would come visit in New York.  After
several rounds of hugs and kisses they were on their way.

Rick, Dale and Gerald went back inside. Gerald sat at the table, looking
thoughtfully into his second cup of coffee.

"I think I'll go to the cemetery today," he told them, "I've only been the
one time. I think I'll go and spend some time there this afternoon."

"Do you want us to come with you, Dad?" Rick asked. He was clearly
concerned.

"Now don't fuss, Rick. I'm ok. I'm not backpedaling. I just thought it
might be nice to indulge in a little peaceful contemplation. You know I'm
not a church going man, but God and I have our conversations. I think it's
time we renewed our acquaintance and this will be a good place to do it,"
he revealed with simple sincerity, "I would appreciate a lift up to the
house. Normally I'd walk, but I've got to haul my luggage home."

They all made the trip to the Hunter farm, bringing in his luggage and
taking it upstairs for him.  Gerald smiled indulgently and allowed them to
mother-hen him for a bit, then shooed them out.  He went upstairs and
unpacked, laughing when he realized that most of the clothes would have to
be hauled back downstairs to be washed. After putting his other personal
items away he prepared to head downstairs with an armload of clothing. He
paused by the dresser and smiled wistfully at the sight of Irene's hair
brush. His gaze was drawn to the framed photo of the two of them. They
looked so happy and carefree as they smiled into the camera.

"The most beautiful woman in Illinois," he said softly, "I miss you so much
Rene, but I promise I won't let you down again. I'll be here for our babies
and for their babies too. Stay with me Rene, you're my strength."

He gazed at the silent picture then sighed and made his way downstairs to
start the laundry.

Several hours later he arrived at the cemetery. He walked through the
peaceful grounds, following the meandering paths that wound among the
graves. The sun was shining and a warm breeze caressed his face. He was
filled with an inner peace and knew that he needed this, needed to spend
this quiet time alone.

As he approached the site of Irene's grave, he paused in surprise at the
sight of the stranger who stood there, his head bowed. He was medium-tall,
about six feet, with dark hair liberally touched with gray. His build was
average, yet conveyed a certain strength.  Gerald couldn't see his face.
He wore a simple dark blue, long-sleeved, button down shirt, tucked into
faded jeans.  On his feet were white athletic shoes.

Gerald watched for a moment until the stranger became aware of his
presence. The man turned to face him. He seemed somehow familiar. Gerald
moved forward as he prepared to walk away.

"Wait," he called. The stranger halted, "Did you know my wife?" he asked.

The man nodded, "Yes, I knew her, a very long time ago," his voice held
infinite sadness.

Gerald felt an overwhelming need to know more, "I'm Gerald Hunter." he held
out his hand.

The man took it and gave it a firm shake,"Jack Becker," he replied.

"Becker?" Gerald questioned, then his eyes went wide, "Jack Becker? Oh my
God, Irene spoke of you so many times. She wanted so much to know where you
were."

Gerald couldn't believe that here, now, was the brother that Irene had
mourned. Jack had left home at sixteen after their puritanical father had
discovered he was gay. Irene had been three years his junior and did not
understand what was going on, only that her beloved older brother had
left. When she had questioned her parents, she was told in no uncertain
terms that she was never to mention his name again.

It wasn't until years later that she learned the reason for his
banishment. She had been outraged that her parents would throw their son,
her only brother, away so cruelly. The Becker's were not particularly
loving parents and this knowledge put an even bigger strain on the lukewarm
relationship that existed between them and their daughter.

"She spoke of me?" Jack questioned.

"Yes, she kept hoping that you might contact her."

"Then she didn't know why I left," he stated, a slight tinge of bitterness
in his voice.

"She knew," Gerald told him quietly, "she didn't care. Look, would you like
to go somewhere and get a cup of coffee?"

"You want to have coffee with a gay man?" Jack asked, skeptically eyeing
the virile specimen before him.

"Yes," Gerald said decisively, "You're gay? So what? I'm bi. I have one son
and two daughters who are straight. My son has a wife, my girls have
husbands, they all have kids. My other son is bi and married to a gay
man. We're all something. What difference does it make?"

Jack gave Gerald a slow smile that caused Gerald's heart to flutter, "I
wish everyone felt like you do."

"To me it just makes sense. Why make such a fuss about something that
shouldn't matter? Now," he asked, "how about that coffee? Or better yet,
it's getting late and I'm hungry. How about dinner?"

Jack looked deep into Gerald's, he nodded, "Dinner sounds good."

                                             * * *

Two years later, Rick was sitting at the kitchen table scanning the New
York Times. Dale stood behind him, gazing over his shoulder. Steven and
James had sent the paper, the bestseller list highlighted, the top two
slots circled.

"How about that?" Dale shook his head in wonder, "You do notice who's on
top, don't you?"

Yeah, yeah, and I'll show you who's on top later." he promised, "Dad and
Jack are gonna pop their buttons, they'll be so proud," Rick continued, his
patented grin in place, "Did you ever think we'd be seeing this?"

"Us, holding the top spots on the New York Times Bestseller List? Not in my
wildest dreams," Dale admitted. He bent down and kissed the top of Rick's
head, "Steven and James are still arriving tomorrow aren't they?"

Rick nuzzled the hand Dale had rested on his shoulder, "Oh yeah. Dad and
Jack have already got their room ready up at the house. Steven said to tell
you he expects that killer macaroni and cheese at the barbeque tomorrow."

Dale chuckled, "You know, so much has happened in the last couple of years,
some of it sad, like your mom's accident, but most of it's been
wonderful. We got your dad to meet Steven again and now he and James are
Gerald's closest friends. And the way Jack showed up when he did was
nothing short of a miracle, especially since he and your dad fell in love,"
Dale sighed, "I mean really, how romantic is that?"

Rick laid the paper down and rose from the table, "What about us?" he
questioned, as he took Dale into his arms, "Our meeting was pretty
miraculous too. And as for romance," he gave Dale a long, slow, sultry-hot
kiss, "You want romance? Come with me."

He took Dale by the hand and lead him out of the kitchen, grabbing a
blanket on his way out the back door.

"Where are we going?" Dale asked with a smile, sure that he already knew
the answer.

Rick turned back and with a grin said, "I'm going to make love with my baby
out under the trees.  Is that romantic enough for you?"

Dale forged ahead and pulled Rick with him, "Oh yeah. Hurry up, would you?"

Rick laughed joyously, "Lead on lover, lead on."

Once again, sheltered by the oaks and maples of their own personal forest,
Dale and Rick pledged their love to one another with their bodies, their
words and most importantly, their hearts.

The End