Date: Sat, 19 Dec 2015 10:27:43 -0600
From: Jack Schaeffer <jack.schaeffman@gmail.com>
Subject: Forever - Book Two - Chapter 14

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Comments welcomed: jack.schaeffman@gmail.com

FOREVER
By Jack Schaeffer
Copyright © 2014-2015. All rights reserved.

BOOK TWO - CHANGES


Chapter 14

"How are you feeling, Jack?" asked Sam, slipping into the hot tub next to
me.

"Mmmm...wonderful," I replied, sinking a little deeper into the warm,
swirling waters.

"Your butt's not too sore?"

"Nope. I feel great." I put my right hand on his thigh under the water,
sexually content - for the moment. He grinned, more than a little proud of
himself.

"I don't want to wear you out on the first day, you know," he said,
chuckling.

I closed my eyes and relaxed, giving my overworked muscles the rest they
desperately needed, one or two inside my ass in particular. I felt no pain,
only a kind of physical elation all throughout my body.

We had some time to rest before our guests arrived. Maggie was busy
coordinating the food service with the caterer. Delicious aromas wafted
from the kitchen as they performed final party preparations. Charles had
come in from tending the lawn and flower beds and set up a bar in the main
living room. A dozen bottles of champagne waited to chill in a large copper
bucket of ice water on the floor. A nearby bookshelf served as the stage
for an assortment of crystal glassware.

Sam wisely suggested we jump in the hot tub and stay out of Maggie's
way. She wouldn't let me help with anything anyway, since it was my
birthday party. She assigned Sam to keep me out of trouble.

"Did we eat all the pizza last night?" I asked. I was hungry.

"Yep. And the cookies, too."

"You ate all the cookies?"

"Well...I was busy last night. Had to keep up my strength," said Sam.

I laughed. "You were certainly busy - half the night and most of today."

"Too much?" he asked, looking at me with genuine concern.

"No way. It was perfect. The best birthday present ever."

Sam kissed the top of my head. "I love you, Jack."

"I know. And you're very good at it, Sam." He smiled and closed his eyes
again. I leaned sideways and rested my head on his shoulder as we soaked
away the fatigue of our earlier exertions.

"Can I ask you a question?" said Sam.

"You just did," I replied.

"Funny man. No, I'm serious. I need to ask you something," he said, sitting
up straighter and looking at me.

"Ask away, Sam."

"I need to know if you would...what I mean is...would you be
willing...shit." I sat up and looked at him. His pinched facial expression
betrayed his frustration.

"Sam, what is it? Tell me."

He took a deep breath. "My mother called me while you were discussing the
party with Maggie a little while ago." He stopped talking and looked deep
into my eyes, looking for answers to unspoken questions. I waited. Instead
of nodding, he looked down and went silent.

I leaned over until our foreheads touched. "You've given me everything I
could possibly want, Sam. Ask me anything and it's yours, I promise. Please
tell me what you need," I said softly.

He looked into my eyes again and took another deep breath. "Would you come
with me to visit my family?" A simple question, but I knew how hard it was
for him to ask. Jeremy Reynolds had strung him along for years, avoiding
any familial connections. Family was extremely important to Sam. This was
huge.

"I would be honored to visit your family whenever you want," I said. He
closed his eyes and leaned against me again as the tension drifted away. I
grabbed his hands under the water and squeezed them in solidarity.

"Thank you," he whispered.

After a few moments of silence, Sam slouched back against the edge of the
hot tub. I shifted my head to his shoulder again. He visibly relaxed as we
held hands under the water.

"Do they know about me?" I asked.

"My sister Kat does. Well...the fact of you. She sussed it out of me a few
weeks ago. I only told her I met someone named Jack and it might be getting
serious. I'm surprised she hasn't been hounding me for details. She doesn't
know I'm here in Denver, though. My family still thinks I'm in Hawaii."

"Why haven't you told them?" I was pretty sure I knew why, but I thought it
might help him to talk it out.

"I don't know, really. I guess...after everything with Jeremy...I needed to
know this was real, and not just wishful thinking. I couldn't put them
through all the broken promises again. It wouldn't be fair."

"To them...or to you?" I said gently. He sighed and squeezed my hand
tighter.

"To all of us," he said.

"And now?"

"Now? Now I know you're real, Jack. This isn't some crazy dream, no matter
how unlikely or fast it happened. I'm really here, with the man I love more
than life itself, and I can't imagine not being with you forever."

"Hmmm...sounds serious, Sam. I guess I better meet the `rents then, since
you're goin' all `forever' on me." I giggled. "You must really like me."

"Not even a little bit, you jerk," he grinned. I lifted my head and he
kissed me softly as we stared into each other's eyes. Forever? Fuck yeah.

"I hope your family thinks I'm good enough for you," I said, settling back
into the water.

"They will, Jack. You have nothing to worry about, I promise. They're gonna
love you." Easier said than done, I thought.

"When do you want to go see them?" I asked.

"That's why my mom called. Apparently my whole family is getting together
for the Fourth of July holiday on the Sound. It makes the most sense to go
then, if we can get away."

"The sound? What's that?" I asked.

"Long Island Sound. It's the ocean between Long Island, New York and
Connecticut, where my family lives."

"Oh. Is this a regular thing, getting together for the Fourth?"

"Kinda. I skipped it last year after the mess with Jeremy. I couldn't face
them. Anyway, my mom said we're all invited to stay with the Bertrands at
their house in Rhode Island, which is what we usually do. It's right on the
beach. My parents have been friends with them for years. They're
practically like family, too." I immediately saw a potential problem, and
in an instant, all my old fears of being outed and rejected came flooding
back.

Feeling my sudden trepidation, Sam asked, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Yes there is. I can feel it. Talk to me," he said.

"I don't want to make trouble for anybody," I said quietly.

"Trouble? How?"

"Think about it, Sam. If we're staying at the Bertrand's, where will we
sleep? They aren't going to let us room together, and I don't want to
embarrass your family or make anyone uncomfortable. We agreed we'd never
force ourselves or our relationship on other people."

"I've known the Bertrand family my whole life. They know I'm gay, and I
don't think they've ever had a problem with it."

"There's a big difference between being gay and bringing your boyfriend
home for the weekend."

"First of all, you're not my boyfriend, Jack. You're my partner. I'm not
letting anyone separate us. If there's no room for us at the Bertrands we
can find a motel somewhere nearby. I won't ask you to stay where we're not
welcome, Jack. If people can't handle us being together, we won't stick
around."

"But Sam, your family is important to you. I don't want to get in the way
of your relationship with them. I can't be the guy who makes you choose...I
can't." My muscles were tensing up, like I was spoiling for a fight. Sam
felt it through the bubbling waters and turned to me, gently stroking my
cheek.

"Shhh...relax, Jack. Everything will be fine, I promise. My
family...they'll all love you, because I love you. You don't know them like
I do. They're good people, and they've always loved me, no matter what. I
promise I won't have to choose. But if I did...I'd still choose you. You're
my family now, Jack. You and me." I grabbed his hand and held it to my
cheek, fighting back the tears.

"You have no idea how much that means to me," I whispered, choking on the
huge lump in my throat. He was offering me the chance to be a part of his
immediate family - a family that loved and respected each other, supported
each other and believed the best about each other. The kind of family I'd
never known. Surely the potential reward was worth the risks. One more
thing I needed to do afraid.

I swallowed hard and said, "Okay. When do we leave?"

Sam grinned. "I'll call Kat tomorrow and let her know we're coming. She'll
handle it from there." I had a million questions, but dropped them for
now. Sam was happy I was coming with him, which was all that mattered. The
rest would have to sort itself out.

We were both exhausted. I soon fell asleep leaning against Sam, and dreamed
I was staring deep into his fiery eyes as he speared my ass again and again
with his rock hard cock.

"Wake up!" shouted a big booming voice, scattering birds from the trees at
the edge of the pool. Sam jerked up, throwing my head off his shoulder. In
my sudden vertigo, I slipped off my seat and promptly went under water. Of
course my mouth was open at the time. I came up on my knees, spitting and
spewing, my nose burning from the chlorine.

"What the hell? Ben! You did that on purpose," I snarled as I rubbed my
eyes clear of foamy bubbles. He was squatting next to the hot tub, his eyes
laughing at my predicament.

"You guys were starting to look a little well done in there," said Ben,
grinning.

"Oh crap! He's right. Come on, Jack. We need to get out," said Sam, as he
stretched his long, muscular arms upward, then reached for our
towels. "Thanks, Ben. I guess we were more tired than we thought," he said.

"Hmmm....I wonder why?" he said with a knowing smile.

I rolled my eyes, stood up slowly, and took Sam's hand for assistance out
of the hot tub. We were wearing only our boxer briefs, now dripping wet. We
weren't exactly naked, but the clinging fabric left nothing to the
imagination. Ben raised an eyebrow.

"What are you looking at?" I said.

"Two guys who've spent the last twenty four hours screwin' their brains
out, and then nearly drowned in the hot tub." He chuckled. "You guys need
anything for the party tonight - besides pants?"

I hid my hot, blushing face behind a towel. "I think we're good, Ben," said
Sam. "Thanks again for saving us from boiling to death. Come on,
Jack. Let's get cleaned up. It's party time!" I sighed. Wrapping the towel
around my waist, I picked up my discarded shorts and t-shirt. Sam was
already through the basement door.

"Jack?" asked Ben. I spun around.

"What?"

He smiled gently. "Was it a happy birthday?"

I couldn't help it - I smiled back. "Yeah...it was."

"Good. Have fun tonight."

"Thanks, Ben." I turned around and followed Sam to our bedroom.



We showered together. Standing under the hot water, I rested my wet head
against his dripping chest, drawing on Sam's strength and confidence. I
looked up and he smiled, then reached for the shampoo.

We dressed in party clothes - casual slacks, no jeans, and dress shirts, no
ties. Sam suggested we wear our leather loafers with no socks. Worked for
me. As I straightened my shirt in the mirror and checked my teeth, Sam put
his arms around me and looked at my reflection, pressing his rigid cock
into my ass.

"I love you, little man," he said.

"I know. I can feel it back there." It was his turn to blush. I grinned.

Sam growled against my neck. "Come on, before I lose what's left of my
self-control and throw you on the bed again."

"Promises, promises," I replied.

"Oh...your ass is so mine, Schaeffer. Count on it," he said with a sexy
leer. I turned and kissed him hard. It lasted a little while, and when we
broke it off, his eyes were on fire.

"Oh, look at the time. Gotta go. Guests are arriving any minute," I said,
slipping from his grasp and heading for the bedroom door.

"You little shit! You did it to me again. Ugh!" I grinned, watching him
adjust his hard dick to a more comfortable position in his pants.



Back in the kitchen, Maggie slapped my hand when I reached for a barbequed
chicken wing from a huge platter on the island. "Stop that," she
said. "Those are for your guests."

"But I'm the birthday boy! Don't I get to eat? I'm hungry," I whined. Sam
laughed.

Maggie rolled her eyes and sighed. "Fine...here, take this and get out of
my kitchen," she said, handing me a plate with two lonely chicken wings on
it. I grabbed a fried crab cake ball and made a beeline for the living
room. Sam followed me, laughing all the way.

I was eating to combat my nerves as much as my hunger. Parties were not my
favorite scene. I didn't have the confidence or necessary social skills to
be a successful host. Sam, on the other hand, was excited, pacing around
the living room, adjusting lamps and shifting picture frames to bleed off
energy.

"Oh my god! These are delicious," I said, savoring my crab cake bite.

"I certainly hope so," said a voice behind me from the kitchen doorway. I
spun around to see a woman dressed in black pants, crisp white dress shirt,
and a dazzling smile step down into the living room. Her long blond hair
looked like spun gold under the ceiling lights. She held out her hand.

I swallowed and wiped my right hand on my pants. Classy. "Uh...hi. I'm
Jack," I said, shaking her hand. "This is Sam." Sam smiled and shook her
hand, too.

"I'm Peggy Reese. Nice to meet you both. I'm the caterer, so you liking my
food is kind of a big deal," she said.

"Well, what I've tasted so far is wonderful," I said.

"Good, I'm glad. Can I get you something else?" she asked, looking at my
plate of gnawed chicken bones. I was still hungry, but a lot of food on a
nervous stomach was a recipe for disaster.

"I'd better wait until after the guests arrive," I replied. "Did you
personally make all the food in the kitchen?"

"My staff and I. Maggie's been a huge help, of course. You have a great
kitchen for entertaining. It's bigger than my whole apartment. Instead of
passing trays, since there's plenty of room, we could stage the food on the
island. Will that work for you?"

"Sure. Whatever you think is best," I replied.

"Have you been in the food business long?" asked Sam.

"Ten years. I started out as a part time waiter and eventually worked my
way up to sous-chef for an upscale restaurant downtown. I put myself
through culinary school and when I graduated, I decided I liked the variety
of catering better, so a year ago I launched my own company."

"You must be doing well for yourself, then," I said.

"We're getting there. It's hard to be patient and put in the time, since it
takes a few years to build up a reputation. And of course, it only takes
one bad review from an influential client to destroy all your hard
work. Word of mouth is everything."

"Did you know the Franklins?" I asked.

"Who?"

"The Franklins. They were the previous owners of this house. They catered
several parties every year here."

"No, I'm sorry, I never met them. Maggie called my office last week and
asked if we could squeeze her - and I guess that means you - into the
schedule. We thankfully had an opening, so here we are."

"Hey, Schaeffer, you've got your own fun. Leave mine alone," said Ben,
walking in from the hall. Fun? "I see you've met Peggy. Peg, these guys
give you any hassle, let me know."

"I take it you two know each other," said Sam, grinning. "Perhaps you share
an interest in baseball?" Oh...she was that fun.

"Among other things," said Ben, also grinning. He put his arm around
Peggy's shoulders. She leaned into him, looking right at home.

"So...Peggy..." I said.

"Don't even start, Jack," said Ben.

"What? I was going to ask her if she needed any help during the party. Why?
What did you think I was going to say?" I asked.

"She doesn't," said Ben.

Peggy laughed. "Thanks for the offer, Jack, but I have two assistants with
me tonight. Besides, you're the guest of honor, aren't you?" I sighed and
nodded.

Maggie poked her head around the kitchen doorway. "Peggy...sorry to
interrupt, but I think the mini quiches are ready to come out of the oven."

"Oh...good. Be right there. If you all will excuse me," said Peggy, taking
the plate from my hand. She smiled at Ben, and he watched her backside very
carefully as she stepped up and into the kitchen.

"So...Ben. I'm thinking more than the Rockies scored last night," said Sam,
hugging me from behind.

Ben smiled. "I might have hit a homerun - or two." I started ticking off a
count with my fingers. When I switched to the second hand, Ben rolled his
eyes and snorted. "Seriously? It's a wonder you can stand up straight." I
grinned and shrugged my shoulders.

"How long have you and Peggy been together?" asked Sam.

"Well, I don't know if you'd call us `together'. We see each other from
time to time. We're both married to our jobs. We have a good time when we
can. No demands, no expectations. Keeps everything simple." He seemed
content with this arrangement, but his attitude made me a little sad.

"Ben, don't you want to be in love?" I asked.

"You mean like you and Sam?"

"Yeah."

"I don't know. I've never been in love - not like you guys, anyway. I've
been in two serious relationships in my life, and let's just say neither
one ended well. I really don't want to go through all that again."

"What happened?" asked Sam.

"What always happens, I guess. Or I should say, what doesn't happen. I love
my work. It's my real passion, but it doesn't leave much room for anything
else, which is one of the reasons I like it. It fits me and who I am on the
inside."

"Sounds lonely," I said.

"Sure, for some guys. But I like being alone, and the job gives me a
certain...emotional autonomy."

"Except when you want to do things you can't do alone," said Sam.

"Yeah...there's that," said Ben with a smile. "Look, I like sex as much as
the next guy, but honestly, it usually comes with uncomfortable strings
attached. Women expect the man they love to be home every night, and I'm
never gonna be that guy."

"Does Peggy know this?" I asked.

"We've talked about it. I've tried to be upfront with who I am and what I
can give to the relationship. I know what it looks like - I'm just in it
for the sex, right? Sure, sex is a big part of it, but Peggy and I have
been seeing each other for three years. I don't hook up with anybody else,
and I don't think she does either. I don't see how she could - her
schedule's tighter than mine. I care about her, and she cares about me. But
neither one of us is looking to live together or even talk to each other
every day. The pressure would tear us apart for sure. For now, this works
for us."

"Friends with benefits?" asked Sam.

"Something like that. Maybe a little more, I don't know. I just know I
don't want to screw up a good thing, and Peg is a good thing for me," said
Ben. Sam nodded. I said nothing. If they were happy, who was I to judge?

"Right. Well, enough about my social life. I'm headed down to the gate to
supervise the arrival of your guests. Enjoy the party."

"Thanks, Ben," I said.

"Later," he replied, then departed through the front door.

Just after six the doorbell rang, and Todd and Margie were the first to
arrive. She looked radiant in her red party dress. So far pregnancy agreed
with her. Todd looked like the cat who swallowed the canary.

"Jack! Happy birthday," said Margie, giving me a big hug. "It's so good to
see you guys again. Sam, thanks for inviting us." She hugged Sam and then
took a step backward and looked back and forth between Sam and me. "Oh
my. Oh yes...I see."

"See what?" I asked.

"Never mind, Jack," said Sam, quickly changing the subject. "So Todd...I
hear you're going to be a father. Way to go, stud." They high-fived. Todd
was grinning from ear to ear.

"Oh, no," said Margie. "I'm the one who has to lug this baby inside me
everywhere I go, swell up so big I can't see my feet, and then scream my
fool head off through the worst pain of my life in delivery, and Todd here
stands around, passes out cigars, and gets all the glory? I think
not...stud." We all burst out laughing. Todd shrugged his shoulders and
kept smiling. I was still trying to figure out what Margie saw earlier. Did
I have a piece of crab cake stuck in my teeth?

"Follow me and I'll show you where the food and drinks are," said Sam.

"Oh good. I'm starving," said Margie.

"Starving? You had dinner less than an hour ago?" said Todd.

"Hey...I'm eating for two now. Besides, I'll probably throw it all up
tomorrow morning anyway. I gotta tell ya, Jack, morning sickness is a
bitch," said Margie, grabbing my arm as we walked to the kitchen. I'd take
her word for it.

The doorbell rang as Margie was piling up two plates of food. Todd was her
designated food fetcher and plate holder for the evening, apparently. He
looked happy to do it. I was glad he was paying attention to her at this
special time.

Sam and I excused ourselves and went back to the front door. Sully was
standing there with a bottle of wine in one hand and an incredibly handsome
gentleman in the other.

"Sam! Jack! Good to see you again. Gentlemen, I'd like to introduce you to
my partner, Mark Olsen. Mark, this is Jack Schaeffer and Sam Wainwright."
Mark reached out and shook both our hands firmly. He had the greenest eyes
I'd ever seen. Kind of like Ben's, and almost as beautiful as Sam's. The
contrast with his gray hair was striking.

"It's so good to finally meet you. I owe you both a great debt," said Mark,
seriously. "After his lunch with the two of you, and the unfortunate
business with Mr. Turner, Sully's decided to throw open the closet doors
and publicly declare our relationship. And I can't think of a better time
to do it than tonight, with you. And happy birthday, Jack."

"Thank you. Very nice to finally meet you, too. Come in," I said, stepping
back as Sam led them to the living room. I saw Sully hand the bottle of
wine to Charles, who was manning the makeshift bar. He started mixing a
couple of drinks and Sam excused himself to rejoin me in the foyer.

"Wow! Mark's hot, for an older guy. Sully sure can pick `em," said Sam. I
smiled. I was thinking how hot Sam would be in his sixties. I can pick `em,
too.

"I'm happy for Sully. He should be free to live his life and be who he is
now. I hope they don't have any trouble," I said.

"I have a feeling Sully couldn't care less what people think about him
anymore. And Mark is no shrinking violet. They'll be fine."

Our conversation was cut short by more guests arriving. Soon we had a house
full. People were mingling and talking, eating and drinking, and having a
great time.

Will Petersen arrived with a very pregnant young woman on his arm. He
introduced Valerie Biddle as his friend - not his girlfriend, I noticed -
and I figured there was a story there, but playing host kept me from
spending much time with him to find out.

Mason came by himself, and thankfully seemed much happier and downright
jovial than when I'd last seen him. He joined Simon, who had also come
alone, near the bar. Danny brought a very beautiful young woman named
Emily. I sensed this was a new relationship - not a first date, but they
hadn't had many. He seemed somehow uncomfortable with her, which was odd,
since he always exuded extreme confidence. After a few minutes of small
talk, he took Emily's hand and led her to the kitchen for hors d'oeuvres.

Ron Albertson, my chief pilot, came up behind me and tapped me on the
shoulder. I turned and smiled. "Hey, Ron. I didn't see you guys come in."

"Jack, I'd like to introduce you to my wife, Nancy. Nancy, this is my new
boss, Jack Schaeffer." Nancy had to be approaching sixty, like Ron, but she
looked no older than forty, with golden blond hair hanging past her
shoulders and understated makeup. Her spring season dress was covered in
red and orange flowers. She looked stunning.

"It's great to finally meet you, Jack. Ron's told me a little about your
adventures. How are you liking Denver?"

"So far I'm loving it. Sam and I are settling in."

"This is such a beautiful home. Phillip and Amanda did an amazing job. It's
hardly changed from the last time we were here, has it, Ron?" He shook his
head.

"Sam and I have been so busy we haven't even thought about making
changes. Besides, I like the idea of living in her house - Amanda's
house. It's my only real connection, you know?"

"Of course. And aren't you the biggest surprise to come out of these parts
in the last fifty years," she said, lightly touching my arm. Kindness
radiated through her smile.

"Can I get you another one, Ron?" said a strange man walking up behind the
pilot. Ron turned and his face lit up.

"Gary! Hey, come meet Jack. Jack, this is Gary Johnson, Justin's
partner. Gary, this young man is the one who tells your Justin what to do."

"Ha! Good luck with that, Jack. I've been trying to get him to pick up his
dirty underwear for years with no success. Nice to meet you," he said,
shaking my hand. Sam walked up and joined us. I grabbed his hand.

"This handsome man is Sam Wainwright, my partner," I said. I made
introductions and the conversation continued. Nancy wanted details on how
Sam and I met, so we took turns telling the tale. She kept putting her hand
over her heart, hanging on every word of our young burgeoning romance.

From the words he used, it was obvious Gary was highly intelligent, and the
graying temples and fine lines around his eyes accentuated his wise
demeanor. In his late thirties, he was a partner in a large criminal
defense firm in Englewood, just south of the city. He and Sam started
discussing law school, and Sam asked Gary a ton of questions about criminal
law - what he liked, what he didn't - and what he could expect from his
first year in school.

Justin Wilson, my co-pilot and Gary's partner, walked up between Sam and
Gary and interrupted their conversation. "Sam...you movin' in on my turf?"
Sam laughed and pulled me to his side.

"Justin, he's all yours. I've got more than I can handle with this one," he
laughed, kissing me on the cheek.

Gary sighed. "He's insufferable, guys. Justin likes to mark his territory,
like some kind of animal. It's a wonder he doesn't pee on me before we
leave the house," he said, amused more than irritated. Justin's eyes lit up
as he leaned in to kiss Gary on the lips lightly.

"You weren't complaining earlier, Barrister," said Justin. He playfully
humped Gary's leg once and we all burst out laughing. Justin pointed to
Gary's cocktail. "Come on, drink up. I'm not flying tonight and you're not
in court tomorrow. Tonight, we party!"

"Fine. But I want a real drink. Come on, fly boy. Let's have some fun."
They all turned and moved toward the bar. Sam grabbed my hand as the
doorbell rang, yet again. Playing host was hard work.

Billy stepped across the threshold, picked me up, swung me around, and
kissed my cheek. "Happy birthday, Cute Stuff!" he said. I grinned. Billy
always made me feel special. "Mama...here...give me that," he said,
reaching for the large wrapped package Sharon was holding.

"You guys. We said no presents," I whined.

Sharon pulled me into a hug, which was all I ever wanted from her
anyway. "Baby...it's no big deal. Don't you worry about it. Open it
later. Now...I want you to meet my other son. Jerome White...meet Jack
Schaeffer."

Jerome was nothing like I had imagined. Billy was big - all muscle - with
flowing long hair and a presence which oozed strength and power. Jerome was
a stick. Rail thin, two inches shorter than Billy, with a buzz cut and
freshly shaved face. Where Billy's skin was the color of glossy, ebony
wood, Jerome's was much paler, suggesting a mixed racial heritage, not that
it mattered. The grease under his fingernails was the only thing hinting at
his auto mechanic vocation. So this was the man who owned Billy's
magnificent ass. Lucky guy.

"Nice to finally meet you, Jack. Billy's right...you are cute," he said,
deep dimples lining his face as he smiled. I blushed for the millionth
time.

"And this is Jack's partner, Sam," said Billy, practically pushing Sam up
to meet Jerome. They fist bumped. Jerome looked at Sam like he was sizing
him up, which was funny since Sam dwarfed him by fifty pounds and five
inches.

"Billy tells me you're a good man, and you take real good care of Jack. I'm
glad to meet you, Sam."

"Thank you, Jerome. Welcome to our home." We walked with the trio to the
kitchen. Maggie saw Sharon out of the corner of her eye, practically
dropped a tray of canapés on the island, and ran across the kitchen to
hug her. She made them each a cup of tea and Nancy joined them at the
kitchen table to catch up. Sam followed Billy and Jerome to the bar in the
living room.

I wandered around, watching my new friends and co-workers intermingle. Will
and Mason were laughing about something. It was good to see Mason
laugh. He'd been so moody lately. Danny and Simon stood next to each other,
their backs against the fireplace wall, watching Valerie and Emily
talk. The two girls seemed to have hit it off nicely. I don't know why, but
I got the distinct impression Danny was relieved to not be entertaining
Emily for the moment. Simon was still an enigma. I never knew what he was
thinking. His face revealed nothing.

I was nearest to the front door when Larry Weiss arrived a short time
later. "Larry! Wow. You're looking much better than the last time I saw
you," I said. He'd been lying in a hospital bed, hooked up to who knows how
many different machines, looking like death on a cracker. His recovery must
have been going well. He shook my hand with a healthy grip as we shuffled
inside.

"Jack...it's good to be up and around again, that's for sure. Now before I
forget, Todd told me how you insisted I be a part of the S & A team. I'm
touched, and I'll do whatever you think I can to help out, but from what he
tells me, you're doing a pretty damned good job of running things," he said
with a grin.

"Well...I'm learning as I go. Don't tell him I said this, but I know Todd
really values your input, and he's much more relaxed and focused when
you're around, or at least within his reach. If you don't mind, I would
love it if you'd continue to be there for him, in whatever way he needs
you. But only as much as you want to. Neither one of us wants to push you
into straining your heart."

"Not to worry. My ticker is getting stronger by the day, and I'm learning
how to deal with stress better. They've got me on a treadmill twice a
day. It helps Arnold Turner is no longer in the picture. I never dreamed I
was pulling you into such a dangerous situation, Jack. I'm glad nobody
really got hurt. I hope you know how sorry I am about all of it."

"Forget about it. It's over now. I'm just glad you're still with us. You've
been to the house before, I'm sure. Food's in the kitchen, drinks in the
living room straight ahead." Larry smiled and ambled toward the
kitchen. Before I could follow him, the doorbell rang again.

"Clyde! You made it. And this must be Shirley. Come in," I said, stepping
back into the foyer. Clyde's wife wore a navy blue sheath dress that fit
her perfectly, and although I really knew next to nothing about such
things, I would have sworn her hair and makeup had been professionally done
for the occasion.

"Jack, it's so nice to finally meet you," said Shirley, shaking my
hand. "Thank you so much for inviting me to your party. When Clyde told me
about Amanda's secret child, I couldn't believe it. How she kept it from
me, I'll never know. Oh my...you do look just like her," she said, her
voice catching in her throat. She reached out to touch my face, haunted by
the memories of her best friend, before she stopped her hand in
mid-air. "Oh...forgive me, Jack. I...it's just...I miss her so much, you
know?" Clyde put a comforting hand on her back.

"I understand, believe me," I said. "I never had the chance to meet her,
but I feel like I know her in some small way through all of you. She
changed everything for me, and I catch myself walking around her house,
hoping to see her or hear her voice. I'm glad you could come tonight."

"I wouldn't have missed it. Clyde, dear, would you mind getting me a
martini. I see Charles is at the bar, doing his thing."

"Of course. Jack, can I get you anything?"

"I'm fine, Clyde. Thanks." He nodded and stepped down into the living room
and made his way through the growing crowd to the bar,

"Jack...in case I don't get to say it later, thank you for what you said to
Clyde."

"Uh...what did I say?" I asked.

"I don't know exactly, but after you had lunch together a few weeks ago, he
came home with flowers from an actual florist, and ever since then he's
been getting me little gifts. He even bought theatre tickets for a show I
knew he wouldn't like, but he insisted he did. All of which is great, but
I'm telling you, I nearly had a heart attack when he offered to take me
shopping last week. And he didn't just drop me off at the door. He spent
half the day with me, and carried all my bags, and he even bought me this
pearl necklace." She ran her fingers lovingly over the strand around her
neck. "It's the kind of thing Phillip would have done for Amanda," she said
wistfully.

"Shirley, I'd love to take the credit, but honestly, I think it was all
Clyde's idea. He told me about Phillip and Amanda's love for each other at
lunch that day. Maybe remembering his friend gave him some new
inspiration."

"Well, whatever caused it, I'll take it," she said, grinning, as Clyde
walked over with her drink in hand.

"I'm sure you all know your way around. The food is set out in the
kitchen. Please help yourself. Sharon and Maggie are in there, I believe,"
I said. Clyde took Shirley's arm, and she gave me a wink. I think she even
giggled. Way to go, Clyde.

As I watched them move down the hallway, Sam suddenly hugged me from
behind. I reached up and held on to his big strong arms. He kissed the back
of my neck in my special spot, sending tiny shockwaves down my spine and
straight into my dick. I moaned.

"Having a good time?" he whispered.

"I am now," I whispered back. Sam released me, grabbed my hand, and pulled
me down the hallway and into the study. Once the door closed behind me, he
kissed me. It was soft, sweet, and filled with love. And need. His hands
casually wandered down my back and started gently squeezing my ass. Our now
hard dicks ground against each other, fighting for escape from tight
zippers barely containing them. The kissing intensified. Remembering we had
guests in the other room, I pulled back and put my hands on his chest,
catching my breath. My lips were starting to feel a little swollen. Sam had
a wide smile plastered on his face.

"Sorry, Jack. I had to kiss you. I want you so bad. What time can we throw
everybody out?" I don't know what it was - the lust in his eyes, the smile
on his face, or the love I felt beating in his heart under my hands. Or
maybe it was an overabundance of hormones and pheromones and who knows what
all else pinging around the room. Whatever caused it, the "sense and
reason" monitor in my mind suddenly went on the fritz, and I knew I had to
have him inside me immediately.

"Sam...please fuck me. Right now," I begged, sliding around to the desk and
unfastening my belt. At first he was shocked at my brazenness. Then his
eyes slanted sideways and his own lust took over. He was behind me in a
flash, my pants and underwear down around my ankles and his fingers,
covered in spit, were probing, demanding entrance. I bent over, reached
back to hold my cheeks apart, giving him better access, and willed my
asshole to relax. He used his tongue to lubricate my hole as best he could,
then he stood up and pressed his cock against it and started pushing. There
was little resistance, which surprised both of us. He was all the way in
almost before I knew it was happening, and as he pounded my hole, I could
feel my rigid dick leaking on the desk beneath me as it scraped back and
forth on the hard wooden surface.

For a second I thought about stained wood and furniture restoration
services and how would I ever explain this to Maggie, but then I refocused
on the sensations flowing from the hard cock sliding faster and faster in
and out of my ass. The nerves in and around my hole were screaming for
release from the relentless assault, pain and pleasure tripping over one
another again and again, but my mind and dick wanted more, more, more.

"Come on, Sam. Fuck me," I whispered. "Yeah, that's it. Oh fuck. Fuck! Yes!
Right there. Don't stop. Please don't stop." I pushed back on him,
releasing my dick to drop in front of the desk. Sam reached down and
started stroking me as he increased his pace. He was panting now, and I
could tell he was struggling to maintain a steady rhythm as his orgasm
approached.

"Oh fuck, Jack. Oh fuck. It's so good," Sam hissed. I squeezed my battered
ass as tight as I could against his cock. "Fuck! Oh my...fuck, you're so
tight. Here it comes, Jack. I'm gonna cum...I'm...Fuck!" As his dick
started pulsing against my prostate, my own cum started shooting against
the front of the desk, making a huge mess. I didn't care. We rode the
pleasure wave in tandem, until Sam was laying on my back, pressing me down
onto the desk. I squeezed my ass one more time, and he giggled.

"Wait here. I'll be right back," said Sam. He pulled up his pants, squeezed
his still hard dick into his underwear sideways, and fastened his
belt. With a big grin he slipped out into the hallway and was back in less
than a minute with a warm, wet towel and a dry one. I cleaned myself up
while he wiped down the desk. Thankfully it was none the worse for wear,
which was more than I could say for my ass.

"I can't believe we did that," said Sam, grinning. "You are so fucking hot,
Jack. That was fun." I took a step toward him and halted, wincing with a
sharp pain in my ass. "Are you okay?" he asked.

"I'll be fine. It's just the first time without lube...I'm a little sore
now."

"Shit! I'm so sorry, Jack."

"Don't be, please. I'm not. I wanted it. I'm the one who asked you to do
it. And I'd do it again...well...maybe in a little while." I hugged him and
he wrapped his arms around me and held me tight against his chest. Sam
leaned back and lifted my chin to look me in the eyes.

"Never be afraid to say no, Jack. Promise me you won't hurt yourself to
love me."

"I promise, Sam."

"Come on, let's get back to the party before somebody figures out we're
gone and gets suspicious."

My internal "sense and reason" switch suddenly flipped back into the ON
position. "Oh, crap. Hurry!" I said, as we snuck out of the office and back
down the hallway toward the kitchen. I realized we'd left the towels under
the desk, but hopefully no one would find them before I could sneak back
later.

Peggy was refilling platters of food on the island from the oven, the
smells making my mouth water. I was ravenous, so I filled a plate high with
a variety of tasty creations, grabbed a cold water bottle from the fridge,
then sat down and chatted with the ladies at the table. Maggie told a
couple of funny stories about parties Phillip and Amanda had thrown in the
past, and we all laughed. The more I learned about her, the more I loved
her. When Maggie spoke about the last party Amanda had hosted before her
death from cancer, I had to fight tears. At one point Sharon put her hand
over mine and squeezed it. She understood.

I smiled and quietly excused myself, setting my empty plate on the growing
pile in the kitchen sink. Peggy was consolidating platters of food and
rearranging garnishes on several trays. I gave her two thumbs up and she
grinned.

Back in the living room, Todd was hanging with Simon and Danny, discussing
of all things, dirt bike racing. Apparently straight-laced, buttoned up
Simon was quite adventurous in his earlier years, and had won a couple of
regional races in his day. Mason and Will were chatting with Billy and
Jerome about car engines and which was better, mid or rear placement. I
didn't know a differential from a transmission, so I just listened. It was
clear Billy and Mason were on one side of the argument, and Will and Jerome
were united in their opposition. I remained neutral, since I didn't really
care where the engine resided as long as there was one.

Sam was outside on the deck with Sully, Mark, Ron, Justin and Gary, so I
couldn't hear their conversation. It looked like Sully had them in stitches
about something. Larry, Clyde and Charles were standing by the bar,
reminiscing about Phillip and other friends they'd lost over the years,
while Emily and Valerie, looking for all the world like new best friends,
were sitting on a couch, chatting about some romantic comedy TV show they
both liked, which I had never seen. Margie was standing by herself next to
the fireplace, nibbling some food, so I decided to keep her company. She
smiled as I approached.

"So, Jack...has Sam gotten you pregnant yet?" she asked.

" Margie!" I said, frantically looking around, hoping no one overheard
her. "How can you say things like that?"

"Relax, Jack. You should see your face, it's priceless," she grinned,
touching my forearm. "It's all good, honey. Girls see things, notice
things. That's all."

"Like...what things?" I said, taking a sip from my water bottle.

"Like how you have this I-just-got-fucked glow all over you." I inhaled
sharply and starting choking. I managed to quickly regain my composure, but
I'm sure I still looked horrified. She just stood there smiling at me.

"Jack, relax...and breathe. Hey, I'm happy for you. You and Sam should be
having fun together."

"Does it really show?" I whispered.

"So you admit you've been doing the nasty?" she teased. I blushed all the
way to my toes, but I did nod slightly.

"Good for you. And no, Jack, it's not like you have a flashing sign on your
forehead. I didn't mean to embarrass you. I'm sorry."

"It's okay. I'm getting more comfortable with people knowing we have
sex. It's just...I don't want it be a thing, you know?"

"Hey, it's nobody's business what you and Sam do together. If you want to
fuck like bunnies morning, noon, and night, I say go for it." This time I
spewed water all over the brick fireplace wall. Oh my god! The woman had no
filter. None.

I wiped my mouth, totally embarrassed. Margie ignored my expulsion and
continued. "You see Danny and the girl he brought - what's her name? Emily?
Nothing happening there. I can tell. There is zero chemistry. They haven't
looked at each other most of the evening, and they're in the same room. And
Will and Valerie? I don't know who she is, but she is definitely not with
him. They are just friends, for sure."

"How do you know?"

"I don't know, I just...know. I'm usually right, though. Just watch." I
studied the room for a moment, following my guest's eyes. I caught Todd
looking across at us several times. He was clearly keeping an eye on
Margie. Sam looked at me through the bay windows from the deck, winking and
grinning when he caught me watching him. Danny never looked at Emily, and
Will didn't look at Valerie. Interesting.

"I was surprised Will came with someone. And even more surprised it was a
girl," I said, without thinking.

"Why? Did you think Will was gay?" I shrugged. "Is that your gaydar or
something?"

"Hardly. I don't think I have one. I don't know. It was just a sense, from
some of our conversations."

"Well, I can tell you he is definitely not gay," she said with finality.

"How do you know?" I asked, now thoroughly intrigued by her gifted
observations.

"Because he's spent the whole evening with his eyes glued to the caterer's
ass. He follows her every move. And I've seen him adjust his crotch after
she leaves the room, too. You know what that means," she said nonchalantly.

"Are you for real? You notice stuff like that?" I asked, feeling even more
self-conscious.

"Please! Guys are so obvious. We girls start noticing male behavior in
middle school. How else would we know if a guy's interested in us? It's not
like you know how to speak." I chuckled.

 We continued to watch the room together, observing people's
conversations. At one point Valerie leaned in to whisper in Emily's ear,
and the two of them stood up and left the room.

"Where do you think they're going?" I asked quietly.

"Where do two women usually go when they leave a social gathering
together?" I looked at her, clueless. "To the ladies room, of
course. Valerie's at the stage where her bladder is being flattened like a
pancake. She probably can't be more than ten minutes away from a
toilet. Not looking forward to that."

"You are excited about the baby though, right?"

"Of course. I know Todd's not happy about the timing, what with everything
happening with your company and all. But let's be real - there's always
going to be work to do, right?"

"I agree. I told him he had to make every doctor's appointment and birthing
class or he was fired." She laughed.

"Thank you, Jack. I appreciate it. I thought it was odd when he texted me
out of the blue yesterday and said he was meeting me at the clinic."

"He wants to be there, Margie. I know he does. But he gets his identity and
energy from his work, so we're gonna have to help him balance work and
family better." She looked at me sideways.

"My turn to ask - are you for real? You'd put my family ahead of your
business needs?"

"What do you mean `your family'? You and Todd are my family, too. And yes,
family comes first. Besides, like I told Todd, there's no way to stop him
from doing what he does best. And would you really want to?"

"No. I've seen him get so excited when a deal works, or when he solves a
particularly thorny problem. Hell, even making travel plans for you and Sam
gets his motor going."

"Yeah, well, that's going to have to change. He has too much on his
plate. I need to find an assistant who can take care of me and my personal
stuff and free him to do what he really needs to do - run my company. We
need an office manager, too. Hopefully someone who knows HR as well."

"Damn! If I wasn't pregnant I'd throw my hat in the ring for the job," she
said with a sigh.

"What? Why?"

"That's what I do. My degree is in human resources management and
organizational behavior. I'm the office manager for a public relations firm
in Aurora. For all practical purposes I keep the company running while the
principals sell their services and design PR campaigns. But once I have the
baby, I won't be able to keep working regular office hours."

"Couldn't you work from home?"

"I wish. We talked about it a year ago, when a few local companies made the
news by launching telecommuting initiatives. We even did a PR campaign for
one company on a quest to be ranked as one of the best places to work in
Denver. They tried telecommuting, but it totally bombed. They found out the
hard way productivity tanked when their consultants didn't have someone
keeping an eye on them. It really takes self-motivated, disciplined people
to work from home."

My mind switched into high gear. Margie working for us was a perfect
solution to several problems - if we could find a way to work around her
pregnancy and future child care. "How big is your office now?" I asked.

"Twelve principals, five assistants, and three clerks. Oh, and one
practically useless receptionist."

"What happens if you have a sick day or vacation day?"

"Are you kidding? There's no such thing. If I'm sick enough to not come
into the office, then, and only then, I get to work from home. I still have
to do payroll, review campaigns, track projects, coordinate with
accounting, run staff meetings, and referee the odd office squabble. I
could do most of it from my laptop computer and a cell phone, but I do
agree there are some things you can't do very well remotely. Why?"

"Okay, hear me out. Let's say you come work for S & A. You'd be the office
manager, and you'd have those same responsibilities. I'm more than willing
to work around the pregnancy, doctor's appointments, the birth, maternity
leave, whatever. After the baby is a few months old, and you want to, come
back and work with us, some from home, some from the office, whatever works
for you. In fact, we should have day care services in the building. You
could help me set it up. As the owner of the building, it would be a great
service to offer our tenants. And you and Todd could see your kid anytime
you wanted. Look, I know there's a ton of details to work out, but what do
you say?"

"Are you serious?"

"Yes. Very."

"I'd have to talk with Todd about it first. When do you need to know?"

"We're meeting Monday to put a hiring plan in place. An office manager is
at the top of the list."

"Wow, you move fast. Okay, I'm not gonna lie, I'm interested. But I don't
know if Todd will be cool working with me all the time. I have to think
about my marriage, too, you know. I don't know if we'll work well
together."

"Sure, I get it. Talk it over with Todd, and let me know."

"Jack...thank you. Even if I don't take you up on it. Wow! This is big."
And just like that she started tearing up. I looked for some Kleenex as she
wiped at her eyes. Todd saw her out of the corner of his eye and came
straight over to us.

"Honey, what's wrong?" he asked, concerned.

"Nothing's wrong. I'm pregnant, dammit!" She was smiling and crying at the
same time. Women.

I left Todd and Margie alone to work it out and went looking for Sam. He
was no longer out on the deck with the other guys. Then the doorbell
rang. Odd. Everybody we'd invited was already at the party. Sam appeared in
the hallway and beat me to the door by a few seconds. When he pulled it
open, my mouth dropped open.

"Andy? Mike?" I said. The doctors from the free clinic in Texas were
standing on my front porch. "What are you doing here?"

"Uh...can we come in?" asked Mike.

"Oh...yeah, yeah. Come in. Sorry...I'm just...I had no idea you were
coming. Sam, you wanna tell me what's going on?" I asked. He was grinning
at me.

"I hope you don't mind, Jack. But I thought it would be cool to get these
guys up here for the party, so...I asked Ron and Justin to fly down this
morning and bring them up on the plane after their clinic hours were over."

My answer was to kiss him. "I don't mind. Thank you," I said.

"Sorry we're late, Jack," said Andy. "We were at my folks for dinner." Mike
grabbed Andy's hand and kissed him on the cheek.

"Let me guess," I said. "Your dad and mom were totally cool with Mike."

"Yeah. You were right. It was...amazing. My dad...what he did for me..."
Andy choked up, and Mike put his arm around his lover's shoulder.

"Mr. Munroe welcomed me into the family with open arms. He even told me to
call him `Dad'. Can you believe it?" said Mike.

"Jack...Sam...how do we ever repay you guys for what you did?" asked Andy,
after regaining some emotional control.

Sam spoke up. "Easy. By doing what you already do - serving and helping the
people in your community. There's nobody better for the job, and it's
obviously a huge need."

"Thanks. But not everyone thinks the way you do," said Mike with a
frown. Andy squeezed his bicep.

"Should we tell them?" asked Andy.

"Why not? What could it hurt? The whole world will know by the end of the
month."

"Uh oh. Sounds like you guys have a story to tell. Come on. Let's get a
bite to eat and something to drink and find a comfortable spot to talk,"
said Sam. They both declined food, but did accept mixed drinks poured by
Charles.

"Nice to meet you guys," said Charles. "Jack and Sam had quite the
adventure down your way, eh?"

"You could say that," said Andy with a smile. Sam and I sat down on one
couch while Andy and Mike sat next to each other on the couch across from
us. Our other guests, aware in one way or another about our connection to
the doctors, started gathering around, and we did another round of
introductions. Half way through, the ladies arrived from the kitchen,
Valerie and Emily reappeared, and Sully and Mark came in from the back deck
after looking over the grounds. Everyone was all ears to hear the story
Andy and Mike had to tell.

"I don't know where to start," said Andy.

"Tell everyone what you do," said Sam. "Then take it from there."

Mike and Andy took turns telling their story, how they became doctors, how
they met and fell in love, and how they kept their love a secret as they
tried to run a free clinic together in the most destitute of places. They
spoke of the challenges and rewards of their work, and shared a few success
stories of lives literally saved through their clinic. Then they told how
Sam, Todd and I had come down to try and warn them about Arnold Turner and
his unsuccessful attempt to kill Andy and me.

"After you guys left, the townspeople rallied around us," said Mike. "They
really don't care about our relationship. It's a non-issue. Most of them
are so grateful we're there at all. But then we started hearing
rumblings. Apparently there are one or two community leaders who aren't too
keen on a couple of gay doctors caring for their neighbors and friends. One
of them called the Salus Society, the mission which provides all of our
funding. Long story short - they've pulled the plug. No more support. We've
been instructed to cease operations at the end of the month."

At first there were general grumblings and whispered disdain in response to
this news. Then Danny erupted. "Of all the asinine...bone headed...what
were they thinking? Don't they know they've just ended medical care for
most of the people in the town?"

"I think they believe once we're gone, the mission will bring in different
doctors to replace us, which they might. We don't know anything, because
they won't speak to us," said Mike.

"Who won't speak to you?" asked Sam.

"The people at the Salus Society. After we received the registered letter
notifying us of the defunding, we tried to call several times. As soon as
we say who we are, whoever is on the phone says they are sorry, but no one
is available to speak to us."

"Where are they located?" I asked.

"Oklahoma City," replied Andy.

I stood up and pointed to Simon. I didn't have to say anything. He stepped
away, opened his smart phone, and started searching for information. I
pointed to Mason. "Everything you can find on the Salus
Society. Financials, education, affiliations, whatever. Danny, on Monday
I'm gonna need an understanding of the tax issues surrounding non-profit
businesses and how best to fund them. Will, we'll need to get into the
legal structure of the mission and their decision to shut down the clinic's
operations. Something doesn't sound right." I looked at Todd and he nodded
to me. I guess he was cool with what I was doing so far. Sharon smiled and
Billy winked at me. I turned my attention to the doctors.

"Okay, guys, question time. Who controls the building, the drugs and the
equipment? All the stuff you use at the clinic? And are you employees of
the Salus Society, or self-employed?"

Andy looked like he was in shock, hanging on Mike's left arm with both
hands as I issued marching orders to my team. Mike looked at me for a few
seconds, confused at first, before answering. "Self-employed, I guess. We
have our own company. I mean, we pay ourselves, out of whatever is left
over of the budgeted income at the end of the month, so it varies. We don't
get a paycheck from the mission, if that's what you're asking. They do,
however, provide ninety-five percent of our income. It goes directly into
our business account, I think quarterly. You'd have to ask our
accountant. She's in El Paso." I nodded to Danny, and he put the name Mike
gave him into his phone. I knew he'd be talking with her first thing Monday
morning.

Larry spoke up. "Jack, if I may?" I nodded. "If I'm understanding
correctly, it sounds like this clinic is legally operated by the doctors'
company, which means it's not being run by Salus. If that's true, then they
don't have any legal authority to shut the clinic down. All they can do is
turn off the money spigot."

"I'm assuming you lease the building from which you operate your clinic?"
Clyde asked. Mike nodded. "Do you remember when you signed the lease, did
you use your company's name, or did the Salus Society establish the lease
for you?"

"We used our company. The Salus Society gave us guidance on what we needed
to do, but we did all the leg work. When we started this venture, Andy and
I first met with the accountant and she helped us establish the
company. Then we had to find the location, lease it, get all the necessary
county permits and licenses, and find help in fixing up the building so it
could function as a clinic. Once Mariana was on board, she helped us find
people who could do all the little things here and there to make it what it
is today. To be honest, the townspeople are the ones who built the clinic,
not us. Which is why it's so infuriating that people who've never stepped
foot in the clinic to even see what we do, can shut us down now."

"I think the point is, they can't," said Sam. "What Jack's team is going to
do is determine what the Salus Society can and can't do legally to
interfere with your clinic. But from the sound of it, it's looking like all
they can do is not give you any money."

"But...without the money from Salus, how will we function? Our patients
have nothing," said Andy.

"Give me a few days, but I think I can safely say my team will be able to
re-establish your funding by the end of the month," I said, looking at
Todd, who nodded with a huge smile.

"And I would like to look over the paperwork establishing your business
entity, make sure you aren't missing anything from a legal perspective,"
said Clyde. Shirley looked at him, beaming with pride.

"And I'll speak with your accountant on Monday and see if we can offer any
assistance to her, as well," said Danny. Simon looked up from his phone.

"Excuse me, but...who owns the building where the clinic is located?" he
asked.

"Myron Davidson. He owns half the real estate in Hudspeth County. I guess
it helps he's the County Clerk, as well," said Mike.

"Do you know who it was who tipped off the Salus Society about the two of
you?"

"Not exactly, but Mariana thinks it was either Myron or his brother,
Aaron. He owns the other half of the county."

"I see. When does your lease end?" asked Simon.

"Um...I don't know. I'm pretty sure it started in June. I remember because
it was insanely hot, and we joked we were nuts to set up shop in the
desert. Mariana called us a couple of light weight gringos," said
Mike. Andy smiled weakly.

"Do you have to renew it every year?"

"Well...it sort of just carries over, I think. Unless our accountant does
it. She has the authority to sign papers for the company, too."

"So we could have a problem," said Simon.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"If this Myron Davidson was the person who outed Mike and Andy, he might
pull the lease at the end of the month if he thinks they aren't going to
leave on their own. It would be good to have some options, just in case."

"Options? What are you saying?" asked Mike.

"He's saying we need to be prepared to somehow convince Mr. Davidson to
leave the two of you alone and let you continue to operate your clinic in
his building," I replied.

"That shouldn't be too hard," came a thin voice from somewhere behind
Billy. Sharon turned sideways and pulled Jerome forward.

"Speak up, baby," she said. Jerome looked like he would rather drink motor
oil than speak up, but he swallowed and continued.

"Well...I mean...you said he was the...what was it? The county clerk?" Mike
and Andy both nodded.

"Isn't that an elected position?" asked Jerome. More nodding all around the
room. "So...you just remind him that a large number of his constituents
make use of the clinic, and how it would be a shame if in the next election
his opponents found themselves flush with a large campaign war chest and
hundreds of human interest stories about all the good the clinic has done
for the community. You know...the one he single-handedly shut down." Billy
squeezed him hard from behind and Jerome laughed. Sharon kissed his cheek.

"That'll work," said Margie. "Believe me, the one thing politicians hate is
negative press. And I'm pretty sure I know a few of the reporters in the El
Paso market. A well placed word here and there could generate some interest
in local county politics. Who knows what they could discover if they looked
hard enough." Margie was back to playing hard ball. I so wanted her on my
team.

"Jack...could I say something?" asked Sully. I nodded. "I've known Andrew
since he was in middle school. I've watched him become a fine young man, a
gifted doctor, and together with Michael they're trying to make a
difference in this world. I'm sure I speak for all of us in this room that
there isn't anything any of us wouldn't do to help in their cause." Heads
nodded and murmurs of assent echoed around the room.

"Now, I've been in business for more years than most of you have been
alive. And I know a thing or two about running a business and handling
finances. I'm proposing Larry, Clyde, Mark and I form a board of advisors
for your medical practice. We can help you manage the business side of
things while you tend to the real work - saving lives. And Andy, I think
your father might want to play a part as well." Andy looked at Mike, then
stood up and walked over to Sully and threw his arms around the old
man. Sully wiped away a tear as he held Andy tightly. I knew he thought of
Andy as the son he'd never had.

As we all absorbed this tender moment, more than a few eyes glistened with
tears, my own included. It was heartening to see everyone rally around the
doctors and offer to help, but the whole scene killed the party
atmosphere. Maggie, standing next to Charles near the bar, whispered
something to him and he nodded. She stepped over behind Sam sitting next to
me and whispered something in his ear, causing him to smile and look at me
with a twinkle in his eye. She turned and headed to the kitchen. Ben smiled
at me from the kitchen doorway as Peggy left his side to join Maggie.

Sam stood up from the couch. "Everyone, can I have your attention," he
said. The murmuring conversations around the room ceased. "First, thank you
all for supporting Andy and Mike and the important work they're doing. I'm
sure they will appreciate all the help they can get." Mike and Andy nodded,
relieved of carrying the burden alone.

"But right now, we have something else we need to do. Jack, would you
please stand?" My stomach lurched. What was he doing? I stood slowly,
feeling every eye in the room land on me. Sam grabbed my left hand and
squeezed it tightly to reassure me. Charles started handing out glasses of
chilled champagne. I noticed the two pregnant women declined. Sam took one
and handed another to me. I looked down into the glass, my trembling hand
causing small ripples in the pale golden liquid.

"We are all here tonight because of one man. In totally unexpected fashion,
he has intersected our lives and made each of us better for the
experience. I think it's true of all of us when I say we will never be the
same again."

"Here, here," came a chorus of voices around the room.

"When I first met Jack..." Sam's voice cracked and he stopped for a second,
then swallowed hard and continued. "When I first met Jack, just a few short
weeks ago, I was lost and in pain. I didn't think I could ever feel love
again. But his kindness, encouragement and friendship restored my hope, and
I couldn't help it - I fell in love with the guy." I sighed and buried my
face into his shoulder for a few seconds.

"I know Jack cares deeply for every one of you. We both think of you as
family, not just our friends and colleagues, and I know there is nothing
Jack wouldn't do for any of you. So...it's only fitting that tonight, we
celebrate the man who has already changed our lives for the better." He
raised his champagne flute, and everyone else did the same.

"To Jack Schaeffer...the man with the biggest heart I've ever known, and an
even bigger vision to change the world."

"To Jack!" yelled Billy, and everyone laughed, clinking glasses and sipping
champagne. Sam touched his glass to mine, looked into my eyes, and the
tears I had been valiantly holding back burst over the dam. He tenderly
wiped them away with his fingers, his sparkling blue eyes locked on
mine. For a few seconds, everyone and everything else disappeared and it
was only the two of us standing there. It was a moment I would never
forget.

Someone tapped me on the shoulder, and I turned to face Sharon. She said
nothing, the tears on her face conveying all. She pulled me into a hug, her
mother's love flooding my heart. Billy came over and handed us both some
Kleenex, then he picked me up and literally carried me into the kitchen,
everyone following us, laughing at my useless protests.

On the island rested a large sheet cake covered in white icing, with blue
piping almost the color of Sam's eyes spelling out my name, declaring this
was indeed my birthday cake. Twenty-five white candles blazed, scattered
across the top in no discernible pattern. Billy set me down on my feet
again, gave me one last squeeze, then stepped back to allow Sam to take my
side. Somebody started singing "Happy Birthday" and all the other voices
joined in, most of them way off key, but there was no mistaking their
enthusiasm and joy in the celebration.

It was an odd moment for me. Staring into the candle flames, I realized
these people filling my kitchen were diverse in so many ways, yet each one
had contributed in some way over the past couple of months to my
transformation. A transformation from a frightened young man devoid of any
self-confidence or sense of value, to the new me - a semi-confident man
with his lover's arm around his shoulders and a renewed hope I could make a
difference in the world. I actually mattered to these people. They were
celebrating me, and while my mind didn't fully comprehend why they would,
there was no denying it felt good. Maybe birthday parties weren't so bad
after all.


Author's Note:

Jack has come a long way on his journey into his destiny, helped by some
great friends, a growing new family, and of course, his Sam. Will Sam's
family accept Jack? Will Margie come to work for S&A? Who is Valerie and
why is she hanging out with Will? What exciting things will happen to Jack
and Sam throughout the coming summer? Stay tuned...

Thank you to my editors, who are masters at their own craft. And thank you
especially to the readers of Forever, the whole reason for doing this thing
I've come to love called writing. Please keep your comments and feedback
coming. I love hearing from all of you: jack.schaeffman@gmail.com