Date: Thu, 16 Jan 2003 19:50:21 -0600
From: pns kid <pnskid61@hotmail.com>
Subject: Sojourn 23-24

The story below is a work of fiction and contains erotic and/or sexually
explicit behavior between consenting males. If you find this type of writing
offensive, or if you are underage and it is illegal to view it, please do
not read further, but exit now.
The author reserves all copyright privileges. This work may not be
reproduced, except for personal use, without permission of the author, and
may not be linked to any pay sites.

AUTHORS NOTE - Hi guys.  I am settled back in the US.  Good to be back home.
  Thanks for all the kind emails.  As I have mentioned before, this is my
first attempt at this so your comments have been very helpful and
motivating.  Please feel free to send me an email with you thoughts about
the story.

Chapter Twenty-Three

The new family settled into a routine.  Sarah and Adam were fast becoming
best pals.  Sarah was wonderful with Adam.  She had nephews back in England
and it was clear she was probably their favourite Aunt.  Adam was becoming
more relaxed in his new home.  It was almost as if he had forgotten about
the past.  He had no problem calling Rick, Daddy, and he seemed to love
Rick.  Rick was getting some sleep and was starting to look like himself
again.  But he was missing Ethan and didn't know how it was going to go with
Ethan.  He wanted Ethan back in his life but he couldn't, and wouldn't
burden Ethan with a ready-made family.

Ethan had found him absorbed in farm life.  He awoke every morning at 5am to
help Jane with the animals and chores around the farm.  He would have a
"full English" breakfast with Jane about 9am and then he would take the dogs
out for a hike.  He would go for a long walk on the Moor and end up at the
pub for lunch.  The pub, Warren Inn, was fantastic.  It had two fireplaces,
a pool table, dart board, and was filled with hikers and locals.  The fire
in the pub had not been extinguished for 150 years.  Ethan had ideas about
throwing water on it just to see what would happen.  But this was the type
of story that made this area great.  Flowers on graves, monsters living in
the moor, fires that never went out, Hounds of the Baskervilles, and so on.
After a pub lunch, he and the dogs would hike back to the farm.  The dogs
were "knackered" and would curl up in tight balls and go soundly asleep.
Ethan would read, nap, and talk with Sarah every afternoon (morning in the
US).  Then he would usually go out to one of the villages for a dinner in
one of the pubs and then back to the farm and sound asleep by 9pm.  He was
leaving the next day for Mobile and then home to Pensacola. He was always
sad when he left the farm.  But he knew that he had something important to
do when he got back.  He had to find out what had happened with Rick and get
him to come back.

The day had arrived.  The sun was shining and it was very hot.  It was July
in Florida. The humidity was thick enough to cut with a knife.  And Rick's
stomach was in knots.  Sarah, Adam, and Rick planned to be at Tranquility by
6pm.  Sarah had talked with Brian and A-1 was due to land in Mobile at
530pm.  Sarah planned to take Adam to Chuck-E-Cheeses while Rick and Ethan
talked.

Ethan arrived in Exeter at 1130am after an emotional farewell to the farm.
Emotional for him anyway as Jane never showed any emotion other than
frustration.  He saw A-1 shining in the midday English sun.  It always took
his breath away.  Brian greeted Ethan in the hangar and said they had a
2:30pm takeoff slot.  With a 9 hour flight, they would arrive Mobile about
5:30pm.  Rick had a couple of hours so he took the car and ran to Tesco, one
of the major grocery stores.  He stocked up on supplies for Sarah.  Branston
Pickle, Bisto gravy granules, tea bags, chocolate digestives, and so on.
How she ate some of this stuff he would never now.  He then went to Marks &
Spencer and Waterstones, more to kill time then to buy anything.

Ethan was back at the airport and onboard A-1 at 2:15pm.  As usual, A-1
turned onto the runway and jumped into the skies - right on time.  Ethan was
very nervous about what was facing him.  Where was Rick?  What had happened?
  What could be so bad that would cause Rick to leave him?  How could he
ever repair whatever he had done?

The Destin gang loaded up in Sarah's rental car and took off towards
Pensacola.  At the same time, A-1 was crossing out of Georgia into Alabama
and was starting the slow descent to Mobile.

After a beautiful landing, Ethan thanked Brian and the rest of the crew for
a fantastic flight and went to the hangar, got in the 740i, and started
towards Pensacola.

The drive was quick and uneventful. He parked in his reserved spot, felt his
heart sink when he saw that the 328 had not been moved, went to the
elevator, pushed PH.  He then took out his keys and opened the door.  He
went inside, dropped his bags and went to go out on the balcony. He loved
the view from the balcony.  As he was opening the door to the balcony, he
heard a voice.

"Ethan, I have missed you".

Ethan stopped.  Sure he was hearing things, wanting to believe it was really
Rick, but afraid to turn around to verify it wasn't real.

"Ethan, it is me.  I have missed you and we have so much to talk about."

Ethan turned and saw Rick.  No matter how many times he saw him he still got
weak in the knees.  This man was his soul mate.  He had felt things for Rick
that he had not felt for anyone before.  His heart ached.  His mind reeled.

"Rick, what are you doing here?  Where have you been?  Why did you leave?
What did I do?  Oh God, I don't know what I am saying", Ethan sputtered out.

Rick walked up to Ethan, took his hand in his, and said, "We have a lot to
talk about.  You didn't do anything wrong.  I want you to hear me out.  Just
listen.  Then we can talk about what is next.  Can we do that?"

Ethan was still reeling but agreed.  They sat on the sofa, facing each
other.  Rick held Ethan's hand as he began to tell the story.  It was almost
word for word what he had told Sarah.  Rick kept looking for a reaction in
Ethan's face.  He didn't see one for the longest time.  Then he did see one.
He saw anger.  This was not something he had seen in Ethan before.  Rick was
sure Ethan was mad at him and that things were going to be over.  Rick's
heart was sinking.  He stopped the story without mentioning Sarah's arrival
and her help during the past week.

When Rick finished his tale, Ethan stood up and went out on the balcony.
Rick sat on the sofa and waited.  15 minutes, then 30 minutes.  Finally
Ethan came inside.  He looked angry and Rick was afraid.

Ethan sat down and took Rick's hand.  "Rick, thank you for telling me.  I am
not going to turn this into something about me but I do have to say a few
things.  I am hurt that you didn't feel we could work through this together.
  I do not view you as a charity case so I am insulted by your concerns
about me feeling obligated.  I have told you before and damn it, I mean it,
I view as my partner, my equal." Ethan's voice quivered with anger.

This was the side of Ethan Sarah had warned about.

"Furthermore, I am angry and I don't know who to be angry at.  No kid
deserves what has happened to Adam.  This type of shit makes my blood boil.
Gay men with good character, steady jobs, and loving hearts can't adopt kids
simply because they are gay.  Meanwhile, just because two people know how to
fuck they can have babies and then treat them like shit.  I am furious.
Adam didn't do anything wrong to anyone.  And as far as his grandparents go,
they can rot in hell."

Rick was stunned.  He didn't know what to expect but he didn't expect this.
He had never seen Ethan angry before.  Ethan's face showed absolute anger.
But then, something happened.  Ethan's fists clenched and he started hitting
the sofa.  His eyes were filled with rage and now tears.  He started
yelling, "it isn't fair, he is just a kid, it isn't fair."

The anger subsided and Rick sat still.  Ethan looked up.  The anger was
gone.  The tears were now coming down his face.

"Rick, I love you.  I want to be your partner in this.  I would be so
pleased if you would allow me that honor.  He is your son, you are the boss.
  But know that I will be there with you.  Please Rick.  Let me help."

"Ethan, I am not here to ask you for your help.  I am not here to guilt you
into doing something.  I wanted to tell you what has happened, to let you
know that you didn't do anything wrong, and to hope, well, I don't know what
I hope" Rick said.

Ethan leaned over, took Rick's face in his hands, and looked him in the
eyes.  "It is not possible for you to guilt me into doing something I don't
want to do.  I love you, I want to be with you, isn't that enough?"

Rick looked into those beautiful blue eyes that he fell in love with, and
then leaned in and kissed Ethan.  He then said, "You loving me is more than
anyone could ask for.  But I now come with a little one at my side.  It is a
lot to ask"

"I want you and Adam by my side.  We are a family, or we can be," Ethan
said.

Silence filled the room.  The emotion was thick.  Nobody moved.

Rick looked into Ethan's blue eyes, leaned towards the man that he loved,
and kissed Ethan.  Hard, with all the emotions boiling inside him for the
man he loves.  They broke the kiss and then said in unison, "I love you.
Jinx on you.  No jinx on you."  They then broke down laughing.  Neither of
them had laughed in a long time and it felt good.

There was noise in the hall. The door opened and a blonde blur went racing
through the condo to Rick.  Adam jumped into his Dad's arms and hugged his
Dad tightly.

"Daddy, Daddy, Aunt Sarah and I had a good time.  She is fun."

Rick said, "Honey I am so glad, I hope you were a good boy.  I want you to
meet someone.  Adam, this is Ethan.  He is one of Daddy's best friends.  He
is a great guy and I think you will really like him."

Ethan said, "Hi Adam, it is great to meet you", and extended his hand for a
handshake.

Adam said, "I am a big boy, I can shake hands."  With that he shook Ethan's
hand with some dramatic up and down arm movements.

Rick saw it.  Sarah saw it too.  Ethan melted.  At that moment, he was
hooked.

Ethan turned and saw Sarah in the door, "So you must be Aunt Sarah?  So you
arranged this whole thing didn't you?  I think I am going to have you
fired."

Sarah said, "If things went well between you two then I expect you should
call me Saint Sarah from now on.  If things didn't go well, I'll be on my
way.  Right after I kick your butt."

Rick and Ethan both looked at Sarah and she knew.  She beamed.  Adam went
running back.  Aunt Sarah come play with me.  Sarah was pleased. She seemed
so maternal.  Ethan didn't know what to say.

Sarah did.  "Adam and I have talked. We are going to go back to Destin.  You
two can get caught up - if you know what I mean.  Adam and I want a night on
our own with out mean old stick-in-the-mud Dad around!"

Ethan spoke up, "OK, but you two come back tomorrow.  We can watch the Blue
Angels flying over the beach, have a BBQ, and then watch the fireworks for
Fourth of July.  If that is ok with Dad."  Ethan couldn't help but smile
when he called his soulmate, Dad.

Rick smiled and said to Sarah, "You know, celebrating when we kicked your
butts back across the Atlantic will be great fun.  You get out of line and
we will kick your Brit but again!  We will see you guys back tomorrow"

When Adam wasn't looking she give Ethan and Rick the finger.  Things were
back to normal - plus one.

Chapter 24

Adam ran over to Rick to say goodbye.  He practically jumped into Rick's
arms.  He said that he was going to be a good boy and that he loved his
Daddy.  Rick kissed Adam and told him to have fun and behave.

Sarah and Adam left and Rick and Ethan were alone.  An awkward silence
filled the room.  Rick looked at Ethan and asked if everything was OK.

Ethan said, "Yes honey, everything is fine.  It is better than that.  You
are here with me.  We are together again.  I am looking forward to getting
to know Adam and building our new life together.  As a family."

Rick looked at Ethan and feel in love again.  Oh sure, he loved Ethan, and
was in love with him, but now it was different.  This man was so special.
Rick could not believe that someone as kind, generous, and loving could want
him and love him.  Rick could not imagine life with Ethan.  A few months
ago, he was all alone.  Now he had two guys in his life that he loved
completely.  And a friendship with Sarah he had grown to cherish.

Ethan yawned and looked very tired.  The jetlag was catching up with him as
his body told him it was 3am rather than 9pm.  He took Rick's hand, kissed
it and said, "Honey, I love you so much.  I want to show you how much I love
you but I am afraid I am very tired.  I need to get some sleep.  I am sorry
honey, I hope you understand."

With that, Rick stood up, pulled on Ethan's hand and led him to the bedroom.
  Ethan went and brushed his teeth as Rick turned down the bed.  They both
changed into boxers and t-shirts.  Ethan crawled into the bed and Rick slid
in next to him.

"I want to hold you while you fall asleep.  We have tomorrow and forever to
make love.  For now, go to sleep," Rick said in a soft voice.

Rick held Ethan, stroked his hair, and felt Ethan drift to sleep.  When he
was sure Ethan was asleep, he kissed his forehead, slid out of bed, pulled
the sheet over him, and went to watch some television.

Ethan woke at 6am, again the curse of jetlag.  Rick was curled up next to
him in the bed.  He looked at Rick and felt his heart leap.  This beautiful
man meant so much to him.  He knew Rick was special but when he saw Rick
with Adam, and how Rick had taken the responsibility of Adam without
question, and the love that Rick showed Adam, Ethan was moved.  He knew he
would do anything he could to ensure that Rick and Adam never had pain
again.

Ethan slid out of the bed taking care not to disturb Rick, took a shower,
and went to read the paper and start some breakfast.  Rick started to stir
about 8am when the smell of coffee and bacon woke him.

Rick went out to the kitchen, walked up behind Ethan, put his arms around
Ethan's waist, and kissed his neck.

"Good morning sleeping beauty," Ethan said as his legs grew weak.

"Good morning to you handsome," Rick purred as he felt his cock coming to
life.  Ethan turned around and they kissed.  A passionate kiss which made
Ethan think his toes actually did curl.  Rick ran his hand under Ethan's
t-shirt, and he found Ethan's nipples.  He lifted Ethan's shirt, kissed his
nipples and down his stomach.  Ethan's boxers were tenting.  Rick pulled
down the boxers and he licked the tip of Ethan's throbbing cock.

Ethan gasped as Rick took his cock in his mouth and began making love to his
cock with tremendous passion.  Ethan warned Rick that it wouldn't be long
and Rick picked up the pace.  Ethan felt his orgasm start deep inside him.
Soon Rick's mouth was flooded with several shots of Ethan's cum.  Rick
continued to lick Ethan's cock until he was begging for him to stop.  Rick
stood up and they kissed, sharing the taste of Ethan's cum.  Ethan was
sweating and out of breath.

"That was a good appetizer, now I want some food," Rick said with a sly
smile on his face.

The guys ate like two teenagers.  Both were very hungry and the food was
gone in minutes.  Rick went to take a shower as Ethan cleared the kitchen.
At least that was the plan, Ethan had something else in mind.

After Rick had been in the shower for a few minutes, Ethan went into the
bathroom, took off his clothes, and joined Rick in the shower.  He took the
soap and began to wash Rick's back and ass.  The feel of Rick's shoulder
muscles sent a shiver through Ethan.  Rick had put his arm on the wall of
the shower to steady himself as the waves of pleasure flashed through his
body.  Ethan washed Rick's legs then worked his way to the front.  He took
the soap and ran it down Rick's torso.  Rick's abs were visible and Ethan
ran his hands over the ridges.  Ethan placed his soapy hands around Rick's
balls and throbbing cock.  Rick moaned.  He couldn't take much more of this
and cried out for Ethan to take him.

Ethan soaped up Rick's ass and his own cock.  He entered Rick slowly.  Rick
yelled with pleasure.  His breathing was heavy.  Ethan continued entering
Rick until his cock was buried deep inside the man he loved.  Rick didn't
want a tender session and begged for Ethan to take him hard.  So Ethan
thrusted deep, pulled out, thrust deep again, and then picking up the pace
until both guys were moaning and ready to explode.  Rick yelled out and
began to shoot his cum on the shower walls.  With that, Ethan also came,
deep inside Rick.  He wrapped his arms around Rick and held him as the warm
water from the shower caressed them.

Both guys looked at each other and the love was clear.  They finished the
shower and got dressed quickly since Sarah and Adam would be arriving soon.

Sarah and Adam arrived at 10am and the activity level immediately increased.
  Sarah had stopped at the grocery store and had purchased food for a
cook-out.  Everyone put on their swimsuits and went down to the beach to
enjoy the sand and swimming.  The Blue Angels performed aerobatics and Adam
was having a great time.

Ethan watched Rick and Sarah play with Adam.  Two people that he loved
seemed to be filled with such joy.  Adam too seemed happy and came running
over to Ethan.

"Come on Effan, come and play with us," Adam giggled.  The four of them
built sand castles, swan, tossed the beach ball, and had a fantastic
afternoon.  They went back to the apartment for an early dinner.

They had hamburgers, hotdogs, potato salad, cole slaw, corn on the cob,
baked beans, and watermelon for dessert.  After they had finished the
watermelon, Adam spilled his root beet.  This caused everyone to jump and
grab for things to catch the spill.  When Rick reached over to grab the cup,
Adam recoiled and started yelling.

"I am sorry, I didn't mean to.  Please don't be mad.  I am sorry. Please
don't hit me. I will be a good boy," Adam cried out.  He curled up in a
protective ball sure that a beating was due.  Sarah, Rick, and Ethan all
looked at Adam in horror.  Their heats broke.  This boy was scared.  The
trauma of his life was just below the surface.

"Adam, sweetie, nobody is going to hit you.  It was a mistake.   It is no
big deal.  We all love you and we won't hurt you," Rick said.  He reached
over to comfort Adam but Adam pulled back and flinched preparing for the
smack.

"Adam, it is ok.  I love you.  Sarah loves you.  Ethan loves you.  It is ok,
you are safe here".  Rick went over to Adam's chair and put his arms around
Adam.  Adam was hysterical at this point and kept crying out, "I am sorry
Daddy.  Please don't be mad at me."

Rick picked up Adam and took him into the living room.  Rick got on his
knees so he could be at the same level as Adam.  He told Adam that he wasn't
mad, he loved him, and that he was a good boy and nobody was going to hurt
him.  Sarah and Ethan came over, knelt down, and they all hugged the sobbing
boy.

Ethan was more convinced than ever.  Nobody, ever, would hurt Rick, Adam, or
Sarah.  And at that moment, Sarah's world expanded and she would guard and
protect these three guys just like she had Ethan.  The four were now a
family.