Date: Sun, 30 Sep 2001 23:35:01 -0400
From: LJB <readersstop@netscape.net>
Subject: TFAP Diary Notes - Dean 001 (LJB)(MM BB Bb 1st anal oral teen1b teen2b
     slow)(57/56)

This is the first of several diary entries involving characters and events
introduced in the series "To Fulfill a Prophesy".  It is stronglyed suggest
reading the series before these entries will allow understanding of the
characters, events and their relationships to each other.

TFAP Diary Notes - 01 Dean July 10 - 29

Sunday - July 10

Already it's Sunday afternoon.  Over 48 hours.  Not one of them has so much
as blinked or moved.  The Doctor has checked them daily and can find no
further cause for the comas, except exhaustion.  Four healthy, active young
men and nothing can be found, except exhaustion.  If he only knew the whole
of it.

Dale checked out fine.  Doctor certified, hale and hardy.  Not bad for a
man who was dead for over an hour two days ago.  He absolutely refuses to
leave their room.  He hasn't slept or eaten.  Jason remains with him and is
worried sick about both Dale and the boys.  He spoke to Ted this morning
and Ted confronted Dale this afternoon.  He and Mr. Chen approached Dale.

"Mr. Chen has brought you a glass of orange juice."  Ted told Dale as
Mr. Chen extended the glass to him.  "Drink it."

"Thank you , Sir."  Dale responded.  "I really don't want anything."

"I didn't ask what you wanted, Captain, I said `drink it'."  Ted replied
sternly.  "Let me make it clear to you what is going to happen here.
Mr. Chen is going to bring you a tray of food three times a day.  He will
remain with you while you eat it.  All of it."  Ted stood holding Dale's
glare.  "You will lay down and sleep six out of every 24 hours."

"I'm sorry.........."  Dale started to say, still glaring into Ted's eyes.

"I haven't finished yet, Captain."  Ted cut him off.  "If that orange juice
is not gone in ten seconds, or either of my other two instructions are not
followed, I will personally remove you from this room and put you in your
suite.  Mr. Chen will then keep you there until this situation is resolved.
You will not be allowed back in this room.  Am I being very clear, Captain
?"  Dale continued to glare at Ted for about nine seconds and then took the
glass of juice and drank it."

"Yes, Sir."  he answered, when he had completed the drink.  "Very clear,
Sir."

The visit I had from the Mayor and Chief of Police the day after the
shooting was very interesting.  The Mayor of course was present at the
event and Chief Farrell had several reports from his officers who witnessed
what happened.  They had taken the only logical approach to explaining what
had happened and decided Dale was not really hurt and the lights were
reflections of some kind.  I decided if we were going to have any peace at
all over this, they had to know the truth.  I took them to the boys' room
and let them look and then I introduced them to Dale.  Next we went across
the hall to the lounge in my suite and had a talk.

I gave them copies (correctly translated) of the Prophesy of the Guardians
and told them the story of what we had discovered.  Naturally enough,
neither of them wanted to believe it could happen.  It was almost fun to
sit and watch them try to rationalize it and fail.  In the end they agreed
"no comment" was the most effective way of dealing with the media and
inquisitors.  I have known both of these men many years and knew they could
see both the up and the down sides of what I had shared with them.

As they were leaving I told Chief Farrell, although we could not help in
all cases and I could not speak on behalf of the Guardians, if he should
have a death on the force which struck him as exceptionally tragic due to
its irregular circumstances, a call to me as soon as possible after the
event might change the outcome of an otherwise tragic situation.  As
always, we were happy to support our law enforcement officials in every way
we could.

Brendan, Todd, Len and Gus were very upset when they learned what had
happened.  There was no use misleading them.  The media was full of the
story, so we let them read about it, watch the news, listen to the radio
and then we answered their questions to the best of our ability.  Matthew
was the only one not disturbed.  He reported Denny had told him there would
be a big upset, but everything would work out fine if he just was patient.
He told us, if that's what his `big brother' wanted, then that's what he
would do.

During this ordeal each of the four beds has a chair by it occupied by
someone, 24 hours a day, monitoring the boy beside them.  We have more
volunteers from the family and the staff than we need to occupy these
seats.  I have been with Jamie and since Debra had not yet gone home, she
too has been there.  Brian and Tim are at Davey and Kevin's bedsides almost
all of their waking hours.  Matthew insists on staying by Kevin while Tim
is sleeping and then he sits with Denny other times.  Each of the other
boys take turns sitting by their friends, volunteering to do so on their
own initiative.  Lily spends at least two or three hours with Davey and
Denny each day.

Monday - July 11

The staff were informed of my "No comment." policy when events started to
occur last Friday and to their credit not a word about the vigil within the
`castle' has leaked out.  Hoards of media are at the entrances, but
security has maintained order effectively.  Several people and some of the
media have entered the estate and they have been promptly arrested and
charged with trespass.  I agree with Ted that in order to maintain our
sanity and future security we must make it clear those who violate our home
will be prosecuted.

The concern about Dale's health has ended.  He is complying with Ted's
instructions and continues to watch over the boy's, checking each of them
every half hour and turning them from side to side every two hours as the
Doctor instructed.  When he is sleeping, Chen replaces him.

Tuesday - July 12

Four days, 96 hours and they're all awake.  Kevin woke first, then Davey,
Jamie and last Denny.  To no one's great surprise, Denny's first words were
a request for lunch.  We were all so relieved they were awake and they are
all right.  Tears were shed by many of us as we washed away the stress and
strain.  Jason and I found Ted and Dale standing out in the hallway
embracing and crying on each other's shoulder.  Now there's a sight I never
thought I'd see but I totally understood the need to release the tension
and worry.  We both took our partner and had our own cry with them.

After everyone had seen for themselves the boys were back to us, Debra and
Lily ordered everyone out of the room, insisting on the continued need for
rest.  They have now taken over control of who visits and for how long.
The only exceptions to this appear to be Mr. Chen and Dale, who as usual
come and go as they choose.  Ted and I accepted the need for their action
and in fact are grateful for their intervention.  We are all exhausted.

Debra decreed the boys would remain where they are overnight and decisions
could start to be made in the morning about a slow recovery schedule for
them before resuming their normal activities.  Even if this had not been
acceptable I don't know who would have dared to take her on, especially
with Lily backing her up.  They have become a power to be reckoned with.

Dojo was held this evening for the first time since the incident.  Shihan
Chen insisted everyone except the four boys attend and his wish was
respected by all.  The return to normal routine was good for us all.  Ted,
Tim, Brian, Matthew and I were allowed to visit the boys before bedtime.
They were all cheerful, but weak.  Jamie told me he had no memory of
anything which happened after they had levitated Dale.  The rest of the
event and all that had transpired since then was a blank to him.  It seems
the same is true of the others.  Dale had been in to visit them before
dinner and Debra told me their bond with him was evident during that visit.
She had told the boys earlier about Dale looking after them and Ted's
confrontation with him.  They chastised Dale for not looking after himself
properly and instructed him never to do it again.

I wondered about `again'.  Would this happen when they repeated their
action.  And I was certain they would repeat their action.  How many times
could their very human bodies take the strain of this exceptionally special
gift ?  Is the life force they say is used replaceable, or do they reduce
their lives with their actions ?  Many questions are in my mind and
unanswered.

Wednesday - July 13

Ted's and my morning started early today.  Just before 6 o'clock I became
aware of the presence of cold feet in our bed and a small body snuggling up
against me.  As I forced my eyes open, I saw Denny's face beaming at me
from where he was totally wrapped in Ted's arms, just like Matthew had
wrapped himself in mine.  A very short time later, two more bodies found
their way into our bed as Jamie snuggled in against my back and Davey did
the same to his Dad.  Kevin came wandering in soon, looking for a place
which he found right in the middle.  Denny and Matthew both grabbed hold of
him as he lay out flat on his back.

We didn't talk much.  I'm sure Ted enjoyed just having our boys back with
us as much as I did.

"You know guys," I said, "I don't think seven of us are going to fit into
the shower, but I do know there are four of us who haven't been there for
several days and need to be."

"Dad," Kevin asked, "would you mind if Matthew and I went over and snuggled
with Tim for awhile and showered with him ?"

"I think that sounds like a really nice idea."  Ted replied.  "Tim has
spent many long hours with Matthew at your bedside.  Are you sure you two
wouldn't be more comfortable if Matthew spent some time here with Denny and
us ?"

"No, thank you for your thoughts though."  Kevin answered.  "It will be a
little while before we do much more than shower together."

"You boys all listen."  I told them.  "I don't want you off this second
floor level until you have clearance from the Doctor, the ladies, Mr. Chen,
Dale, Ted and me.  All of us.  Rest and lots of it is the Doctor's order
and we expect you to follow it.  Your word, please."  I received four,
grudging "Yes, Sir" replies.

Friday - July 15

The boys are doing well.  They have all kept their word to me as I knew
they would and have remained on the second floor.  They have also kept
their activity to a minimum and seem to be recovering strength everyday.
Wednesday, their trek to our bed and their showers spent most of their
energy for the day.  They had morning naps and stayed together in Denny's
room the rest of the day.  The ladies have set up visitation hours for
staff to drop by and everyone is greatly relieved at seeing them all up and
about.  Family visits are being allowed a little more liberally and I see
all the other boys are being allowed to come and go as they wish.

I received an interesting telephone call this morning, forwarded from Head
Office.  George Grenmore, is a local businessman in the area, who I had
served on a couple of volunteer charity committees with several years ago.
He called to speak to me personally about an incident one of his sons was
involved in with a young person who is now my ward.

"I'm not quite clear how or why you became involved in this messy incident,
Benton."  he said.

"Well, I came across two men, one apparently your son, beating the crap out
of a 14 year old boy."  I replied.

"He was attacking them."  George sputtered.

"With a fractured arm and a dislocated hip.  I don't think so."  I
reiterated.  There was a pause.

"Benton, what am I going to do ?"  he asked.  "I don't know where to go or
what to do.  I don't know whether to support him or let him go.  I just
don't know."

"George, we are having a bit of a problem here right now, but I would like
to try to help you."  I told him.  "Why don't you bring your son to see us
next week, say Tuesday morning at 11: and we will talk with him and see
what impression we get.  I will be better able to tell you then if we can
do anything for you.  What's his name and how old is he ?"

"His name is Devon and he's 19 years old."  George replied.  "Thank you for
your help, Benton, I really appreciate it."

"I haven't promised to help yet," I reminded him, "but we will see what
happens."

Saturday - July 16

Ted and I had a private meeting with the boys this morning in Denny's room.
Ted had not been very pleased with me when I told him about the meeting I
had arranged.  I insisted it was the proper thing to do, if for no other
reason than for Davey to face his attacker and resolve feelings he still
held about what had happened to him.

"It's not Davey who concerns me about this."  Ted advised.  "What do you
think Denny will do to someone who attacked Davey and can we convince him
not to act on his own ?"  In truth, I had not even considered Denny in this
and now Ted mentioned it, I could see a definite risk I had created.

When we went to meet with the boys we all sat together in the lounge area
of Denny's room.  This room had remained the central location for the four
boys and they were continuing to sleep in this room.  They were taking
their meals in the cafeteria and Dining Room, but the rest of their time
was spent on the second floor.  Ted made a point of sitting in one of the
rocking chairs which he pulled over to where we were sitting.  He then
invited Denny to sit in his lap before we started talking and the boy
readily accepted.  I could see Davey was alerted to our mood when we came
into the room.

"I never try to read you and Uncle Ted, Dad."  Jamie said as we sat down.
"Why do I have a feeling I should today ?"

"We have something to discuss with all of you which is going to stir up
some emotions."  I replied.  "You must be sensing the feelings Ted and I
are having.  I've done something without consulting you boys first.  I hope
you will trust me about it.  I believe what I am asking you to do is
necessary."  I told the boys about the phone call and the discussion which
followed.  They listened politely until I was done and then just sat there.
I realized after a minute they were looking back and forth at each other.
They were talking this over among themselves.

"I would appreciate hearing your thoughts about this, rather than you
trying to settle it on your own."  I told them.  "I'm going to need your
help if this is going to be of benefit to anyone."

"What do you expect to come out of this, Uncle Dean ?"  Kevin asked.

"I expect all of you to gain insight into the workings of people and
situations."  I replied.  "We are charged with teaching you the ways of
mankind so you may better understand.  The people and situations we live
with here at the `castle' are artificial.  You are surrounded by people who
love and protect you.  That is not how most people live.  That security is
not what most people feel.  People get lost.  They get lost in themselves
and they get lost in society.  I want you to examine this situation and see
if you can understand what happened, how it happened, why it happened and
is this person likely do this again."  Everyone was quiet again for a few
minutes and this time they were each thinking on their own.

The fourth Guardian spoke from his position leaning against Ted's chest as
they quietly rocked back and forth.  "The Fathers require us to learn not
only the practical lesson, but also to control our human emotions for the
betterment of our minds.  As difficult as this may be, it is our duty to
abide by the request of our Fathers."  The boys each asserted their
agreement.

Monday- July 18

Ted and I spoke separately with each of the boys about the meeting
tomorrow.  Each of them seemed to be ready for it and their attitudes
seemed to reflect what I had spoken about on Friday.  Even Davey was open
to meeting this person and seeing what he could learn.

On the other hand, Ted tells me that the security staff, our "older boys",
are fit to be tied.  When Brian learned that one of the men who had hurt
Davey was coming here he was so overcome with a rage that Davey stepped in
to help him control it.  Anson was not much better and only his police
training enabled him to keep from losing control of his emotions.  Ted said
Dale did not react at all, his eyes just went as cold as ice.  Jason, Tim
and Digger did not react either, but it was apparent none of them were
pleased by the prospect of having to deal with the situation.

And then there was Mr. Chen.  He came to my door Monday morning, stopped at
it, stood and stared at me.  He just stood there and stared and although I
am not telepathic, I knew when I was being warned not to expect him to be
involved.  After a minute he turned and left.  That blank, hard stare
conveyed as much emotion as I have ever seen Chen express.  Our Shihan was
using every bit of his training to maintain his emotional balance.

Tuesday - July 19

Ted met George Grenmore and Devon at the entrance to the business wing when
they arrived.  He escorted them to my office.  It would seem word had
gotten out.  Every staff member they met along the route stopped and stared
at them, not something our staff would normally ever do.  When they reached
my office, I invited them in and showed them to the chairs in front of my
desk.  George and I shook hands.  He didn't choose to introduce me to Devon

George had not changed much.  He was about 45 years old.  He had a large
frame and was a distinguished looking man.  Brown hair, a little graying at
the ends, a handsome face and trim figure.  He had always struck me as
being a little stuffy and formal and I took special note Devon followed
after him, more than walking with him.

Devon did not look 19 years old.  Where our boys, especially Kevin and
Davey looked much older than their years, I'm sure Devon must get asked for
I.D. constantly because of his youthful appearance.  Dark colouring, dark
hair, dark clothes, dark eyes, the word that immediately came to mind about
him was `dark'.  I wondered if this reflected a mood, an attitude or a way
of life.

"I'm going to ask our boys to sit with us."  I said, picking up the phone
and calling Kevin.  I asked him to bring the boys down.

"Is that necessary ?"  George asked.

"Yes."  I replied.  "Our sons are very perceptive.  What we are able or not
able to do for Devon will depend entirely on how much they choose to help
or not."

"This is certainly strange."  George observed.  "If this were business you
wouldn't get far."

"If this were business, George."  I responded.  "I would have destroyed you
long before now."  That seemed to have gotten his attention.  The boys
arrived and as they came in I introduced first my son and then Ted's three
sons.  I watched Devon's reactions.  He didn't even recognize Davey.  After
they had been introduced, the boys went over and sat in the lounge area.
Just before the office door was closed, Dale arrived.  He gave me a glance
and without a word went over and took his rightful position next to where
the boys were seated.

"We'd like to hear what Devon has to say."  I said.  George started to
speak and I held up my finger, looked straight at him and repeated,
"Devon".  Devon had been sitting with his head down looking at his knees.
He looked at me and then glanced around.

"I'm sorry."  he said

"That's good to know, Devon," Ted replied, "but what is it your sorry about
?"

"I'm sorry I hurt that kid."  he answered.  He glanced around again at
everyone.  It was easy to tell he still didn't know Davey was the one he
had hurt.

"We'd like to know what happened."  Ted continued.  "How did all this come
about ?"

"Joe and I were going home."  he started.

"A lie."  Jamie called out.  "You and Joe were out to score some drugs."

"What is this ?"  George bellowed.

"I told you our sons were very perceptive."  I answered.  "Now sit there
and be silent, or I will indeed take a hard look at the business
destruction option."  George wanted to speak.  He wanted to run.  But good
sense and the knowledge that a couple phone calls from me could wipe him
out made him silent.

"Start again please. Devon."  Ted said.  "This will be a lot easier and
much quicker if you stick to the actual story."  Devon looked at Ted and
then he looked at me.  He seemed to almost take pleasure someone was in
control of his father.

"Joe and me had been drinking."  Devon stated.  "Joe wanted to score some
drugs.  I don't usually do that stuff, alcohol is mostly what I get into."
He turned slightly so he could glance at Jamie who sat silent.  "We didn't
have much money between us, so we figured we'd roll some wino for a few
bucks.  Then this young guy comes along and we figured he'd have some
money.  We grabbed him and pulled him into this parking garage where a car
had just come out from and the door was still closing.  I didn't know he
was only 14, he looked older than that.  He only had $20. and Joe got mad
and kicked him in the leg.  He fell over.  I never did anything to him."

"A lie."  Jamie again trumpeted.  Everyone was silent.  Devon hung his
head.

"I.....I jumped on his arm."  Devon started to cry.  "I don't know why I
did it."

"A lie."  Jamie trumpeted.  Again silence.

"I did it......I did it to show Joe I could be as bad as he is."  Devon
admitted, the tears streaming down his face.  "I hit him too.  Once I
started, I just lost control.  If it weren't for you Mr. McAdams......we
might.....we might have......"

"You never told me this."  George Grenmore said to his son.

"How could he ?"  Davey said, standing up and walking over to a place
behind Devon's chair.  "If he had told you, you would have deserted him,
just like you want to do now."  He put his hand on Devon's back and rubbed
him shoulders soothingly.  Devon continued to cry as if his heart had been
broken.  "Your son has faced up to what he has done.  Comfort him."

"Who are you to tell me what to do with my son ?"  George responded
angrily.

"I'm the 14 year old kid he beat up."  Davey replied, staring at him.  The
wind was totally knocked out of George's sails.  He had no idea what to
say.  While he sat there not knowing what to do, Davey went around to the
front of Devon and pulled him into a standing position.  He held Devon's
head to his shoulder and continued to rub his back talking quietly to him
until his sobs had eased off.

"I'm so sorry."  Devon said, raising his head and looking into Davey's
eyes.  "So very sorry."

"Yes, I know you are."  Davey told him.  Davey touched his hand to the side
of the boy's head and said, "Be at peace."  Almost immediately Devon
relaxed, his uncontrolled sobbing ceased and his eyes brightened.  Davey
guided him to sit again in the chair.

"What's the decision, fellas ?"  I asked our boys.  I saw the boys looking
at each other and finally they all looked at Denny.  He gave a nod of
agreement.

"Uncle Dean," Davey summarized, "will you call the District Attorney and
see if a plea bargain with probation can be arranged ?  Devon knows he has
some things to get straightened out and he is going to voluntarily see a
therapist.  He will no longer be drinking or hanging with his old friends.
In addition, starting tomorrow, he will be working here, on the estate, for
the summer with Mr. Johnson the Grounds Supervisor.  Tim will do some
testing with him to see what help he needs in his academics or job
training.  He will spend at least an hour each day with one of us talking
and we would like him to be included in the boat trip."

"Is that acceptable to you, Devon ?"  I asked.

"Yes, Sir."  Devon responded.  "I can't believe you are doing this for me."

"Don't kid yourself, Devon."  Dale finally spoke up.  "There are at least
15 more men around here like me who were ready to beat the crap out of you.
You had better appreciate what's being done and you had better carry it
through, or things are going to get really rough for you."

"Devon is of legal age and doesn't need your permission, but is this
agreeable to you, George."  I asked.

"Benton, I think this is a crazy place."  he replied.  "And I think it just
might be the start of putting our family back together.  I'm sorry, Devon.
I just haven't known how to help you, not because I didn't want to, but
because I just didn't know how.  I think these people just might be that
way."

"Truth."  Jamie trumpeted.

Friday - July 22

Jim Johnson was not pleased about having Devon work for him.  Even after
Ted and I both spoke to him and explained the situation he still could not
get past his personal feeling about Davey having been hurt.  It has
something to do with the attraction people feel toward the boys.  Jamie
first saw it at his school, although it happened with the staff here with
Davey and Denny, but we didn't recognize it.  It's an aura that makes
people want to be with them, to help them and to protect them.  Some other
people seem to project it, Todd for example, but it only affects people in
his immediate proximity.  With our boys, it seems to be lasting whether or
not they are present.

Jim didn't really reconcile his feelings about Devon until Davey went
personally and talked to him.  The fact Davey indicated he wanted this to
happen seemed to be enough to sway Jim's attitude.  Dale reported there was
still an undercurrent among the staff in general, so first thing this
morning, Davey and Jamie camped themselves out in the cafeteria and every
half hour made an announcement to all the staff, Devon was working here at
their request and they wished him given every consideration.  The
atmosphere on the estate changed as if someone had waved a magic wand over
our heads.

The only person who remains the least bit wary of Devon was Dale.  I'm not
sure if it has something to do with his being their `Protector' or if it is
just Dale's nature to be extra careful, but I still see a certain look in
his eye when Devon is mentioned or present.  On reflection I don't think
this is necessarily a bad thing.

Saturday - July 23

Debra has announce she is going home.  More than any other indicator this
has made me feel our boys have returned to their normal state.  They have
regained their usual level of activity.  Swimming, riding, tennis, cycling,
baseball, everything is again on the go.  They all still seem to tire
quickly.  The Doctor has examined each and done blood tests.  Everyone
checks out okay.  I asked Jamie and he says all is well, but they will need
extra rest for another week.  Ted has suggested we schedule our boat trip
to start the 8th of August which will be a Monday.  Everyone is excited
about a new date being set.

Tuesday - July 26

I met with Devon and Ted this afternoon.  I could not get over the change
in this young man.  He greeted me with a firm handshake, friendly smile and
a direct eye to eye contact.  He was responsive not only to my questions,
but also in initiating conversation.  I asked him if he was enjoying his
time on the estate and he told me it was the best his life had ever been.
When Ted queried what had been the most important part of his time here, he
responded without even thinking it had been the time he spent with each of
our boys.

"I found out so much about myself talking with them.  Denny was the real
surprise.  He was yesterday and the last of the four.  I figured, waste of
time, little kid, nothing to learn here.  He took me out to a sand pile
near the garage and we played in the sand with trucks and buckets.  Every
word that came out of him was about what we were playing with and every
word had a meaning to me about my life.  He explained things to me with the
sand and the trucks I had never thought about.

When our hour together was just about over he told me to go and hide, we
would play hide and seek.  I went and hid where I could still see him.
When he stopped counting and opened his eyes he went and looked in a couple
places and then went back and played in the sand.  A minute later he went
and looked in a couple other places and again went back to play in the
sand.  He did that three or four times.  The last time he found me when he
went to look.

"I didn't think you were ever going to find me."  I told him.

"Oh, you never need to worry."  he answered.  "I might not get it right
off, but I'll keep trying.  That's because you're worth finding."  He gave
me a hug and then he ran off into the house.  I don't know if he knows that
meant more to me than I could possibly explain.

Ted and I both knew Devon had the privilege of an hour interview with the
fourth Guardian.  With support like that there is no way he would not
succeed.

Friday - July 29

I received a telephone call yesterday from the Chief Judges Office.  Good
news for a change.  As the Legal Guardian for Davey and Denny, I was
officially notified their adoptions by Mr. Edward Tanner would be finalized
at 10:a.m. on Friday, September 9th in the District Family Court.  All the
paper work and submissions were completed, Juvenile Authority had endorsed
the adoptions and the Chief Judge had approved them.  I couldn't wait for
Ted to get his notice, I had to tell him.

Laying in bed last night we were talking over the events of this past week.

"You know, something happen today I wanted to be sure to tell you about."
I said.

"Yeah, what was that ?" he asked.

"I don't think I remember now, but I know it was really important."  I told
him.  "In fact it was so important I remember sending out for something to
help me remember it."  I reached under the bed and grabbed the package I
had slipped under there earlier and handed it to Ted.

"What's this ?"  he questioned, looking the wrapped package over carefully.

"Something special for your desk."  I answered.  He tore the package open
and withdrew the present.  It was a double picture frame with a picture of
Davey on one side and one of Denny on the other.

"It's beautiful."  Ted remarked.  "Thank you very much, Dean."

"You're very welcome, my love."  I responded.  "You'll have to be careful
the engraved plaque on the back doesn't scratch on your desk when you move
the frame."  He turned the frame around and looked at the plaque on the
back.  It read: For my beloved Ted, to commemorate this special day,
September 9th., forever.

Ted read it over, then read it again.  I could see him thinking about it
and suddenly the light came on behind his eyes.  He looked at me.

"Yes, my love."  I assured him.  "They called me this afternoon, Dad."  I
thought his face would burst.  My big, strong, manly lover sat up in our
bed with tears running down his face and the biggest smile I had ever seen.

He carefully slid the frame and packaging under the bed so he could show
the boys in the morning and then we celebrated our joy and pleasure into
the early hours of the morning.