Date: Thu, 29 Dec 2005 22:31:25 +0000 From: Steve Thomas <stevethomas535@hotmail.com> Subject: Jamey is Gay, Ch. 32 This is a work of pure fiction, but based on the author's feelings, beliefs, and in some cases, experience. Come to think of it -- it might not be very pure either! There may be graphic sexual encounters at times between men, so if this offends you, you are invited to retreat. If you are too young or it is otherwise illegal for you to be reading this kind if story, shame on you for reading it - - please stop here. If not, - - ENJOY! Cast of Characters: James Thomas Arthur (Jamey) Harold Brian Arthur -- Jamey's Brother (Habby) Harold Garfield Arthur -- Jamey's dad William Pitts -- Roommate (Will) Ronny -- Will's best friend. Melanie -- Habby's girlfriend George Wiggins -- Melanie's Cousin Darrel -- George's roommate Dr. Steve Arlan Jordan -- Doctor Grant (Buddy) Windward -- Waiter at Holdren's John -- Neighbor across the hall. Jerry -- John's roomie Seth -- Ronny's cousin Luke -- Seth's partner Robert Rexburg -- High school friend Yolanda -- Robert's wife. Joey -- Flight Attendant From Chapter 31 "Before you leave -- Seth. Luke -- sit down a minute. We have a question -- or rather request." "Sure -- anything!" They said together. "We talked it over," I said, "and we want you guys standing next to us when we say our vows." Both Seth and Luke bowed their heads and joined hands, then reached for ours. Their eyes were wet as Seth said, "It would be the greatest honor in the world for us!" We had a big group hug, complete with wet smiles and kisses. Chapter 32 (Warm Fuzzies) Steve and I live together. We have partaken of each others bodies liberally. We were of course looking forward to the day when we could have sex solely because we wanted to and not because we felt we had to. And of course there were times when we had enough rest and were just in the right frame of mind that the act was better than - - well, better. But sex-as-a-drug, as good as that sounds, is not what I thought it would be. When it's done as a matter of service -- and believe me, there is no one I'd rather do service for than Steve -- somehow something is lost when it's not spontaneous. Best was the middle of the night sex after we had satisfied the promised therapeutic "dose". But even that was done while half asleep. So I was surprised at how excited I was becoming as Christmas Eve grew closer. What would change? Because we said a few words to each other -- how was that going to change our lives? Was it because it was before witnesses? That has to be it. There is somehow more accountability when it's in front of witnesses. It's like if it fails after this, then we let down all those who believed in us -- in our love. "Wow!" Said Steve. "What?" I said. "Such deep concentration! A penny for your thoughts - - " "Huh?" I often ponder my homework studies. How was this any different? "I -- heh -- said something to you three times before you answered." "Oh. Yeah, I was just thinking how odd it is that I am getting so excited about Christmas Eve -- when nothing will really change on Christmas day -- from how it is now. "School's out. That's different. You can be more focused on -- something other than studying." "I thought you wanted me to preoccupy myself with my school work." "I do. I also want you to know that when it's play time you party hard! I'm glad you're excited!" "Are -- aren't you?" I asked. "Kinda. I dunno why, but it's kinda -- um -- well, almost scary or something." "Really?" I marveled. "I thought so too. I'm excited, but at the same time, it's like -- well - " "You're not having second thoughts, are you?" I know he didn't mean it that way, but that felt like a knife through my heart. "NO!" I said a little too defensively. "I want this - more -- than anything I've ever wanted in my life!" "Me too." He said more calmly than I felt he should be. "It's right. It's time." "Time for what?" I asked. "Time in my life to get serious about - - this." "This?" "Yeah. I mean, I'm not getting any younger." "I'm not either, but -- so -- are you doing this because you feel YOUR time is running out? Well, time's hardly started for me -- and I'm doing it because -- because -- because I want you the rest of my life. Because I love you." "I love you! It's just - " Why did I not like the sound of "it's just - "? "What is it, Steve? Are you worried I'll flake on you? Because I WON'T!" "I know, but - " "I hate, `It's just' and `but'. What's up? Seems I'm not the only one who's been thinking." "Jamey, I love you and I'm so afraid of losing you!" "Wha - " "I'm so old and you're so young! I just- sorry -- yes, I HAVE been thinking. I have been planning on -- well -- giving you your -- your -- last chance to -- back out of - " "Back out? No way! Steve!" " -- and I've been worried about -- your reaction." "What reaction? Steve! What's wrong? Have I given you a reason to - " "No -- not at all! It's just -- DAMN!" He looked momentarily into my eyes and looked away. His eyes were glassy. "The other night -- when Seth and Luke were here -- I felt like I was included because I'm your partner. It seemed to me like -- like -- there were the three of you younger guys and then there was me. I FELT so much older." "You did? Aww, Steve! I don't ever think of you that way! I'm sorry. I didn't mean to joke about -- I mean I DID mean to joke about it, but -- it was just that -- a JOKE." "I know it was." He said to the floor. "I don't joke about you being so much younger. I guess it's because -- well -- the same reason. It's no joke to me. You ARE so much younger. I sometimes see you -- DAMMIT! -- like a little brother or -- well -- you know?" "Wow. This is pretty heavy -- all of a sudden. I guess -- I mean -- do I -- I DO! I -- I dunno, I never had a big brother. But -- I -- think of you as -- kind of a protector sometimes." "But you are the one who saved me form -- myself, Jamey. How can I be - " "You ARE sometimes like my dad, Steve." His face whitened. "No! It's not a bad thing. I've seen enough movies and TV to know -- even in hetero situations -- husbands and wives -- sometimes become sort of a parent. Is that a bad thing? Am I just seeing fiction? I grew up without a mom. I can't remember things like that from my parents. Don't they all sometimes -- become like parent and child?" "I -- suppose. And -- I suppose -- maybe -- maybe I'm just ultra sensitive. When my drug problem got out of control -- and you saw it -- you kind of took a parental stance. But when I feel I am the parent -- I guess then - - it just makes me feel -- old." "Sounds like a personal problem to me!" I said, purposely flippant. "Wha - " "Steve," I said, throwing my arms around him, "You're just gonna have to deal with it. I can't fix what's going on inside you. I CAN tell you it's my intention to stay with you forever. And as we both get older -- you'll always be older. So what? Are we going to let that spoil what we have? I'm not. I love you -- that's all." "You make me feel so young! But sometimes I make me feel so old. Guess I'll have to work on that. Maybe only time will fix it!" "Maybe this will fix it!" I said, as I kissed him deeply, and started to unbutton his shirt. I felt more motivated and sexually excited than in recent weeks. He melted into my arms. "It's got to make it better!" he said laughing. We pretty much tore each others' clothes off and I pretty much balled his brains out. It was better than it had ever been. When we were done, I lay spooning him from the back. "I -- didn't tell you everything I was thinking." I said. "Wha -- when?" "When you caught me thinking earlier. I was -- um -- kind of worrying -- about if out sex would ever be really good -- what with all the therapeutic stuff we do." "Oh." He said, sounding defeated again. His body slumped in my arms. "Steve!" I said, excitedly, "Steve! I just got my answer! That was the best -- ever! Wasn't it for you?" "Yeah. I'm sorry I'm such a high maintenance partner, Sweetheart." "Stop that! Right now!" I demanded, pulling him closer and biting his neck. He giggled and shivered. "Who taught you how to make me feel so loved?" "You - - I guess. Steve, I can't tell you how I feel about you, but I hope that sometimes I can show you -- that you can feel it in -- in the way we make love." "Ohhhh -- yesss! And I hope the same." "I don't have any doubts, Babe!" Steve turned around to face me. He looked deep into my eyes in the low ambient light from the parking lot. "You saved my life, Jamey - you saved me -- from me." "Well, if that's so, then you have given my life more meaning than I knew there was in the world. Steve, we will be saying some vows to each other on Christmas Eve, but that's for the benefit of others. As far as I'm concerned, I am yours and - - you are mine -- forever, from now on. I love you more than I love me -- more than I love anything. I know that if something happens to me, you will take care of me. And I know that nothing will keep me from doing the same. Do you -- feel like you can take care of me now?" He bobbed his head, then grinned. It didn't take more than about 15 seconds to get him ready to ball MY brains out! With that, we both fell asleep. "Jamey, gimme a break! I know he tried his best to save me, but does that qualify him to take my place in your heart?" He said, in a hollow echo-y voice. I was dreaming. I KNEW I was dreaming. I even had the "presence of mind" to hope that I wasn't vocalizing it for Steve to hear. "Will, I know it hasn't been that long. I know that he's a lot older than I am,. And -- I know that -- well, you have just told me -- that it hurts you. But -- you can't expect me to put myself in cold storage until -- well, until what, Will? What?" "I dunno. I was told that I shouldn't come back at this time. I guess I was just hoping I had some relevance in your life -- as you still do in mine." "You didn't do this when I was so thick with Buddy -- or John. Why now?" Jamey, I can feel what you feel about him. Don't ask me how, but it's something that we have here. An increased sense of empathy -- or something. I'm sorry. It's just that you didn't feel this -- this -- intensity of feeling -- or something -- with the others." "I'm glad that you recognize that. I have wondered about it myself." "AHA!" Said Will all of a sudden. "What?" I asked. "THAT'S why I was allowed to come back. HE knows pretty much what we will do even before we do it. HE knew. HE knew that -- oh my gosh, Jame, - um -- I'm sorry that I presented it this way. You must have been praying -- or something -- about this very thing." "I wasn't praying -- at least not formally. But yes, I was a little confused about what my body was telling me versus what my heart and mind knew to be true. I was wondering about the true depth of my feelings for Steve." "Jame, I have to go! But Omigosh! I got the sweetest feeling just now. I must have done something right!" Oh, Don't go! I have so much I'd like to ask. Like -- do you see Ronny -- you guys died together, don't you - " But as suddenly as he appeared in my dream, he was gone. I guess I had my answer, and that was enough. I wanted so much to know if he and Ronny were allowed to, I mean if they - - "Are you okay?" Steve was gently shaking me. "You were hollering something about Ronny and dying -- or something." "It was just a dream." I said, starting to focus on my sweetheart's face. "I haven't dreamt of Will in a long time." "Oh! It was Will you were - " "Steve, there's something you should know about me." "What?" He said, not overly concerned. "I have dreams." "Uh-huh -- and - - ?" "I mean -- it's like they are really real -- like it was -- Steve -- I really believe that Will just visited me." "Okay." He said, not alarmed at all, as I worried he would be. "I should have told you before. I was just a little worried that -- I mean, God and all -- I - " "Jamey, my sweet boy, I see too much of God's miracles in my work to not believe in him. If you think that Will -- or anyone else visits you from -- another dimension or something, I have no reason to doubt it. Anyway - - I love you. If you believe it -- I do too. It's that simple. Jamey, if you tell me it's true, I believe it is -- for you. Does that make sense?" "For me?" "Who understands God, really, Jamey? I said I believe and I do. But I believe he is many things -- different things -- to many people. What he is to you -- he may not be to me -- or to someone else. Maybe as we grow together, we will grow closer in these beliefs." I got very serious. "Steve, I want nothing more strongly that that. I feel spiritually bound to you anyway. I -- I -- love you -- too!" I said and I moved up to him and blended into his body. His strong arms came around me and I felt complete. "I really do love you." I sighed. "Me too. G'night sweetheart." Steve said. This time there were no dreams. " -- no! De table must go HERE! Dat's no place for a buffet table. An besides -- it won't fit dere!" Etta argued with Pierre, one of the caterers. Another of the caterers said, "Pierre, the table has to go somewhere else. It won't fit where you are wanting it." Etta got a triumphant look. "Fine!" Pierre said. "SHE weel tell you where to poot it! I need a break!" I was on my way out to pickup some last minute Champaign that Steve wanted for the party. I came back because I didn't have my wallet. I didn't need it to drive necessarily. The liquor store was just across the street from the condos. I needed it for I.D. I still didn't look much older than Habby. They knew me in the liquor store, but they always asked for the I.D. I think they believed it was fake. But they couldn't prove it, so - "Zis wooman weel be ze dess off moi!" Said Pierre to me as he passed me going out. Etta looked as if she had won something big, as Pierre stalked out. "Don't you worry, bay-bee!" She crooned. "He will cool off and be back. Everythin' will be perfect for your special day!" I grinned at Etta and advanced to give her a hug. She was stiff, but I could tell she appreciated it. "Hey!" Steve hollered. "Trying to make me jealous?" I smiled and then stuck my tongue out and then twisted it and licked my top lip. Steve grinned, and since Etta's back was turned by that time, he grabbed his crotch and squeezed it. I felt the very familiar flexing in my own. He walked in to the bedroom. I followed and shut the door. He pounced on me and wrenched me into his embrace. "You look so good to me today, in your sweats and tight red tee shirt. I seem to want to do nothing but take you to bed and have my way with you!" "You mean MY way, don't you?" I teased, as I ground my groin into his. We kissed deeply and then went back out to the living room. Etta was working hard, but glanced up and gave us a knowing smile. "You two betta be getting' dressed. Da preacher will be here soon to talk to you." She said. I looked at the clock above the fireplace. She was right. Just then, there was a knock on the door. Before I could get to it, my brother opened it and poked his head in the entry. "Hi, Jamey!" he said. "Dad will be here in a moment. Okay if Joey and I come in and get dressed? We didn't want to wear our good clothes all the way from Bellflower." "Joey?" I said, at first confused. Then Habby stepped in, followed by Joey, the flight attendant. "Come on in. Steve is in the bedroom, and I know he is anxious to see you, Hab. Go on in and I want to show Joey the view from the lanai. Both of them took the bait and as Habby strolled into the bedroom, I walked out to the lanai with Joey. I closed the door and immediately asked, "What's going on, Joey? I thought we decided that Habby was off limits for you!" Joey looked at first cowed, but then said, "Jamey, your brother just kept calling me. I was nice at first, telling him that I didn't want to -- well, you know all the reasons. But he kept calling me -- every day at least -- and we just started to take each other for granted as friends. Jamey, please believe me. I know what trouble I could be in if I did anything with -- Habby. Jamey, I don't know where this is going, but -- I have no desire for anything sexual right now." "Like I believe that!" I said. "I can see my brother -- how cute he is -- how cute he MUST be to you! If what you said was true, I'd advise him to drop you like a hot coal. He doesn't need to get stuck with someone who's not interested in sex! But I know better!" "I didn't say that he doesn't arouse me. All I said was I have no desire to -- well, maybe I'm saying this wrong. Look, after that one night with Habby, and he called and said it was to be the last night -- I accepted that and went back into being abused by Jack. I just couldn't lie and tell him that I was going with someone else -- when I wasn't. Jamey, I can wait -- I CAN -- until your brother is of age. It's less than two years." "If you can, you're a better man than I am! My brother is used to hot sex! How do you plan to cool down his teen hormones?" "I guess he's -- listen, I don't want to get him in trouble, but -- he's getting what he needs." "Melanie?" I said, suddenly forgetting my playing with three guys at once. He nodded his head. "Well, look Joey, it sounds like you both are using the other for your own needs. You're using Hab to protect yourself from this other guy, and Habby's using Melanie -- for his own pleasure. I think I need to have a talk with - " "Jamey, they have an understanding. She's using him too. She knows he wants to wait for me -- until he's 18 -- and she in the mean time knows she is getting safe sex, and can deflect the pursuits of other guys, just as I am doing with Habby. I know it sounds twisted, but -- I understand that you pretty recently got out of a threesome." That hit me between the eyes. The matter-of-fact way it was said, told me it wasn't malicious. But it stopped me nonetheless. "You're right. This is none of my business. Except where the welfare of my little brother is concerned. I won't let anyone do anything to - " Joey took both his hands in mine, and I looked deeply into his eyes. "Please, Jamey, I wouldn't do anything to hurt him. Habby is a light in my life. And -- your dad is okay with it." He had a point there. About that time, in walked my dad, with a gorgeous young curly-headed brunette on his arm. Dad quickly stepped across the room to the lanai door. He opened it and walked out with his date. "Jamey, I want to introduce you to my -- friend -- Chanelle." She was indeed gorgeous. A closer look put her at about mid thirties. She shook her curly tresses and said, "Hiya, Jamey. You dad has told me so much about you!" Her voice was soft and sweet. Dang! She was probably old enough -- almost -- to be my mom! Dad and Chanelle were already dressed for the occasion. Joey took this excuse to exit to the bedroom, making his excuse for getting dressed. "Looks like you better get dressed too, son. Guests should be arriving in less than an hour. About that time, another knock at the door. It was Seth and Luke, and two very adorable blond children, the girl maybe a little older than the boy. "Be right out, Seth!" I waved. "Gotta get dressed before - " "Any more rude guests come early?" Luke said. "It's okay. Make yourself comfortable. Have some hors douvres while I get dressed." "They betta leave dem goodies be until afta da ceremony!" said Etta. "See? Etta has spoken!" Luke grinned. "We can wait! Go get ready." When I got into the bedroom, both my brother and Joey were in their almost matching tighty-whiteys, and neither was "agitated" to any degree. In his underwear and tight wife beater undershirt, it was easy to see that Joey had been working out. That even gave me a thrill. I looked at Steve and he was smiling at my reaction. I blushed, then got going, shucking my clothes. I headed to the shower, followed by my sweetheart. We caressed each other one last time with the wash cloth before we pledged our lives to each other. When we were finished in the shower, Hab and Joey were gone. We helped each other dress in tuxes. We were the only ones that wore them. "Dang you look young with that new haircut -- AND that sexy tux makes you look closer than ever to my age!" "I'll wear one every time we go out!" Steve laughed and he smiled broadly and kissed me on the lips. " Funny thing about haircuts and tuxes. They make the older look younger and the young look older. You look sophisticated and suave -- and at least 30!" I liked that -- a lot! When we walked out to the living room, there was an applause, led by Auntie Lindy. I looked from face to face. I recognized Seth's brother, Chris, and his partner, Craig. I nodded to Uncle Jake, and I assumed the younger version of him standing to his side was his son, Jake. Next to Jake was a very suave and serene looking blonde whom I assumed was Colin. Jake looked older, but I had heard that he had AIDS which was in remission. The two beautiful blond children I saw earlier were between Jake and Colin. As I shifted my sight to the two children -- looking very much like the other two -- flanking Chris and Craig, another couple guys entered from the kitchen. One was nice enough looking, blonde also, and about 6' tall, followed by nothing less than a Greek god! I had heard about Rob from Seth. He looked to be over 6'-5" tall, and held his head high. He saw me staring and smiled broadly, walked over and extended his hand. "Hello! I'm Rob. You must be Jamey. Seth has told me a lot about you." Rob looked over at Seth, who was in conversation with his brother. He got the most loving look on his face. "Seth is like a little brother to me -- a little brother I never had until Seth." "Hi. Yes I'm Jamey and this is my partner -- for life -- almost," I said and blushed and grinned, "Steve Jordan." "Doctor Jordan, as I understand!" Said Rob, as he vigorously shook Steve's hand. "And this is my guy, Denny." Denny stepped forward, not as confidently and smiled, shaking both our hands. At closer look, Denny too looked a little delicate. The look that went between Rob and Denny, introducing him spoke volumes about the love they shared. They too had blonde children -- 3 -- tagging along after them. I already knew they were all from the same two mother's, sisters themselves -- if I remembered it right. The guys had decided after Colin and Jake adopted the first two that they wanted all of them -- and their cousins. They were all at the same orphanage in Eastern Europe,. Their mothers could not afford to keep them after their fathers were killed in a war. And the mothers lived at the compound with them. I wondered if they also traveled with them. Denny approached us almost shyly and said, "Seth really speaks highly of both of you. We probably want to talk to you about something later." "We can discuss it now, Denny!" Said Jake. Jake was ruggedly handsome, but the AIDS had taking a toll on him. That didn't seem to stifle his Smith Family attitude or composure. "Jamey -- Steve -- we have all talked it over and with Seth and Luke's input, We'd like to invite you to come to our compound to live. Don't take the invitation lightly. We are not that easy. But on Seth's recommendation and - - I have to admit, it would be great to have a doctor on property -- with all these kids. And -- You might want to adopt some of your own. Seth and Luke will be coming here sometime in the next few years. We'd love for you to join them or -- even sooner if that would work out for you." Colin added, "But you just think about it for awhile and -- come out to see us and the compound. There's plenty of room -- even for a visit." I was rather overwhelmed at the idea. Steve beamed. "Mr Arthur, Dr. Jordan, I think the time is at hand for your public announcement. Do you have prepared statements?" Asked the minister. "Neither of us has prepared anything written, Sir, but I'd like to say something." The preacher nodded. Steve looked around the small gathering in his home, catching the eye of nearly everyone present. "First of all I'd like to thank you all for coming to witness this. Some of you we know well, others we have come to know more recently. The Smith Family -- extended family that is -- has been so wonderful and gracious to us, and it is not unnoticed. Both Jamey and I want to thank all of you for your kindness and generosity. "Now, to my dear sweet Partner Jamey: I pledge my forever fidelity to you, and since I cannot possibly express my love in a few words -- or many words for that matter -- let me say that I am glad that you entered my life when you did. It was a hard time for you, and I know that you have had some hard decisions to make at an early age, but - - "I was at a point in my life that I needed someone to share it with. If it wasn't you, it would have been someone else. I am so happy that God brought you to me when he did. I am pretty sure than no one else could have fulfilled what I needed in the way that you have -- and will. I am confident that our love will last through the eternities. I now, in the attendance of these witnesses give my heart, my soul, indeed my whole being and life to you." Tears were coursing down both our faces and most of the others, I assume. I couldn't be sure at the time because I couldn't see. When I was sure that Steve was finished, and it was my turn -- I could hardly speak. I turned from Steve and after wiping my face and eyes with a Kleenex that was offered, I said, "I can't really add much to what Steve said, except to reiterate what he said about the Smith's and especially for the kindness and wisdom I received, not only from Uncle Jake, but from Seth. He helped me through some pretty confusing stuff. "I could not forget to thank my dad for all he has done and for his acceptance of me and my choices at this time -- or also my brother. I've watched him mature at least five years in the last three months. I could not ask for a better family. Mom, I know you're here watching this," I said to the ceiling. And I feel your blessing on us as well. "Steve," I turned to look into his wet eyes, "Yes, timing is everything, Babe! We have agreed to share one another's burdens. We have agreed that sometimes you will be the `dad'!"? Everyone chuckled at that. I continued, "but that sometimes I get to be the dad, too!" That got a belly laugh. They didn't know how true it really was. "Most importantly, I too give my heart, my body -- my all to you -- for this life and forever!" We stood there motionless for it seemed 30 minutes but I'm told it was more like 30 seconds. "I could not have said anything better than these two just did!" Said the preacher. Everyone applauded. "So now if we could bow for a moment of silent prayer, after which I will ask a blessing upon these two honorees." Everyone bowed heads and there were many sniffles and nose blows. After one minute, the minister said, "Father in Heaven, We don't pretend to know everything about anything, maybe least about this phenomenon of homosexuality. Father, these folks did seek me out because they believe that I have some light for them. Please help me to be that light to them. Please add you blessing to their solemn vows of fidelity to one another. Please forgive us all where it is warranted and where we need it. Teach us to spread charity to other spheres that we may not understand and - - to forgive those who refuse to understand us. Honor us with the presence of The Holy Spirit today, that we may each feel his presence and his approval of these vows. Please help Steve and Jamey to always remember this day and the importance of living up to the solemn words of love and promise that they have uttered. In the precious name of thy Son, our Savior, Amen." A few amens were heard in the group and then Etta said, "Let de celebraish'n continue in de dining room!" Everyone broke out into a cheer and applause. Steve kissed me deeply , and we led the group to the catered spread all through the kitchen and living room. John and Buddy/Grant came up to us, hand-in-hand, and hugged both Steve and me. John held me a bit longer that the rest, and said, "Thanks you for pushing us towards each other. You have set the example of how to do it, here tonight!" Joey came to us with Habby walking behind him. His eyes were still filled with tears. "I want you to know that I have never seen such a beautiful display of love. I promise you that I will respect the example that you and Steve have provided. This little guy behind me," he laughed, "who is bigger than I am in most ways -- thinks the sun rises and sets on you -- and now I understand why. I -- we -- will do our best to be as good an example to others as you have been. Thanks for letting me be part of your life!" I said a little prayer that he and Habby would be able to stay celibate at least until Habby's 18th. We got to the food first -- Etta made sure of that! When we had eaten enough we got up and went to all the others who were eating, thanking them and conversing with each of them, as they were each special to us in our lives. There is nothing more special than a wedding at home with all your close friends and family in attendance, I decided. "Jamey, Steve," my dad said, "I used to be just arrogant enough to think I couldn't learn anything from my boys. I was always partial to boys, you know. I never dreamed that my boys would bring home other boys for me! Haha! Steve, SON, welcome to the family!" Everyone applauded again. I was a little worried about Dad's disappointment, not looking forward to grandchildren, but with all the Smith grandchildren running around the room, I was happy that dad seemed to accept that well. And who knows ... some day we might just move to Vermont and become part of the "Brotherhood" there, and decide to adopt some children of our own. I looked at Steve. He was sitting, talking to the younger Jake Smith seriously. I only could guess what they were talking about. Steve kept looking at the two very beautiful Russian children that were hanging on both Jake and Colin -- and smiling. I got a very good feeling about that. Maybe 3 years -- maybe 5 ...? Notes: thanks so much to all the wonderful and supportive readers who have been so kind to me. Now you get to add your own "continuation" to this story, to suit your own desires ... for no story ever really ends, does it? Thanks again and love, Steve stevethomas535@hotmail.com.