Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2014 17:27:03 -0500
From: crazy4u <rnielsen47@gmail.com>
Subject: The Man from Swift Current Chapter 106, GM College and High School

Comments on the story are appreciated and may be addressed to the author,
Russ Nielsen (rnielsen47@gmail.com).  To read more of my stories, you can
find them at my story site - http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com

All the usual disclaimers apply.  This is a work of pure fiction. Any
similarities to persons living or dead are coincidental.  If it is illegal
to read this where you live, don't read it. If you are under legal age
where you live, don't read it.

This story contains descriptions of consensual sexual contact between adult
males.  Passing through Nifty's main page to get here is your way of saying
it is legal for you to be reading it.

Please contribute to Nifty

*** ***

Chapter One Hundred Six – The Accident

Tyler had tried to hold onto his anger; but, when he heard the pain in
Joey's voice as he begged for a second chance, the wall he had been
building around his heart crumbled.  He was mentally and emotionally
exhausted, and Joey's warm embrace was so comforting.  He realized, despite
his deeply wounded heart, he still loved Joey and wanted to be with him.
Joey's quiet strength made him think they could work out their issues.
Tyler relaxed in Joey's embrace.

He wrapped his arms around Joey's waist, and looked into his eyes.  "You
came back.  Why?"

Tears were shining in Joey's eyes, as he answered, "I couldn't imagine my
life without you, Tyler.  You ripped my heart out of my chest, when you
told me `goodbye.'  I was so miserable.  Tyler, I want to spend the rest of
my life with you.  Will you forgive me?"

Tyler said, "Yes, I forgive you; however, we still need to work on our
relationship.  I'm not sure where I stand with you, anymore."  Tyler
released Joey, and walked over and sat down on his bed.  Now he had made
his decision to stay with Joey, they needed to have a serious talk.

Joey followed him and sat down next to him.  He said, "You are the most
important person in my world, Tyler.  I want to grow old with you.  I want
you to be my husband, and I want to have you by my side as we raise our two
daughters.  I want them to know you are as much a part of my life as they
are."

"If you really feel that way, why did you keep pushing me away?" Tyler
asked.  The pain was evident in his voice.  "There were several times you
snapped at me, when I was trying to help you with the girls.  It was like I
was a stranger and you were trying to protect them from me.  I love your
girls, Joey.  Your reaction to me around your girls really hurt."

Joey said, "I'm sorry.  I was wrong to treat you the way I did.  I acted
the way I did because I didn't want the girls to carry tales to their
mother about how close we are.  I was afraid Rachel would say something to
her mother that would cause Kathy to suspect we're lovers."

"But, you should have talked to me about your concern," Tyler said.  "We
could have planned out our strategy and worked together to make sure we
didn't have any problems with the girls.  However, you treated me like I
was your enemy, instead of your fiancé.  All I was doing was trying to
be a support for you in your role as their father.  I didn't expect to be
pushed away and scolded for trying to help.  The first time it happened, I
thought it was just my imagination; but, when you did it to me several more
times that day, I knew you were consciously doing it.  That really hurt."

"I'm sorry.  I didn't do a very good job of communicating what I was trying
to do," Joey said.

"I disagree, Joey.  You communicated very well with me.  You made it very
clear I wasn't wanted," Tyler said, anger coloring his voice.  "Your
actions told me where I stood.  That's why I'm still having a hard time
reconciling your words with your actions, Joey."

Joey hung his head.  He had tried to justify why he had treated Tyler so
poorly; but, even as the words left his mouth, he knew his explanation was
pretty lame.  Tyler was right.  He wasn't handling this situation very
well.  In fact, he was making things worse.

Tyler continued, "Joey, I need to know you really love me for who I am.  I
need to know I'm not just your sex toy; to be used when you need a good
fuck, but otherwise kept in the closet to protect you from the consequences
of being gay.  I'm not going to hide every time someone comes to visit us,
nor will I pretend we aren't lovers.  Your girls need to know I am
important to you, and you love me, unconditionally.  The way you treated me
around your children sent a very clear message about your feelings toward
me.  You need to decide who you are, Joey.  I know who I am.  Do you?"

Joey couldn't look at Tyler.  He knew Tyler was right.  Every word Tyler
said pierced his heart.  He didn't really know who he was.  He thought he
was gay, and he really did love Tyler; but, he wasn't ready to come out of
the closet completely and publicly own up to who he really was.  He finally
looked up and met Tyler's gaze.  "I don't know who I really am, Tyler.  I
love you and I believe I'm gay; but I'm not ready to publicly declare it to
the entire world."

Tyler said, "At least you admit you're not sure.  That's progress.  You
need to finish your journey of self-discovery, Joey.  Until you do, things
will not work well for us."

Hearing Tyler's response, Joey asked, "But will you stay with me, while I
work through it?"

Tyler said, "Yes, I'll stay with you; but, don't you think, for a second,
I'll permit you to treat me like you did the last few days.  I promise you
I'll be gone the moment you do.  I won't even argue, or discuss your
behavior with you.  I'll just disappear from your life."

Joey's face fell, as he heard the anger and the hurt in Tyler's voice.
"I'm sorry I hurt you, Tyler.  How can I prove to you I really mean what I
say?  Won't you cut me some slack?  You know I'm not perfect.  I admit I
messed up.  I promise to do my best not to ever hurt you again; but, can't
you be more patient with me?"  His voice cracked with emotion.

"Joey, you destroyed the trust I had in you," Tyler said.  "It won't be
easy for you to restore that trust, especially where your soon to be
ex-wife and your girls are concerned.  I don't know where I stand with you.
You say I'm the most important person in your life; but is that really
true?"

Joey responded, earnestly, "What can I do to prove to you, beyond any
shadow of a doubt, you are my one and only true love?"

Tyler didn't respond.  He hadn't really gotten this far in his thought
processes.  His heart had been filled with so much anger and pain; he
hadn't really decided what proof he would need to know Joey was really
sincere.

Joey could see the uncertainty on Tyler's face.  He was more than a little
worried Tyler would tell him to get lost.  He got on his knees in front of
Tyler, taking his hands in his.  He looked up into Tyler's face.  "Please,
Tyler, I beg you to let me love you.  Don't send me away.  I love you."

Tyler gazed into Joey's eyes and saw Joey's love for him reflected there.
He pulled his hand free and raised it to Joey's face.  He wiped away his
tears and placed the palm of his hand on Joey's cheek.  "Don't cry, Babe.
I know you love me, and I love you."  Tyler pulled Joey up and into bed
with him.  Joey hid his face in Tyler's chest and clung to him.  They fell
asleep in each other's arms.

Tyler awoke with a start.  He didn't remember getting under the blankets.
He looked at the blanket and realized his mother must have covered them
with it; because it was his favorite football blanket he kept in the top of
his closet.  Joey was still sleeping with his head on his chest.  The
memory of Joey's sincere expression of his love for him and his promises to
work to improve their relationship warmed Tyler's heart; and he kissed the
top of Joey's head.  He felt so much better.

The last few days had been a living hell for him, as he tried to decide how
to handle Joey's treatment of him.  All he knew was he couldn't survive in
a relationship where he was treated so poorly by his significant other.  He
had tried to justify Joey's actions; but, the more he had tried to excuse
Joey's behavior, the angrier he became.  It had culminated in Tyler's
attempt to end their relationship.  Those few hours between telling Joey
"Good bye" and when Joey returned, had been some of the darkest hours of
his life.  When he heard Joey's voice on the other side of the door, he
hadn't believed Joey had the audacity to come back.  His misery had been
pushed into the background, as his anger built up.  But, then he decided to
let Joey in, and opened his door.

He was happy they were still together; despite his misgivings.  Joey
stirred and opened his eyes.  He raised his head and met Tyler's gaze.  He
smiled and said, "Good morning, sunshine."

Tyler smiled back, and said, "Good morning, sweetheart."

Joey said, "It feels so good to wake up with your body next to mine."

Tyler grinned, as he felt Joey's hand on his rock hard member.  "I wonder
what you have on your mind this morning."

"I'm sure you don't have to think too hard about that," Joey said, kissing
Tyler passionately.

When they surfaced for air, Tyler said, "Let's take a shower together."

Joey raised his eyebrows in surprise.  "Why?  I thought you wanted..."

Tyler put his finger to Joey's lips, cutting off his protest.  "I do, but I
want to do it in the shower."

Comprehension crossed Joey's face, and he grinned.  "Okay, let's go."

They were out of bed and across the landing to the bathroom in a flash!
They played in the shower, until it turned cold.  Then, they dried each
other off and wrapped towels around their waists.  They crossed the landing
back to Tyler's room.  Tyler locked his door, then dropped his towel,
causing Joey to become even more aroused than he already was.  Tyler gave
him a lecherous grin.  "I'm ready when you are!"

"I'm ready now!"  Joey was, indeed, ready!

A while later, they heard a knock on the door.  "Boys, are you ready for
breakfast?" Louise asked through the door.

Tyler shouted, "We'll be right down, Mom."

"Okay.  Don't be too long," she replied.

Tyler kissed Joey, and said, "I guess we should get dressed."

Joey put his arms around Tyler, and pulled him close.  "I love you."

"I love you, too," Tyler said.

Sniffing the air, Joey said, "Maybe we should have waited to shower until
after we had sex."

"We can take a quick shower to freshen up," Tyler said, laughing.  He
pulled his lover to his feet.  They wrapped themselves in their towels.
They dashed across the landing to the shower.  They kissed each other, as
they entered the shower.  Joey started to deepen the kiss; but Tyler put
his hands on either side of Joey's face.  "We can't make out in the shower,
Joey, or we won't make it down to breakfast!"

Joey grinned.  "I can have breakfast right here."  He reached down to
caress Tyler's very erect steel pole.

Tyler kissed Joey and said, "Yes; but Mom is waiting for us."

Joey sighed and said, "Okay, have it your way."

Tyler laughed.  "Joey, don't you ever get tired of having sex?"

"No, I don't, especially when I know you enjoy it as much as I do!"

Tyler grabbed the soap and washed his lover's body.  When he had finished,
he handed the soap to Joey.  "It's your turn to take care of me."

Joey gave Tyler a huge grin, and Tyler added, "I mean it's time to clean me
up."

Joey did as Tyler asked; however, he managed to get Tyler off in the
process!

The guys stepped out of the shower.  They dried off and returned to Tyler's
room to get dressed.  When they finally appeared in the kitchen, Louise
looked at them, noting the happy glow they had about them.  She also noted
how they were holding hands and seemed to have grown closer, overnight.
She was particularly happy to see Tyler was in good spirits this morning.
It was such a contrast to last night.

She said, "I'm glad to see that things are okay between you two.  You had
me worried last night, Tyler."

Tyler contritely said, "I'm sorry, Mom.  I just wasn't ready to talk to you
about what had happened between us."

"Well, I'm glad Joey came through for you, and managed to set things
right," she said, motioning for them to sit down.  "Your father has already
eaten.  I put everything in the warmer; since I wasn't sure when you two
would decide to make an appearance."

The guys sat down and Louise served them a hearty breakfast.  She sat down
across from them.  She could see they had moved their chairs close
together, so they were still touching.  She smiled as Joey cut Tyler's
pancakes for him and fed him his breakfast.  She asked, "May I ask what
caused the problem between you two?"

Tyler looked at Joey who said, "I'm the one who is to blame."  He related
what had happened.

Louise said, "I'm glad you two have reconciled.  It's much better to get
those kinds of issues dealt with, early on in a relationship."

Joey took Tyler's hand in his.  "I wish I hadn't hurt Tyler in the
process."

Louise looked at her son and said, "I agree it was unfortunate Tyler's
heart was bruised by what happened; but, I think you'll find he is pretty
resilient.  More importantly, I think the lessons you both have learned
from this experience will help you in the long run."

Joey said, in a heartfelt voice, "I know I don't want to ever go through
anything like that again."

They finished eating and helped Louise clear the table and wash up the
dishes.  Joey looked at Tyler and asked, "What do you want to do today?"

"I want to just chill out for a while," Tyler said.  "Let's go downstairs."

They walked hand in hand out of the kitchen and down the stairs to the
family room.  They sat down on the couch.  Joey sat between Tyler's legs
and leaned back against his chest.  Tyler wrapped his arms around Joey's
waist and nibbled Joey's ear.  He whispered, "I love you, Joey."

Joey arched his back and whispered back, "I love you, too."

*** ***

Greg and Cory were sitting around the kitchen table with Ray and Darla when
the doorbell rang.  Ray stood up and said, "I'll get it."  When he opened
the door, he was shocked to see two police officers standing on his front
step.

One of them said, "Are you Mr. Malone?"

"No, I'm not.  He's not at home at the moment," Ray responded.

"Do you have a number where we can reach him?" the officer asked.

"Sure," Ray responded.  He pulled out his cell phone and read off Joey's
cell phone number.

"Thank you," the officer said.

"May I ask what this is all about?" Ray said.

The officer looked at Ray and said, "We are looking for Mrs. Malone's next
of kin."

Ray knew something must have happened from the officer's tone of voice.
"Her brother, Greg, is in the kitchen."

"May we come inside?" the officer asked.

"Sure," Ray said, stepping aside to let them enter.

He directed them to the front room, then turned into the kitchen.  "Greg,
come into the front room.  There are two police officers who want to speak
to you."

Greg looked at Cory in surprise, wondering what was going on.  He and Cory
got up from the table, and followed Ray into the front room.  Darla joined
them, as well.

The officers stood up and introduced themselves.  "I'm Officer Buckley and
this is Officer Trainor.  Which of you is Mrs. Malone's brother?"

Greg said, "I am."

"Do you know where your brother-in-law is?" Officer Buckles said.

Before Greg could answer, Ray said, "Yes, I do.  He's staying with a friend
in Dumfries."

Officer Buckley said, "We have some bad news to deliver to you and wanted
to do it in person, rather than over the phone.  Your sister was involved
in a car accident last night.  Both she and the driver of the vehicle were
killed on impact.  A drunk driver crossed the median and hit their car head
on.  The driver of the other vehicle is in critical condition."

"What happened to my nieces?  Were they in the car at the time of the
accident?" Greg asked.  His gut was clenched in fear.  He had grown close
to them during their stay with them over the weekend.

"The two little girls are fine.  They are being kept at the hospital for
observation just to make sure they hadn't sustained any unseen injuries.
They will be held at the hospital, until we can contact their father,"
Officer Buckles said.

Ray said, "This is his friend's address."  He handed the officer a slip of
paper, with the address.

Officer Buckley said, "Thank you.  We will drive over to talk to
Mr. Malone."

Greg asked, "Do you want us to wait until you get there to tell him what
has happened?"

"That depends on you.  I think it would be easier for me to tell him, when
we get there; but, you're free to call him, if you wish," Officer Buckles
replied.  "If you decide to call him, his daughters are at Potomac
Hospital."

Ray said, "Greg, I think I would wait.  It won't hurt Joey to wait a few
more minutes to find out what has happened."

Officer Buckles said, "I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news."

Greg said, "Thank you for telling us."

The officers left and Greg turned to Cory.  "I had better call Mom."

He pulled out his cell phone and dialed his mother's number.  She answered
her phone after several rings.  She sounded sleepy.  "Hello."

"Mom, it's Greg," he said.

"Greg, what's wrong.  It's still early in the morning here," she said.

"Kathy was killed in a car accident, last night," he said.

He heard his mother's cry of anguish and started crying himself.  Through
her tears, she asked, "What happened?"

He recounted what the officer had told him about the accident.  "They have
gone to tell Joey."

"I'll call your grandparents to let them know," she said.  "I'll call you
with the flight information when I get my reservations made."

"Okay," Greg said.

"Give Joey a hug for me.  I know he still loves Kathy despite, how horrible
she has been to him," she said.

"I will.  I'll talk to you in a bit," he said, and broke the connection.

Cory put his arm around Greg's shoulders and Greg clung to his husband, as
he let his grief find release in his tears.

*** ***

Tyler and Joey heard the doorbell ring; but didn't stir from their position
on the couch.  Tyler said, "I wonder who would be calling at this time of
the morning."

They could hear Louise at the front door, then they heard her coming down
the stairs.  They could tell someone was following her down.  Joey stood up
and pulled Tyler to his feet as they waited.  Louise looked worried as she
appeared in the family room.  Both Joey and Tyler were shocked to see two
police officers following her into the room.

One of them asked, "Which of you is Mr. Malone?"

"I am," Joey said, looking from one officer to the other.

"I'm Officer Buckley and this is Officer Trainor.  We have come to inform
you your wife was killed in a car accident, last night," Officer Buckles
said.  All of the color left Joey's face.  Officer Buckley started forward
to catch Joey.  "Are you alright?"

Joey waved him away.  "I'm okay.  Are my girls okay?"

"Yes, they were uninjured.  They were kept overnight at the hospital for
observation.  They are at the Potomac Hospital," Officer Buckley said.

"What happened?" Joey asked.

Officer Buckley related the facts about the accident.  "I'm sorry to bring
you such bad news."

Joey nodded, and said, "Thank you for coming to tell me personally what
happened.  We'll head over to the hospital immediately."

"We have already informed your brother-in-law; since we went to your home
address, first," Officer Buckles said.

Joey nodded his head.  "Greg will call the rest of the family."

Officer Buckley said, "We must be going."

Joey said, "Thank you, again, for coming."

They went upstairs, followed by Louise, who saw them out.  Tyler pulled
Joey to him and held him tight.  "I'm sorry, Joey."

Joey hid his face in his lover's chest and let his tears fall.  He had
loved Kathy very much at one time; and he still had feelings for her.  She
was, after all, the mother of his children.

Louise returned to the front room to find Tyler comforting Joey.  Tyler
caught her eye and said, "Can you give us a few moments alone, Mom?"

Louise understood her son's desire to allow his fiancé to talk openly
about his grief.  She turned and climbed the stairs to her bedroom.  She
was saddened by the tragic loss of someone so young; but, at the same time,
she was relieved.  She had feared for her son, and the possibility Joey
would hurt him by returning to his ex-wife, at some point in the future.
She knew of friends whose marriages were destroyed by the ex-wife seeking
vengeance.  She also knew many times a former spouse still had feelings for
their ex-wife, or ex-husband.  Those feelings often could wreak havoc in
any future relationship.  Kathy's untimely passing removed the possibility
Joey would decide to return to his wife; leaving Tyler wounded and hurt.

Meanwhile, Tyler had guided Joey to the couch and pulled him onto his lap.
Joey curled up against Tyler's chest and hugged his fiancé.  His tears
had stopped flowing; but, he felt an immense sadness come over him.
Tyler's quiet strength comforted him.  Tyler stroked his hair, and smoothed
it away from his face.

Now, more than ever before, Tyler was grateful they had reconciled their
differences, last night.  The thought of Joey facing Kathy's death alone
sent shivers down his spine.  Joey was strong; but Tyler knew how
emotionally vulnerable Joey was at the moment.  In part, it was Joey's
vulnerability that attracted Tyler.

After a while, Tyler said, "Joey, we need to go to the hospital.  The girls
are waiting for us."

Joey nodded his head and said, "You're right.  We should go soon."  He slid
off of Tyler's lap and leaned over to give him a tender kiss.

Tyler put his hand to Joey's cheek and said, "I love you."

Joey reached up and covered Tyler's hand with his own.  "I love you, too."

Tyler said, "We will need to get new car seats for the girls.  I doubt we
will be able to get the ones the girls were in, when the car crashed."

Joey agreed.  "Let's stop by WalMart on our way to the hospital."

They climbed the stairs and met Louise near the front door.  Louise asked,
"Do you need me to go with you?"

"Thank you, Mom; but I think we'll be okay.  We'll be back with the girls
as soon as we can," Joey said.

They walked out to Joey's car and climbed in.  Joey drove the short
distance to WalMart and they went inside the store to purchase two new car
seats.  They returned to the car with the two boxes containing the car
seats.  They took the car seats out of their boxes and installed them in
the back seat of the car.  While Joey drove to the hospital, Tyler read the
instructions for the car seats to make sure they had installed them
properly.  They arrived at the hospital.  They entered the foyer and
approached the information desk.

Joey asked, "I'm looking for Rachel and Sarah Malone."

The receptionist tapped their names into her computer, then looked up at
Joey.  She gave him directions to the room where the girls were being held
for him.  Tyler and Joey navigated the hallways of the hospital and arrived
at the appropriate room.

There was a nurse inside the room with the girls.  She looked up and saw
Joey and Tyler.  She smiled at them.  "One of you must be the girls'
father."

Joey nodded and said, "Yes, I'm their father."

Hearing Joey's voice, Rachel raced over to her Dad and hugged his knees.
"Daddy!"

He leaned down and picked her up.  "Hello, Rachel."

Rachel wrapped her tiny arms around his neck and said, "Daddy, I'm scared."

"I'm scared, too, Rachel," he replied.

Sarah was in a baby crib and was standing up, holding onto the railing.  He
walked over to the crib.  He turned to Tyler and handed Rachel to him.  He
reached into the crib and took Sarah into his arms.  The little girl looked
trustingly into her father's eyes.  He kissed the top of her head and said,
"Sarah, Daddy's here, now.  Everything will be okay."

Sarah smiled and said, in her own private language, "I love you."

Joey understood her and said, "I love you too, baby."

The nurse said, "You will need to fill out the paperwork at the
administration office, while I get them ready to go.  The doctor released
them this morning.  We have kept them under observation all night to make
sure they weren't injured.  You should still keep an eye on them for any
signs of head injury, or other kind of internal injury."

Joey said, "Thank you for caring for my girls."

She smiled, and said, "They are such sweet children.  You are very lucky."

Joey said, "I know.  It was very fortunate they weren't hurt in the
accident.  How do I get to the administration offices?"

She told him, and left them with the girls.  Joey said, "Rachel, Daddy has
to go downstairs for a few minutes.  I'll be right back.  Okay?"

Rachel said, "Okay."

The guys headed downstairs and found the offices.  They entered and the
receptionist asked, "How may I help you?"

"I'm here to complete the paperwork for Rachel and Sarah Malone," Joey
said.

She pulled out two folders and passed a couple of insurance forms across
the desk for him to sign along with several other papers.  "Please fill
these out.  Don't forget to sign and date them."

He completed the paperwork, and handed it back to the receptionist.  She
keyed some information into the computer and said, "It looks like you are
all set.  I will call the nurse to bring the children down to you."

She made the phone call.  She turned back to Joey and asked, "Do you have
car seats for the children?"

"Yes, we do," Joey answered.

"You will need to show them to us, before we can release the children to
you," she said.

Tyler said, "I'll go get the car while you wait for the girls."

Joey handed Tyler his keys and said, "Thank you."

Tyler left the office and walked out to the parking lot.  He retrieved the
vehicle and drove to the patient pick up.  As he pulled up to the curb,
Joey came out with the nurse and the girls.  Tyler stopped the car and
turned off the engine.  He got out of the car to help with the girls.  The
nurse looked inside the car.  Satisfied that each child had a car seat, she
turned the children over to their father.  As soon as they were safely
secured in their car seats, Joey and Tyler got into the front seat.  Tyler
drove them to his parents' home.

They took the girls inside, where they found Louise and Harry waiting for
them.  Joey introduced his girls.  "Rachel and Sarah, this is your new
Grandpa and Grandma.  Harry and Louise, I'd like you to meet Rachel and
Sarah."

Harry smiled and said, "Your girls are very precious."

"Yes, they are," Joey said.

Rachel clung to her Dad, but eventually warmed up to Harry and Louise.
After a few hours, she was talking to both of them.  Even Sarah had gotten
over her initial shyness and held her arms up to be held.  Harry picked her
up and placed her on his lap.  It touched Joey's heart to see how quickly
the girls had accepted Louise and Harry.  It was a bright ray of hope, in
an otherwise bleak day for him.  Tyler took his hand in his and gave it
gentle squeeze.

"Everything will be alright," Tyler said.

Joey nodded his head and leaned over to give Tyler a kiss.  "I love you."

Louise smiled as she gazed across the room at Tyler and Joey.  She could
see that there was a lot of love between them.  So far she was very
impressed with Joey and how he treated her son.

*** ***

Greg's cell phone rang.  "Hello Mom.  Did you find a flight?"

"Yes, the plane arrives at 8:05 PM," Mrs. Hurst said.

"We'll be there to pick you up," Greg said.

"Grandpa and Grandma are coming out with me," Mrs. Hurst said.

"I hope they plan to stay at a hotel; because I don't want to see them,"
Greg said.

"They are staying at a hotel.  They want me to stay at the hotel with
them," Mrs. Hurst said.

"That's alright, if that's what you want.  Just don't ask me to join you.
I have no desire to hear their derogatory remarks about gays, or listen to
their religious bigotry," Greg said.  "As far as I'm concerned, they are no
longer my grandparents."

"I understand, Greg.  Grandpa is renting a car, so I won't need you to pick
me up from the airport," Mrs. Hurst said.  "Has anyone contacted you about
making funeral arrangements?"

"No.  I would think they would call Joey, before they would contact me,"
Greg said.

"You should call Joey to see if he has begun making the funeral
arrangements," Mrs. Hurst said.

"I'll call him," Greg said.

"Good bye," she said.

"Bye, Mom," Greg said, and broke the connection.

He pushed the speed dial for Joey.  Joey answered, "Hey, Greg.  How are you
holding up?"

"I'm okay; and you?"

"I've made it past the initial shock.  Tyler has been a great comfort to
me.  He's been a real saint these last few days.  The girls are here with
me at Tyler's place.  The girls seem to be okay; but the nurse gave me
instructions regarding what to watch for, just in case they have an injury
they couldn't find," Joey said.

"Mom wanted to know if you've been contacted about making funeral
arrangements," Greg said.

"No one has called me.  I guess they will call me when the body is ready to
be transported to a funeral home.  Do Cory's parents know of a good funeral
home?" Joey asked.

He heard Greg ask Ray.  Greg came back on the line.  "He says he's been to
a funeral at Miller's Funeral Home.  He said the place was nice and they
seemed to do a good job.  Ray wants to talk to you."

Ray asked, "Do you have an insurance policy on Kathy?"

"I used to cover her; but I haven't carried her on my insurance since we
separated," Joey responded.

"Have you thought about how you will pay for the funeral service?" Ray
asked.

"No, I haven't really had time to think about anything except getting my
girls home from the hospital," Joey replied.

"You will need to figure out the finances, before you talk to the funeral
home.  They won't do anything for you, unless they know where the money is
going to come from," Ray said.

"I'll talk it over with Tyler, and let you know what we decide to do," Joey
said.

Ray handed the cell phone back to Greg.  Greg said, "If you need help with
the funeral expenses, please let me know.  I think Mom may have some ideas
about what we can do for Kathy.  Mom and my grandparents are flying into
town tonight."

"Thanks for your help, Greg," Joey said.  "I'll give you a call later."

"Bye," Greg said, and cut the connection.  He turned to Cory.  "I'm going
to call Grandpa.  He needs to know we might not be going to the wedding."

He dialed the number and it rang a couple of times, before Grandpa answered
it.

"Hello, Greg," Grandpa said.

"Hello, Grandpa.  My sister was killed in a car accident, last night," Greg
said.  He went on to explain everything that had happened.

"I'll change your plane reservations for you and Cory.  I think we can
arrange for you to be at the wedding, and at your sister's funeral, if we
can time things right," Grandpa said.

"Thanks, Grandpa.  Joey doesn't have an insurance policy on Kathy; so he
may have some difficulty with meeting the funeral expenses," Greg said.

"And you want to help him," Grandpa said.

"Yes, I'd like to help, if I can," Greg responded.

"Let's wait and see what Joey's needs are.  I think we can assist him, if
he needs our help," Grandpa said.

"Thanks, Grandpa," Greg said.  "I knew you would know what to do."

Grandpa laughed.  "It's only because I'm older and more experienced.  It
doesn't mean I am any smarter than you.  You will eventually gain both age
and experience."

"I'll call you when Joey lets us know what his plans are," Greg said.

"Okay," Grandpa said.

"Bye," Greg said and ended the call.  He turned to Cory and said, "Grandpa
is the best!"

Ray looked over from where he had been reading the newspaper.  He asked,
"Did you see the paper this morning?"

"No.  Why?" Greg asked.

Ray handed him the newspaper and pointed to a small article at the bottom
of the page.  It read, "A trial date set has been set for Steve Hurst.  The
accused is going to plead not guilty by reason of insanity to charges of
attempted capital murder and aggravated battery and assault."  The article
went on to relate what had happened to Greg and Cory, and the reason for
the attack on the two boys.

Greg looked up at Ray.  "Does this mean Dad will get off with a visit to
the mental ward, then let free?"

"No, it doesn't; but if it is determined he was momentarily insane, then he
won't do any jail time," Ray said.

Greg's face showed his anger.  "Is there anything we can do to make sure
that doesn't happen?  How can they even consider letting him get away with
attempted murder?"

"His defense team is doing their best to get him off completely; or at
least with the minimum sentence possible," Ray said.

"But how is that justice?  Doesn't it mean anything that he nearly killed
us?" Greg asked.  His voice was full of the anger, and hurt he felt at what
he saw as a betrayal of his trust in the justice system.

Ray said, "Please calm down, Greg.  Just because they are planning to use
an insanity defense, doesn't mean it will be successful."

Cory asked, "Dad, why isn't Mr. Hurst being charged with a hate crime;
since he attacked us because we're gay?"

"Virginia doesn't consider attacks against gays a hate crime.  They only
consider it a hate crime if the attack was based on race, religion, or
national origin," Ray responded.

"So religious fanatics can harass gays all they want and get away with it,"
Cory said.

"Yes, because the state believes that other statutes will provide
protection against harassment," Ray said.

"But they don't," Greg said.  "There are too many people who think it's
okay to harass gays.  They don't take us seriously, when we complain about
the bullying, or other forms of harassment."

Cory said, "You are right, Greg.  Thankfully, we don't live in Virginia.
Minnesota doesn't' have a hate crimes law; but, there are bias crimes that
have longer jail sentences for whatever crime was committed.  I researched
Minnesota law, when we first arrived in Minneapolis."

Greg said, "I remember you said something about it to me a few months back.
I knew there was a reason I like living in Minneapolis."

"That's not the only reason," Cory said, smiling.  "It's pretty awesome to
share a house with a bunch of gay guys.  We don't have to worry about being
harassed about kissing our husbands, or making out with them on the couch!"

Greg said, "Every gay guy should have the experience of living in a
houseful of horny gay guys!"

Ray laughed.  "We gathered you two were enjoying yourselves at school, last
semester.  Cory's descriptions of your activities were pretty amazing."

Greg looked at his husband.  "Cory, I hope you didn't tell him everything."

Cory blushed and shook his head.  "No, I didn't tell Mom and Dad everything
we did."

Ray laughed, again, and said, "But he told us enough to let us know you two
are very happy and doing well."

Greg smiled at Cory.  "Of course, we're happy.  We are a happily married
couple in a house full of gay married couples; except, of course, Adam and
Robbie, and they are engaged to be married."

Cory asked, "Did you hear when Adam and Robbie are getting married?"

"No, I didn't.  Last time we talked about it, Robbie said they were
thinking about getting married during spring break," Greg replied.

Darla said, "Robbie and Adam seem like nice kids, from what you've told us
about them."

Cory said, "They are really cool.  They have to be the luckiest gay kids in
the entire country."

"Why?" Darla asked.

"Well, for starters, they each have an older brother who is gay, and those
brothers happen to be married to each other," Cory said.

"Their parents are supportive of them, and allow them to live together.
Admittedly, they have their older brothers to watch over them; but, they're
gay, too, and understand them and can relate to them," Greg said.

"And they are able to be open about being gay at school.  They have each
other to lean on at school; just in case anyone would dare harass either of
them," Cory said.

Darla said, "I have to agree with you they are pretty lucky; but, you have
to admit your father and I have been there for you and Greg."

"Yes, you have, Mom," Cory said.  He glanced at Greg, before he continued,
"However, we weren't so lucky when it came to Greg's parents, or our
classmates at school."

Ray said, "Your Dad's defense attorneys met with us last month."

"I know," Greg said.  "They told us they were meeting with you and Mom,
when they set up a time for us to meet with them.  We are supposed to meet
with them right after school starts.  I talked with Grandpa about it, and
he has hired an attorney to work with me and Cory.  It doesn't matter what
happens with the criminal case, we plan to file a civil suit."

"Do you really want to do that?" Ray asked.

"Why?  Do you think we shouldn't pursue monetary damages for the harm my
father has caused us?" Greg asked, a hard edge made his voice sound harsh.

 Ray raised his hand to forestall any further comment.  "I'm not saying
that at all.  It's just he's still your father."

"No, that is not true.  He forfeited his title of `father' when he tried to
kill me and Cory.  I have changed my last name, and I've been adopted by
someone who is more of a father to me than he is, or ever will be," Greg
said.  "You don't know what it's like to wake up screaming in the middle of
the night, because you have just relived the moment your father smashed
your head in with a baseball bat."

Ray cringed at the reminder of what had happened to Greg and Cory.  "I
don't mean to minimize what happened to you, or to Cory.  I'm still just as
angry at your father for what he did to my son."

"Then what was your point?" Greg asked.

"I was just asking if getting monetary damages from your father would
accomplish anything," Ray said.

"I want to make sure my father pays for what he did to me.  Even if he gets
off completely from the criminal charges, I want him to pay.  We don't need
the money, but I want him to know he messed up," Greg said.

Darla said, "Do you know your Dad's church is raising funds to pay for his
lawyers?"

"No; but it doesn't surprise me," Greg said.  "That church advocates
murdering gays, and they continue to preach it from the pulpit every
Sunday.  They claim gays are the cause of all the ills in this world."

"If you win your civil suit, your father won't pay a dime, because his
church will take care if it for him," Ray said.

"All the more reason to seek the maximum amount we can," Greg said.

Cory said, "We plan to use the money to set up a foundation to work with
homeless gay teens.  We want to help teenagers whose parents have thrown
them out of the house.  We thought about setting up a homeless shelter;
but, doing so would limit us to a specific geographical location.  We want
to help as many gay teens as we can.  The foundation would be free to work
in whatever city, or state where there is a need."

Greg's cell phone rang.  He pulled it out of his pocket and said, "Hello,
Joey."

"Hey!  The police have released the bodies of Kathy and Andrew.  The
hospital called, and I told them I would make arrangements with the Miller
Funeral Home to pick up the body.  Do you want to meet me at Miller's to
discuss the funeral arrangements?"

Greg said, "Sure.  What time are you going?"

"I called them, and they can meet with us at 2 PM," Joey answered.

"Okay, Cory and I will be there," Greg said.

"Thanks, Greg.  I appreciate your willingness to go with me.  Tyler will be
there, as well," Joey said.

"Who will watch the girls?" Greg asked.

"Tyler's Mom and Dad have volunteered to babysit for me," Joey said.

"Alright, we'll see you at 2," Greg said.  He ended the call and turned to
Cory.  "We will meet Tyler and Joey at the funeral home at 2 PM."

*** ***

Harry looked up, as Joey came into the kitchen.  He could hear peals of
laughter coming up the stairs from the family room where Tyler was playing
with the children.  Joey looked shell shocked.  His face was pale and he
looked like he was going to pass out at any moment.  Harry said, "Joey, sit
down before you fall down.  Let me get you a strong cup of coffee."

Joey nodded, and complied with Harry's directive.  He slid into a chair at
the kitchen table, and buried his face in his hands.  He was so overwhelmed
with everything that had happened over the last 24 hours.  Between Tyler's
rejection of him, their reconciliation, and Kathy's car accident, leaving
him a widower with two children; he was completely drained.  He felt like
he was on never ending emotional roller coaster ride.

He felt Harry's hand on his shoulder.  He sat up and took the cup of coffee
Harry offered him.  Harry said, "I think you could do with a strong dose of
Irish Crème, given how you look; but, I'll let you be the judge about
that."  He sat the bottle of Irish Crème next to Joey and returned to
his seat.

Joey took a sip, and said, "Thanks, Dad."

Harry smiled.  He liked what he saw in this young man.  Joey was gentle and
kind with Tyler; and, more importantly, he was a steadying influence on his
son.  "You're welcome, son."  He waited, until Joey had taken another sip
or two of the coffee, before he asked, "Do you have a life insurance policy
on Kathy?"

Joey shook his head.  "We talked about it when we first got married; but we
never purchased life insurance for either of us.  My work doesn't offer
life insurance.  I have limited health insurance.  I'm not sure how I'm
going to cover the girl's hospital stay, since my insurance won't cover
hospitalization."

"Are you responsible for Kathy's medical bills?" Harry asked.

Joey shook his head.  "No, that was part of the mediation agreement.  I had
to carry the girls on my health insurance, but not Kathy.  I paid her child
support every month to cover the expenses for the children.  Kathy was
pushing for an alimony payment; but we hadn't agreed to anything."

Harry said, "Then, how are you planning to cover the funeral expenses?"

"I don't know," Joey said.  "I guess I'll have to take out a loan to pay
for it."

Harry said, "I would keep the funeral expenses to a minimum, given you
don't have the resources for an elaborate service.  Have you decided
whether or not to cremate her or to have her buried?"

"I don't know," Joey said.  "We never talked about it.  Death was the
furthest thing from our minds."

Harry said, "Cremation is the least expensive.  You will have to pay for
the casket, the memorial service, if you have one, and for the cremation.
Otherwise, you will need to purchase a burial plot at a cemetery.  That can
run into some money, since you will also need to pay for the upkeep on the
plot and for a headstone."

Joey shook his head.  "My mind just can't handle thinking about it."

Harry reached over and patted Joey's arm.  "I'm sorry, Joey.  I know you
are feeling a little overwhelmed, right now.  However, the funeral home is
going to ask you some of these same questions."

Joey finished his coffee and said, "Thank you for warning me.  I don't have
answers to those questions; but, I can think about it between now and our
meeting with the funeral home."

Joey wished he had someone he could call and talk to about his financial
situation; but he didn't want to talk to his parents.  They had already
expressed their displeasure over his divorce from Kathy.  He didn't feel
like he knew his future in-laws well enough to talk to them.  Tyler knew
everything there was to know about him and his financial situation; but
Tyler didn't have answers for him, either.  He thought about talking to the
Stetsons.  Ray seemed to have a pretty good sense of how things should be.
He stood up and walked into the front room and placed the call.

Ray answered the phone.  "Hello."

"Ray, this is Joey," he said.

"How are you holding up?" Ray asked.

"Not too well, right now," Joey said.

"What can we do to help you?" Ray asked.

"I need some financial advice," Joey said.

"Okay, I'm listening," Ray said.

Joey outlined his situation and his thoughts about how to move ahead.
"What do you think?"

Ray thought for a moment and said, "I would go ahead with your plans.  I
think doing the right thing by your wife will help your family heal its
wounds; even if it costs a little more than you can afford.  I know for a
fact there are people in the community who are willing to help you defray
the costs."

Joey asked, "Who would do that?"

"Your father's church.  She still attended there and, if you approached the
pastor, I'm sure he would be willing to ask the congregation to help with
the funeral," Ray said.

Joey said, with much disgust, "After what that man's preaching did to our
family, I would never approach him.  I wouldn't want him anywhere near
Kathy's funeral."

"If you have an open service, he will come," Ray said.

"Then we won't have an open service.  I want to limit it to just family
members and very close friends," Joey said.

"Then, you need to make sure you're specific about what you want, when you
talk to the funeral home.  I would recommend you keep the funeral notice
out of the papers, and don't broadcast the information on the internet, if
you're really serious about having a private funeral," Ray said.  "Do you
want to invite Pastor Wilson to conduct a memorial service for your wife?"

"I think that would be nice.  I know Kathy wouldn't like it because he is
gay; but I think it would the best thing for the rest of us," Joey said.
"I know how much Greg dislikes Christian churches; but I think he would
welcome Pastor Wilson."

"Greg and Cory attended services at his church in Fredericksburg, before
Greg moved to Texas with his mother," Ray said.  "We used to go there, as
well; but it's quite a drive and the traffic has gotten really terrible on
Sunday's.  We haven't found a church nearby we like; so we haven't been
attending services anywhere, as of late."

"You'd better not tell Greg," Joey said.  "I remember you got after them
for not attending church."

"Yes, I did; because they need God in their lives, as do I," Ray said.
"Greg says to tell you he's leaving for the funeral home, and will meet you
there."

"Okay," Joey said.  "Thanks for talking to me."  Joey ended the call, and
returned to the kitchen.

Harry was still sitting at the kitchen table.  He was clipping coupons out
to the newspaper.  Joey sat down across from him.  Harry asked, "Who did
you call?"

"Ray Stetson.  I'm living with the Stetsons.  Their son is married to my
brother-in-law," Joey said.  Harry raised his eyebrows; but didn't say
anything.  Joey noted the expression on Harry's face and said, "Kathy's
brother, Greg, is gay."

Harry smiled.  "I gathered that, from what you said."

"Has Tyler told you about Greg and Cory?" Joey asked.

"No, he hasn't really said very much about your wife's family," Harry said.

Joey said, "I think you need to know what happened to them; because it had
a huge impact on me and Kathy."  Joey related the events that led up to his
father-in-law's attack on his own son and his lover.  He, then, told Harry
about Kathy's homophobia, and how he had discovered he was attracted to
men, and to one man in particular.

Harry smiled and said, "Thank you for telling me.  Tyler has told us some
of what you related to me; but it's good to know the whole story.  I
promise you Louise and I are fully supportive of you and Tyler.  As soon as
you can arrange to be married, the better, is our position; since you're
already lovers.  You might as well make it official.  It will provide
stability for your daughters to have two parents who love them, especially
now."

Joey looked at the kitchen clock and said, "We need to hurry, or we'll be
late for our appointment at the mortuary."

He rushed out of the kitchen and down the stairs.  Harry smiled to himself
and shook his head.  Boys!  They were all alike; even as adults!  Waiting
until the last minute to get to where they needed to be!

Tyler heard Joey coming down the stairs and looked up at his mother from
his position on the floor, where he had been playing games with Rachel.
"Mom, will you watch the girls, while we go to the mortuary?"

Louise smiled and said, "Yes, of course."  Sarah was wrapped in a blanket
and was cradled in her arms, as she gently rocked back and forth.  She
loved her rocking chair.  It was the same one she had used to rock Tyler to
sleep, when he was a baby.  She was very happy to have a little one in her
arms again.

Tyler said, "Rachel can Daddy come back and play a game with you in a
little while?"  Tyler was still getting used to being called Dad or Daddy.

Rachel smiled, "Yes, Daddy."  She saw Joey, and ran over to him, raising
her arms to be picked up.

Joey bent down and swung her into his arms.  She hugged Joey and said, "I
like my new Daddy.  He plays games with me."

Joey kissed her on the cheek and said, "I like him, too.  Will you stay
with Grandma, while I go with Daddy for a little while?"

Rachel nodded her head.  "Grandma is really nice.  She gives me cookies."

Joey laughed and said, "I'm sure Grandma will give you more cookies, if you
ask her."

Rachel said, "Okay."

He put her down and she ran over and climbed up on Louise's lap, snuggling
close to her.  Louise lifted the blanket and covered her with it.  Rachel
peered out from under the blanket, and said, "I'm staying with Grandma."

Louise smiled, and said, "Run along, boys.  I'll see to these little ones."

Tyler took Joey by the hand, and led him upstairs.  They grabbed their
coats and gloves and walked out to Joey's car.  They drove to the funeral
home and parked next to Greg's red Ferrari.

Greg and Cory got out and joined Tyler and Joey, as they walked towards the
front door.  Greg put his arm around Joey and asked, "How are you holding
up?"

Joey replied, "I'm doing okay."

As they entered the funeral home, a receptionist came forward to greet
them.  She smiled and introduced herself.  "Hi!  I'm Martha Connor."  She
was a tall, slender woman with long dark, brown hair that hung down her
back.  She had dark brown eyes and a tight-lipped smile; if it could be
called a smile.  She wore black, horn-rimmed glasses attached to a beaded
chain around her neck.  She wore a charcoal gray dress suit and black
pumps.

Joey shook her hand.  "I'm Joey Malone, and this is my partner, Tyler.
This is my brother-in-law, Greg and his husband, Cory."

Ms. Connor did a double take, when she heard him say that Cory was Greg's
husband.  "It's nice to meet you all.  Please follow me," she said.

The guys followed her into an office just off of the main foyer.  She said,
"Please sit down."  Once everyone was seated, she asked, "Mr. Malone, have
you thought about what kind of service you want for your wife?"

Before Joey could answer, Greg said, "Yes, we have," he responded.  "We
want to have a small, private service for family and close friends.  We
don't want it announced in the papers, or on the internet.  We will provide
a list of family and friends who will attend.  We don't require a
visitation or viewing."  He looked over at Joey, who looked at him in
surprise.

Tyler squeezed Joey's hand to reassure him.  Joey looked back at
Ms. Connor.  "That sounds good to me."

Greg continued, "My mother and grandparents will arrive from Texas tonight.
That will be all of the family who will be attending the service from our
side of the family."  Greg looked over at Joey and asked, "Do you know how
many of your family will be coming?"

"Just me, Tyler and the girls," Joey said.

"My parents will come," Cory said.

"And mine," Tyler said.

Ms. Connor said, "That sounds like we need to plan for about 15 people.
What kind of service do you want?"

Joey said, "We'll call the pastor from our church to officiate.  We want
him to conduct the service here, then dedicate the grave."

Tyler looked at Joey and asked, "You've decided against cremation?"

Joey nodded his head, "I want to be able to bring the children to see their
mother's grave, when they're older."

"Do you have a burial plot?" Ms. Connor asked.

"No, we don't," Joey replied.

Ms. Connor pulled out a brochure and handed it to Joey.  "Here are the
different plots that are available, and their prices.  On the back, you
will find information about headstones."  She handed him another brochure
and said, "This one shows you the different caskets we sell.  We also have
an arrangement with a local florist to provide flowers for the service."
She handed him a third brochure.

Joey passed the brochures around to let the guys look at them.  Greg handed
them back to Joey, when they were done, and asked, "What do you want to
do?"

"I think I like this casket and we'll order the flowers to cover the
casket," Joey responded.  He pointed to the items he liked, as he spoke.

"And the burial plot?" Ms. Connor asked.  "Do you want to purchase two of
them; so you can be buried side by side?"

Joey's expression communicated his disgust at the thought of being buried
next to his wife.  "No, we were in the middle of a nasty divorce, when she
died."

"I'm sorry," Ms. Connor said.  "I hope I didn't offend you."

Joey said, "It's okay; you wouldn't have known.  We need a single plot."
He showed her what he wanted.

She said, "Okay.  I will have the paperwork drawn up for the purchase of
the casket, the burial plot, flowers and the rental of the chapel for the
funeral service.  Do you wish to purchase a headstone at this time?"

Joey said, "Yes, I like this one.  I think Kathy would have liked it, as
well."  He turned over the brochure and pointed to the one he thought Kathy
would like.

"When do you want to hold the service?" Ms. Connor asked.

"As soon as possible," Joey said.

Ms. Connor opened an appointment book that lay on her desk.  She scanned
the page, then said, "We could hold the service tomorrow afternoon at 2 PM.
That will give us time to prepare the burial plot.  We will need your
wife's clothing to dress the body."

Joey looked at Ms. Connor in shock.  "What do you mean?"

"We will need to dress your wife.  Our mortician does a wonderful job.  Of
course, if you would rather dress the body yourself; you are most certainly
welcome to do so," Ms. Connor said.

The thought of dressing his wife's body for burial sent chills down his
spine.  He shook his head vigorously.  "No, thank you.  I think your
mortician will do just fine.  I will see if I can find some of her clothes.
If I can't, we'll go buy her a new dress.  When do you need us to bring the
clothing?"

"If you can bring it to us in the next couple of hours, it will give us
time to dress the body and have everything ready for the service tomorrow
afternoon," she said.  She looked at Joey over the top of her glasses and
asked, "How do you intend to pay for the funeral?"

Joey said, "I guess we'll have to work that out between us.  Can you tell
me how much it will cost?"

She wrote down a few things on a notepad.  She used a calculator to add up
the costs, then wrote the sum on the note pad.  She handed it to Joey.

His eyes about popped out of his head, when he saw how much it would cost.
He passed the note over to Greg, who gave a low whistle.  "Joey, I think we
need to call Grandpa."

Joey nodded his head and said, "We'll let you know what payment
arrangements we've made, when we return with Kathy's clothes."

Ms. Connor smiled and said, "We'll see you back here in a short while."

The boys stood and left her office.  They stood together outside the
funeral home.  Greg said, "I can't believe how much money it costs for the
casket."

"I didn't even pick the most expensive one," Joey said, defensively.

Cory said, "It's okay, Joey.  Greg isn't complaining about what you chose
for Kathy."

Tyler said, "You did well by Kathy, sweetheart.  You have nothing to be
ashamed of, and we will figure out a way to pay for it.  I have some money
saved up, and we can use that to pay for the funeral."

Joey looked at Tyler, with tears in his eyes, "You shouldn't have to pay
for my wife's funeral, Tyler.  We aren't even married yet!  I don't want
you to drain your savings account."  Tyler's offer to pay for Kathy's
funeral really touched Joey's heart.  It made him realize just how
fortunate he was to have Tyler in his life.

Tyler took Joey's hand in his and said, "Let's not argue, Joey.  We need to
get Kathy's clothes."

Greg said, "I think we should buy her a new dress to be buried in; unless
you think you can get into her place to get her clothes."

Joey shook his head.  "I've never been to her apartment.  We always met on
neutral ground to pick up the girls."

Cory asked, "Do you know what size dress she wears?"

Joey said, "She used to wear a size 6; but we've been separated nearly a
year now."

"Then get a size 6.  If it doesn't fit, you can get a bigger one," Cory
said.

"Where should we go to buy a dress?" Greg asked.

"Kathy liked to shop at Kohl's; so I think we should go there, first," Joey
suggested.

"Okay, let's go," Tyler said.

They climbed into their cars, and caravanned to the department store.  Once
inside, they found the women's section and started looking through the
dresses.  A female associate approached them, and asked, "May I help you
guys?"

Joey sighed in relief.  He smiled and replied, "Yes.  We're looking for a
dress for my wife.  She wears a size 6."

"What style of dress are you looking for?" she asked.  Joey explained the
situation and she said, "I'm so sorry for your loss."  Joey nodded his head
in acknowledgement of her sympathy.  "I think I know just the dress."  She
walked along the row for dresses and stopped and pulled one off the rack.
She held it up for Joey's approval.

"That looks like something Kathy would wear," Joey said.

Greg nodded his head in agreement.  "Yeah, that says, `Kathy,' all over
it."

She handed the dress to Joey, and she said, "I hope things get better for
you."

"Thanks," Joey said.  They went up front to the cashier and paid for the
dress.

"We'll drop this off at the funeral home, and I'll write a check for the
funeral expenses," Tyler said.  "Then, we'll pick up the girls and meet you
at your parents' home."

"Sounds like a plan," Cory said.  Greg and Cory climbed into the red
Ferrari and drove off.

Tyler turned to Joey.  "Let's go sweetheart."

Joey nodded his head, and they walked over to Joey's car.  They drove back
to the mortuary, and delivered the dress.  When Joey tried to stop Tyler
from writing the check out; Tyler said, "Please let me do this for you."

The look in Tyler's eyes stopped Joey's protests.  He pulled Tyler into his
arms and kissed him, not caring that Ms. Connor was staring at them in
shocked silence.  "I love you."

Tyler reached up and brushed away Joey's tears from his cheeks.  He said,
"Don't cry, babe.  There will be plenty of time for tears, tomorrow."  Joey
released him and he turned to Ms. Connor.

Ms. Connor had managed to recover from her surprise.  She smiled at Tyler,
as he wrote out the check and handed it to her.  "Thank you," she said.
She wrote out a receipt.  As she gave it to Tyler, she said, "I've never
seen so much love between two people, as I've seen demonstrated between you
two.  You are very fortunate."

Tyler smiled and said, "Yes, we are very fortunate.  I found my soul mate
and we intend to be married, as soon as we can get Kathy's affairs
settled."

Joey said, "Kathy and I were separated.  Our divorce would have been final
in a few months."

Ms. Connor said, "If that is true, then you are a truly an amazing man,
Mr. Malone.  There aren't many men who would take responsibility for their
estranged wife's funeral."

Tyler said, "He won't admit it; but he is, indeed, a wonderful person."

Ms. Connor said, "We will have everything ready for you, tomorrow
afternoon."

Joey said, "Thank you."

They left the mortuary and drove to Tyler's house.  They retrieved the
girls and drove to the Stetsons.  As they entered the house, Darla pulled
Joey into her embrace.  "I'm so sorry, Joey."

Tyler took the girls into the family room, and helped them out of their
jackets.  Rachel said, "Daddy, will you read to me?"

"Sure.  Which book do you want me to read?" Tyler asked.

Rachel walked over to the bookshelf, and pulled out several Dr. Seuss
books.  She carried them over to Tyler.  He took them from her and she
climbed up on his lap.  Sarah made her way over to him.  She joined her
sister on Tyler's lap.  He began reading, as they listened attentively.

Joey stopped in the doorway to the family room.  His gaze took in his lover
reading to his two precious little girls.  His heart warmed, and was filled
with happiness.  Tyler would make a good Daddy for his girls.  They already
trusted him completely.  He found it amazing how the girls instinctively
knew Tyler loved them.  Tyler finished reading the first book, and glanced
up at Joey.  Their eyes met, and their love for each other shone in their
faces.  Joey said, "I love you."

Tyler replied, "I love you, too."

Joey walked over and sat down next to Tyler.  He leaned over and kissed
Tyler.  Rachel watched her dads very closely as they kissed.  She said,
"Dad loves Daddy."

"Yes, I do," Joey said.  "We're going to be married soon.  Then, we will
live with Daddy at his house.  Is that okay?"

Rachel thought for a moment.  "Will Daddy always read to me?"

"Yes, Rachel, I'll always read to you," Tyler said.

Hearing his reply, Rachel said, "Okay.  We can live with Daddy."

Tyler laughed, "I'm glad you approve, little Rachel."

Rachel wrinkled her nose, then said, "Daddy, you said you would read to
me."  She pointed the next book in her stack.  Tyler obediently picked up
the next book, and started reading.

Greg and Cory joined them in the family room.  They had gone upstairs to
their room, and it was obvious they had spent some quality time together.

Joey smiled and said, "I think I can guess what you two love birds have
been up to."

Greg laughed.  "I've no doubt you could figure it out, Joey.  It's legal
for us, since we're married to each other."

Joey said, "Tyler and I are engaged to be married.  Does that count?"

"I think it does," Cory said.

Greg looked at Tyler and said, "Rachel sure has you wrapped around her
little finger."

Tyler paused and grinned.  "If she were your daughter, you would be, too."

Rachel pulled on Tyler's shirt.  "Read, please."

Tyler returned to the story.  Joey said, "It's okay, Greg.  The girls need
a lot of extra loving care, right now."

Greg nodded his head in agreement.  "Yes, they do, and they have the
perfect dads who will give them that love."

*** ***

Author's Note:

Miller Funeral Home - http://www.millerfuneralhome.net/