Date: Sun, 9 Nov 2014 10:28:07 -0500
From: crazy4u <rnielsen47@gmail.com>
Subject: The Man from Swift Current Chapter 105, 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 Five – It's a Matter of Priorities

Tyler stared into Joey's eyes, as he ran his fingertips along his jawline
to his chin.  Joey took Tyler's hand in his, and brought it to his lips.
Joey said, "I love you so much, Tyler."

Tyler smiled, and said, "I love you more than you know, Joey.  Do you
remember our first date?"

"How could I ever forget?  You looked so cute that night at the club," Joey
responded, grinning at his fiancé.  "I had a hard time fending off the
other guys."

"You were doing a pretty good job of it, until we got on the dance floor,"
Tyler said, running his hand over Joey's chest.

"Then things got real steamy," Joey laughed.  "I had never been to a gay
dance club before, and I was really shocked when other guys started
caressing my body, while we danced."

"You were so turned on by it, you shot a load right there on the dance
floor," Tyler said.

Joey blushed and said, "I've never been as embarrassed as I was that night.
I couldn't believe I let myself get so turned on, just dancing!"

Tyler smiled.  "Remember you shot another load, later the same night; only
that time it was slow dancing with me."

"That's when I knew I needed you in my life," Joey said.  "I figured if I
was hot for you on the first date, it could only get better!"

"But you were so mad at me later that night, when I told you that you would
have to wait to have sex with me," Tyler said, putting his hand up to
caress Joey's face.

Joey looked away from his lover.  He felt terrible about getting so angry
at Tyler.  He had gone home, and had decided that he wasn't calling Tyler
again.  He couldn't believe Tyler wouldn't have sex with him!  Tyler put
his hand under Joey's chin and turned his head, until he could look into
his eyes.  Joey said, "I'm sorry for getting angry with you.  You were
right to make me wait, until you knew we could have a permanent
relationship."

Tyler said, "We need to talk to your lawyers in the morning about the new
arrangement for the children."

Joey nodded his head in agreement.  "Your parents have been really
wonderful to me.  I thought they would disapprove of me; knowing I'm in the
middle of a divorce, and have two children."

"I told you they would accept you, because I love you," Tyler said.  "Dad
was very surprised, when you asked his permission to marry me."

Joey grinned and said, "I know.  I intentionally did that, because I knew
it would win me points with him."

Tyler laughed and kissed Joey.  "You did do that!  You noticed, he said he
appreciated your willingness to ask him for my hand in marriage; even
though he knew we were already engaged.  I think it was a positive thing
for my Mom to see you respect them."

"I don't want to mess things up with my future in-laws!  I want them to
learn to love me, as they do you," Joey said, rubbing noses with his lover.

Tyler said, with a lecherous grin on his face, "However, NOT in the same
way!"  Tyler began kissing Joey as he ran his hands over Joey's wiry frame;
stopping to outline each muscle with his fingertips.  Joey's skin tingled
everywhere Tyler's hands touched him.  He had never felt as alive as he did
in Tyler' arms!

*** ***

The next morning dawned bright and cold.  It had snowed during the night,
leaving a bright white carpet, muting the sounds of the neighbors leaving
for work.  Tyler awakened early and managed to slip out of bed without
waking Joey.  He stood at his bedroom window, looking out over the
snow-covered landscape.  He loved the snow!  It only snowed once, or twice
a year here; and he remembered the great times he had had building snowmen,
going sledding, and having snowball fights with the neighborhood kids.

He turned from the window, and leaned down to retrieve his underwear.  He
slipped them on, before stepping out into the hallway.  He crossed the
landing to the bathroom.  He quickly relieved himself, and returned to his
bedroom.  He paused in front of the mirror hanging on the back of his
bedroom door.  He looked at his reflected image in the dim glow of the
approaching sunrise.  He had let his sandy blond hair grow out, and it
formed a halo around his head.  He tried to smooth it down with his hand;
but, it wouldn't cooperate!  He snickered, as he realized he looked like he
had stuck his finger into a light socket.

His hair was very fine and very straight.  Tyler smiled at the memory of
Joey's fingers playing with his hair.  He felt a stirring in his loins, as
he remembered their passionate lovemaking last night.  He was so lost in
thought, he jumped when Joey came up behind him and slipped his arms around
his waist.  "Good morning, lover.  I was missing my stud."  Joey kissed the
back of Tyler's neck.

Tyler grinned and said, "I was thinking of you, too."

"You did have a dreamy look on your face," Joey said.  He released Tyler
and said, "I'll be right back."

Before he reached the door, Tyler said, "You need to wear something, or you
might embarrass yourself."

Joey stopped and asked, "Don't you have a bathrobe, or something I can
use?"

Tyler opened his closet and pulled out his black terry cloth bathrobe,
handing it to Joey.  "Thanks," Joey said, slipping it on and opening the
door.  He was back before Tyler had a chance to return to their bed.

Joey dropped the bathrobe and climbed in beside Tyler.  Joey said, "I want
to fuck you, Tyler.  Then, I want you to fuck me."

Tyler didn't answer Joey directly; instead he pulled Joey closer to him and
began kissing him passionately.

*** ***

Later that morning, they drove to the law offices, to meet with Joey's
lawyer.  They entered the reception area.  The secretary immediately
conducted them to the inner office.  The lawyer, Gurvais Aledo, stood up to
greet them.  Gurvais was a diminutive man.  He was 165 cm (5'5") with his
shoes on, and had a very slight build.  He had a crooked smile, and a nose
that looked like it had been broken a time, or two.  His eyes were jet
black under delicate black eyebrows.  He kept his hair cut short, military
style.  He smiled at his client and shook his hand.  "Mr. Malone.  What can
I do for you today?"

Joey said, "I need to run a custody proposal by you."  He turned to Tyler
and took his hand.  "However, before we talk about that; I want you to meet
my fiancé, Tyler Damasiewicz."

Gurvais raised his eyebrows in surprise; but managed to smile and extend
his hand.  "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Damasiewicz.  Gentlemen, please sit
down."  Joey and Tyler settled into the chairs in front of Gurvais' desk,
and he returned to his seat on the opposite side of his desk.  "So,
Mr. Malone, what is your proposal?" he asked.

"Since Tyler and I are now engaged to be married, I will be moving to Spain
to live with him," Joey said.

Gurvais nodded his head in understanding.  "So, you want to change the
custody arrangement for the girls."

"Yes, that's right.  We thought it would be easier for all of us, if the
girls spend their summers with us; and remain with their mother during the
school year," Joey said.

"Have you decided to abandon your efforts to secure full custody of the
girls?" Gurvais asked.

"I don't think I would win that battle; especially now that I'm going to
marry Tyler, as soon as the divorce is final," Joey said.

Gurvais said, "Yes, you would be right in that assumption.  In fact, if
your soon to be ex-wife were to find out; you might lose all of your
parental rights.  The judges here are not very friendly toward gays."

"That's why I want to move to Spain.  We won't be here; where nosey
neighbors can call my wife to let her know I'm married to a guy," Joey
said.

"That is a very good move on your part; however, you may have problems with
getting her to accept an agreement where her children are away from her for
such a long period of time.  Do you have a plan with regards to child
care?" he asked.

"Yes, we've given it a lot of thought.  Tyler has a house with a maid, a
housekeeper, a gardener and butler.  I'm sure we can hire a nanny to watch
the children, while I'm at work.  We are leaving for Spain next week," Joey
said.

"You should be prepared to show that you have those arrangements already
made, when we appear in court.  I will write up the new custody
arrangement, and will call you when it's ready.  Then, I will contact her
lawyer," Gurvais said.

"Thank you," Joey said.

He stood up, as did Tyler and Gurvais.  They shook hands and Gurvais saw
them out of his office.  He closed the door and shook his head.  He thought
he had seen everything; but this was a new twist he hadn't seen.  Most
couples stayed close by, to maintain a close relationship with their
children.  He couldn't believe Joey was taking off for Spain, before the
divorce was final.  He returned to his desk to make a few notes, before
calling his secretary.

*** ***

Joey and Tyler returned to Joey's car.  Tyler said, "I don't think your
lawyer likes the fact you're leaving the country."

"It doesn't matter what he thinks," Joey said, heatedly.

Tyler said, "I agree with you about that."  He put his hand on Joey's arm,
and said, "Do you know we could be married in Spain?"

Joey smiled and replied, "Yes, I did.  They also allow gays to adopt
children; but we have to be legal residents of Spain."

"We will be by the time your divorce is final," Tyler said.

Joey started the car and drove to the Stetson's.  He pulled into their
driveway.  He turned off the engine and looked at Tyler.  "That is Kathy's
car.  I wonder why she's here."  He thought something must have happened
for her to be here.  Joey's lawyer had arranged for social workers to be
present to monitor the condition of the children each time the children
were handed off to the other parent; as a precaution against charges of
child abuse, or neglect.

Tyler said, "I hope she isn't arguing with her brother."

A look of concern crossed his face.  "I hope she doesn't cause a scene."

They got out of the car and entered the house.  They walked past the
kitchen to the family room where they found the Stetsons with Kathy and the
girls.

Joey looked at Kathy, and asked, "Where's Andrew?"

She answered, "He had to go to work today.  I thought I would drop the
girls off here instead of at our agreed neutral location.  I hope that
isn't a problem?"

 Joey said, "It's not a problem, as long as you contacted Mrs. Munson."  He
turned to Tyler and said, "Tyler, this is Kathy."

Tyler acknowledged the introduction with a nod of his head.  "It's nice to
meet you."

Kathy said, "Same here."  She briefly met Tyler's gaze.  His eyes bore into
hers with an intensity that made her uncomfortable.  She lowered her eyes,
before looking back at Joey.  "I had better be going.  I'll meet you at the
usual time and place to pick up the girls."

"Did you call Mrs. Munson?" Joey asked.

Kathy shook her head.  "You can call her, since it's your problem."

She got up and brushed past the guys on her way out.  They heard the front
door open and close, as she left the house.  Joey asked, "Where are Greg
and Cory?"

Ray said, "Greg and Cory left before she got here.  At least she called
before she dropped in with the girls."

Joey sat down on the couch, and Rachel climbed up on his lap.  Sarah was
cruising from one piece of furniture to another.  She had just learned how
to walk, holding onto things; but, still didn't have much stability when
walking independently.  He pulled out his cell phone and punched in
Mrs. Munson's number.

She picked up the line, "Hello, Mr. Malone."

"Hello, Mrs. Munson.  Kathy brought the children here, instead of our usual
meeting place.  Would you mind meeting me here?"

"Not a problem," Mrs. Munson said.  "I'll be over in a few minutes."

Joey ended the call; then called his lawyer.  When Mr. Aledo's secretary
answered, Joey said, "May I speak to Mr. Aledo?"

She said, "Please hold, Mr. Malone."  She had seen Joey's cell number flash
up on her caller ID, and knew who was calling.  She put the call on hold
and then rang Mr. Aledo.  "It's Mr. Malone."

Gurvais said, "I'll take the call."  He picked up the other phone line and
said, "Hello, Mr. Malone."

Joey said, "We have a problem."  He explained what had happened.

Gurvais said, "Since this will be your last weekend with the children,
until the court date, do you want me to stir things up with her lawyer?"

Joey thought about it a moment, then said, "No, I guess not."

"Okay, I will call you tomorrow.  The paperwork is almost ready; but I will
need to review it one more time, before I present it to you," Gurvais said.

"Okay," Joey said.  He ended the call.

Rachel looked up into her dad's face.  She held up a sticky, red lollipop
and said, in a wee voice, "Daddy, I'm all sticky."

He smiled at Rachel.  "Let's get you cleaned up."  He stood up with her,
and carried her into the bathroom.  He sat her down on the floor, and
retrieved a wash cloth from the vanity drawer.  He turned on the water and
let it warm up to the right temperature.  He doused it with water and wrung
out the excess.  He knelt down, and took the lollipop from his daughter's
hand.  "Let's throw that away.  Okay?"

Rachel nodded her head.  Her big, bright blue eyes looked up at Joey; full
of trust, knowing her Dad would take care of her.  She relinquished the
sticky treat to her Dad, who threw it away.

"Daddy is going to wash your face and your hands," Joey said.  He had taken
a parenting class with Kathy, after Rachel was born.  He remembered he
should always tell the child what he was going to do, before doing it.  He
gently wiped the child's face and hands, removing the sticky, sugary red
mess from them.  When he was done, he said, "All done."  He held her hands
and said, "See, there's no more sticky stuff."

He helped her to her feet.  As he, himself, stood, she lifted her arms and
said, "Up, Daddy, up."

He smiled at her, and said, "Okay, I'll carry you."  He bent down and
picked her up.  Once in his arms, she put her arms around his neck and
leaned her head on his chest.  It was moments like this that reminded him
how precious his girls were to him.  As he walked back into the family
room, he was having second thoughts about leaving his little darlings for
such a long period of time.

His face must have reflected his conflicted state of mind; because Darla
asked, "What's wrong, Joey?  You look like the sky just fell."

Joey sat down next to Tyler, who was holding Sarah on his lap.  Rachel
released her hold on her Daddy's neck and turned around and sat down on his
lap.  Before Joey could answer her question, Darla said, "Hang on a moment,
guys.  I want to get a picture of you two with the girls."  She got up from
her chair and grabbed her camera from the bookcase.  She turned it on, and
waited for it to focus.  She said, "Okay, everyone, smile for me."  They
followed her direction.  She said, "We need to take one more, because Sarah
wasn't looking at the camera.  Sarah, honey, look this way."

Tyler pointed at the camera, "Look over there, Sarah."

She looked at the camera and Darla snapped another photograph.  "Good."
She walked over to show the guys the picture she'd just taken.

Joey took the camera from her hands, and showed Tyler and Rachel.  Sarah
reached for the camera, but Joey said, "Just look, Sarah."  He pointed to
the screen and put his finger on the image of Sarah.  "Look, Sarah, it's a
picture of you."

She made some gurgling noises that sounded like, "Me, me."  Joey understood
what she meant, and said, "Yes, it's you, Sarah."  He handed the camera
back to Darla, who returned to her chair, and sat down.

Darla said, "Joey, you didn't answer my question.  What is bothering you?"

He put his arm around Tyler's shoulders.  Tyler turned his head to look at
Joey.  "What?"

Joey said, "I'm having second thoughts about not seeing the girls for such
a long time."

Tyler nodded his head.  "Dad told me you might not be ready to move to
Spain, because of your girls."

Darla looked from one to the other and asked, "What is this all about?"

Joey explained their plans to leave for Spain the following week.  He ended
by apologizing to Tyler, "I'm sorry I'm such a mess, Tyler."

Tyler said, "I understand.  However, you need to decide soon what course
you plan to pursue."

Joey nodded his head.  He understood what Tyler was saying, as well.  He
knew Tyler would only wait so long, before he decided to move on with his
life.  Tyler had told him he was more than willing to wait for him to
figure things out; however, he had also warned Joey not to take too long in
deciding where they stood as a couple.

He looked away from Tyler's searching gaze.  Tyler reached over and took
Joey's hand in his.  He gave it a reassuring squeeze.  "I know I'm asking
you to make a sacrifice for me.  I've also made it clear I'm more than
willing to become a stepfather.  I love children, and I particularly love
your children.  They are part of who you are, Joey.  You are a good father
to them."

Joey looked into Tyler's eyes.  He saw Tyler's love and compassion
reflected there.  He knew beyond any shadow of a doubt this man loved him.
This knowledge made his heart feel like it was going to burst from his
chest.

At that moment, they heard the front door open and they heard Greg and Cory
come inside.  They walked into the family room, and Greg looked at Joey and
said, "I just saw Kathy in the parking lot.  I thought you said she
wouldn't be stopping by here."

"She wasn't supposed to come here; but, she violated our agreement and
dropped the girls off here," Joey said.

Cory said, "It's a good thing she didn't see us.  We don't need to hear her
vile and evil thoughts about gays."

"About us, in particular," Greg added.

They walked over and sat down on the loveseat.  Greg draped his arm over
Cory's shoulder and said, "How are my nieces?"

"They are doing well," Joey said.  He looked down at Rachel and said, "Why
don't you go see Uncle Greg and Uncle Cory?"

Rachel shook her head, "No, Daddy."  She turned and grabbed his shirt with
both of her hands.

Greg said, "Don't force her to come to me, Joey.  She doesn't know me very
well.  Remember, she was pretty little the last time she saw me.  Give her
some time to get used to me and Cory."

Over the course of the next two days, Rachel and Sarah grew accustomed to
their two uncles being around.  They also really liked Tyler.  The four men
were often found in the family room, lying on the carpet with the girls
climbing on top of them, or playing games with them.  Tyler had the best
dramatic reading voice of the four; and was often handed books to read to
the girls.

Just after dinner of their second day with their Dad, Rachel approached
Tyler and looked up at him.  She held a book in her arms, which she handed
to him.  "Read, please."

Tyler smiled and responded, "Yes, I'll read to you."

Rachel climbed up on his lap and Tyler began reading to her.  When he had
finished, Rachel wiggled down off of his lap, and walked over to her Dad.
Joey was holding Sarah on his lap.  She had fallen asleep in his arms.
Rachel said, "Sarah is sleeping."

"Yes, Sarah is sleeping.  Are you ready to go?" Joey asked.

Rachel nodded, "I want Mommy."

"Okay, we need to get your coat and your bag," Joey said.  He stood up and
placed Sarah in her car seat.  He walked out into the hallway to retrieve
Sarah's coat.  He handed Rachel hers, and helped her put it on.  He went
back into the family room, and put Sarah's coat on her.  He buckled her
into her car seat.  He looked over at Tyler and asked, "Do you want to go
with me to drop of the girls?"

Tyler grinned and responded, "Of course."

Darla said, "Good bye, Rachel."  Rachel ran over and climbed up on Darla's
lap.  Darla gave the little girl a hug, and received a hug and a kiss in
return.  "I'll see you next week, Rachel."

Rachel climbed down and ran after her father.  Joey and Tyler were waiting
for her by the front door.  Joey asked, "Are we ready to go?"

Rachel looked up and said, "Ready."

They walked out to Joey's car.  Tyler helped buckle Rachel into her car
seat, while Joey secured Sarah's car seat.  They drove to the appointed
meeting place, and arrived at the same time as Mrs. Munson.  Mrs. Munson
got out of her car, and walked into the law office.  She turned to Joey and
asked, "How were the children?"

"They were perfect little angels," Joey said, smiling.

Mrs. Munson smiled.  "They are cute little things."

Kathy and Andrew pulled up in Andrew's car.  Kathy got out and walked into
the office.  Rachel shouted, "Mommy!"

Kathy picked up her daughter and Mrs. Munson carried Sarah in her car seat.
Joey handed Kathy the girls diaper bag.  Kathy said, "I'll see you next
week."

Joey and Tyler followed the women out of the office; then climbed into
Joey's car.  Joey watched, as Mrs. Munson and Kathy loaded the girls into
Andrew's car.  When they were done, Mrs. Munson waved to Joey as she
returned to her vehicle.

Joey looked over at Tyler and said, "I'm going to miss my girls."

Tyler said, "I'll miss them, too."  He thought for a moment, then said,
"Joey, you don't have to come with me to Spain, until you're ready.  My
classes begin again on January 8th; so I have to be back in Spain by then."

Joey said, "Let's go out for dessert.  I want to spend some time alone with
you."

He drove to Baskin-Robbins, and pulled into the parking lot.  Tyler
laughed.  "I can't believe you want ice cream in the middle of the winter."

Joey grinned.  "I love ice cream."

They got out of the car, and entered Baskin-Robbins.  Tyler said, "I want
Rocky Road."

Joey ordered a one scoop cone for Tyler, then said, "I want a two scoop
cone with butter pecan."

They sat down to eat their ice cream.  Tyler said, "I know you are
struggling with the idea of leaving your girls."

Joey nodded his head.  "You know me too well."  He noted the emphasis Tyler
put on the word `your' girls, making it clear he didn't consider himself
part of Joey's family.

"I think you need some time to figure out what you want, Joey.  At this
point in time, I think you should stay here with your girls.  I do not want
to be part of a situation, where I will be the bad guy for forcing you to
choose between me and your girls.  It's not fair to me, and it's not fair
to you, or the girls.  As I have said before, I'm willing to play the role
of a stepfather, and I've offered as much support as I can to you and your
girls; however, if we're to be married, you need to be where I am.  If that
is more than you can handle right now, we should call off our wedding
plans.  I'm beginning to think you need to find someone who wants to stay
close to your children's mother, so you can see them every week."

Joey said, "But I want to be with you, Tyler."  His expression showed the
internal torment he was going through.

"Yes, you want to be with me only if I agree to stay in Virginia so you can
be near your girls.  Let me be very clear, Joey.  I have no wish to see my
husband's ex-wife every week of our married lives.  Not only that; your
girls are the light of your life, Joey.  It's not me and never has been,"
Tyler said.  "I'm just a good fuck to relieve your sexual frustrations.
I'm not into being some guy's sex toy."

"But it's not that way," Joey protested.

"Isn't it?" Tyler asked, raising his eyebrows.

Joey looked into Tyler's eyes; but looked away because he knew Tyler was
right.  His girls were more important to him than Tyler.  He had made that
very clear to Tyler over the last two days.  He didn't blame Tyler for
ending their relationship after the way Joey had treated him.

After the silence dragged on for several more minutes, Tyler said, "Please
take me home, Joey."  He stood up and they left the ice cream parlor.

They rode in silence to Tyler's house.  Joey parked the car, then turned to
Tyler.  "I'm sorry, Tyler."

Tyler held up his hand, and said, "Don't make it worse than it already is,
Joey.  If you were really sorry for treating me so poorly the last two
days, you would have changed your behavior toward me; but you didn't.  My
only regret is I gave you my virginity; when I had promised myself not to
have sex with a guy, until I met the man I was going to marry.  I let you
use me to satisfy your sexual desires, and I was too stupid to recognize it
for what it was.  Good bye, Joey."

Tyler opened the door, and got out of the car.  He walked into his house,
and shut the door.  He walked upstairs to his bedroom and threw himself on
his bed, letting his tears water his pillow.

Joey sat, stunned, in his car.  He still couldn't believe Tyler had just
dumped him!  He knew he had behaved poorly the last two days; but he had no
idea it would end like this.  He drove to the Stetsons and pulled into the
driveway.  He could see that Greg and Cory were home.  He turned off the
car and got out.  He entered the house and went into the kitchen.  Ray and
Darla were seated at the table with a cup of coffee.

Darla asked, "What's wrong, Joey?"

"Tyler dumped me," Joey said, as he sat down across from them.

Darla looked at him in surprise.  "I thought you guys were engaged to be
married."

"We aren't engaged, anymore," Joey said.

Ray asked, "What happened?"

"I screwed up big time," Joey said.  He narrated the evening's events and
finished by saying, "Tyler's right.  It won't work between us, until I know
what I want."

Ray said, "Tyler has a good head on his shoulders.  You know he is a real
catch, and you're letting him get away."

Joey looked at Ray in astonishment.  "What are you saying, Ray?"

"Why do you think Kathy is trying to find another guy?" Ray asked in
return.

"She doesn't want to be alone," Joey said.

"Exactly," Ray said.  "Has she been shy about what she wants?"

"No, she hasn't," Joey said.  "But what has that got to do with me?"

"Who are you going to be with when you don't have the children?" Ray asked.

"No one," Joey responded.

"Is that what you want?" Ray said.

"No, but I want someone who will love my girls as much as they love me,"
Joey said.

"Aren't you being just as selfish as Kathy?" Ray asked.

"I don't understand," Joey responded.

Ray said, "You want someone to love you and the girls; but you aren't
willing to put them first in your life.  That sounds like an uneven
exchange to me.  You want everything from him, but you aren't willing to
give anything in return.  Isn't that what Kathy did to you?"

Joey couldn't meet Ray's eyes.  He had to admit to himself Ray was right.
He had made it very clear to Tyler where his priorities were, and Tyler
wasn't very high on that list.

Darla said, "Ray, you're being too hard on Joey.  I know Joey loves Tyler;
but I also know he loves the girls more than anything else in his life."

"If he really loves Tyler, he'll get back in his car and go get his man.
He needs to fix what's wrong between them," Ray said.

"Tyler ended it, tonight," Joey said, in despair.

"No, he didn't end it; unless you let him," Ray said.  "He's crying out for
reassurance that you love him.  You need to get back over there, and make
him understand he is your number one man.  If you let it stand as it is
now, it will be over."

Joey thought about it, then stood up to leave.  "Thanks, Ray."

He went out to his car and drove to Tyler's house.  He parked his car.  He
got out and walked up to the front door and knocked.  Louise opened the
door.  She saw Joey and said, "Thank God you came.  Tyler is in really bad
shape."

Joey looked at her in alarm.  "What happened?"

"He's been in his room, since he came home.  I've heard him crying, but he
won't open the door, when I've tried to comfort him.  Maybe you can get him
to open the door," Louise said.

Joey pushed past Louise, and went up the stairs two at a time.  He tried
the doorknob to Tyler's room and found it locked.  He knocked and said
through the door, "Tyler, please let me in."

There was silence on the other side of the door.  He was about to knock
again, when the door opened and Tyler let him in.  Tyler's tear-stained
face tore at Joey's heart strings.  His eyes were red from crying, and he
looked totally miserable.  Joey pulled Tyler into his arms.  Tyler resisted
him at first; but Joey said, "Please, Tyler, give me a second chance.  I
know I messed up; but, I can't live without you.  I need you."  Joey knew
he had won a reprieve, when Tyler relaxed in his arms.

*** ***

Greg looked at Cory and said, "I wish we were back in Minneapolis.  I love
going dancing with the guys.  I want to go dancing with you; but I don't
know of any gay dance clubs around here that will let us in."

Cory nodded his head in agreement.  "I don't know of any either.  It kind
of sucks we're married and can't get into a bar, because we're still under
age," Cory said.

"As much as I love your parents, Cory, I really don't want to be here,"
Greg said.

Cory said, "I completely understand, Greg.  Returning to Virginia has
brought back a lot of bad memories.  You've had nightmares nearly every
night, since we arrived.  I've had to shake you awake, because you keep
trying to defend yourself from your Dad's blows."

Greg said, "It has almost been a year since it happened.  I thought I was
getting over the nightmares, Cory.  I really thought I could move past it,
until we drove by our old house the other day."

Cory looked into Greg's eyes.  "I'm here for you, Greg."  Cory put his arms
around Greg.

Greg had been holding it together for most of the week; but at Cory's
touch, the tight knot of emotions that had been building inside him all
week exploded.  He collapsed into his lover's embrace, and the tears began
coursing down his cheeks.

Cory stroked his hair and patted his back to help console him.  "It's okay.
Everything will be alright."

It was quite some time, before the emotional storm abated to a point where
Greg was able to pull back from the abyss of misery, waiting to engulf him.
He had to remind himself life wasn't all bad.  Cory's arms held him tight
and he heard the beat of his lover's heart, where he had pressed his ear to
Cory's chest.  The rhythmic sound of Cory's heartbeat somehow comforted him
more than anything Cory said to him.  It's constant, steady beat seemed to
say to him, "I love you," over and over again.  He knew it was his
imagination; but, at the same time he knew that Cory really did love him.

He pulled back and looked deeply into Cory's eyes.  "Thank you for loving
me, Cory."

Cory raised his hands to Greg's face, and wiped away the tears lingering
there.  He leaned forward and kissed Greg.  "We will get through this
together."

Greg said, "I'm sorry I'm such a basket case."

"You shouldn't be sorry for what you can't control," Cory said.  "We both
have deep wounds that have yet to heal."

"Do you think we should try to visit my father in jail?" Greg asked.  "Our
therapist thought it might help me, if I could confront my Dad about what
he did to us."

"It depends on whether, or not, your father has any remorse about what he
did.  If he still feels like he was on a mission from God to kill you, it
wouldn't be good for you to see him," Cory said.

"How am I going to know if he feels sorry for what he did?" Greg asked.

"You won't know until you see him," Cory said.

Greg nodded his head.  "You're right.  I guess we'll have to wait until we
have more information about him; because I don't want to see him if he's
still in the same frame of mind he was in when he attacked us."

Cory said, "Greg, let's drive into DC and see the monuments.  I like
walking through them at night."

"Okay," Greg said.  The two of them stood up from the couch and walked
toward the door.  Greg stuck his head into the kitchen.  "Mom, we're going
for a drive.  We'll be back in an hour, or so."

Darla looked up from the magazine she was reading and said, "Okay.  Call if
you decide to stay later; so we won't worry about you."

"Okay," Greg replied.

They walked out of the house, and climbed into their car.  Greg navigated
through the streets of the subdivision and out onto the main road.  Once on
the freeway, he opened up the engine and let the Ferrari speed down the
pavement.

Cory said, "Greg, you'll get a ticket, if you don't slow down."

Greg acknowledged Cory's concern, "You're right; but I have a need for
speed."  He raised his foot off of the accelerator, and the Ferrari began
to slow to a more acceptable rate of speed.  Greg looked into his rearview
mirror and saw the flashing lights of a cop car.  He sucked in a huge
breath and looked over at Cory.  "I think I just got a ticket."

He slowed and signaled a lane change, intending to move to the far right
lane in preparation for pulling off the road.  He was much relieved when
the state police car zoomed past him, and continued up the freeway at top
speed.  He gave a sigh of relief, and turned to Cory.  "That was close
one."

"Yes, too close, Greg.  You need to be more careful when you decide to
speed," Cory said.

Greg drove them to the tidal basin and circled it, until he found a parking
space near the Roosevelt Memorial.  He parked the car.  They got out and
walked to the Roosevelt Memorial.  They held hands, as they walked from one
water fountain to the next.  When they reached the last water fountain,
Greg pulled Cory into an embrace and kissed him.

They were surprised by the flash of a camera.  They turned to see a young
man holding the camera.  He walked up to them.  "I hope you aren't offended
I took your photograph.  I'm gay and I'm from a small town in Alabama.  I'm
afraid to tell anyone there I'm gay; not even my parents.  I saw you
kissing and I wanted to remember it's okay to be gay; so when I turn 18, I
can move here where I won't have to hide who I am."

Greg smiled and held out his hand.  "I'm Greg and this is my husband,
Cory."

He shook Greg's hand and said, "I'm Tim Dupree.  I'm a senior in high
school, and I'm here with the Close Up Program.  We are learning how
government works."  He stopped, staring at them in amazement.  He said,
"Wait a minute!  Did you say Cory is your husband?"

Greg laughed at Tim's expression.  "Yes, I did.  We were married last
summer, before school started."

Tim's excitement was very evident.  "I've never met a gay married couple.
Where were you married?"

Cory said, "We were married in Canada."

"I've dreamed of meeting a super great guy who will sweep me off my feet.
We'll be married, and we will live happily ever after!" he exclaimed.  Then
an expression of sadness and despair crossed his face.  "But that will
never happen to me as long as I live in the South."

Greg said, "That's true, Tim.  We're going to school in Minneapolis.  It's
a nice place to be.  We have great roommates, who are gay just like us.  I
can't tell you how great it feels to be accepted as a gay man, and to have
friends who understand you and don't judge you."

Tim nodded his head.  "I wish I could move there, now.  Unfortunately, I
have to finish high school first."

Cory said, "We'll give you our cell phone number, and you can call us after
you graduate.  We'd love to have you visit us.  Maybe you will decide to go
to school with us at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities."

Cory gave him his cell number.  Tim said, "Thanks a lot.  I promise I'll
call."  Tim scampered off to catch up to his group of fellow students.  He
turned to wave at them, before he disappeared behind a wall.

Cory said, "I hope he calls.  He seemed really nice."

Greg agreed.  "I think he will.  He seemed pretty excited to know we're
married."

They finished touring the Roosevelt Memorial and walked to the Lincoln
Memorial.  They took some photos of the Gettysburg Address inscribed on the
wall.

Greg said, "It's ironic that the Civil War helped free the slaves; but it
didn't end discrimination against them; just like the discrimination
against gays hasn't ended with the few laws that have been overturned
forbidding homosexual behavior.  I guess we should be grateful we haven't
been thrown in jail for loving another man."

Cory said, "Being here reminds of how bad things are for gays in Virginia
and in much of the United States.  Remind me never to move back here.  I
wish my parents would move to another state who recognizes our marriage.  I
don't want to raise a family where hate and bigotry are the norm."

Greg took Cory by the hand and led him outside to admire the view of the
Capitol Building and the Washington Monument.  "We live in a country that
prides itself on freedom for all.  It makes me sad those freedoms are
allowed for the privileged few.  If we dare speak up for our rights, we're
branded as troublemakers and worse."

Cory said, "Let's go Greg.  I'm ready to go home."

"So am I," Greg said.

They walked back to their car.  Greg drove them to the Stetsons.  They
walked into the kitchen, and found Ray and Darla sitting at the table.
They had their usual cup of coffee.

Greg looked at Ray and said, "I don't know how you two can sleep drinking
coffee this late at night."

Ray said, "I enjoy a good up of coffee.  It helps me unwind.  The caffeine
has never bothered me."

Darla added, "I find it relaxes me, and I can sleep much better."

Cory laughed and said, "I can attest to that.  Mom dozes off pretty quickly
after her nightly cup of coffee."

"How was your drive into the district?" Ray asked.

"It was okay, except for a minor scare thanks to Greg's penchant for
speeding," Cory said, nudging Greg in the ribs.

Greg looked sheepish and said, "I admit I like to speed.  We almost got
caught, tonight.  Fortunately, the cop went right past us and left us
alone."

Darla looked at Greg and said, "Please be careful, Greg."

"I will.  Cory is constantly reminding me not to speed," Greg said.

"You should listen to your husband, Greg," Ray said.

Greg put his hands up in surrender, "Okay, Okay, I'll stop speeding."

They all laughed.  Cory said, "Good night, Mom and Dad.  We'll catch you in
the morning."

"Good night, boys," Darla said.

"Good night," Ray said.  He grinned and winked at them.  "Don't have too
much fun up there, tonight."

Greg guffawed, "That's entirely up to my husband."

Cory blushed and pulled Greg out of kitchen, before he could say anything
else.  They made their way to their bedroom.  Greg closed the door behind
them and said, "Cory, I want to fuck your brains out, tonight."

Cory grinned and said, "I thought you might.  Let's get a shower and
cleaned up."

They showered, beginning the foreplay that would end with a towering
inferno of passion.

*** ***

Rick and I were sitting at the kitchen table, talking about Mom with Aunt
Mary and Uncle Dave.  I said, "I'm still amazed Mom is really leaving Dad."

Uncle Dave said, "She's not."

I looked at him in surprise.  "What do you mean?"

"She doesn't want to leave your Dad," Uncle Dave said.  "She is trying to
help him overcome some of his bad habits, by giving him the opportunity to
go to counseling with her."

"But, she moved out," I countered.

Aunt Mary said, "She moved out to force your Dad to deal with his issues.
If she had stayed, he would never change."

Rick nodded his head in comprehension.  "This is her way of getting his
attention."

"That's correct," Uncle Dave said.  "I predict they will be back together
by the end of the summer.  Of course, your father could decide his pride is
more important than his family.  If that happens, you mother will, indeed,
divorce him."

"It's a good thing your mother is taking this trip to Toronto," Aunt Mary
said.  "She will have some time to think about what she really wants to do
about your Dad.  At the same time, she will get to spend some time with her
parents."

"My grandparents have never really approved of my Dad," I said.

"Yes, we know," Uncle Dave said.  "Your Dad has told me many times of how
much he can't stand his father-in-law."

"Grandpa is a really nice man," Rick said.

"Yes, I believe he probably is, Rick; however, you're not married to his
daughter," Uncle Dave said.

"No, I'm not.  I'm just his grandson's boyfriend," Rick said, with a big
grin.  He put his arm around my shoulders.

Uncle Dave smiled.  "Yes, that is true; but that's very different."

Rick laughed and said, "I would hope so!"

I leaned over and kissed my boyfriend.  "I love you, Rick."

Aunt Mary smiled and said, "You two are a breath of fresh air.  I'm glad
you are staying with us."

"Who is a breath of fresh air?" Ben asked as he walked into the kitchen.
He sat down next to me and punched me in the arm.  "You can't mean these
two!"

His mother replied, "I, indeed, was referring to them.  Not that you and
Janice aren't wonderful, as well."

Ben said, "Thanks, Mom.  It's been a bit crowded this week with everyone
staying here; but it's been fun."

"We've enjoyed being here, as well.  Thanks for letting us crash here," I
said.

Uncle Dave said, "You're most welcome.  It's almost like when you guys were
still in school."

Ben laughed and said, "Almost.  At least our significant others have
learned what crazy guys we are."

Janice joined us and said, "It's been great.  I've really gotten to bond
with Cynthia and Nancy."

Nancy and Cynthia were right behind her.  Cynthia said, "I'm glad I'm not
the only girl in our family, anymore."

Ben laughed.  "Yes, but you are still my only sister."

Cynthia stuck her tongue out at Ben.  Ben stood up and attempted to kiss
his sister on the cheek; but she pushed him away and said, "Don't even try
to kiss me!"

Ben laughed and said, "Then don't stick your tongue out at me, if you don't
want to be kissed."

She did it, again, and quickly moved around the table, when Ben moved to
catch her.  Aunt Mary said, "Okay, you two.  Stop messing around and sit
down."

Nancy said, "Yeah, sit down children!"  She grinned at her cousins.

Both Cynthia and Ben turned to Nancy.  Ben asked, "Who is calling who a
child?"

Nancy, still grinning, replied, "I am."  She took refuge behind me and
Rick.

Aunt Mary said, "Please sit down, children."

Ben said, "See, Mom thinks you're a child, as well."

"She is, and so are you, Ben," Aunt Mary said.  "Since we have everyone at
the table, is anyone interested in playing a game of cards?"

I looked at Rick who nodded his head.  "That's sound fun," he said.

Uncle Dave pulled out a deck of cards and started shuffling them.  "What
shall we play?  Hearts, Spades, War, Fish, Scum, Rummy?"

"Let's play Scum," I said.  "I want to be Scum and Rick can be Vice Scum
while everyone else gets to be part of the nameless rabble."

Uncle Dave laughed, "We'll see how well you do."

We played Scum until dinner time.  After dinner, Ben said, "I want to play
Uno."

Janice agreed.  "I like Uno.  It's fun."

Ben retrieved the Uno game from his room, and we played Uno for the rest of
the evening.  It was great sitting around the table with family playing
games, and talking about our plans for the future.  We were just cleaning
up after our game night, when Randy and Shawn returned from visiting some
friends.

Randy said, "It looks like we missed out on quite the party."

Rick replied, "You sure did.  I won every game."

Randy looked at Rick in surprise.  "Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure.  Just ask them," Rick responded, pointing to the rest of
us.

Uncle Dave confirmed the truth of Rick's statement.  "He did win every game
we played tonight."

Ben said, "He only won because Glenn was helping him."

"I did not!" I protested.

Shawn laughed, "We believe you, Glenn.  Can't you tell when Ben is teasing
you?"

"Sometimes," I replied.

Ben laughed and said, "I can always get you, Glenn."

Rick put his arm around my shoulders and said, "It's okay, Glenn."

I said, "I know."

Shawn said, "We're turning in for the night."

"I think we'll join you," Rick said.

We said good night to everyone and made our way downstairs to Ben's old
room.  Rick and I sat down on our bed, as we helped each other undress.

Shawn said, "I'm glad we went to visit Curtis and Doug."

Rick asked Shawn, "Who are Curtis and Doug?"

Shawn replied, "They are two of Randy's ex-boyfriends.  They got married a
couple of months ago."

"Doesn't it bother you to be around Randy's ex-boyfriends?" Rick asked.

"No, not really," Shawn said.  "I'm pretty secure in the knowledge he loves
me.  Besides, they're married."

"Have you and Randy ever considered a three-way relationship?" I asked.

Shawn raised his eyebrows and shrugged his shoulders.  "It's never come up
since we've been together.  Why do you ask?"

Rick looked at me and said, "I'd like to know what prompted that question,
as well."

"I just wanted to know if you have ever considered it.  Rick and I are
completely monogamous," I said, taking Rick's hand in mine.

Rick smiled.  "I was beginning to wonder if you were hinting that you
wanted an open relationship."

"It's crossed my mind; but I'm not ready to explore that kind of
relationship, until I have a ring on my finger and a piece of paper that
says we're married," I said.

 "That doesn't make sense, Glenn.  If you're going to add another person to
your relationship, it would be better to do it before you're married,"
Shawn said.

Randy came into the room and asked, "Are you looking for another guy to
form a threesome?"

Rick answered, "No, we are NOT."  He gave me a look and I knew he wasn't
happy with me.

I stood up and pulled Rick to his feet, "Let's get ready for bed."  We
crossed the hall to the bathroom.  As soon as the door was closed, I
wrapped my arms around Rick's waist.  I looked into his eyes and said, "I'm
sorry if I upset you by asking about a threesome."

Rick said, "It just made me wonder what you were thinking."

"I just wanted to know Shawn's views on the subject," I said.  "Are we
good?"

Rick kissed me and replied, "Yes, we're good."

We took care of our needs and returned, to find Shawn and Randy already in
bed.  We climbed into our bed.  Rick put his back against the wall and
draped his arm over me, pulling me close.

*** ***

The next morning, we were up early and quickly showered.  We packed our
things into Shawn's car.  We said our good byes and drove over to Mom's new
apartment.  She was ready to go, when we arrived.  Rick loaded her luggage
into the back of the car.  Randy climbed into the backseat with us; so Mom
could have the front seat.  I enjoyed the ride to Regina, since I got to be
close to my guy.

At one point, Randy said, "Okay you two.  No making out in the backseat."

"Why?  Are you jealous?" I asked.

Randy grinned.  "Yes, I am.  It's not fair to watch you two making out,
when I can't make out with my husband because he has to drive."

Mom turned and looked over her shoulder at us and said, "They are two young
people who are in love, Randy.  It's okay for them to show the rest of us
they love each other."

Randy responded, "I'm okay with them making out, Mom.  I only object to not
being able to do the same."

Shawn glanced in his mirror and said, "I'll take care of you, when we get
to our hotel in Toronto."

"I'm counting on that," Randy said.

We arrived at the airport and checked our bags.  Mom had managed to snag an
aisle seat in the same row, where Rick and I had our seats.  I took the
middle seat so Rick could have the window.  We were seated in an exit row
so Rick would have a little extra room for his long legs.  Mom sat next to
me.  As soon as we were in the air, I turned to Mom and asked, "Do you
think Dad will change?"

"I certainly hope so," Mom said.  "I love your father very much; but we
both need to adjust how we treat each other.  I'm as much at fault as your
Dad, Glenn.  I recognize that fact, and I'm willing to work toward
improving our relationship.  I've tried to get your father to go with me to
marriage counseling; and he has stubbornly refused.  The last time I
mentioned it; he told me I was the one who needed to see a shrink, not
him."  She paused, and I looked over to see she was crying.  I put my arm
around her shoulder.  She wiped away her tears and said, "I'm sorry,
Glenn."

"It's okay, Mom," I said.  "We're here for you."

"It's so hard, Glenn, to see the one you love turn away from you.  I know
he loves me; but his love for me isn't strong enough for him to give up his
pride," she said.  "I refused to acknowledge it was a problem, during most
of our marriage.  The events of the last couple of years stripped away the
rose colored glasses I used to view my world, forcing me to face reality."

Rick said, "I hope Dad changes his mind."

"I think he may be giving it some serious thought," Mom said.  "I heard
from my lawyer, yesterday.  Your father asked him what he needed to do to
get me to come back to him."

I looked at Rick and back to Mom.  "Do you really think he's going to agree
to go to counseling with you?"

"I can only hope," Mom said.  "In any case, I'm going to enjoy this trip.
I haven't really been on my own for any extended period of time, since we
were first married.  Your Grandma called me last night.  She said all of
the wedding preparations are done, and they will meet us at the airport."

"Do you know where they decided to be married?" I asked.

"Grandma said she helped the guys find a place called Pride Weddings that
caters to gay weddings.  Grandma was very pleased with the private wedding
space they have and it's close to the hotel," she said.

We spent the remainder of the flight talking about the wedding and the
things Mom wanted to do, while she was down east.

*** ***

Our plane landed and we made our way to the baggage claim.  Grandpa and
Grandma were waiting near the carousel.  Mom hugged them both.  Mom said,
"I'm so glad to see you."

Grandma smiled.  "We're glad you're here.  We were afraid you might not
come; given the circumstances."

Grandpa said, "It's about time you came to your senses."

Mom said, "Now, Dad, I know you have never approved of Don; but, there is
no reason for you to berate me."

Grandpa said, "My apologies, Eva; however, I still stand by my statement."

Grandma turned to us and said, "Boys, I'm glad to see you."  Randy, Shawn,
Rick and I crowded around her and gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
"You have all become such handsome men.  You should be proud of your sons,
Eva."

Mom smiled up at us.  "I am, Mom.  Believe me, I am.  I'm also proud of the
men in their lives.  Shawn and Rick are wonderful."

Grandpa asked, "Which one is your bag, Eva?"

I laughed and said, "Your question should be, `Which ONES are her bags?'
You know Mom can't travel with just one!"

Grandpa smiled and said, "No, I haven't forgotten how much luggage this
particular woman likes to bring on every trip.  Even as a little girl, your
mother had to take her entire wardrobe with her wherever we went."

Mom blushed and protested, "Daddy, I didn't take everything with me."

"Eva," Grandma said, a warning tone in her voice.

Mom quickly corrected herself, "Oh, alright, I took most everything."

We grabbed our bags and mother's off of the carousel.  We followed Grandpa
outside to the waiting limousine.  Grandpa said, "I hired this limo for the
next few days to take us around town."

Mom said, "It makes me feel very special."

Grandma said, "Your father arranged to have your brothers and their
fiancés driven to fancy restaurants each evening we have been here.
They have also been to concerts and plays."

"Dad, thank you for making this week a special one for the twins," Mom
said.

Grandpa said, "It's the least I can do for them.  They have helped me on
the farm all of these years, and have always been there, when we have
needed them.  I just want them to be happy."

We arrived at the hotel and the chauffer helped us get our luggage on the
trolley.  We checked in.  Grandpa said, "I took the liberty of booking a
suite for the four of you."

"Thank you, Grandpa," Randy said.

We got our room keys and followed the bell boy into the elevator.  He
wheeled our luggage trolley into our suite and unloaded our gear.  We
directed him where to put our things; then tipped him, as he left.

I looked around the suite.  It had a large sitting room combined with a
dining room.  There was a small kitchen and two very large bedrooms with a
king-sized bed in each room.  Rick put his arm around my waist and said, "I
think we should try out the bed.  We need to make sure the mattress is in
proper working order."

Randy guffawed, "Yeah, right!  You just want to fuck each other."

Rick grinned and said, "You should talk, Randy.  I believe your husband has
the same idea."

Shawn took Randy's hand in his and said, "Come with me, my husband."  They
disappeared into their bedroom.

I looked up at Rick and said, "Let's try out the bed."

*** ***

Author's Note:

Pride Weddings - http://prideweddings.ca/index.php