Date: Mon, 24 Apr 2017 01:39:55 +0000
From: Aj White <lila_is@live.ca>
Subject: Steppin out Book 4 Chapter 19-20

Steppin' Out (Book 4) Perfect Man Copyright 1993-2017
By Lila Mosher

Disclaimer:

This is a series of works of gay erotic fiction. If you are offended by
such material or if you are not allowed access to it under the laws where
you live, please exit now. DO NOT GO PAST HERE! 18+ ONLY!

This work is copyrighted by the author and LBL Services Canada. 1990-2017
and may not be copied or distributed in any form without the written
permission of the author, who may be contacted at: lila_is@live.ca
*I've had my work stolen before and I WILL contact my lawyer who will
contact ANYONE who takes my material!~

Any and all celebrities mentioned in this story have no affiliation to this
piece of writing and I make no claim to their person as my own. They are
used to enhance the writing this is ALL. All mentioned places and people
are factious and any bearing resemblance to anyone person or place is
purley coincidental

To see currently see my stories in full please go to:
https://www.fictionpress.com/u/1001137/

Want to comment? have suggestions? Heck I'm all for Fan feed back :)
drop me a line at lila_is@live.ca or post a review at the FictionPress
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********************************
OK so it's been a few ywars...
I think a little background recap for this story is REALLY NEEDED.
If you want to refresh yourself you can check the stories ALL
out at the link above.

Sam is the Twin brother of Dante Ericson
Sam out of the two is the more "agressive"
of these two twins yet he's a hair/estetics
master LOL go figure  yes he loves beauty
but he can be a hardass as well, this story
shows more of his soft side. ;)

I hope my fans enjoy this 4th selection to my series, It's taken a LONG time
to get here. Life decided to kick me while I was down and that battle was more
important than writting at the time. BUT I WON! So I'm back.

Hope you enjoyed
Sylvia Alice White/Lila Mosher (Pen name)



Chapter 19 - The journey back
**************************

Xavier was a bit confused with all the questions the Dr asked him. He felt
fine. He reached over to Sam and held his hand. He wanted a drink but he
was told he couldn't have anything just yet. His mouth was parched.

"Do you remember the date and year?" Janine asked him.

"It's August of 2008" He said, he looked at Sam who shook his head no. He
was really confused.  He watched Sam walk over to the Dr and talk to her
quietly. She nodded her head and he looked back.

"I'll be right back." And he left the room. Dr. Achenbach took a light and
flashed it into his eyes and watched to see if his eyes dilated
properly. They did so. She scribbled onto his chart and he sighed as she
looked him over without saying much at first.

"So you don't recall the car accident you were in Mr. York?" He shook his
head, he'd already told them this.

"Do you remember where you live?" Xavier nodded and gave her the address
for his and Christine's place on River Rd.

"That's not what we have on record." He was even more perplexed with that
info.  "I'm going to check into getting a second MRI Mr. York. I'll have to
speak to your partner when he gets back with your son."  She flipped his
chart over and smiled.

"SON‽" He said baffled. "I don't have any children!" Xavier
didn't know what kind of game was being played on his but it wasn't funny
to say shit like that. He tried to sit up but his shoulder hurt way too
much.

"Oh you can't go doing that either. You have a separated shoulder. Best to
just rest." She raised the head of his bed, and looked at him. "It'll all
come back to you I'm sure." She noticed Sam returning with the young boy
she'd seen earlier. "There they are now. I'll let you be." She walked
towards Sam and warned him that he didn't remember the child. She looked at
the young fella she knew as Devon.

"I know your dad might not remember you but it's because of the injury he
has. He will get better." She smiled at him and then looked baffled when he
responded.

"He's not ma pa. He's me brub." He giggled at the Dr for the mistake she'd
made.

"Oh dear me, I may have upset him. I thought this youngster was his son."
Sam smiled and shook his head no.

"He's his little brother, but it's all right though; he might as well be
since he's raising him. We will try to be quick." Sam said as he noticed
Xavier's face screw up in confusion.  He walked with Devon closer to
Xavier's bed.

"That daft Doctor said you were bringing back my son. This child looks like
my baby brother, only older." Xavier was beyond disconcerted now and
nothing seemed to make sense.

"This is your brother Xavier. Devon lives with us now." Sam said as he
lifted Devon to sit on the side of the bed. Xavier's eyes got pretty wide.

"What the hell! NO WAY!" He leaned forward and touched Devon's face which
caused him to giggle.

"What brub? Ya lookin like ya never saw me face before." Xavier looked at
Sam as if to say `WHAT THE HELL?' without actually speaking.

"How old are you now?" He asked Devon.

"I'm nine, be ten soon." He replied. "Did ya forget?"

"I obviously did." Xavier said as sighed with vexation. "What the hell
happened; Sam? If he's almost ten now this means I'm missing over two
years... right?" He was checking on his fingers to be sure he'd got the
amount of time right.

"You had a pretty bad car accident." He grabbed Xavier's hand and lifted it
to the surgical site so he could feel the skin under his fingers. "Be
careful, let me guide you so you don't hit the sutures. They had to drill
holes in your skull to help alleviate a brain bleed. I think all of this
may have affected some of your memories."  Sam let his hand go as he laid
it back in his lap.

"So we opened the shop already?" He asked.  Sam nodded. "Where do I live
now?" He had to ask since the Dr said the address he gave wasn't the right
one.

"You live at my place with my mom and Francis. Dante moved out. Your
brother came to live with us just before the shop opened." Devon nodded in
agreement. Sam didn't want to tell him about his mom but he was sure he'd
ask.

"Did mom finally give you up after all the fighting Kolten and I did to get
you?" He asked Devon, who shook his head no.

"Ma is gone Sav. She died." He'd done the hardest thing in the world
telling Xavier this and Sam was grateful that Devon was braver than him at
the moment giving such shattering news. Xavier just laid there and stared
at his brother dumbfounded.

"Are you OK?" he'd asked his brother.

"Oh yes; of course. Ya take smashing care of me!" Devon said smiling at his
brother. "So does Nan and Sam."

He looked at Sam "how?" He was wondering how his mother had passed.  "How
what? You mean how did she die?" Sam asked "or do you mean how did you get
custody of him?"  "Well actually both considering I am just learning all of
this stuff. What the fuck happened?" Xavier was astonished by the news. He
remembered fighting to take Devon when he was five, and as far as he
recalled that was only a few years ago.  "Well Xavier, really don't think
that's something we should be talking about right now. I want you to focus
on getting better. Devon and I are worried we want you back home." Sam said
as he sat on the edge of the bed and reached for Xavier's hand. "Running
the shop is going to be weird without you."  "But I should know Sam; I have
that right you know." Xavier felt exasperated frustrated and confused he
was missing time and didn't even know that the time had passed while
everyone else was two years ahead of him.  "You will all fill you in on
details when Dr. Achenbach feels that you're able to handle the stress. I
have to go home and take care of Devon mom and Francis sends their love."
Sam leaned over and kissed his forehead and pushed the locks on the right
side of his head away from his face. He would sure miss that hair but at
least he was still here.  "Who the fuck is Francis?" Xavier was totally
confused that name.  "Oh shit, I forgot you don't know who he is." Sam
smiled and scratched his head, "Ahh, he's mom's fiancé. They've been
seeing each other for a while he proposed a couple of months ago."  "And
you proposed a few days ago" Devon piped up.  "I what‽" Xavier
was confused and screwed as eyes up looking at Sam `like what the hell?'
"It's true, but will deal with that later. Okay? Don't you worry about
it. I love you." He gave Xavier's hand a squeeze and even though he hated
leaving him with so many questions he had to go. Janine stopped him on his
way out and laid a hand on Sam's arm.  "We're going to send him in for
another MRI to double check to see if there's any other damage. We will
call you if there are any changes. Sorry this is so difficult on the both
of you, and for the misunderstanding regarding little Devon here. She
smiled at the young fella.

"It's not a big deal I understand with the trauma to his head and yeah it
sucks. My biggest concern is his missing two years. The opening of our
shop, the loss of his mother, our engagement. That's a lot of memories to
lose because of one bad accident. Not only is it surreal it's little
overwhelming." Sam sighed "I think you for everything you've done for him
so far. If you need me call." Sam and Devon walked out of the room and
headed back up the hall to his mother and Francis. They needed to get home
he had some phone calls he was going to have to make really early in the
morning. This was going to be a long road and there was no way in hell he
was getting let Xavier travelling alone.

********************************

"Yes, I'll hold." The call took longer than he'd expected it to and he just
wanted off the phone. The insurance agency was giving him the run around
for the car. `Acts of God bullshit.' It was a fucking car accident that
almost cost his boyfriend his life and they wanted to dicker over the
defining cause of the accident. The agent returned to the line only to
repeat the last lines of the terms of the insurance contract.

`Damages are not covered in the cases considered `Acts of God.' Such as
floods, lightening etc.' He read...

"See what you're not getting is the lightening didn't hit the car. The car
was in an accident and was hit by a power pole that had been struck by
lightning. If the lightening had of hit the car I can see where you'd count
it as an act of God, but I'm not buying this. I want to speak to someone in
management. This is getting nonsensical and I need someone who has more
familiarity with the terms `Act of God' in regards to my claim." Sam was
getting more and more livid with this agents insistence that the lightening
hitting the pole and causing the accident was an act of God. He thought to
himself.

`I wonder if my strangling him would be an act of God.' He sighed as
someone else came to the line.  It wasn't long after a manager came to the
line that things were sorted and he got his claim. He hung up and then went
down the list of people he needed to contact today. He sighed at the
length.

"Oi!" he said out loud as his mom entered the kitchen. She looked at him,
tenderness and concern in every crease on her face.

"Oh love, are you going to be OK?" She wandered over to the counter and
plugged in the kettle. She looked back at him and waited for him to
respond.

"Yeah, just feeling a tad defeated. I've got so much to do and I rather be
at the hospital with him." He leaned his head forward and cradled it on his
hand looking down at his list and drew random swirls on the paper.  He
looked up when his mom spoke again.

"I can help you; if you want." She pulled out two mugs and filled both with
instant coffee and sugar. When the kettle clicked off she poured the water
and added creamer. She walked to the table with both cups and set the
second down in front of him. He reached for it and took a sip. Good old
magic there to save the day.

"I'd appreciate it mom, but I really am not too sure what you could really
do, except maybe go to the shop and tell the crew what happened, but you
have your own shop to run." He took another sip and nodded to Francis who
walked into the kitchen from out back. He took off his boots and sat with
them both.

"So how is Xavier, have you heard anything yet?" Francis liked Michelle's
boy and his partner and was really concerned for both of them.

"No, I haven't called yet. I have all this other stuff to do and the shop
to run. I'm feeling like I've got a semi barrelling at me." Sam's mom took
the paper from him.

"He's got to go see the crew at the shop and let them know what happened
and do a new schedule up so cover for when he and Xavier are not there. I
offered to help but he's more worried about my shop." Francis chuckled.

"I can watch your shop love; I don't have to work till this evening so it's
not a big deal." He smiled as Sam looked shocked.  "Now yer mom can go to
your shop and assist there for a bit, at least till I have to scoot."
Michelle piped in

"I will get him to close my shop at three and he can get Devon from school
and bring him to your shop. I can help your crew for a bit and here's
hoping we can get things sorted in due time. I want you to be with Xavier,
it's where you should be. I'll worry about the house and Devon for now."
She reached over and gave his cheek a pat.

"Don't worry son, I got yer back." She said winking and making Sam
chuckle. He needed that considering how shitty he was feeling.

"Thanks Ma." He sighed that was one less thing to worry about.

*************************

Devon was in school; Francis was taking care of Michelle's shop True U, Sam
was at the hospital with his partner and Michelle was at Roomoorz working
with Sam and Xavier's crew. They were pretty upset to learn about Xavier's
accident and the trauma he'd faced from it.

"Oh my! He's going to be okay right?" Allie asked as she wrapped her hands
over and over on the towel she had wringing it for all it was worth.

"He's going to be fine. He has some extensive memory loss, so when he gets
back; if it's still present give him time to either remember or to create a
new memory. It's been quite the scare the last few days." Michelle looked
at the instructions her son had written down for her to follow so she'd
have a general idea of how they ran the shop.

"Since April and Jean are off today I need one of you guys to call them and
tell them what happened. I will need you all here from here on out till
Xavier is able to return to work. I'll assist where I can. You guys can
always call me if necessary my shop isn't too far from here so I can come
over if it's needed."

She wanted to make sure they knew she was there to assist and help, not
take over because she was sure they could all run that shop on their own.

Darien volunteered to call the others. Allie took on front end
responsibility. Brice stayed on chairs as well as Darien when he returned
and Jonie kept up on clean up and her chair as well. Back end items would
be Allie's chore while they waited for April and Jean to come in.

"I know Sam is very thankful for all of you." Michelle was glad these guys
all worked together so well.

April and Jean showed up about 30 minutes later ready to work. They spoke
to Michelle about their concerns for Xavier and asked that she passed on
condolences and speedy recovery to both Xavier and Sam.

"I'll be sure to tell them when I see them." Michelle said as they all got
to work.

***************************************

`Fourth floor.' The elevator chimed for what seemed to be the 600th time
since Xavier landed in the hospital. Sam looked as the doors opened. The
same familiar sign; stuck to the wall; greeted him. He would be happy when
Xavier was home think God today was his release date.  Nineteen days was
long enough to long as first Sam was concerned. Xavier however had mended
although his memories were somewhat scattered he still was Xavier.

He walked down the long corridor straight to the room where Xavier was. He
walked in to Xavier's therapist assisting him with recognizance
testing. His fundamental understanding of basic things such as; his
birthday, where he lived, the date; were firmly implanted in his head now.

He'd started remembering little bits and pieces and this helped some. He
remembered his trip to England to get his brother but not why. He
remembered meeting Sam but not moving in with him. It was the little things
that caused Xavier's so much frustration. His short-term memory cost a lot
of issues and he had to start writing things down just so he could remember
what he put stuff. Sam didn't care; Xavier was still here. He was alive Sam
was very happy to still have him in his life. Sam sat down while he waited
for Xavier to finish his testing.

Xavier leaned forward and placed his hands on his forehead.  The short hair
on the side of his head brushed his thumb it was starting to grow in. He
knew he would need a haircut, he also remembered he really loved his long
hair. He listened to his therapist say some words and he responded
accordingly. He stopped raised his hand and said "Wait a minute. Sam did we
don't go to a big Christmas party? Someplace in... Kearney? I remember a
girl playing the piano... Becky?"  Sam looked at Xavier shocked, thrilled
that he remembered but also saddened that he would have to tell him that
Becky was no longer with them anymore either. He would wait before he did
that. There could be a chance that he would remember on his own.  "Yeah we
did. Aikrii and Kevin threw a huge one between them both. That was a few
years ago after you had moved in with us. The shop was already open too; so
this is a good thing that you remembered. There was a girl playing the
piano, and her name was Becky. This is amazing that you remembered so
much." Xavier beamed at Sam's encouragement.  "I remember the music. I
remember Jeff's nephew Matt bouncing around and singing on top of his
lungs. I remember mom blushing because of Francis. I remember Francis. Oh
my God!" Xavier stood quickly, he had tears in his eyes "Oh Sam! It's
coming back; slowly but it's coming back." He got up and walked over to Sam
and gave him a hug.  "Well I got some good news for you today. Doc said I
can spring you. Would you like to go home?" Sam chuckled as he watched
Xavier's face glow with excitement as he nodded his head. He would be
finally free of this place.

Xavier looked at his therapist "Are we done?" He watched her nod yes. He
chuckled, kissed Sam, and ambled over to the closet. The next thing Sam
knew he had his kitbag out was shoving everything into it as quickly as he
could.  "I can't wait to be out of this place." He heard his therapist
chuckle.  "It can't be that bad." She said as she passed him a piece of
paper that had his next appointment on it.  "No, it's not that bad, but the
food is horrible. Privacy is next to nothing, and there are a number of
different noises to keep you awake at night. I'll be glad when there is
some peace and quiet." Xavier zipped up his kit, looked around for his
phone, picked that up and looked at his boyfriend. He was eager to go.
"Come on, I want to get out of here." He said.  "Don't forget your jacket."
Sam said pointing to the back of the door.  "Whoops! Can't be forgetting
that." Xavier grabbed it and slid his arms into the sleeves. Smiling at Sam
he took his hand and they started walking out. Dr. Achenbach stopped them
at the nurse's station to confirm his next appointment.  "I'll be here
don't you worry about that." Said Xavier "I'll make sure he gets here."
Said Sam knowing full well there was a good chance Xavier would forget.
They both waved goodbye to Dr. Achenbach. They headed for the
elevator. Once they got in Xavier gave Sam quite the crushing hug, and then
muckled onto him kissing his breath away.  "I've wanted to do that since I
remembered when we got together." Xavier growled and Sam smiled under his
lips. This was a reassuring moment.  "You might not have all of me," Xavier
said tapping his head. "But you got most of me and the best parts that
work." He chuckled making a joke. Sam was thrilled to have him at his side
again. It's been a long near three weeks.  The elevator doors opened and
they both stepped off. The headed out to the car and Xavier stopped dead in
his tracks when he saw it.  "I thought this car was totalled?" Xavier
recalled Sam's car was in an accident. He remembered Sam telling him about
the accident. He just didn't understand how come the car wasn't broken
anymore.  "It's okay Xavier. I just got the same make and model of car. It
took a bit but we've and found one the exact same colour." Sam opened the
passenger side door and let Xavier slide into the seat. He walked around to
the driver side door got in and buckled up and looked over at Xavier.
"Come on hun, we're going to go for a drive. I'm going to show you all of
the spots you should recall and if you don't I'll explain why they are
important." Sam watched him reach over to his hand and he gladly grasped
it.  "Thanks, I don't know what I would do if I didn't have you." Xavier
said "these last few weeks a bit more bearable with you by my side. Even
when my brain was lost you managed to show me a light so I could find my
way back." Xavier smiled.  Sam was more than happy to show Xavier
everything that he had forgotten. It was surprising though to Sam to see
that Xavier's memory was popping back pretty quickly. He'd have quick
eureka moments of a memory from years gone by. He'd asked questions and get
answers which only made him happier. There were a few times Sam had to
repeat himself but it was all good. Both of them together they were
unstoppable.

"I need to get my hair cut. Do you think we could stop by the shop?" He
really didn't want to look like half mullet man forever. As much as he
loved his long hair it was time to cut what was left of it off.

"Sure. We can do that." It didn't take long for them to get there and when
Xavier walked into the shop everyone stopped what they were doing and then
yelled in excitement.

"XAVIER!" He was tackled in a group bear hug. Smiling as they let him go he
nodded to them all.

"I'm sorry. I don't remember you all but I know one of you is Darien. He
looked directly at Darien and pointed. "If I'm right, that's you?" He
asked. Darien nodded.

"Care to fix up this mess. The nurses are terrible hair dressers." He said
as he ran his hand through the stubble along his surgical site that was now
healed.

"My pleasure." Darien said as he directed him to a sear. "It's great to
have you back. Xavier thought, `It's great to be back'



Chapter 20 -- Roomoor has it
****************************

"Oh goodness it's really not that bad!" He heard the words from the video
and laughed. The outfit Nye was wearing was hideous and he laughed. Aikrii
was visiting them and had brought enough videos from all of their friends
and antics to choke a horse. Aikrii; like Sam; was trying to help him fill
in the last two years of his life. Some day's were better than others.

"OMG this is hilarious!" Xavier drank his tea and had to be careful not to
spit it everywhere when something funny happened.

The next scene flickered and he saw the Christmas concert he'd remembered
the day he'd gotten out of the hospital. It didn't feel like it'd been
almost six weeks since the accident but according to the calendar it
was. He watched the young girl play. He agonized about her remembering
she'd passed as well as the young man who was singing with her. It'd felt
so new to him, yet he knew it was quite some time ago. The raw feeling
doesn't leave as one would like.

Xavier felt Sam's hand on his shoulder as he came in from the back yard
where he was helping his mom plant more items in the garden. Aikrii went to
the sink and got a glass of water.  Xavier hardly recognized him now. His
hair was stylishly cut, when Xavier first met him his hair was long, he had
a baby face too. Now days he was sporting a sparse mustache and a goatee,
from what he'd shown him Mani was as well. Aikrii had even grown more since
Xavier's first recollections of him. He stood at five foot ten now compared
to the five foot five he remembered him at. When he'd said as much to
Aikrii he chuckled and said he and Mani could see eye to eye now.

"Isn't your anniversary coming up soon?" Xavier asked Aikrii. Aikrii's
eyebrows rose in surprise that he'd remember that.

"Yes it is, in July!" Aikrii beamed. "Hey have you and Sam set a date for
your wedding?" Aikrii stopped when Sam stood behind him shaking his head
no. He didn't seem too pleased that it had been brought up.

"Oh, sorry Sam." Aikrii didn't want to upset anyone.

"It's not your fault." Sam placed his hand on Xavier's shoulder he didn't
want him to feel pressured when it came to that aspect of their lives. He
was praying he'd remember on his own. "I'm more concerned on his recovery
first."  Aikrii saw the pain in Xavier's eyes he could see that even though
Sam was focused on his well being the doubts lingered just above the
surface.

"Hey did he see the video though? It might just be the ticket." Aikrii
wanted Sam to show him but he hadn't yet and he had no idea why. Again he
watched Sam shake his head no.

"I think focusing on the smaller things is best for now. A big thing like
that might be over stimulating and his Dr said we should avoid that."
Xavier looked up at Sam and grunted.

"You know, I am here." It was sweet he loved him so much, it was fucking
annoying he wouldn't let him do shit on his own. Xavier ran his hands
through his short locks. He hated feeling like this; it ate at him because
he knew he should be grateful for what he had. The support, but it sucked
when he felt like he was being treated like glass.  Sam nodded in
agreement.

"I know sorry hun." Sam watched as Xavier got up and left the room, Aikrii
looked back at Sam as his partner disappeared up the stairs.

 "Sam, you're one of my few great friends, and I adore you like the rest,
but I'm going to tell you now, if you don't stop with holding him back he's
going to get resentful." Aikrii wasn't going to sugar coat anything. He
wasn't a candy store after all.

"I'm not trying to hold him back. I'm trying to protect him. I don't want
to see him hurt. Call me selfish if you want but I can't live without him
if something happens and he dies on me!" Sam suspired and growled angrily
because he felt so weak. He couldn't help feel like his whole world was
spinning out of control when he didn't know what the future held with him
and Xavier.

Aikrii recalled a time he felt the same way so many years ago.  He walked
to Sam and rested his hand on Sam's arm. "It's not selfish to love someone
that much; but it's selfish if you don't consider their feelings too."
Aikrii needed him to understand that Xavier needed to have his own freedoms
as well.

"Show him the video Sam. It might trigger his memories. If it doesn't are
you going to love him any less?" Aikrii hit the sore spot, but it wasn't
Sam's fear he'd love him less, but his fear that Xavier wouldn't love him
anymore. He shook his head no. Aikrii was right; he was being selfish by
not giving Xavier a chance to do for himself. He felt puerile over the
whole situation.

"OK." Was all he said. He watched Aikrii nod and smile. Aikrii grabbed the
laptop and wandered upstairs to see Xavier. "Are you going to come up with
me?" He asked.

"I'll be up in a few minutes." He replied as he dumped what was left of
Xavier's now cold tea.

Aikrii knocked on their door and entered when Xavier called out that it was
opened.

"Hey. I brought your videos back up. I figured if you were going to rest
you could do so watching something that might make you smile." He put the
laptop on his lap and slid the DVD into the drive and started it.  Xavier
watched the screen half interested until he saw Sam on a stage looking
moonstruck over the lady who was talking to him. She started to sing and he
remembered that the woman was Cher. He realized then what this video
was. He'd wanted to see it but every time it was brought up Sam pushed it
off like it wasn't important. Almost like he didn't care he'd been
asked. It bothered Xavier, if he had of said yes, why wasn't it important
now? Xavier pondered this often which caused more headaches than he needed
to admit to. He listened to the song and smiled. It was the same song title
he'd used for the fake contest he and Bain set up... uh... wait; He
actually remembered that part on his own! He hit pause.

"I remember the contest. I remember asking Bain to help me. I remember
calling Dante, you helped." He looked at Aikrii who was thrilled he
remembered that much, Aikrii was nodding in agreement and Xavier felt much
better about everything.  Sam wandered in and sat at the end of the bed and
watched him continue viewing the video. He noticed Aikrii smiling like
crazy and assumed there was something that amused Xavier.

Xavier's eyes got big as he saw the crowd. The camera panned across
everyone who'd helped spell out `Will you marry me Sam?' and Sam's
reaction. He genuinely looked like he was going to explode with excitement
and love. Xavier pondered about this and assumed that the only reason
things changed was because of the accident. He continued watching and cried
at the end. He felt confused but not because he didn't remember but because
he did and he now didn't understand why Sam didn't want him to.

Aikrii sat beside him. "You all right?"

"No" Xavier said not knowing where to start. He looked at Sam "Why would
you not want me to see this? Don't you care anymore?" He asked to a
bewildered Sam.

"Oh goodness no, that's not it Xavier! I'm just being a hard ass as
always." Sam didn't realize preventing him from viewing the video would
make things more complicated.  Aikrii stepped in to help with reassurances.

"See what I think you might be forgetting about Sam is this. He's a softy
who just doesn't know how to show it all the time. He likes to bulldoze
people and doesn't mean to." Sam nodded.

"I'm sorry Xavier, I just didn't want to stress you or get you upset. I
worried it would cause ill effect to your condition. I can't have you back
in the hospital." He scooted forward on the bed and sat closer to him.

"I don't get it. If I was you wouldn't be spending all your time fussing
over me." Xavier was being stubborn now mostly because he was upset.

"I'm selfish hun. I spent every moment I could with you while you were in
the hospital and I will spend as much as I can now. What I'm trying to get
at is that I can't... no I don't want to live without you.  It'd kill me if
anything else happened to you. Forgive me? Please." Xavier was trying his
hardest to not be an ass and to get him to understand.

"I can deal with that." Xavier said. Aikrii chuckled and took the laptop
from him as Sam leaned over and kissed him.

"I'll let you two be to talk. I'm going to go help Michelle in the
garden. When does Devon get home?" he asked as he wandered out of their
room.

"At four, he has soccer practice after supper." Sam said as he looked back
over at Xavier. "Come on Cranky pants." He said to him and pulled him
against himself as he stretched out. They snuggled together relaxing and
Sam continued to talk to him about all that he was remembering.

"It's honestly a lot more than I expected considering y Dr said it could
take months." He shifted and looked up at Sam and asked a serious question.

"Do you still want to get married?" He asked.

Sam chuckled, "Is this your second proposal?" He asked winking.

"No ya goof, I was asking if you still wanted to because maybe we should
set a date." Xavier playfully flicked his nipple ring. Something he
recalled always turned him on.

"Oh baby. I like it" Sam laughed with Xavier and sighed in contentment.

"Yes hun. I still want to get married. We can set a date if you want." Sam
kissed his forehead again and hugged him tightly.

"How about September 18th?" Xavier asked.

"That's on a Saturday, so it's perfect for our friends. I think it's a good
choice." Sam said happily agreeing with Xavier's choice.

"That's it? No dickering over the date?" Xavier said a bit perplexed that
he was so easy to convince.

"Uhhh... I think we can dicker of other things hun. The date wasn't a big
deal to me. I want it on when you want it, because if you pick it you'll
remember it for the special day it will become." Sam smiled at him and
Xavier nodded. He was happy to accept that assessment and laughed to
himself.

"You know you've got awfully complacent since my accident." Xavier said
teasing him.  "Don't push yer luck there cute stuff. I can be a hardass if
you want." Sam walked right into it... feet first.

"I rather something else be hard." Xavier said and proceeded to do just
that.

**************************

The fall foliage danced along the breeze and burst colors of bright orange,
red, yellow and browns. An earthly fire that happily consumed everyone's
sight with the dazzling display. A fall wedding was always a delight. Not
too cold and not too hot and the weather cooperated for everyone
involved. Much to Sam's delight as well. He'd invited everyone and even
hired his friends to assist. Mani was being the ever diligent perfectionist
and he smiled from the side tent where he was getting ready where Xavier
was inside the house. It was a blessing their backyard was big enough to
hold the wedding. The reception would be at the local legion which made
things easier for everyone.  Kevin pulled him back and fussed over his
suit.

*************************

"Come on the video cameras are all set up!" Selina yelled to Aikrii who was
fiddling with things because of his perfectionist mentality. She was super
excited to be at her uncle's wedding. It was about damn time they got
hitched.

Sefron and Mardi chuckled as Mani hauled him away from the camera that was
set up by the alter. "I'll get stills hun; they didn't hire me to be their
photographer for nothing ya know." He poked his hubby and Aikrii growled
and gave his best smoldering look.

Mani laughed heartily "Oh baby, promises, promises!" He shooed him to his
seat.

Faith was admiring the flowers at the back door with Zack. Catherine was
tickled at the kid's outfits and spotted Devon doing a goofy dance to make
the two younger kids laugh. She was excited for her brother. She was
looking forward to this wedding.  She watched as her dad ruffed himself up
in his tux. She walked to him and smoothed out his tie.

"Are you getting as excited as I am?" She asked him.

"Ay. I thought I'd be givin' ya away; not me son but this be workin' just
as fine." Heathcliff was happy as a clam to have a new son in law. He
really liked Sam and how he was with his boy. He got into position when Nye
gave the cue and waved to them. Heathcliff yelled up to his son to get
ready. Xavier came from upstairs and looked absolutely smashing in a grey
tux He stood beside his father and smiled. Xavier could feel his heart
racing and he couldn't wait to start his life with Sam. Life wouldn't be
complete without him by his side forever.

The music started and Faith and Zack did their little strut out onto the
carpeted aisle. Smiling and waving. The guests were on either side of the
aisle and chuckled at the kids dancing. Their best men and ladies followed
suit, Dante for Sam and Kolten for Xavier as their best men. Selina for Sam
and Catherine for Xavier as their maids of Honor, and then the guys were
next, each presented with a loved one at their side.

Xavier and his dad walked up the aisle on one end of the yard from the
house where as Sam walked up his own aisle that would meet at the main
aisle with his mom on his arm. They met at the front of the reception and
listened to the minister.

"Who presents these two; to be wed?" He asked

"We do." Michelle and Heathcliff said together and let them go to join
hands. Sam and Xavier watched as their parents walked to their seats at the
front of the reception.

"Today, as in many days two lives have decided to meet as one in the grace
of God under marriage." The minister looked upon the crowd as Sam smiled at
Xavier. His cheeks hurt so much but he couldn't help smile. He just loved
him so damn much.

"I know these two wonderful souls will grace each other with dignity,
compassion and above all love. We shall start the ceremony with a simple
prayer." He bowed before everyone and continued.

"Their journey will be long and we are asking blessing for strength, wisdom
and the knowledge that we have given the best of ourselves and enough to
sustain those around us. Blessed are those who have enough to endure life's
tasks and most of all we pray there's enough love to sustain them in all
they do. AMEN."

He reached over and lit a candle and passed it to Sam then one to Xavier.

"Sam and Xavier, together you hold a flame that can do many things. Destroy
if used improperly, create if used wisely, warmth if used cautiously and
light if used with care. How you choose to use your flame is up to you, but
when you spread your love like this candle light then wonderful things
happen. So with this I bless you both and ask you to unite your flames and
create a beautiful warming light for all to share."

Sam and Xavier put their candles together and touched another candle on the
alter and lit it. They placed their candles in their original holders.

"Sam, do you take this man to be your husband? For richer, poorer, sickness
or health so long as you both shall live?" He nodded at Sam and waited for
his response.

"Oh I DO!" He said smiling even harder and making his cheeks hurt more.  He
didn't care, because the joy he was feeling was worth it.

"Xavier, do you take this man to be your husband? For richer, poorer,
sickness or health so long as you both shall live?" He nodded at Xavier and
waited for his response.

"I most certainly do." Xavier responded, he gave Sam's hand a squeeze. He
was deliriously happy.

"Then I shall say anyone who objects should speak up now or forever hold
their tongue." He looked across the crowd and smiled.

"Since there aren't any objections, I shall now pronounce you married and
you may kiss your spouse."  The minister was pleased this ceremony didn't
have anyone protesting it or any hateful relatives as he'd faced before. He
watched the happy couple part after their friends screamed and whistled as
they kissed each other senseless.

"I now present to you, Mr. Sam and Xavier Ericson-York." He walked with the
grooms and showed them to their spots so they could fill out the paperwork
and their witnesses as well.

The guys were delighted with everything and as they left the house with
their certificate already at home they headed to the wedding reception at
the local legion in a horse drawn carriage that Aikrii had gotten for them
as a special treat. Everyone tossed rice and bird seed because the birds in
the area would love it. Sam and Xavier ducked and ran laughing.

"Oh babe I love you!" Xavier said to Sam as he tucked in against his
side. His hubby's height made it easy to do that.

"I love you too hun." Sam kissed him again and chuckled under his lips.

"You know... I have an amazing honeymoon planned." Sam pulled back and his
eyes were wide.

"You do?" He watched Xavier nod.

"Yes, I remembered what I had planned before the accident and I think
you're going to be pleasantly pleased." He winked and chuckled as Sam
looked at him with questioning eyes.

"Don't you worry your handsome head about it, besides; I remember more now
than I have in ages and the best part is I will always remember how you
make me feel and how much I love you" He grabbed his hand and gave it a
squeeze and hissed him till his head swam.

Roomoor has it... they will live an awesome life because Fate helped
Destiny show them the path. Now if Time plays his part properly we will see
this family grow like the rest of their friends did ... Steppin' Out into a
world where things aren't always perfect, but they are perfect for them so
long as the one they love is at their side.


TO BE CONTINUED.... Book 5 - Joane and Claire's Story: Song in My Heart

If you wish to read more check out my Fiction press at >>>>
https://www.fictionpress.com/u/1001137/

PLEASE NOTE If you've read my earlier stuff the very frist book The
Beginning Years (Aikrii and Mani's story) will be PUBLISHED in late June of
2017!!! Once I know the link for odering I will post it!