Date: Tue, 18 Nov 2003 21:17:07 -0800 From: luvyngcks@hotmail.com Subject: Lil Dude Chapter 20 Legal Notice: The following story may contain descriptions of graphic sexual acts. These acts may be between boys, men or between a man and a boy. Just a reminder to all readers, this is a work of pure FICTION with no basis in reality, and is intended for reading by mature readers of the age of majority in the governing jurisdiction of your residence. The author, or his designee, retains copyright to this story. There may be no reproducing or distribution of this story without expressed written consent. Author's personal note: I am sorry this chapter has taken so long to get written and posted. Events over the last several months have been personally very tough. I lost a very close friend, but was fortunate to be able to spend a lot of time with him up to the end. Still unemployed, unemployment pay ran out and I was worried about financial obligations and just maintaining a roof over my head. Then an opportunity provided itself for part time temporary employment to alleviate the sleep depriving worries for a little while. So I have tried to get back to the Lil Dude and the gang. I cannot promise timely submissions with a frequent schedule as before, but will try to do my best that they won't be as far between as this one has been from the last. Thank you for your inquiries and thank you for hanging in there for the continuation of the story. I am sure once I find permanent full time employment again, and all the worries disappear, the story will continue with a more regular schedule. In the meantime I hope you will enjoy this submission. Thank you for your patience. - D. Lil Dude --- Chapter 20 "Hi Sweetheart." James said as he entered the study. Derrick was seated at the desk in front of the computer. James leaned over Derrick's shoulder and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "How was your day Babe?" Derrick asked while enjoying James' affectionate greeting. "It was pretty good. A few minor incidents with a couple of clients' systems, but nothing that wasn't resolved quickly. I'm just glad it's Friday. This has seemed like a long week." James answered. "I'm going to go change and get something to drink then I'll be back. Would you like anything?" He gave Derrick another peck to his cheek and began to leave the room. "Not right now, but thanks for asking Sweetheart." Derrick continued on so he could finish up for the week also. He was just sending off an email to the office regarding final changes in the last phase of the loft development downtown. Now finished with his projects for the day, he quit the program and shut down the computer. He got up from the chair and went over to the sofa and sat down and picked up the remote to the stereo. He clicked the stereo on to its preset station and awaited James' return. James soon returned and entering the study, he sat down on the sofa next to Derrick. "Where is everyone?" James asked. "Jared has taken Danny and Jorge to the crafts store to get some things for Jorge's school project. Dustin is picking up Mom from the church and then they are stopping by the market to get some baking supplies. She and Mary are getting together Tuesday to start baking for the Thanksgiving dinner party and Mom wanted to make sure she had everything on hand." Derrick reached his arm around James shoulder and gave him a hug smiling into James loving eyes. "So I guess it's just you and I right now Babe." "Mmmm, I like that." James mumbled as he kissed Derrick on the lips. "Me too." Derrick spoke as he came up for air. "You know Babe it's only been six months that we've been together, but I just want you to know they have been the happiest six months thanks to you. Gawd, I am so glad you are in my life." "Babe you have made these six months the best ever for me too." James responded. "But, you know, something has been on my mind a lot lately. Everyone has been asking us about a date for the commitment ceremony. Do you feel like setting one? What would be good for you Babe?" "Yeah, I know what you mean. It's been weighing on my mind a lot too. You bet I'm ready to set one! I'd say let's do it tonight, but realistically speaking...well Jorge's adoption date is set for a couple of weeks before Christmas. I guess anytime after that is fine with me. Do you have a date in mind?" "I know this is going to sound really crazy, but what do you think of a New Years' Day wedding?" James meekly asked him. "REALLY?!? You mean it? I like that." Derrick's excitement was overflowing. "YES, I mean it!" James laughed a hearty response. "I was just thinking it would be starting off our first new whole year together and why not symbolize it also as starting off our lives as one. And as an 'official' family ?" James eagerness was boosted by Derrick's enthusiasm over the idea. "That is so romantic Babe. I think the symbolism and timing are great! And the best part is that it's not that far away." Derrick grabbed James's hand in his and clenched it tightly to his heart. "Let's do it." "ALRIGHT...Great! We can announce it at the Thanksgiving dinner party at Max and Mary's. That would be kind of fitting don't you think? And I know Mom and Mary will want to get going on the plans for everything, so that will give them plenty of time. We can ask Mike if he can perform the ceremony. Maybe we should ask him this Sunday after Mass if he can check his schedule so we can make sure before we announce it? What do you think?" James' excitement was mirroring Derrick's. "I think that would be best, but knowing Mike, I know he will make himself available we'd just have to juggle the time of day for his schedule." With that out of his mouth he moved his face to James' and kissed James again. This time the hug and kiss continued with a passion and joy that was still growing deeper for both with their every shared moment. A couple of days later, Mom and Mary were busying themselves in Mary's kitchen. Pies were in the oven baking or on racks already cooling, cookies were being mixed and panned for baking, candy ingredients were lined up on the counter ready for their preparation. "I think your guys have something up their sleeve Mom. It's just a feeling, but I have had it for the last several days." Mary commented as she took two more pies out of the oven. "I think you're right Mija. I have had the same feelings this week. What do you think it is?" Mom replied as she continued placing cookies on the baking sheets. "I don't know. We all know about Jorge's adoption day just right around the corner. But I don't think that is it though. Do you think they may have set a date for the wedding or whatever it is they call it?" "The commitment ceremony? That is what I have been thinking also. I know they both stayed behind and spoke with Father Mike after the Mass on Sunday as the rest of us headed to the cars." "I bet that's it then! I bet they have set a date. Oh, I can't wait to find out." Mary giggled with excitement and was joined by Mom's giggling too. Just like a couple of school girls enjoying a shared tidbit of hot school yard gossip. "Max are you getting the kids ready to meet the guys at the restaurant?" Mary hollered into the living room at her husband. "Yes Sweetheart. We're just about ready to leave now. The kids are on their way out to the car now." He answered her as he was headed for the kitchen. Mary spoke back, "Tell the guys I will drive Mom home tonight when we are finished here with everything." Max entered the kitchen and walked over to Mary and gave her a hug and kiss. "Okay. I will. The kids are in the car now so I'll see you later. Bye Mom, bye Sweetheart." "Goodbye Max." Mom called to him over her shoulder as she removed some cookies from the baking rack they had been cooling on. "Have a good time Lovey." Mary shouted after him as he left the kitchen. "We will." Max laughed. Mary heard the front door shut behind him. Upon arrival inside the restaurant, Max and his brood told the hostess they were meeting a party that was probably already seated. After the exchange of information, the hostess smiled, nodded and took them to the large table where all the guys had been waiting on their arrival. As the salads and soups were being placed in front of them, Max informed the guys of what Mary had said about bringing Mom home tonight when they were finished with everything. Max and the kids shared with everyone the scrumptious aromas that were emanating from the kitchen all afternoon. Not one person of the party seated at the table had even tasted one bite of their first course when all minds were already on the dessert course of their Thanksgiving dinner. "Well one item that I know will be on that dessert table will be Mary's pumpkin cheesecake." Derrick commented still enjoying sweet thoughts. "I haven't had one Thanksgiving dinner with you guys that Mary's pumpkin cheesecake wasn't the hit of the meal. " James added, "And Mom's sweet potato pie and her sweet tamales. Growing up, Mom always had a sweet potato pie and sweet tamales as some of her Thanksgiving Day treats for after dinner." "WOW! I can't wait." The Lil Dude commented licking and smacking his lips. "Me too!" Danny added, mimicking his older brother's lip lick and smack. Everyone burst out in laughter. "Well let's finish this meal first okay gang? There's going to be several more meals between now and then." James chuckled. Again more laughter just before the entrees were placed down in front of them. "I don't know but I think Mom and Mary have something up their sleeves. They were both whispering and giggling their butts off as we were getting ready to leave. Just like a couple of school girls." Max informed everyone. "I wonder what they are up to now." Derrick laughed and looked over to James not wanting to give away what he and James had up their sleeves. "Not much telling, but you put those two together and I can guarantee you we'll all be suffering the results of their combined schemes." Max went on, "Mary said she has never felt so close to another woman as she does to Mom, not since her own mother passed away so many years ago. Mom's moving here has been so great for Mary." "I know that Mom sees Mary as the daughter she has never had. Mary has been a heaven sent confidante for Mom. They just hooked on to one another immediately. It just makes us all so much closer as a big family." James confided. "I know they are on the phone to one another a dozen times a day. None of us makes a move that the other household doesn't know about now. I don't think they need a telephone though. It's like they have some kind of telepathy with each other now. It sure has brought us all together as ONE big family." "For me, I just know it is so great having a family again." Jared spoke up with tears welling up in his eyes. "And one that is so full of love for one another. And to be a part of it, means so much to me, especially at this time of the year." "Son, having you a part of this family means all the world to all of us too." Derrick smiled over at Jared and Dustin as tears were welling up in Derrick's eyes also. He was feeling Jared's sentiments and knowing the reason behind them. "Each and every one of you means the world to me, and I can't even tell you how full of love my heart feels right now." He paused a moment. "Max, you have known me the longest and with all that we have shared over the span of all these years, how long has it been since you have seen me this happy or content with life?" He looked over to Max. "Not in a long, long time, Bro." Max honestly answered. "Dare, you are almost a different person now than just a year ago. And it's obvious as to the reasons." He smiled looking at all of Derrick's guys. "I know just what you mean about it changing your life. My family never shared the closeness I have seen or felt since becoming a member of this one." Dustin shared. "It just feels so great! I can't really put it into words how it's changed my life." "You don't have to Son. We are all experiencing the same feelings I think." James replied with a warm smile. "I know I've got a lot to be thankful for THIS Thanksgiving!" Jorge said and pushed his chair out from the table and went over and gave Derrick the biggest hug and kiss. He then went around the table and hugged each person seated at the table receiving a big smile and hug in return from each 'hugee'. As Jorge was taking his seat again, Derrick added, "And to think you were the snowball to start this avalanche in my life, in all of our lives, Lil Dude. I also have a lot to be thankful for." "Okay guys. Let's save all this for the Thanksgiving table and prayer." Max chided. "That's going to be one long prayer Uncle Max." Jorge kidded. Followed by everyone's hearty laughter. Later that evening as they got into bed, Derrick scooted over next to James and embraced him in a hug so tight a bear would have been envious. "WOW! What is that all about?" James giggled. "Just showing you how full of you I am. I love you so much Babe!" Derrick shared just above a whisper. James turned on his side to face Derrick. "Babe, you mean everything to me. Before when it was just Danny and me, I always thought that it would be great to just sometime in my life find a buddy to go out and do things with and maybe share a toss in the hay on occasion. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine that someone like you would enter my life and fill my heart so full of love. You and our family have brought such a depth of fulfillment to my life. I also have a lot to be thankful for and to share in that Thanksgiving Day prayer." He kissed Derrick very warmly and affectionately. Passions stirred in both and soon they were inflamed with the sexual expressions of that passion. The whole night became an exchange of mutual desires and love. Very little slumber was allowed; tonight was a night for romance. Two days later, Thanksgiving morning woke with dawn for Derrick and James. Derrick opened his eyes to the dim daylight filtering into their bedroom. He was the first to leave the bed after giving James a soft good morning kiss that brought James' eyes open. Derrick headed into the bathroom and approached the toilet to relieve himself. As he was shaking out the last drops James walked over next to him, kissed Derrick on the cheek and proceeded to empty his full bladder. He let go with a stream's splash that could have awakened the entire household. Derrick reached in and turned on the shower. Walking into the shower he was followed by James. They took a leisurely amount of time thoroughly washing and enjoying one another's body. After a lengthy time under the invigorating warmth of the shower's multiple streams, Derrick turned off the water and they both stepped out and began to dry themselves with pre-warmed towels. The built-in towel warmer was a luxury Derrick eagerly acceded to during the remodel. It was a luxury they both indulged in with appreciation, especially on chilly mornings as this was. Dressed in his Sunday finest, Derrick entered the kitchen much to his delight to see and smell Mom's culinary delights. The fresh brewed coffee and smell of ham frying, potatoes O'Brien, scrambled eggs, and freshly baked blueberry muffins overwhelmed his olfactory senses. He saw that Mom was already dressed in her elegant holiday finery covered with a matronly apron. He approached her silently and Put his arms around her giving her a big hug. "Oh! Segundo! You almost gave me a heart attack." She yelped and giggled. "I'm sorry Mom. I just saw this lovely vision of a goddess in our kitchen and had to hug her to see if she was real." He giggled back. "Segundo...honestly...sometimes you are just too good to be true." She turned her head and gave Derrick a kiss on the cheek. "Happy Thanksgiving Son." "Happy Thanksgiving Mom." "Good morning!" Jorge chirped as he entered the kitchen. "Mijito. Good morning, Happy Thanksgiving. Apareces tan guapo esta manana! (You look so handsome this morning!) Mom replied seeing her beloved grandson in the kitchen. "Gracias Mom. " Jorge blushed. "Happy Thanksgiving Lil Dude. And Mom's right, you look very handsome this morning. Right off the cover of GQ Jr." Derrick reached out his arm to hug his son. Jorge leaned into his dad and lovingly returned the embrace he received. "Good morning everyone." Jared spoke as he and Dustin entered the kitchen. "Good morning guys." Derrick replied with a broad smile. "My, don't you all look so handsome this morning." Mom commented just as Danny and James entered the kitchen together. James walked over and gave Mom a big hug and kiss followed by Danny. "Mom, you look so beautiful this morning! Happy Thanksgiving." James gave her another hug and kiss. "Yeah Mom, you look sooo beautiful." Danny added. "Ahh, gracias Mijos." Mom blushed as was her usual reaction to any flattery. "WOW! Just look at this feast!" James commented on surmising the spread that was laid out on the counters and stove top. "What time did you get up to do all this?" "Only an hour earlier than usual." Mom answered modestly. "What can we do to help?" Derrick asked her. "Nada (nothing). Everything is ready and the table is set. All you have to do is sit down and start eating." She replied. "Sounds good to me. Everyone grab something and bring it to the table so we can start enjoying it." Derrick instructed. Everyone picked up a plate, bowl or dish filled with some delicious delicacy as they made their way into the dining room and to the table. After everyone was seated Mom said grace for the meal and they all began to dig in. Mom knew all of her boys so well that everyone had their stomach full with her delicious breakfast but there was not one crumb leftover. Over her objections she remained seated while all of her guys removed the breakfast dishes and took them all to the kitchen, rinsed everything and placed them all in the dishwasher and turned on the wash cycle. Returning to the table the adults all sat back down again. The younger boys asked if they could be excused to go watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade on the TV in the family room. The older boys asked to be excused to go watch with the younger ones. Mom gave her permission to all of them. After each one came over and thanked her with a hug and kiss for the delicious breakfast, they left to watch the gigantic balloon characters parade across the TV screen. "Mom that was a delicious breakfast, thank you." Derrick smiled across the table to Mom. "As usual Mom, it was great!" James added. "Gracias Mijos." Mom blushed. "I hope everyone will have an appetite when dinner time rolls around." James kidded. "Mijo you know they will! Boys are always starved. It's a permanent condition with them...no matter how old they get." Mom laughed winking at both her 'older' boys. They laughed in agreement. "Well we have about three hours before we need to leave for Mass. What's everyone feel like doing until then?" James asked. "Why don't we join the others and watch the parade?" Mom answered. "Even as an old lady I enjoy watching those big balloons and the entertainment they have on their parade each year." She modestly giggled. "Old? Who's old? You sure aren't! Max told us at dinner the other night about you and Mary conspiring about something the other evening in their kitchen just as he was getting the rest of the family to the car to join us for dinner. How you were giggling like a couple of school girls." James teased. "Oh, we were just talking was all." Mom blushed back shaking her head. "Let's go watch the parade." The guys seeing they weren't going to get much more out of her than that, agreed, and all three left the table to join the rest of the gang in the family room. After the crowded Mass, one of those that "Holiday Catholics" do show up for, the family made their way back up the aisle to leave. The line was moving slowly as everyone in attendance seemed to want to make sure that Father Mike had seen them there that morning. They all had to make a point of talking with him on the way out to make sure their presence was known for his mental checklist or their own conscience. Most likely the latter of the two. As Mike saw the 'family' approach his Irish demeanor (with a sprinkling of blarney) kicked in. "Ahh, Dona Lucia. What a very beautiful apparition I see before me on this glorious day! The sun shining on your beautiful smile makes this old man feel young again." "Oh, Father. Thank you, but you are such a tease." Mom blushed and giggled. "The Mass was so beautiful this morning and your homily was so moving for the day." "Thank you Dona Lucia. I knew I had a 'captive' audience today, so I tried to make the best of it." Mike chuckled. "And I was not teasing you. If I was not an old priest, but a much younger single man, I would be turning my head in your direction." Derrick chided Mike, "Happy Thanksgiving you old flirt." Both shared a laugh. "Great turnout today Mike. How many of them did you have to bribe to show up today?" "Ahh, Happy Thanksgiving, my wayward son." Mike volleyed back. "You know I hope the collection today does cover paying what I promised some of them to be here, God knows it won't cover the check I wrote out to you to be here. But Derrick, don't let the church treasurer know our little secret now." Mike could kid Derrick on this one, knowing Derrick's tithing was one of the largest in the parish. At times Mike thought Derrick's tithes to be too generous. Derrick continued. "Are you kidding? He won't hear a thing from me. I don't want to ruin a good thing. But I think the guys in the Vatican are on to you old pal." "Oh well, I guess I'll just have to be content with remaining a Monsignor. I never looked good wearing all red anyway. Happy Thanksgiving my dear friend." Mike countered, and gave Derrick a big warm hug. After greeting each member of the family with a hug Mike offered his blessing for a wonderful Thanksgiving and the gang all proceeded to their cars. Leaving the parking lot they caravanned off to Max and Mary's house. A couple of hours later Mom and Mary were busy in the kitchen bringing the Thanksgiving feast to its fruition. "Max said we better leave a lot of time for the Thanksgiving prayer before dinner. He said that Jorge told him it would probably be a long one." Mary's voice had bright sparkle to it as she spoke to Mom while she was basting the turkey for the last time before removing it from the oven. "I'm sure Jorge is right on that one Mija." Mom agreed as she was putting the fresh cranberry relish into an heirloom crystal serving bowl. "We all have so much to be thankful for this last year." "Mom, I am so glad you are here. I don't just mean here for dinner. I mean here in Long Beach with all of us. I need to tell you something and I can't let another moment to go by before saying it. Mom, I love you. You have filled the spot in my heart that has been so empty since my own mother died. I feel like she kind of sent you to me. I guess what I am trying to say is thank you for being in all our lives, but especially, thank you for being in mine." Mary walked over to Mom and gave her a big hug and a kiss on the cheek with tears running down her cheeks. Mom now had tears trailing down her cheeks as she held Mary in her arms in a tight hug. "Mija, you don't know what that means to me to hear that from you. You are the daughter to me I have always wanted and needed. And I love you so much for taking me into your family of loved ones and taking all my boys into your family too. You and Max and your kids are so very special to me and to all my boys. I am so proud to have you as my daughter in my heart. Thank you Mija." Mom was still shedding her tears of joy as the embrace continued. "Hey you two, when's the grub gonna be ready?" Derrick asked as he entered the kitchen. He went over to the both of them and saw what he had walked in on. "The food's never gonna be ready if you two just stand there huggin' all day." He hugged them both. "Well not with you in our way that is for sure." Mary pretended to smack Derrick's cheek. "Mom, did you see that? Mary just tried to hit me." Derrick acted hurt and pouting. "You two children behave yourselves. I don't want to have to send you to your rooms now, there's too much to be done. Now behave." Mom mimicked a scornful tone and burst into giggling, joined by the other two. "Thank You, Heavenly Father for your presence in all of our lives and all that you empower us to be and do. We offer this prayer of Thanksgiving in your Son's name, Jesus Christ. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen." With the Sign of the Cross, Max, as host of the dinner, closed the Thanksgiving Day prayer after everyone present had the opportunity to express their gratitude for the last year's blessings. "I sure hope the toll charge on this one is billed to you Dare. That's gotta be the longest prayer in recorded history." Everyone burst into laughter, no time was now wasted, bowls and plates were beginning to be passed around. "Bro, I'll accept the charges on that ONE...any day!" Derrick laughed. None of the male members present were big football fans so the TV had been tuned to children's specials all day after the dinner was finished. Some of the group was affected by the tryptophan the turkey provided, and were lightly dozing. An occasional loud snore would bring a round of giggles from the others. The door bell rang. "I'll get it." Max Jr. said and rushed to the front door. Opening the door, Junior saw Steve standing there. "Happy Thanksgiving Steve. Come on in. Jared's in the living room snoring." He gave Steve a big hug as he entered. "Happy Thanksgiving Junior. Oh no! No one can hear anything when he snores." Steve laughed as he released his hug to Junior. "I should know. I wear ear plugs to be able to sleep when we sleep together." Junior giggled at that one and he led Steve into the living room. "Okay, some one wake up all the human buzz saws. It's time for dessert." Mary announced. "Mom and I have clocked out on our time cards so you are all on your own to help yourselves." Shoulders were jiggled, mumbles were expressed and the room came to full life again. A mass exodus made its way to the dining room where Mary and Mom had set up the massive dessert buffet. The conversation level had risen to the occasion. Soon after, everyone settled down in a comfortable location and enjoyed savoring Mary's and Mom's delicious dessert offerings. Max, Derrick and James walked into the living room with trays loaded with glasses of champagne for the adults and sparkling cider for the children. Everyone stopped what they were doing and took notice of their entrance with the trays. "Ahem, everyone can I have your attention? These two knuckleheads standing here next to me have something they want to say. Let's give them all our attention." Max announced. The room became absolutely quiet. All faces were glued to Derrick's and James'. "Well as you all know in ten days, Jorge will officially become Jorge Collins. That is going to be a very special day for all of us because he has become so very special to us. So we want to celebrate that. James and I also have a little something that we want to share with all of you." Derrick nodded to James to take it from there. "A lot of you have been bugging Derrick and me about, 'When are you guys going to have that ceremony you have been promising us?' Well, we decided on a date, and now want to share it with all of you. You won't be able to say we didn't give you ample opportunity to come up with an excuse to not show up for it. We're giving you plenty of time to come up with a good one. We have decided to have our commitment ceremony performed on..." James started. He was interrupted by, "I knew it and Mom knew it!" Mary shrieked. Everyone laughed. "As we were saying. Before being so rudely interrupted by a certain bratty sister." Derrick teased Mary, "We have set the date for New Year's Day." More laughter and applause followed the completion of the announcement. Mom and Mary both rushed Derrick and James. They almost knocked the full trays out of their hands. Jared took the tray from Derrick and Dustin took the tray from James. While everyone was queuing up to hug the couple, Dustin, Jared and Max passed the trays around the room for everyone to grab a glass for the toasts. "Dearly beloved we are gathered here... No, wait a minute those are Mike's lines come New Year's Day." Derrick began as the crowd had settled down. "Jorge would you come up here and stand next to me son?" Jorge rose from his seat and walked up next to Derrick. Derrick put his arm around Jorge's shoulder and Jorge leaned into him looking up into his dad's glowing face. "Lil Dude, I want you to know that no father could be prouder of their son than I am to have you for mine. That no father could possibly love his son more than I do you. And that no son could bring more love and happiness into a father's heart than you have to mine. Thank you for being my son and wanting me for your dad. I love you Lil Dude!" Derrick's voice broke at the end of his tribute to Jorge, as he knelt next to Jorge and gave him a tight hug and kiss on his cheek. Tears were racing down both their cheeks. "Thanks Pops. I love you." Jorge's voice trembled. "Ahhs" were heard muffled around the room. The tender moment was closed by Max announcing, "And now from the person who so rudely interrupted the announcement earlier, a few words." Max teased Mary. "Well...Max got to make the toast to you guys last time and I wanted equal time, so I get to make the toast to you. So there Lovey." Mary teasingly leered at Max. "I'm not a good speaker in front of groups but you're all family so here goes... Derrick you have been like a brother to me since Max and I got married, well before actually. Since the night you kept him out of my hair for my bridal shower. I won't go into the trouble you two got into that night, don't worry. You have been there providing Max the smelling salts at each of our kids' births. You've been Godfather to all our kids at their baptisms. You've been everyplace with us at any crucial time of need. You never had to be asked, you have always just been there. You mean so very much to all of us. I have been praying so long and so hard for you to meet Mr. Right, that God has probably gotten tired at times of hearing my 'broken record' prayer. But I am so happy that He did hear me. When you introduced James to all of us, I knew he was sent by God to you. My prayers had been answered. James you are getting one helluva man marrying my brother. And now getting to know and love you, I know he is getting one helluva man in you. I don't know of any couple better suited for each other and so much in love with each other as you two are. May God continue to bless you both and thank you for sharing your love with us. God bless you both. And Jorge, my dear nephew, the warmest welcome possible filled with love, on becoming an 'official' member of our large extended family. As Derrick has said so often, your coming into his life seems to be the catalyst for all that has happened since. God bless you Sweetheart. And now Mom has just a few words she would like to share." Mary smiled and nodded to the boys then over to Mom. "Mija...that was just a few words?" Mom teased. Everyone broke up laughing. "For someone who can't speak in front of groups you sure said a lot." Mom giggled receiving a loud laugh form everyone. "I'll try to not say as much as my long winded daughter. If I do I'm sure she'll let me know." More laughter erupted from the room full of family. Looking directly at James she began, "Mijo, I was there when you were born. I have seen you grow from an adorable little bundle of joy to the wonderful man you are now, that I am so proud of. My prayers for you were as Mary's were for Derrick. You are more my son than your parent's son, you are my blood, my heart, my life, Mijo. And for you to have met such a wonderful man to share your life with, my prayers have been answered. Segundo, you are also my son now in every sense of the word. I love you both so much. And the family you have brought together is one to be so proud of. I hope God is good to all of you and blesses you the rest of your days of life and may they be many. Thank you for allowing me to share in your family and know the love you have given to me. I love you, God bless you. Y Jorge, bienvenidos a la familia, Mijito! (And Jorge, welcome to the family, my dear little son!) I am proud to be your grandmother and that you are now my grandson. That's all I have to say right now...did I talk as long as Mija?" The room exploded in laughter and applause. Mom ended her tribute and walked over and gave James, Derrick and Jorge each a warm kiss and hug. Jorge tugged at Derrick's side, Derrick leaned down and Jorge whispered in his ear. "Everyone, the Lil Dude has something he would like to say. Go ahead son, it's all yours." Derrick nudged Jorge. In a sweet young but strong voice Jorge spoke up, "I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for loving me and wanting me to be a part of this family. I love my dads and my brothers and my grandmother. And my aunt and uncle and all my cousins. I finally have a real family. God answered my prayers. I love you. Thank you." Jorge began to cry, his emotions had gotten the better of him. To finally be wanted and loved and needed, his boy heart was overcome. Derrick picked him up in his arms and hugged him tightly, while crying himself. James and the boys came over and group hugged the Lil Dude while he remained in Derrick's loving arms. There wasn't a dry eye in the room. Mary raised her glass and was followed by all in the room. "To the happy blessed couple, we wish you the best life has to offer and the strength to meet and overcome the not so best. And here is a toast to Jorge COLLINS! God bless you Sweetheart, God bless you all." "Here, here!" Echoed through the room as glasses clinked. James pulled the front door closed after him and locked it for the night, all the others had entered the house. It had been a long day for all of them. Most notably Mom was feeling the length of it more than any of the others though. "Mijos, I think I am going to go to my place and go to bed now, I'm really tired." Her voice sounded weary. James put his arm around her in a hug and said, "Mom, thank you from all of us. We love you and know how much hard work you put into making today so special. Sweet dreams we love you." He kissed her cheek. "See you in the morning." "Good night Mom and thank you for today." The room echoed in unison. "Buenas noches Mijos (Good night Sons), de nada (you're welcome) it was my pleasure." She blew a kiss in the air to all of them and headed for the entrance to her living quarters. As the rest of the gang settled on the sofa and chairs in the family room, yawns soon began to continue in chain reaction. "Today was so great!" Jared spoke up. "I'll second that!" Dustin agreed. Jorge and Danny looked like they were an inch from the sandman's dusting of slumber. "I think I see two young ones that need to hit the shower and then their beds also." Derrick commented. "I think you're right." James added. They both went over and helped the two young ones to the boys' bathroom, seeing they were awake enough to shower on their own, they kissed them good night and left them there, then returned to the family room. "Today WAS a beautiful day guys." James shared the others' sentiments. "And the weekend just gets started tomorrow for all of us." Derrick added. "What time are we leaving for the cabin?" Jared asked. "I don't know what time do you think would be good Babe?" Derrick deferred the decision to James. "I think we need to make it afternoon. Give Mom and the young guys a chance to get a good rest from all of today's activities." James answered. "That does sound best." Derrick agreed. "I couldn't believe it when you told us the other day we had a cabin up at Big Bear. What other surprises do you have in store for us?" James teased. "I don't know, I haven't been hiding anything from all of you. It's just that more comes out as we are together is all." Derrick laughed. "I know Babe, I was just kidding." James wanted to reassure Derrick. "It'll only take us a couple of hours to get there and actually the cabin isn't in Big Bear, but several miles out of town in the area known as Sugarloaf. It's on a corner lot with a panoramic view of most of the valley. I think you will all like it. I had it built several years ago as just a little getaway. It's convenient to everything up there though. And yes, there is a satellite dish for TV. Though I don't think you'll want to spend much time in the cabin once we get up there. Second only to the beach, the mountains are the most relaxing location for me. I hope you'll all like it." Derrick filled them in a little more on the place. "I'm sure we will all love it Babe. I know I'm looking forward to it." James responded. "Yeah, we can check out the slopes and see what the skiing conditions are like too." Jared shared. "I want to see what they guys on the slopes look like, forget the skiing." Dustin laughed and was joined by the others. "Well you are the only single guy among us now, so go for it!" Derrick laughed. "You horn dawg!" Jared teased. "You're just jealous that Steve will be with you and you can't get caught lookin' at them too." Dustin fired back. Everyone laughed at that one, including Steve. "The Lil Dude is the one we need to keep an eye on; you know how he looks at all the good looking guys older than him." Jared added. "I think he still has his eyes set on Steve." "Aw, is my poor baby jealous?" Steve giggled. "Naw, I'm not jealous, just watchful." Jared quipped. Steve advised his lover, "Well if I was you, I'd consider him competition down the road as he gets a little older." "Okay, you guys let's get off Jorge's case; he's not here to defend himself. And he is still young and just very curious about all the puberty is bringing on for him." Derrick admonished. "You're right Pops. I was just kidding anyway." Jared apologized for going a little too far. James spoke up, "No harm, no foul. Let's just maintain some respect for all of us even in their absence." "So, tell us more about the cabin Pops." Dustin asked. "Well, it was about a year after Luis passed on that I wanted to find a new place to get away from things, this property was finished and I had moved in here. I sold the little bungalow he and I owned in Laguna Beach. But I was still wanting a retreat I guess you could say, to kind of get away from it all. Your Uncle Max was afraid I was looking for a place to hide from life, but I just needed someplace to think was all. Friends invited me up to Big Bear for a weekend retreat with them and while I was driving around I saw this piece of property that really grabbed my attention. I knew it was the place for me. I had plans drawn up and the following spring ground was broken. I usually make it up to the cabin several times a year. Though being a native of Long Beach, I'm not exactly a fan of snow, so I usually avoid the cabin during the snow season. I usually let Max and Mary and their family use it over the holidays." Derrick continued on. "As I said it's a corner lot, well actually it's four lots combined. The first floor is a great room combination; living room, dining room and kitchen. There are two bed rooms and two baths on that floor also. The porch on the first floor goes all the way around the whole cabin. The second floor is a master suite loft with an enclosed glass walled balcony with a hot tub. There are no neighbors immediately next door on either side. The only neighbors you'll see probably will be all the squirrels, blue jays and woodpeckers. And at night the bounty of stars that look so close that you could reach up and grab one. And in the morning on waking the aroma of pine is overwhelming." Derrick finished up his description of the cabin. "Gawd, Pops, that doesn't sound like a cabin, that sounds like heaven." Jared declared. Laughing Derrick concluded, "No, it's not heaven, but kinda close to it for me. I guess when I had it designed and built though I had hoped in the back of my mind that one day I'd be fortunate enough to maybe have a family like I do now that would enjoy having it for their mountain home. And I hope you will." James commented. "I can't wait to see it now. I know Mom and the little ones will be surprised when they see it. I think they are all picturing a small log cabin." "It is built log cabin style. And does have a large wood burning fireplace so I don't think they will be too disappointed." Derrick laughed. "I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm ready to hit the sack and get some sleep." "I'm with you Babe." James starting getting up from his chair as Derrick arose from his. Jared added, "Yeah, I think we're headed to bed also." He and Steve arose from the sofa. "To sleep?" Dustin kidded. "Happy sweet wet dreams Bro." Jared teased back as he and Steve left for their room. "G'night guys, see ya in the morning." Derrick called after them. "'Night Pops and Dad." Jared replied. To be continued . . . Personal Note: I would like to sincerely and appreciatively thank all of you for your comments you have taken the time to email to me. I do read every email! I try to reply to each. I cannot just send out a formed reply to each in good conscience that is the reason I try to reply as I am able to. Thank you for understanding, and I do hope you will continue to enjoy this work of fiction. Thank you for your kind encouragements, suggestions and comments. They are taken to heart. My wish for all of you is enjoyable reading and happiness, health, peace and kindness. - D.