Yesterday's End-203

 

The following story is fictional and is intended for an adult audience with an open mind.

It is not meant to suggest anything about the sexuality of the celebrities included in this story.

This story is fiction, meaning not real.

 

It's all for fun and enjoyment.

If you are under age, or it is illegal in your country, or you don't like stories about gay sex, please stop reading this immediately.

 

Chapter 203

 

Lucas' three soulmates were watching him, the young man's eyes showing tears, a wide smile on his face.

Lucas sat at a table by the pool, a phone against his ear, his men surrounding him.

Justin's eyes went to the pool, visions of muscular beauty swimming and laughing around them.

It was after lunch, Lucas and Colton again feeding their friends, the meal filled with love.

Justin's eyes went to the pool's edge, Colton's bow laying on its edge, the young man swimming with his Jonathan; Enrique, Haras and Derek with them.

Justin saw his brother's happiness, the young man in his arms a large part of it.

Justin's eyes went back to his Lucas' violet pools, the young man hanging up the phone, wiping his wet eyes.

"How finds your family, Luke? Everything okay?" Josh smiled, Lucas smiling at his husband.

"My father and grandfather send their love, my loves." he said, Lance smiling at the young man.

"It's after three there now, Luke. I'm sure the Havens is flooded with excitement. The ball's tonight." Lance said, Lucas nodding his head.

"Yes, my grandfather's annual Fourth of July Ball. It starts in a few hours."

"We could have gone again, Lucky." Josh smiled, Lucas smiling at him.

"I made my entrance last year, my love. Tonight's it's my father's turn. My love will be there for all of them." Lucas smiled, Justin smiling at him.

"The returning son of the Belmont dynasty. Your grandfather's business associates are going to be floored when they see Tristan." he said, Lucas nodding.

"The surprises of my family's reality will echo in Kurucu's Haven's grand hall. I will see to that." he said, Lance staring at him.

"Flowing magic again, Lucky?" he said, Josh kissing Lucas' lips.

"My flowing love, Lancy." he smiled, Lance smiling at him.

"I love that love wet." Justin smiled, Lucas smiling at him.

"Then dive into our friends' love, horndog. That should get you primed for us."

Justin smiled, rising from his seat, his wifebeater leaving his chest, his three soulmates staring at his smooth beauty.

"Into the youthful pot of love I dive." he smiled, running across the pool's stones, diving into the water in front of Finn and Skyler, Trish and Andrew hit by the splash.

"That pot's overflowing. What's one more noodle?" Josh said, Lance laughing.

Lucas smiled at his soulmates, both smiling back.

"It needs a couple more carrots, and the stew will be delicious."
Both men laughed, rising from the table, their t-shirts moving off their chests.

"Join us, love." Josh smiled, Lucas smiling up at him.

"I have to get the evening's meal organized. Tell Enrique I'll meet him inside." he smiled, the other two nodding, Lance staring at Lucas.

"Need our help?" he smiled, Lucas smiling back.

"No, Lancy. You two entertain our friends for now. Later you can help with the decorations out here." Lucas smiled, both men leaning down and kissing Lucas' warm lips, both feeling his love.

"For you anything, my love." Josh smiled, Lucas smiling at him, his two loves heading for the pool, diving into it.

Lucas watched his friends, the young man sighing, closing his eyes.

I will be there, my family.

My love is unending.
He opened his violet eyes, smiling.
Lucas rose from his seat, walking towards the house.

 

Fifteen minutes later Enrique walked into the kitchen, Lucas smiling at him.

"Wow, Luke. I said I had dinner taken care of." he smiled, his eyes scanning the platters Lucas was working on.

They were filled with vegetables, meats, cheese and fruit.

"Just appetizers for our friends. They're arriving around six. Some mingling munchies." he smiled, Enrique smiling at him.

"My restaurant is bringing those as well, Luke." he smiled, Lucas kissing his cheek when the Spaniard walked up beside him.

"I know my friends well, Rico. They're total pigs."

Enrique laughed, Lucas smiling at him.

"My bandmates and friends are gregarious in their hunger for food, Rico. Ours will be drenched in our love."

"That's a rich, creamy meal, Luke. They'll soon be fat pigs."

Lucas laughed, Enrique joining him.

The two smiled at each other, Enrique helping Lucas put the platters into the refrigerator.

"That's it, Luke. Leave the rest to my catering team. They're bringing the dinner meat and fixings. The barbecue's been cleaned and readied." Enrique smiled, Lucas smiling at him.

Colton walked into the kitchen from the patio, the young man's face showing a large smile, the crossbow hanging from his naked back.

"Haras has your man stoked, Luke. Justin's been wrapped in wet Egyptian arms." he smiled, Lucas smiling at him.

"Thanks, son. Josh will be exhausted tonight."
Enrique smiled, Colton's arms going around him, the two kissing.

"Haras' love is an exhaustion of happiness we all feel." Colton said, Enrique smiling at him.

Lucas smiled at the two, seeing the look of happiness flood Enrique's face.

"My ole man's just as exhausting." Colton smiled, Enrique laughing, slapping his butt.

"Bring it on, stud."

Colton smiled, his head going against Enrique's chest.

"Your beauty and love excite all of us, Daddy."

Enrique smiled, his eyes meeting Lucas' violet pools.

"The boy's lucky. He now has two new fathers."

Colton smiled, kissing his Rico's lips again, the two feeling each other's love.

"Our men are in need of you, Rico. Derek's eyes are boring a hole through the kitchen's wall."

The Spaniard smiled, Lucas smiling at him.

"Never leave them wanting, Rico. Their youthful love needs constant beauty."

The man smiled, releasing his Colton.

"It's a full time job, Luke, But man, the benefits!" he smiled, Colton beaming, the Spaniard kissing his cheek, his wifebeater leaving his bronzed body.

"Go reap the benefits, Boss." Lucas smiled, Enrique smiling, walking back out through the patio door, stopping in its frame.

"Call me when my crew arrive, Luke. It should be around two." he smiled, Lucas nodding, the Spaniard heading to the pool.

Colton's arms went around Lucas, his head going to his chest now.

"He's happy, Colt. They all are."

"Thank you for this, Dad."

Lucas smiled, kissing his forehead.

"For your happiness--and for theirs--no thanks need voicing."

Colton smiled, raising his head, their eyes meeting.

"Can I see the bow for a moment, Colt." Lucas said, Colton nodding, pulling it off his back, handing it to Lucas.

The moment Lucas touched it, his violet pools softly glowed green.

"It will be a crowded backyard this evening, son. This may get damaged. It should be safer now in this new form. This will work better." Lucas smiled, handing the bow back to Colton.

"Work better, Dad?" he said, Lucas smiling at him, his eyes their normal violet again.

The young man's hands were extended, the bow in it.

Colton picked it up from Lucas' hands, the bow suddenly glowing.

Colton's blue eyes stared in amazement, the bow in his hands suddenly shrinking in size.

Lucas smiled, watching the young man's amazed eyes take in the bow's reducing size.

Within moments it was only about two inches in size, sitting in Colton's palm.

"There. You can put it in your pocket. Out of sight, but never out of destiny." Lucas smiled, Colton's blue eyes staring at him with awe.

"How. . .how did you do that?" he softly said, Lucas smiling, leaning forward and kissing his lips.

"I want you to be comfortable with your destiny, Colt. This bow is a part of it. It was actually our combined magic that did that. You can enlarge it at a moment's notice with your own magic. The magic will feel your needs. Plus, this is an easier way to carry it on you. I'm sure it's poked your men a few times at full size." he smiled, Colton staring at him.

"This is. . .my magic can. . .us together?" he said, Lucas smiling at him.

"We are father and son of destiny, Colton. I'll always ease the burden you must carry."

The young man teared up, hugging the slightly older man, Lucas smiling at his closeness.

"I love you, Dad." he said, Lucas smiling, kissing his forehead again.

"I love you, son."

Colton smiled, breaking his hold on Lucas.

"You are right, Dad. The bow's poked most of them."

Lucas smiled, chuckling.

"And that's not the wood they need."
Colton blushed, Lucas now laughing.

He hugged Colton again, the young man blushing gone.

"Let's go get our surprise ready. Let's head upstairs and make the calls." he smiled, Colton smiling widely.

The two men walked out of the kitchen, heading upstairs.*

 

The afternoon progressed, the home taking shape for the upcoming party of patriotic celebration.

Josh and Lance took charge of the backyard, their friends aiding them in the decorating.

Enrique's catering crew arrived at two, the kitchen and barbecue outside alive with activity.

Food was prepared, stored and ready, the crew leaving just before four.

The food was mostly cooked, just needing warming or finishing on the barbecue.

Lucas saw the camaraderie between the crew and Enrique, the man more than a boss.

Lucas thanked them all, they heading home to their own family celebrations.

By four-thirty everyone had changed, the backyard and patio ready for the upcoming festivities.

It was to be a relaxing, casual afternoon and evening, everyone dressed in casual flair, a family joining in happiness.

Justin and Lance wore identical American flag covered Hawaiian shirts, black shorts as accessories.

Josh wore a crisp navy blue sailor style shirt, an American flag on its chest.

Everyone else was in casual clothing, shorts and shirts, everyone relaxing on the patio, awaiting their friends.

Finn and Skyler were the first to arrive, their children in their arms.

They were placed in a crib on the patio, two other smiling babies of love with them.

Lucas wanted all four to have their first Independence Day together, close to their families of love.

Everyone cooed over the four, all four smiling with happiness in the crib.

"Where's Lukey, Josh?" Finn smiled, Josh smiling at him.

"He's upstairs taking a shower and getting dressed. He should be down shortly." Lance smiled, Finn looking at Justin.

"And Timberlake's not washing his back, or anything else?" he grinned, Justin smiling at him.

"I'm good, Finny. But I may need to wet a Welshman later. Know of any?" he smiled, Finn rolling his eyes.

Alain laughed, his arm going around the Welshman's shoulders.

"Only one comes to mind, Justin. And he looks delicious tonight. Is it November already?" Alain smiled, Finn blushing, then looking confused by Alain's last comment, Justin grinning.

"Want to crack him open and make a wish on his wishbone?" Justin smiled, Harry laughing, Finn looking at him.

"I think they just called you a turkey, Finn."

Everyone laughed, Finn blushing more, Skyler kissing his cheek.

"It's early, babe. Don't walk into their traps too early." she smiled, Finn smiling at her smiling face.

"I won't, my love. I'll be good."

"I was wanting better than good."

Finn's eyes went to the patio doorway, everyone smiling at Lucas standing in its center.

The man looked stunning in a navy blue skin tight t-shirt, a red handkerchief hanging around his neck, white skin tight jeans covering his bottom.

On his head was a ball cap, its entirety covered in American flags.

"Happy Independence Day, everyone." he smiled, everyone returning the greeting, Lucas walking up to Finn and Skyler, hugging both, both seeing his smiling face.
"Together again in celebration, my friends. And more friends soon to arrive." he said, Finn smiling at him.

"Stoked and ready, Luke. You may have guests overnight. I'm in a partying mood."
Lucas smiled, kissing his cheek.

"The rooms are readied. Everyone's welcome, drunk or not."

Finn laughed, Lucas smiling at everyone.

The man sighed, looking around at everyone.

"Our friends will shortly arrive. I ask now of a slight discretion from all of you."
Everyone smiled, nodding at Lucas.

"I have to take a nap. I'm exhausted." Lucas said, Josh's arm going around him.

"Are you alright, my love?" he said, Lucas smiling at kissing his cheek.

"I'm fine, my love. An hour or so will alleviate the tiredness within my soul. And energize the love of my heart. My love flows always."

"Alright, Luke. You're sure you're okay?" Justin said, Lucas smiling at him.

"I'm fine, everyone. Enjoy the opening happiness of our friends' love. I'll return shortly." he smiled, Justin kissing his lips.

"Do you want one of us to snuggle with you?" he said, Lucas smiling, lightly slapping his ass.

"Stay with our friends, my love." he said, Enrique smiling at him.

"We five of love will take care of the meal's preparations, Luke." he said, Lucas smiling at him.

"The appetizers are ready. Feed our friends' and families' love. The surprises begin." Lucas smiled, the young man walking out of Josh's arms, Josh staring after him as he walked back into the house.

"He must be exhausted, Josh. He's been going nonstop all weekend and today." Enrique said, Josh looking around at everyone.

"I always feel his tiredness, guys. I don't feel that now." he said, the man feeling an arm going around him.

He stared into Colton's blue pools.

"He needs to re-energize the love, Papa. He's on a mission of love tonight."
Josh stared at him, the young man smiling.

The front door buzzer went off, Colton smiling.

"I'll get that, our friends are arriving." he smiled, Jonathan's hand going into his, the two walking into the house.

Josh looked around at everyone.
"I'll go check on Lucas, welcome our friends, my loves."

Justin and Lance smiled, Josh walking into the house.

Josh walked upstairs, Colton and Jonathan smiling at him at the front door, Josh disappearing upstairs, the two opening the front door.

Josh walked into their bedroom, seeing Lucas sound asleep in the middle of their bed, the young man's breathing normal and strong.

The baseball cap lay on the other pillow, Lucas' blond curly hair cascading around his head.

Josh sat down beside him, his hand going to his forehead, feeling his normal warmth.

"Sleep, my love. I'll awaken you in a few hours." he said, leaning over and kissing his warm lips.

Lucas didn't move, his breathing normal.

"I love you, Lucas." he smiled, the man rising and walking out of the room.

He closed the door, the room bathed in a glowing silence.

 

Kurucu's Haven, Ridgehaven, Vermont

 

A Few Hours Earlier

 

Emerson sat in the garden's center on the bench before the fountain, taking in the quietness of the garden's tranquility.

His eyes stared around at the flowering beauty, the garden lush with vegetation and flowers.

Water flowed from the fountain, Emerson feeling its soothing sound.

"The water falls to soothe the souls." he said, his voice sounding loud in the quietness of the earthy beauty.

"Not all souls can be soothed, Father."

Emerson's eyes moved to the garden's glass doorway, his son standing in the doorway.

"I always loved this garden, Tristan. Your mother created it as a statement of beauty and life." Emerson said, Tristan smiling at his father, closing the paper covered door behind him.

The garden's glass windows were paper-covered again, their beauty lost to the wandering guests heading for the ballroom.

It also provided a room of private seclusion for the Belmont family.

"I always loved it as well, Father." Tristan said, walking over to his father, sitting down beside him.

"Last year, Justin and Lance were engaged within this floral beauty, a gift from my grandson's love." Emerson said, remembering the joy and love here that night.

"Yes, they told me of that night. The night of my and Savannah's return." Tristan said, Emerson smiling at him, his arm going around him.

"The night of our Lucas' giving, beginning love." Emerson said, Tristan smiling at him.

"I was married in this garden, Tristan. Both of my weddings to your mother took place here, in the center of her flowering beauty."
"I never knew that, Father." Tristan said, Emerson smiling, kissing his cheek, looking around the garden.

"She created all this beauty a few months before our first marriage. Isadora's beauty lay claim to this garden. I could not marry without its love." Emerson said, Tristan staring at his father.

"I never knew how deeply your soul was filled with romance, Father." he said, Emerson smiling at him.

"It is filled with both your mothers' love, Tristan. And yours and Savannah's, and Vivian's. My heart my family owns."

Tristan hugged his father, Emerson feeling his love.

"And both our hearts are filled with my son's love." Tristan said, Emerson smiling and nodding.

"Where is your mother and wife, Tristan?" he smiled, Tristan smiling at him.

"They are getting ready, Father. We shall worship their beauty all evening, I believe."

"We will be lost in the echoes of our loves' hearts." Emerson smiled, Tristan sighing softly.

"We need to talk before the guests arrive, Father."

"I sensed there has been something on your mind, Tristan. I sensed it ever since we parted from your son's love when he left here a few short weeks ago."

Tristan's eyes went around the garden again, the man staring at his father then.

"My son's love is the most amazing. I have never met anyone so filled with love and courage. Except for you, Father." Tristan said, Emerson smiling at his son.

"I am nothing against his love, Tristan. That he includes me within it makes my heart soar with happiness. I am proud of my grandson. And I am proud of you, Tristan."
Tristan teared up, Emerson patting his shoulder.

"It's taken me forever to say that, Tristan. You have an equal courage to his, my son. You had the courage to take on the evil that had invaded me. I never thanked you for that. For saving my life that night. That night, and always, you have made me proud."

"I love you, Father. I would always stand against evil hurting you."
Emerson smiled at his son.

"I love you then, I love you now, Tristan."

Tristan smiled, hugging his father again.

Emerson smiled at his son when they broke their embrace.

"So what's on your mind, Tristan?"

Tristan stared at his father, the man sighing, rising to his feet again.

His green eyes looked at the water fountain behind his father, their eyes meeting again.

"The water falls on many souls, Father. My son's raining love has made my soul find its life."
Emerson stared up at his son, Tristan sitting down again beside him.
Emerson quietly listened, his son beginning to talk.*

 

Later That Evening

 

Grayson's blue pools looked around the ballroom, taking in the largeness of the crowd surrounding him.

"A larger crowd than last year, although a few of importance are missing." he said, the man feeling a hand going into his.

He smiled, his blue eyes meeting the two blue of his life.
Gabriel stood beside him, the two standing just off the main orchestra stage.

The large ballroom was flooding with music, the ball well under way.

People were laughing, chatting and mingling, the hall filled with people.

Grayson's eyes went to Emerson, the man dancing in the middle of the ballroom with his wife, Francesca's smile radiating.

Grayson smiled, the music ending, people clapping, dancing couples returning to their tables.

Emerson and Francesca walked towards the two men, their smiles shining.

"You still have grace and style, Em. And the flower on your arm makes your steps fly." Grayson smiled, Emerson smiling widely.

"Her style infiltrates mine, Gray. She always was the belle of the ball." Emerson smiled, Francesca laughing lightly.

"Your dance is as smooth as your flirting, my husband."
Grayson and Gabriel both chuckled, Emerson smiling at them.

"And why aren't you two dancing?" he smiled, Grayson's eyes meeting his.

"I just returned from the battlefield, Emerson." Grayson said, Emerson nodding, looking towards a table on the left side of the hall.

"I take it their concerns are mounting."

"Their numbers have dwindled. They all know the meaning in that." Grayson said, Emerson nodding.

"The moratorium has had its affect, Grayson. The evilness has been meted out of the company." Emerson said, Grayson nodding.

"You now agree on the final reports, then?" he said, Emerson nodding.

"As we discussed, my brother. The four have been liquidated, their assets seized. The Board of Governors has been cleft almost in half." Emerson said, Grayson nodding again, Gabriel nodding as well.

"The evil was well entrenched. Now comes the recovery." Emerson said, his eyes now meeting his wife's violet pools.

"They are ready, and so am I." Emerson said, Grayson staring at him.

The lawyer moved, walking towards the stage, walking up its three steps, waving at that bandleader.

The music silenced again, Grayson taking the microphone offered to him by the bandleader.

"Could I have everyone's attention, please?" Grayson said, the hall quieting, everyone's eyes looking towards the stage.

"Good evening, everyone. Welcome again to the annual Belmont Ball." he smiled, everyone clapping, smiling toward the stage.

"Dinner will be ready shortly. It is at this time that I wish you all to show your respect and admiration for the founder of this night of levity and happiness. Let's all give a grand salute to our host for this evening. You enter his home as friends, you join with all of us in our happiness at his giving love. Welcome to Belmont Hall. Welcome to the home of Emerson Belmont." Grayson said, everyone clapping loudly, now all on their feet.

Emerson and Francesca moved, walking up onto the stage, both smiling out at everyone clapping and cheering, all eyes on the two.

Grayson smiled, Emerson hugging him, Grayson surprised at the public display of affection, Francesca smiling at both men.

"Thank you, my brother. Good evening, everyone. Welcome--as Grayson said--to our annual festival of happiness. Another year has passed, the company gaining in its freedom and happiness." Emerson said, smiling out at everyone, clapping beginning again.

Grayson smiled, Francesca kissing his cheek, the man walking off the stage, Gabriel's arm going around him when they joined again on Emerson's right side, Emerson continuing to speak.

"It has been a year of challenges, intrigue and suspense. You are all aware of the moratorium put in place against the company's standards. The finality of that endeavor has yielded its justified truth. Steps have already been taken, the company now again will flourish. The business of my family's soul has been exonerated from the malice moving through it. Belmont Industries again will prosper, grow and continue with virtue, trust, honor and resolve. And we as a family of gathered industry will grow with it. Our happiness continues, my friends."

Everyone was on their feet, cheering and applause resounding off the ballroom's walls.

The table of Governors was quietly listening to Emerson, its fullness now half.

Emerson's head lowered with approval to all his employees and friends.

"Tonight shows a greater happiness in my own soul. For tonight I am surrounded by friendship and happiness. I am also surrounded by something I lost. Tonight's not a complete happiness, but it is nearly total. If you all remember, last year I introduced in this room of life my grandson Lucas. You all saw the calmness, love and beauty shining in his physical being. Throughout the year he has given me even more. He has solidified my family again in my soul. My dear wife Francesca, returned to my love."

Everyone applauded, all smiling at the beautiful woman now holding hands with Emerson.

"I also gained back the happiness of my stepdaughter Vivian's returned love."

Vivian smiled, she and Henderson now at Grayson's and Gabriel's side, the judge smiling and gently guiding her forward up onto the stage, Emerson and Francesca both smiling at her.

"Welcome home, my daughter of love." Emerson said, hugging her tightly, everyone clapping.

"My daughter Vivian raised my grandson Lucas in love, and happiness. The Carlisle love surrounded him. And now he has the Belmont love. And he and I have something greater. I only wish he were here tonight to bask in the love of my happiness." Emerson said, the man smiling at his wife and daughter standing beside him.

"I will always bask in your giving love, Grandfather."

Everyone's eyes went to the ballroom's doorway, Emerson's eyes widening in surprise.

Lucas stood in the doorway, the young man smiling, walking into the ballroom.

He wore a complete black tuxedo, his face a vision of rugged beauty.

Francesca and Vivian looked shocked as well.

Not at the vision of Lucas' being there, but at the changed vision of his looks.

Lucas' hair was its normal black, his stature its normal size.

He smiled, walking across the open ballroom floor, walking up to the stage, Grayson and Gabriel looking at him with silent wonder.

Lucas smiled at both men, the young man walking up the steps, walking up to his grandparents and adoptive parents.

"Lucas. . .you're. . .you're back to. . ." Emerson said, Lucas smiling, hugging his mother, then his grandmother, then his grandfather.

"I could not stay away from your love, Grandfather. Or the enormity of this moment in your soul." Lucas smiled, Emerson staring at him.

"It's really you." Emerson softly said, Lucas smiling, kissing his grandfather's cheek.

"Lead on to the love, Grandfather. I wouldn't miss this for the world." Lucas smiled, standing at his grandfather's side.

Emerson stared at him for a moment, then turned back to the people filling the ballroom.

"My grandson has returned to my heart. My family is almost complete. His love gave me a greater love. A returned love." Emerson said, Lucas smiling at him.

Emerson smiled, looking out at everyone.

"My family is whole again. I have found my family again. Welcome again to my heart and to all of yours, my son Tristan. And my stepdaughter, his wife, Savannah. Welcome again to Kurucu's Haven, Tristan and Savannah Belmont."

Everyone's eyes turned to the ballroom doorway, two visions of beauty standing in its openness.

Savannah smiled, the woman wearing a long ball gown of shimmering silver, her husband at her side, Tristan dressed in a black tuxedo, identical to his son.

They walked arm-in-arm into the ballroom, everyone's eyes upon them.

They both radiated a smiling happiness, their beauty taken in by everyone.

People began to clap, those who remembered them beginning to cheer, the applause increasing.

Lucas' family moved off the stage, walking onto the ballroom floor, Tristan walking up to his father, Savannah at his side.

"Welcome back into your family, my son, my daughter. May your love always grace these walls!" Emerson smiled widely, tears showing in his eyes.

Tristan hugged his father, Francesca hugging her daughter.

The applause continued, Lucas smiling around at everyone.

His voice seemed to resonate, the young man smiling at everyone.

"Dinner is ready, my friends. Let's dine on the Belmont fare and bask in its radiating happiness." he smiled, the young man taking his mother's arm, Savannah smiling at him with awed wonder.

The family moved, heading for its table, other tables heading to the laid out banquet awaiting.*

 

Grayson stared at Lucas, the young man having just hugged him.

"How is this possible, Lucas?! We just talked this morning and you were in Los Angeles." the lawyer said, Lucas kissing his cheek.

"My love flies upon the wings of time, Uncle. I couldn't miss my grandfather's happiness."

"Where are Josh and the boys?" Savannah smiled, Lucas kissing his mother's cheek.

"They're at home. We're having a party this evening. I just had to come here first."
Everyone traded looks, Lucas smiling at his grandfather.

"I felt the happiness in your soul, Grandfather. And in yours as well, Dad." Lucas smiled, his eyes meeting his father's green pools.

"I always feel your love in mine, Lucas." Tristan said, Lucas smiling, hugging his father.

"It does my heart good to see all three of you here, the Belmont men again in this grand hall." Francesca smiled, her violet pools changing to blue, everyone smiling at her.

Lucas smiled at his grandmother, kissing her cheek.

"The Belmont family is whole. In hearts, love and courage. Our destiny intertwines with our love."

Everyone smiled, Gabriel's hand going to the young man's shoulder.

"Are you. . .really here?" he softly said, Lucas smiling at him.

"I'm here in love and happiness, Gabriel. I will stand by my father's and grandfather's courage, and their love." Lucas said, the two older men staring at him.

Lucas smiled, his arm going around his father, kissing his cheek.

"Destiny's path lays within a man's soul. He alone decides on the path he walks. I have your courage and love, Father. And we both have your father's."

Tristan smiled, kissing his son's cheek.

"Your love never ends, Lucas."

The young man smiled, Emerson smiling at him.

"Let's eat, then deal with destiny's path." he smiled, everyone smiling at him.

They walked towards the buffet table, Lucas' eyes on his father's smiling face.

Everyone dined on the rich cuisine, the gathering festive and bubbling with laughter, conversation and light music playing.

An hour later everyone was relaxing, the meal finished, Emerson and Francesca walking around visiting all the tables.

Tristan smiled at his son, Lucas smiling back.

Lucas had talked to everyone through the meal, everyone catching up on the last few weeks of news.

Savannah and Francesca marveled at the growing happiness of Lucas' two sons, the young man smiling.

"They have my love and magic. They grow at their own pace of love."
Everyone smiled, Tristan looking towards his father, Emerson smiling towards his son.

"I believe destiny calls, Father." Lucas said, Tristan's eyes meeting his with soft surprise.

Lucas smiled, rising from his seat, walking around the table, Tristan rising from his seat.

"If my family will excuse us, Father and I have to meet life." Lucas smiled, Grayson staring at the young man with confusion.

Lucas' arm went around his father, the two men walking across the ballroom floor, Emerson meeting them in its center.

Lucas smiled, kissing his father's cheek, then his grandfather's.

"I will listen to the courage, I will stand by the love." he said, Emerson nodding, Tristan staring at his son.

The three men walked towards the Governor's table.

Grayson rose from his seat, the man heading to the oncoming reality.

 

Helga Gerhardt stared at the three men now standing before them, Lucas standing behind his father, Emerson at Tristan's side.

"Good evening, Emerson. The night shines with your smile." she said, Emerson smiling at her.

"Good evening, Helga. It is a joy to see you here this evening. We must dance later. You always shone on the dance floor."

Emerson's eyes looked around at the five governors and their wives, smiling at all.

"It is good to see all of you here this evening, my true remaining colleagues of business and friendship."

Mario Hernandez bowed his head; Alistair MacDonald, Richard Cranston and Dominic Rancourt greeting their chairman.

Lucas took in the absence of four other governors, sensing the meaning in that.

"Grayson's words last year were true, Emerson. Some of us have not returned this year. It was a total shock to all of us, their deceit, their corruption!" Richard said, the African governor looking around at his colleagues.

"Opening the books opens the world to the deceit and evil of greedy men, my friend. They have all been called to justice."

The other five nodded, looking at Tristan.

"It is good to see you as well, Tristan. You haven't aged in twenty years!" Helga said, Tristan smiling at the older woman.

"And your beauty still stands the test of time, dear lady." he smiled, the woman blushing, a smile crossing her face.

"It is indeed good to see you again, Tristan. It has been too long." Alistair said, the United Kingdom governor looking towards Lucas, the young man smiling at all of them.

"Paths I have walked, soul searching I have navigated." Tristan smiled, everyone quietly smiling at him.

Grayson now stood at Lucas' side, the young man smiling at him.

Emerson folded his hands in front of him, the governors staring at him.

"Haven's deceit has been shown, as have the other four of his corruption." Emerson said, the others nodding.

"New governorships will be obtained by more worthy colleagues. The past is the past." he said, the other five nodding in agreement.

"We will prosper as always, Emerson, with your tenacity, resolve and honor leading us." Dominic Rancourt said, the Canadian governor staring at his boss.

Emerson smiled, the man looking around at his colleagues.

"I am at the sunset of my years of business accolades, my friends. In a few short months my ancestors' company will see its two hundredth year. It is time for new blood to continue the path of prosperity." he said, Emerson looking behind him, his wife and daughters walking up to them now.

"I am surrounded by family, I am surrounded by love. The rest of my life will be in their love." Emerson said, his hand going to Tristan's shoulder.

The man smiled at his father, his eyes now on the five governors.

"My father has given me the task of guiding my ancestors' company through the next generation of prosperity. It is an honor I accepted myself. We all walk our paths of destiny. My own son showed me that." Tristan said, looking back at Lucas, the young man smiling at him.

Tristan smiled, looking forward.

"In October I will accept the leadership as Chairman of the Board of Governors. Let all of us and our future comrades of commerce lead us into our own greatness." Tristan said, the five at the table widening their eyes in shock, Alistair standing up.

"You. . .you are returning to the business?" he said, looking surprised.

"Yes, Alistair. And I have some wonderful ideas about where we can take Belmont Industries." Tristan said, the other four rising from their seats.

"You always had a keen mind, Tristan. I see an even greater courage in your face." Helga said, Tristan smiling at her.

"I see a greater courage in all of us. We of true honor can do anything."
The five smiled, walking up to him, shaking his hand, Emerson smiling at all of them.

He felt someone kiss his cheek, the man turning, staring into Lucas' violet pools.

"I felt his soul and its truth. Your love guided him to his own path. My love will keep you both moving."

Emerson smiled, Helga looking at the young man.

"Will you also be joining us, Lucas?" she said, Lucas smiling at her.

"Unfortunately commerce holds no place in my heart, Mrs. Gerhardt. My life is given over to my own happiness. My father has enough courage, honor and life to move Belmont Industries forward."
Tristan smiled, staring at his son.

"You knew, didn't you?"

Lucas smiled, kissing his father's cheek.

"I'll leave you to your happiness, Father. I have a previous engagement, everyone. I need to catch a flight." Lucas smiled, the young man smiling at everyone, the governors bowing to him, the young man hugging all of his family, kissing each one.

"Until our next meeting of love." he smiled, Emerson and Tristan smiling at him.

The young man moved, walking out of the ballroom, everyone's eyes following him.

"His love never stops." Gabriel said, Grayson smiling at Emerson and Tristan.

"And the Belmont minds never stop surprising all of us."
The two men laughed, Grayson clueless on this announcement.

He and the governors joined Emerson and Tristan, their wives sitting down with them.*

 

Los Angeles, California

 

Lucas opened his violet pools, the young man looking around his bedroom.

He stretched, smiling, rising from the bed.

He walked over to the window, looking down onto the backyard and patio.

All his friends were laughing, mingling around the patio and pool, the evening's festivities in full swing.

He checked his watch, seeing he'd been out for about an hour and a half.

He saw his husband smiling, talking to Nick and Usher, Justin and Lance seated with Pierce and Felix.

He smiled, seeing the happiness on everyone's face.

He saw Colton's blue pools look up towards his bedroom window, Lucas' eyes meeting his.

No distance of time or place will stay me from the happiness of my family.

Hold onto your socks, boys.

Tonight's going to be amazing.

Lucas smiled, then laughed, his fingers going through his blond curls.

He winked at Colton, the young man smiling up at him.

Lucas walked out of the bedroom, heading for his friends.

 

End of Chapter 203

 

And so our Lucas moves on paths of love.

His soul, I believe traversed, the country to join with his Belmont brethren on the continuing of their dynasty.

Tristan has decided to lead the company forward, telling his father that hidden truth in the garden.

Emerson smiles with happiness, his legacy continuing.

 

What do Lucas and Colton have brewing tonight?

Will there be greater fireworks than last year?

 

Sorry for the lateness of this posting, the author's been feeling lazy.

LOL.

I'll try to get a regular schedule going again.

But life and the upcoming holidays may continue the delays.

No worries, the path continues.

 

Hugs, Angel.

 

email: music-fan-1@hotmail.com