Date: Thu, 10 May 2012 19:58:50 -0400
From: preecherdave@gmail.com
Subject: What a Difference a Year Makes 2

What a Difference a Year Makes 2

This document contains homosexual themes and acts. If you are underage or
don't like the subject, then don't read it.

The story is not autobiographical and is a product of the writer's fertile
imagination.

Comments welcomed                    preecherdave@gmail.com


Both Brian and Paul were amazed at how happy and contented they felt about
their relationship. It had grown slowly and in Brian's case, with little
notice at first. Both realized that there were some tricky days
ahead. Brian was only out to a few people, all Paul's friends. There were
days when Brian did have little attacks of panic about what he was going to
do but he fell back into the care and affection that he gave to and
received from Paul. This was not a fling for either, especially Paul who
often compared his feelings for Brian to Luke. In fact, there was no
comparison in his mind. There was respect, admiration and love between
them. The physical astounded both of them. Both figured that that aspect
would fall off a bit. It was the opposite. They seemed to enjoy it more,
every time and very often.

They started to plan for the May weekend. They decided to try to enjoy the
situation. It was easy to say but difficult to push aside the anxiety. It
was a challenge for both of them to bring it off well. Paul realized how
much this meant to his future with this man. He almost laughed at himself
when he tried to convince himself that there was no pressure. Brian feared
a rupture or having to make a choice between Paul and his children. He just
hoped that it would never come to that. At one point, he shrugged his
shoulders and thought that he could only do his best. Still the thoughts
intruded on his mind at odd, unexpected times. However, there were other
days when he felt so happy and content at the way his life had changed.

The weeks passed quickly with the minutia of life and suddenly they were in
the countdown to the Friday departure. Food and drinks for six, clothing,
supplies for the kitchen and the bathroom. They had taken some things with
them in April but they finally had the mountain of stuff in the car. Brian
chuckled as he remembered the question that he and Margie had constantly
asked about this weekend. Was all the preparation worth it for three days?
On the Monday, when they returned, the answer was always yes. He kept
telling himself that.

The magic of the place worked within minutes of arriving. As they put the
last groceries away and were going to get a beer to take down to the lake,
Paul put his arms around Brian and said a quiet thank you. He kissed
him. Once at the lake, the sound of the water, the sun shining off the lake
and the fresh smell of the countryside filled them with contentment. Brian
almost dozed off. He suddenly caught himself and looked to see Paul looking
at him with that soft expression of his.

"Brian, I just know that it is going to be a great weekend. My anxiety has
drained away. Let's just enjoy ourselves. You know, we are friends. We
don't have to act."

It really was that simple. Well, almost. Brian suddenly realized that is
exactly what he and Margie had been. Paul was a great guy who had a legion
of buddies who would do anything for him. Some of Brian's anxieties began
to drain away as well.

They had a wonderful day with walks, preparing nice meals, cleaning up
around the cabin, reading and later in the evening sitting side by side,
touching each other and watching a movie on TV. They went to bed and made
slow love to each other. Asking what each wanted, when and where to touch,
they went to the edge 4 or 5 times. When they finally allowed themselves to
finish, it was with kisses and touches in all the spots that intensified
the pleasure of the other. They cuddled and spoke intimate words until
sleep claimed them.

The next morning in the bathroom, they was more exuberant. They showered
together and then, touched and sucked each other, watching themselves in
the mirror. Paul couldn't get enough of Brian's chest and nipples. His
tongue wet his armpits. Brian was literally gasping with pleasure and
sexual tension. He in turn could not get enough of Paul's cock and
balls. By the time he was finished, they were wet and Paul was dripping.

Paul had the lube in himself and on Brian. Like a video, they watched Brian
enter him and start to piston in and out. They could see Brian stroking
Paul. Paul had a look of ecstasy on his face. By telepathy they decided
that this would end quickly and very soon Brian was emptying himself in
Paul. Brian's face was a mask of sexual pleasure. When he came out he was
covered in semen and very soon Paul was exploding in his mouth. They
kissed, sharing the results of their passion.

"Paul you are amazing. You are right; this is going to be a wonderful
weekend." They jumped back in the shower. They were almost messier than
before they had started. But each had a look of contentment and what was
fast becoming love.

Later, they heard the car coming down the lane. "Showtime!" Paul muttered
but he was looking forward to it. These were Brian's kids and friends,
important to him.

Susan was the first to talk. "Dad, I can smell the spring. I always forget
how magical the place is." Just like her Dad, Paul thought. They were
introduced. Paul and to Robbie and Susan and Maria and John to Paul. Brian
had had the pleasure a few weeks ago. Suddenly Paul relaxed; the young
people had come with each other and they would spend a lot of time that
way. He was not in the spot light. Just a friend of Dad. Perspective, he
was not the centre of this universe.

For Paul it was interesting to see how Brian managed the sleeping
arrangements. After food, drinks and luggage were brought in, he simply
told them to get themselves sorted and settled. Almost as an after thought,
he yelled that Paul had the couch. He motioned Paul to join him on the
deck.

"Very smooth ... Dad. I like your style. Well you know that from this
morning. Hope you have checked off the bathroom?"

Brian broke up. "You probably prefer it to the kitchen." He paused looking
impishly at him. "Yeah, you pervert. You like the mirrors." Paul's smile
said it all. Brian wanted to reach over and touch him but he restrained
himself. Good thing too, because Robbie and Maria came bounding out of the
cottage. He, telling her that she had to see the lake and promising a canoe
ride in the afternoon. The exuberance of youth. Hm, interesting idea, the
canoe. Paul put that one away in his mind.

Lunch came and he saw how well brought up the kid's were. Robbie was one of
the first ones in to help get food ready and was obviously in his father's
mold as he knew what to do in the kitchen. So did Susan. In fact it was so
crowded, Paul and Brian were exiled to set the table and get drinks ready.

Like the rooms and sleeping arrangements, Brian just put out beer, soft
drinks and water on the table, asking if anyone wanted tea or coffee.
Everyone chose what they wanted. Lunch was fun with talk of school, jobs,
clubs and what they would do at the cottage. Neither Brian or Paul had to
direct the conversation. It just flowed. Paul kept up his mantra that he
was not the centre of this universe.

Later in the afternoon, they had challenged each other to a volleyball
game. After some wrangling, it was decided that friends had to be on an
opposing team. They talked about all the permutations. Finally, in a loud
referee's voice, Paul called out, "Enough. Us against them." He pointed out
Brian, Susan and Robbie as them.

Then he looked at his team. "Hey, I work out with Brian sometimes and he
gave a disparaging look with a thumbs down sign." Brian flipped him off and
there were muttered comments from his side and cheers and more comments
from Paul's team. There were insults bantered back and forth. He had set
the tone well. Everyone was laughing.

It turned out that all of them had played some volleyball. Both Paul and
Brian got in some good spikes. Then there were the old man comments but
they stopped when both Brian and Paul showed their athletic prowess. They
were in good shape. It ended with Brian and his team winning by a close
margin.

It was getting close to supper and Brian and Paul sent them all off while
they prepared supper. Potatoes, salad and steaks on the BBQ with wine, beer
or soft drinks.

When they were gathered, instead of grace, Brian looked up, he raised his
wine glass, "I am thankful to have this time with my children, their
friends and my friend and to have all the memories, past," and he paused
for a few seconds, and then slowly, "Present and future that enrich all our
lives."  Paul wanted to go and put his arms around him and wipe the tears
from his eyes but their eyes met and held for a few moments. "Come on guys
dig in. You must be starving." That broke the tension and they had a truly
joyful meal.

After supper, they all scattered to chat, to books, magazines, electronic
gadgets which worked from the cell tower close by. Brian and Paul went for
a walk. When they were out of sight of anybody, Paul grabbed Brian's
hand. "Maybe this is too early but I want you to know that I really care
for you. That comment before supper was extraordinary."

Brian pulled him around so that they were facing each other. "Paul, you
have changed my life." They kissed softly and gently. They just walked,
enjoying the evening and each other. When they were back at the cottage,
they challenged the gang to cards.

If the volleyball was intense with rivalry, this was just the same or
more. They played hearts. Towards the end, Brian was winning and was being
very boastful and gloating. They were towards the end of the game when Paul
looked at Susan and winked. Then with exaggerated malice, he slapped the
Queen on Brian so that, not only did he lose that game but it put him
behind Susan and several others. The repartee between Brian and Paul had
them all laughing. Threats and counter threats, Paul triumphant and Brian
vanquished. Susan looked on thinking that you only did that and acted like
that with someone you really liked and admired.

They were off to bed. It was obvious that Maria was sleeping with Robbie
and Susan with John. While everyone was getting ready, Brian noisily went
to the living room and asked Paul if he had everything that he
needed. Little did the kids know that they were saying a very lusty
goodnight.

Paul whispered, "Looks as if everyone but the two of us will be content and
tension free in the morning. Poor me." Brian laughed and whispered back
that this morning and last night would just have to do. He did make some
comment about someone being insatiable. A final kiss and he made his way
back to his room with enough noise that it would be noticed. The next thing
that he noticed was the sunlight coming in behind the blinds and birds
singing. He got up to use the bathroom, passing closed doors to his kids'
rooms. A major change in their lives was occurring.

Sunday passed much like Saturday and just as enjoyably. They all pitched in
to get the dock in. The water was freezing but it was bonding between them
all.

Paul and Eric had gone for their canoe ride. They did find a secluded spot
on the opposite shore. They had taken a blanket and stretched out under a
huge tree. They made love languorously with the sun filtered through the
branches and the new spring green leaves. They let themselves talk, direct
each other and cry out with no restraint. Brian had come to love talking
when they made love. After, Brian had looked at Paul with intensity when he
told him that he had never done this at the cottage. Paul smiled and said
that it was a memory he would always carry with him.

The next day as they were leaving. Robbie and Susan looked at their father
and thanked him. They said it was a very memorable May weekend, part of
their tradition which hadn't been broken. The meaning was lost on no
one. The drive back to the city was satisfying as both Brian and Paul
reflected on their feelings for the other. Paul actually was hard as he
remembered the love under the tree. That night they made up for the
sleeping arrangements at the cottage. They started with the bathroom with
the mirror and finished on the bed, having gone through so many sexual
positions that Brian said, he had set a personal record.

Later that week Susan phoned asking if it would be OK for her and John to
come home for the weekend. According to Susan, Paul and John had talked
cycling and John wanted to try some of the bike ways with Paul in the
afternoon. She said that she and Dad could talk and she could do some
studying. Brian noticed that she never really gave a reason why she was
coming home.

They arrived just before lunch. They had followed the usual pattern with
Paul staying Friday night and the weekend. It was agreed that he would go
home on Saturday night. They had a really good lunch with the kids. John
and Paul got all their gear together and took off. Brian could not help but
notice how good the two guys looked as they left, especially his guy.

They chatted for a while. "Paul is a really nice guy. John was quite struck
by him"

"Yeah, he was one of the guys that I chatted with when I first joined the
health club."

"How did you get to know him so well?"

He proceeded to tell her about the first supper and discovery of similar
tastes. They ended up hanging out together. He needed some help at the
cottage so they spent the weekend which really cemented their friendship.

"Dad, you seemed really close to him at the cottage last weekend."

A couple of alarm bells went off in his mind. Was she probing? "We are
quite sympatico."

"Dad you worked like a team. I saw some of the looks that you gave to each
other. When you said those few words before our first supper, you gave each
other a very connected look. I think that he wanted to go and hold you to
comfort you. I hope that I haven't overstepped myself."

He quickly decided to seize this opportunity. "So Susan, I guess that you
are asking ... just how close we are?" He stopped and looked quizzically at
his daughter, his very observant, daring, loving daughter. She nodded her
head yes. "I hope that you are ready for any answer that I give?" Again a
nod yes. "Very close. Can't be much closer."

"Dad ...." Brian interrupted.

"Before we go any farther, I think you know how close Mom and I
were. Before ..., she told me ...."

Susan interrupted, "Dad, Mom talked to both Robbie and me. She told us that
you were to get on with your life and we were to support you. This is just
surprising because we know how close you were with Mom."

"Mom and I never looked at anyone else from when we first met. I have had
women thrust at me since Mom left. Somehow it is Paul that came into my
life. It crept up on both of us. He actually asked me if he would be
competing with a ghost." He smiled. "Between you and me, I told him that
Mom would always be in my memories, that she was part of me. She helped
make me the man I am. But I told Paul that he was part of my new life and
that we would share new memories."

Susan was in tears, as was Brian. He moved to hug her. "Dad that makes what
you said last weekend even more poignant, almost poetic."

"Susan, I have dreaded this moment and now can I celebrate it.?" He stopped
and looked at her. She nodded yes. "Robbie?"

"Dad, he and I talked a bit about Paul. He made some comments in passing
about how well you got along. It may take him a bit of time with the male
macho thing but I know his feeling about gays and it is positive." The word
had been said. They talked about many things until they heard the front
door opening with Paul's key. Whoops, that could have been awkward, Brian
thought.

Susan looked at her father and winked. With a sparkle in her eyes and a
signal for silence, she called out, "Hi guys. Have a good ride?" An
enthusiastic 'great' came from the two.  "Dad I thought we locked the front
door? Did we leave it open?"

"I used the key that Brain gave me." Paul shouted from the hall.

"I didn't see him give you a key today."

Paul didn't like lying. He was lost for words. John was looking at him
quizzically. "No he gave it to me weeks ago for occasions like this. This
sounds like a test or an inquisition."

Brian and Susan broke out laughing. "Yeah, I guess Dad's partner ... in
crime should have a key."

Paul came in sweaty, healthy and to Brian so sexy. He looked at the two of
them. Susan got up and went over and whispered welcome to the family. Paul
looked perplexed. He looked at a grinning Brian.

"She threatened me. She used devious interrogation methods. She forced me
to tell her." Paul grinned from ear to ear.

"When I have a shower and I am not disgusting, you get a great big hug."
John had a knowing smile that he shared with Susan; they had discussed
this. Then Paul suggested a supper out for such an occasion. After supper,
Paul did not leave and slept with Brian.  Susan and John shared a
room. Brian and Paul were quiet but very intense. The day ended very
messily but so pleasurably. They slept well.

The next Saturday morning, Brian and Paul were having a final cup of coffee
when they heard a key in the front door. Both were still in their
robes. They looked at each other and stood up to see who was coming in. It
was Robbie on an unannounced visit home by himself. He put his stuff down
and looked at his father and Paul.

"Does he live here now?" Robbie muttered with attitude in his voice.

Brain tried to think very quickly and just stood there, staring at his son
without speaking. He knew sometimes that silence was a good tactic. It gave
him some time to think and often put pressure on the other person. Time
passed very slowly. Brian could almost feel Paul tensing beside him. Brian
was thinking, please Paul say nothing, let me handle this.

Finally the silence was broken by Robbie, "Well?!"

By this point, Brian had had time to think and plan. He turned to
Paul. "Paul, would you like a refill of coffee. Paul nodded yes. There was
the faint outline of a grin on his face. As Brian turned to go to the
kitchen, he looked at Robbie. "His name is Paul and you can have coffee as
well if you would like to join us and be civil and polite as you were
brought up. We discuss things in this family."

"You didn't discuss this situation with us."

"You didn't discuss your relationship with Maria either but I accepted it
gracefully."

"That's different."

Brian raised his eyebrows in a question at Robbie and turned and moved to
the kitchen. He did mutter, "Oh, really?" He gave Paul a small smile,
unseen by Robbie. When Robbie finally came into the kitchen, Brian looked
at him. "Coffee?" Robbie nodded yes.

They sat down at the table. "Let's start this from you opening the front
door." He paused briefly. "Hi Robbie. Good to see you. Paul and I are
having a relaxing Saturday morning after a busy week at work." He stopped
for a moment. "Just to get the logistics clear. Paul often stays here from
Friday to Monday mornings. I often stay at his place Monday to Thursday."
He looked intently at his son whose face he couldn't read. "Is this a day
trip or are you staying the weekend? Our schedules are not planned this
weekend." Father and son looked intently at each other. "After your
entrance, I have decided on blunt, civilized I hope." He gave his son a
friendly smile.

"Dad .... It has only been a few months and then this ...." He looked at
Paul. He paused. "Paul, shit, I'm sorry. I was brought up well. You were
great during the long weekend."

Paul spoke for the first time, with his really expressive smile but he had
understanding on his face. "I know Robbie. We all see people differently
depending on our perspective and our knowledge about them. To you right
now, I am not the person you met two weekends ago. Your father and I have
challenged your perceptions."

Brian wanted to reach out and hug Paul right then and there. Robbie seemed
to lose some of his tension.

"Son, what upsets you most?"

"You, with someone else, not Mom. You with a man. I feel as if I don't know
what to think."

"Thanks for being honest. This man," he looked at Paul, "Took me, by
surprise. I know that Mom talked to you. She talked to me very bluntly. She
told me to mourn and then to get on with my life. I met Paul and he became
a friend. He eventually told me that he was gay and was about to break off
our friendship. I convinced him that a straight man and a gay man could
just be friends. He wasn't so sure. It turns out that we were both
right. We are friends and .... That is what your mother and I had as well,
best friends to the last. Paul and I went to the cottage in mid April to
open it. We saw each other in a different way.  He asked me if he would be
competing with a ghost. What was my answer Paul? If you remember?"

"Remember! It is indelibly engraved in my mind. You said that Margie and
you had twenty-two wonderful years of marriage and she was part of you and
would always be in your memories. She helped make you the man you are
today. Nothing could change that. But she told you that you had to get on
with your life. You said that I was now part of your new life and we would
make new memories together." Paul looked intently first at Brian and then
at Robbie

They all looked at each other. Robbie was thinking. "Dad the toast you made
at the cottage ...." Brian nodded yes.  "Dad it was really touching,
especially with this new knowledge. Who knows about you and Paul."

"So far very few people. Neither of us wants to hide it as such. I guess
that it is on a needs to know basis. I hadn't figured a way to tell you and
Susan. Thank goodness, Susan broke the logjam last weekend and now you."

There were a few moments of silence. Robbie got a determined look on this
face and stood up. "Paul my apologies for earlier."

"Not necessary but appreciated. I think that your Dad needs a hug." They
shook hands. Hugs might come later. Brian got his hug.

"Guys can I make a suggestion? I have some work to do online for an
important deal coming up. Why don't you guys grab the bikes and go for a
ride and get some food along the way. Then, out for supper tonight." It
turned out to be the schedule for the day.

They had a good day together. Neither guy tried to avoid the fact that they
were going to bed in the same room. Somehow that helped. Robbie looked at
his Dad as they passed each other in the hall. "Thanks for the
understanding today. Good night." And then the magic, he yelled, "Good
night Paul."

Paul stuck his head out of the bedroom and looked him straight in the
eye. "Good night Robbie. Great bike ride. See you at breakfast."

"Dad ... you are amazing and raised two fine young adults. You handled this
situation superbly and your son responded as you had hoped. We had a great
time biking today. You have no idea how much he admires you. You are a very
fortunate man."

Looking directly at Paul, "I certainly am." The meaning of the look was not
lost on Paul. Paul started to undress. Brian took Paul's hands and held
them. "No, my job. It is going to be slow and very erotic. But we have to
be quiet." He directed Paul to the dressing mirror in the room. "You know,
you are a very handsome man. Again today when you came in from biking, with
your hair plastered with sweat and your biking clothes sticking to you, you
were so sexy. If we had been alone, I would have stripped you on the spot."

He was standing behind Paul and he could see his reflection in the golden
light of the small bedside lamp. He slowly undid the buttons of his shirt
and took it off and then pulled off the t shirt. Before him was the most
beautiful sight he could imagine. A slight, late in the day shadow in his
beard, a defined chest with a light covering of short brown hair. There was
a light trail of hair leading to his pants. Brian ran his hands over his
chest and through the hair. It didn't take many passes to hear low,
guttural noises from Paul's throat. A couple of flicks of the nipples got
more sound. As he continued his eyes looked down his torso and he could see
the outline of an erection forming. His hands traced the hair down to his
pants and then lightly over the outline. Paul looked at him in the mirror
and then turned his head for a kiss. The kiss was gentle but passionate
with each using their tongues on the teeth and the tongue. They slowly bit
the lips.

Brian undid the zipper and let the pants slip down his legs. The outline
was now large and a small wet spot was forming on the material. Light
gentle touches up and down the length. Paul's breathing changed its rhythm
and became a little shallower, almost trying to catch his breath. Paul
tried to turn around but Brian stopped him as he lowered his shorts and the
erection sprang loose and outwards. It seemed so erotic to see him exposed
like that still half dressed. Brian turned him sideways and told him to
watch. He knelt and licked the head, tasting the salty, sweet liquid that
was forming. He muttered his appreciation. He could see Paul watching
intently in the mirror. He moaned when Brian took the head in his mouth and
alternately tongued and sucked it. Then Brian started the journey down the
rigid, yet soft cock. He had had some practice in the last months and he
decided to try it tonight. He took a deep breath and let the head go right
into his throat. He could feel the hair on his nose and lips.

"Oh Brian, incredible. That is so erotic feeling and looking." Brian wasn't
finished. He started to move his mouth up and down the length changing the
speed and pressure, often ending in his throat. He finally felt Paul's
hands forcing his head off. "No, I am too close. This has to last." He
pulled Brian up and he could taste himself in the kiss. It was Brian's turn
to watch as he was undressed, caressed and taken all the way into Paul's
throat. He had been correct; it was very erotic to watch.

It was Brian's turn to pull Paul off. Brian went and found the lube. He
knew exactly what was going to happen next.  Paul was in front of the
mirror. Brian put a lot of lube lightly and erotically on Paul's very rigid
cock and then handed the lube to him. Brian turn partially sideways to the
mirror, spread his legs and bent over. The feeling of the lube going into
him on Paul's fingers could almost have put him over the top. Paul used his
fingers to touch and caress the prostate. He was almost in a frenzy as he
watched Paul move behind him. Brian gently touched and caressed Paul's cock
as he guided it to his opening. He watched and felt Paul move as just the
head slipped in and he stayed still. Paul was stroking his back, his
shoulders and his chest. Their eyes locked as he started to disappear into
Brian. Brian could feel the pulsing and the fullness when Paul could go no
farther.

As Paul stroked in and out, Brian watched in amazement. The sensations were
incredible especially when one of Paul's lubed hands started to stroke
Brian's inflamed, very sensitive cock. They started to move in sync with
each other. Suddenly, Paul threw his head back and took one last thrust in
and muttered softly, cries of love and passion to Brian. Brian could feel
the pulses and soon Paul started again to move to the rhythm of his
ejaculations. Paul's body was shuddering and he was almost
breathless. Nevertheless, he came out turned Brian around and swallowed
him. Brain watched it all in the mirror as he suddenly could see himself
start his own rhythm as he started to empty himself into Paul's mouth. As
soon as he finished, he pulled Paul up and kissed him. Paul had swallowed
almost nothing and soon they were sharing with some actually coming out the
side of their mouths. They looked at each other in the mirror.

Brian, "Quite a sight." There was sweat running down them. Traces of semen
on their face and both had trails of semen on legs where they had touched
each other. "My lover, I think that we have made our first video together,
unfortunately without a recorder. You are breathtakingly handsome and
incredibly sexy."

"Brian, love, I cannot even put words to tonight. I have never had a night
like this in my life."

"Neither have I."

Breakfast the next morning was everything that Brian had hoped for. Clearly
their talk and time had brought Robbie's mind to a different
understanding. He laughed and joked and some of the jokes were double
entendres directed at Paul and Brian. Brian got a couple in about him and
Maria. He talked about his courses for next year, the job that he had with
the University and lots about Maria. Brian felt sadness when time came for
him to leave. Robbie's parting gift was a hug to Brian and then a little
mischievous look and the handshake turned into a hug for Paul. They made
plans for the six to get together for a meal in June at the University.

Work seemed so mundane after the lows and highs of the weekend. At Brian's
suggestion, they decided to go dancing with the guys on Saturday night; it
had been several weeks since they had been there. The club was packed as
usual and the welcome was warm. Alan told Bent it was good to see the two
of them and both looked really happy and relaxed. They had been missed.

Alan looked at Brian. "None of my business but no problems?"

"Not really. We all had a great long weekend at the cottage with my
kids. Paul was my friend from the health club."

"Must have cramped your style?"

"We went up the day before and took a really nice canoe ride on Sunday to a
quiet spot."

"You dirty dog. I am so happy for you."

"Then I had to come out to my daughter the next weekend. My son arrived
last weekend with attitude. We sorted that by Sunday and Paul actually
stayed over while my son was there." He got a huge smile and hug from Alan.

What Brian realized was that he was committed in public now and to the most
important people in his life. He felt free. He literally grabbed Paul for
the next dance which included a really sensuous slow dance.

"What has gotten into you?"

"You, the events of the last three weeks. I feel free and committed, Paul."
He kissed him right on the dance floor. They received quite a welcome back
to the table. If Brian had thought some of the bike rides were raunchy,
they didn't even come close to this. He knew that he had been accepted by
Paul's friends.

Later in the evening he went to the washroom. As he was coming back to the
dance floor, he looked up and in front of him was a young man who had
stopped dead looking at him. Here was the prime example of the expression,
'the young man looked like a deer caught in the headlights'. His mind
processed the situation and the face.

"Kevin good to see you. How is the summer work going?" Kevin was one of
Robbie's buddies from high school. They had played sports together and
often went out as group. Kevin looked terrified and literally could not
respond. His face turned red.

Brian processed everything quickly. "Kevin, it is OK. We are both here at
the same place. I would like you to meet someone." He put his arm around
Kevin's shoulder and took him to the table and to Paul. "Kevin, I would
like you to meet my partner, Paul. Paul this this one of Robbie's buddies
from high school. He was quite surprised to see me here."

Paul, of course, got it immediately. "Nice to meet you. Kevin, there is one
thing that you should know. Once we leave here, our memories get really
bad. Can't remember a thing. It is the damnedest thing."

Kevin finally laughed and relaxed. He turned to Brian. "Thanks
Mr. Campbell."

"Given the situation, I think Brian would be more appropriate." Kevin
didn't look too sure about that. "Kevin, Paul and I are available at any
time you want to talk about anything. Are you out to your folks?" His look
was his answer. He wasn't. "Well if it is any help, I am only out to these
guys, Susan and Robbie."

Kevin's eyes got bigger. "Robbie knows?" Look of total surprise.

"Kevin, it wasn't totally easy with him but he came around. He and I are
pretty close. I'd still be careful with him. In fact, I would be careful
for a while until you are more settled and sure of yourself. Your look
tonight tells that you are not quite there yet. I still have a lot of
people who don't know. I am sort of going with a needs to know philosophy."

"Some things to think about. Thanks so much. It is good to know that there
is one person I can go to if I have to. Will you come with me for a
minute." He led Brian over to a table with a few guys. One stood up. He was
drop dead gorgeous. "Dave, this is Brian, the father of a high school
friend. He just introduced me to his partner. Dave and I have been dating
this summer."

"Dave, really good to know you. Kevin, here is my card. Maybe hamburgers
some night? I'll leave it up to you." In fact, Kevin phoned and they had
their first BBQ with Kevin and Dave in mid June. They all had a good
evening. Both Kevin and Dave were interesting, intelligent and had a drive
to excel. Kevin told Brian that it was so good to be able to be with Dave
in a situation where they could act naturally. Brian knew that there would
be other BBQs.

June was going to pass quickly. Brian had always hosted a July 1st party
(Canada Day) at the cottage with neighbours, the kids and any friends that
they wanted to invite. Paul and he decided to keep the tradition up. It
would be the first time they would be at the cottage as partners, as a
family. Brian never thought that he would be saying that so soon and with
Paul.

The party went really well. Paul was introduced as a friend of Brian. The
only problem was a couple of women made passes at both men. In their
bedroom after cleanup, Paul asked Brian if he had been at all
interested. Brian gave him a look and then quietly stripped Paul and sucked
him to climax in only a few minutes. Paul had smirked saying, that was a
dramatic answer. Paul proceeded to spend a lot more time on Brian. The only
drawback was that they had to keep quiet. Noise does travel in cottages,
even one that had ceiling and doors in the bedrooms.

The rest of the weekend went just as well. It was obvious that kids and
their partners had taken to Paul in a big way. There was joking, cards and
games all weekend. Brain and Paul agreed on the drive home that it was
better than the May weekend, no secrets.

One night in July, Paul noticed that Brian seemed to have something on his
mind.

"A loonie for your thoughts." (For US readers and others, loonie is the
nickname for the Canadian dollar coin, no dollar bills in Canada, thank
goodness. The toonie is the two dollar coin.)

"A loonie. I thought it was a penny for one's thoughts?"

"Pennies are going to be phased it out this year and then, there is
inflation. You're the accountant. It should be obvious." It brought smiles
to both.

"Seriously, the next phase. Mom and Dad always have us to their place for
Thanksgiving. Unless you have previous arrangements, I would like you to be
there. It will be hard to just pass you off as a friend. I think this is a
needs to know situation."

"I really never know what is going on in that head. As you know I don't
have a lot to do with my parents; so no conflict there. My sister follows
my parents' lead. She has a nose for money. Sorry, catty. Brian I would be
honoured to be included. I am so sorry that I cannot offer anything in
return."

Brian stood up and sat beside Paul. "You offer me something every day. The
kids have taken to you like I cannot believe." He kissed Paul for
emphasis. Then Brian jumped up, saying that he didn't trust either of them
after that kiss. They still needed to talk and plan. As usual, they arrived
at an interesting plan of action. Brian had some business in Toronto in
late July and they could go together and make a weekend of it. Brian could
go by himself on Saturday and break the news to his parents. Brian was
hopeful but honest. He got on well but his father was a little right wing
and a church goer. They had never talked about this issue. He had to be
prepared for any eventuality.

They had a good trip to Toronto, Thursday after work and settled in, late
in the evening in their downtown hotel close to Brian's business
meetings. They decided on supper Friday evening and a supper and show on
Saturday night. Both discovered that each of them like the intimacy of the
hotel room both nights especially after a really good dinner on Friday
night. They went to the Art Gallery of Ontario on Saturday morning and had
lunch close by. Brian arrived at his parents in the early afternoon. He
explained that he had a colleague that he had to meet for supper and a show
and apologized for the short time.

They had a drink and chatted about the kids and what was going on in each
others lives. Finally, Brian brought up Thanksgiving.

"Mom and Dad I would like to talk about arrangements for Thanksgiving.  The
kids are looking forward to it. I would like to bring a friend to the
Thanksgiving celebration."

His mother was the first to put things together. "Oh, Brian you have met
someone and you want to bring them. What's her name." He knew that that
look of pleasure might disappear very quickly. He actually started to sweat
just like an adolescent talking about a girlfriend.

"Yes Mom but this is going to be a little different for you and Dad and I
didn't want to just bring them. I cannot really explain what has
happened. It has taken me by surprise and took months before I realized
what had happened. Oh hell, I can't say anything else; I'll just be quick
and blunt." He had both his parents full attention. "His name is Paul."

There was silence in the room. His mother's face turned to surprise and
confusion. His father's eyes narrowed and his face became a mask.

His father, the professional, was the first to talk. "To clarify and be
very precise. Is this just a friend or someone who is more than a friend?"

"Dad, more."

"You want to bring him to our family Thanksgiving?" There was anger and
harshness creeping into the conversation.

"Dad, he and I are together and he is part of my family now."

"Well, he is not part of my family."

"But I am."

"You are welcome and expected at Thanksgiving."

"You have welcomed boyfriends and girlfriends over the years and almost all
of them are gone by the wayside."

"That's different. I won't have my son's homosexual friend in my house."

"Dad this is the 21st century. Gays have equality rights. They can marry if
they want. You will like Paul; he is not a stereotype. He likes hockey and
soccer and is well read and a lot of fun. He runs a big business. It will
be like having another son."

"It looks as if one is enough. I don't agree with any of the things that
you mentioned and I certainly don't have to condone it by entertaining a
gay couple in my house. What of Janet's children being exposed to such
things?"

"Dad, they are only 10 and 12 and we introduce Paul as my friend and
business colleague which he is."

His father just looked at him, stoney faced, shaking his head no. As
difficult as it was, Brian made a quick decision that if he stayed longer,
things would be said that might be irreparable. "Well, this hasn't gone as
I hoped. I think maybe I should leave before things are said that shouldn't
be said. Mom thanks for the nibbles and the drinks. I'll be in touch next
week."

"Sweetheart what day will you and the kids be coming in for Thanksgiving?"

"Mom, I think that you had better talk to the kids about that as I
obviously won't be here. This is my first Thanksgiving with Paul and we
shall be celebrating it together, not apart."

"You'll let that man come between you and your family?" His father was
almost beyond understanding.

"No Dad, it is your very outdated beliefs that are coming between us. I
just wanted Paul here as my friend but I wanted to be honest about it with
you. That didn't work, obviously. I guess honesty doesn't always work or
maybe it does. I know where I stand."

His father looked as if he wanted to say a lot more. In a strident voice,
"Brian, don't you ...."

His mother interrupted very sharply, "Stan, Brian is right. No more words
from either of you. It can only make the situation worse. Another time,
maybe." Her tone of voice was sharp and commanding. She gave his father a
look that Brian had seen few times in their marriage and to Brian's
surprise, his father stopped.

Brian took the opportunity to stand up and he left with a quick kiss to his
mother and whispered, sorry. He was close to tears in the car. When he
entered their hotel room, Paul could see immediately that it had not gone
well. He quickly crossed over to Brian to hug and comfort him. The story
came out quickly and succinctly. Then there were some tears.

"Brian, I don't want to come between you and your family."

Brian stopped dead and looked at Paul intently, almost fiercely. "Don't you
realize how much you mean to my life? I'll repeat it again. It is my
father's stupid ideas that are causing this, not you. I make my choices
now. I have learned that life is short and you get as much out of it as you
can." He let himself relax in Paul's strong grip. "I have so much more to
say. Maybe after supper and the show. Let's go."

They had a very good supper and the play was first rate. When they got back
to the hotel room, they poured a little Langavulin and sat down in the easy
chairs. Brian looked at Paul. "Paul, I said that there was more to be
said. I hope that this is not too soon or out of place. Paul, you and me."
He looked softly at Paul. "This afternoon you said that you didn't want to
come between me and my family. Paul, do you know what you mean to me?" He
held up his hand to stop Paul's answer. "Paul, you are no longer my
friend. For me, you have become my lover, soul mate, partner and friend. At
some point, before our weekend at the cottage in April, I realized that I
so looked forward to being with you, talking to you. Now I cannot conceive
of not being with you. My father doesn't know what he is missing, not
meeting you."

Paul was speechless. What do you say? Finally, he said with a hitch in his
voice. "No one has ever said anything like that to me in my life." His eyes
were moist and his lips quivered just a bit. He stood up and went over and
pulled Brian up into a soft, gentle kiss. "Lover, you don't fool around. It
will be my pleasure to have my Thanksgivings anywhere, as long it is with
you." They stared at each other. "I think that we need a shower and then
...."

The shower was erotic and charged. Both watched each other in the mirror,
marvelling at the wonderful man they saw. They gave each other a very
physical message that spoke as much as their words had. They almost
consumed each other with their passionate responses. There was no doubt at
the depth of feelings that they had for each other.

The next day, Brian phoned his sister to tell her and explain the
situation. She was surprised at his news but she scoffed at her father's
attitude. Robbie and Susan listened carefully and could only commiserate
with their father. It turned out that Robbie did a lot more.

They were at Paul's the next Thursday and the phone rang. Paul picked
up. Brian was on his laptop.

"Hello. Yes, this is Paul. Oh, Mrs Campbell do you want to talk to
Brian. Me? Yes we saw that on Saturday night. We enjoyed it
thoroughly. Good play, well acted and the issues had us talking for
days. Yes, he was upset but stoic." There was a long period of silence as
Paul listened. "I have had few such gracious invitations in my life. I
would love to be there. Robbie said that? Yes, we have become quite
close. Mutual respect I think. I think maybe you had better speak to Brian;
he is looking very perplexed but pleased from hearing one side of the
conversation. No, we were going to celebrate at the cottage, just the two
of us, but this will be more special for me. OK, Isabelle it is. Thank you
so much."

Brian took the telephone and by time he was finished, he was as surprised
as Paul and even more pleased. Robbie had phoned and quietly outlined why
he and Susan could not attend if Dad and Paul were absent. He had
specifically talked to his grandfather first and then to his
grandmother. He had explained and was blunt that his Dad and Paul were now
family to him and Susan and they would have to spend Thanksgiving wherever
they were.  He let them know that they would come to visit sometime later
in the Fall before Christmas. He apparently said a lot of positive things
about Paul and the relationship between him and their Dad. His mother
assured Brian that his father would be on his best behaviour. The tone of
her voice was the same as the afternoon at his parents' home. Both were
very emotional after Brian ended the call with his mother.

Paul suggested a quick visit to Robbie and Susan and a supper on the night
the kids were free this weekend. It turned out that only Sunday was
available. It was strange but Brian took the back seat. Paul took the
lead. His greeting of Robbie was like a proud father of his son and no less
for Susan. He let them know how special he felt, having them as friends and
supporters and family.

During the evening, it finally dawned on Paul; he finally realized that he
had family for the first time in years. He liked the feeling. No, it was
what he had needed for a long time. He began to feel like a father to Susan
and Robbie.


Author's Note:
I cannot leave the story like this. There is another chapter being written.


If you liked this story, you might want to read the others that I have
published on Nifty. In particular, Unexpected Change has had the most
positive comments; one of my favourites is Getting My Act Together.

Unexpected Change, Nifty, College, April 16, 2011
Friendship, Nifty, Adult Friends, May 20, 2011
Surprising Last Year at University, Nifty, College, June 9, 2011
Murder Changed My Life, Nifty, Beginnings, July 8, 2011
What is Love?, Nifty, Beginnings, August 31, 2011
Getting My Act Together, Nifty, Adult-Friends, November 10, 2011
Surprised, Nifty, Adult-Friends, January 14, 2012
Surprised Eric and Dave, Beginnings, February 10, 2012
Surprised Graham and Robert, Nifty, Adult-Friends, March 22, 2012
What a Difference a Year Makes, Adult-Friends, May, 2012