Date: Tue, 9 Aug 2022 08:14:24 -0400 From: JJ Rockwood Subject: Zachary All Grown Up Chapter 94 Zachary All Grown Up Chapter 94 By JJ [ jjrockwood000@gmail.com ] People you all know the drill by now. Please give what you can to keep this great site alive and free!!! Chapter 94 Thursday dragged with it being our last day. I sat with Stanley to go over what had to be done for Friday and Saturday and if there was enough work to bring one body in. From what I could tell no one was keen about working except for maybe Sebastian. I say 'Stanley If you are not sure ask Jim.' Zachary and I were told to have a safe trip by the guys. On the way home I stopped and topped off his tank again so we would be all set next week. When we got home Zachary started on laundry right away and I cleaned out our lunch boxes and looked at what we were going to eat for supper. Maria called and invited us over for supper and I told her I wanted to finish up the leftovers here and she says 'Come for coffee and later.' Supper was good we had chicken salad, ham, bean, coleslaw, and some mashed sweet potatoes. I helped him fold and put away the laundry we were going to work out at home tomorrow. We didn't have to leave till mid- morning; check in time was at noon and it was only 2-3 hour ride north and basically all highway. We crossed the street and all the snowmen have basically kept their shape the days haven't been that sunny and the temp has gone no higher than 35 degrees. I ask 'If you don't mind can you get me just a gallon of milk and some halos if they look good.' Maria asks 'Are you sure that is it?' I answer 'Yes I will go Monday morning for the week and the milk with Stephen staying Sunday night is all I really need. I am taking the last of the fruit with us so the halos are also a snack for him.' The talk turns to Mario's brother he is having worse days than better ones. Maria says 'Dan is going to come home Tuesday.' They are going to spend a few days in Pennsylvania. I say 'Zachary if you want to go I will get you set up with a few days of Family Leave.' Before he could answer Mario says 'No save it for the funeral. He might not know you and you need to work. When the time comes you can pay your respect at the wake and funeral. I will need you there then.' Zachary looked hurt and Maria spoke up 'Poppi isn't saying that to hurt you. It is he doesn't want you to see your Uncle this way.' Mario spoke again 'Zachary you have experienced enough sadness in your young life already. There is no reason for you to see this remember him the way he was.' Zachary smiled weakly says 'Poppi I understand.' Maria says 'I have to tell Andrea I won't be here Wednesday for Stephen all this happened in the last two hours.' I say 'Tell her if she or Sr. can't make it I will leave work early to meet the bus.' Maria says 'I will in fact I'm going to call her right now.' She gets up and leaves the room. The talk goes to the club and the upcoming bocce season. Mario says 'I'm expecting you two and your brother Anthony to play we have already lost a guy.' I ask 'Who what happened?' Mario answers 'Joseph he is moving to Virginia.' Zachary says 'I suck are you sure you want me Poppi?' Mario says 'You will do well. You are my grandson.' Zachary laughs 'If you say so.' Maria returns and says 'Jared she will let you know Sunday.' We say our goodnights and go home. The two of us are in bed and I know my Zachary. I ask 'What is bothering you?' Zachary turns and faces me answering 'Does my grandfather think I'm weak?' I am surprised and ask 'What makes you say that?' Zachary says 'The way he jumped about not wanting me to go to Pennsylvania with them.' I pull him close and 'Aww Pup that is nothing of the kind. I think he wants to protect you from the pain just like your grandmother said. I don't know how much you remember of your mom or my Carol but this disease is completely different.' Zachary answers 'I don't remember that much of my mom's illness but Carol I watched get sick looking and tired all the time.' I say 'With this your Uncle will look the same healthy and vibrant but it will be like seeing a stranger they look right through you they have no clue whether you are son, brother, wife, daughter, etc. They look healthy the pain they are in you can't see for some people suffering with it they know they are losing their memories. I don't think your grandfather is going to handle this himself that may be another reason he doesn't want you to go not to see his own weakness.' Zachary says 'I could never think less of him.' I answer 'I know that but Mario is old school in a lot of ways. Granted he has accepted you and us and would fight anyone for us but this is his past that is also disappearing.' Zachary says 'I get it now.' He kisses and turns over an we fall asleep. I stay in bed till 5:30 then I get up I can't lay there any longer. I have my coffee and look out my front window. I see my grandson's room lit up and think the poor kids their day is just starting but at least it is Friday. I go down and get my workout in then go up and wake up Zachary. Surprisingly he gets right up and goes down and works out. I strip our bed and start the laundry. The wash and he are done at the same time. I throe the sheets in the dryer and we go up to shower and shave. Zachary has put out clothes for us to wear and while I bring down our bags he starts the last load of towels and our gym stuff. I make him stop and eat breakfast while I bring up the sheets to make the bed. We both are wearing track pants and sweatshirts after all we are only driving and maybe stop for lunch somewhere. After the bed is made and the last of the laundry comes out and is folded and brought up I can tell he is happy he doesn't want to come home to do anything except what laundry we bring back. I pack some water and some fruit to take with us and start bringing things out to my truck. I make sure everything is off, timers and heat set and I lock up and we are off. The drive should take us no longer than two hours. The sun is starting to peak out. Thankfully there isn't any bad weather in the forecast from here to there. The two of us listened to music held hands when we could. There wasn't much conversation it was good just being the two of us nothing needed to be spoken. We decided to wait till we got there to eat neither one of us was hungry. The directions were simple enough and the area was like a postcard they didn't have as much snow as us but everything was snow covered and white the roads were impeccably clean and dry. Vermont knows how to clear roads. The inn was beyond belief it was large but only had four or so guest rooms which at this time I couldn't figure out why with the size of the place. The two owners met us when we arrived they were a young gay couple in their forties. They showed us to our room and this was when I realized why there were only four or five rooms to stay in. Our room was huge it had to be at least 40x40. There was a big double four poster bed, a working fireplace, two wing back chairs and a small loveseat in front of the bed. There were two high boy bureaus and our own bath, no tub but a good size shower. The room was decorated and looked like you were back in 1776 the only thing different was the huge hurricane lamps were electric instead of oil. The inn provided breakfast and a light lunch and dinner nothing extravagant and to my delight there was coffee all day. We and two couples were the only guests staying there for the weekend. We got settled and decided we would have lunch here. The owners asked if they could join us for lunch. I wasn't sure but I thought it would be good for us to meet another couple. They were 45 and 48 and had been together for twenty years. They both were born and raised in Massachusetts. They met working in finance in Boston and both were tired of the grind and decided to go into business and have been opened for almost six years. They are not looking to make a fortune just enough to stay afloat and by keeping it small they keep their prices down and have a lot of repeat customers. This is actually their slow time of the year they are booked usually from spring right up to the New Year. They don't get the skiing crowd they a little more rowdy than their normal cliental. Their names are Marc and Matt. They asked about us and I let Zachary tell our story. They were impressed with our story and so was I with the way he told it. Zachary gave the joist of our relationship without divulging the whole story. They asked about marriage and Zachary says not right now for outside reasons. Matt the elder says 'We have been together for twenty years and married for five. That was only to protect each other with this business just in case something would happen to one of us.' Marc says 'My family still hasn't accepted me or Matt for that matter and I'm 45. You have to do whatever you have to do to survive.' I say 'Our families are great there is no problem there but there are young kids that don't need the stupidness from the outside world right now.' Zachary nodded. I had a turkey bacon lettuce and tomato, Zachary had a traditional bacon lettuce and tomato and Matt and Marc had Reuben's. They told us there was no ice skating it hasn't been cold enough to freeze the nearby pond and if we wanted we could walk to the center of town to burn off lunch. It was only two or so miles each way. They also suggested we could have dinner in our room tonight. I liked that idea. We left after lunch and walked to town there were a lot of Antique shops and your normal grocery, drug and what not. The closest Costco, BJ's, Walmart and Target were almost ten miles away. Zachary and I made notes as of what stores to hit. When we got back we met the other two couples both straight and in their 50's. Matt asked 'What do you think of our little town?' I answer 'Big enough to cover all the necessities. Which of those Antique shops do you recommend?' Matt says 'What are you looking for?' Zachary answers 'Basically Christmas from the 40's and 50's and there are some old crock bowls my grandmother still uses.' Matt lit up 'Well there is a barn outside of town and they have the most extensive old Christmas I have ever seen and are reasonable as far as anything else the shops in town are very eclectic.' Zachary says 'Are they open now?' Matt looked at his phone and says 'They close at three but are open 9 to 3 Tuesday to Sunday.' I say 'They may not have much seeing it was just Christmas.' Matt says 'No they have pickers from all over the country sending them stuff plus up here people get rid of a lot after the holidays not to bother putting it away.' I have to admit I was kind of excited to check it out. We ordered shepherd's pie and a salad for supper and passed on dessert. I know he packed a tin of cookies. In the room I sat in one of the overstuffed winged Hitchcock chairs and of course it wasn't long when Zachary was on my lap. Zachary says 'Jared I can't believe how comfortable this place is. It is like something out of magazine. Did you check out all the fireplaces in this place they have to be original the brick and stonework is unbelievable. I keep waiting for George Washington and Thomas Jefferson to show up.' I laugh 'They have some great pieces of furniture here. I know these chairs and sofa are Hitchcock and the bureaus, table and bed are Ethan Allen.' Zachary whispers 'I bet that bed is going to be comfortable. I think we should come here around Halloween or the fall it has to be pretty scenic with the foliage.' I say 'I think that might be in September up here they are like a month ahead of us. I will ask when they bring supper.' Dinner came at 5:15. Matt says 'I have a feeling you guys are early eaters and risers.' Zachary says 'How did you guess?' Matt says 'By the way you guys ate lunch and left to work it off. Marc and I are the same. Now for breakfast look at the menus and make your selections we start serving at 6am leave them on the cart in the hallway and Jared I brought you a full carafe of hot coffee and creamer for the night. Zachary is there anything I can get you? There is always the dining room it is supplied with water, juice, milk, soda, etc.' We thanked him and I asked 'When is peak foliage season up here and are you still taking reservations?' Depending on the weather our peak can be anywhere from the last week in September to the first two weeks of October. We don't get that many leaf peepers our rush is all summer till September then we pick up near Halloween and go right to New Year and we are already booked for Valentine's Day and Memorial Day and Fourth of July.' I say 'Thanks that is good to know.' The shepherd's pie was, well the only way to describe it was the greatest I ever had. Zachary agreed and says 'Jared I'm going to ask if we can get two to go for Sunday when we leave it will be perfect for dinner and I think Stephen will like it.' I answer 'I was thinking the same thing we have the cooler in the back what is the worse they say no.' I think this was the longest we ever sat at a table eating without someone getting up to do something or get something etc. there was no lacking of conversation. Every time there might have been a lull in the conversation I would catch him staring at me and I would say 'What?' Zachary would get red and put his head down smiling. I ask 'Do I have something stuck in my beard or teeth?' Zachary lifting his head answers 'I can't believe we are here, what our life has become and I think I am the luckiest guy on this earth and I pray every day thanking God not to let this be a dream.' I look at him reaching across the table take his hand and squeeze it and say 'Pup this isn't a dream. If it is then I am having the same one.' I kiss his hand and watch him get glassy eyed. The meal was finished and the two of us finished the shepherd's pie and most of our salads. For breakfast we settled on oatmeal made from stone cut oats and fruit. I know boring but we had a big day ahead of us antiquing. Zachary ran down to get some milk ot go with his cookies and I made a cup of coffee. Zachary says 'There is only one couple in the dining room eating. The place is quiet.' He dug the tin out of his backpack and opened it. There was a note from Stephen and Eric it says 'Enjoy your weekend.' The cookies hit the spot and the coffee was okay. I'm spoiled it wasn't mine or Starbucks. After the cookies I pushed the cart out into the hall. I settled in one of the big wing chairs and Zachary got on my lap. I groaned but it was only to break his balls. The fireplace was lit and it was dark outside and the room was warm and cozy. Zachary says 'You are awfully quiet what are you thinking about?' I kiss him and answer 'Just being thankful that you are in my life.' Zachary says 'Seriously?' I answer 'Yes, you don't realize how having you around has helped me cope at different times in my life. Zachary looks bewildered. I continue 'When Andrea moved away DJ was only a few years old and he was at that age where we were just starting to bond and then you moved across the street permanently and helping you with your Mom's passing filled that void you became a surrogate son or grandson then when my Carol got sick and died I was devastated and after Andrea and Chris left to go back to their families and lives there you were again as young as you were waiting for me every day on the porch waiting for me to come home. Because of you I planted a garden and kept the pool so that you could swim. You always seemed to know when I needed to have a human touch or connection.' With tears in his eyes, he says 'I didn't know. I knew you enjoyed having me around helping you with things even before my Dad and I moved in seeing you when I visited Noni and Poppi was the best thing. I didn't care what I was doing as long as I was with you. Then after my Mom and we lived here permanently there were times when I knew you were sad and I was sad because you were. I would climb on you or hug you but I needed that touch as much as you did. Like I have said I missed my Mom but there is more about Carol that I remember and missed.' I say 'I know at times your eyes were a giveaway but you never really were a crier back then but I could tell when you were hurting and I guess you did the same with me.' He laughs 'What do you mean not that much of a crier back then?' I smirk 'You do cry more now then back then.' He punched me. I wince 'Not that it is a bad thing.' Zachary says 'You were my hero always stoic and strong and I wasn't about to cry in front of you. But I did a couple of times.' I say quietly 'I guess that means we were always meant to be boyfriends.' He says 'I always dreamt it.' I ask 'How about a shower and bed it is almost 8:30.' Zachary answers by pulling me up and leading me to the bathroom. We shower quietly washing and then drying each other. While I brush my teeth he is in the bedroom. With just a towel wrapped around me I leave the bedroom. Zachary just left on of the lamps lit by the window and between that and the light from the fire the room has a nice glow. He has turned down the bed and put a huge bath sheet down. I assume in case there is any leakage. Plus we both have OCD about sleeping on sheets that we have lube and cum stains on them. I am leaning at the doorway watching him he as he drops his towel he will be twenty in four months and I can see his body maturing. He was always solid and muscular and we have always joked we may not have a six back but we have at least three or four and he has a flat stomach but there is a change the beginnings of a grownup's body. I have not quite a dad's bod but more hulking then a skinny cabana boy. I smile and think he may not be blood but he will be built like myself, Anthony, DJ, and poor Stephen who is on his way. Zachary comes over to where I am standing and whispers 'Are you okay?' I answer 'Just taking in the sight.' With that he takes my towel off of me and leads me to the bed. We kiss and get into bed. Zachary is on his back and I am on my side rubbing his flat stomach with my hand. I move down and play with his boner and with my finger take some precum and lick it off. I whisper 'As sweet as honey.' With both of his hands he grabs my face and kisses me giving me his tongue to suck on. Zachary's legs have spread apart and I start playing with his crack on cue his moaning has started and I find he is already lubed himself. He has been slowly jacking me and I have to stop him for I am already close. He whispers in my ear to enter him and I hesitate only for the fact I don't want this dance to end before it starts. I can't resist and I get between his legs and slowly enter him then like a vice I find myself trapped in a sea of legs and arms and he also has a lip lock on me. I can't move and even with that I feel myself getting close because his sphincter is pulsating on my hardon. I start doing the times tables in my head so I don't spurt and when I know I am safe I break the kiss smile and say 'Pup you have to loosen your grip a little.' Zachary gives me a little whimper and releases his hold and I start grinding into him. At least now I can chew on his nipples and neck but within ten minutes I shoot a huge load followed by him. We don't move till I start to go soft and start feel myself popping out of him. We go into the bathroom and wash and dry ourselves on the bath sheet. Zachary turns off the lamp and the fireplace and we climb back into bed. Zachary says 'Jared it feels like we are really in the colonial days. I answer 'I agree' as I rub his belly. The bed is very comfortable and with the blankets and comforters it isn't long before we are asleep. The night passed and before I know it my phone says it is 5:30. I push my boner under his balls and nibble on his neck. Zachary responds and turns over and kisses me and says 'We need a bed like this at home I never moved all night and neither did you.' He giggles as I hug him hard. I say 'Do you realize other than walking into town later we will not have a workout till we get home.' Zachary smirks and says 'Get over it. You will be lucky if you gain a pound.' I say 'Let me get up and piss.' I get up and he whistles as I go to the bathroom. I come back and light the fireplace it is still dark out and one of the big gone with the wind lamps and slip back into bed. I have to admit the room is warm, cozy and romantic. I am quiet and Zachary nudging me says 'Jared I can feel your cock but where ae you?' I answer 'I'm thinking how I can put a fireplace in our bedroom home and thinking about getting bedroom furniture like this.' Zachary says 'There is nothing wrong with your bedroom furniture what would you do with it?' I answer 'I was thinking either DJ or Stephen. Both of their rooms are big enough for it to fit and we can keep one of the bureaus if need be. I don't think the fireplace is feasible my room is nowhere near the chimney.' Zachary says 'There are two downstairs that is enough. But maybe you can put in a bay window and we can get two chairs and a table like it is here.' I say 'That is definitely doable the triple window that is there now is huge. Maybe paint or paper both bedrooms we did downstairs during Covid.' Zachary asks 'Are you sure? After all' and he stops. I say 'Zachary this is our house now and our bedroom. There is no disrespect to Carol. In her own way she knew before me that we would be together from what she told Andrea and Maria. We should ask them where they got this furniture at breakfast.' Zachary says 'The stores in town open at 8 and the one with all the Christmas stuff opens at 9. It is almost seven now if you want to eat before we go.' For the past hour or so we kissed and nibbled and talked and I didn't realize that much time had gone by. I say 'Let's shower and go to breakfast.' The two of us enjoyed a long hot shower and yes we both got off!! We were the only ones in the dining room and Marc came with coffee and juice as soon as we sat. Matt brought out the oatmeal and I ask 'Can both or either one of you join us?' They both answered 'We can let us grab some coffee. You two are the first ones up.' When they sat I say 'We have a few questions.' They looked apprehensive and I say 'Nothing bad just some info that's all.' They looked relieved and I continue 'First off can we buy two of those shepherd pies to take with us tomorrow uncooked of course. Second where can we find bedroom furniture, the chairs, tables, lamps like in our room?' Matt says 'We don't normally do take out only for good friends and guests we like so I will for you guys. What time are oyu leaving tomorrow morning and do you have a cooler with ice to keep them cold and I would recommend baking them off at some point tomorrow and no longer than that.' I say 'Thank you I appreciate and yes they are for afternoon dinner tomorrow. I have a big cooler all I have to do is buy ice for it.' Matt says 'After you bake them they are good for two to three days. Don't buy ice we have ice machines here.' Marc says 'The wing chairs and some of the dining room are Hitchcock they are still in business actually I think in Connecticut. The other pieces are all Ethan Allen they still sell some hard rock maple but your room that has the dark pine were all bought online or at swap meets, flea markets, and second hand shops they don't make that anymore. The lamps are all second hand there is a manufacturer that still makes them but they are ridiculously overpriced. Look while you are here and there is always EBay.' Matt asks 'Are you redecorating?' Zachary says 'Just our bedroom. The rest of the house is country and looks colonial the dining room and most of wood pieces are maple.' I say 'Yes they are all Ethan Allen.' Marc says 'So basically you are looking for a bedroom set?' Zachary answers 'Yes and a couple of chairs and a table and some lamps basically we want to create what we saw here. I hope you don't mind' Matt says 'Not at all when anyone asks about the food or inn we take it as a compliment that we have done a good job.' Marc nodded in agreement. Another couple came into the dining room and the two took off to see to their guests. It was a little after eight when we left for town there were six stores to check out. Zachary got a couple of the old crockery mixing bowls Maria liked. We looked at a couple of lamps and the furniture there was nothing furniture wise but there was an interesting lamp but there was a hairline crack in it and the price was too high for something that damaged. Two of the stores took Zachary's number in case they got any pieces in that we were looking for. By now it was time to go hit the store that we heard about. When we walked in Zachary grabbed my arm and whispered 'I don't believe it.' I whisper back 'Don't look so eager the prices will go up.' A little more than half the store was old Christmas. I knew we would be here a while. The owner asks 'Is there anything in particular you are looking for?' I answer 'You never know but basically Ethan Allen furniture and lamps. But we are here to look at everything.' The owner smiled and says 'Take your time and browse. The lamps are scattered all over and my Ethan Allen pieces are in the far corner.' I felt like a kid in a candy store most of the Christmas was from the 1950's and 1960's and sprinkled with newer stuff. The stuff was in fair to excellent condition. I bought almost every set of outdoor lights they had some in the original boxes and most of the indoor lights. Zachary picked out a eight boxes of ornaments for Stephen and ourselves. There were a few of the old vinyl light ups Santa's and snowmen and a Noma angel my mom had when I was young. I took the angel and three Santa's they were in remarkable condition. Then Zachary was at my side he looked like he was going to have an orgasm and nudges me. I ask 'What?' He whispers 'On the last table there has to be at least two dozen of those wreaths that you and my Noni have.' I make my way over to that table and he is correct there are actually twenty-six of the wreaths. There were a few out for display and they were in terrific shape but who knows what the other two dozen were like. The owner came over and says 'If oyu are interested please take the others out of their boxes but I believe they are all in the same condition. He took the lights and ornaments and everything else I had to the front counter. Zachary helped me take them out of the boxes and I took all twenty-six. The owner says 'I have more but they are a different brand and a little bigger.' I say 'I would like to see them they may be what sister-in-law Becky is looking for.' They were the same and I took a pic and texted her to see if she wanted them and she did. Zachary spotted a tree top that he knew Stephen would like from seeing it on TV. There was nothing for us that we liked as far as the furniture but the owner did give us two dealers that dealt with primarily in what we were looking for. Zachary kept eyeing a lamp and I told him to buy it if he liked it that much. I say 'We have to start somewhere might as well be a lamp and if it doesn't work out we can put it in Stephen's room or the office. We spent so much that the owner gave us a 40% discount. Zachary says 'We are coming back in September or October.' We loaded everything into the SUV and were back just in time for lunch. At the inn we went to our room and cleaned up before we went to the dining room. It was just us for lunch the other two couples were still out sightseeing. Matt asks 'Do you guys like turkey with all the trimmings?' and we smiled. He says 'Great that is one of the dinner entrees and the usual which is steak and salmon on the grill. I got a couple of nice birds I really didn't want to freeze.' For lunch seeing we were going to have a big supper I opted for a salad and some fruit and so did Zachary. We made reservations for October 7 and 8 and would only miss a Monday at work instead of a Friday. Marc says 'If I don't have a booking for that Friday you can come up after work if you want and it will be half price.' Zachary says 'We aren't sure if there is Friday night game we won't be able to.' Marc says 'No problem football comes first. Who plays?' I answer 'My grandson.' Marc says 'Sweet.' Matt asks 'What time are you leaving tomorrow?' Zachary laughs 'If he could as soon as it starts getting light.' I say 'Whenever the two pies will be ready?' Matt says 'It doesn't take long the pastry and the filling are already made and frozen all I have to do is make the potatoes. They should be set by 6:00 or so.' I answer 'Perfect I wanted to be on the road by 6:30.' After lunch we decided to walk into town again and check out the other stores again. The air was crisp and clear and the walk was enjoyable. Out of the six stores there were only two we decided to check out again. Zachary wanted to look at the lamps again and maybe furniture we missed. Alas there was really nothing that stuck either of us. We walked back empty handed and went straight to our room. Dinner was at 5:15 and I decided to go up and sit with a cup of coffee. Of course it wasn't long before he was on my lap munching a cookie and occasionally giving me a bite. On his phone he was looking up lamps and furniture. Zachary found a few lamps he liked and almost wet himself when he found the four poster bed we were sleeping on. I laughed 'There has to be others closer than this one. Keep looking plus you haven't even checked out the two websites you were given. You know we me end up with a double instead of a queen after all this one is a double.' Zachary says 'The one I showed you is a double and I think there is plenty of room for the two of us.' I laugh again 'I'm sure do but just be prepared.' It was time to go to dinner and we went down to the dining room. There was only one other couple and they were almost finished the second couple staying opted on dinner in their room. We were seated and passed on appetizers wanting to enjoy the meal ahead of us. The meal consisted of turkey, homemade dressing, gravy, mashed potatoes, cream style corn, and corn bread. There wasn't anything missing except for sweet potatoes and peas. Everything was delicious Matt is really a good cook. I asked if they would join us for dinner but they were busy getting the meal ready that was being served in the room. Matt was grilling a steak and salmon outside. Marc says 'Maybe for coffee if you don't mind.' Zachary says 'No in fact we will provide the dessert if you don't mind homemade cookies.' Again this was one of the few meals that we actually sat and took our time. I don't think we did this since our first vacation in Maine. When we are at the plaza meals are usually hectic because we are either coming back from somewhere or have to be somewhere. When it came time for dessert I opted for tea. (I couldn't take their coffee anymore) Zachary had milk and brought down one of the tins of cookies we had. Matt and Marc both enjoyed the cookies and asked who made them. Zachary answered 'My grandmother and his grandson.' Matt asked 'The football player?' I answer 'No my youngest he is five.' Marc asks 'How many grandchildren do you have?' I answer 'My son has two girls and daughter has four boys.' Matt says 'Do you have any pics?' Zachary showed them the pics from Christmas and they both said they were all good looking kids. They wanted to know how we made out shopping. The two of filled them in and they were happy. Marc says 'The names we were given for the furniture were very reputable they have bought from them too. By the time we got to our room it was after eight. We both got in the shower and got off. Then after sat by the fire in just our towels and talked a little. The two of us were dozing and I turned off the fireplace and left a lamp lit low and we went to bed. While in bed Zachary whispered 'You know for President's day weekend we can go look at furniture that is out of state.' I smiled 'That is an excellent idea.' It wasn't long before we were both asleep. I was up at five and laid there enjoying the warmth of the bed and Zachary. I forced myself up at 5:30 to shower and shave. When I came out I started packing all our clothes which weren't many and I put a 100.00 dollar bill in the gratuity envelope for the guys since they did the housekeeping also. It was six when I woke up Zachary and he got right up to shower. We were downstairs at 6:30 loading our bags into the vehicle. Matt met us and said 'Bring your cooler into the back so we can fill it with ice. The pies are ready.' I thanked him again and tried to hand him a fifty which he refused. I said 'Zachary go make a final sweep of the room.' I secretly handed him the fifty and told him to put it the envelope with the hundred. My attitude always is to help the small business guys as much as possible. We were on the road by seven and the first thing I did was to look for a Starbucks and stopped for coffee and a hot chocolate for him. There wasn't much traffic and we were home for 9:30 stopping to fill up for gas. It didn't take long for us to unload the SUV. Zachary started laundry and I put on coffee and I had almost half of a gallon of milk left which was enough for me. We laid all the Christmas we bought on the dining room table for Stephen and Anthony to see. I planned on giving him most of the outdoor lights I bought I was only keeping what matched what I had. After the first load went in the dryer Zachary took the bowls he bought and I took the wreaths Maria would need to do their house and we went across the street. I was surprised Stephen hadn't called yet but his shade was still down. Maria had just taken French toast made with stale Italian bread out of the oven and it hit the spot. She cried when she saw the bowls and the wreaths and says 'No more now I have enough. I don't believe you found these and they look brand new. I'm paying for them.' I answer 'No they weren't that much believe me or I wouldn't have bought them.' Zachary says 'Noni he bought 26 of them and we bought so much the owner gave up a big discount.' I say 'Now we both have enough to do our entire houses and I even have one for Stephen's window if he wants it and spares for when they start to fall apart.' Maria says 'He will, all he did was mope around Friday and his brothers kept him busy yesterday.' I laughed 'I am surprised he hasn't called yet.' Zachary asks 'Where is Poppi? Are you still leaving Tuesday?' Maria answers 'He is at the IA club something about the bocce schedule and to add your three names to the roster. Your dad should be here by nine Monday night and we will leave after rush hour Tuesday morning. Just remember to get the mail and check the house we should be home either Thursday or Friday. Dan has to be back at work on Saturday. Andrea doesn't know if she needs you for Wednesday Jared.' I say 'That is no problem I can leave early then swing back and pick up Zachary you can get an hour overtime in.' Zachary says 'Tell my dad hi for me and maybe I can see him when you guys get back.' Maria says 'Of course.' She refuses to take money for the milk and halos and we go back home. I left the two pies in the cooler on the back deck the ice has not melted at all. It was then I noticed that these pies were bigger and that there was a note on the bottom pie. The note read 'I made you the family size if you wanted to have your family with you. Matt'. I went in and told Zachary to call his grandparents and to ask them what they were having for dinner and explained about the pies. While he did that I brought the luggage upstairs and the laundry that was finished and had to be folded and sat finally with a coffee. The house phone rang and naturally it was Stephen. Stephen says 'Papa you are home. Can I come over? I just ate breakfast. I am sleeping over tonight okay?' I answer 'Yes you can and yes you are. I will meet outside when you are ready.' Stephen answers 'No DJ says he will walk me over he wants to run on the treadmill.' We hang and Zachary comes in and says 'Noni is having soup and the chicken from the soup she made yesterday and tomorrow they are having pizza seeing they are leaving the next morning. She asked for me to get milk for when they come home.' I say 'Well I will ask the grandsons for supper and we will be eating the pies for the rest of the week.' Zachary says 'Fine with me I like it.' The two of us took the rest of the laundry up to be folded and put away. It didn't take long and we went down to have something to snack on. There were the halos and I decided to do make my shopping lists for tomorrow. Zachary just got settled on my lap when we heard the grandson's on the back deck. He smiled and kissed me and opened the back door. The two of them came in all bundled up, it was getting cloudy and colder. It was actually warmer while we were away. I got hugs from both of them and DJ headed right down to the treadmill. I asked 'Do you want a halo?' Stephen answered 'Yes please.' Zachary says 'How is school? What have you done this weekend so far?' Stephen says 'School is okay. Friday I went over Noni's before supper to help her make cookies she was taking to see someone. We didn't get any because you and I don't like them. Yesterday Eric and I played a video game and DJ and I watched a movie.' Zachary asks 'What movie?' Stephen says 'Captain America Civil War. DJ likes Scarlett somebody.' I say 'Johansson.' Stephen says 'Yeah her.' I ask 'Where are your clothes for tomorrow?' He says 'I will get them later. Don't I have clothes here I know I have pajamas and stuff.' I say 'Actually you do leave your clothes home you have more than enough here.' Zachary opens the remaining tin form our trip and he and Stephen munch on cookies. There is another tin that hasn't been opened yet. I continue with my lists and go through the flyers. I ask 'What do want for breakfast tomorrow?' Stephen says 'Mom made waffles this morning and French toast yesterday. Can we have eggs on English muffins or rolls with bacon? We had sausages for two days.' I answer 'No problem.' I get up and go downstairs and check the freezers and fridge. DJ has a good pace going on the treadmill. I have to laugh myself these boys are built like Anthony and myself. DJ says 'Papa you got a minute? Can I talk to you?' I answer 'Sure. What's up?' As he is doing his cool down he says 'Papa, Eric asked if you and Zachary were boyfriends and I said I didn't know and then asked if they were would it make a difference. Eric says not at all I think it is cool.' I didn't say a word. DJ continues 'I didn't think it was my place to tell him. I hope he doesn't get mad at me.' I say 'You are smart and mature for your age. I'm sure he will not be mad and I guess at some point I should talk to him but I don't know if he will be able to grasp it.' DJ says 'Papa I'm going on 16 and he is going to be 13. I think he will handle it better than Stuart.' I say 'I'm sorry I put you into this situation.' DJ laughs 'What situation? Eric always comes to me about things. We discussed girls and sex and pubic hair and things. I'm close to him always have been. I'm maybe a little closer to Stephen because he is the baby.' I say 'That is great.' DJ says 'The only strange one is Stuart. It's like he could care less about us.' I laugh 'All families have one.' I say 'Well I won't say anything for now. Maybe he will ask me like you did. I just don't want my grandsons to have to deal with any bullshit.' DJ smiles 'Papa don't worry about that we can take care of ourselves.' On the way upstairs I say 'Ask your brothers if they want to come for supper. I brought back this fantastic Shepherd's pie but it has lamb in it. I know you and Stephen like lamb but I'm not sure about the other two.' DJ answers 'I will be here definitely and I will let you know about the other two.' DJ hugs me and tells Zachary and Stephen goodbye and says 'See you later. Let me know what time dinner is.' He leaves and I say 'Stephen come and see what we brought back from Vermont.' Stephen is playing tic tac toe with Zachary and holds up a finger to say one second. We go into the dining room and he is amazed. Zachary shows him the ornaments he bought for him and the tree top. Stephen is ecstatically goes 'Zachary thank you these are like Papa's ornaments and that tree top is on some of those old shows and this is the one my teacher had on the tree in our room. Are some of these lights mine? Papa you found the wreaths like you and Noni have. Can I have one of these Santa's to hang on my door? Plug them in I want to see everything shoosting?' Zachary can't help laughing and I answer 'Yes some of these lights are yours for your new tree and you can pick out what Santa you want and you can have wreath for your window that faces my house if you want.' Zachary says 'Jared bought enough wreaths for Noni too.' Stephen says 'Can DJ have one for his window, ours are the only two windows that look this way?' I answer 'I think I have enough to spare one more.' I was going to call my brother when he texted me and wanted to see if I could talk. I told him to call the house phone which he did and Stephen answered. I hear Stephen laugh 'I just got here a little time ago. I wasn't here all weekend and neither was Papa and Zachary. Uncle Anthony you should see what they came home with all these Christmas things. Yes here he is. Bye.' He handed me the phone and took off. I hear him say 'Zachary come on plug these things in. I want to see them shoost.' Anthony says 'Hell-o Brother. I guess you had a good time.' I say 'Yes why don't you take a ride over and you get the wreaths I bought Becky and see what else I got. Did you go shopping today or are you coming with me tomorrow?' Anthony answers 'Yes I think I will go with you tomorrow only to BJ's though. I had to go to Shoprite today for sale things that you know usually sell out right away.' I answer 'That is okay. There isn't much I need there the bulk this week will be BJ's like it normally is.' Anthony says 'I'll see you in ten minutes.' I put on fresh coffee to brew knowing he will have a cup. Stephen is quiet and I go into the dining room and he mesmerized by everything. I say 'Stephen pick out the four boxes of ornaments you want and I will put your name on the bottom, you might as well leave everything here till next year. I will put them away with the lights, tree topper and your two wreaths.' Stephen says 'Okay everything is put away at my house except for my tree and nativity. Can I take my Santa home I can hang it on my door.' I say 'Of course you can leave it up for as long as you want use as a nightlight. I will put your things in your own bin till next year.' Stephen says 'Okay since my small tree is coming here next year. Did you see any trees there?' Zachary answers 'No actually there weren't any at all.' As I was coming back up from the cellar with an empty tote there was a knock at the back door. It was Anthony and he came in and took off his boots. Stephen stuck his head out of the dining room and yells 'Uncle Anthony come here! Zachary has everything shoosting!' Anthony laughs and leads toward the dining room as I turn off the coffee. Anthony exclaims 'My God you guys hit the mother-lode. Look at everything.' I say 'I am going to give you half of the outdoor lights to get started.' Anthony says 'Are you sure?' I answer 'Yes the indoor lights I am keeping for myself. Stephen wants a bigger tree next year. I know you have plenty of them now.' Anthony says 'Yes I have plenty of the indoor from my father- in-law. What did you do buy the place out?' Zachary says 'He bought every wreath they had and the majority of the outdoor lights.' I say 'As long as they were GE or Westinghouse I bought them.' Anthony says 'Geez even the ornaments are the same as when were kids. Oh my God that angel is the same one Mom had and liked so much.' I say 'Sorry you can't have that but there are two Santa's left you can take one if you want Stephen already picked out his.' Anthony says 'I will. How much do I owe you?' I answer 'Nothing it really wasn't that much and we bought so much the owner gave us 40% off the total.' Anthony says 'Are you sure?' I nod and 'Come on the coffee is ready.' Zachary says 'Let's fill your tote with your stuff and put it away for next year.' Stephen says 'Ok I don't want anything to happen to the stuff.' They pack all the lights the ornaments the tree top and two wreaths. Zachary goes down for another tote for my lights and ornaments and Santa. The angel is too big for a tote and we need a bigger tote for the sixteen wreaths that are left. The angel goes into two garbage bags and that goes down with everything else. The only thing left is the wreaths and Stephen's Santa and Zachary puts them downstairs on my work bench for the time being and the Santa gets brought upstairs to his room. I tell Anthony about the inn and suggest that he and Becky go there sometime. I tell him about the plan of redoing our bedroom and he says 'Becky's parents have a lot of pine furniture in storage up here and I'm sure it is Ethan Allen her mom worked in one of the stores. When they moved to Florida it wouldn't go down there. She likes it too much and it cost too much to throw it out as long as she was alive. None of her kids want it. I think there is a bedroom, living room, and dining room and maybe a kitchen set. You may be able to do your whole house over in dark pine. Let me ask.' I say 'Okay but it also depends, he has his mind set on a big four poster bed. Depending on what everything else looks like, I may do everything over. I'm going to contact a few people about the window before you know spring will be here.' The other two come up from the cellar laughing. I say 'What did you do?' Stephen says 'I made Zachary put my name on the tote. He says 'Who's going to take it?' Zachary says 'He says another Christmas nut like us.' Anthony says 'You never know.' The two go in to watch TV. Stephen says 'I'm putting the tree on.' At that moment DJ texts that just Eric and him are coming for supper. Stewie doesn't want lamb he is eating home.' I ask 'Do you want some of the shepherd's pie that there is plenty?' Anthony says 'Yes save me a piece for tomorrow. I will take it to lunch on Tuesday.' Anthony takes his haul and he leaves. I go in to see them watching 'The Walton's. The phone rings and it is Becky she says 'Thank you for the wreaths now I have enough to do the most of the house. I don't think they have ever been used. I have an Ethan Allen catalog and my mom marked everything she bought Anthony is going to bring it over now. Look and see if you guys want anything I'm sure my mom would let you have it. You are family and that is where she always wanted to go.' I told her thanks and Anthony was already at the back door. JJ I hope everyone is enjoying the summer it is already half over. Thanks to all for their emails and encouragement. Everyone feel free to reach out. PLEASE DONATE WHAT YOU CAN TO KEEP NIFTY ALIVE AND FREE !!!