Date: Fri, 26 May 2017 11:02:21 -0500
From: D B <donbon@gmail.com>
Subject: The Journey of a Lonely Heart - 8

The Journey of a Lonely Heart, Part 8 by DGB

This story is a product of my imagination, under my copyright, so no
reposting/publishing without my consent.  Hell has a special place for
copyright violators. If you are not of legal age or somewhere in which this
document is illegal, please stop reading and stay safe.

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

Trevor was working in the lab when the notification popped up on his
phone. Apparently a reservation tied to his frequent flyer account had just
been ticketed.  Normally this wouldn't be a problem, but Trevor wasn't
planning any travel.  He quickly washed his hands and sat down to figure
out what was going on.

The reservation was for a first class ticket to Puerto Rico in just over
three weeks, on his birthday weekend.  So this is what Derek had been
teasing him about the last week.  His partner had kept telling him not to
make any plans for that weekend, but had been infuriatingly mute about what
he had planned.  Trevor couldn't stay mad at the man though; the last seven
months together had made him happy in ways he never thought were possible.

Anytime he had a bad day, Derek was waiting at home to make him smile.  He
always had a cuddle buddy to watch movies with on rainy nights, and a
reliable partner in crime for pranking Tiffany; the ultimate dining
companion for margaritas and fajitas for two. He was the man that kissed
him goodnight, and grunted hello every morning; words usually had to wait
for coffee.  Derek filled holes in his life he didn't even know he had
before they met.

They had never talked about marriage, but the idea had been on Trevor's
mind a lot lately.  There was no doubt about the love and commitment
between them, but he wanted something more official.  A public declaration
that they belonged to each other until death do they part. Derek was going
to be so disappointed that the surprise trip had been ruined.

Trevor was still debating if he could pull off acting surprised as he
pulled up the shared clinic calendar to book the time off. All the staff
used the same calendar when they would out of the office, to indicate which
doctors would be covering patients during an absence.  Not only was
Trevor's trip already recorded but his patients had already been split
between Tiffany and another colleague.  Any sympathy for Derek's surprise
being spoiled evaporated instantly. This meant Tiffany was in on the plan,
and would need to be appropriately paid back.

It was a few minutes after six when Derek walked in from work, "Hey sorry
I'm late."  He gave his partner a quick kiss hello, "Robyn and I worked
late with the lawyers reviewing contracts for that new endowment.  Let me
change clothes and then I'll help you finish dinner."

Trevor waited until they were almost done eating before he sprung his trap.
"Honey, I've been thinking about my birthday.  I know you've been planning
something, but I just don't feel much like celebrating this year.  Can we
just keep things low key? Just stay home that weekend, maybe have Jenn and
Tiffany over for dinner, nothing extravagant."

Trevor had to reach for his iced tea and take a sip to keep from giggling.
The look on his lover's face was priceless.  "I uh," Derek was stumbling
over his words, "I was planning something else, but if that's what you want
I can cancel.  I just want you to be happy."

"Yes that's what I want." Trevor couldn't contain his mirth any longer, "Or
you know, we could fly to Puerto Rico for the weekend."

The napkin flying across the table hit his head.  "Did Tiffany tell you?
I'm going to kill her," Derek huffed.

Trevor was laughing too hard to answer right away. "You were defeated by
technology.  The ticket popped up on my frequent flyer app."

"Dang it!  I thought I had it all planned out to surprise you," Derek was
mock pouting.

Trevor stood up and pulled his partner up into a deep kiss.  "I'm sorry
your surprise got ruined." Another quick kiss, "I won't ask you any details
so you can surprise me with everything else."

Derek wrapped his arms around the smaller man, "I love you so much.  You
know I'll do anything to make you happy."

"I love you more," Trevor massaged the base of Derek's neck as passion
poured into the next kiss.  "You are so getting laid tonight.  Now help me
with the dishes."

=============================================

True to his word Trevor didn't ask for any details of the trip right up
until the night before they left. "Do I need to pack anything other than
shorts and t-shirts, maybe a few polo shirts?"

"Yeah, bring a pair of khakis and maybe a button up shirt just in case.  I
don't plan on us going anywhere too fancy but you never know," Derek
answered.

The fancy would be coming to them, but Trevor was just going to have to
wait to find out about that.  His first clue about what the weekend held
came during the flight when Derek ordered them both champagne.  Normally
Trevor wasn't much for alcohol while flying, but this time he made an
exception.  By the end of the drink service they were holding hands, their
fingers intertwined.

The next surprise waited in baggage claim.  Amongst the motley assembly of
cab drivers a distinguished gentleman in a crisp black suit stood out, the
iPad in his hand displaying Trevor's name. The driver insisted on taking
the luggage as he led them outside to a waiting black limousine, complete
with darkly tinted windows.

The ride to the hotel was almost too short for Trevor since he was having
fun snuggled up against his lover.  Instead of letting them out at the
front door the limo drove into the parking garage and stopped in front of a
red carpet where a friendly looking brunette was waiting for them.  Derek
got out first and greeted the woman, "You must be Angela.  It's nice to put
a face to the name finally."

"It's good to meet you Mr. Evans. I've personally checked to make sure
everything we've discussed is in place."  She turned to Trevor, "And you
must be Doctor Smith.  I'm Angela and I'll be taking care of you both this
weekend. If there is anything you need please just ask anyone on staff to
give me a call and I'll take care of it."

Trevor grinned, "In that case, can you tell me what he has planned next?"

The woman laughed before answering, "I'm sorry sir, but I've been sworn to
secrecy.  " She then handed them each a gold tone plastic room key and
said, "Why don't you head on up to the room and I'll have your bags
delivered.  You'll need to use the room key in any of the elevators on the
property to reach the penthouse floor."

The men stepped into the elevator and Derek swiped the room key, amused
that the light for the penthouse lit automatically.  Trevor was a little
less than amused, "Babe, you really didn't need to spend this much on me.
I'd be just as happy at home as long as you were with me"

"Oh hush.  What good is having money if I can't spend it making the man I
love happy? I still have savings left from selling my house and the
remodel. If it makes you feel any better the airport limo service is
complimentary with the room."

The elevator came to a stop on the twenty-fourth floor before Trevor could
respond.  Derek led the way to room P2, unlocked the door and bowed with a
flourish, "Your home for the weekend awaits."  For once in his life Trevor
was rendered speechless.

The door opened into a lushly appointed hotel suite, with distinctive
living and dining areas, two walls made of floor to ceiling windows.  The
living area included a plush sofa facing a pair of overstuffed chairs and a
flat screen television.  The dining area featured airy crystal chandelier
over a round table, a gleaming white marble top sparling in the afternoon
sun.  The table only had four chairs, but it could easily seat six to
eight.

But for the moment Trevor ignored all of that and headed straight for the
glass doors directly ahead that opened onto a private terrace.  The balcony
had a pair of lounge chairs and a drink table for sunbathing as well as a
covered area with a two person dinette set. The railings were clear glass,
allowing unobstructed views over the Atlantic Ocean.

Derek waited by the door for their luggage, knowing that if he joined
Trevor on the terrace there was a good chance they'd be indecent by the
time the bellhop arrived.  The knock on the door came fairly quick, with a
waiter pushing in a service cart followed by the bellhop.  "Angela sends
her regards.  Please accept this cheese and fruit platter and bottle of
champagne on behalf of all of us at the hotel.  We look forward to making
your stay memorable."

Derek tipped both the boys generously and locked the door behind them.
With two glasses of bubbly he joined his lover on the balcony to look out
over the rolling waves.  "Happy birthday hon. I want to make this a weekend
you remember forever."

Trevor took the proffered flute and toasted the other man, "To us. May we
cherish each other forever."

Each man took a sip before setting the glasses on the dinette for a kiss.
With a roguish grin Trevor asked, "No one can see us up here, right?"

It would be another hour before they explored the bedroom and bathroom of
the suite.

======================================

Trevor woke up much later than usual, a few stray sunbeams coming through
the part of the black out curtains. He laid there thinking about the man
holding him, trying to stay still in case he was asleep.  Derek noticed the
change in his lover's breathing, and bent his head to place soft kisses
along his neck.

"Happy Birthday," Derek said between kisses. "I love you."

Trevor rolled over, a single tear rolling down his cheek. "No one has made
my birthday special since my parents died," he confessed.  "My mom always
used to make such a fuss.  The first birthday after the accident I barely
left the house, it just hurt too much.  I had convinced myself I'd never
find anyone that loved me as much as they did. But then I met you..."

At a complete loss for words, Derek did the only thing he could think of
and tightly hugged his companion, "Oh sweetie, I love you."

"I love you too."

They laid in peaceful silence for several minutes just holding each other
close before Trevor finally scooted away a bit with a hint of a smile, "So
what do you have planned for us today?"

"Well, I have a tour booked for the historical area this morning, and then
I thought we could explore the old Spanish forts and grab some lunch.
We've got some free time before a couples massage on the beach late this
afternoon.  Dinner is a surprise." Derek paused to gauge the reaction, "Or
we can just relax here.  It's your birthday."

Trevor was all smiles now, "Sounds good, but what's for breakfast? We never
really had dinner last night and I'm hungry."

"No plan.  We can either order room service or go downstairs and maybe snag
a table by the beach."

==============================

Angela had anticipated everything and had a quiet table for two with an
amazing beach view reserved for them.  They both ordered eggs benedict with
hash browns and a side of fresh fruit, and of course Derek got his coffee.
After a quick change from sandals to walking shoes they caught a cab to the
historic district.

Trevor was more than a little hesitant when Derek led the way to a little
shop with segways leaning against the wall.  "Are you sure about this? I've
never been on one of those things."

"Don't worry it's easy," Derek assured him. "They do a training class for
the first few minutes, it's really easy to get the hang of."

By the end of the tour the two men were racing around so much the
instructor had to chastise them to slow down.  Instead of heading to the
forts they ended up just walking through a street fair, looking at all the
kitschy knickknacks for sale and just enjoying each other's company.  At
lunch they found a little mom and pop place where Derek insisted they get
mofongo, a traditional Puerto Rican dish made with fried plantains.  Trevor
couldn't get enough and declared a new mission to find a restaurant back
home that served the dish.

Back at the hotel they decided to "save time" by using the large shower
stall in their hotel suite together when they rinsed off before heading for
their massages.  The spa receptionist greeted them warmly, "Good afternoon
gentlemen.  Pablo and Javier are just getting the couples cabana cleaned up
and ready to go.  If you'd like to change into your robes they should be
here in just a minute."

After they changed, Derek was surprised to see Angela waiting outside the
change room with the two masseurs.  "Mr. Evans, I'd like to have a quick
word with you about this evening," she smiled. "The guys can take Dr. Smith
down to the cabana and I'll walk you down myself in just a minute."

They waited until Trevor was out of earshot before she continued, "I know
we have the Chef's table reserved for you in the kitchen tonight, but I
have something you might like better.  The resort next door is setting up
for a beach wedding this afternoon, so I called over and talked to my
counterpart.  The wedding is at sunset, and about half hour after dark they
will be shooting fireworks over the ocean.  I can have a dining table setup
on your terrace while you are here in the spa, and have your first course
delivered to your suite at 6:30 sharp.  That should be perfect timing for
the two of you to have an intimate steak dinner with sunset for a backdrop,
and you'd be in a perfect position for the fireworks show."

Derek didn't even try to hide his huge grin. "Angela you are amazing! I
will be making a point to inform your management that you have gone above
and beyond to make this trip perfect."

Two hours later Derek and Trevor returned to their room, hand in hand and
completely relaxed.  Derek noticed that the sheer drapes had been pulled
across part of the windows, barely concealing the table setup on the
terrace. Perhaps he could distract Trevor with a long shower to hide the
dinner surprise a bit longer.

Trevor made it easy to keep the surprise by declaring he wanted to lay down
and rest before dinner, cuddling included.  Derek bowed dramatically, "As
you wish."

At 6:15 he nudged his partner to get dressed for dinner, nothing fancy just
shorts with t-shorts.  Right on schedule the knock came on their door,
surprising the birthday boy.  Trevor just stood with his mouth open as two
waiters wheeled a cart to the terrace doors, and pulled back the drape to
reveal that the simple dinette had been replaced by a proper table complete
with white linen table cloth.  The waiters quickly set the table and
arranged battery powered candles around the terrace before seating the
couple.

Derek held his breath as the waiter poured a glass of red wine and handed
it to his beloved for tasting.  Trevor swirled the wine briefly before
taking a sip, savoring the rich flavor, "I love it. This tastes just like
my favorite chianti." Noticing the smile on Derek's face he turned to look
at the bottle.  "Oh my gosh, they actually have it here?"

"Angela special ordered it for tonight just for you."

The waiters served a chilled fruit soup as an appetizer, and departed after
confirming how the steaks should be cooked and dessert selections.  The sky
was lit in brilliant pastel hues as the sun started to set.  It seemed like
the two men always had something to talk about, even after all these
months, and tonight was no different.

Derek excused himself to the restroom a few minutes into dinner to give
himself an opportunity to transfer the small felt covered box from his
suitcase to his pocket.

The pair of waiters let themselves back in a short time later, the metal
cart now filled with the rest of the meal.  The lead waiter informed them
that their desserts were waiting under a glass dome on the cart, as well as
a second bottle of wine just in case.  "If you need anything else just give
room service a buzz and we will be right up.  We won't plan on cleaning any
of this until tomorrow unless you call and ask us to."

The meal was perfect; the steaks were excellent cuts of meat, seasoned
simply with salt and pepper and grilled to perfection.  Trevor fell in love
with the sweet plantain side dish Derek had ordered for them, and added
them to the list of food to find in Houston.

Darkness had fallen by the time they dug into the crème brulee.  Trevor
tried to convince Derek that he could make similar desserts at home if got
a miniature blowtorch as a late birthday present, but mostly he just wanted
an excuse to play with fire.  In the end they agreed to share the new
`tool'.

Derek was leaning against the railing just watching the waves roll in when
Trevor got back from his own restroom trip.  Listening closely they could
just barely make out the music from the band playing down on the beach as
part of the wedding party.  Trevor broke the silence, "Thank you for making
this one of the most memorable days of my life.  I'll never forget this day
as long as we live. There's only one thing that could make this better."

Derek turned ready to make a sarcastic remark about being greedy, but the
words were lost as he audibly gasped.  Trevor was down on one knee, his arm
extended outwards with a small box, a thin titanium band glimmering in the
moonlight.  "Derek Evans, will you marry me?"

Too stunned for words the larger man just nodded his assent.  Both men had
tears in their eyes as they closed the distance between them to share a
gentle kiss.  But instead of wrapping his arms around the smaller man,
Derek took a step back, and slowly kneeled himself.  "You sort of ruined my
last surprise," he started, pulling the box from his pocket, "but I still
want to ask.  Trevor Smith, will you marry me?"

Trevor's smile was larger than ever, his dimples on full display.  "Yes of
course I will."

The fireworks started to explode and fill the sky with brilliant lights
moments after their lips met, a magical ending to the perfect day.

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

Author note: This chapter took me a bit longer than planned to get written,
but I'm fairly happy with the end product.  A big thank you to all those
that have emailed me - sorry if I failed to reply to anyone.  I have at
least one, maybe two, chapters of this story to share when I find the right
words.  I'm always happy to get feedback: donbon@gmail.com