Date: Thu, 18 Aug 2022 14:16:28 -0400
From: Master Will <mastersounder2015@gmail.com>
Subject: Hard as Nails CH 15

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Hard As Nails: Ch 15 -- Sunday Surprises


Sunday morning found everyone sleeping in. Clay had gotten up at 6:30 and
tried to nuzzle his Chief's dick to try to get a rise out of him. He got
his Sir's stiff cock, but Sean remained asleep. He nursed on his husband's
cock for ten minutes without getting any further response. Clay thought to
himself, "Usually I get some sort of response. He must really be very
tired. I'll let him sleep."

The former Steeler got up and wandered downstairs. He fixed Sean's coffee
as well as one for himself and returned to the bedroom. He placed his
husband's cup on the nightstand and returned downstairs to the office.

Clay sat down in his desk chair and started going through Saturday's
mail. He noticed a box sitting on the red leather wingback chair in the
corner. Getting up he retrieved the package and saw it was addressed to
Gunnar Walls from Eduardo Castillo. The box was 23" x 18" and weighed at
least five or six pounds.

Clay looked at the clock. It was only 7:18. He knew Gunnar was usually an
early riser. Yet no one appeared to be up and moving about. He went back to
sorting and opening the mail. He got caught up in a grant proposal that
would expand both the wind farm and the solar project. Before he knew it,
it was 8 o'clock.

Pushing the intercom for Gunnar's room he asked, "Gun are you awake?"

"Morning Dad! How are you this morning? I love you."

"I love you too, son. I am well. I was going through the mail and found a
package from Eduardo Castillo addressed to you here in my office."

"Finally! I've been waiting for over a month for them to arrive. I'll be
right there." The teen ran downstairs, out of T2, across the patio, and
into the main house. He crossed the kitchen and passed the family room, and
the laundry room, and headed into his father's office.

"Anxious for something I gather," his dad stated.

"I had hoped they would have arrived for Father's Day. That's why I had to
punt and give you two the white work socks."

"A most practical gift and very much appreciated."

"Well, I want to see these first, but you'll get them later today after I
wrap them properly," he kissed his father's bearded cheek, grabbed the
package, and returned to his room.

Sean meandered into the office a few minutes later. "Morning my
love. Thanks for the coffee." Chief kissed his husband and stuck his
coffee-soaked tongue into his mouth and played tongue wrestling for a
minute or so. He asked Clay, "Was that Gunnar rushing around earlier?"

"Yes. He got a package yesterday from Eddie. I found it this morning on the
chair over there. Did you put it there?"

"Not guilty!" Sean took a sip of coffee.

Clay's phone rang. The caller ID showed it was RJ. "Morning RJ, how is my
number 1 brother doing this morning?"

"I'm fine. Mom just informed me I'm going to church this morning. She
doesn't insist often, but she sure stressed it today. She's got something
up her sleeve. I'll let you know what it is when I find out."

"Oh yeah, when Mom gets a bee in her bonnet, she is like one possessed."

"Anyway the reason for my call is that I signed for a package yesterday
from Eduardo Castillo for Gunnar. I put it in your office."

"Yeah, I found it this morning. He's already claimed it. He told me he's
been waiting on it for a month. It has whatever our real Father's Day gifts
were supposed to be in it."

"Well it has some heft to it," RJ commented.

"That it does. I just don't know when Gunnar would have had contact with
Eddie or why. We just need to wait till he shares more."

"Or call Eduardo and ask him," RJ offered.

"We will wait for now. Let me know what Mom's up to, preferably before
family dinner at 2. Is Harri joining us today?"

"Her meeting ended early, and she caught a ride back last night. I talked
to her for about an hour last night and she called me this morning too. She
plans on coming to Mom and Dad's around 11. We need to catch up with a few
things."

"Oh, I didn't know you were a catcher, bro," Clay chuckled.

"What's that supposed to mean?

"A catcher is on the receiving end of sexual activity. In other words, she
is going to peg you."

"Oh, I think one "catcher' in the family is enough."

"You never know how many are in the family bro. Lots of candidates."

"Well, this guy's ass only let's shit out, except for once a year when I
get the fickle finger from the doc to check my prostate."

"Robert Joseph, are you dressed for church?" Martha could be heard calling
through RJ's bedroom door.

"I'm on the phone with Junior. I'll be right out, dressed, and ready to go.

"You heard?"

"Yeah, she's pissed about something. You can hear it in her voice every
time. Have fun. Maybe we'll shock her and attend church next Sunday."

"Wouldn't want the roof to fall in bro. You haven't been to church there
since Grandma died."

"Robert Joseph!"

"Bye! Love you brother mine. Coming Mom!" the call ended.

"So Mom's on the warpath still?" Sean inquired.

"Something has her ire piqued."

"Perhaps she'll share at Family Dinner. By the way, my dad called. Mom and
he are driving down for family dinner and to spend a few nights."

"Too bad we didn't know earlier we could have ordered anemones for their
room."

"I doubt you would find them within 50 miles of Arcadia, Farm Boy."

"Attention! Attention! Men of the house and you boys too!" Vic's voice
sounded through the all-call system. "You are cordially invited to wrap up
and proceed to the Salon for a breakfast prepared by your loving daughters
and sisters. The last one here does the dishes by himself."

Clay and Sean grabbed their sarongs from the back of the office door and
headed to the Salon. Gunnar and AJ had beat them to the door and Erik had a
slight lead over Fifth as they raced to see who would get there
first. Fifth's sarong came loose and fell to the ground enabling Erik to
win handily. When Fifth came in and took his seat the family gave him a
round of applause.

"Thank you. Thank you. I'll be here all week." He quipped.

"Not in here you won't." Vic reminded him. "Gunnar you were the first one
here. Would you say the blessing, please?"

Gunnar reached for the hands of his father and sister as the rest of the
family joined hands. "God gave us Sundays to praise His Holy Name. We thank
God for the blessings he has given us. We ask for God's blessing on our
meal and those who prepared it as well as for he who will clean up after
it. Amen." Fifth winked at his brother.

"To what do we owe this surprise breakfast," Pops inquired.

"Vic and I were talking last night, and we pretty much have the Salon the
way we want it for now. We thought we'd show it off so you could all see
our handy work," Gitte explained.

Vic brought the breakfast sandwiches she had made to the table. "There are
two for each of us," she explained. "Bacon and Eggs for Pops, Erik, Gunnar,
and Gitte. Sausage and egg for Dad, Fifth, Andrew, and me. Oh, and half the
eggs we used were from our chickens. Gitte gathered them this morning."

Gitte brought in freshly squeezed grapefruit juice for each person. Then
she returned with milk for herself and her five siblings. She had made
Arnold Palmers for both of her fathers.

"This was a lovely surprise," Pops kissed Gitte's hand after she had set
his drink on the table. He blew a kiss at Vic.

"Yes, ladies. Thank you for having us. I like that you are utilizing the
rose gardens to decorate your rooms." Dad commented.

The four boys were halfway through their first sandwiches as they mumbled
their thanks through full mouths. After breakfast, the younger boys went
back to T2 and Fifth started cleaning up the breakfast dishes and the
cookware. Sean and Clay sat talking with their daughters about the little
touches they had made to make the Salon feel very homey.

"We're 14 for family dinner today. I don't think that pork loin I bought
will be big enough," Sean commented.

"Does it have to be a roast or so formal?" Gitte asked.

"What do you have in mind?" Sean inquired.

"Why not do a pulled pork?  We can serve balsamic tomatoes and onion as the
vegetable dish, with cornbread and butter. For dessert, I can whip up an
apple and raspberry cobbler," Gitte offered.

Sean looked at Clay who shrugged. He looked at Gitte and said, "Just
because something was always done a particular way doesn't mean it can't be
changed."

"Thanks, Dad, I'll come over to the main house in a bit and help get the
pork started in the pressure cooker so we can shred it before moving it to
the crock pot to marinate."

"No need. I think I can handle pulled pork. I'll nuke it before I start
cutting up the tomatoes and onion too," Sean added.

"I'll do some work in the office," Clay stated.

"Like hell, you will. Reed Enterprises is closed on Sundays. You can go
play billiards with the boys, clean the pool, cut the grass, weed the
flower gardens, dust, do laundry, or a hundred other things I have on my
honey-do list," Sean gave Clay the look.

"I'll see if I have any takers for billiards," Clay responded as he stood
and pushed his chair back under the table.  Sean stood as well and
carefully put his chair under the table. He once more kissed his daughters
before going into the kitchen and kissing Fifth's cheek as he hand-washed
the breakfast dishes.

Gunnar was in his bedroom behind a locked door. He was preparing to wrap
the three gifts Eduardo had sent to him. The four-panel frame was done in
light oak wood. In the far-right panel, Gun was pictured squatting barefoot
in his bib overalls staring down at the ground as if looking at
something. His straw hat was cocked back on his head and the piece of wheat
was stuck between his teeth.

Next to it was the first of the Greek poses with Gunnar wearing the chlamys
with his right side exposed as he turned his head to the right and smiled
at someone. His body was almost completely hidden with only his right arm,
chest, and leg exposed to indicate he was totally nude underneath.

In the third panel from the right was Gunnar in the Chiton. This image was
full frontal exposing his left pec and his quarter-sized areola with his
nipple standing at attention. You could almost make discern the outline of
his flaccid penis under the drapes of the chiton.

The last panel featured him in a closeup leaning against the stump with the
horned helmet behind his right shoulder. The embroidery drew the eye to the
teen's face and Gunnar's beatific smile.

"My fathers are going to love these," he closed the panels and placed them
back in their box. He grabbed some rainbow wrapping paper and deftly
wrapped the package and used curling ribbon to toe and create a bow.

Gun opened the two twin frames. The cherry wood frame was obviously for
Mormor and Grampa Reed. It featured a closeup of him showing the bare
shoulders and overall straps. His grin was accentuated by the piece of
wheat stuck between two teeth. His eyes sparkled as if he was up to no
good. The other image was another closeup of him in the Viking
costume. This time he had knelt behind the stump with just the top of the
horns and helmet in the lower portion of the picture. His eyes and smile
once more drew the viewer's attention.

Gunnar grabbed a brown paper bag to wrap the boxed frame. He tied it with
twine and set it aside with the package for his parents.

The last frame was done in a very pale wood that Gunnar didn't
recognize. He researched it on Google and determined it was either Ash or
Aspen. The Walls would love the images. The Viking image was of bis left
side from the waist up with the tips of the helmet's horns barely visible
at the bottom of the frame. Gun's head was tilted upward as if he was
looking into the future with just the hint of a smile on his face.

The teen recalled the instructions Eddie had given him, "Imagine you're on
board and you're looking into the unknown." He had pictured himself at the
bow looking up and out to an empty horizon searching for signs of birdlife
or land. Castillo had caught it beautifully.

The last image was once more of him in the chiton. In this one, he was
squatting on the ground with his upturned right hand reaching outward his
gaze fixed on something before him. It portrayed him more seriously his
face questioning what he was seeing. Those instructions he also recalled as
he had to imagine he had just discovered something he didn't
understand. The drape of the chiton fell around his cock and balls
indicating a hefty package. Gunnar was unsure about it but decided to trust
Eduardo's judgment. This one he wrapped in blue paper and white ribbon.

Then there was a folder containing 8 x10s of each of the smaller images as
well as four images that were much more revealing. In both the Tom Sawyer
and Viking images Gunnar's penis was clearly outlined laying to the left
down his pants. Then there was another shot of him squatting in which the
cloth of the chiton not only draped his penis and scrotum one could see the
outline of the glans. The image of him in the chlamys showed a view of him
from the left. The bulge of his genitals is visible poking out the front of
the cloak. A note from Eduardo read. "I tried my best not to sexualize the
images you are gifting your parents and grandparents. However, almost every
shot caught your genitals in some way. These are four of the mildest. I
signed them for you as well. Fondly, Eddie." Gunnar placed the images back
in their envelope and put them into his desk drawer.

The youngest son turned his attention to the new coffee table book Eduardo
had simply titled Blooms. Gunnar thought, "Pops and Dad are going to enjoy
getting this collection of Castillo's work." He opened the cover to see a
handwritten note from Eduardo. It read, "To an amazing young man and new
friend, Gunnar Adonis Walls--Reed. Eduardo"

Gunnar was shocked. It wasn't for his parents but for him. He turned to the
next page and was amazed again as the tome was also dedicated to him. That
page read, "This book is dedicated to Gunnar Adonis Walls-Reed. May it
inspire him and all who view it to pursue their interest in the natural
world." Gun teared up a bit. He was surprised by both gestures.

Setting the book aside he went to his desk and took out a piece of his
stationery. He dated it and wrote. "Dear Mr. Castillo -- Eddie, Thank you
for the beautiful images as well as your kind words in both your
inscription and dedication. I shall treasure them as long as I live. Your
friend, Gunnar." He addressed an envelope and placed a stamp on it. He
would run it to the mailbox in the morning.


In the kitchen of the main house, Sean took out a two 4-pound pork loin to
begin thawing it in the microwave. He pulled out the large crockpot and put
the liner into it. He gathered his ingredients and doubled them: 1/2 cup
Worcestershire sauce. 8 large cloves of garlic, 4 teaspoons paprika, 2/3
cup brown sugar, 4 teaspoons coarse Kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper,
and 2 cups of hickory BBQ sauce.

He then began preparing the rub. He combined the paprika, brown sugar,
salt, and pepper, mixing them with a fork. Setting that aside, Sean sliced
the garlic into 8-10 slivers. He retrieved the defrosted pork loins from
the microwave and cut slits in the pork roast and insert garlic
slivers. Next, he patted the dry rub mixture on the pork roasts. He placed
them in the crockpot and poured Worcestershire sauce over the pork
roast. Finally, he set the Slow Cooker on high and set the timer for 4
hours.

Sean got out a large red onion and 8 large tomatoes from the vegetable
crisper. After removing its outer skin, he sliced the onion thinly and
chopped the slices into quarters. He added them to the large prep bowl. He
cut each tomato into 8 wedges and then halved each wedge. These too were
added to the stainless-steel prep bowl and mixed with the onion. He added
salt and pepper and a dash of oregano before pouring balsamic vinegar over
them. He placed cling wrap over the bowel and placed it in the
refrigerator.

He sent a text to Vic and Gitte. It read, "Pork in the crock pot will be
ready at 1. Tomatoes and onion marinating in the refrigerator. Would one of
you make the cornbread and the other the dessert?"

Gitte responded first, "I already started the cobbler over here. Do we have
vanilla ice cream?"

Her father replied, "Thank you. And I just checked we have 2 unopened
gallons of vanilla in the freezer."

"Guess, I'll do sweet cornbread," Viv replied.

"Thank you both," Pops replied. Sean then entered the dining room. The
leaves were still in it, so he only had to put down the tablecloth. He
chose a bright yellow over the traditional white they had used the week
before. He decided to accent it with bright green napkins. Next, he opened
the China closet which housed three sets of fine China: The Reed family
China, his grandparent Lund's, and the Bernardaud Vegetal set he and Clay
had purchased when they married. He chose to use the wedding China they had
purchased in France.  He loved the coupe shape service decorated with
golden leaves that seemed to be brought to life by a subtle variation of
nature in each piece. He had selected the Bernardaud Palmyre service ware
to complete the set. He got out the Lund family silverware. To complete the
look he used the Reed family stemware.

Chief decided to go looking for Farm Boy. He found him naked and
roughhousing with three of their sons. Gunnar was not present. Just as he
was going to check on his youngest, Gun barreled out of T2 and jumped into
the pool narrowly missing Fifth and Erik. The five guys were so focused on
splashing and dunking each other that they didn't notice Sean as he slipped
into the pool and quietly made for the grotto.

Inside the artificial cave, Sean sat on one of the benches around the
table. He stared out through the waterfall and could vaguely perceive the
horseplay taking place. He was able to hear every taunt and wisecrack the
boys were exchanging with their father. About 20 minutes later the gang
took a break.

AJ asked, "What do you think Pops is doing?"

"Cooking, or sketching, or reading, or...." Erik suggested.

"Hope he's baking Swedish Apple Pie," Fifth added.

Gunnar suggested, "If he's baking, I hope it's semlor buns."

"Not me, I hope it's kladdkaka," Andrew wished.

"You just love all things chocolate. I prefer his kanelbulle. What do you
think Dad?" Erik turned his attention to his father.

"Well, kanelbulle is good but I prefer the Norwegian version,
skillingsboller because it includes cardamon with the cinnamon," Pops
replied. "Let me go find him. I'll be back in a bit." With that, the wet
redhead walked out of the pool's shallow end and strolled to the
house. Fifteen minutes later he returned. "He's not in the house or the
Salon. The girls said they heard from him around 9:30. All cars are
accounted for and his wallet and keys are in the bedroom."

Vic and Gitte arrived at the pool. "Are we playing Find our Pops?"  "Dining
room is all set up," Clay added. "His sarong is in the kitchen. We've been
out here for at least an hour and haven't seen him. So yes. A game of Find
our Pops is in order. The one who finds him gets their chores done by me
tomorrow. If I find him you six have to do my chores."

"You're on," Vic hollered as she ran toward T2 to start looking. Gitte was
right behind her.

The boys were hollering, "Stay out of our house! Not fair we can't go into
your place." As they scrambled out of the pool and after their
sisters. Clay on the other hand wrapped a sarong around his waist and
started walking toward his mom and dad's place.

Thirty minutes later all 7 members of the family gathered beside the
pool. They were all bewildered that Pops had just disappeared.

"Do you think some of these rednecks kidnapped him, Dad? They are riled up
by the mess at the hospital and the high school yesterday," Fifth
commented.

"Oh, there would be some sign of a struggling son. The front door was
locked and the side door from the kitchen shows no signs of a struggle,"
Dad replied.

Sean had been keeping quiet the entire time they searched. He had thought
about going back into the house and sitting in the library with a book and
earphones. He nixed the idea because the 6 kids were checking the yard and
he might have been seen. He finally burst out laughing which echo and
boomed from the grotto's entrance behind the waterfall.

He heard rather than saw the 7 splashes as his family jumped into the
pool. He pulled back as far as he could into the darkness at the back of
the grotto as his family broke through the waterfall.

"Where are you Sean Andreas Walls," Farm Boy bellowed. The eyes of the
family had not yet adjusted to the dim light inside the grotto. Sean ducked
under the water and got to the other side of the table before the family
had passed it to check the back of the cave. He pushed off from the last
seat and into the pool as they once more hollered for him. Swimming to the
far side of the pool he got up and said down on a lounge chair as if he'd
been there all day.

Gitte emerged from the grotto first and spotted him. "He's out here," she
called back to the rest of the family. There was a lot of splashing and
hollering as the 7 made their way to surround Pops reclining on the lounge
chair.

"I suppose you think you're funny?' Clay said as he crossed his arms around
in front of his chest and tapped his right foot on the ground. He gave his
husband the look."

"I do. I slipped past 5 of you over an hour ago completely unnoticed. At
first, I was hurt that no one, including my husband," he returned the look
at Farm Bot, "noticed me. Then I thought it was funny when you wondered
where I was. As your search began, I found it hilarious. Finally, I could
contain my laughter no more and you heard me. Yet once again I swam between
all 7 of you and took my well-earned place in the sun."

"Place in the sun huh? I'll give you a place in the sun. OK guys and gals
grab him, he's getting thrown back in the pool."  Seven pairs of hands
grabbed Sean and hauled him to the deep end of the pool before Clay and
Fifth, who had hold of his feet and wrists threw him in.

Sean surfaced laughing his head off. "I still surprised you and I think I
had the most fun."

Their revelry was interrupted by the honking of a car horn. Clay grabbed
his sarong and headed for the front of the main house. The rest of the
teens scrambled to cover themselves as Sean emerged naked from the pool his
blond hair matted from the water as more droplets fell from his beard and
mustache. He thought to himself, "No matter who it is, I'm not rushing to
get dressed."

He laid back down on the lounge he had previously occupied. A few moments
later he heard his name being called. "Andreas you couldn't even come and
greet your mother and father." He sat upright and swung his legs to the
side so he could stand. His mother was right there as he stood and wrapped
him in a big hug. "Ugh, you're all wet!" she complained.

"Not quite. You just dried parts of me," Sean quipped.

His mother pinched his nose. "Once a smart ass always a smart ass."

"Takes one to know one," he replied. "You're a bit early, aren't you?"

"There was no traffic near the 417 and 429 which was a real surprise," Alex
offered as he walked up and wrapped his youngest in a bear hug. "It's good
to be with you. I know it's only a week, but it feels like a year."

"It's good to see you too Dad. So the drive wasn't too bad?"

"No rather nice. We drove with the top of the Audi down and picked up some
extra sun and wind burn."

"I brought you a surprise," Andrea commented. Clay is putting them in the
kitchen.

"OK, so it's food or drink. Since you brought it, I'll stay in the food
category. Did you bake something?"

"I did. I thought you might like some of my mother's recipe for
skillingsboller," Andrea commented as she began removing her sun
dress. Within a few minutes, she was naked and helping Alex off with his
clothes. The couple was soon joined by their grandchildren and son-in-law,
and they all cooled off in the pool.


"So I thought tomorrow we'd go school shopping either down in Ft. Myers or
that Mall down near Bonita Springs. The girls can come with me, and we'll
ask Martha along, and make it a Girls' Outing while you guys take the
boys."

"Mom that sounds great but there is a special faculty meeting tomorrow
morning to address what happened yesterday. I was asked to stay away, but I
feel that I'm going to confront the homophobia straight on," Clay
explained. Afterward, I agree Guys' Day Out shopping for school."

"Are we staying at the high school then?" Andrew queried.

Clay turned to AJ, smiled, and asked, "Do you want to sit in T2 and study 5
days a week surrounded by your three brothers and not meet any other
teens?"

"Not really, I was looking forward to JROTC and maybe cheerleading. How do
we know now if we'll qualify because of our skills or because they're
trying to avoid a lawsuit?"

"I must admit that is a damn good question AJ. Only time will tell. You
will get to see your competition compete. If you think they're better than
you and you get picked you can always decline and suggest they take the
other guy," Dad suggested.

Pops interrupted, "I think it's time you give Mormor and Papu a tour of
your new digs. Then we need to get dressed for company."

"What company?" RJ asked as he and Harri walked hand in hand around the
corner of the main house.

"Speak of the devil and in he walks," Clay quipped.

"How did you guess I was horned up?" RJ threw back at his older brother.

"Because Harri has been gone all week and I know what a horn dawg you are,
brother mine," Clay responded.

RJ stripped off his clothes and Harriet followed suit. Soon the entire
family was laughing and talking in the pool. Martha and Leon also joined in
a few minutes later.

Sean got out of the pool and began toweling off. "Last minute details for
today's family dinner. It's1:55 now so we'll eat in 20 minutes." Vic and
Gitte got out of the pool. After drying off the two girls went to the Salon
to dress. Gitte had to bring over the cobbler she had made. Vic needed to
microwave the cornbread so it would be hot enough to melt the butter.

"We'll show you the Salon after dinner," Gitte told her
grandparents. "Mormor M, you should come too and see how we've spruced it
up after a week."

"I look forward to it," Martha replied.

"Martha, are you free tomorrow to go shopping with the girls and me? We can
make it a Girls' Day Out."

"I'd love to come along. Where are you thinking of going?"

"Wherever we can get the best deals."

Clay asked his father, "Dad you're welcome to come with the guys tomorrow
to shop for school."

"Thank you, Junior, but my days of running through malls are over. I'd slow
y'all down. You can pick up a treat for me though. Fat and Sugar-free
though," he glanced at his wife who nodded her approval.

The family started getting out of the pool and dressing. At 2:15 they
gathered in the dining room. Sean was at the head of the table, to his
right was Martha then Leon. Gitte was next, with Andrew, Erik, and Gunnar
completing the side. Clay took his place at the opposite end. To his right
were Andrea and Alex. Next to them were Harriet and RJ, Vic, and Fifth.

Sean decided he would lead the family prayer in Norwegian. He reached for
Fifth and Martha's hands and the table joined hands. Bowing his head, Sean
began, "I Jesu navn går vi til bords; Og spiser, drikker på
ditt ord; Deg, Gud, til ære, oss til gavn, Så får vi
mat i Jesu navn. Amen."

Everyone took their seats and Clay explained the meal, "Today we decided to
change things up and have a simpler family dinner. We have pulled pork,
balsamic tomatoes with red onion, sweet cornbread ala Vic, and for dessert,
we'll enjoy an apple raspberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream ala
Gitte. Fifth will be glad to bring you whatever you'd like to drink tea,
water, coffee, wine, or a simple highball."

Fifth straightened up in his seat. It was the first time his father
permitted him to mix a highball. He knew from watching Dad make them that
it would be one shot of whatever booze was requested and then the rest of
the glass with whatever mixer they wanted.

The food was passed around and the meal was begun. RJ asked for a vodka and
tonic for both Harri and himself. His siblings all asked for cokes. Papu
asked for ouzo and Mormor A requested a glass of rose. Grampa asked for a
decaf coffee. Mormor M chose a glass of rose as well. His father opted for
lemonade and Pops ordered a glass of red wine. Gunnar offered to help and
Fifth gladly agreed.

After dinner, everyone was enjoying their coffee, cobbler, and ice cream
when Sean called for announcements. "I know we haven't been together for a
week. We all have things we want to share. Gunnar has asked to go first
this afternoon."

"Thanks, Pops," Gunnar began getting up from his seat. He retrieved his
packages from the corner of the dining room where he had stashed
them. "Pops, would you come down and sit in my place next to Dad?" Sean
nodded and moved to sit near his husband.

"Back in June, I had to give Dad and Pops a lame excuse for a Father's Day
gift because these weren't ready yet. So this is a belated Happy Father's
Day from me and an early Happy Grandparents Day to Mormor A and Papu as
well as Mormor M and Grandpa." He handed the wrapped pages to the
recipients. The three couples began unwrapping the packages.

Mormor A finished first and opened the double frame. She and Papu smiled
broadly, "These are lovely pictures of you Gunnar. Your Greek and Viking
ancestry. Beautiful, Thank you."

Mormor M was next, "Your Viking and Cracker heritage in this set. I agree
the photographer captured your youthful energy." The couples began passing
the double frames down the table so others could see.

Clay opened their package last. Sean and he opened the two side panels to
reveal four unique views of their son as a Viking, and Florida Cracker and
two views as a Greek teenager. "Are you posing as Adonis in this Gun?" Pops
inquired.

"Yes, Pops that's the idea."

"Eduardo certainly did a marvelous sitting with you. When were these
taken?"

"Pops, the second day I was at Mormor and Papu's. They were both busy, so I
had the day to explore Winter Park. I went into Castillo's Store and asked
to meet him. Pietro went upstairs and he came down and one thing led to
another, and I was in front of the camera."

"We will have to thank him for sure," Sean commented.

"I already wrote him a thank you note to mail in the morning. But there is
more." He retrieved the Coffee Table book. "This is Eduardo's newest book,
Blooms. He both inscribed something in it to me and dedicated the entire
book to me!" The excited teen showed his parents the inscription and the
dedication page.

"That is quite the honor Gunnar," Clay managed. "Did he take any other
images of you?" Sean was wondering the same thing.

"No Dad, just the four costume pieces in all sorts of poses."

Both men felt instant relief that Eduardo had acted professionally and had
not photographed their son nude.

"Well this is quite the surprise Gunnar," Pops added. "Congratulations on
becoming the subject of a Castillo print. You can take my seat while I sit
next to Dad." His mother nodded approvingly at him across the
table. "Anyone else?"

Martha cleared her throat. "Yes, I would like to announce that tomorrow I
will register as a write-in candidate for the School Board seat currently
held by Hilda Rice. Five terms are enough for her." There was a round of
applause.

Papu was next, "Andrea and I are going to visit China next summer for three
weeks. We want to take some time with you Andreas and Clay to discuss the
trip before we return home Tuesday."

"Sure thing Dad," Clay replied.

Harriet stood up, "I or should I say we, have some exciting news as well."
RJ stood up beside her. "Robert and my work in computer surveillance have
been recognized beyond our wildest imaginings. Before I left Washington
yesterday, I was ordered to report to General Charles, the Air Force Chief
of Staff. The General informed me that 18 Air Force Generals are retiring
in the next 3 months. POTUS has been pleased to nominate both RJ and me for
the positions of Brigadier General. This is years ahead of when we would
have been considered. General Charles specifically mentioned our
surveillance work."

Everyone stood up, clapped, and surrounded the couple congratulating
them. Pops suggested, "I think this news calls for champagne. As it
happens, we happen to have two bottles on ice for just this situation." He
led the way into the family room and pulled out the two bottles from the
drink fridge under the bar. Clay got down 8 flutes. "Hun, I think you're 6
short." Clay looked at his Chief questioningly then nodded. He put 6 more
flutes on the bar. Sean poured one inch of champagne into each flute for
the teens. He then filled the remaining eight ¾ of the way.

After everyone had their flute, he raised his glass toward RJ and
Harri. "To two of the brightest stars in the US Air Force. Thank you for
your service and may you continue to be successful in all your
endeavors. SKÃ...L!" glasses clinked, and the bubbly was consumed.

"Who is ready for a tour of the Salon?" Vic inquired. Six hands raised in
the air. The two girls led their grandparents, their uncle, and their
future aunt out through the kitchen along the walk to the salon.

"We better spray T2 with Febreze before they get there," AJ commented.

"You boys been jerking off downstairs again?" Pop asked with his version of
a shit-eating grin.

"Pops, you know how guys sweat. We're sitting naked, we just leave a funky
smell everywhere we go," Erik replied.

"Even in these Sarongs my balls are moist," Gunnar added. Then flashing his
shit-eating grin, "Want to touch them and see?" he unwrapped his sarong.

"I'll pass," Pops responded quickly.

Dad joined in with, "Nope, I wiped those balls enough when you were a
baby. You can take care of them yourself. However, you need to let Fifth do
the spraying as you three must help me with the dishes. Let's get them
done."

"Ah, Dad, it's that French China. We need to wash it by hand," AJ griped.

"You've been spoilt by modern conveniences. Nothing like getting some
practical experiences, especially if you get KP duty in the military." Clay
herded the three teens into the dining room, and they began carrying the
plates, stemware, flatware, and serving dishes into the kitchen. AJ lost at
rock, paper, scissors with his brothers and had to do the washing. Erik and
Gun dried and stacked, and Clay moved things back into the dining room
China closet. By the time they finished the dishes the tours were
over. Fifth had given the tour of T2 to his family members by himself.

As the family gathered in the family room, Andrea asked, "Where is
Andreas?"

"Is he playing hide and seek again?" Erik wondered.  Andrea looked
puzzled. Gite explained, "Pops hid from us today. We couldn't find him. We
thought he had been kidnapped by rednecks. Turns out he was in the pool
grotto all along laughing at us."

Gun walked onto the patio, dropped his sarong, and dove into the pool. He
swam in and back out of the grotto. He shook his head no, as he got out of
the pool and walked back toward the house.

"I'll see if he's upstairs," Clay noted as he slipped into the main hall
and up the stairs and along the landing. He was about to enter their
bedroom when he saw Sean in his overstuffed easy chair in the library with
headphones on his ears. The book he had been reading had fallen to his
lap. Farm Boy took a moment to study his sleeping husband. He delighted in
his big furry blond Norse Greek Sir. HE bent over and kissed Sean's nose,
then his eyelids, and finally his mouth. Chief returned the final kiss.

"How long have I been sleeping?"

"I don't know. We took about 30 minutes to do the dishes, so not long. We
just didn't know where you went."

"I'm sorry. I guess I'm more tired than I realized. Let's join our guests."

Downstairs the family was discussing the wedding plans. Harriet informed
them, "My best friend is the matron of Honor. Both Victoria and Birgitte
will be Maids of Honor. I'd like you to pick your own dress. It can be any
color or print you like except white."

"Can we add them to our shopping trip tomorrow Mormor A?" Vic inquired.

Andrea looked to Sean and Clay as they took seats on the floor near the
fireplace. Sean nodded in the affirmative.

"Now for the hard part," RJ began. "Junior will be my best man. So I'll
need two more Groomsmen. I've opted to go with Fifth and Erik, the oldest
from both sets of twins." Gunnar and AJ frowned but kept their mouths
shut. "I would like Andrew and Gunnar to be ushers and help seat the
quests. I'll be in military uniform. I'm going to ask that you each wear
dark blue trousers, black shoes, and a dress shirt of whatever color you
choose except white, and a thin black tie." All four boys were happy to be
involved somehow. "Sorry Sean, I don't have a spot for you."

"Not a problem RJ. I'll enjoy the view."

"What will Mormor M and Grandpa wear?" Vic demanded.

"That's up to them," Harri noted.

Vic turned toward her grandmother. Martha thought a moment. "I know a nice
little shop in Fort Myers that we can stop at tomorrow to get our wedding
attire. Father will wear the black tux that he wore to the other three
weddings."

"Might need it taken in a bit, Mother. I haven't even looked at it since
Mary Liz's wedding."

"Oh, I shove its bag aside twice a year when I clean the closet,
Father. We'll pull it out tonight and see how you look in it."

"Junior, are we going to have board games this evening, charades, or a
movie?" Leon asked his oldest son.

"Gee Dad, I hadn't even thought about that part of the evening. What would
you like to do?"

"Board Games. I'm feeling like Scrabble. Do I have three more takers?"
Andrea, Andrew and Erik agreed to join the game.

"Cards Against Humanity anyone?" Fifth suggested. Papu, Sean, Gunnar, Vic
and Harri agreed to play it.

Birgitte suggested, "Settlers of Katan anyone?" The rest of the family
joined her.

Card tables were set up, the game boxes pulled out, and for the next two
hours, the family enjoyed each other's company. At 6 in the evening, Harri
and RJ took their leave. They were followed by Martha and Leon. Andrea went
with the girls back to the Salon to do each other's nails and talk more
about wedding outfits. Papu joined the boys to watch a baseball game in T2.

Sean and Clay were alone in the family room cuddling together on the
couch. They flipped through a few channels and decided there was nothing on
they wished to watch. "Let's go upstairs to the library and just read and
listen to music," Clay suggested.

"I fell asleep doing that earlier.

"What were you reading and listening to Chief?"

"I selected; How Beautiful We Were by Imbolo Mbue. It's a novel about a
woman who takes on an American Oil Company. Much like we're taking on the
homophobia in this town. I was listening to Michael Buble."

"Well, we can both listen to him. I want to review a math journal before I
start my lesson planning." The two men climbed the stairs and installed
themselves in their overstuffed leather chairs. They propped their feet on
the shared ottoman briefly playing footsy as they began their reading and
listening to the CD.

An hour and a half later when Andrea came upstairs, she walked down to the
source of the music. She found both her son and son-in-law asleep in their
chairs with books on their laps. She kissed each on the top of their head
and turned off the overhead light. She then retired to the corner bedroom
to wait for her husband to come to bed.