Date: Wed, 29 Nov 2023 05:38:17 +0000 (UTC) From: Thomas Gaige Subject: My Step-Brother Jacob - Chapter 114 Copyright 2003, 2023 Thomas Gaige. All Rights Reserved. This story is protected under US copyright law. No part of it may be reproduced in any way without the express written consent of the author. The author grants www.nifty.org and its mirror sites permission to post the story on their websites. DISCLAIMER: The following story is FICTIONAL. It contains descriptions of homosexual activities. If you are not over 18 years of age, or if you find this type of story offensive, or viewing this material is illegal where you are, then please DO NOT READ IT! If you choose to read it, then - I hope you enjoy it! If you do - check out my other stories at Nifty.org under the Authors tab. Comments are welcome at togaige@yahoo.com My Step-Brother Jacob Chapter 114 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- On the weekend after Jacob met his father, I ran to the PX and got everything we needed for our upcoming traditional American Thanksgiving. As we'd invited so many of our friends to come, I decided I'd best roast two turkeys, so I bought two good-sized birds, and enough fixings to feed a small army! In addition to the four of us (including Austin), and Evan, we had invited Julian, Mary Claire and Gwen, who were all coming, and staying with us. And we'd invited our friends from school as well. As I was preparing the guest list, Jacob reminded me that when we'd rescued Tobias, who we had been keeping in touch with now and then, we'd invited him to Thanksgiving dinner as well. I told him to call Tobias, and see if he could make it, and happily, Jacob reported back that he could. In the end, when I added up the list of guests, it totaled 16 people for a sit-down dinner! The dining room table only held 12, so I decided we'd move the kitchen table into the dining room and add it to the end of the table. It just fit! And it was basically the same height as the dining room table, so it worked! "DO NOT invite anyone else!" I cautioned Andy and Jacob, who both chuckled. Once we had that taken care of, Andy and Jacob helped me put up some decorations I'd bought, and we set the table in advance, using Elizabeth's grandmother's good China, for which there were a dozen place settings, along with some everyday dishes from the kitchen, which we put on the kitchen table portion of the extended dinner table. I began getting everything set up on the counters for my cooking and baking, and confirmed I had everything we needed, which we did. Then, the only thing I made in advance were a couple of cranberry relishes, that actually tasted better if they were made in advance. The rest would have to wait until Wednesday, and Thursday morning. The next few days, since we had no place to sit and eat a meal, we prepared meals that we could carry into the living room on trays, and sit and eat in there. Wednesday after school, and into the evening, while Jacob and Andy did homework, and watched Austin, I baked the pies. I made two apple pies, two pecan pies, two pumpkin pies, and two cherry pies. I also cleaned and prepped the turkeys to go in the oven starting early the next morning. I decided to roast one during the morning and the other during the afternoon. When we ate, we'd eat the one I'd cooked last, and supplement with meat from the first turkey, which I'd microwave to heat up. * * * Suddenly, it was Thanksgiving day! Andy and Jacob both went off to school, but I stayed home to cook, and too, because Julian and the girls were going to arrive mid-afternoon! Even before Andy and Jacob left for school, I'd started roasting the first bird. After they left, with Austin as my sous chef, and jack our self-appointed taster, I set about making all the other food we needed. A couple of types of stuffing, mashed potatoes, yams that I was going to put a marshmallow topping on, corn, green bean casserole, Harvard beets. A huge pot of turkey gravy. And some corn bread mini-muffins. I had everything ready to cook when it needed to be cooked, and a schedule written out, so all I had to do was follow it, and supposedly, everything would be ready to eat all at the same time! Mid-way through the afternoon, as it was evening in New Jersey, Grandma and the boys called to wish me a Happy Thanksgiving. They knew I'd be home cooking. They all wished we'd gotten to spend the holiday together, but they were getting excited about coming to London for Christmas! They'd had a nice celebration at home. Aunt Hazel had come to join them, and Grandma had also invited Harry, Laney, and their parents to come for the day, and they had, and since Laney and Boner were an item, Steve had joined them. After they'd eaten, while Grandma, Aunt Hazel, and the Phillipses relaxed and visited, Boner had taken Harry, Laney and the twins to the beach for a couple hours, where, as was a annual tradition for my friends and I, they'd met up with some of our friends, and had a quick football game on the sand. Apparently that was a lot of fun, as the twins couldn't stop talking about it. I was really rather depressed after we hung up, as I really would've enjoyed being home to share the holiday with everyone there. I didn't get to dwell on it though, as right after I hung up, the doorbell rang. Julian, Mary Claire, and Gwen had arrived! When I opened the door, Julian barged in and threw his arms around me, giving me a huge bear hug, which I returned in kind, as Mary Claire and Gwen stood by looking on, chuckling. "My God this house smells fantastic!" Julian cried, grinning. "I haven't had a turkey dinner in ages! I can't wait!" "Well you're gonna have to! We're not eating for another four hours! But, I can whip up a PB&J for you if you want!" I said, smirking. "Honestly, you know I love PB&J, so that wouldn't be bad!" he chuckled. "Well, sorry Mate, but I have better snacks planned for us!" I said. "Let's get you all upstairs and settled in though, then you can freshen up and we can relax and nosh a little." I took them upstairs then, and put Gwen in Jacob's room. He would sleep in the den. And we'd all finally decided it was time we should start using Elizabeth's room again, because she'd have been upset that we were wasting the space, and keeping it as a shrine. So, recently, Jacob, Andy, and I had packed up Elizabeth's things. Those boxes of things, which were numerous, that Jacob wanted to keep, we'd put in the attic. The rest, such as her clothes, and other things that we had no use for, we decided to donate to good will, and we did. And then we'd cleaned and rearranged the room a little, and it was all set to be used as a guest room. And so, Julian and Mary Claire would be our first guests to use our new guest room. I showed them where everything was that they might need, Then I left them to settle in, while I returned to the kitchen to continue with the cooking. A short while later, Julian and Gwen appeared in the kitchen. Mary Claire had decided to take a short nap. I was surprised, but pleased actually, when Gwen asked if she might take Jack for a walk. It was surprisingly a bright sunny, and rather mild day for late November, and I knew Jack would love the outing. Gwen said she needed to stretch and get some exercise anyway. So I leashed Jack up, and they took off. That left Julian and I alone, as Austin was sleeping in his carrier, in the corner. "Man! It is SO great to see you again!" Julian said, beaming at me, after Gwen and Jack had left. "It is!" I agreed, and I stepped over to him, and wrapped my arms around him, and hugged him tightly, and he wrapped his arms around me, and hugged me back. For a few seconds we just stood holding each other, enjoying our physical contact. When we parted, I looked at him carefully, and asked, "So... seriously now, how are things going for you?" "Really well!" Julian said, grinning. And, I could see he really meant it. "That's great man! I'm so happy for you!" I said, grinning back at him. I was about to engage him in a more in depth discussion about his situation, but the door opened, and in strode Andy and Jacob, and that ended any ideas of a serious private conversation for the moment. "HEY!" Julian cried, seeing them. They both were as loud and boisterous as well, and for a couple minutes, there was a lot of happy bantering and hugging. "Are you alone?" Andy asked Julian, after finally looking around, and not seeing Mary Claire or Gwen. "I was just about to remind you that your baby momma is upstairs trying to nap, so we should try to be a little quieter!" I said, "Oh!" Andy said, but Julian chuckled and said, "No worries. She can sleep through an atomic bomb being dropped!" We all chuckled. "BOOM!" we heard behind us, and we all spun around and there stood Mary Claire. "Apparently, you're all louder than an Atomic Bomb!" She cried, and laughed. "Sorry to disturb your nap Mary Claire," I said. "It's fine! I'm chuffed to see these lads again too!" she said, and she stepped over and pulled both Jacob and Andy into a group hug. "It's good to see you again too Mary Claire!" Andy said, hugging her back. "Hi Mary Claire!" Jacob said, hugging her as well. "Hello Laddie!" Mary Claire said, and she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "I'm so sorry about yer Mum!" "Thanks!" Jacob said. "She would've liked meeting you." Mary Claire smiled sadly, as they parted. "So, how are you feeling Mary Claire?" Andy asked. "I'm fine thank you Andy. But please, everyone, call me MC. It's so much easier than saying my whole name!" she said, smiling. "How long til we eat?" Jacob asked. "It'll be a while, but I have snacks for everyone," I said. "Where's Gwen?" MC asked Julian. "She took John's dog for a walk," he said. "Oh, OK," she said. I asked everyone to help me get our snacks together then. "Everything has to go into the Living Room, cause there's no room out here. Jacob take this, and go clear the coffee table and put it there," I said. He took a platter of cut up veggies and dip and headed to the living room. I had Julian take a platter with cheese and crackers out. MC took a plate of deviled eggs, Andy went and got some bottles of beer from the downstairs refrigerator, and a container of apple juice for MC. I pulled a tray of hot hors d'oeuvres out of the oven and shoved the second turkey in to roast. Then slid everything off the baking tray onto a platter and went and joined everyone. Just as I was sitting down, Jack bounded into the room, and Gwen followed him in, her cheeks rosy red, as it was starting to get brisk outside. She was introduced to Andy and Jacob, then we all sat around for a while visiting and catching up with each other, and noshing. Periodically, whenever my timer, which I was carrying with me, went off, I excused myself to return to the kitchen to do whatever was next to get the dinner ready. * * * At 6:00, people began to arrive. First to arrive was Evan, who had Tobias with him. He'd offered to pick him up, since Tobias didn't drive yet, and he knew we'd be too busy to go fetch him. This was the first time we'd seen Tobias since we'd rescued him from Duke. He looked good! Although it had only been about 4 months since we'd seen him last, he looked much better than when we had last seen him. Back then, he was pale and gaunt looking, and always looked worried or frightened. He'd put on a few pounds, and looked much healthier, and relaxed. He couldn't stop smiling, as he thanked us so much for inviting him to our dinner. A few minutes later, Niles, his girlfriend Margaret, Rich Greeley and his little brother Charlie, who was a friend of Jacob's, Rob Grisholm, and Jane Kingsley, all arrived, in two groups. And so, everyone was there... or so Andy thought. My surprise guest showed up last. His mother. "MUM???" Andy cried, shocked when the bell rang and he opened the door and saw her standing there. She grinned and walked in and said "Aye Laddie! Tis, me!" "You didn't tell me you'd invited Mum too!" Andy cried, looking at me, still with a surprised look on his face. "Wouldn't have been a surprise if I had!" I said, chuckling. Then I turned to Mrs. MacDoogle and said, "We're so happy you could join us Mrs. MacDoogle." "Now John, what'd I tell you about that?" she looked at me with a scolding look. "Sorry, I mean Mum!" I said, and I grinned, as we hugged, and Andy looked on even more surprised. But he quickly grinned. "Introduce Mum to everyone Andy, while I get back to my cooking," I said, and I hustled off to the kitchen. A few minutes later, Andy and Jacob trotted into the kitchen and asked what I needed them to do. I had Andy and Jacob offer cocktails to everyone. Then Evan tended bar, with their help and soon everyone had a drink. Tobias wanted to help, so I had him pass around a tray with shrimp cocktail on it. Evan came out to the kitchen and handed me a glass of Scotch, which I thanked him for. Then he jumped in and helped me in the kitchen with a couple things. Finally, we had everything on hold in the kitchen, so we joined the others, and we all sat visiting a while. My timer went off a couple minutes later, and I headed back to the kitchen. As I was cooking, one or two of the others, including Andy's Mum, wandered out, and offered to assist. I gave them each a task. Soon a couple others came out too, so I gave them each a task, as things were coming together quickly by then. Soon, everyone, including Jack, and Austin, who Gwen was holding, all were standing around in the kitchen, and we were all visiting as I, with my volunteers, finished getting dinner ready. Soon enough, everything was ready, and plated, and sitting on the counter which I'd decided to set up like a buffet. Only the gravy, cranberry relishes, and corn muffins and butter were on the table. Everything else people could load up on and take to the table with them. I took Austin, and told everyone to load up their plates, and go sit down. As they got their food, I got Austin a bottle and put him in his carrier/highchair combo seat, and set it in the corner between mine and Andy's seats. Then when Andy sat down and took over with Austin, I got my food. When we all sat down finally, everyone looked at me expectantly. "Andy, Jacob, Austin, and I would like to thank all of you for joining us to celebrate America's Thanksgiving, which commemorates the feast the Pilgrims held in Plymouth in the colony of Massachusetts, in 1621, after surviving their first season in the new world. It was a harvest festival, to which they invited the Wampanoag Indians, who'd taught the Pilgrims how to successfully, grow crops, hunt, and fish, in the new world. This harvest festival was meant to be a feast of Thanksgiving, for their survival. Ever since the first Thanksgiving feast, there were more in successive years. It wasn't until 1863 though, when President Abraham Lincoln declared an annual National Day of Thanksgiving, that Americans began celebrating Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November every year. And so, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, let us all join hands and offer a prayer of Thanks." With that, we all joined hands, with Andy holding one of Austin's hands, and I the other, and I said a quick prayer of thanks. "OK," I said finally. "Let's eat! And while we eat, everyone think of something you're thankful for, and we'll go around the table after we finish eating, before we have dessert, and everyone can tell us what they're thankful for!" I got a couple of curious looks, but everyone fell to eating. For a few minutes, there wasn't much conversation, as everyone enjoyed the first bites of their meals. While Austin was sucking on his bottle, Andy and I took turns holding it for him, as we both ate with our other hand. Soon, as people slowed their eating a little, conversations broke out, and soon everyone was enjoying their food and conversation. When I noticed plates were emptying, I said, "There's plenty of food left in the kitchen, feel free to get up and help yourself to seconds!" Everyone grinned, and a couple minutes later, Julian got up with his plate. Tobias was next. Jacob went with him. And eventually everyone went for seconds of something. In the end, everyone declared themselves stuffed, and couldn't stop raving over how great the meal was - especially Julian, who I figured might have been missing being Stateside for our American holiday. We all laughed when Andy's Mum declared that was the best meal she'd ever had, that she hadn't cooked herself! "So," I said. "Let's clear the table, then rest a few minutes before we have our dessert." Quickly, with several people helping, we cleared the table, scraped the plates, and rinsed them, and put them in the sink to be washed or loaded into the dish washer later. Then, everyone helped put the leftovers in containers, and in the refrigerator. Again, all the dishes were rinsed and left for later. We returned to the table then, and sat relaxing a short time, during which I asked everyone to tell everyone else what it was they were thankful for. I started by saying I was thankful for having Andy, Jacob, and Austin, along with everyone else at the table, and our family and friends in America, in my life. I added that while I missed Elizabeth, my Dad, my mother, Lynn, Mike, and all our other loved ones we'd lost, that I was also thankful for having had them in my life, even if the time we shared together was so short. I had Jacob, who was sitting next to me, go next. He looked a little embarrassed, and a little annoyed at the same time. Never-the-less, he said, "Well... basically, I'm thankful for everything John just said, although I still miss my Mum a lot. But I am thankful for all of you, and the rest of our friends and family too." Then he looked at me and said very softly, "and you know what else I'm thankful for too." I smiled at him and gave his knee a squeeze, and before anyone could ask him what he was talking about, I called on Tobias, who was sitting next to Jacob. Tobias blushed a bit, but quietly said he was thankful for being invited to join us, and for our being his friends, and most especially for how we helped him to get out of the bad situation he'd been in earlier in the year. Evan who was on the other side of him, and Jacob, both leaned in and gave him a hug, as I reached across to him, and we exchanged fist bumps. Evan was next, and he was thankful for having us in his life, and for how we had all been able to rescue his father, and get his life back on track too. "Oh yeah," I said. "Don't let me forget to send along Turkey dinners for him, George, and Sophie. It was a shame they couldn't join us!" He grinned and nodded. And so we continued down the table. Until we got to Julian, who shocked the Hell out of me, when after saying he was so thankful for being invited to our Thanksgiving, and having us as friends, he said, "But most of all, I'm thankful for the baby my darlin' MC and I are having next spring, and because MC has agreed to marry me!... and although you already said yes," he said, looking at MC, as he pushed back his chair and got down on a knee, he added, "Maybe we better make it official." As we all watched stunned, Julian pulled a diamond ring out of his pocket, and held it up to her, and asked, "Mary Claire, you're the love of my life. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" There was a moment of stunned silence, until tearing up, but beaming, MC said, "Yes, of course I'll marry you!" Suddenly there was an eruption of applause, cheering, hooting and hollering, and a chorusing of best wishes. Even Jack started barking because of the excitement. "Well," I said, when things finally quieted down. "I doubt anyone can top that one for giving thanks!" Everyone laughed. "Seriously, Congrats guys! I wish you all the best for the happiest of lives together!" I said. "I'm glad you feel that way John, " Julian said, looking seriously at me. "Because I was hoping you'd be my best man." "Of course!" I said, grinning. "When's the wedding?" Julian and MC looked at each other, and Julian turned and looked at me and said, a little uncertainly, "um, tomorrow." "What?" I cried. Everyone looked shocked. "We already checked, and we have an appointment to get married tomorrow at 1:00 at City Hall. If that's a bad time for you, we'll understand," Julian said. "Uh... no, that's fine," I said, still stunned. "You said you'd be here a few days, so I didn't have plans really, except for tonight's dinner. Oh! But, I had hoped you'd join me and play tomorrow evening at the Bell & Crown. I guess that won't work now, but I can be at the wedding." "Oh!" Mary Claire said, grinning. "That's so wonderful! Julian was hoping to join you at your pub too, and Gwen and I are looking forward to that too, so it'll all work just fine!" "Cool!" I said, "If that's how you want to spend your wedding night, I guess we can figure out the logistics later." "And anyone who wants to come to the wedding can," Julian added. "I'll give you the information later if you want to come." There was a chorus of Thank-Yous around the table, and a couple of people said they wished they could be there, but they couldn't make it. "Well, let's move along with our Thanks!" Julian said finally. "MC - you're up!" "Well..." MC said, smiling, and admiring the ring Julian had just given her again. "Naturally, I'm most thankful for Julian, and what a wonderful man he is, and for our baby, and for getting married tomorrow, but also I'm thankful for all of you, and this wonderful American celebration! It truly is a great holiday you have!" The thanks continued, and finally only Mrs. MacDoogle was up. She wanted to give thanks that although it had been such a bad year for her family, that in the end, it had worked out for the best, and she was most thankful for being a part of our family, and for having us as part of Her's, and most especially that she had Andy back in her life. Andy was last, and of course following right after his mother, he burst into tears for a moment, but then quickly recovered and gave his thanks for his mum, me, Jacob, the baby, and all the rest of us in his life! "So, what's next? Is it time for dessert yet?" Jacob asked, as we'd all finished giving thanks. "Yes! It is! Everyone sit tight, and Jake, you and Andy come with me," I said. Andy, who was holding Austin, handed him off to Mrs. MacDoogle, who was a little surprised, but delighted to get to hold the baby. Meanwhile, as everyone visited, we stepped into the kitchen. As I turned on the coffee maker and the pot for tea water, I said, "Jacob - there are a couple bottles of champagne chilling in the basement. Please go get them, and put two from the crate on the shelf in the fridge in place of them, so we have more cold bottles if we need them. Andy, go get us 16 of the champagne flutes from behind the bar. There's a basket under the bar you can lay them in to carry them in. We need to toast the happy couple. Meanwhile, I'll take pie and coffee/tea orders." I picked up a pad and pen and went back in the dining room and announced we had apple, pecan, pumpkin, and cherry pie for dessert, and coffee or tea. Then I asked everyone what they wanted and wrote down their orders. When I got back to the kitchen, Andy and Jacob were filling champagne glasses. "What about MC? What can she drink?" Jacob asked. "Give her a glass with just a big swallow of Champagne in it. Remember, your mum would have a sip now and again for important celebrations when she was pregnant with Austin," I said. I started cutting and doling out slices of pie. Jacob quickly switched over to adding a dollop of whipped cream to each. He put vanilla flavored on the pumpkin pie, bourbon flavored on the pecan pie, almond flavor on the cherry pie, and cranberry flavor on the apple pie. Andy poured the required numbers of cups of coffee or tea. Evan and Tobias appeared then, and asked to help. So together we served up the plates of pies, and cups of coffee and tea, as well as glasses of champagne. We also put out a couple little pitchers of cream, bowls of sugar lumps, a plate of lemon slices, and a pot of honey, all for people to use to dress their coffee and tea with. Julian and MC were beaming when they saw the champagne, and I announced we would have a toast. I made a the toast then. When I'd finished giving it, Julian said, "Jeeze Horse, you're supposed to save the Best Man speech for after the wedding!" We all laughed. But, we all laughed even more when Mrs MacDoogle asked Andy "Why does he keep calling John 'Horse'?" "It's a nickname Mum," Andy said, blushing a little. "But what's it mean?" she persisted. "Does he run as fast as a horse?" Julian and some of the guys burst out laughing. Most everyone at the table was aware of what it meant. "Aye Mum, something like that," Andy managed, and the guys laughed even more, as I blushed deeper, and avoided looking at anyone. Mrs. MacDoogle looked around at everyone, and then her eyes moved back and forth between me and Andy a moment, and all of a sudden, I saw a light bulb go off in her brain. "OH!" she gasped. Then she started to chuckle, but then she looked at Andy with horror-filled eyes, and she started to ask, "And he puts..." and she trailed off, and she turned bright red, and looked away, and said, "I don't want to know!" I thought Julian and a couple of the other guys were going to piss their pants by then they were laughing so hard, but still, trying to hide their faces in their napkins, because poor Mrs. MacDoogle was embarrassed. It got even worse then when Andy leaned over to his mother, and in a whisper that unfortunately we all heard, he said, "He's very gentle Mum!" Everyone was howling with laughter at that point, and even Mrs. MacDoogle and I couldn't help laughing too, it was so contagious. "Oh Whiz! That was perfect!" Julian said, laughing and drying his eyes. "Do I want to know what 'Whiz' means?" Mrs. MacDoogle asked, looking uncomfortably at her son. We all broke out laughing again then. When we'd quieted down, I said, as she was looking at me, "It's short for Whizzer - because he has to pee so soon after having a beer." "Oh1" Mrs. MacDoogle said, "Well that's true! It's an unfortunate family trait on the Lisle side. Happens to us all!" We all broke out laughing again, and finally, I said, "Auntie Doreen already mentioned that to us, when she heard our nicknames for one another." "So... Jewels...." Mrs. MacDoogle said. "Is that just because of your name being Julian, or is it in reference to something else???" Julian blushed deep red then, as Mrs. MacDoogle, stared at him smirking, while the rest of us burst into another round of laughter. "I thought as much," Mrs. MacDoogle said, and she chuckled, as we laughed even harder. "Well, I can attest to the fact they're fine gems!" MC said, and we all roared with laughter even harder. When things finally calmed down, Mrs. MacDoogle said, 'Well, I think you're all a fine group of people, and if you have nicknames for one another, it shows how much you like one another." "Thanks Mum," Andy said, smiling at her. She returned his smile and her eyes twinkled. "it's a shame that no good sod of a brother of yer's doesn't have a nicer group of friends. Maybe he'd be a better person, more like you, if he did," she said. "You usually don't go out in the evenings Mum, what are you going to tell Ian?" Andy asked. "Oh he knows where I am," she said. "He does?" Andy and I both said together, stopping and staring at her. "Aye! I told him a few weeks ago that you and I were on good terms again, and we visited one another," she said. "He didn't like it, but I told him he was to stay away from you, and mind his own business!" "I wish you hadn't told him Mum," Andy said, and he had a fearful expression on his face, that Mrs. MacDoogle noticed. "O Laddie, you have nothin' to be afraid of! He's terrified of John here!" she said, and she twittered with laughter, her eyes twinkling Then she added, "Come to think of it, I think he's rather frightened of you too! Although I'm not quite sure why. You've never done anything to him, except when you were defending John that time at the house." Andy and I exchanged glances, and I knew he was thinking about the time we'd beaten Ian in the alley down the street. "So, what's Ian been up to lately?" I asked, casually. I glanced at Evan, and he was following the conversation intently. "The usual," she said. "He goes to work, then most nights to The Brittania, and drinks with his so-called friends. Most nights he comes in pissed. I don't see much of him anymore. Just at breakfast, and then he's usually hungover, and miserable." "I'm sorry it's like that," I said. "Thank you John," she said. "But he's the one who will suffer for his lifestyle someday." Then she leaned over and hugged Andy, and said "You were always the better son anyway! And now I have you back in my life!" Andy blushed, but smiled, and I could see his eyes sparkling as if they were wet. I intentionally shifted the conversation back to the next day's wedding then. Julian and MC again invited everyone to come. Our high school friends all thanked them, but said they had to work, or go to classes. "Well, come to the pub in the evening, and John and I will be playing!" Julian said. They all happily agreed to stop in for that. Mrs. MacDoogle said she too had plans. Apparently she had gotten herself a little part time job, doing some sewing at a tailor's shop, and she would be working too. Evan said he could make it. Andy said he'd already told the Fletchers he wouldn't be working again until Monday. "I have classes," Jacob said, glumly. "I think you can have a day off this one time," I said. "I'll call the school tomorrow and explain, and tell them you'll make up your lessons next week." "Thanks!" Jacob cried, beaming. "Well," Charlie said. "I do have school. Sorry." "I have school too," Tobias said, frowning. "Well, since we're all together tonight, let's make the most of it, and enjoy the rest of the evening!" I said. "We'll do the dishes first!" Mrs. MacDoogle declared. "NO!" I cried. "Just leave the table as it is, and I'll get it later. Right now, it's time we all relax in the living room... although some of us will be on the floor I guess." Everyone laughed, but we all got up and headed to the living room. As I was pulling Austin's carrier from the high chair, Jacob tugged on my sleeve and asked, "Can me, Charlie, and Tobias go upstairs and game a while?" "Sure, but you have to take the gaming console into the study.. Gwen's set up in your room, and it would be rude if you all laid around on your bed, and messed it up," I said. Jacob and Charlie grinned and ran upstairs. Tobias lingered and looked at me and asked, "so, you're OK with me joining them?" "Sure," I said. "as long as you're OK with hanging out with them. If you want to come down and join us at any point, you can." Tobias grinned then, and headed upstairs, just as Jacob began to yell downstairs for him to hurry up. The rest of us relaxed and had after dinner drinks, and visited for a couple of hours yet, and then people all said they had to get going. We bade everyone good-bye, and they all took off. Evan drove Tobias back to his group home, and said he'd make sure the house parents were aware of why he was coming home after curfew. Once everyone was gone, MC and Gwen both said they were tired, and would be turning in. Jacob went upstairs to do some homework. Julian insisted he'd help me with the remaining dishes and kitchen cleanup. And, Andy gave me a pointed look and said he was taking Austin up to put him to bed, and that he was going to have to do some homework as well. I knew his homework was done, and he was giving me and Julian a chance to talk quietly alone once. * * * I got Julian and I a couple of large glasses of Maker's Mark, and we picked up a few stray glasses left in the living room, and went to the kitchen with them. Together we worked on cleaning up the dining room, and loading the dishwasher, and hand washing the China and crystal and good silverware. Lastly, we moved the kitchen table and chairs back to the kitchen. And finally, the house was all back in order. By then, we were both hungry, so in true American style, we broke out the turkey, a jar of mayo, some bread, the cranberry relish, and a bowl of stuffing, and sat down at the table and made ourselves some sandwiches, to have along with another glass of bourbon. I decided it was time to talk turkey (pun intended - lol) with Julian about his situation. "Sooo..." I said, as Julian bit into his sandwich, and I handed a chunk of turkey to Jack, who'd appeared next to me. "It's just me and you now... are you sure you really want to get married?" "Yeah, I really do," Julian said, his mouth full of food. I studied his face a moment, as he chewed, and he looked sincere, although there were a couple of flickers of uncertainty in his eyes, as he looked back at me. "I thought you decided you were gay." I said. "Turns out, I guess I'm bi, like you," he said. "So the sex is good?" I asked. "I'm able to get hard, and have an orgasm," Julian said, and he blushed slightly. "But do you actually enjoy it?" I asked. "Being capable of having sex with a girl is one thing. Enjoying it is another. And if you're gonna get married, you need to like it. Remember, at our age we're in our prime. If we were standing naked and the wind blew across our bodies the right way, we'd get hard and cum! From what I understand, when we're older, it may take a little more than that. So just being capable of it now, may not mean you'll always be capable of it when you're older." Julian, swallowed his mouthful, sighed and looked at me and said, "I realize that John. And I do actually enjoy it... um... so... the fact of the matter is, Mary Claire is bisexual too, and most often Gwen joins us in bed." "Wait!" I cried, looking at him incredulously. "You're doing them both???? And at the same time????" "uhh... yeah!" he said, blushing a little again. "Holy Shit!" I snorted. "Don't take this the wrong way, but you're living most straight guys' fantasy!" Julian couldn't help chuckling himself. "I know - ironic isn't it?" he said. "So does that make it more exciting for you then?" I asked. "Well, yes, but maybe not quite how you'd expect it to," he said, and he blushed again. I looked questioningly at him, and he blushed still more. "So, they know I'm bisexual," He said. "And for some reason Gwen really likes that. Umm... she likes to put on a strap-on and put it up my ass! Usually she does it when I'm fucking MC." I was caught off-guard, and spluttered a little, practically choking on a bite of sandwich. As I looked at Julian, I had no idea how to respond. I just looked at him, my mouth full, my jaws not moving, while his face darkened a little more. Finally, I finished chewing, and swallowed, then, all I could come up with to say was "So... they make a Jewels sandwich out of you?" "Pretty much!" he said, his face still red. "Damn!" I said, still shocked. We were both silent for a moment, then I asked, "And Mary Claire is OK with that?" "Yes! She has no problem with it at all," Julian said. "Actually, the three of us have really good sex together, and we're all happy." "Wow!" I said. "OK then. In that case, that's fucking fantastic! You go guy!" I grinned and clapped him on the shoulder, and he smiled, but remained pink-faced. I took a sip of my Bourbon and thought a moment. "So.. the sex is good. That's great!" I said. "I guess the question now is, do you love Mary Claire?" "I do," Julian said, promptly and emphatically. "Romantically?" I asked. "I think so - yes," Julian said. "What about her? Does she love you?" I asked. "Yes," Julian said, smiling, "She's told me she does, and I can tell she means it." "That's great! What about Gwen?" I asked. "Well..." Julian said. "She and MC are like sisters - they love each other - but only like sisters, and I guess Gwen is like my sister-in-law. I care about her, but I'm not in love with her, nor is she with me either... but we do care for each other - more like siblings." "So you don't think there's any jealousy there? I mean, she doesn't seem jealous of your relationship with Mary Claire?" I asked. "Not that I've noticed," Julian said. "And I've actually watched to see if that might be." "OK," I said. "I guess there's only one question I have left for you." "What's that?" he asked, looking at me, and I could see he was anticipating what I was going to ask, from the slightly fearful look in his eyes. I reached over and cupped his chin and the left side of his face tenderly in my hand, so he couldn't look away, and looked into his eyes, and asked, "What about Steve?" For an instant I saw a pained look in his eyes. I rubbed his cheek tenderly with my thumb, then took my hand away. Julian looked down at his plate. "Obviously I still have feelings for him. Love doesn't just stop when someone leaves you," He said, and I could hear the pain in his voice. "But he made his choice. When our trip here ended, he told me he was going back to Cindy, and he did. I never heard from him again. Then, when he broke it off with her, did he come looking for me? No! He immediately started a relationship with Laney! It's obvious, even if he had any feelings for me earlier, they weren't strong enough to have a relationship. He either prefers women, or, he's doing his best to pretend he does. Either way, he's unavailable to me, and obviously chooses to remain that way. I'm not about to wait around for him to finally decide he's gay, or bi, and willing to give us a try. That may not, no - probably will never happen! I need to move on with my life John! And that's what I'm doing! I'm truly in love with Mary Claire, and we're getting married, and we're having a baby! My life is moving forward." "Quite the adamant speech!" I said. "I can't help wondering which of us you're trying to convince.... Tell me something. If Steve were available, and interested in taking up with you, would you still be marrying Mary Claire?" Julian looked at me with a look of pain mixed with a little anger, and said, "That's not fair John! That's not the case! It will never be! I'm not going to wait around for that to happen! I'm moving on with my life the best way I can!" "Yeah, that's what I thought," I sighed. "So, you've spent time with him since we were all over here together. I'm sure you've talked with him about us. What did he say?" Julian asked. "You know I can't tell you anything private that he and I talked about, any more than I'd tell him anything private you and I talk about," I said. "Fine. But, can you at least tell me that there's any reason you believe he's going to leave Laney and come looking for me?" Julian asked. "No," I said, after a pregnant pause. I really didn't think he would ever do that. If he was going to try for a relationship with Julian, I think he'd have done something about it by then. "No, you won't tell me, or no, there's no reason you know of," he asked. "The latter," I said. "So, yeah, that's what I thought too," he sighed. I could see his eyes looked watery. I moved over next to him and wrapped an arm around him. I was surprised when he leaned into me, wrapped an arm around my waist and leaned his head against my chest. I rubbed his arm, and kissed him on the top of his head. "You know I'm always here for you, no matter what! If you ever need to talk to someone, just call, or come down for a visit. If you can't afford a train ticket, just call me, and I'll send you one! Just know - I'm always here for you if you need me!" I said Julian hugged me tighter for a moment, and I thought I heard him snuffle. "Thanks John, you're the closest thing I have to a brother. Thanks for caring about me," he said softly.. "And, I think of you like a brother too man!" I said, squeezing him a bit tighter. After a moment, I felt Julian pulling his arm away from me, so I released him, and moved back away from him a bit. He looked at me and said, "John, I still do have feelings for Steve, but honestly, even if we were to get together, I'm not sure it would work out. The sex is great, but I'm not sure how everything else between us would be really. And with Mary Claire, I truly have it all. We really enjoy spending time together! I do love her, and I am truly happy!" "Well, I'm glad to hear that man!" I said. He smiled and said, "So will you still be my best man then?" "Of course!" I said, smiling. Julian grinned then. I held up my glass and said, "To your upcoming nuptials!" Julian clinked his glass against mine, and we each took a swallow. "So, are we done talking about all this really deep shit?" he asked. "I guess so," I said, chuckling. "Good, cause I wanted to tell you about a song I wrote!" Julian said. "It's called 'One Night in Glasgow', and it's about the night I met Mary Claire. I think it's pretty good, but I wrote it so, I need another opinion." "OK - let's hear it," I said, "Hang on a minute." I dashed to the living room and grabbed my twelve-string acoustic guitar that was leaning against the wall in the corner behind the couch. Julian grinned, when I returned to the kitchen, and took my guitar, and began to play and sing. "That's fantastic man!" I cried, when Julian finished singing. "Do you think it's good enough for the band to use?" he asked. "Oh yeah!" I said, grinning. "We just need to add some keyboard, and percussion to it. And I think there's a spot for the sax too!" "I was hoping you'd think we could use it!" Julian said, grinning. "Oh, most definitely!" I said. "I love it!" "Let's see what we can do with the piano," I said. We got up, tossed the food back in the fridge, then moved to the living room, to the piano, and I had Julian play it on the guitar and sing it again, and as he worked through the second verse I began to add some piano notes to it. We worked at it a while, and after 3/4 of an hour or so, we had the piano portion of the music down pat as well as the guitar and vocals. We played it, one last time and I ran my "Transcribe" software that translated it into written music at the same time, and sent it to the printer. "Now we won't lose it!" I said grinning. "And we can send it to the guys to work on as well. Me and Turkey can add some percussion, and Pete'll be able to add in a sax run as well. I can't wait til we can all play it together!" "Ahem!" Jacob's voice came from behind us, causing us both to jump. "Sorry, didn't mean to startle you," Jacob said. "I just wanted to remind you it's almost 2:00 in the morning, and some of us are trying to sleep. That sounded great by the way!" "Thanks Jake! Sorry to keep you awake though" Julian said. "Thanks for the time check," I said. "I think we've done enough for tonight on this, and we better get to bed ourselves." Jacob headed back upstairs then, and Julian followed him. I let Jack out for a quick pee, then headed upstairs too. I checked Austin, and he needed a change, so I took care of that and heated up and gave him a drink from a bottle he had been working on earlier, that I'd fridged. Then I sang him "I wish I was in Carrick Fergus" and rocked him to sleep, and put him back down. By then, Julian was finished in the bathroom, so I quickly peed, and brushed my teeth and went to bed myself. * * * When I woke up, I was surprised to feel someone sucking on my dick! Andy was snoring peacefully next to me. I picked up the covers, and looked down, and there was Jacob's head bobbing up and down on me. I grinned and reached down and rubbed his hair. He stopped and looked up at me and smiled. "Spin around and let's 69," I said softly. Jacob grinned and backed out from under the bed covers, which I gently pushed aside, laying them over Andy. Carefully, Jacob spun around and positioned himself so his hard cock was pressing against my face. Then, he picked up my cock and sucked as much as he could handle of it back into his mouth. Sensually, he began sliding his hot, wet mouth up and down on it. It felt heavenly. I pushed up on Jacob's hips a little, and he shifted position, so he was up more on his knees, and only the tip of his dick was resting on my lips. I opened my mouth, and lifted my head slightly, sucking the full length of his shaft into my mouth. I began sucking up and down on Jacob then, as he continued working on me. For a couple minutes, Jacob and I leisurely worked on one another. As we did, I let my hands slide around on his silky smooth buttocks. After a while, I felt Jacob's finger rubbing the lower portion of my ass crack, so I spread my knees apart and pulled my legs up a bit, giving him easier access, and a moment later, his fingertip was caressing my anus. I quickly moistened my middle finger, and returned to sucking on his dick, but also pressed my finger to his rosebud, which I then felt him relax. Gently, I pressed my digit through his opening, and let it slide all the way into him. I could feel a firm chunk of shit touching my fingertip, but didn't let that bother me. As I began rubbing his prostate lump, his shit retreated back further into his colon. Jacob's finger slipped through my ring muscle too, and soon he was rubbing my gland the same as I was his. For a couple minutes then, we both worked on each other, massaging each other's prostate, while sucking up and down on each other's dicks. It wasn't too long before I began to taste a bit of saltiness. About the same time, I felt my orgasm forming. As we continued pleasuring each other, both our orgasms continually built up. Soon, Jacob's hips were moving up and down slightly, and I felt his body begin trembling. I was nearly ready to cum myself. When Jacob tensed a bit more, and began squirming a bit, he began leaking copious amounts of pre-cum, and grunting softly. I was in the same shape. We both began working more vigorously on each other, and then, suddenly, Jacob groaned, and my mouth and throat were flooded with a violent blast of warm goo, which I quickly swallowed. When I felt and tasted Jacob's semen, it blasted me over the edge, and I took exploded, and blasted a load of my own cream into Jacob's mouth, which he too quickly swallowed. We both continued sucking and fingering each other, and spasming, joyously flooding each other's mouths, grunting and moaning, as we did. All too soon, my orgasm faded, and I could tell Jacob's did too. For several seconds, we both continued sucking each other's penises, and fingering each other's glands. But, finally, as I felt his dick softening, I sucked off it, drying it as I went, and pulled my finger out of his butt. Jacob did the same to me, then carefully climbed off me. We smiled broadly at each other, and I thanked him for waking me up so nicely. "Any time," Jacob said. "And, thanks for doing me too. I'm going to go shower now." "You better sit on the loo first," I said. "You've got a turd on its way out!" Jacob chuckled and said, "so do you!" I chuckled too, as I began pulling the bed covers back over me. Jacob turned and opened the door and left, closing it behind him, as I rolled onto my side, and closed my eyes to relax a few minutes yet, while he showered. * * * Once Jacob finished in the bathroom, I dashed in, took a crap, shaved and showered. Then, I dressed, and headed down to the kitchen to get breakfast going. I took Austin with me, and Jack of course followed us. I heard the shower running a couple minutes later, while Jack was out, the coffee was brewing, and I was heating a bottle for Austin. A few minutes later, as Jack, who'd come in, was eating his breakfast, and I sat with a cup of coffee, feeding Austin his bottle, Julian walked into the kitchen, his hair still wet. "There's a hair dryer under the sink," I said. "I'm fine. I let it air dry most of the time now," He said, as he poured himself a cup of coffee. Jacob wandered in then, and I hear the shower running again. He got out a jug of orange juice, and grabbed a glass, a bowl, a spoon, and a box of dry cereal, and joined us at the table. A few minutes later, MC joined us, and the shower was running again. Gwen joined us next. Then the shower started again, and I heard Andy cry "Bugger!". I guessed that there was no hot water for him. A minute later I knew I was right, as the shower turned off, and that had been the quickest shower he'd ever taken. A few minutes later, he joined us, and we were all together at the table. I looked at the clock and said, "Well, just so everyone's aware, we have just an hour to get ready, before we have to leave for City Hall, if we want to be on time." "What are we wearing?" Jacob asked. "Put on your good suit," I said. He started to scowl in response, but caught my look, and looked away, as the rest of us smiled at each other. "Now, about the flowers - did you have any reserved anywhere?" I asked. They didn't. So, I suggested we call the little flower shop down the road a few doors down from Fletchers, and tell them we needed a wedding bouquet - roses maybe, and a smaller one for Gwen, and a couple of matching boutonnieres for me and Julian. Julian started to protest, but Andy pulled out his phone and looked up the number and called. We explained what we needed, and that we needed them ready by 12:30, and that they should be simple, but nice, roses maybe. Naturally, they were surprised by how soon we needed them, and said they wished we'd called sooner, but promised to get the job done. I paid over the phone with my credit card, and told them to add 50 quid for a tip, as they were so willing to help out on such ridiculously short notice.. They were much happier with me then! Julian looked pale though. I guessed he thought he was going to have to pay me back and was worrying about the cost. "The flowers are one of our wedding gifts to you guys!" I said. "Johnnn...." Julian started to say "Shut up and say thank you!" I said. MC who'd looked a little worried, relaxed, and beamed and thanked us, Julian finally smiled and thanked us too. We finished eating a quick breakfast of eggs, bacon, and toast that I threw together, then we all went to get ready to go. Once everyone was out of the kitchen, as it was 12:05, I pulled out my cell phone and quickly called Kerridge's Bar & Grill, which was one of the nicer restaurants in town, located between Trafalger Square and the Thames. I asked if I could make a reservation for a wedding dinner at 2:00. Happily, they were able to accommodate us, so I placed the reservation. I asked then if they could possibly give us a small wedding cake - anything would be fine I told them. They said they'd handle it. Quickly then, I dashed upstairs, and got dressed in my black suit. "What's Austin wearing?" Andy asked. "Whatever I can find that looks dark, and warm," I said. "I didn't have time to get him anything new, and that little suit will not fit him anymore." When I finished dressing, I searched through Austin's drawer, and found a nice little outfit that was actually slightly large on him, but looked decent. It was dark gray. Quickly I changed him, and dressed him. Jacob popped in then for help with his tie, which I tied. And we were ready. So were the others. When MC emerged from the bedroom, we all gasped. She looked beautiful, and was wearing a very pretty, lacy but simple, old-fashioned wedding dress. Of course we all complimented her on it. She told us it had been her grandmother's, and her grandmother had given it to her when she announced she was pregnant, assuming she'd get married. "Perfect timing!" I said. "Time to go!" We took two cars. Andy drove Jacob and Gwen, and I brought Julian, MC, and Austin with me. We stopped quickly at the flower shop, and while we waited in the cars, Jacob ran inside, and emerged a few minutes later with a couple of boxes with the bouquets, and a couple of small ones with the boutonnieres. I popped the trunk open, and he dropped them in, then scampered back to Andy's car, and we were off. We arrived just in time to park and find the right office in City Hall. Evan, who decided to skip his classes, was there waiting for us. We all went in, and the secretary, who looked annoyed as we stepped inside, smiled, and said "Good! You made it on time!" We quickly pinned our boutonnieres on, and the girls took their bouquets, which were beautiful bunches of red, white, and pink roses, and we followed the secretary into an inner chamber, which was a little meeting room, with a nice little area off to the side, that was suitable for wedding ceremonies. An official stepped in, and walked over to the center of the wedding area. 'Give me the rings," I said, in a loud whisper to Julian, who reached in his pocket, and pulled out the rings and gave them to me. "Groom and groomsmen proceed up front," the lady said. Julian and I, along with Austin, who I was carrying, headed up front, and the official shook hands with us, and congratulated Julian. Then he showed us where to stand. "Guests gather up front on either side," the lady said. Andy, Jacob, and Evan walked up and stood to the side, in front of us. The lady reached over and presses a button on a boom box, and the wedding march on a pipe organ began. She motioned to Gwen to head up front. She did. Then MC followed. Andy quickly took a photo of each of them walking down the aisle. The officiant arranged us properly, and when the wedding march reached the end of a verse, it shut off. The officiant then went through the usual speech, and asked if MC and Julian had vows they'd written. I was surprised they did. Each read lovely vows they'd written to one another. Then the officiant did the usual "Do you take this woman to be..." part. Finally he asked for the rings, which I pulled from my pocket and stepped forward, holding Austin and the rings for the man to take. Austin and I stepped back then, and they went through the exchanging of the rings, and finally Julian kissed his bride. The officiant pronounced them man and wife, and had them turn around and presented them to everyone. Andy snapped another photo. He'd actually taken several throughout the short ceremony, which Julian and MC were most happy about later. The recessional wedding march started to play, and Julian and his bride walked to the back of the room. The music ended, and that was that. We all congratulated them, and hugged and kissed them. Then Julian and MC had to sign the marriage license and certificate and Julian paid the officiant. We were free to go then. * * * Outside in the hallway, Jacob looked at me and said, "So, that's it?" "Not quite," Julian said. "We go home now, and change, and then head to the pub!" "Not so fast!" I said. "We aren't due at the pub for a few hours. Besides, we have a wedding reception to get to." "Um, John, we didn't plan one," Julian said, looking a little uncomfortable. "Ah, but we did," I said, grinning. Everyone, including Andy and Jacob, looked confused. I hadn't had time to fill them in. Chuckling, I said, "I told you the flowers were part of our wedding gift to you. Another part is dinner in a few minutes at Kerridge's!" My announcement was met by "Really?" "Oh Wow!" A cat call whistle. "I've always wanted to go there!" and a couple of other comments. "Yup! Now, let's skidaddle before we're late!" I said. "Evan, Andy, You guys know how to get there?" Both did, so we left City Hall, retrieved our cars, and drove to Kerridge's. When we got there, we were seated at a table in a very nice dining room. The staff all looked a little dubiously at me when I carried a baby in, but I just smiled, and passed them by. Fortunately, we were in a corner, so I pulled a chair up to me, so t was against the arm of my chair, and Austin's carrier fit inside fine. I quickly popped a bottle in his mouth, and he started eating, while we perused the menu. I noticed Julian, the girls, and Evan all looked a little daunted and worried. "Order whatever you want! We're celebrating! I mean it! Don't pay attention to the prices! I'm thinking a Balvenie 15 year old sounds good. Anyone care to join me?" I said. "uh.you're sure about this Horse?" Julian asked, quietly. "We're not having this conversation again are we?" I asked, leveling my gaze at him. "Order whatever you want!" "In that case, then sure! I love a good single malt, And um, Thanks very much for all this!" Julian said. "Yes! Thank you so much John!" MC said. "If I could join you for a good whisky I would, but alas... I think I'll have to try a Kintsugi Fizz." "That sounds good actually," Gwen said. "But you know I'm a gin drinker... I think I'm going to try a Sacred Pink Grapefruit." "Well, the Balvenie sounds marvelous to me," Andy said. Evan looked a bit uncomfortable. "Join us Ev?" I asked, and I winked at him. He smiled then and said, "Sure, you know I love good whisky too!" When the waiter came to take our drink order, he took the girls' orders first, then he came to me, and he looked shocked when I order a double Balvenie 15 year old neat. He leaned in and very quietly, so even I could barely hear him, asked, "You're aware of the cost of that drink Sir?" "Yes!" I whispered back to him. "And I can afford it. Also, I'm paying the entire bill for all our meals. And everyone can have whatever they want. If you'd like my credit card in advance, I can provide that for you." "Oh no Sir!" he replied softly, but in a scandalized tone. "That will not be necessary." "Very good then," I said, and he straightened back up, and I added, "The other gentlemen will be having the same drink I ordered." The guy paled, and looked very nervous, but said "Very well, thank you sir." As he bustled off again, Jacob smirked, and Andy rolled his eyes. By the time the waiter reappeared with our drinks, Austin had finished his bottle and dozed off. As the waiter served me my drink, I indicated he should bend down so I could tell him something discretely. He did, and I told him that we'd require a bottle of Dom Perignon and 6 glasses. And asked that it be served between the appetizer and our dinners. Again, he paled, but nodded affirmatively. As he straightened up, he asked if we were ready to order. Everyone was. MC ordered the Stuffed Poussin. Gwen ordered the Gigha Halibut. Julian and I ordered the duck, Evan and Andy the venison. And Jacob was last and ordered the Haddock and Chips. "Oh!" I said. "I forgot, I wanted the mashed potatoes for a side please. Anyone else need a side?" Andy quickly asked for the potatoes as well, and so did Julian and Evan. Gwen asked for the garlic roasted cabbage as a side.. MC thought her meal had enough in it. And Jacob's already came with chips. "I don't suppose we could order a few starters, and share them around the table too?" I asked the waiter. "Most certainly," he replied. So I ordered the Mushroom Risotto, Prawn Scotch Egg, Smoked Beetroots, and Potted Cornish Crab, and some small plates. The waiter bustled off again. "I hope we can eat all this food!" MC said. "I'm sure we can," I said, grinning, as I looked at the guys. Our appetizers arrived about 10 minutes later, and as I thought, they were on the small side, so we all got about one or two bites of each. They were delicious though. The waiter came with the champagne and our glasses then, and poured everyone a bit in their glasses. "So, I get to make that Best Man speech now, right?" I asked, grinning at Julian. He grinned back and nodded. "OK," I said, and I stood up and held up my glass, and said. "So I only met Julian earlier this year, but after all we've already gone through, it seems like we've known each other for a lifetime. And I truly do consider you a brother Jewels! You're one of the best men I know. And MC, I met you ever so briefly in Glasgow, and only really have gotten to know you a little bit at this point, but I know already that you're a wonderful person! I'm so thrilled that you decided to get married here in London, and include our family in your celebration. It's truly an honor to be your best man, and I look forward to being able to visit back and forth with you, wherever we all end up living, and watching your baby, and maybe another couple of them grow up. I'd like everyone to raise their glasses and wish Mary Claire and Julian congratulations on their wedding, and best of luck in their marriage. We wish you great happiness forever! Slainte'!" Andy had snapped a couple photos as I made my speech, but quickly sat down and hoisted his glass. There was a chorus of "Here Here!" "Slainte'!" around the table, and from a few neighboring tables as well. Julian and MC were both beaming! As I took a swallow of my Champagne and sat down, I noticed MC took a big swallow of Her's, then reached over and set her glass next to Julian's. She saw I'd noticed and winked at me. A few minutes later, our waiter came and picked up our appetizer plates. "Your dinners will be out momentarily, is there anything else I can get you? Something to drink with dinner?" he asked. "Anybody want some wine with our meals?" I asked. "I'm good with another of these, if I may please?" Gwen said, holding up her drink glass. "I'm fine with ice water," MC said. Jacob asked for another Irn Bru. "I was thinking of a pint of the Rebellion, the 24 Carat please," Evan said. "Actually, wine sounds good, but I am rather thirsty, so a beer would be good," Julian agreed. " I'll have the same please." I looked at Andy, and he said, "I was thinking a Cabernet Sauvignon would be nice with my venison. I can get just a glass of it, can't I?" "Certainly Sir," the waiter said. "I'll have the same please," I said. "Any particular label?" the waiter asked, and he handed me the wine list. "House will be fine!" Andy said. The waiter looked at me a little surprised, but I just nodded and chuckled and handed the list back to him, and he left. Our drinks arrived, and a couple minutes later, our dinners. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their dinner. I agreed. The duck was outstanding, and so was the bite of Andy's venison I tried. We were all very pleased with our meals. "Some of the desserts sounded wonderful," MC said, "But I'm too stuffed!" "Well, there is a special dessert coming," I said. "So I hope you can all squeeze in at least a bite." The waiter cleared our plates, and asked if we would like any coffee, tea, espresso, cappuccino, or after dinner drinks. Gwen, MC, and Andy all ordered tea. Jacob said he was fine. I ordered an Americano and a shot of Jamesons. Julian knew what I was doing, and chuckled and ordered the same, and advised Evan to do so as well, so he did too. When our coffees and teas arrived, so did small plates and forks. Evan watched carefully, as I sipped the top off my coffee, and carefully dumped the Jamesons into the remainder. As Julian did the same, Evan grinned and followed suit. And then out came a small round wedding cake, with white frosting and lavender flowers all over it - and even a bride and groom on top! MC was so surprised, and so happy, she started to cry. Julian had tears welling up in his eyes too. Of course Andy wept then too. The rest of us were just grinning. We made MC and Julian stand up and cut the cake. Again, Andy snapped another photo. As they cut the cake, we all applauded, as did some folks at neighboring tables. The commotion woke Austin, who let out a squawk, so I picked him up, and could feel he needed a change. "I'll take him," Jacob volunteered. "I have to go anyway." "And just how are you going to manage that, holding a baby?" I asked. "Good point!" Jacob said, and he grinned sheepishly. "I'll go real quick, find and use the loo, and come back for him." With that Jacob dashed off, and I checked the diaper bag on the floor at my feet for a bottle. I popped the last full bottle in his mouth, just before he was going to complain. He happily nursed then for a couple minutes, and by then Jacob was back for him. "OK, I can take him now," he said. He grabbed the diaper bag and slung it over his shoulder, and took Austin and headed off to the Men's room. As he walked off with the baby and diaper bag, a woman at the next table looked very surprised. I supposed she hadn't seen too many teenage boys taking care of an infant before. The wedding cake the restaurant had provided was excellent! It was vanilla cake, in three layers, with seedless raspberry jam between the layers. The frosting was a thick but fluffy butter cream - vanilla flavored. It was excellent. And because Austin couldn't eat cake yet, when they cut the cake into even pieces, there was one piece leftover, that I told them they could freeze and eat on their one year anniversary! Jacob was back soon, so I took Austin and rocked him while Jacob ate his cake, and we finished our coffees and teas. A few minutes later, the waiter came back and asked if we required anything further. I asked if anyone wanted anything else. Julian chuckled and said "I think we've done it all! Thank you so much for this John! And Andy and Jacob! All of you!" I grinned, and looked at the waiter and said, "Other than a little container for the last piece of cake, I think that's all thank you. And, I'll take the check please." "Very good Sir," he said and took the cake plate and wandered off for a moment, returning only a couple minutes later with a small box with the piece of cake in it, and the bill. I didn't look at the bill - just handed him my American Express Platinum card. He was smiling, and looked mildly relieved when he returned with the check to be signed, and my AMEX card. I guessed he'd worried it wouldn't work. He set the receipts and my card down, in a leather folder with a pen, and thanked me, then stepped away. It was a hefty tab - just under 1,200 pounds sterling, but I'd expected it would be a big bill, for all we'd had, and I'd planned on that. I chuckled as I added a 25% tip to the total, and a note thanking him for helping to make our celebration so wonderful. The norm for tips in England is 10%. I'm sure the waiter thought he'd be lucky to get 50 pounds. He came back a few minutes later to collect the receipt, and thanked us again. He also congratulated the bride and groom, before turning and leaving. A minute later, I saw him stop dead as he reached the other side of the room, and I saw he'd opened the folder and seen the tip and my note. He just stared at it a moment. Then he turned around and looked back at us, with his mouth open. I chuckled and winked at him. He grinned then, and nodded, and mouthed "Thank you very much!" I nodded back. Finally, we got up and left the restaurant, and decided to go back to the house, get comfortable, and relax a little until it was time to head to the publ. Evan said, he'd join us there later, so we bid him good-bye for a little while. * * * Back at the house, we all down-dressed, then, Julian and I decided to rehearse a little for our show. Since it was only two of us, and not the whole band, we needed to figure a few things out. Jacob sat down to listen and watch, and after Jewels and I had a plan for how we'd play together, I grinned and gave Jacob my electric guitar and told him to play with us. He was surprised, but grinned and said "OK." So, I sat at the piano, while Jewels played my drums, which were sitting in between the bar and the piano. Then, together the three of us played some songs I'd taught Jacob to play, and he was really good, and had a blast playing with us! I grinned and winked at Julian, after we'd finished a couple songs that Jacob was really good at. Julian grinned back at me and nodded. A short while later, while Jacob trotted off to get us some beers, Julian asked, "So when are you going to ask him to join you on stage?" "When he's least expecting it - tonight - when I call him up to join us!" I said. "Ohhh.... you sure you want to just spring it on him that way?" he asked. "He won't do it otherwise, so back me up, whatever I say or do," I said. Then, when he was still looking concerned, I added, "I won't force him to do it... but I'd really like him to try it, and I don't think he'll agree otherwise. It'll help that you're there too!" "OK," Julian said, still looking a little skeptical. Jacob rejoined us then, and handed us each a bottle of beer. He opened one for himself and then passed us the opener. "So, what are we playing next?" I grinned, and looked at Julian, who smiled then. We each took a swig of beer, then I had us play a few other songs I thought Jacob could play very well, including one with a really great guitar solo in one part, that Jacob was excellent at. By the time we'd played each a couple times, Andy appeared in his every-day kilt, bagpipes in hand. "Mind if I play one with you?" he asked. "Sure - Amazing Grace - Jake you know this one too - play with us!" I said. "Dropkick Murphy style?" Julian asked. "Most definitely!" I said. Andy tuned up for just a minute, then when he was ready, he led off, and we all joined in, and rocked the house with it, and it was GREAT! "Def have to do that one tonight!" Julian said, grinning. "Well, we'd best get things packed and get going!" Andy said, or we'll be late. Quickly then, we loaded my drums, my electric guitar, my 12-string, and my 6 string guitars, and Andy's pipes into my car. Then we went to get dressed to go. * * * Twenty minutes later, Julian and I ferried our instruments to the Bell & Crown. Andy followed behind with Jacob and the girls. We'd left Austin at home with the Fletchers who had told us several times they wouldn't mind sitting with him. When we walked into the pub, each carrying some of our instruments, George grinned and hollered "Are we having a 'Bonus Concert' t'night then John?" Before I could answer, he and Sophie both noticed Julian was amongst the group, and they hustled over to say Hello, and give him a hug. It got very loud with congratulations when I told George and Sophie that Julian and MC had just gotten married. "Well this calls fer a celebration! I'll send over some Champagne fer ya!" George cried, grinning. "So, you don't mind if Julian plays with me tonight, do you George?" I asked. "Of course not! I love yer 'Bonus Concerts', when yer friends play too! They're a real treat!" he cried, grinning. "By the way, thanks fer the turkey dinners ya sent over with Evan. Ya sent so much food, me 'n Sophie 'n Arthur shared it with Lyle and Ursula too! We had 'em for our noontime meal all together. They were delicious! Now, Lyle wants ta add an American Thanksgiving meal to the menu! He needs ta discuss the recipes when ya have the time." "Sure! Cool! And you're very welcome! So, I see it's getting busy, I'm going to go grab an extra table besides our booth, before they're all taken. Some of our friends are joining us shortly," I said. "Brilliant!" George beamed. "And I'd best get back ter work m'self!" As George headed back to the bar, and Sophie bustled over to a table to take and order, we made our way to the stage, and began to set up all our instruments, while Jacob and the girls pulled a table over to butt up against the table at our booth. Shortly we were set to play, and Evan and Rob Grisholm walked in. Rob had brought Charlie along, since Jacob was going to be there too. The two boys happily squeezed into the back of the booth opposite one another and started talking amongst themselves, while everyone else filled the seats next to them. Niles and Margaret arrived a couple minutes later and Jane walked in a minute after them, and they all joined us. Sophie came bustling over as Jane was getting seated. She had a trayful of glasses of Champagne, which she passed around to everyone in our group. There were a couple extra glasses. I took one and set it on the table between Andy and Rob, who were sitting across from each other, next to Jacob and Charlie and loudly said, "I'll put this here, in case anyone else shows up." All four of them gave me questioning looks, then I leaned in and whispered, "Share it! And don't let anyone see you doing it!" The boys grinned. Andy chuckled, and when I looked at Rob, he smiled and nodded. Then, I literally reached over and pulled Sophie's shoulder, as she'd turned and was just stepping away. I gently pulled her back to us. As she spun around about to complain, I stuck the second extra glass in her hand and said, "Join us for a quick toast Soph!" She grinned and giggled then. I gave another "Best Man's" toast to the happy couple, and we all hooted and cheered and toasted, and took a drink. Julian and MC both stood and toasted everyone else, especially me, Andy, and Jacob, and everyone cheered and took another drink. "Well, I'd love to stay and drink Champagne all evening with ya's all," Sophie cried, "But I've other customers waitin' on me!" With that she drained her glass, grinned, and thanked us and said she'd be back shortly. "And yes Andrew! There are three orders of Doughed Bangers cookin' fer ya all already!" As everyone laughed, and Andy thanked her. She cackled and dashed off then to the far corner of the room. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Jacob swallow half the champagne in the glass I'd put down for him and Charlie. Then, Charlie quickly picked it up and finished it off. As he set the glass in front of his brother, the two boys grinned conspiratorially at each other, happy that we'd let them sneak a drink. "Dude!" I said to Julian. "You ready to rock'n'roll?" "Most Definitely!" Julian cried, and grinning, he got up and joined me on stage. I opened the mic, and introduced myself, and added that in addition to me, and to 'the Hot Scot', who would join in occasionally, my buddy from the US, although more recently from Glasgow, would be joining me for much of the evening as well. I explained too that we were part of a band based in the US called 'The Six Shooters', so some of the music we would be playing would be our band's music as well. There was some applause, and a little cheering from back by the bar - I noticed some of the regulars, who came in whenever I was scheduled to play, and gave them a wave. I sat down at the piano then, and Jewels picked up my electric guitar, and we launched into "Devastated Dreams". For being only a guitar and piano, along with our vocals, it wasn't too bad. We got nice applause, and some cheering. We played another song, "Great Balls 'O Fire", which drew a lot of applause and cheering, and really leant itself well to just a piano and electric guitar. I took the mic then and said, "Andy, Jacob, come join us!" Andy looked shocked, but grinned and popped up, and came up on stage and picked up his pipes. Jacob remained seated though, staring at me with huge eyes. "C'mon Dude - it's more than time you give this a try! We need you for this song anyway. Doesn't sound as good without your guitar part!" I said. Poor Jacob looked horrified, but Evan, Rob, and Charlie all began hollering for him to get up. Then, the girls started chanting "Ja-cob! Ja-cob! Ja-Cob!" and everyone in the pub joined in. I held up my hand a moment, and they all quieted down. Into the mic I said, "You don't have to, but I'd really love to have you play with me for real once! C'mon! Be part of the launch of a whole new rock'n'roll band!" "What's your new band's name?" someone called out I thought a moment, and grinned and said into the mike "The Wild Thangs!" Everyone cheered and clapped. "Did you just come up with that?" Julian asked, leaning over to look at me. :"I did!" I said, and we both laughed. When I turned around, I was ecstatic to see Jacob up and moving toward the stage. Apparently Evan, Rob, and Charlier had cajoled him somehow into joining us. "So, I'm supposed to imagine everyone being naked then?" he asked. "At least that's what Rob said to do!" "Exactly!" I cried, grinning. "But Dude - only look at the women, otherwise, if you see a hot guy you might get distracted, and lose your place!" "You're such an arse!" he said. "So, what do you want me to do?" "You're playing my guitar, just like we did at home when we did Amazing Grace with Andy," I said. "Fine, but this could be a disaster," he said, still looking very scared. "It'll be great!" I cried. "You can face away from the stage at first if you want, but then turn once you're playing if you want." "That'd look stupid. Let's just do this," he said, swallowing. With that he picked up my electric guitar, and put the strap over his shoulder. He adjusted its height just a bit, took a pick, and nodded at me. "OK folks, for the first time ever, anywhere on the planet - may I present 'The Wild Thangs', playing "Amazing Grace, ala the Dropkick Murphys!" I said. There was a lot of applause, and cheering, and when it died down, Andy began piping his slow lament, opening the song, and when that was over, Julian called a count and together then, all four of us broke into the fast paced lyrics of the song that kept getting faster and louder, and soon 'The Wild Thangs' were rocking the Bell & Crown, and everyone began shouting and stamping, as we played even louder and faster. When I glanced over at Jacob, I got a lump in my throat - he was having the time of his life, and he was doing amazingly well! When the song finally ended, there were thunderous applause and shouting for more! I looked at Jacob, who was grinning the biggest grin I'd ever seen on the boy. "How's it feel?" I asked. His eyes watered, and his jaw quivered slightly, and he swallowed a lump in his throat, then hoarsely croaked, "So fucking awesome!" My eyes filled with tears too, as I grinned at him and mussed his hair. The crowd started to quiet, so I said to Julian and Jacob, "how about we do 'One Night in Glasgow' next? And Andy, hang out til the next song - and we'll do 'It's My Life', then take a break." Julian and Jacob both nodded smiling. We were surprised when Andy said, "If you don't mind, I've been listening to you all playing this over and over, and I know you mean to put a sax part in between the second and third verse... but I was wondering, if since you don't have a sax tonight, if maybe I could add a bits of piping at that point?" I looked at Julian, and he grinned and said, "I like that, let's try it!" I chuckled and said, "we probably should've thought to use pipes instead of a sax anyway, since the song's based in Scotland!" "We're playing a song with a new part unrehearsed?" Jacob asked, looking shocked. "Happens all the time," I said. "This is part of being in a band!" Julian said. "Besides, this song is still a work in progress." Jacob shook his head as if clear out the cobwebs, as we all looked at him. "You know where the break is, right?" I asked him. "Yeah," he said. "Just hit the pedal to drop the volume to its lowest, and strum the melody softly as backup to Andy. Me and Jewels are gonna do the same. Then when Andy's done, he'll pause, and we'll bring the volume back up, and we'll play together to the end." "Andy!" Julian said, grinning. "Join in at our volume with us for the last chorus, and I'll increase my mic volume to cover it." "Oh!" I said, grinning. "That's nice! Let's do it!" Everyone nodded, so I spun around and said into the mic, "Sorry about that folks - had to coordinate something real quick. So now, we have a real treat for you. For the first time ever, we're going to cover a new song written and copyrighted by our very own Julian Feinstein. This is a song he wrote for his new bride, Mary Claire, whom he just married this afternoon! It's called 'One Night in Glasgow'!" The crowd roared loudly, with calls of "Congratulations!" and such, and applauded loudly, as Mary Claire sat looking both happy and stunned. When they quieted down, I spun around toward the piano, and began the opening, which we'd decided would best be a piano solo. Julian and Jacob joined in then, and finally, Julian sang the lyrics of the first verse, solo. As it was a soft song at first, I noticed that there wasn't a sound in the pub, other than us. The song, which was in the style of an Anthem, grew stronger, and I joined Julian singing backup in the choruses. When the second chorus ended, Jacob, Julian and I lowered our volume, and Andy piped a beautiful rendition of the melody of a verse and chorus, then he paused, as we picked up and raised our volume, and sang the last couple verses, then for the final chorus, we continued, and Andy joined in, for a grand finish. The last two lines Jacob, Julian, and Andy stopped playing. Only I continued with the piano, and Julian sang, affirming his lover for Mary Claire, then we ended. All the patrons in the pub were on their feet cheering and clapping wildly. I looked down at our table, and tears of happiness were streaming down MC's face. Andy and Jacob were grinning, as my gaze went back to Julian, and I saw he was fighting back tears as well. When the din died down, I said into the mic, "We'll play one more, then take a quick break. Here's 'It's My Life' by Bon Jovi!" I started singing then, and we broke into 'It's My Life', and at the Chorus, Andy joined in, and once again, we were rocking the joint. I was ecstatic to see Jacob was really into it, and even began singing along with us for the choruses. As is usually the case, by the time the song was getting ready to end, and the beat is virtually tribal, nobody was ready for it to end, so I signaled we could go another couple rounds, which we did Then, everyone watched me for my signal, and we all cut off suddenly right where I wanted us to. It was perfect! As the crowd cheered, and applauded, I thanked everyone, and said we'd be back after a short break. As I stared across the pub, I realized the place was packed. There wasn't even any standing room. George was busier than Hell behind the bar, but grinning wildly! He loved it when his pub was packed. And there was Evan next to him, busily pouring pints! Ursula and Sophie were running their heads off, and even Arthur had emerged from the kitchen to help serve food orders. I could only imagine poor Lyle going nuts cooking. I looked at Jacob, who was propping my guitar in its stand, and asked, "So? What'd you think?" "I never experienced anything like it!!!" he gasped, looking at me with an incredulous grin on his face. "Now I know why you love it so much! Thanks for making it so I had no choice but to do it! That was awesome!!!" I grinned, and laughed, and reached over and drew him into a bear hug. Julian and Andy who were carefully stepping around us, were both grinning. 'C'mon! I gotta get a beer," I said. "Speak and receive!" Niles said, and he appeared with four pints in his hands. Jacob quickly grabbed one and downed nearly half of it. "Um..." Niles said. "Th-that was supposed to be your brother's!" I chuckled and grabbed the glass from Jacob, and said, "OK - you earned it, but No more! We're in public and you're not old enough!" Jacob grinned and nodded, and slid into the booth, back in the corner opposite Charlie, who started shouting and chattering away at Jacob, telling him how awesome he looked and played. Jacob was all grins. "Sorry about that," Niles said. I laughed and said, "No worries. He really did deserve a good slug of beer for all that work! And thanks for this!" I downed the rest of the 2/3 of the pint then, and gasped, as I grinned, wiping my lips on the back of my hand. Niles was smiling again then. "So Horse!" Julian said. "Are your Friday shows usually like this?" "No way!" I said. "It's often just me with my guitar or on piano, doing more pub type songs." "Well, this was a real treat tonight!" Niles said. "George said you were loud enough that people came in off the street to join the party! It's never been so busy!" "Should make him happy," I said. "Oh, he's delirious with joy!" Niles said, laughing. "I'll go get us some more pints. I have to give Evan his phone back anyway." "Why do you have his phone?" I asked, but he'd turned and left. "I gotta take a leak," I said to Julian. "Me too!" he agreed. Together, we forced our way, slowly due to all the pub patrons stopping us to tell us how wonderful we were, through the crowd, and finally made it to the men's room. Fortunately, just as we arrived, two guys were exiting. We slipped in, and stepped up to the trough, both whipped out our dicks and stared peeing. We'd both had enough beers that we pissed fast, strong and long. By the time we finished, and were stroking our dicks to get the last drops of piss out of our urethras, we'd both had more than adequate time to look each other over carefully, and both of us were starting to get hard. We both looked up at each other, and first I grinned, then he did too. "You got a nice one man, but not the time and place tonight to do anything about it," I said. "Besides, it's your wedding night! You need to save all the love juice for your bride!" Julian started to laugh, and so did I. We both stowed our dicks then. And just in time, as someone pushed the door open and stepped in behind us. We stepped over to the sink and washed up, then left the men's room. "Oh Shite!" Andy gasped, as he paused in front of us. He was coming from the kitchen, wearing an apron, and he had two plates of wings in his hands. "What'd I miss?" "A meeting of the mutual admiration society in the men's room!" I said chuckling. Julian blushed slightly, but had a goofy grin on his face. "Damn it to Hell! I love those meetings!" Andy said, pouting. Jewels and I burst out laughing. "So, what's with the get up? And are those for us?" I asked. "Actually, they are. When I went out to the kitchen to put in the order, Lyle told me to cook them myself, and handed me an apron. I guess I've been impressed into being a sous chef for a bit!" Andy said. Julian and I laughed, and I took the plates from Andy, who said "Good! I have to get back to the stove! OH! And next set if you could mention that we have a couple of specials - fish and chips, and your American wings, Lyle would appreciate it. He's running out of most everything but those!" With that, he spun around and pushed his way back through the crowd, toward the kitchen. "Is it always this crazy here?" Julian asked, laughing. "Only when we have special entertainment like tonight," I said. "Although we didn't advertise this, so, I have no idea why there's so many people here!" "Well, it's great for George, but wow!" he said. "I know!" I said. "Let's get these wings back to the table and have a couple before we go back on." We rejoined the others and shared the plates of wings, and Niles had gotten us more beers and a couple of Irn Brus for the boys. "OH, MY, GOD!" MC drawled loudly, after she'd eaten a couple hot Buffalo wings. "This is my new craving! These are Brilliant!" "Wonderful!" Julian said, frowning. "You can only get them in the States, or at this pub on this side of the pond! I've never had such good ones over here before! Maybe not even in America! God knows where they got the recipe to make them so good!" I burst out laughing, and looked at him and said, "Really?" "I mean it!" Julian cried. I laughed again and some of the others joined in, as Julian looked at me, annoyed. "Dude! It's my recipe! Well, actually, it's the Anchor Bar's recipe - I got it from a friend of a friend of the chef from there. Anyway, I taught Lyle, and Andy who occasionally is pressed into being a sous chef, how to make them, so I'd have somewhere over here to get good wings, without having to cook them myself all the time!" I said, laughing. "You're kidding?" Julian said. "No!" I said, grinning. "I'll teach you how to make them tomorrow," "Brilliant!" MC said. "Ermmm... would you mind if I gave the recipe to my Da to use at our pub back in Glasgow?" "Not at all," I said grinning. "You can't let on they're the recipe from the Anchor bar though - you can only say they're just like ones you get at the anchor bar... which is a fact... I made a couple slight adjustments, so it's not truly their recipe." "Thank you SO much John!" MC cried. "Da is going to be so chuffed!" "No problem. I guess I'd better get back on stage though," I said. "Jewels, you can sit out a couple songs, then join me again. I want to try a couple piano pieces I've been working on, and see how well they're received." Julian nodded. I got back up, and sat down at the piano and opened the mic and said, "First, ladies and gents, I have a message from the kitchen. There is a special tonight on Fish and Chips, which I know for a fact is delicious, and the second special is Authentic American Style Buffalo Chicken Wings, which I know are authentic like we have them across the pond - because they're a recipe of mine that's almost exactly like the wings from the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York, where Buffalo Wings originated, which I taught the chef to make. So, give them a try!. And, now, for your listening pleasure, I'm going to play a couple of alternative versions of a couple songs on the piano, that I've been working on. Please let me know what you think of them, if you will." I began to play a solo rock'n'roll version of Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" then. It started out soft and at a moderate tempo, both of which increased a bit until I hit the chorus, and then I broke into a bit faster, much louder, pure rock'n'roll solo. I was really pounding on the piano, but I realized it was all I was hearing. Again, the noise level in the pub had quieted to almost nothing, as people listened intently. Soon though several people who knew the words, began loudly singing along. Grinning I continued for another round of the chorus, to allow them to sing one more verse. When I finished, everyone was cheering and applauding loudly. "So you liked it?" I asked, and they all roared their approval. When they all quieted down, I asked, "Did anyone NOT like it? I really want to know. This was an experiment to see what other's think." Nobody voiced any opposition to it, and finally someone yelled "Can ya play more like it?" "I guess that's a keeper then!" I said, chuckling. "OK, one more, then Julian's going to rejoin." I played another rock'n'roll song in the same fashion, and it was just as well received. Julian joined me for a couple songs, then I asked Jacob to join us, and grinning, he leaped up and dashed up to join us. Much different than his first trip up to join us, that was more like he was marching to his doomI. I couldn't help laughing. We played a song together, then I asked the crowd to be quiet just a moment, and through the mic, I said loudly "Paging the Hot Scot. The Hot Scot is needed on stage!" "Give me ten minutes!" came a shrill shriek from the kitchen, that sounded rather like Miss Piggy. Everyone began to laugh. "Apparently some of you ordered the wings! Good move, except that the Hot Scot, whose sideline this evening includes being the sous chef in charge of wing prep, will be delayed a few minutes." I said. "You were right!" someone cried. "These are the best wings ever!" "Told ya so," I said, and everyone laughed. I noticed a couple of patron's quickly started trying to flag down Sophie and Ursula, who both looked rather harried. I spoke with Julian and Jacob, and we decided on a couple more songs Jacob could handle, and we played those. Finally, half way through our last song, poor Andy reappeared at our table. He had two pints, one in each hand. And he looked hot and sweaty and deflated. He dropped into a seat at our table, and chugged an entire pint. Immediately he belched long and loudly, nearly causing me to lose my place and burst out laughing. Instantly he turned bright red, and looked around with a scandalized look on his face, quickly apologizing to those around him, who all snickered. When we finished our song, I announced a break, saying we'd resume shortly. "What about the Hot Scot?" someone in back hollered. I saw Andy look up in surprise. "Things got too hot for him in the kitchen, and he's recovering from melting. He'll be back with us during our next set!" I said. "Brilliant!" the voice called back. I chuckled and turned off the mic, and we all rejoined our friends. "Where's Evan?" I asked, looking around. He wasn't behind the bar anymore. "He took over being sous chef!" Andy said, and he sighed. "I don't want to see another wing for the next month!" And instantly, a plate of wings was set down in front of him, by Ursula. "Bugger!" Andy burst out, and we all roared with laughter. "It's OK, those are for me Andy!" MC said, once we'd all stopped laughing. "Aye," Ursula said, and she picked the plate up. "So sorry! These are for you Laddie!" and she set down a plate of doughed bangers in front of Andy, and put the wings down in front of MC. "Ah!" Andy smiled. "Thanks Ursula!" "Sure thing!" she said, and she patted him on the head before bustling away. Grinning, Andy picked up a couple doughed bangers, and dipped in in the mustard sauce, and popped one in his mouth, holding onto the other, while he picked up the platter and offered it around. And so, we sat and rested a short time, and then all four of us went back on stage and played and sang together for our final set. A couple of the songs, Jacob didn't know, so I had him sit them out. Andy sat a few out too, as the songs didn't lend themselves to the pipes. At the end of our set, we played "One Night in Glasgow" again. The crowd wanted more, but we were beat, so I apologized, and told them we were done. It was getting late anyway. Normally my sets ran 5-8, or 6-9. It was already after 10. And 11:00 was closing time. The kitchen would be closing in a few minutes. Sophie stopped by for any last orders, but we were all full. We ordered some more beer, and sat visiting for a while, and slowly the patrons began to finish up and leave. As it got close to closing time, there were only a couple tables with some people lingering at them, and a few people at the bar yet. "It's time we go," I said. "The Fletchers will want to get home." Our friends all agreed. They helped us pack our instruments and get them out to my car though. Then we went to settle our tab, and I felt really guilty, because George refused to take any money from any of us! He and I got into a very heated debate about it, which he ended by saying "JOHN! Yer Lad's playin' brought in so much extra business, I don' know what ter do with all the money! Plus, It's Julian's and Mary Claire's Weddin', and I wanted to treat them. And all of yer helped at the bar and in the kitchen. Now if yer don't jest thank me an go on yer merry way, yer can't play here no more!" I was surprised, but recovered, and was about to protest, and Andy opened his mouth to jump into the fray, but George said, "An no more Doughed Bangers fer you either!" "Welll... " Andy said, and he looked ready to melt into the floor, causing us all to laugh. 'I mean it!" George said, looking sternly at me. "Besides, we're makin' lotsa money on some of yer recipes...oh yeah, don't ferget ter talk to Lyle about yer Thanksgiving food." "Fine!" I said, finally, although I still didn't like it. George grinned then and came around the bar and threw his arms around me, giving me a big hug. He hugged everyone then, and finally said, "Now get the 'ell outta here, I wanta close up!" We all laughed, but said good night then, and went on our way. When we got home, I tried to pay the Fletchers for their time, but they were both offended, and let me know it. "It was nothing John!" Mrs. Fletcher said. "Austin was a doll. He slept a while, woke for a nappy change and bottle, and has been asleep since!" "And that turkey dinner you left us was brilliant!" Mr. Fletcher said. "So enough about trying to pay us. It was our pleasure!" I finally gave in and we bid them good night and they left. We were all tired then, so we all just went to bed. * * * The next day, we all slept in. I made a nice brunch of eggs benedict for everyone, and then, since the girls had never been to Stonehenge, we drove out there, taking two cars. It was a nice day, sunny, and bright, although a bit chilly. We all had a good time though. That evening, I taught Julian and the girls how to make wings. I gave them variations on the recipe, and showed them all the tricks. MC was most delighted! "Maybe if we give Da this recipe and show him and the cook how to make them, it'll ease the shock that we eloped!" she said. "Um.... I meant to ask if your parents were aware you were getting married," I said, looking back and forth between the two of them. . They both looked guiltily at me and Juian finally said, "That'd be a hard no Horse! um my rents aren't orthodox, but they follow Jewish traditions, marriage being one of them, by the book. And her family s devoutly Catholic!" "Are they aware of the baby?" I asked. "Yeah," he said. "Well, then both your parents should be happy you're married, so their grandson is being brought into the world with married parents, who love each other," I offered. "Yup! That's what we're going to lead with when we tell them," Julian said. "And when will that be" I asked. "As soon as we get back to Glasgow," MC said. "Well, I wish you luck with that. I think it'll work out OK," I said. "We'll see," Julian said, and he didn't look convinced. "Well, not that I know what to do in this case, but if you need us, we're here!" I said. Andy and Jacob both agreed. Julian changed the subject then, and we enjoyed the rest of the evening. The next morning, I made everyone a quick breakfast of pancakes and sausages. Then I drove Jewels and the girls to the train station, and saw them off to Glasgow. Back at home, we spent the rest of Sunday cleaning up the house, doing laundry and dishes, and finishing any last minute homework we had. The next day, started a new week. * * * A few days later, the Friday morning after Julian, MC, and Gwen left for Glasgow, as Andy and Jacob were getting ready for school (it was my day to stay home), we were all in the kitchen, when there was a knock on the back door. We all looked at one another, surprised. I figured it might be Evan, but wasn't sure why he'd show up at that time of day. As I was closest to the door, I stepped over to it and opened it. "Holy Fuckin' Christ! What the Hell are you doing here?" I said, my jaw dropping, when I saw who was standing on the other side of the door. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The next chapter in this series will be published as soon as possible... Please remember that Nifty needs your donations to provide these wonderful stories - if you can help - please go to the following website to donate. Thanks! Nifty Archive Alliance Donation https://donate.nifty.org/