Quarterback Keeper: 22
Tony and Virginia
"Tyler, I have something to talk to you about," Joe said.
"Is there something wrong?"
"No. I just wanted to tell you that this weekend Mindy and Carrie will be doing some house hunting for Cooper and Dana, and I asked them to also keep their eyes open for a house for us."
"Why? I thought you liked this apartment."
"I do, but I want your mother to come live with us and this apartment isn't very accessible."
Tyler was suddenly alarmed, "Is mom okay! Did something happen?
"Oh no, she is fine. I'm sorry, I should have found a better way to start this conversation. I was just thinking that it would be good if Mary came to live with us. I think you would be less concerned about her health if you could see her everyday, and we could make sure she has what she needs to live as independently as she can for as long as she can."
"I would like that, but she can be stubborn. I don't know if she would agree to move."
"I understand, but I want the option, and I want you to know we have the option to move Mary here with us."
"Thank you. This means a lot to me."
Thursday night Tyler had class and then they were going to Tony and Virginia's for supper. While Tyler was in class, Joe took Ian on a tour of the NOSU campus. NOSU wasn't a big campus, but it was nicely landscaped and the buildings were well taken care of. In many ways it had the feel of a small liberal arts college rather than a state university.
"This is the Fine Arts and Music Center," Joe said. "Northern State has always been known for its arts and music program. In the spring Enid hosts the Tri-State Music Festival and NOSU is one of the host venues. Quite a number of the instructors also play in the Enid Symphony and other musical groups in the area."
"Does NOSU accept students from other counties?"
"Yes, there are quite a few international students attending NOSU. Are you interested in going to college?"
"I don't think I would qualify. I wasn't enrolled in the university track back in Scotland."
"In the U.S.," Joe said, "we have a different method for admitting students into our colleges and universities. While our students take aptitude tests, there are a variety of factors that go into admission. I have seen your class performance in government, and I have talked with your other teachers. I am very confident you would do well in college. I also believe you would be admitted to most public universities in the U.S., and likely most of the private ones as well."
"Even if I am admitted, I still can't afford it. My father is still helping Evan with his university expenses, and I don't want to spread him even thinner than he already is."
There was a table and bench on the path ahead, and Joe decided that was a good place to talk. When they were seated Joe said, "Okay Ian, I am going to just be upfront with you. When we first met it was because of Michael. I was doing his parents a favor and I was looking out for him. However, our relationship has developed independent of Michael. So, if something happened and you and Michael weren't together any more, I would still think of you as part of my family."
Ian smiled and said, "I like that--Uncle Joe."
"You also know I have more money than I need, or will likely ever be able to spend. If you want to go to NOSU, or any other college, I will pay for it."
"You would?"
"Absolutely, you are family, and I want you to be able to follow your dreams. If college will help you achieve them, then I am going to make sure that happens."
Ian's eyes began to water, he threw his arms around Joe's neck, and said, "Thank you so much. I will make you proud."
"You already have."
Tyler met Joe and Ian after his class and the three walked to Tony's and Virginia's home. They lived in a two story Dutch Colonial home on the edge of campus. Virginia met them at the door and said, "Tony is outback working the grill. Why don't you head on back, and grab a beer on your way."
"Virginia, can you come out back for a minute, Tyler and I have something we want to tell you."
When they stepped into the backyard, Tony greeted them. Then Joe said, "Tyler and I have an announcement. I asked Tyler to marry me, and he foolishly agreed."
Virginia and Tony were both overjoyed with the news. While hugging Tyler, Virginia said, "I have been praying Joe would find someone like you."
"So when is the big day?" Tony asked.
Joe explained the plans to have a small wedding Christmas Eve, and then a large reception over the holiday break. "I know Christmas is a family time," Tyler said, "but I hope you can make it to the wedding."
"Of course, we will make it to the wedding, and the boys will love to see Uncle Joe get married," Virginia said.
"So, where do you plan to hold your reception?" Tony asked.
"We really haven't figured that out yet," Joe said. "We're leaving the reception planning to Mindy and Carrie."
"The reason I ask is that I am on the Symphony Board of Directors, and last week the company that reserved Symphony Hall for New Year's Eve went bankrupt and that spot is now open. The Symphony really needs to have that space rented to make the December budget. Also, a number of our musicians were planning to play for the party and now are out of a gig."
Joe looked at Tyler, "What do you think?"
"I can't think of a better way to welcome in a new year."
The weather was great, supper was great, the conversation was great. Tyler and Ian enjoyed listening to Joe and Tony discuss politics, history, and sports. At one point Tony said, "I'm sorry. Joe and I seem to be hogging the conversation. Do you have something you want to add?"
"Not at all," Tyler said. "The old maxim is: Better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than to open it and remove all doubt." Everyone burst into laughter.
After dessert, Tyler helped Virginia clear the table. In the kitchen, she said, "You were in Chicago this summer."
"Yes," Tyler said, feeling suddenly nervous about where the conversation was headed.
"So, you are aware of Joe's and Tony's special relationship."
Tyler remained silent.
Virginia continued, "I have known about it from almost the beginning, and I want it to continue."
Tyler was surprised, "I'm not sure I understand."
"Do you know what symbiosis is?"
"Not really."
"In biology a symbiosis is when two different organisms live together in a mutually beneficial arrangement. For example, bees and flowers are symbionts. The flowers provide the bees with nectar, and the bees carry the flowers pollen to another plant. Both bees and flowers get something they need from the relationship. Joe and Tony are symbiotic, they each get from the other something they need."
"I hope this isn't insulting," Tyler said, "but doesn't it bother you that Tony gets something from Joe that he doesn't from you?"
"At first it did, but then I stood back and looked at what I was getting from their time together. Whenever Tony came back from those vacations he was a much better husband, father, and lover than when he went away. Of course, I understand if you are not willing to share Joe, but I would like you to think about it."
After fifteen minutes of discussion, Tyler went to get Joe and Tony. Virginia started, "Tyler and I need to talk to you about your summer vacation..." Tony started to interrupt, and Virginia sent him a look to silence him.
"As I was saying, we need to talk about your summer vacation. Tyler and I have decided that you two will continue the summer vacations .....'
Joe broke in, "I don't know if that is a good idea."
"I and Virginia have discussed it, and we have decided it is a good idea," Tyler said.
"Look," continued Virginia, "I know the benefit that Tony gets from those weeks, and I know what happened to our relationship and sex life when he didn't get that time with you. I suspect that the same will be true for you and Tyler. The only change we are asking for is that Tyler and I join you for the second week, and we finish the vacation as married couples on vacation together."
Joe looked at Tony, and asked, "What do you think?"
"I think the decision has already been made."
"Okay," Joe said, "I guess the only thing to do is decide where we will be going."
Tyler grinned, "Virginia and I have already decided that. We want to go to New York."
Joe said, "New York it is babe," and then gave Tyler a kiss, which Virginia didn't see because Tony had her lips likewise engaged.
Cross Country
Every 15 minutes Ian would check his phone to see if Michael had sent an update on his ETA. Joe had decided not to go to the football game. Salt Fork was running in the Hennessey meet the next day and a two hour drive home from Seiling, Oklahoma didn't have any appeal. Plus, he wasn't sure it was a good idea to leave Ian and Michael alone, and unsupervised that long. While he generally trusted the boys, he also knew that sex starved, hormone crazed teens didn't always make the most rational of decisions.
"A watched pot never boils," Joe said.
"Huh?"
"It's an old saying that means, constantly checking on something you want just makes the wait seem all the longer. You need to take your mind off of when Michael will arrive."
"That's easy for you to say."
"Why, because I'm old?"
"No, because I heard you and Tyler this morning. You really need to stuff a sock in Tyler when you decide to play rough."
"Oh, sorry about that. He is a bit loud."
"Loud?! Howling wolves are loud. It's a wonder you can even hear."
"What did you say?"
Michael broke into laughter.
Finally, Ian heard footsteps coming up the stairs and he jumped up to open the door for Michael, Mindy, and Carrie. Ian gave Michael a big kiss and the two were all smiles. They clearly were anxious to have Mindy and Carrie leave so they could retire to Ian's room, so Joe decided to tease them a bit.
"Mindy and Carrie," Joe said, "I hope you don't have to run off. I just made a pot of coffee and have some raspberry cheesecake in the fridge. I hope you can stay and chat for a while."
Catching on to what he was up to, Mindy said, "That sounds really nice. Carrie and I were just going to end up watching TV at the hotel, so we have plenty of time."
Joe went to the kitchen to get coffee and dessert, and Michael followed him. "Uncle Joe, what are you doing?" Michael said.
Joe noticed the desperation in Michael's voice and had to work to stifle a smile. "I'm just being a good host," he said. "After a long drive, it is nice to get some refreshment."
"There are granola bars in the car."
"I am surprised Michael, it's as if you want to push your mother and aunt out into the bitter, cold night."
"It is 70 degrees out there and it's still daylight. It is not like we are abandoning them to the wolves. I want some alone time with Ian."
Joe put on his best clueless expression and said, "I am sure your mother and aunt won't mind if you and Ian go to his room to play video games, or watch TV, or ...... Oh, I see .... The thought of your mother in the room next door while you try to ..... Well, whatever you try to do, has made your dick go limp."
"You think this is oh so funny don't you?"
"I am chuckling a bit inside," Joe said. "Look, it won't belong before they head to Enid. Your mom isn't going to make you suffer for too long."
"She, in on this!?"
"Didn't you notice the wink when I suggested cheesecake. I am sure she and Carrie will have a good laugh on the way back to Enid."
"Ew, do you think mom and Carrie will discuss Ian and me .... ew."
"I doubt she will give it any more thought than you give her and your father ...."
"Ewwww, stop Uncle Joe. You are going to make me impotent."
"Oh, so the thought of us old people having sex is too gross for you."
"Not you Uncle Joe, "Michael said with a wicked smile, "you're hot."
"Just cool your jets," Joe said. "Now go serve dessert and I'll bring the coffee."
Ian had been entertaining Mindy and Carrie with his observations of the difference between American and Scottish schools.
Carrie asked, "So what was the oddest thing about our schools you've had to adjust to."
"Asking to go to the restroom. In Scotland if you need to piss, you just go piss. The teacher doesn't really care to know about your bodily functions. However, in America you have to ask for permission to piss, and if you are deemed piss worthy, the teacher gives you your pissport."
"Pissport? What's that?"
Ian said, "I think the official name is a hall pass."
Mindy and Carrie both laughed, and Mindy said, "I suppose American schools do have a bent to making sure kids are constantly supervised. My guess is that it has become worse since the epidemic of school shootings. I remember the days when we just used to walk into the school, wave to the secretary at the front desk, and then take the kids whatever they forgot at home."
"I know," Carrie agreed, "I had to take some cupcakes to school the other day for one of my grandkids' birthdays. The first thing I had to do was go into the front office and show my ID to the front desk. Then they ran me through the child predator database. Then when I thought I was in, they called the nurse over to give me the third degree about the ingredients in the cupcakes to make sure they didn't include anything that one of the students might be allergic to. I really got the impression that they just wanted me to email them digital images of cupcakes to distribute on the student's iPads."
"When I was growing up," Joe said, "if you had asthma or hay fever you and your family had to move to Phoenix. It was like Arizona was some kind of modern day leper colony for anyone with respiratory problems. The result is that people with asthma met and married people with hay fever and now their kids can't leave the state without an oxygen tank."
"On a different subject," Mindy said to Joe, "do you have some free time Sunday afternoon?"
"Sure, what's up?"
"Carrie and I are checking out properties tomorrow, and if we find anything, Cooper and Dana are going to drive over to take a look. I was wondering if you and Tyler would like to join us?"
Michael, who was sitting on the arm of the sofa and growing increasingly impatient, said a bit too snarky, "That would be a great idea."
Mindy looked at MIchael and said, "You've been a bit snippy all afternoon buddy. Keep it up and we'll be heading back to Tulsa and you can try again in two weeks."
Ian stepped behind Michael and put his hands on his shoulders. Ian then began to slowly massage Michael's neck. Michael looked at his mother with a hangdog expression and said, "Sorry mom."
Mindy smiled and said, "I know. We'll leave so you can start your weekend." She gave Michael and Ian each a kiss on the forehead." We'll see you on Sunday."
Joe walked Mindy and Carrie to their car, and when he opened the apartment door to come back in, Michael and Ian were making out on the couch. Michael and Ian quickly separated and each looked a bit sheepish.
Joe sighed, "Okay let's have a little chat. I know this is awkward because ... well, I don't have to tell you why it's awkward. It is 8:30, and I plan to watch some TV and then head to bed around when Tyler gets home. You don't have to hang around out here with me in some pretense that we all don't know what is going to happen. Tomorrow we have a cross country meet in Hennessey. We have to be there by nine o'clock and it is an hour drive, so we are meeting the team at 7:15 to get the van loaded and head out, so the alarm is going off at six tomorrow morning."
Joe looked at Ian and said, "In addition to being your guardian, I am also your coach. If you are too tired or too sore to run the kind of race you are capable of, then we will be rethinking these conjugal visits. Do the two of you understand?"
Ian and Michael both nodded.
"Good, Tyler will be driving my truck to the meet tomorrow. So, Michael, you can ride with him. Are there any questions?"
Michael and Ian each shook their heads.
"Good, I am going to watch a Bond movie, and wait for Tyler," Joe said. It wasn't long after the opening credits that out of the corner of his eye, he saw Ian and Michael get up and head down the hall to Ian's bedroom.
It was 11:45 when Tyler dragged his tired ass into the apartment.
"Hey babe, how was the game?" Joe asked.
"We won pretty easily, but Avery is going to be sore tomorrow. He was on the receiving end of several cheap shots."
"You look really tired, are you going to be able to take Michael to the cross country meet tomorrow?"
"Yeah, what time do we have to be there?" Tyler asked.
"The team has to check in at nine, but the first race starts at 9:30."
"Okay," Tyler said as he stretched, "I'm going to grab a shower, and then I'm heading to bed."
Tyler turned on the water as hot as he could stand it and stood under the shower head. He leaned forward against the wall and let the water slowly relax his body. The rain shower drowned out the sound of Joe entering the bathroom. It wasn't until Joe began to massage his shoulders that Tyler realized he was not alone. As tired as he was, Tyler's cock began to respond to the touch of his lover. Joe slowly encircled Tyler's body with muscular arms and pulled his lover back to his chest. Tyler moaned as Joe gently tweeted his nipples and nibbled on his neck.
"Oooh, that is so good," Tyler said with a coarse whisper.
Joe slowly lowered a hand down Tyler's tired body until he reached a cock in full arousal. Joe licked Tyler's ear and said, "I think this needs some attention."
"Uh-hum."
Joe turned Tyler around, gently pushed him against the wall, then kissed his way down Tyler's torso. When he reached Tyler's dripping cock, Joe slowly swallowed his stud's throbbing meat. Tyler was so tired and cumming would help Tyler sleep well. Joe knew the buttons to push to quickly send Tyler over the edge. Tyler's breathing became rapid and his legs began to shake. Joe impaled himself on Tyler's manhood and he lost all control. Tyler yelled, "Oh fuck, you are sooo goood," then he release a torrent of cum down Joe's throat. Tyler's legs gave out and he slowly sank to the shower floor.
Joe turned off the shower and carefully helped Tyler to his feet. Eventually, the two were dried and cuddled up under the sheets. Within moments Tyler's breathing slowed to the soft, steady rhythm of slumber.
"Five-fucking-thirty in the morning! Why did I agree to help with cross country?" Joe said as he turned off the alarm. As Joe rolled to get out of bed, Tyler caught him and cuddled up behind him.
"Don't leave. I need some Joe time," a sleepy Tyler mumbled.
"I know babe. I promise that tonight you can have all the Joe you can handle."
"Umm, that sounds so good."
"Babe, you have to let me go," Joe said to his sleepy lover, and Tyler reluctantly released him.
After a quick shower, Joe dressed and then knocked on Ian's bedroom door. There wasn't any answer, so he slowly opened the door. Ian and Michael were intertwined and sound asleep. Joe hated to wake Ian, but it was time. He gently shook the sleeping boy and said, "Ian you need to get a shower. I am going to make breakfast."
When Ian sat down at the kitchen counter, Joe asked, "How are you feeling?"
"I'm feeling pretty good."
"Are you relaxed?"
"Yes," Ian said with a smile.
Joe handed Ian a plate with a couple of whole wheat bagels and peanut butter, a banana, and scrambled eggs. "Eat up, you will need your energy."
Just then a sleepy, and still naked, Michael came into the room. He said, "I wanted to wish you good luck." and kissed Ian on the cheek. "I'd give you a proper kiss, but I've got morning breath."
Ian smiled, "That's okay, you can give me a real kiss at the finish line."
"That's a romantic thought, but probably not a good idea in Hennessey, Oklahoma," Joe said. "Well, we need to get to the high school and load the van. Michael, I would suggest you keep an eye on the clock. You're probably going to have to wake Sleeping Beauty if you want to get to the meet on time."
Tyler and Michael arrived at the Turkey Creek Golf Course just as the varsity girls were lining up at the starting line. Joe noticed them and gave them a wave to come over to where he was standing. "The varsity boys will run after this race. It should start in about thirty minutes. The course is laid out on the fairways near the edge of the course. The best way to view the race is to watch the start, then go over to the 6th tee box to see them at the midpoint of the race, then get to the 18th to watch the finish."
Michael noticed a black and yellow pop-up shade tent with a Rattlesnake logo. It didn't take him long to find Ian--his red hair was easy to spot. In his running shorts and jersey Ian was definitely hot, and Michael made a note to add it to his mental fantasy file.
Tyler said, "It's going to get warm. Let's go grab a couple of bottles of water before the race starts." Standing in front of Michael and Tyler in the concession line were what appeared to be two of the runner's fathers. They were talking about the field, and Michael overheard one say, "My boy should have a good chance to repeat as state champion. He's beaten everyone that is at the meet today."
"What about that new kid Salt Fork has? No one has ever seen him run."
"I'm not worried. No imported Scottish fag is going to beat my son."
Michael's body tensed, and he looked ready to confront the homophobe. Tyler put his hand on Michael's shoulder and said under his breath, "Easy killer." After Tyler and Michael got their water they headed toward the starting line. Michael said, " I just wanted to punch that asshole."
"Of course you did, but he'd have won."
"Don't be so sure. I've been in a few fights. I can handle myself."
"I'm not talking about the physical fight, I'm talking of the public relations fight."
"Huh?"
"What do you think the would be the headline in tomorrow's newspapers: High school youth teaches homophobic asshole a lesson, or Spoiled heir to oil fortune attacks the father of his gay lover's track rival?"
"Shit, that would have been dumpster fire. I really wasn't thinking."
"Hey, I understand. If he had said that about Joe, it would have taken three guys to peel me off the asshole, that's why we count on our friends to keep us from doing something stupid."
It wasn't long before the last of the varsity girls finished, and the varsity boys were lining up at the starting line. Ian looked over the crowd and finally saw Michael and Tyler. He smiled and waved. Michael waved back. Then from somewhere in back of him Michael heard, "Look the fag has a boyfriend." Michael bristled and wanted so badly to respond, then he heard a woman say, "Gerald Brainard! If you ever utter such a vial, hateful, comment in my earshot again, you will never haul another head of cattle for me or for my husband." Another voice said, "Amen," and another said, "You tell 'em Jenny." Tyler gently elbowed Michael in the ribs, and said,"There are allies even in red dirt country."
The P.A. announced, "We are ready to start the varsity boys race. All spectators need to remain clear of the course." Then the starter raised a starter pistol and said, "Take your mark, set" and fired the gun. A mass of boys started forward and gradually began to thin and stretch into a line of runners. While there were 72 runners in the race, in the end, the real competition was between each boy's mind and his body.
Tyler and Michael moved to where they could see the middle of the race. When the first group of runners appeared, the crowd began to cheer encouragement. Ian was in the leading bunch of four runners along with Jeremy Brainard. It was clear that two of the boys were beginning to fatigue with the pace, but Ian and Jeremy were both running strong with no signs of exhaustion. Ian even had the energy to flash Michael a smile as he ran past.
When Michael looked at the spectators on the other side of the course, he saw Gerald Brainard glaring at him. After the leaders passed many in the crowd began to head to the finish line. Tyler and Michael got a position in the front line and waited for the leaders to turn the corner and head to the finish line. Down the course the crowd began to cheer and soon the leaders were in sight. Michael and Jeremy were way out front. Michael began to cheer and jump up and down. The two runners seemed to be evenly matched, then about a hundred yards out Jeremy Brainard opened a lead and finished with a time of 16:78.02 and Michael came in second with 16:86.43.
Tyler said, "The medals will be awarded after the boys JV race. Let's go over to the team camp and we can meet up with Ian. When they got to the tent, Ian was guzzling a bottle of water and accepting congratulations from his teammates. When he saw Tyler and Michael, Ian gave each of them a big hug. Tyler said, "Damn, you are sweaty boy, now I have to take another shower." Michael and Ian both laughed.
When Michael had Ian where they could have a semi-private conversation, Michael asked, "Why did you let Jeremy Brainard win that race?"
"What do you mean?"
"I saw you pull up and let him take the lead. I've known you long enough to know when you aren't giving it everything you have."
"Joe told me to let him win."
"What! Why?"
"This is the last time we will see each other until the state meet. We didn't want him and his team to know what I can do and develop a strategy to stop me. He has at least four solid teammates who can help him get an edge at state. I will likely be running it alone. So Joe figures that it's best if I run under the radar and keep my best time for state."
"I see. Uncle Joe is already playing the long game."
At the awards ceremony, Jeremy Brainard and his father were cocky assholes. When the varsity boys received their medals, Gerald stood close to Michael and made several comments about Jeremy being a real man. Although not overtly homophobic, Michael got his innuendo and couldn't wait for Ian to wipe that smug smile off his face at the state meet.
After the medals presentation was over, Ian wanted some pictures to send to his father and brothers. Tyler took pictures of Ian with the medal around his neck, with his teammates, with Coach Brock and Joe, and finally with Michael. Finally, Tyler and Michael got into Joe's truck and headed for Salt Fork. Ian rode back with the team. Coach Joe's rule was you go as a team, you win or lose as a team, and you return home as a team.
On the ride home, Michael asked Tyler, "Why did you go to NOSU?"
"Well, they offered me the best financial package. We didn't have a lot of money, so I needed a lot of financial aid to even consider going to college. Also, they have a decent football team and several players every year get invited to the NFL combines. I still had the crazy idea that I was going to be a professional football player."
"Did you like it there?"
"That's a hard question to answer. I'm sure you know what happened to my football career. I had, well I still have, really good friends from the team. I was a typical student jock for my first two years. You know, get Cs and stay eligible. It wasn't until I got hurt that I focused on academics. I think it was a way of taking my mind off the fact that my football career wasn't going to happen. The funny thing was that, as football became less important, I really started to enjoy learning. My grades improved, and Dr. Kesslinger noticed."
"At first, I just thought that Dr. Kesslinger was feeling sorry for me. He was my adviser, and I know he felt badly that my football career was over, and he felt the athletic department had kinda used me. However, the more history classes I took, and the more I got to know him, the more I felt he really believed I was a legit student. That felt good. Of course what really told me Dr. Kesslinger was in my corner was when he used his friendship with Joe and Bill to get me a job at Salt Fork, and his position as dean to get me into the alternate education program. Tony and Joe have a very special friendship, and for him to to go out on a limb to help me, makes me so humble and grateful."
"I didn't really answer your question about why I went to MOSU, but that is why that place is so important to me now."
"I think that was a better answer than the question I asked," Michael said.
After miles of silence, Michael continued, "Ian is thinking about going to NOSU to study music."
"Oh."
"I know my dad wants me to go to OSU and continue the family tradition, and my mom thinks I could make it in an Ivy League school."
"Michael, what do you want to do?"
"I want to go to school with Ian. I know everyone will tell me that I'm being stupid; that I shouldn't plan my future on a teenage infatuation. Hell, I have even said that to myself, but I somehow know I will always wonder what would have happened if I didn't give it a shot with Ian. Does that make any sense to you?"
"More than you can know," Tyler said with a smile. "More than you can know."
Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary
After Joe and Ian got home, Joe said that he and Tyler needed to go see Mary and asked whether Ian and Michael wanted to go along. Ian wanted to introduce Michael to Mary, so the four guys and Sunshine piled into Joe's truck.
As they were leaving Salt Fork, Michael said, "I want to go to NOSU."
"Have you mentioned this to your parents?" Joe asked.
"No, I was hoping for your help with that," Michael said.
"Look, it's one thing when I side with your brothers and cousins over the future Sinclair Energy, but this is between you and your parents, and I am not comfortable getting involved."
"Okay, but if dad disowns me, can I come live with you?"
"Charles isn't going to disown you for wanting to go to NOSU rather than OSU," Joe said with a chuckle.
"Yeah, but he might when I tell him I don't want to join Sinclair Energy. I want to major in history at NOSU, then get a PhD. in history, and maybe be a college professor."
"Oh shit, Charles may kick you out of the family."
Michael suddenly got quiet, "You really think he might?"
"No Michael, he will not kick you out," Joe said with a laugh. "Here's a little secret you might not know, you are Charle's `little oops.' You have a special place in his heart because you make him young again. He may put his fingers in his ears and sing the OSU fight song, but he will still love and support you. So tell him what you want."
Tyler turned to look at Ian in the back seat, "Ian, I hear you are thinking about NOSU."
"Yes," Ian said.
"How do you feel about Michael enrolling in NOSU?"
"I know life won't always be peaches and cream, but I need to know if Michael and I are meant to be. I think this will give us a chance to find out."
"I think I heard that earlier today." Tyler said with a wink. Michael reached over and took Ian's hand and they both smiled.
When the truck pulled into Mary's yard, she was sitting on the front porch enjoying the autumn weather. "Oh, this is a wonderful surprise," Mary said. "I just finished making a pitcher of iced tea. Something must have told me to expect company."
Mary gave Tyler, Joe, then Ian a hug. Then she looked at Michael and said, "And who is this handsome young man?"
Ian smiled and said, "This is my boyfriend, Michael Sinclair."
"Nice to meet you Michael," Mary said and gave him a hug.
"Nice to meet you Mrs. Simmons?"
"Oh that won't work. My name is Mary."
"Nice to meet you Mary."
"Joe," Mary said, "Can you help me with the tea and cookies."
When they were in the kitchen, Mary said, "Okay Joe, why are you here?"
"What do you mean?"
"Look Joe, I know when Tyler has something he doesn't want to tell me. Ever since he was a little boy he would shift his weight from foot to foot when he's afraid to say what's on his mind ... Oh no, the wedding is off, isn't it?"
"Oh no, we are getting married and you are dancing at our wedding reception."
Mary's concern turned to a smile and she said, "That's a relief."
They got back to the porch and Tyler, Ian, and Michael were in the yard playing frisbee with Sunshine.
"I see Tyler is leaving whatever it is up to you to tell me, so get to it."
"We are buying a house in Salt Fork."
"That's great."
"And, we would like you to come live with us."
"Oh no, I'm not moving into your family. I am perfectly happy living here by myself. I have my plans."
"Mary, please don't say no just yet. When we find a place would you at least be willing to look at it and see whether we can make it work."
"Joe, I appreciate the offer, but I don't think Tyler needs his momma under that same roof, and you certainly don't need your mother-in-law butting her nose in where it don't belong."
"I know that for some families what we are proposing wouldn't work, but you are not the stereotype of the difficult mother-in-law. I think we could get along. Also, Ian needs a grandmother."
"Now I see why you brought the boys along. Playing the grandmother card is not fair."
"Hey, I do what I have to do," Joe said with a chuckle.
"Okay Joe, time to level with me, this is your idea isn't it?"
"Yes."
"Why."
"Look, he doesn't say it, but I know Tyler is worried about you. I think he needs to be able to see you everyday, and frankly, I need to know you are alright. You know I have money, and when we get married, that money is also Tyler's. Can you imagine how he will feel to have the means to have you close and make sure you are well, but you won't let him do that for you."
"Joe Bartlett, you don't play fair."
"I love Tyler more than anything, and I want him to be happy. I know that is what you want too. So we have to do this for him."
Mary thought for a minute and then said, "If I say yes, what do you have in mind? Mindy and Carrie are looking for houses for Cooper and his family and Tyler and me. Salt Fork isn't loaded with houses. So we are going to have to be creative, but my plan is for you to have your own house on the property. It would be built to meet whatever need you have in the future, including a room for a medical assistant."
"I'm not saying yes, but I am not saying no either. It would be good to see more of Tyler and you. Also, I do kinda think of Ian as a grandson. But, I'm not moving until you two are married and legal. I'm old fashioned, and will not condone my son living in sin." Joe and Mary both laughed.
Joe said, "I am hungry and I am sure Ian is starving. Let's get to the cafe and get something to eat."
"Does Salt Fork have a cafe?" Marry asked.
"Oh, you're going to love Matty's."
While they waited for their order, Ian told Mary all about the cross-country meet and then Michael told how his soccer team was doing. With each minute Mary felt more and more like grandma Mary.
Joe and Tyler walked Mary up to her front door and each gave her a kiss. Walking back to the truck, Tyler said, "I can wait any longer. What did mom say?"
"Her exact words were: I'm not saying yes, but I am not saying no either."
Tyler grabbed Joe and gave him a big kiss, "Thank you babe, I knew you could win her over."
"Hey, she hasn't said yes, yet."
Mary looked out of her front window, and seeing that kiss knew she had to do what was best for her son and future son-in-law. In her heart the answer would be--yes.