Snowplow

A Year in the Life

Secrets Part 5 By Bix Meister

This is a story featuring gay men, and gay sex, intended for Adults, not Minors. It is fiction, and as such is not based on any actual people or events. It is a fantasy intended purely as a catalyst for pleasure. No attempts have been made to portray safe sex, but the author encourages you to practice it.

If this is your first trip to my series, I suggest you start at the beginning, Snowplow. You will get to know the characters more.

If you enjoy it, consider donating to Nifty. If you have suggestions or feedback, contact me at bixmeister57@gmail.com

Secrets Part 5 Echoes

The farmhouse's kitchen looked almost exactly how I envisioned it would. Every element reminded me of friends who had given it their touch. The reclaimed wood cabinets with grain that Fred had personally picked and finished with care. The hardwood floors that Derek reclaimed with pride gleamed in the morning light. Even the appliances that Rolf delivered and installed spoke of his strength.

I also noticed the unseen work of Charlie's plumbing, and Pete's electrical. None of this was easy to accomplish in a century old building, but it had all come together to create a whole that exceeded my expectations. All that was left was my final touches with the help of Brent, and then the next day Pete and I would be sharing an intimate birthday dinner to celebrate its completion.

It might see oddly self-centered to plan your own birthday celebration on the completion of a remodeling project, but this was something different. I was simply giving the kitchen and the house a sendoff. Less than three weeks after my birthday Pete and I would be cementing our relationship in our own home. The echoes I heard in the empty kitchen reminded me that it was only mine for a few more days.

The spirit of Nanabozho echoed in the dining hall of the Nanaboujou lodge as Charlie, Angelo, Fred and Jason sat for breakfast. They had arrived there, late the night before, so they were seeing the polychromatic marriage of Art Deco and Native Cree imagery for the first time.

Each man was in awe of the great hall. Conceived at the height of the Roaring Twenties as a sportsman's club for the elite. It was finished just as the boom busted. The exuberance of the time was captured in the riotously colored, jazz era ceiling.

The weekend was originally a thank you to Fred from his architect friend Van. Van was embarking on a remodel project for a new client, a banker who had moved north from the Twin Cities. He wanted a distinctive kitchen, one that fit the history of his Lakeside home. Van was inspired by Gitchigumi in much the same way as the architect for Nanaboujou was inspired by Nanabozho. His clients home that sat on the shores of the great lake would echo the spirit of the lake.

The rest of Fred's friends were there simply to get away, and get out of Kyle's hair while he celebrated his birthday with Pete. As they sat, they picked out their own spirit icon from the panels that lined the halls.

Angelo responded to the wolf. He knew it's strength was captured in the panel. It was that strength that helped the timber wolf battle back from declining numbers. The timber wolf's pack also pulled together to survive the harsh winter of the northland. He had often seen his own pack do the same.

Fred saw the thunderbird or eagle and immediately thought of the mythical bird that was so awe inspiring to the Native American's in the Arrowhead Region. Any sighting of them was seen as a great omen. When Fred saw the icon he knew it was going to be a great weekend with friends.

Fred's lover Jeff responded to the sun's rays, and rainbow. Every member of the Pack had illuminated his life. Even with the recent ice storm, he had seen how they pulled together creating their own rainbow.

Charlie was of course the bear. He didn't over think it; he was always the bear. Friends and family had long called him that, and now he found out that gay bears could be sexy and desirable. He looked over at the wolf sitting near him, happy that he had found the right man.

Rolf lay quietly in Francis' arms. Smiling to himself he thought of how easily he perceived his lover as so many different men. He was the Captain officially, FC in social situations, Francis during the tender moments and Frank when things got steamy. Each man befitted the name. Each man brought joy to Rolf. However, the whole man, was the man he loved.

Rolf loved how Frank spurred him in into overdrive the night before. Frank definitely was open to Rolf being in control. Even after Rolf bred him, Frank was ready to take the next larger dildo from his personal stash. With Frank, their toy play wasn't a matter of dominant and sub, but of equals finding limits that could be pushed.

Francis was the man who pulled him into the master bathroom to give him a tender sponge bath. The two men would have the day, and most of the next to work on the shower, but for now, the intimacy of the sponge bath before bedtime was more than enough for Rolf. He loved catching Francis' eyes smiling as they shared this moment. He loved giving him a smile in return.

He even loved how the Captain snuck out in shorts and a t-shirt to park his car in the alley. There was something clandestine about that move, his need to feel as if he is sneaking around, hiding something. Well at least the Captain was sneaking around with him.

The one thing he didn't love was his inability to be with FC among friends. He avoided seeing FC after the vandalism at the bar. Even though he played his heart out for FC at the softball game, neither could really acknowledge their connection. He felt that FC was the man he needed the most, but knew the least.

It was FC's rumbling snore echoing in the rafters of Rolf's converted church that early May Saturday, and Francis' arms that held him tight.

Brent and I went to work quickly. The guys had been inconvenienced too long while the kitchen was being redone. I wasn't decorating the kitchen, there really was no need for that. We were simply finalizing it, making it livable, making it part of the home.

We unpacked boxes of essentials, and started organizing the kitchen. Brent had a keen eye for a bargain and with his help I had amassed a large treasure trove of pots, pans, dishes and serving pieces. Brent gave me my marching orders as I started to stock the prep section of the cabinets.

When it came time for the pantry, I realized a trip to the grocery store was needed. I had yet to shop for the birthday dinner, and it might be a good treat to fill the guy's pantry with fresh essentials that matched their fresh kitchen. I left Brent to the details, then headed in towards the supermarket in West Duluth.

As I was driving along Grand Avenue, I saw Pete's truck out in front of Bart's Auto Body Shop. What the fuck? Pete told me he was going to Mario's warehouse to help him with his plans and keep out of my hair. I wanted to pull in, spy on my man. I worried that Pete had the same affinity for Bart's ass that I had, but I had to trust Pete I thought, and kept on driving.

I filled my cart, and then my car with groceries. We were going to be eating like kings the next day, and my friends would be able to for at least two weeks. On the spur of the moment I decided to take a drive to the West End and check out Mario's warehouse. Maybe Pete would be there and I could drop in. I got there, saw Mario's Jeep, but no Pete. I was an idiot. If Mario and Pete were working together on Mario's warehouse, they had no need for two vehicles.

I drove home, and passed Bart's business. The fucker's truck was still there. I can respect secrets; we all have them. However, when the man you are about to marry, lies to you... I was just speechless. I checked the map pocket in my driver's side door. I fished out the Ramone's CD I had there. I was fuming and I had to get out some aggression. Teenage Lobotomy would do the trick.

Their post-lunch hike found Bear Charlie and Wolf Angelo a mile up the shore. Along the way they saw evidence that the North Shore experienced recent storms similar to the one that had caused damage to the higher elevations of Duluth. One large, uprooted tree, became the perfect resting place for their hike, the trunk providing a bench.

They looked out over Lake Superior. "This is Gitchigami, this is what Van wanted Fred to see." Charlie pulled Angelo into a kiss. "How did I get so lucky to be here, sharing this with a man like you? Angelo, seven months ago I was a drunk, in fact I still am, you just keep me in check. With you I have possibilities almost as big as this lake. Hell, I remember how Kyle told me something along that line one night when I was scared of my future."

"Kyle has a way with words, doesn't he?" Angelo interjected. "He saw the same thing in you as I do. He saw the big lovable sexy bear. How unlucky is it for him that he is there sweating in our kitchen, while I am here, about to be fucked by the man I love?"

"Right here? You want it that bad huh?" Charlie's crooked grin made Angelo weak at his knees. He leaned over to kiss Charlie again, and felt for the beer can cock he knew would be there. An eagle flew overhead, southbound along the shore.

Eagle Fred, and his ray of sunshine Jeff, were about a mile and a half south. Ever prepared, Jeff had a backpack with a small bed roll which would come in handy on the combination rock and sand shore. They had already found a dozen or so Lake Superior agates on their trek, but the ultimate gem was the cozy cove they had claimed as their own.

The early May day was slightly cooler this far north, so they laid their bedroll down and kissed as the waves lapped the shore. Words were unneeded as the fully clothed men communicated through touch. Though his sexual desires were mainly oral, Jeff loved getting to know every inch of his lover's body. His post heart attack workout had helped Fred tone his still large frame. Even clothed, Fred's body was enticing to Jeff. He loved how his big gut was getting tighter, he could feel it through the flannel shirt. Jeff reached down and felt Fred's thick thighs which the hiking shorts helped reveal.

Fred loved the attention he was getting, as they kissed on the bedroll he was feeling the need he sometimes had. Yes, he too had been primarily oral, but every once in a while he felt the need to have Jeff's beautiful ass. He reached down with both hands, grabbed a hold of the furry globes, and squeezed. He didn't need to say anything. Jeff simply nodded as Fred's thick fingers slipped past the waistband and rubbed the furry flesh of Jeff's ass.

An eagle circled overhead, then swooped down to the lake. Seconds later it soared off, its fresh catch in his talons.

Angelo looked over his shoulder as he steadied himself against the trunk of the fallen tree. Sunlight and a lake breeze kissed his naked ass as he saw his lover Charlie spit lube his thick cock. He found something thrilling being out there, vulnerable in nature. Charlie's voice assured him. "Damn, I need this ass" With a thrust forward, Charlie was balls deep.

"Yeah Babe" Angelo grunted. "Give me that dick, you know I need it." Charlie grabbed onto the fat ass of his lover. "Oh fuck yeah, you control my ass babe." Charlie started to pound his lovers butt. He held the hairy cheeks together, creating more friction for his thick dick. Angelo pulsed his sphincter on the wide invading meat. Although he told his man he had control over his ass, Angelo knew he had the ultimate power. Just by flexing his hole, he could control how long Charlie would last, and that day, he wanted him to last forever.

Fred's shorts were around his ankles as he entered his lover's butt. He loved looking in Jeff's eyes whenever they found the need to fuck. The two of them shared their love for anonymous glory hole sucking, but Jeff's ass was only available to Fred.

Fred bottomed out in his lover's butt and stopped. He leaned down, Jeff got up on his elbows. The two men kissed. "Fuck me" Jeff hissed, and then laid back down.

That was the only permission Fred needed. "You got it" he said, then raised Jeff's legs. Fred started to withdraw his dick from his lover's ass, then he slammed it home. It was a rhythm that worked for both men, a slow withdrawal, and a fast thrust back in. "Damn Jeff, your ass is doing it to me today babe."

The quiet connection from earlier was replaced by a sudden need to be verbal. "That's right buddy, grip onto my dick with that talented butt. Your hole is so tight, perfect for my wood. Yeah I see it in your eyes, you like how your favorite carpenter works with his wood. Well, I like how you polish mine, buffing it with that pretty hole of yours."

The steady measured rhythm of earlier was replaced by a frenzied fucking. It was Jeff's turn to tap into his primal urges. "Oh damn Fred, fuck it, fuck my ass, make it yours. FILL THIS HOLE."

"I know you love to swallow and savor my cum, but I'll shoot so far up your butt you'll be tasting it."

The two couples came at the same time, both connecting with the spirit and power of Gitchigumi. They had 24 hours left to discover the same spirit of Nanabozho that inspired the architect back in the twenties. They were already well on their way.

With the grout done and drying, and the plumbing complete, all that remained to be done on the church's master bath was to sit back and wait. Rolf didn't know if he could wait as he followed the Captain to his Denfeld neighborhood home. He really didn't expect this to happen. FC was so guarded about most aspects of his private life. The glimpses Rolf saw, came in fits and starts.

He was hesitant knowing that he would be without his CPAP for the night, but the promise of this venture into the Captains private domain was too much to pass up. Rolf pulled into the alley and watched as the Captain entered his detached garage. He then parked in the spot in front of the garage door. The Tudor detailing matched the house he was about to enter.

The Captain's private world was opening up for Rolf, was he ready for it?

I locked the farmhouse and then drove home. By the vehicles in the drive, I knew Mario and Pete were there. Time had allowed me to calm down. Pete had said he wanted Bart to work on the interior of the Charger. However, I couldn't see what it needed. There is a saying in the collector car hobby. "It can only be original once." Pete's car was bone stock, showroom fresh. It had not been altered, nor neglected in its lifetime. Why should Pete change that now?

Mario and Pete allayed some of my fears by showing me pictures of the warehouse. We had already talked that he wanted to document the construction of his gym. He thought maybe he'd set up a website to promote and create hype for his business. Pete was in a few of the pictures that Mario had taken with his new digital camera.

Mario asked for my guidance as he built his website. We went into his room to look at the progress on his computer. Months earlier his dad Giorgio had told me he thought his son was in the wrong business. He was certain that graphic design was Mario's calling. Looking at the rough website that Mario was putting together I would have to agree. It was strong, easy to navigate, and fresh.

I gave him a few suggestions and he gladly took them. Again I was drawn to the young ex-wrestler, but mainly as a mentor and friend. We tweaked his website together while Pete putzed around in our bedroom. Pete stubbed his toe I guess, because suddenly we heard him scream "FUUUUUUUUUCK" through the heating vent.

I thought of the noise we made last night, and looked over at Mario at the desk. "Yeah, I definitely heard it" he said, smiling. "I guess it comes with the territory. I don't expect the two of you to change what you do for me. I am an adult after all. I knew the rules when I moved in."

Mario and I spent the next few minutes discussing that topic. He admitted he had a heart to heart while working with Pete at the warehouse. Every minute spent with Mario made me appreciate him more, and resent his intrusion less. We eventually closed his website, and made our way down to the sauna where we were joined by Pete. Pete and I made no effort to hide our intimacy from Mario and he was not repelled by the site of two men holding each other.

The two of us were considerably more quiet as we made love that night. I fell asleep in Pete's arms, confident that my first birthday spent with Pete would be a memorable one. I certainly had a unforgettable dream that night. Though my body was tightly grounded in Pete's arms, my spirit soared. I was flying over a disjointed topography of my hometown, West Duluth, and Chicago. I saw favorite landmarks from my life. My aunt's cabin was followed by the Wrigley Tower; Frank Lloyd Wright's studio was on Park Point.

As always when I dream of flight, I was simply weightless, untethered. I was soon joined by Mario, who unlike me was soaring with eagle's wings. He'd fly in front of me, and then circle back to join me. We played in the airstream as we followed the crest of the hill back to our chalet. As we got close to home, I saw the blue-purple glint of Pete's truck, and two dogs playing in the back yard. They were lapping a giant fire pit, while Pete, Derek, and Justin looked on. I swooped down to my man who promptly grabbed me, pulling me into his arms, stopping me cold.

Pete's strong hug woke me. "Happy Birthday Sunshine. You slept in, it's time for breakfast. Mario's almost got it done."

I rolled over and kissed my man. "Thanks for the great birthday present Pete." I said, grabbing his ass.

"What present? I haven't given you anything."

Thinking of my dream I responded "Yes you have, you have given me our home and your love."

We dressed for breakfast. It was suitably healthy befitting the future owner of a gym. The omelets were made of egg whites and herbs with sautéed chicken breasts. Mario also made us fresh pressed orange juice and a side of fruit. Though it was unlike the heartier breakfasts we were used to, it was the perfect way to start the day.

While sitting around the table, Mario and Pete informed me they were going down to the lumberyard to pick up another truckload of framing timber for the warehouse. I was fine with that because it gave me time to get everything ready down at the farmhouse. We did our usual Sunday morning rituals, Pete completing the crossword puzzle, while I caught up on some reading.

I kissed both of my men goodbye as they left in Pete's truck for the lumberyard. Pete's kiss was a bit more intimate than Mario's brush on the cheek, but Mario replied in kind. "Say hi to Rolf for me" I said to Pete before he closed the truck's door.

"He has the day off; I'll have to deal with Dick instead."

"That isn't the dick he wants to deal with either" Mario said with a chuckle before the two men drove off.

I was alone, which fit perfectly with my plans. I had everything I needed down at the farmhouse, so I locked up, and took the trail down there. The weather was already in the 60's heading towards a high of the mid 70's, we would be able to sit outside naked if we wanted to, and take shelter in the hot tub if the wind switched off the lake.

I opened the kitchen door, and started prep almost immediately. I had to marinate the steaks, slice the and season the potatoes, and prep the bacon for the wilted lettuce salad. It was simple food, nothing fancy needed for us. The kitchen layout worked almost intuitively as I got everything ready.

Outside I got everything ready. I set the table, filled a cooler with ice, beers and wine, and then made sure the grill was ready. I was done early so I walked down towards the sugar shack. When I opened the door I was greeted by two glory holes. I shook my head. Damn, sometime in the last week Fred and Jeff made good on their threat to change it into a private glory hole. That must have been the hammering Pete and I had heard. Well at least it was keeping Fred away from the Thompson Hill rest stop.

I walked further down to the creek, it was still roaring with the last of the snow runoff, and the freak ice storm. In a few weeks it would probably be a trickle compared to what I was seeing today. I thought of my nieces and nephews would be joining us for the wedding, and figured this was a perfect place to show them during their visit.

When I finally got back to the house, I felt something crawling on my leg. Damn those wood ticks. Well at least Pete and I could check each other out in the privacy of our back yard. I had a few minutes before Pete was expected, so I finished the salad, and brought everything outside. I fired up the grill, poured two glasses of wine, and then on a whim, I stripped down to just my shoes, and threw on my "Kiss the Cook" apron.

I heard the sound of footsteps on the trail, and was certain that Pete had the same idea as I did. I boned up at the thought of an afternoon with my man, creating a tent in the apron. I stood as the footsteps became louder, expecting to see him in the clearing any minute.

"Surprise" Pete said. "We got a guest."

I lost my tent pole as Mario came into view.

I was fuming that my quiet day with my husband, and my husband alone, was being marred by an intruder. Don't get me wrong, I like Mario, but when you have your mind set on a plan, and it changes without your input... Just what the fuck was Pete thinking doing this?

Mario sensed it. "Sorry, I can leave."

"No, stay. I'm sure Kyle made enough for you too." Pete pulled me into a hug, my bare ass felt the chill of a breeze. He whispered in my ear. "Sorry I couldn't leave him home alone; I'll make it up to you somehow." He patted my ass as a signal of how he planned to apologize.

"Fat chance of that happening now" I said to him, punching his gut. I started to laugh, seeing the humor in the situation. "You're right Mario, I did make enough for you. Pete will just get a smaller portion later."

I went over to where I threw my shorts, and pulled them on commando style. As I stood up I heard Mario. "Pete's a lucky man."

"We both are, he just has to work on his timing and communication."

If there was an ice storm over the hill last week, it had a match in what was happening in our backyard on my birthday. I thought I had let it go, but every time I would get beyond it I would do or see something that would give me a chill. I retrieved an extra plate, utensils and glass from the kitchen, that was the first chill. I sliced the large cut of steak into three portions, another chill.

Sure Mario and Pete did their best to warm me up, but every time I got close to being thawed out, I would get another chill. Luckily the love and laughter we shared over my simple meal, finally chipped away the last of the ice.

"Who's ready for the hot tub?" Mario said as he threw down his napkin. He stood, then almost sprinted to the spa as he quickly undressed.

"I was ready earlier as you both well know." I got up, undid my apron, and then let my shorts fall to the patio. I kicked off my shoes and joined a naked Mario in the tub.

Pete dropped trou too, and then grabbed a fresh beer of each of us. He strutted to the tub, offered us our beers, and then grabbed one for himself before joining us. "Now this is what I'm talking about" he said as he settled in. "We definitely need one of these for our place."

The ice was gone completely. Even with Mario there, I was suddenly feeling the intimacy with nature that I had planned for my birthday. An eagle circled overhead, followed by a hawk that swooped down to the treetops. I took a swig of my beer, and settled back into my husband's arms.

I felt Pete's dick between my cheeks as he held me. Mario had seen us in our intimate moments before so he wasn't shocked by our closeness. He was on the other side of the spa while Pete snuggled me, nuzzling against my neck. It was obvious we were making out in front of this young man. He told me he was fine with it last night, but I felt we were taking it a bit too far.

Then Mario stood. "Who's gonna blow out the candle?" There before me was a dick that almost rivaled Pete's. It had an arch to it that was graceful, it came up just shy of Pete's nine inches. I looked at Mario and then back to Pete.

Pete winked at me, and then nodded towards Mario. "Go ahead birthday boy, enjoy your present." The fucker had this planned all along. He probably even responded loudly to my fucking on Friday night for Mario's benefit. I didn't know whether to leave the spa, or give in to my man. Mario stood strong in the bubbling waters, his hard dick bobbing in the spring breeze, so I finally gave in.

I did my best to remove the taste of the chlorine from his dick as I sucked him in, Pete encouraged me, holding me, entering me. "Filled with wrestler dick at both ends babe" he groaned in my ear. "Wanna have us tag team that ass? You have a hall pass if you want to use it."

I looked up and Mario, gulped on the precum that he shot into my mouth. He smiled, pulled out his dick and rubbed it against my beard. "Pete told me about the hall pass. I'm willing if you are Kyle." He slid his dick against my lips then thrust it in. "What do you say GodDad?

I was torn. Two beautiful men that I had loved were sharing me, but when he called me GodDad, it was suddenly incestuous. He wasn't flesh and blood but somehow our relationship seemed even closer. What we were doing was wrong for me, for Pete and especially Mario.

I pulled Mario's dick from my mouth. I stood, letting Pete's dick fall from my ass. I hugged Mario chastely. "Sorry, I just can't do this." I got out of the hot tub and grabbed one of the towels I had waiting. I walked around to the side sleeping porch and laid down on the bed.

Pete joined me, clad in his own towel. "What's wrong babe" he said as he laid down by me, kissing me gently.

"It just was wrong Pete. He's your godson. Anyone else and I might have taken the bait." I curled up into a ball as Pete hugged me. He spent the next few minutes apologizing for his idea. When he saw the bed on the sleeping porch he had thought about sharing me with another man. Mike was first on the list, but when Mario showed up in town, and I showed interest in him, he became suspect #1.

Mario turned the corner to the porch and saw us laying there. "Sorry guys, I think I got carried away. Kyle, I think you should know that I am just slightly envious and want something like this for myself. Someone I can bring home to mom and dad. Speaking of Dad, I owe him a call. I call him every Sunday. I think it's time he knows about my gym. I'll take mom and dad and the two of you out for dinner tomorrow night. Act surprised when I tell them the plan. In the meantime, I think it's better if I leave."

"No stay, share a few drinks, maybe have dessert." I couldn't believe I was saying the words that came out of my mouth. "Go call your parents. Pete and I have a few things to discuss."

It was mainly small talk. I trusted Pete's heart was in the right place when he went ahead with his plans. I felt he had an explanation for every time I questioned his motives in the past few weeks. We soon found ourselves dressed at the table, sipping on fresh beers when Mario returned.

"It's all set" Mario said, winking towards Pete. "Tomorrow night down at Fitgers. They think I am arriving there tomorrow. He grabbed himself a beer, and then joined us.

It was as if that little romp in the hot tub never happened. We were just three friends sharing a brew outside on a warm May afternoon.

Then, I heard the rumble of a vintage small block V-8 engine. It was followed by at least two more vehicles pulling into the drive of the farm house. Car doors opened and slammed as I saw men come around the house, followed by two dogs.

The Pack had arrived. Trailed by Putski, and a small white American Staffordshire Terrier with a bright red bow on it. "SURPRISE" they yelled. Derek and Justin had the two dogs. Charlie was towing a large cooler. Micah had a cake, while Fred, Jeff and Angelo had small gift bags. Brent, Gino, Rodney, Marty, and Rolf brought themselves which was more than enough for me.

Derek and Justin picked up the white dog and handed it to me. "Meet Echo" Derek said. "We've been trying to hide him for a week. He's been following Putski around like he was his shadow. If Putski barks, he barks. That's how he got his name."

Echo immediately licked me. "He calls those kisses, Dad. If you want one all you have to say is "Kisses"." I laughed at Justin's words. I was already getting the feeling that Echo knew who was his master, and I would never have to beg for kisses.

"One last thing" Pete said. "Give me that bag Fred." Pete took the bag from Fred and then handed it to me. "It's been tough to keep the secret from you but I did get you a birthday gift." I reached into the bag and pulled out a key ring with a set of vintage Dodge keys on it. I looked at Pete, incredulously. "It's parked out front. Go check it out." And Guys, we might have to tone things down, I am not sure if the driver can handle us if we let things get out of hand so to speak."

The guys followed me to the driveway. Parked there was a freshly painted and prepped 1970 Plum Crazy Dodge Dart. Behind the wheel was our auto body savior, Bart. He got out, gestured towards it. "It's all your's sir. Now you know what Pete has been up to this last week. He and Derek got it running in tip top condition, I just put the icing on the cake."

As I walked around the car in awe, everything was making sense. The man who looked familiar in Pete's truck at the Bank & Trust was the former owner of the Dart. I finally recognized him as the man who had it on exhibit at the World of Wheels car show. I was rushed away from Derek's house because it hid two surprises, Echo and the Dart. And Pete's fling with the straight body shop owner was nothing more than two men creating a thing of beauty for a man one of them loved.

I saw the A&S Decal on the back window. I gave Bart a big hug, one that may have lasted too long, but he didn't complain. "It's better than I could imagine. You used the same paint you used on the Ram." I looked to all of my friends. "So you all were in on this?" I saw Fred and the gang. "The four of you cut your weekend short just to be here for this?" I looked at Rolf. "And you left whoever it is you've been shacking up with to celebrate my birthday. You know you could have brought him along, no secrets in our pack."

Rolf flinched slightly. I caught it regretting my words almost immediately. He had told me in confidence he had a lover who was a public figure. I thought it was best to not push that anymore, so I got into the car to check it out. They had done their best to make this once tired car, shine. Pete stuck his head into the window. "The interior is this summer's project. I figure we can work on it together after the wedding."

"You guys should go up to Nanaboujou for your honeymoon, it is magical up there" Fred added. "We know the perfect spots to hike to and commune with nature."

"Commune with nature? Is that what you gay guys call screwing outdoors? Communing with nature?" Everyone laughed at Bart. "Hey, don't make fun of me, it's tough being the only straight guy in a group like this."

"How do you know you're the only straight guy" Micah said. "I could be straight for all you know. And of course Mike is straight, look at his wife."

"I saw the way you looked at Duluth's second favorite wrestler over there. Mario's got a good body, if I was gay, I'd do him."

So Bart saw it too. To me the connection was almost immediate. Micah had been our one question, and it appeared to me at least, that Mario was the answer. However, having your infatuation recognized in public, was not a good thing for the shy Micah.

We all went back to the patio to continue the celebration. Mario pulled some brats from the cooler and threw them on the grill. Beer and pop were opened as friends found flat spaces to set their asses on and celebrate my birthday.

Bart got up to leave. "Sorry gang, thanks for the invite, but I gotta be at my son's little league practice. Drive that Dart with pride Kyle." He pulled me in for a hug, whispering in my ear. "I still can't believe that all of you guys are gay. Who'da thunk it? And who is that kid trying to kid? It's obvious he has a thing for Mario. Maybe it will be a double wedding."

Bart chuckled as I led him to his truck. "You're a good man Bart. Just think how great the world would be if there were more people like you, and less of the haters."

"We need more men like you Kyle to show how good any kind of love can be. I was saying that to the missus last night while we were snuggling in bed. Pete put sweat and love into that car, just to show you what you mean to him. I try to do the same with my wife and family."

I saw Bart's fine ass as he got into his truck. It would be an ass I would have to admire from a safe distance. He honked as he backed up, I gave him a final wave and joined the gang.

Our impromptu party was in full swing when I returned. Mario was flipping the brats as Micah looked on from his own safe distance. Rodney, Charlie, Angelo, Gino and Rolf were dangling their toes in the hot tub. They looked like they were the makings of a bear stew. Fred, Brent and Jeff were taking Mike on a tour of the remodeled kitchen. He was finally able to sign off on a project well done, and start soon on the banker's house near the lake.

Pete, Derek, Justin and I played with Putski and Echo. Echo was my dream dog, taking to me almost immediately. He'd run and play with Putski, and then stop to jump on my lap. Like I predicted, he was quick with the kisses for me. My only worry was the lap puppy would be a bit of a pain when he became a much larger lap dog.

The Pack devoured the brats and beverages. It appeared that many of them wanted to hang around to continue celebrating into the night, but Mike had different priorities. "Guys I need to get home to my wife, but we seem to be short a vehicle. Can anyone give me a ride home?"

"We can hike up to Pete's and I'll grab my Jeep if you don't mind" Mario offered. "That way they can continue the party."

"Do you mind dropping me off?" Micah asked. "I don't live too far from Mike."

We said our goodbyes, I smiled hopefully at the match being made. By the time we were returned to the back patio at twilight, almost everyone was naked, half of them making bear stew in the hot tub. Pete and I were beat from a long day, and the remaining clothed partiers needed a ride home. I offered a ride in my new Dart to Derek, Justin and Rolf. After dropping off my son and his lover, I drove Rolf to his West Duluth church residence. In the dark I saw him sneak into the back alley where he joined a man sitting in a sedan in the shadows.

I got home. Pete pulled me upstairs. "I have to finish something I started earlier today. I have a feeling we won't be having an audience this time."

"You're forgetting our little furry audience of one" I said, looking at Echo at the foot of the bed.

"Well he might as well learn how the pros do it doggy style" Pete said. I was more than happy to oblige.

We never heard Mario return home that night, and his Jeep wasn't parked in the driveway the next morning when we awoke.

FYI The first four months of my stories are available as a Kindle friendly e-book at Amazon.com. Search for me under Bix Meister. It is easier to read, and has some artwork to enhance the story. Reviews and feedback are appreciated if you happen to buy.

Also I am considering making my e-book available on iTunes. If this option interests you, please contact me at Bixmeister57@gmail.com