This is a series of works of gay erotic fiction. If you are offended by such material or if you are not allowed access to it under the laws where you live, please exit now.
This work is copyrighted by the author and LBL Services Canada. 1990-2008
and may not be copied or distributed in any form without the written permission of the author, who may be contacted at: lila_is@live.ca
Any and all celebrities mentioned in this story have no affiliation to this piece of writing and I make no claim to their person as my own. All Mentioned places and people are factious and any bearing resemblance to anyone person or place is purley coincidental
INTRODUCTION:
Steppin' Out (Book 2) Josh and Dante's Dream Copyright 1995-2008 By Lila Mosher Full series already E-published on line, if you wish to read it all in it's entiriety please Mail Lila and ask for the link thanks.
Two wonderful people are brought together through the ties of another who's struggled with acceptance of his own. These two fine hearts learn not only to share their feelings and love with each other but they extend themselves to include another lost and abused soul into their lives, this is book 2 & the continuing story to Steppin' Out. Please enjoy and feel free to e-mail me your comments I love getting feed back from fans :) thanks
Thanks to ALL who have mailed me already due to book 1's listing, the responses are amazing, I can't believe some have already ready all THREE books! (on line) The books main web site has hit an all time high of 45-50000 page hits respectivilly each month and it's mainly due to the listing here in Nifty, thanks Also note if you read the books on line there IS a forum for fans to post comments in :D So please by all means use it to have your say about what you read or mail me :D either way is great.
Please enjoy book 2 ...Books 1, 2 and 3 are published in full on line. Mail me to ask for the site link or keep watching here for the next chaprters to be posted, ALL will be listed here in due time, thanks again everyone!!!
PS: YES I am a lady! LOL This is one question I get frequently. How I can write for the guys is beyond me. Why is because I love to write (and I have an uncle who loves my stuff, LOL)
Chapter 19 *********
Their first working day at Jump Street was amazing, thou the embarrassing event of their foster daughter pointing out that she knew what they were doing in their office was a bit of a mood killer, all in all things looked well. Selina took the opportunity to pick up a few pointers from Josh for dealing with customers. Dante took calls from potential local designers looking for an outlet who'd sell their products. The local news showed to talk to Troy and Aikrii who stayed for most of the day helping with sales and promotional stuff. When the day ended Josh spoke to the crew who were taking down the staging for the runway. One asked if they could have the scrap material and Josh agreed that it was best to see it recycled. Selina asked if she could be dropped off home since she was quite tired. Dante agreed to drive her home and return for Josh after he balanced the books for the evening.
"I'm going to lay down for a bit once I get home, but I'll get something made for supper if you want me to." Selina said looking at Dante as he drove her back to their condo.
"It's not necessary, grab yourself what you want but I think I'm going to take Josh out for some grub as a treat. I can give you money if you want pizza instead." He suggested as he pulled into the driveway.
"Naa, I'll cook." She gave his cheek a kiss. "Be good now dad! Home by midnight!" she winked and got out and let herself into the condo. Dante chuckled she knew how to make him not only blush but to get his goat to. He backed out and headed back to the mall, hoping Josh was still up for a restaurant visit.
Josh was just finishing up when Dante poked his head into the office.
"Ummm. My full meal deal!" he said teasing him.
Josh looked up and smiled. He flicked off the computer and pushed back his office chair leaning back and placed his feet on his desk, his hands behind his head.
"So if I do this...what am I now? A buffet?" He grinned mischievously and chuckling as Dante's eyes widened. He loved teasing his lover like this. He knew how it got him going. His closed his eyes and kept his smug little grin on his face but only for a short time, Dante sauntered over to him after he closed and locked the door to the office.
"Shall we have a replay of this afternoons festivities?" he asked Josh as he straddled his lap. Josh placed his hands on Dante's hips and looked up at him smiling.
"Think we'll get chastised for `ripping off a piece' again?" he asked, laughing as Dante turned red.
Dante leaned towards him running his hand through Josh's now very long hair. He liked this look on his partner. He placed his lips beside his ear and whispered suggestively.
"I don't mind getting into a little trouble if you don't." Josh shivered as Dante ran
his tongue along his ear from one end down to the lobe, stopping to suck on it and then proceeding to kiss his neck. He chuckled as he got the much anticipated moan he was waiting for. Just the sound of Josh moaning was enough to make Dante hard as a rock within seconds. He peppered his lovers throat, kissing, nipping and licking his way to the top button of his shirt. He removed Josh's tie and then slowly flicking each button off one by one kissing as he got lower till he reached mid chest. Spotting a puckered nipple Dante took it into his mouth and savored it. Josh grabbed the back of his head as he arched and moaned in pleasure.
Dante's lips were driving him wild. He panted his arousal hard against the constricting fabric of his dress pants. His tie was still sitting in his lap. He ran his fingers through Dante's hair panting as he reached for his tie. Dante already had his way with him earlier he wasn't about to be out done twice in one day. He let his legs off his desk and Dante slid from his lap in a most unfashionable manner, leaving Josh amused yet panting from his partners frisky and amusing assault. Dante was now on the floor and looking quite disheveled.
"What was that for?" he asked pouting as he looked up at Josh's amused smile.
"It's not funny ya know I was enjoying myself."
"Hey babe, I was enjoying it to, " He said as lowered his head and kissed him, running his hand down his jaw line, and feathering his fingers along his lips, "but you already had your desert it's my turn now." Josh's unctuous smile promised many delicious deviations for his partner and Dante gasped with excitement, a shiver raced up his spine and made the hair on his body stand at attention from the anticipation alone. Josh read his boyfriend's face like a well loved book. He kissed his eyelids and slid from his chair to the floor to join him.
"I'll get rug burn here." Dante whispered as Josh started to take his tie and wrap one end around one of his wrist.
"We won't be on the floor long." He said with a promise in his words. He wrapped the other part of his tie around Dante's other wrist and tied it lightly.
"Oh I didn't know you were into bondage babe!" Dante said smiling his hands tied in front of him.
"Mmm, experimenting with something, go with it." Josh said as he stood and then reached down for Dante. Scooping him up like a doll into his arms. Dante wasn't surprised that Josh could lift him so easily. Being a swimmer Dante was tall but slim and compactly built. Josh was broader in the shoulders than he was. Dante leaned his head against his shoulder. Josh took him to the karolen chaise lounge chair that was located head first against the side wall. It resembled a regular chair but with a longer seating area and no arms. He laid Dante down on it and straddled over him. He pushed his hands above his head.
"Now your mine." He exulted with glee, the devilish glint in his eyes told Dante to be prepared for a ride of his life.
Josh knew Dante could have wiggled from the cuffs' he had made with his tie but Dante was always the one to be the dominate' one and this was fun since he was now being the one in control and it helped that Dante was playing along. It made him more bold and brazen. He sat on him and put his feet back effectively locking his legs over Dante's this would prevent him from lifting his legs up to any great height. Josh looped the loose end of the tie over the hump on the back rest of the chaise, effectively preventing Dante from being able to use his hands. He grinned again. As he sat back and looked at Dante who was sort of surprised at Josh's attempt to take over in their love making. It was refreshing and a bit of a pleasure.
"Now I shall have my way with you me pretty." Josh said cackling in a girly manner and rubbing his hands together his eyebrows furrowed in an impious manner while his mouth beamed with lust.
His tongue was the first to start the anticipated and wanted assault on Dante. He started at his neck and ever so slowly started to lick his way downward. His body slid downward as well, Dante's legs soon were free again to move about, but Josh was careful to move with caution. Dante sucked in a breath, his elation over this sort of banter had him extremely charged and exceptionally sensitive to Josh's touch. He arched moaning.
"Ahhhh...gahhh...Oh fuck! Josh!...yes..." He tried to reach for him urging him to go lower but he couldn't move his arms down, this irritated him. He grunted and squirmed.
Josh stopped his tantalizing taste test and waited, Dante stopped squirming and looked at him, not a word was spoken, he beg for release, Dante knew it showed in his eyes and Josh could see it, Dante could tell because he could read Josh just as well. Josh's eyes answered back with a `not yet' Dante whimpered, he needed his love to make him fly.
Josh returned to his delicious adventure leaving small nips as he went making Dante suppress many squeals of delight, he still wiggled thou anticipating Josh's next move. Josh had Dante's member in his sight bulging against his pants and straining to be free, Josh half smiled and looked back, his vexatious grin made Dante wonder just what he was up to next. Josh moved quickly and Dante come to realize his shaft was free of its confines. Glorious freedom. Dante sighed his gratuitous relief only to be tormented with electrifying sensations once again. Josh was now blowing his hot breath across his member, making him tingle and whimper more. Dante thrusted upward hoping to have Josh consume him but it was all in vain, Josh was going to torment him and he knew it now.
"Oh hun!" he whined "Please...I need you." He panted the look of want in his eyes, they pleaded to Josh for release.
"I'm not done playing." Josh said growling and nipping all around yet not touching his manhood. Dante bucked and whimpered more. His moans of want, pleasure and need mingling with Josh's own devious chuckles as he tortured him in a most loving manner.
Josh took his sweet time he wanted him to scream and he would get one. He ran his tongue across the tip of Dante's pleasure, making him gasp and arch again. Josh could tell even with this form of foreplay he was getting Dante super aroused and at this rate he didn't think Dante would last much longer. Josh decided it was time to go in for the kill. Time to make his victim scream.
He brushed his long hair across his abdomen as he breathed across Dante's erection. Dante twitched at the sensation causing his eager member to jump. All he wanted was release. It seemed to him that Josh was determined to torture him to no end, he thought he would scream with need at this rate. His breathing was more rapid and he was slick with a sheen of perspiration across his whole body he was now bucking out of uncontrollable urgency, his tumescence and ardent member was purple with a need greater than it's owner could control. He still couldn't move his arms and it was pissing him off now, He screamed. "FUCK JOSH! NOW!" Josh chuckled he got what he wanted. He slowly got up and shucked his pants and stood before his love, tall and proud. He accomplished step one now on to step two. He swiftly returned to his straddled position brushing his ass past Dante's straining equipment. It was enough to drive Dante wild his eyes showed it to. Josh freed his hands now letting him have his way, Dante took over immediately, or so he thought he did. Josh's manipulation on making him do what he wanted worked out perfectly. All he had been looking for was the scream it's the after effects he was looking for now and he would get it without saying a word.
Dante grabbed Josh's ass cheeks and squeezed. Josh didn't budge, nor smiled. Dante's eyes got wide this was new. The deviousness in Josh's eyes told a new story and Josh could tell Dante liked what he was seeing. This was most definitely getting interesting to him. His actions made Dante slow, his over exuberance wasn't needed here. He made sure Dante knew he only needed to follow his cues. It worked like a charm to. Josh knew what he was doing. Within minutes Dante was still and panting, Josh could feel his heart beating like a pack of running stallions under his palm. Josh shifted himself over the quiver pole of his lover. He impaled himself slowly, inch by glorious inch. Dante let out a primal scream that of a clear understanding that this man was his and his alone He wrapped his arms around his waist as he thrusted upward, getting Josh to settle home. Josh looked down at Dante who was satisfied to have him sit there for a minute while he savored the heat of Josh's body. He ran his hand through his hair and then started the rhythm Dante held onto his hips the whole time staring into beautiful blue eyes. Josh joyfully brought Dante to the ultimate climax, he strained to control himself but lost to the lust in the end, thrusting harder and harder of his bodies own accord towards it's goal of release, Josh held on as he enjoyed the ride throwing his head back with ecstasy as he felt the warmth enter his body, Dante's stroking of his prostate was making his own ejaculation all the more sweeter as they both reached their conceivable threshold of pleasure. Both shouted with gratification, spent Josh collapsed forward onto Dante.
Being the younger of the two, he should have had more energy but the playful torture took a lot out of him. Josh could feel sleep taking him over. He slid sideways off of his partner. Snuggling against his side instead.
"I don't think I can keep my eyes opened," he said
"That was amazing, but I need to catch up to my strength."
He succumbed to exhaustion and fell into a sexually satisfying slumber. Dante stroked his head and played with his hair as he did so. He kissed Josh's head and shifted so he was laying on the chaise a cushion under his head for support. Dante sat up and walked to the offices inner bathroom. He cleaned up and returned to his darling with a warm cloth. He affectionately cleaned his belly off as he slept. Josh must have been exhausted' he though, he usually doesn't pass out this easily' He smiled down at his beautiful angel. Checking his watch he saw that the time was fast approaching eleven thirty and figured he would wake him soon. Dante dressed and went back about doing shop business. He was surprised at how energetic he was from that round of play.
Josh woke up by himself. Dante wasn't beside him. He looked around and remembered he was at the shop. He blushed remembering he was the aggressor this time and it made him feel so good. He slid the light sheet that Dante apparently had draped him with and reached for his pants putting them back on. He stood and went to the washroom to clean up. He realized Dante had already done so when he went to urinate. He was touched. Such a simple gesture to and Dante took the time to make sure it was done. He got up and scratched his head and looked around, it felt weird being in a new building now. He peeked out the door of the office to see Dante was coming towards him. The smile he had on his face was enough to tell Josh he was so very happy to see him awake.
Dante plated a kiss on his lips and leaned against the doorjamb of their office.
"You out did even yourself that time darlin'"
he said to Josh he reached up and tucked a mussed strand of wayward hair behind Josh's eat.
"That was most enjoyable. We'll have to see if we can do that again and soon!"
He chuckled as he noticed Josh's face get mighty red. "We should head home, I was going to take you out for grub but it seems to me you had other ideas."
He pushed off the doorjamb and took Josh's hand and they walked back together into the office. Dante grabbed Josh's tie and his brief case. Looking at Josh he waited to see what Josh would say next.
"Do we have everything hun?" Dante asked him.
"Hummm?" Josh was still in a half dreamy state.
"Man you did a number on yourself not just me!" Dante looked at him and smiled.
Josh sleepily grinned back.
"Sorry dear, after effects of mind numbing sex is still a bit of a new thing for me." He chuckled as he took Dante's hand again.
"Just direct me to where I have to go, I'll follow you." He chuckled again as he leaned his head on his shoulder.
Dante was pleased to have been able to see the effect his loving him had. He placed a firm and loving kiss on Josh's head that was leaned against his shoulder and wrapped a protective arm around him. He slowly walked with him out of the shop. Locked up and headed out to the car. They drove home happy. Blissful was the mood when they returned home.
The first month of working with Jump Street was amazing. Their first month's sales records were off the charts and they couldn't be happier, Selina was prospering and thriving in their care and learned to open more. Her dad's policy was processed and she happily invested some of those earnings into Josh and Dante's shop without any encouragement.
"Think about it." She said; "I invest now and get richer later, what's wrong with that?" Dante chuckled at the memory. He was leaning back against the wall of the shop by the main cash quietly admiring Josh's ass as he worked. A smile played across his lips.
Josh was working at the front end cash when whom did his beautiful blue eyes fall upon, his friends and they had this chocolate little princess with them. He was so happy to see them!
"Cleo! Darlin'!" Josh gushed rushing up to her. "What brings you here? And where is that delicious Mani pal of Aikrii's?" Josh loved teasing Cleo and Aikrii but he didn't see his `Bro' with them but he asked anyway.
Cleo giggled "Josh hun, they stayed home in bed to keep each other warm..." she teased him. "Awww, poo" he said in mock disappointment and snapping his fingers "So what brings you here?"
Cleo pushed Mardi forward after she pried her from Sefron's arm "This young lady needs help in finding the right style, Sefron will be the judge on whether you do her justice." she said winking at Josh.
"Oh come on Cleo!" Sefron said; "Mardi just needs new clothing ok. Josh, think you can help her out?"
"Sure can stud muffin!" Josh said to Sefron winking he ushered Mardi to the racks of clothing for the petite. Dante was watching the whole thing unfold with amusement. He watched as Josh ushered the petite lady away.
"Ok darlin what's your name and congrats on landing Sefron, he's not an easy one to tie down."
"Ummm, I didn't' tie him down...thou I can't say the though hasn't crossed my mind" she said as she lowered to a whisper and giggled. "And I'm Mardi, I like your spirit." She grinned up at Josh.
"Ohh the shy bad good girl, I like it!" He looked her over thought `damn this girl just didn't realize whom she snagged'. He sized her up and then grabbed a size four from the rack, "I assume your about a four or a five, try these jeans on and I will get the shirt from there, if this works then I can go from there for clothing for you. Ok?"
She took the Jeans and he picked out a basic white T-Shirt. She put both on and when she came out of the dressing room Sefron damn nearly fell off the sofa he was sitting on, talk about floored!
Her tiny waist was accentuated by the snug but comfortable flared jeans the shirt as simple as it was made her stand out, sheer perfection at it's finest is what Sefron thought. He walked over to her, stood behind her and looked ahead into the mirror. She looked at him in the mirror behind her and leaned back against him, smiling.
"Soooo...?" she said looking up at him, he was still looking in the mirror. He was grinning like mad. He looked down, "You look delicious!"
She laughed and pushed off of his back "Your bad you know that?"
"Yep, can't help it, pretty girls like you do that to me." He was doing so serious flirting now. Josh watched the playful banter from the shirt rack and chuckled.
"Ok you two get a room!" Josh said as walked over with a few shirts and a few jeans and skirts for Mardi to try on.
She was in and out of the dressing room often, trying on different styles. Each one as stunning as the last poor Sefron though he was going to be hospitalized from the constant mini breath taking moments he got to witness with each change she made. By the time they were done she had five outfits; which was more than enough.
Sefron took her bags and gave Josh the house Credit card. "So how's business here in Kearney Josh, any better than Curre?" he asked his friend.
"Oh darlin' you wouldn't believe it Dante and I are making a killing here, I'm so glad Aikrii convinced us to move here!" Josh rolled his eyes in a mock state of sheer exhaustion from the work load. They both heard Dante chuckled in the background as he returned to watching the shops patrons.
Sefron smiled. He was glad his other pals had finally settled down, things had been rocky with their shops move so it was good to hear the news. It would be something he'd pass on to Aikrii when he got the chance.
"Great to hear, I'll let Aikrii and Mani know and don't forget if you need help ask we're all here to help each other out."
"Thanks for the offer Sef dear, you on the other hand have to get that beauty of yours squirrled away before the population catches a glimpse of them beautiful eyes of hers, where did you ever find her?" He loved a good story and this one seemed to need to be told. He was all ears. Dante wanted to hear this as well. He leaned back in his chair and listened while watching everything around him.
Sefron chuckled and relayed the story of Mardi's wondrous appearance at their home. Josh and Dante were both enthralled.
"You mean to tell me little miss Cleo, rescued the damsel in distress and brought her home to you? Damn! Now that's impressive!"
Sefron chuckled; he looked over at Cleo and Mardi browsing the racks for future visits.
"She is quite impressive, I'm glad Cleo brought her home, and it's just so weird,"
He said getting that dreamy look in his eyes. "Her radiance draws me in like a moth to a flame, I can't breath; think or move when she's next to me, it feels so foreign." he said nearly whispering. Dante who was also listening to his friend's story as he was drawn in awwwed Dante said smiling. Then Josh said; "Damn boy you got it bad!"
"Then I want more bad cause it feels so damn good." Josh and Dante watched him as he pushed off the counter with her stuff and headed to her. Turning around he winked and waved good-bye to his pals. Cleo took one of the three bags and Sefron put the other two in one hand, He reached for Mardi's hand and they walked up the mall hand in hand. Dante looked over at Josh "They do make an amazingly cute couple, thou an odd one being she was so tiny and he was so tall." He said giggling.
"Hey there Casanova, we make a pretty odd couple to don't ya think?" Josh leaned over and kissed his nose. Dante's eyes twinkled with mischievous thoughts.
"Oh, OK down boy," Josh said giving Dante's face a playful shove. "I think we've christened this place a few too many times now as it is, we're going to break that poor chaise in the office, I think it gets more use than our bed now days!"
Dante's laughter was like a brook, it babbled throughout the store and made others there smile though they had no inkling on why the shops owner was laughing so heartily. If they only knew!
"We're home!" they shouted Josh dumped Christmas presents all over the floor in their respective bags, Selina was beaming at her purchases as well and rushed as she kicked off her boots to her room to hid what she had gotten. Dante peeked around the corner down the hall at his love whose cheeks were red as Rudolph's nose.
"Hi baby how was Christmas shopping?" he asked as he wrapped his warm arms around Josh and kissed his cold nose.
"It was great!" Josh said, "I found your gift to!"
"Oh?" Dante said a bit bemused. His arms wrapped around his waist as he rocked him grinning. "I don't suppose you're gonna give any hints now are you?" he laughed knowing the answer already.
"No." He smiled, "But if you're a good boy Santa may let you play with it early."
Both laughed a the playful raillery. It was one thing that made them so happy with each other. Humor a quality both needed in their partners for without laughter either one didn't think they'd thrive well. Selina walked out of her room smiling.
"Dad..." She said absently and not looking at which she was referring to. "Do we have tape?"
They both laughed. She had a habit of doing that. Asking a question that either could answer. Dante was the one who knew the answer. "Second drawer from the bottom on the left in the back." He said. She gave him a peck on the cheek and said, "Thanks now let Josh go so he can get his jacket off, we have presents to wrap."
Dante let him go but with reluctance, he so did want to continue their word play, it was an amusing past time with him. He to should be wrapping presents to there was after all only a few more weeks till Christmas morning. Looking back and reminiscing Dante finds it so hard to believe that nearly three months had gone by since the opening of the shop and both he and Josh were still reeling over the popularity. They were doing exceptionally well in Kearney and Josh was already thinking about expanding another shop independently from the mall. He had promoted Anya at the Curre shop and Jen was moving to Kearney on a more permanent basis to be with her long time boyfriend Collin. She had informed him the commutes back and for the were taking up too much time and resources so she thought it would be better to move to Kearney and asked if there as an opening at the malls shop there. Jen would never be turned down for a job with Josh and Dante she was their rock when they needed help. Josh walked over to Dante who was now flopped out on their bed.
"You have this serene look on your face like you're in a deep and beautiful thought. Care to share?"
Dante reached up and ran his fingers down Josh's cheek. "I am thinking on how wonderfully blessed I am to have you and everyone else in my life. How fast things have progressed with the shop and much more." Josh moved his face following his fingers and capturing them kissing them lightly.
"Well here's hoping our new year will only get better." Josh said smiling down at his love. "Oh I have the new pictures. Wanna see?" he was giddy now. Dante had kept his promise of a scrapbook, a place to put their new memories they made together. Josh bounded off the bed out to the living room to grab one of the bags that held the much sought after images. He happily walked back to the bedroom slowly going through the images with a peaceful grin on his face. He sat and Dante wiggled up next to him, placing his head against his side as Josh showed him the images. Some were of the shops opening, others were older ones from it's remodeling. There were images from the swim classes Dante was still doing on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There were a few of Selina as well. The best one so far thou was of all three of them together. Josh in back Dante in front to his right and Selina to Josh's left in front as well. They looked so happy, Josh had his hand on Dante's shoulder and Dante had his hand on his. Selina was leaning against Dante and looking up at Josh. They definitely looked content. Dante smiled as Josh passed him the picture. "I think this one needs to be blown up. You mom would like a copy I think. So would Sam." Josh said. "If that's the case then so would Aikrii and Mani" Dante said grinning, it could be a nice simple second gift to give our friends. They agreed. Their first family photo was something for them to be proud of. In years to come it would serve as a special reminder of how strong of a bond they made with each other.
Selina walked in and noticed her foster dad's looking all dreamy.
"What ya lookin' at?" she asked bemused and tickled.
Josh flipped the picture and showed her.
"Oh wow!" She gasped; "Man that did turn out nice!" she was impressed. "Mind if I get a copy? I think my aunt Charlene would like it."
Charlene was Selina's mother's sister. Someone through social services had tracked her down for Selina about a month ago and in effect not costing her a cent on an investigator to find her. Selina being sixteen had a choice where she wanted to stay and she had chosen to stay where her school and foster dad's were, it was after all, all she knew.
"Sure, I think she'd like to see how happy you are and how beautiful you've grown to be." Josh's comment made her blush. "Thanks. I'm sure she will be happy to know I'm ok. I think I'll send a note to." She hugged Josh who took the picture to the scanner and scanned it and started to reprint the image. The copies didn't take long.
By the end of the evening one was sent off to Selina's aunt the others were placed in cards and mailed to respect and admired friends. The last and original image was lovingly placed between the protective sheets of their scrapbook, which was growing month by month. Adding to it was always a nice added touch to their days together. Smiling, hand in hand they both headed off to bed.
Chapter 20 *********
Christmas morning:
"SQUEEL!" "Oh my god!!!!" "OH MY GOD!!!" she danced around like mad, Christmas morning saw her acting like a six year old and Josh and Dante stood side by side holding each others shoulder as they watched their foster daughter go nuts over the nice present they had gotten her. She tacked both of them in a crushing hug.
"I LOVE it." She kissed them both on each cheek and was still dancing around as she looked over the massive gift. How in the hell they managed to hide it was beyond her. She looked over the amp, the equalizer and the rest of the DJ equipment. "What ever gave you two clues I liked this stuff?" she asked looking back at them
"Nye!" they both said at the same time then they chuckled together to.
"Nye told you?" "Sweet!"
It had become apparent that Selina had taking a shying to Nye. His music and Dj'ing abilities seemed to intrigue her and she was more than happy to have him teach her what he knew. Cleo had encouraged him to help Selina and over the last few months she had picked up more tricks of the trade and helped Nye off and on during the weekends when he did Dj'ing gigs. Cleo would make many music suggestions and Selina always happily took her advice since she seemed to know what Nye liked the best. When Nye had learned that Josh and Dante were trying to figure out what to get Selina for Christmas he called them and made the suggestion and told them just what she'd need to do her own stuff, from Dj'ing a simple dance to digitally remixing music for her own CD creations. Either way she was now topped up with some pretty cool equipment. She checked over the laptop and all the cords, everything was there and she was so excited. "Can I set it up?" she looked at them with longing and excitement. "Yep, AFTER lunch." Dante said making sure she knew there would be limits since it was after all the holidays. "You can then set things up and play some holiday music." He said smiling. "The whole crew will be popping by for supper and Nye can help you set up before then." Dante smiled as Selina's face lit up at the mentioning of the crew showing. She got along with everyone and her and Nye and Cleo had created a special bond uniquely their own.
The rest of the presents were passed out and opened. Josh waited till all were gone from under the tree before he brought out the last one he had to give to Dante. Dante was looking with confusion when he saw the thin flat gift. "Sorry sexy, not till the crew get here to open theirs I want them to be here for this one since it's so huge." Dante was even more confused. "Huge?" he said chuckling. Looking at the package's size. "Looks pretty light to me." He cocked his head and looked at his darlin.
"Oh believe me it's big." His grin insinuated he wasn't talking about the package in his hand. Dante laughed.
"Ok I'll take your word for it and wait till the others get here." Selina grinned she already knew what Josh had gotten Dante and she was just busting and couldn't wait to see the look on his face. Aikrii was asked to bring his video cam to capture the day's festivities and gift giving for when they all got there. She huffed her new Dj'ing equipment off to her room setting much of it on the newest desk addition she had put into her room. At least now it would serve a greater purpose.
Christmas afternoon:
"Hey darlin' I'm home!" Sam's voice carried up the hall along with much grunting and cussing as he kicked off his boots.
"Holy shit there bro! There's enough snow out there to choke a horse." Selina looked over to her Uncle.
"Sam!" She flung herself into his arms and gave him a peck on the cheek. "Where's Xavier?" she asked not seeing him.
Sam chuckled. "Don't worry so much kiddo he's only at the car." He ruffled her hair. "Now go get that bratty brother of mine would ya."
Selina skipped off to the bathroom and knocked. "Occupied." Came the two voices.
"Umm you two...we have guests. Dante your brother is here." She silently laughed to herself. She nearly always found it amusing on how Josh and Dante just couldn't seem to keep their hands off of each other. Hell even when they were just around the house they nearly always touched. She hoped to have that some day as well. Right now other things kept her mind occupied.
She walked back up to where Sam was standing, Xavier walked in. His eyes lit up at seeing Selina. "Baby girl!" he said to her reaching for her.
"UGH!" he said squishing her in a hug. "It's been forever, I think you grew!" he pulled her back looking her up and down..."Yep, you grew. Didn't she Sam?"
"Sure looks like it, crap I can't even put my chin on the top of her head anymore." Sam pouted teasing her. They were right thou, she had finally gotten that ever promised growth spurt and new she stood nearly as tall as Josh. Well the top of her head reached Josh's eye level. Which in her eyes was a good start.
There was a knock on the door and they backed away. Aikrii and Mani walked in bearing more gifts. "AIKRII! MANI!" everyone was happy to see each other and the festivities were about to start. It was when Cleo and Nye got there that was when Selina was happiest since they were closer to her own age, and well it was Cleo that more so that kept Selina busy thou learning from Nye was awesome and she still did it lots it's just Selina spent a lot of her time with Cleo and it was a good way to spend time and catch up on girly stuff since Cleo and her were almost the only ones other than Mardi. Selina whispered to Cleo. Her eyes grew really wide
"SHH!" Selina said loudly with a giggle on her face and a finger pressed to her lips.
"No screaming!"
Cleo did a squeal with her mouth closed. It sounded something similar to a distant squeaky door opening. Selina chuckled and took Cleo's hand and walked up the hall grabbing Nye on the way. They went to her room. Nye was absolutely stunned at the equipment he saw and was in heaven to.
Cleo chuckled "Ok looks like that will keep him occupied for a bit." Selina nodded
"Yes but I need to learn how to use it to, so if it's not too much trouble Nye can you help, Cleo I want you to sit here and catch me up on the girly goings on at home and at work, I feel so weird being on Christmas vacation."
They all caught up and gabbed as Nye showed her what she needed to do, she took her notes and directions but still was able to focus on Cleo. They enjoyed themselves. For thirty minutes they were engrossed in their own world and enjoying every minute of it.
"Hey guys." Josh said, "Selina, time to come open gifts ok."
Selina had been waiting for this. Cleo smiled a huge smile, "Come on Nye we don't want to miss this." She grabbed his arm and they headed to the living room.
Aikrii had the video cam going at Josh's request as gifts were passed out to everyone. Selina was tickled pink at the goings on and anticipated her turn in front of the camera as she unwrapped the items she was given. Sam and Xavier gave her a one hundred and fifty pack of burnable CD and DVDs Aikrii and Mani had given her a gift certificate to iTunes for one hundred and fifty dollars worth the downloads. Sefron and Mardi gave her a gift certificate to the Kearney mall since neither really knew what she liked. .
Cleo gave her a beautiful sweater and Nye gave her a sweet bracelet that was silver and it had three interlinking rings on it and in the middle it said the three amigos on a small charm.
"This will let you add new charms each time to." Nye said smiling as she tried it on.
"Cleo picked it out I suck at things like this but I hope you like it anyway."
Selina looked at her two friends and said, "I love them both thanks!"
Aikrii was on the move to the next gift receiver, Josh was given three of his favorite artist's CD's Nickelback, Counting Crows and Gloria Gaynor from Aikrii and Mani. Sam and Xavier got him and Dante a new cook wear set since Sam knew how much Josh liked to cook. It suited them perfectly.
Cleo and Nye got Josh a digital camera that took video. He beamed and hugged Nye and Cleo. "Man thanks, I always wanted a good camera!"
Sefron and Mardi got him a very good and high quality portable DVD player that would take the flash card to his new camera and play it directly on the player. He was impressed. "SWEET!" he said beaming.
Mani was now on the list he was given by Josh and Dante a new Ralph Lauren dress shirt, it was maroon in color and would look quite spiffy on him. Aikrii piped up.
"Ummm, sexy threads there dear!" Everyone chuckled.
Selina passed over the gift she had gotten Mani and Aikrii and when he opened it he saw the framed photo and was captivated. It was a watercolor. His silence was louder than a freight train blowing past. "WELL?" Aikrii said trying to get his attention. "What is it?"
Mani touched the glass that held the image. "Did you do this?" He asked Selina. She nodded her head yes. In the frame held the images of two young men, both Mani knew very well but the pictures had come from two different time periods in either Aikrii's or Mani's life yet Selina had managed to take two old images and create one newer blended picture. The picture held both men at the age of fifteen silhouetted facing towards a sun set, looking at each other. Holding hands. Both beamed. She had captured the emotion of love in their eyes so eloquently it made him gasp.
"I never knew you could paint."
"Huh?" Aikrii said as he panned the cam down to the gift. The camera focused in on the painting and Aikrii gasped to. "Oh my god! That's beautiful!"
Mani finally held up the picture she had painted for all to see. The room let out a few gasps.
"WOW!"
"Amazing!"
"Selina how come you never told us you could do this?" Josh asked.
"Never thought it was important." She said chuckling and blushing at the admiration one simple picture had generated.
"I don't do it often either. It's kind of a `in the mood' thing" She watched those around her who were still aw struck. She blushed again. Mani how ever reached over to her and planted a kiss on her cheek.
"I absolutely LOVE this picture and I shall treasure it forever than you so much. You did an amazing job, I was speechless." Aikrii nodded his head he was speechless to. The painting made it's rounds around the room.
"Well If Aikrii and Mani are that stunned then maybe I should give everyone else theirs now since I did one for each of you."
They all go quiet. "You did?" Josh was shocked and stunned. "When did you do them and how did you hind them all?" he asked chuckling.
"At school and all from images I found of you all. Daddies that scrap book has been a god sent."
It was Dante's turn to laugh now. He had been wondering why certain pictures had disappeared only to reappear a few days later. Sure enough she did have framed images of each couple all around the same age, all facing a similar sun set and all showing great emotions. But each image was of each member at or about thirteen or fifteen years of age. The one of Cleo and Nye was exceptionally well done since she did manage to find a picture with both of them actually holding hands. Everyone was impressed. Even Mardi who didn't even know anyone of them back when she was fifteen. Once the excitement of her paintings died down the rest slowly opened gifts. The round robin went till Dante was the last to open his gifts. Mardi and Aikrii gave him and Josh round trip tickets so they could go back to Curre to see Dante's
mom for the New Year.
"It's cause the CD's just didn't cut it." They said laughing.
Sam and Xavier already gave him their gift through Josh with the cooking set which he would reap the benefits of Josh's wonderful cooking skills. Sefron and Mardi gave him an MP3 player and Cleo and Nye gave him swim weights and a goggle set. Dante thanked everyone for his or her gifts.
"Ahh, but your not done yet hun." Josh said as he stood up and grabbed a few items from the top of T.V. stand where he had put them out of sight. He shoved something in his back pocket and then passed Dante a thin flat but wide envelope. As Dante took the envelope Josh took the item he had stuffed into his back pocket out and waited for Dante to open the pack.
Dante did so. Aikrii was intently watching Dante's face. He noticed Josh got down onto the floor in front of Dante and was holding a small box. Dante who was now crying but smiling looked at him.
"Forever together. Remember?"
Dante looked up at Josh and slowly leaned forward towards him and hugged him so tightly everyone was confused but happy to see Dante so emotionally ecstatic. Josh held out the small box he had been holding.
"So will you do me the honor and say yes?"
Cleo squealed she was so excited she couldn't hold back anymore.
"What is going on?" Nye asked confused.
"He's purposing to him you goose!" She said dancing around. Everyone else in the room was excited now to now that the confusion had ebbed.
Dante looked at Josh his eyes brimming with moisture his heart about to burst with love.
"Oh my god! YES!" he tackled him. Josh stumbled and nearly knocked poor Aikrii camera and all on his ass. Everyone cheered as they watched Dante joyously smother his boyfriend in kisses. Josh placed the solid band with the one diamond onto Dante's finger.
"I want to see if it fits." He smiled down at the perfect fit and looked back at Dante who was beside himself.
"Oh my god it's beautiful!" He whispered as he kissed him again.
Christmas evening -- AFTER Christmas dinner.
"Yes mom." Josh said to Dante's mom
"We'll be there in a few days."
"Yes we're bringing Selina!"
"Ok I love you to."
"Bye."
"Ok sexy your mom is so excited I think she asked me about forty questions before she got the ones that mattered."
Dante chuckled as he fingered the marriage certificate that Josh had given him as his Christmas present. They had ninety days to use it but come the New Year he was determined to be Josh's life partner. The civil union ceremony would be held at the local church his mom attended which a woman minister ran. Dante was excited. He reached over and hugged Josh again, He still hadn't said too much but then and there he made sure Josh heard the words he so love hearing himself come from his partner.
"I love you." His kiss was light and full of wonderful promises to come. Josh hugged him back.
Selina was happy to see her foster dad's so deliriously happy. They'd be together for a very long time. She knew it. She watched the others around her. Her ability to `read' people, who was good who was one she should avoid was a blessing yet sometimes a curse. She had been able to do that for as long as she could remember. She knew there was one who was still suffering. One out of the many here, who all loved each other like a beautiful family. It would hurt when this family unit was put to the test. She shivered at the thought. She could try to help but didn't know how. She figured it was best to wait and see. Time would tell her how to approach the subject at hand.
************************************************** December 30th
"Mamma!" He hugged her tightly as she flew into his arms. The airport bustled with activity.
"Baby! I missed you so much!" Michelle kissed her youngest twin sons cheek and hugged him again. She saw Josh and gave him a crushing hug as well.
She met Selina and gave her a big hug to. "Ahh my newest addition, Welcome to our family baby girl!" She hugged the girl who was over whelmed with the love the lady had.
"Wow!" Selina said to Josh and Dante. She looked down at the lady. She read love, and loss in her face and fell for the kindly lady hook line and sinker, she would be a rock in any storm and Selina could feel it. "Hi Nana." She smiled at her.
Michelle was tickled at being called nana. "Oh I'm so glad to see you three!" She was excited as well. "Well let's go we have much to do and so little time to do it in."
She reached out and grabbed one of Josh's bags in one hand and one of Dante's in the other and ushered them out the door of the terminal.
They made it to the house and went nuts getting things ready, Guests would show tomorrow evening fairly late since the wedding was planned to be exactly at midnight. Dante was excited as well. He was writing things down and helping his mom and more. Josh had other things to do to but had been kidnapped by Xavier and Sam. Michelle had her girlfriends help out as well, meals were prepared and set aside for the buffet they were going to have at the reception once everything was all done. She got Selina to make little flowers with crape paper. The hall was rented through the local legion and because of Josh and Dante's dad had been military things were cheaper then if he hadn't been.
Dante looked at his mom he knew she was thinking of their dad. He would be so proud of his boys and how fast they were growing and now getting married. Dante smiled at the memory of when he came out to his dad, who ended up giving him a hug and told him he was ok in his eyes no matter what, Dante to this day would be so proud of his father taking that kind of news so well and not once but twice. He wished he was here. He reached for his mom's hand.
"I wish he was here to mom."
Michelle nodded and smiled proudly at her boy. She was so happy to have him home even if it was only for a few days. She thought about how her boy's dad would look on the special occasion. She held that picture in her head and figured that's how he'd be in spirit.
"He will be baby." She said smiling. "He wouldn't miss it for all the tea in heaven, and you can count on him blessing you both in spirit."
Sam and Xavier returned with Josh later that evening they were in a great mood. Sam slapped his brother.
"Man your some bloody lucky to have him!" he said.
"All he did was worry about you and stuff that had to be done. Mom wanted him to relax so we took him out and all he did was want to be with you."
Dante laughed. He knew how Josh was. Josh never walked through the house without finding some way to always touch him. He always came to Dante to get comfort even if it was just to ease his tension from a hectic day at work and all it took was a touch. Dante knew if Josh couldn't touch he'd go stark raven mad. Over the last two years, Dante himself had gotten to be one who touches as often as he can when he and Josh are together. So he realize so long as they had each other so long as one had hands to hold and touch they'd survive through anything. He smiled at the thought of Josh being whiney because all he wanted to do was snuggle against him instead. He got up from the chair where he had been writing and working on stuff with his mom he kissed her cheek and told her to come get them for supper and then went to his room where Josh was at, he seemed to be pouting till Dante walked in.
He closed the door. Josh's eyes beamed. He got up and walked over to Dante and hugged him fiercely. He breathed deep. "Mmm, I missed you." He said. He kissed his neck then his jaw then his lips his hands reaching into Dante's hair which; had been cut for the wedding.
"I missed you to sweetie. Sam and Xavier think you're a party pooper thou." He chuckled as he planted tiny kisses all over Josh's face.
Josh in turn was grinning and giggling and trying to get his hand up Dante's shirt. He wanted to feel his skin. His hand made it to Dante's back he could feel skin and warmth and he was happy. He relaxed. Dante was happy to see him calm some.
"You ok hun, usually you don't try to crawl into my shirt unless you're worried."
"I'm just fine now. I am a bit stressed, worried about what can go wrong. Worried about guests not showing. Selina and how she's going to fare out with her aunt while we're gone. You know normal jitters." He sighed and hugged him again. Dante directed him towards the bed in the middle of the room. Dante had to break the connection which; made Josh groan in protest but it had to be done. Dante scooted up onto his bed and patted the space between his legs.
"Come on, snuggle with me till supper time." He offered to his boyfriend who happily took him up on the offer. He nestled between his legs and laid his head against Dante's chest.
Josh loved how Dante made sure he had the comfort he sought when he was sad, depressed or overwhelmed. He made him feel good all over and that is why he wanted to make him his partner. He loved him with all his heart. He sighed and snuggled against him hugging him tightly.
"I'm so excited about the wedding, I think I might faint."
"Oh god! Don't faint on me babe, you proposed to me remember, I don't need ya falling on your face at the alter."
He chuckled as Josh got a mortified look on his face at the thought. Dante kissed his worry away.
He whispered. "If you start to fall I'll catch you. Promise."
They curled together, tightly Dante's legs wrapped around Josh's. Josh tucked tightly against his chest. Dante's arms held him tenderly. He relaxed knowing that the promise was one Dante would keep no matter what.
"I love you." Josh said looking up at him.
"I can't wait till we're a legal couple."
Dante looked at his watch `four twenty seven.' It said
"Thirty one hours and thirty three minutes." He said as he looked down at his love.
"I'm writing something out now for the ceremony." His comment was a statement more ment to encourage Josh to write his own stuff.
Josh looked at him he grinned. "I will have something but it will come from the heart."
Josh said. He didn't need encouragement to think about how wonderful Dante made him feel and how he wanted to spend his whole life with him. He loved Dante to no extent and he chuckled as he thought about how Dante was writing out his words for the ceremony.
"Why are you writing out yours? Think you'll forget how wonderful it feels?"
Josh asked, curious on just what Dante's take on the impending events were going.
"No, scared I'll fumble with my words. I don't want to mess up our perfect day hun, it's for both of us to remember. I want it to be good for you. Something we can put in our scrapbook."
"Something we will treasure forever."
Josh chuckled. "Babe I don't think you'll fit into our scrapbook."
He loved to joke and this was a perfect way to relax. Dante tickled him for the joke and they both giggled. Dante told him about how he knew his dad would be there in spirit cause he had felt his mom's own wanting and longing in the air for him to be there. He was happy about the wedding but sad since his dad wouldn't be there in person. "I'm sure he will be baby, you can count on it."
It must have been the exhausting start to their day, maybe other things factored in but they ended up falling asleep wrapped in each others arms. Selina found them that way when she tracked them down for supper. Michelle told her to just let them sleep since they'd be too busy to even breathe tomorrow.
Selina looked at her Two dads and she felt the love all around them both. She smiled she felt something else to but wasn't quite sure what it was but she did ask for some water and paper towels when she got down stairs, inspiration hit and she had to paint. Michelle watched the girl flow with the paints onto a piece of watercolor paper she kept with her at all times. Her art kit was like an extension to herself. Most didn't know she painted and most she never told but with this family she did it more now days than she ever did when she was living with her real dad.
Michelle's eyes brimmed with tears as she watched the child whom she just met paint out the nearly exact vision she had of her husband attending the ceremony that was to start in just over twenty four hours. She watched as Selina added Josh and Dante to the image as well. Near to perfection. She looked at the blessed child and asked her.
"Do you know who he is?" Michelle asked as she pointed to Dante's dad.
"I'm gonna say Dante's dad since he looks at him with much love. I can feel him all around us." She whispered it. "Does that sound weird to you? She asked.
"Not at all hun, you got a wonderful gift" Michelle knew this child had a way with being able to see things that weren't there. It was a feeling and she knew that feeling all too well. She had the same thing about herself in that aspect but apparently hers was not as heightened as Selina's was.
"Selina..." Dante's mom called to her quietly.
"Ummm.." Selina responded
"How long have you been able to `read' people or situations?" She asked her.
"Oh I don't know since I was very little. Kept me out of trouble."
"I'm glad to see you used it for the better part as a good tool and not a curse." Michelle hugged her again.
"Well I have stuff to finish, when your done there and it's dried I have a few frames you may want to consider for that picture. I think it would make a fantastic gift to give to them." Michelle laid her hand on Selina's and then headed off to finish her tasks at hand. Selina was confused but comforted. The presents she felt earlier were stronger and stronger. She finished the image and looked at it really well. She realized it was Dante's dad there were similarities. She thought the image was amazing even to her.
There on the paper was a Dante's dad. He was standing behind both Dante and Josh, who in turn were standing beside a covered alter where they would be married. Both were holding their partners hands and looking into each other's eyes. Dante's dad looked at them both with love and respect in his eyes. He however, was in a tux and had wings, like that of an angel. They were outstretched and looked like they were almost hugging the two men in front of him. Selina started to cry. She knew his dad was here. She could feel it how else was it that she came to paint him in such a wondrous manner. She looked up at nothing in particular and muttered a thank you. She picked up the drying image and placed it in a safe spot to dry and then tracked down a suitable frame for the image. Nana was right it would make a great gift.
Chapter 21 *********
Dec 31st, 2007-New Year's Eve. 11:00 PM.
The hall looked beautiful, Selina looked at the work Sam, Xavier and she had put into decorating the place, it was quite colorful. Nye had lent her his DJ equipment she had needed it for the reception since she was more likely to enjoy the music part more than mingling. She had the painting she done last night now framed and under the DJ booth wrapped for them. She hoped he liked it, she had named it `Fatherly Blessings from above' Michelle had loved it and helped her frame it so nicely.
11:15 PM
"Come on Selina time to go." Nye tapped her on the shoulder to snap her out of her thoughtful trance.
"Oh ok." She grabbed her purse and walked out into the crisp cool night air with Nye and Cleo heading to his car. "How long does the ceremony talk anyway?" she asked curiously
"No more than ten to fifteen minutes usually unless Josh rambles." Cleo said laughing. They chuckled. These three knew all too well how Josh could get off track when he's worried or excited. Nye slid into the drivers seat and started the car. The church was only four blocks away but it was still too cold to walk. He pulled out into the traffic and headed to the church. "Getting excited Cleo?" Nye asked his girlfriend.
"Oh my am I ever I've been waiting to see this day for nearly a year now." She was very excited. She had always hoped they would get together. Personally marriage wasn't in the cards for her thou Nye had mentioned it many times before. She certainly did love him and it would please her to no end to be married to him but the out looks on that idea were slim. It scared her she had to keep him at bay over the marriage thing. He always told her next year. She chuckled at his persistence. She had to admit he didn't give up on her easily.
Selina piped up. "Are you two staying for the reception?"
"No I think I'll be going back home. I have studies to do." Nye said
"Awww, hun you and your party pooper ways, you'll at least dance with me once won't you?" Cleo asked with a frown.
"Indeed I will, just save one for me ok." He looked over to her and smiled, reaching for her hand as he drove through the traffic. She happily took it. Smiling back Selina grinned at the obvious love she saw in Nye's eyes for Cleo. She looked at Cleo and saw the love in her eyes to but she saw something else as well. It made Selina worry.
11:30 PM
"I think everything is all ready." Michelle said as she brushed off the front of her son's tux. "Baby you look so very handsome." Her eyes looked like they were going to tear up again.
"Awww, mamma don't cry!" He kissed her cheek and gave her a hug.
"I'm just so happy for you!" She smiled a tear still falling down her cheek. Dante swiped it away with his thumb.
"I got very lucky." Dante said with pride, smiling.
Cleo poked her head into the room where they were. "We're here now and Josh is getting antsy." She crinkled her eyes and grinned at the part about Josh, he always did hate being separated from Dante.
"Tell him to come in then. We're not a typical couple, why follow typical traditions, I love him that's all that matters."
Cleo looked back and murmured something. Josh walked through the door and went right for Dante. He looked so handsome. Dante's breath was taken away. In a gray blue tux Josh's broad shoulders and platinum hair made him look so beautifully handsome. Dante groaned in hunger. He reached for Josh's hand.
"Oh man you look amazing babe!" He was near drooling state when he said this to Josh who could see the absolute state of hunger Dante was displaying in his eyes.
Josh leaned forward, head to head he looked Dante straight into the eye. His nose brushing Dante's he took a quick deep breath. He could smell the Axe cologne. He growled with his eyes closed and smiled. He opened them again and spoke.
"I love you." Josh whispered.
He kissed him lightly, and he smiled again.
"I love you to." Dante said his hands coming to Josh's cheeks cradling them. He was beaming. "Let's go get married now and make it official." He reached down and took his hand. Michelle followed them out of the room to the alter. They stood hand in hand by it. The image took her breath away. She got her camera and took the picture. As the minister joined them music started lightly in the background. When it faded everyone was settled.
11: 40 PM
"We're here to join two souls who have made promises to love each other no matter the trails life may throw at them."
"We're here today to witness this civil union of Dante Ericson and Josh Trask. If there's any objections may those present speak now"
The church was quiet. The lady minister took a light silk scarf and tied their wrists together,
"This symbolizes the tie these two souls have created with each other."
She passed two lit candles and asked each one to light the one candle in the middle of the alter. They did so.
"The lighting of the single candle symbolizes the unity of these two becoming one. May god bless this unity to be a strong one."
The minister smiled at the men and then looked out to the masses that had shown. Many loved Josh and Dante and those who had shown for this occasion proved it.
"These two fine beautiful souls have written their own words of love for each other. I shall let Josh and Dante have their say so their partner can hear before god their feelings on this special occasion."
Dante was first to go. He held onto Josh's hands both close against his heart. He stared deeply into Josh's eyes.
11:45 PM
"To spend time with you is like no time at all, wishing everything would just stand still and knowing it never will I enjoy what I may."
"To listen to you speak is fascinating. I want to know everything that's in your heart, I will always treasure our quiet times together."
"To see you smile is like a dream of pure light and each time you do I feel privileged to be present and to bask in its glory."
"When you laugh, you do so with your eyes and they tell a story I want to read. When you hold me I know it's not just out of want but as well as need."
"To be in love with someone as special as you leaves me in awe wondering some days how I got so lucky. I shall always treasure out time together and I don't think anything in this world will make me happier that being your partner for life. I love you Josh, with every fiber of my soul."
"I see an ocean of love in your beautiful blue eyes. I am free with you, to swim where I may. You are, my love, my breath, and my life."
"I have never been happier since meeting you. Josh, if there ever comes a time I can't reach you, touch you, love you I think I'd surly die."
"So from this day forward I shall here before our friends and before god, promise to always have open arms to hold you, an open heart to accept what the future holds for us both."
11:50 PM
There was sobbing coming from one part of the church but Josh and Dante couldn't really hear it since they were so engrossed in each other. It was Josh's turn now. He held onto Dante's hands, placing them against this heart as well. He looked at his love and let forth his own words of love.
"My loving you is a mixed up amount of indefinable words that make me soar to the extent that I feel I am in heaven every time I look your way." "I love this feeling of being so high on love, the rush I get when I look in your eyes." "I want to talk, touch, cuddle, listen, laugh, learn and love all that you are. I've wanted to express all that I feel, sense and imagine and absorb into every cell of my very existence." "Every time I'm near you with a dramatic swoop of my hand I want to paint a picture, an explosion of colors all there is, all emotions in existence melded together in epic proportions that express what I feel to the extent that this picture would leave even Rembrandt speechless, for there are no words good enough to say just how much I truly love you." "Dante, I love you so much I feel lost when we're apart, I long to have you by my side all the time." "Even breathing just isn't the same when you not in the same room sharing the same air." "I to before our friends and god wish to express my undying love and commitment to you and our future. I love you so very much."
The congregation was a mass of tears and awwws as they watched the two men devote their lives to each other.
"Do you Josh Trask, forsaking all others, promise to love, cherish and devote your life to Dante for as long as you both shall live?"
Josh smiled and looked at Dante "I most certainly do." He said, as he slipped the ring on his finger
"Do you Dante Ericson, forsaking all others, promise to love, cherish and devote your life to Josh for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do with all my heart." Dante said with a smile and a hearty deep sigh of contentment as he slipped an identical ring on Josh's finger
"Then I say from this day forth in the city of Curre by the witness of God and all before them, that these two souls are now joined in holy matrimony"
"You may now kiss your guy." The lady minister said with a chuckle.
12:00 AM Jan 1st, 2008
Dante cradled Josh's face and kissed him soundly as he heard fireworks going off outside, Josh was thrilled and leaned into the kiss loving the colors he could see flashing outside. He closed his eyes and melted into his arms, being swept away. There was a round of applause as the wedding ended. Josh looked around at all who where present he never felt so happy. Dante beamed with pride at his now official husband. He took his hand and walked with him into the fray as his mother took pictures and Selina hugged them both. They then took off outside amongst the still flowing fireworks from the government building in the local area and got into their car. On the back it said JUST MARRIED! His mom had tied shoes and cans off of the back. It was cute. Josh giggled as he crawled into the back seat with Dante. Sefron was driving. "We're heading over to the reception now ok. Hold on we're gonna make this fun!" He pulled out Honking like mad while Josh and Dante enjoyed the excitement and through it all they enjoyed a few stolen kisses.
Jan 1st, 2008 Reception
Dante opened the gift Selina had given him and with Josh beside him he let the tears flow like there was no tomorrow, the image of his dad stared back at him and he was in total awe.
"Selina this is beautiful hunny, thank you so much!"
Both of them blubbered at the beautiful painting.
"We will hang this right into the living room when we get home."
They hugged their daughter and thanked her again before she scooted off to play as their DJ for their reception.
She watched the reception unfold everyone was enjoying themselves. Cleo watched as Nye approached her. "I want that promised dance babe." He said offering his hand. "Then I have to get home, I've put off studying way too long as it is this week."
Cleo smiled. She was disappointed to know he'd be leaving but happy he remembered her. He was always so considerate. She did so love him. She hoped his life would be good when the inevitable future crossed their paths. He melted into his arms as they swayed to the song `First Love' Selina had put on. Cleo laid her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes She would treasure every moment she had with him. He kissed her and smiled down at her.
"I have to go baby, my books scream for my attention. I'll see you when you get home ok."
"Ok hun." She said running her hand down his face before kissing him back. "I love you." She said as he let her hand go and headed out.
Cleo walked back to Selina who was still throwing a set of tracks together for the next few minutes of dancing. She watched her dads as they danced around. She sighed as she put her hands onto her cheeks, resting her elbows on the desk where her DJ equipment was piled.
"They look so happy together. I hope to find someone someday who will love me as much as they obviously do." She said out loud.
Cleo nodded but smiled sadly. "It's a great feeling." She said quietly.
Selina knew it was now or never. "Sucks thou when you have a secret you can't tell him." She said quietly to Cleo waiting to see what her response would be.
Cleo hung her head. "You guessed?" She said as the music switched over.
"I don't know what it is about you Cleo but I read a sadness about you that tells me you won't be here to see the sadness you'll leave behind." She reached for her new friend.
"Tell me please, let me help."
"You can't Selina, not unless you can promise me you'll love Nye as much as I do. He will be heart broken beyond belief and he's going to need someone to hold him."
Selina was shocked to hear her ask her such a thing. She looked over to her friend and said.
"Cleo I can't make a promise like that but I can promise to be there for him if he needs someone to talk to. You on the other hand have to tell me what's going on, I'm scared."
Cleo bit the bullet and looked at Selina, she knew her newest friend would take care of Nye. She could tell in her heart that Selina was a good person. Josh and Dante wouldn't have helped her if she weren't a good soul. She let out a breath and spoke somberly.
"What I am about to tell you, you can not breath to a soul right now as I do not wish for others to fuss over me this includes you."
Cleo looked at her seriously. Selina nodded her head in agreement. Cleo took her hand and hugged the girl. Pulled back and with one shoulder in each hand she let forth the devastating news she never thought she'd ever hear pass from Cleo's lips.
"I was diagnosed three weeks ago with Aggressive Osteosarcoma, It's very advanced and rare bone cancer and the treatments being offered are not a guaranteed cure, the doctors taking care of me think it's possibly too late. I may have only a few more months left to live."
Selina went total white with shock. She silently sobbed and hugged her friend. Her heart going out, not out only to her but to the young man who was now home studying.
"Do you hurt? How long?" She asked her friend when she pulled back.
"Sometimes I do but I hurt more in my heart knowing Nye could be all alone soon." She put on a brave face, smiled and continued. "but I know he will find someone to make him happy again. He's easy to love." "As for how long the doctors aren't sure, I will be staring treatment soon and Nye will be in collage full time by then. I could last a year but I'm no more sure than the doctors trying to find a way to stop it. They didn't butter coat anything thou. I could end up loosing both my arms or more, they found the cancer at the old break site in my wrist" She sighed, "It must have spread since when they did more checking there was more than anticipated and it's in my knees now and my ankles... it's spread pretty far.""
Selina nodded and just sat there with her friend, not knowing what the future would hold but in her heart she prayed that her friends possible passing was a painless one. She knew there was going to be a trial of love in her new family but never realized it would be so fierce. Watching the reception play out before her she let Cleo lean against her. She hadn't seen it before but noticed now just how pale she was. Cleo drifted off to sleep while the music played around them. Selina threw a few more tracks on and relaxed letting Cleo rest. She would miss her if she did pass but she would do what ever she could in her power to prevent it if at all possible.
To be continued...
I hope I didn't make you all cry TOOO much but I had to get a good bit in there somehow.
MANY thanks to EVERYONE and all the e-mails Thanks for reading. The series; books 1 - 3 are now published on line If you wish to read it in it's entierity mail me and ask for the link to the series offical web page.
Book 4 is in progress along with the others Please bear with me if the pages are listed in my site it's just how I have things set up even thou sometimes they don't work. (if there's nothing showing it's not up yet) The full series will be set up in here (Nifty) in due time. Summer of 2008 is seeing me prepare for a return to college and a few life changes to boot :) All good I assure you. Please by all means keep the mails comming I love chatting to my readers.
Comments, feed back and general fan mail is ALWAYS read and answered. Flames make for great heat to roast marshmellows :)
lila_is@live.ca
Thanks again - Lila Mosher