Tad and His Manny, Chapter 4
It was on an April evening that Preston decided to screw up his courage and share with Camden what he had on his mind. He had thought everything through several times. It was now or never.
"Camden, I know you're going to want to put your education to work, and I know you'll have a good salary and a bright future. You have become part of this household, and I can't imagine living without you. So, I have a proposition to make. Would you consider becoming a permanent member of this family. Do you think you could learn to love me? Um, would you consider becoming my husband?"
"Are you sure you want to do this, Preston? Have you thought about the fallout? You know what's involved between two males physically.... What about Tad and your family and friends? What about your practice?"
"Tad has always said he wants to keep you. I think he's too young to know about same-sex marriage, but he'll be fine. I've already told Mom and Dad how I feel about you. Mom said she thought you might care for me too. I'm not saying this well. The truth is that I've fallen in love with you; and pray that you could feel the same, eventually. I hope I'm not presuming too much. I don't want to lose you!"
"I do feel the same about you," Camden confessed. "I've done my best to suppress those emotions."
"You don't have to do that anymore."
With that, the two men held each other close, shedding a few tears of joy.
Tad, who hadn't fallen to sleep yet, was coming to the kitchen for a snack when he saw the two of them embracing and crying.
"What's wrong," he asked. "Why are you sad? Did someone die? Is Camden going away? Please tell me he's not!"
"Oh Son, we're not sad. Sometimes people cry when they're happy. Haven't you ever done that?"
"Yeah, I guess. So, what made you so happy?"
"I just asked your manny to become like a second father to you and he agreed to it."
"Oh, are you getting married?"
"Yes, how did you know about that?"
"Grayson's dad and his papa are married. Of course, Danny Sims says they're going to go to hell, but we already know his full of beans."
"How do you feel about it?"
"I'm good with it. That means he's gonna be with us forever. It's what I've always wanted."
After Tad had gone to bed, the two men sat together on the loveseat holding hands and grinning.
"Camden, I don't want you to think I'm a dirty old man for what I'm going to suggest, but I'd like you to sleep with me tonight. I'm not talking about sex; I just want to hold you in my arms. We can keep our sleep shorts on and all that. Honest, I'm not trying to rush things."
"Yeah, I'm okay with that. Maybe you should pinch me so I know I'm not dreaming."
Preston reached down and gave Camden's butt a squeeze.
"Now, are you convinced that it's not a dream."
"I will be if you do that again when I have my jeans off," Camden grinned.
They showered in their own bathrooms, knowing that the temptation would be too strong if they were naked together. After donning their sleep shorts, they stood beside Preston's big bed and looked into each other's eyes. Their lips met in a gentle kiss. As they embraced, their man parts pressed together and began to harden. Their next kiss was filled with passion.
Months of pent-up longing made them hornier than a pair of teenagers. Preston slipped his hand under the waistband of Camden's shorts and pinched one of his fleshy globes. Camden returned the favor. Soon, those shorts were around their ankles. Squirming and kissing flesh to flesh, they were transported beyond the point of no return. Both exploded in spasm after spasm of hot, thick jizz.
They fell on the bed, still clinging together and continued to make out in the afterglow.
"I'm sorry, I didn't keep my word," Preston sighed.
"Don't be. You didn't cause this more than I did. That's the most intense orgasm I've ever experienced. I didn't know it could be this good!"
"I didn't either."
Needless to say, both men slept very soundly that night.
Their wedding took place in July. It was held in the chapel of Trinity and the guest list was limited to friends and family whom they knew would approve of their union. Brendon was Camden's best man and Drake from the law firm stood up with Preston. Tad was proud to act as their ring bearer. He was thrilled with the shot the photographer had taken of him holding up the heart-shaped pillow when the priest asked for the rings.
Tad stayed with his grandparents while the men enjoyed a five-day honeymoon cruise from New Orleans along the Mexican Riviera.
After their marriage, it seemed like the years passed at an increasing speed. In the fall, Camden was hired on by the psychiatrist who'd had him as an intern. He would keep the same hours as Tad did and would be home for the boy after school.
Preston's practice continued to thrive, and he became the head of the firm when his father retired. Tad did well in his studies and was enjoying middle school even more than the elementary grades. Among other things, he got to ride the school bus.
When puberty hit him, he suddenly realized that he looked a lot like Brendon had at that age. He was proud of his body but not cocky about it. He was also beginning to experiment sexually.
One afternoon in the spring of his 14th year, he invited Grayson over to the house after school. Both of them were feeling horny as they play-wrestled on the floor in the family room. Grayson had Tad pinned, and Tad wasn't trying to dislodge him. When their lips met, they experienced something which felt like a bolt of lightning.
Seconds later, they were holding each other's dick in their hands, gently massaging it. Minutes later, those cocks spewed watery loads. They were so involved that they didn't hear the kitchen door open or footsteps down the carpeted hall toward the bedroom.
They giggled as they used paper towels to help one another clean up. Once dressed, they kissed again.
Camden's voice broke the spell.
"Oops, I didn't mean to interrupt anything," he said.
"Um, how long have you been home?" Tad's changing voice squeaked.
"About 15 minutes. My last client had to cancel, and everything was caught up, so I thought I'd get an early start on dinner preparations."
"Did you come through the kitchen?" Tad asked, hoping for a negative response.
"Yes, I scurried on to the bedroom when I saw that you were occupied."
"Are you gonna tell Dad?"
"What do you think I should do? Your father and I don't keep secrets from each other. On the other hand, I'm not in the habit of ratting on you. This puts me in an awkward position. I saw you guys making out, and I assume you got off. But that's only conjecture on my part."
"You have my permission to tell Dad what you think we were doing. I guess I should be honest and come out to him. I hope he won't be upset."
"Uh, he's married to me, so wouldn't he be a hypocrite if he fussed at you for being attracted to another guy? I won't say anything beyond the fact you were making out, because I'm only guessing how it ended."
"I'm already out to my dads," Grayson said. "I'd like to be with you when you come out. If things go bad and you need a place to stay, I'm sure you could stay at my house."
"That's great of you, Grayson," Camden smiled. "I don't think there'll be any problems when Tad comes out, but it's nice to know you would look after him. Why don't you plan to stay and have dinner with us. I'm making plenty, so it won't be any trouble to set another plate."
"I'll call Papa, but it might be better if you tell him you invited me so he knows Tad and I aren't cooking this up."
"Okay, I'll do that if you give me the number."
When Preston arrived, he thought Tad seemed a little antsy. He was soon to find out what was going on.
"Dad, I've got something to tell you and I want to do it before supper, or I won't be able to eat. I'm gay, and I've asked Grayson to be my boyfriend. I hope you won't be mad at me?"
Preston embraced his anxious looking son who immediately began to cry in his arms.
"It's okay, Tad. As close as you two have always been, I kind of figured we'd be having this conversation sooner or later.
"Grayson, please come over here so I can hug you too."
Camden grabbed his phone to take a picture of the three-way embrace.
"Now what was it that you have to tell me that you think might make me upset?" Preston asked, trying not to crack a smile.
Tad laughed in relief at his father's words. He mentally chided himself for ever doubting the outcome.
Everyone ate heartily and the conversation around the table was light. The boys jumped up to help clear the dishes, and soon they all retreated to the family room.
"Since it's Friday night, would you guys like to have a sleepover?" Preston asked.
"I'll call and ask permission," Grayson said as he took his phone and headed for the kitchen to be out of earshot.
A minute later, he handed it to Preston so that the fathers could talk. It wasn't long before his dad said it would be fine.
Camden used his cell to capture another photo of two very happy boys.
In continuing his sorting of images, Tad found other pictures which strongly affected his emotions. One in particular, taken shortly before his 16th birthday, caused a few teardrops to form. It brought back memories, both bad and good.
During their junior year in high school, Grayson and he suffered from some of the drama which can happen in teen relationships. It all began when a transfer student, Todd Sampson had become their friend. Todd was attractive and outgoing and was very accepting of other people's orientations. That was a plus, since both boys were out at school.
Todd fit in so well that they wondered if he might be gay too. It seemed strange that he never revealed his own inclinations one way or the other. He never openly flirted when they were in a group, but Tad thought he seem friendlier when Grayson wasn't around. It wasn't so overt that it raised any red flags. There were some others in their group who did something similar.
A boy named Kaden Kantor, whom they'd grown up with, began to cozy up to Grayson, making Tad feel uncomfortable. He tried to ignore the situation because he didn't want to look like he didn't trust his boyfriend. It wasn't long before he became seriously worried.
Within a couple of weeks, Grayson appeared to be growing distant. He made excuses not to sleepover with Tad and was rather quiet when they all ate lunch together in the school cafeteria.
Tad decided to talk to the one person whom he trusted the most with his feeling. Camden listened to his tale of woe and counseled him as best he could.
"What should I do?" Tad asked.
"I really can't tell you how to live your life," Camden responded. "It's up to you to call the shots."
"Okay, but what would you do if Dad and you were in this situation? How would you handle it?"
"Your father and I have always been completely open with each other. We would talk it out, if either of us didn't know what was happening. We tend to take things head-on. We've never had a serious argument because of that."
"Okay, I think I need to go to his house and clear the air."
"Text me if I need to set an extra plate for dinner."
When Grayson opened the door, he looked like he'd been crying. Tad immediately asked him why he hadn't been around.
"I've been trying to get over you, gradually. I just couldn't go cold turkey, but it's been awfully hard," Grayson sniffled.
"What? Why do you want to split up?" Tad asked in amazement.
"Don't play dumb. You know what I'm talking about."
"Oh, you've fallen for Kaden, is that it?"
"No! It's because you were seen kissing Todd. I heard all about it."
"Who did you hear it from?"
"What does it matter. It's true, isn't it?"
"Not exactly."
"Humph! How do you not exactly kiss someone?"
"I didn't kiss him; he kissed me. I told him if he ever did it again, I'd kick his ass. He apologized and begged me not to be angry with him and let him still be our friend. I said I'd think it over."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"I'm sorry, Grayson, I should have. But I knew you'd be upset just like you are now. I was trying to spare your feelings. I'll swear on a bible that it's the truth!"
"For sure?"
"Absolutely!"
"Oh, God! I'm so sorry I jumped to conclusions. You'll probably have a hard time forgiving me."
"No, I won't! Was it Kaden who told you?"
"Um, yeah it was."
"I knew Todd was interested in me, and I think Kaden wants you. I'm not into conspiracy theories, but I can't help but wonder if they planned this together."
"Can you ever forgive me?"
"Maybe, if you have dinner at me house and stay over tonight," Tad grinned.
The two boys embraced tightly, dampening each other's shirt with their tears. Surprisingly, neither of them got an erection from clinging together and kissing.
"I think I've just learned something," Tad said. "You're my soulmate. I'm not feeling lust, just compassion. I don't ever want to be separated from you! Do you think this is love?"
"Yup, and I feel the same. I've been hurting so much because I care for you so much. If this isn't love, I don't know what to call it."
After texting his dads to let them know about the plans, Grayson packed a few things in his gym bag and accompanied Tad home. Camden embraced both of them the minute they came through the kitchen door.
"I take it your misunderstanding has been cleared up," he said.
"Yup, and it's all my fault for not trusting my boyfriend."
"Nope, it's partly your boyfriend's fault for not trusting how you'd react about him getting kissed."
"Sharing the blame is a good thing," Camden smiled. "Did you learn anything from the experience?"
"Yeah, we both did," Tad said, and Grayson nodded. "The fear of breaking up made us realize what we mean to each other. I know people will say we're too young, but we're truly in love and we're gonna make it last."
"I believe you have a good chance, as long as you trust each other and grow together. You've known one another way longer than most people do when they get married. I think your families will support you completely."
"Would you take a video of us so we never forget today?" Tad requested.
As soon as Camden had his phone set up, Tad got down on his knees and proposed to Grayson. Grayson didn't hesitate to say yes.
They decided to buy rings on Saturday to make it official.
"Steak and shrimp both?" Preston noted. "What's the special occasion?"
"We're celebrating the engagement of a young couple," Camden answered. "These two have pledged themselves to each other."
"Well, that does call for a celebration. I might have a small bottle of Champaigne to make some toasts."
Sharing a shower before heading for bed reminded them that lust, as well as love, was part of their connection. They also shared their bodies.
The next Monday at lunch, one of their tablemates teased about how close the two had become.
"I never see you apart," Rob exclaimed. "Are you queer for each other?"
"Yup," Tad grinned, holding up Grayson's hand with his. "Don't get any ideas about either one of us because we're only queer for each other."
Several of their friends laughed at his quick response. Some already knew that they were boyfriends, but others assumed Tad was joking. Danny Sims, at a nearby table, frowned in disapproval.
A more recent incident at school was captured in the photographs from prom night. In the last term of their senior year, Tad and Grayson decided to go to the dance as a couple. When they let their tablemates in on their plans, no one was totally surprised. In the past year, most of their friends had become aware of their relationship and were supportive.
About a week before prom, Mary Sims, who had been elected to the school board the year before, got a group of mothers to petition the board to push the school administration to ban same-sex couples from attending the dance together. The principal cautioned that doing so would be illegal and likely result in a lawsuit. The district could be forced to pay damages to students who were denied their rights.
It might have stopped there had it not been for a right-wing political candidate who accused the principal and staff of promoting a gay agenda and, in doing so, had trampled on the rights of straight students who would be offended by having to share their special night with evil doers.
The principal held his ground, but he was overruled and the ban was put in place, pending the outcome of a committee's investigation, which would conveniently happen a week after the event, thus effectively excluding gay couples.
Preston filed a class-action suit on behalf of same-sex couples, including
Tad and Grayson, of course. Unfortunately, the case wouldn't be heard until after the damage was done.
In the interim, Tad came up with a plan of his own. He had two lesbian friends who had expected to be each other's date for the dance. Grayson and he decided to ask them if they could be their escorts. Arriving as boy-girl couples would get around the ban.
On prom night, the two couples arrived together and the guys gave their tickets to the chaperone who was in charge. Mary Sims and an ally had established themselves at the table where tickets were taken to make sure the ban held. There was nothing they could do to prevent the kids from participating.
The couples proceeded to pose for their photos. They also asked the photographer to also take shots of the girls together and the boys together. Again, it didn't violate any rule.
For the last dance, they changed partners and the girls danced together while the boys did the same. It was too late for Mary and her cohort to put a stop to it.
The photographer captured several shot, knowing that the story was likely to make headlines, and he'd have a market for his photos.
After graduation ceremonies a few weeks later, the four men hosted a joint party for their sons. No one on their guest list was surprised at the arrangement because the boys had been open about their relationship. There were a lot of excellent foods to sample. Combining their resources meant that the men didn't need to stint in any way.
There were three photo boards on one of the tables behind the cake. The board on the left had pictures of Grayson growing up, the board in the middle was devoted to Tad's childhood, and the third one featured shots of them as a couple, including some stills Camden had made from the video of their engagement.
All was set for them to share a room in a dorm at the university in the fall. It would be the beginning of their life together.
Camden took several photos of them posed in front of the cake table before the guests arrived. All of their memories would be preserved for their children to see someday.
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Author's notes: Thanks for reading this story. If you enjoyed it, please feel free to contact me a dlee169@hotmail.com and let me know. Your emails are the only reward I receive for writing. Please put the story title in the subject line in case your email goes into the spam folder.
Thanks to David S for editing. He finds the typos and missing words! He also makes valuable suggestions.
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A special thanks to Tony C, Ott H, Lane W, Ken McC, Peter S, Frank K, Chandre B, Mendy D, Gordon, Bill T, Stan, John L, Joe W (2), JLF, Joe W (1), Hotrod, Rob Y, and Will F who emailed me this week.
Sometime before Christmas, I plan to post a short story for the season.
Stay well,
David
P.S. I have a chronological list of all my posted stories which I can email to you if you have an interest.
P.P.S. When I sent out the alert last for chapter 3, three of you who have yahoo addresses bounced back. So, if you didn't get the message, it wasn't my doing!