The Captain of My Dreams

This story is a work of fiction. The events in this story are fictional. The characters in this story do not exist and any resemblance to real people is purely coincidental. Any use of celebrity or other real persons is entirely fictional and in no way reflects upon their actual sexual orientation. This story contains erotic and/or sexually explicit activities between consenting adults. If you are under age, find this type of work offensive, or it is illegal for you to view this, do not read it.

The Captain of My Dreams -- Part 14 By tmabare ©2012

• • • From Part 13 * * *

Bess was playing at the kitchen table, while Devon was washing their dishes. The doorbell rang and Devon figured that John and Laura had forgotten to take their key. "Bess, can you go get the door?"

"Sure." She smiled at being asked to do something so important and she ran off down the hall. When she opened the door, she was confronted by an older woman who seemed shocked to find the little girl at the door.

The woman looked like she was suddenly lost, "I'm sorry, is Ted here?"

"No, he went to see daddy at work." She didn't understand the look on the woman's face.

The longer the woman looked at the young child, the softer her face became. "Do you know when he will be home?"

"He said he would be here to tuck me in later."

As he was walking down the hall Devon called out to Bess, "Elizabeth, who is it?" Devon then appeared in the entry way, "Hello, can I help you?"

The woman's face started to harden again, "I'm looking for Ted."

"I'm sorry, but Mr. Jackson is out right now." Devon was trying to figure out where he knew this woman from. She seemed so familiar but he couldn't put his finger on it.

"You work for him?" She had picked up on the professional tone in the young man's voice.

"Yes, ma'am. I'm sorry but do I know you? You seem so familiar."

She shook her head, "We've never met before. I'm Sarah Jackson, Ted's mother."

• • • Part 14 * * *

Devon wasn't sure how he should react. His first thought was to slam the door in her face. He knew there was bad blood between the two, but he didn't want to make things any worse than they already were. Suddenly, the options were taken completely out of his hands.

Elizabeth extended her hand and grasped Sarah's. "You're Ted's mom? Wow. My mommy died a few days ago. You know, she tried to do bad things to daddy and Mr. Teddy." She was pulling on Sarah's hand trying to get her into the flat. "Will you play with me until Mr. Teddy comes home?"

Sarah wasn't sure what was happening to her. She usually maintained better control than this, but there was something about this child. "Umm... Sure..." She allowed herself to be pulled into Elizabeth's room.

Devon was nervous, but at the same time he didn't think he had anything to fear from Sarah Jackson. He stood in the hallway while Elizabeth and Sarah played and talked. He didn't want to walk away far enough to make a phone call to Teddy without being heard. Instead he just stood in the hallway outside of the bedroom and listened.

"Elizabeth, how old are you?"

"I'm four. How old are you?"

"I'm sixty." Sarah handed Bess a doll as she continued talking. "Elizabeth, how do you like living here?"

"It's great, I was so happy when daddy said we were going to live here with Mr. Teddy. Then it got even better, because Mr. Devon came to live with us too."

"You're not upset that your daddy and Ted..."

Devon about ran into the room, but before he could Elizabeth cut Sarah off. "That they kiss? I see them kiss all the time... It's so cool." Bess handed a different doll back to Sarah, "Daddy says that Mr. Teddy makes him happy and Mr. Teddy loves daddy so much."

"You don't mind that you won't have a mommy AND a daddy?"

"No. I'm going to be really special now."

Sarah wasn't sure how to react or what the child meant. "Special? What do you mean dear?"

Elizabeth didn't stop playing with the doll she had in her hand. "You know there are lots of kids at school that had a mommy and a daddy. But they taught us there are kids who have special families. We have some that have just a mommy or just a daddy. Some have grandparents and no parents, and then some have two mommies or two daddies." Elizabeth looked up into Sarah's eyes, "Can I tell you something?"

Sarah was enchanted by the child's green eyes. "Yes dear."

"I hope daddy and Mr. Teddy get married so I'll have two daddies. I love Mr. Teddy so much and I want him to be my daddy too."

For the first time in her life, Sarah Jackson was completely at a loss for words. She sat there without saying anything, just watching the young girl play. She couldn't think of anything other than what Elizabeth had said. It was like a huge wave had rushed over her and she suddenly felt something lifting off her. She had always wanted a grandchild, but never thought it would happen. She had given up hope of Teddy ever having a family of his own. Teddy's choice of living in Florida had meant that he was not permitted to adopt as a gay man.

After a few minutes, Sarah wondered where everyone was. "Elizabeth, where is your father?"

"He's at work at Horse Guards tonight."

"At Horse Guards?"

"Yes ma'am. Daddy's a captain in the army."

Sarah instantly knew there must be something special about Edward. That her son would fall in love with someone in the military again, it was a huge step. One he wouldn't take lightly. Sarah was distracted from her thoughts by the front door of the flat opening. A minute later, twin boys came running into Elizabeth's room. They were equally surprised and happy to see her. After she played with the boys for a few minutes, she excused herself from the room and went to find John and Laura.

When she walked into the living room, John almost fell off of the chair he was sitting in. "Aunt Sarah."

"Hello, John. It's good to see you." She hugged him as he stood up.

Laura wasn't sure how she wanted to react. She thought about just walking out of the room. She had always liked Sarah, until her attitude towards Teddy had gotten in the way. She just stood there and accepted a hug from Sarah. "Sarah, how are you?"

"I'm confused Laura, very confused."

As much as she didn't want to ask, Laura knew she had to be the bigger woman. "Is there anything we can do to help?"

"Thank you, I know I haven't been the best mother to Theodore for the past few years." Sarah paused before she went on, "I think we need to talk to. Do you have some time?"

John waved his hand towards one of the couches, "Of course, we'll make the time."

Devon, who had been standing in the room, turned to leave. "Devon, I'm sorry, could you stay. I'd like to speak with you also."

"Yes ma'am."

"Can someone please tell me about Edward?" Sarah sat with her hands crossed in her lap.

John, Laura, and Devon looked at each other, not knowing who should start. John finally figured he should start. "Aunt Sarah, I'm not really sure where to begin. I met Edward in Savannah when he came for an exchange program. You know I specialize in PTSD and was asked by a friend here in London to speak to him when he came to the States."

Sarah nodded her head as she was listening.

"Edward is a Captain, and the new Second in Command, in The Blues and Royals. He was injured in Afghanistan in a roadside ambush, when his vehicle struck an IED. His driver was killed and Edward and two others were injured." John didn't like telling Edward's story, he felt like he wasn't doing it justice. "During the fighting that followed, Edward fought off the Taliban fighters that were attacking at the same time he was tending to the two wounded men." He looked over at Devon, "Did I miss anything?"

"Not really. He fought them for almost an hour before help arrived. He was flown to hospital and then home here to London. That is when the really bad part happened."

Sarah didn't understand, "I'm sorry, what could be worse?"

John took over the story again. "While he had been in Afghanistan, Edward's wife had started becoming distant. She didn't write like she had at the beginning of his deployment and eventually her letters came even less frequently." John took a drink from his water, "Sorry... After the attack, while Edward was in the hospital his wife, Mary, didn't come and see him for quite a long time. When she finally did, she became upset and started screaming at him. She told him that he was ugly and she had wasted her life with him. She said a bunch of hateful things and basically told him that no one would ever love him because of the way he looks now."

"What's wrong with his looks?"

Laura didn't like the way Sarah asked the question and instantly went on the defense. "Aunt Sarah, there is nothing wrong with Edward's looks."

Sarah realized that her question had been taken the wrong way and she felt embarrassed she had asked it in that manner. "Laura, I'm sorry. That didn't come out the way I intended it to." Sarah took a deep breath, "What were his injuries?"

Laura still didn't like the question, but she did understand the need to explain. "He has shrapnel wounds to his face, head, left arm and back. His face mainly has a single scar running along the left jaw line. There are some scars on the left side of his head, his left bicep and shoulder. Then there are some more on his upper back." After she had listed them off, she could see how someone would think he was disfigured. "He's still an incredibly attractive man. The scars don't detract from his looks at all."

John placed his hand on top of Laura's in an attempt to calm her. He then turned back to Sarah and continued. "So, not only did he have to recover from his physical wounds, he also had to deal with his family being torn apart. He hadn't seen Mary since that day in the hospital until last week."

Sarah looked over at Devon. "I'm sorry Devon, but how do you fit into this? You seem to know a great deal about Edward's past."

"I was a member of The Blues and Royals until last week. During my tour at Knightsbridge, I was Captain Smythe's orderly."

Laura smiled at Devon. "Come on Devon. Edward told us you were more than just that. You won the Princess Elizabeth's Cup."

Devon blushed, "I didn't realize he told anyone."

"He's very proud of you and so are we."

Sarah wasn't as confused by this, "I've seen the presentation ceremony at Windsor. I was invited by friends to attend the Windsor Horse Show several years ago." She smiled at Devon, "Young man, that is a big honor and you should be very proud of yourself."

"Thank you, ma'am." Devon blushed even deeper.

John started the story going again. "So, where was I? Oh yes... I had been asked to talk to Edward when he was in the States. I met him just after he got there and we quickly became friends. He was a great fit with Laura and I, not to mention that they boys have come to love him. We went to lunch several times and the more I came to know him, the more I wanted Teddy to meet him. Not that I thought they would develop a relationship, but I knew they would be friends. I also figured they would be good support for each other."

Sarah actually shook her head at the statement. "Yes, I can see that. They seem to have a great deal in common."

Laura and John were dumbfounded. It was not the reaction either had been expecting.

"How did they meet, John?"

"We invited Teddy to come and visit the boys, without telling him about a party we were throwing. He didn't know about Edward until he got there. When they met, if you listen to them, it was pretty much love at first sight. There have been some ups and downs, but if you ask me they're a perfect match."

After sitting there for a few minutes thinking, Sarah looked back at John. "What about their age difference?"

"Aunt Sarah, the difference doesn't matter to them. So, it shouldn't matter to you." John knew what she was worried about, but didn't honestly know how he could address it.

Laura didn't have any qualms about addressing it. "I had to make Teddy promise me something not long after he and Edward met. It looks like I am going to have to do the same thing here tonight. You need to remember the most important thing... Edward is not Phillip."

"I know dear, but... Phillip hurt him so badly. I just don't want to see that happen again."

"Would you rather he just spent the rest of his life alone? You do realize that is what you are basically saying. If he doesn't take the chance of being hurt he will never have the chance to find love."

Again Sarah sat there. "You know, I recently heard something that made me think. All every parent should want for their child is for them to find someone who will love them. Do you think Edward is that person?"

"God, if you only knew. They both love each other more than any of us could ever know." John was smiling, he couldn't help himself. The thought of the love that Edward and Teddy share always had that affect on him. "Edward's parents also seem to love Teddy, which helps to have that support."

"How was Theodore hurt?"

Devon felt it was now his turn. "I could take forever to tell this story, but let me give you the shortened version. While they were in Savannah, Elizabeth called Captain Smythe because she couldn't find her mother. Mary had gone out the night before and never returned. She was found by the police in a hotel over in Camden and ended up in hospital. She escaped and apparently started stalking Edward and Ted. She called and said some hateful things to Edward, before she threatened to kill them and Elizabeth. While we were on the way to the courthouse, we ended up being followed by Mary and her boyfriend. When the police moved in on their vehicle, the boyfriend shot her in the head before he was shot and killed by the police."

"Oh my, that is terrible. I hope that doesn't cause any lasting problems for Elizabeth."

Laura couldn't help herself as her eyebrows shot up, she was shocked by Sarah's concern for Bess. Even though she was surprised she knew it was a good sign.

"She is getting help for it. She didn't actually witness it, but she was just a couple hundred feet away when it happened." John sounded like the concerned professional he was.

"I'm sorry to interrupt Devon, please go on."

"It's ok... Later that afternoon Ted and Viktor went to the butcher to get steaks for dinner. When they were walking out of the store, a third person we didn't know about stabbed Ted in the back. He then stabbed Viktor in the neck before he turned his attack back to Ted. From what I know, Ted was forced to kill the man in order to defend himself."

Sarah just shook her head. "I was afraid it would happen someday. As much as he trained it was almost as if it would become a self-fulfilling prophesy. I'm glad he did train now, I don't even want to think what would have happened if he didn't."

"Edward was with him almost non-stop from the time he got to the hospital until he was released. I can't even imagine what Edward would have done if..." Devon couldn't bring himself to even consider the other outcome that could have happened.

Sarah shook her head again, "It's ok Devon. I don't want to think about it either." Sarah looked at her watch, "Well, I think I need to be going. I need to make another stop before I fly home to Italy."

All four rose from their seats and headed for the door. Sarah hugged John and Laura and then the children. She paid extra attention to Elizabeth who wanted two hugs and then Sarah surprised everyone when she also hugged Devon. After saying another quick goodbye she was out the door. She hurried down to the car that was waiting for her and jumped in.

Teddy had been sitting in a chair talking with Edward for a few hours when he started to feel tired. He kissed Edward and headed out the gate of Horse Guards and climbed into the Range Rover, headed home.

When he pulled up to the flat, he was so tired he almost forgot to lock the car before he went inside the building. He couldn't bring himself to wait for the lift, instead he opted to walk up the stairs. When he got to the flat he walked inside and found everyone in the living room.

Elizabeth ran up to Teddy and jumped into his arms. "Mr. Teddy, you're never going to guess who I met tonight. She was so nice, she played dolls with me."

Teddy was truly confused. "Bess, who did you meet?"

"You're mommy was here."

The color drained out of Teddy's face as he turned towards John and Laura, "Where is she?"

Edward was leaned against a pillow on a bunk trying to read a book. Each time he started to read a paragraph his mind wandered to what was going on at home. He picked up his phone several times, but just placed it back down each time. He couldn't call and talk to Teddy until they both feel asleep like he wanted. He was going to have to get used to the separations caused by work. He couldn't remember ever feeling like this before.

A young Corporal of Horse stuck his head into the room, bringing Edward out of his thoughts. "Captain, there's a civilian asking to see you at the gate."

Edward knew Teddy would have just made it home, so it couldn't be him. He stood and put his tunic back on, the corporal helping him get it back on properly. Once he was ready, Edward headed down to the gate leading to the parade ground.

As he grew closer, he saw am older woman with her back towards the gate. She appeared to be looking towards the memorial across the parade ground when he walked up behind her.

"Ma'am?"

She turned around and, for the second time in one day, Sarah Jackson was speechless. The man standing in front of her was nothing short of beautiful. In an instant she could see how special he was.

"I'm Captain Edward Smythe, you asked to see me?"

"Yes, Captain." She extended her hand and when she shook Edward's she could feel the warmth coming from him. "I'm Sarah Jackson, Ted's mother."

Edward stood there looking down at the older woman, not knowing what to say. Part of him wanted to scream at her for what she had put Teddy through recently. The other part of him wanted to make a good impression on her, after all this was Teddy's mother.

"Ms. Jackson, I'm not sure what to say. It's very good to meet you, but I didn't know you were coming to London."

Against her better judgment, Sarah already liked him. She could definitely she the physical attraction her son would have for this man. Listening to his voice she knew Teddy would be taken with it. Sarah realized Edward's eyes truly were the windows to this man's soul. She saw the love he was capable of and also the pain he had gone through. Looking into them she also instantly saw where Elizabeth had gotten her beautiful green eyes from. As she was looking at him she noticed the scars on Edward's face and head and it instantly made her think of her son's scars.

"I didn't have time to tell Theodore I was coming. I wasn't even sure I was coming until this afternoon." She looked at the memorial again, "Can we walk and talk?"

"Yes ma'am, as long as we don't go too far."

She started a slow stroll towards the memorial honoring soldiers of the Household Division killed in battle. She had a new found curiosity and wanted a closer look. "I need to explain myself to you and I'm not sure where I should start. You see... When Theodore was in high school he told his father and I he was gay. We were both completely shocked, but I don't think we were overly upset. He had his speech all planned out, I'm sure you know how he is. He rambled on forever trying to cover everything he could think of. My first reaction was trying to figure out what I'd done wrong as a mother. I blamed myself for it, which I know is stupid but I did it anyway. Thankfully, his father handled it much better than I did. He was only worried that Ted would have a hard time in the business world if it got out. It wasn't too long after that night my husband talked to friends from around the world and realized it wouldn't matter too much."

"Teddy told me that they weren't very close."

"They weren't, but his sexuality didn't have anything to do with it. My husband was extremely proud of our son, but he was also an extremely focused man. So much so, that he neglected his relationship with his son in order to run a business. I will never forgive him for not telling Teddy how much he loved him before he died."

"Why don't you tell him now?"

"I'm not sure he would believe me. I haven't been the best mother to him either." She paused before crossing the road to the memorial. "When he and David went from being friends to dating I was actually beyond happy. There was a change in my son and it surprised me. I had never seen him happier and more alive. I couldn't have been prouder of his choice either, they were a great couple. And then... I thought I was going to die when he was hurt. I loved David like a son and was shocked when he hurt Theodore. I swore I would never let it happen again." Her voice started to crack as she was speaking and then stopped.

Edward wanted to reach out to her, but he wasn't sure how she would react. It bothered him to see her in obvious pain.

"I'm sorry, even after all these years it hurts to talk about. For so many years he didn't seem to be interested in anyone. As much as I didn't understand his sexuality I wanted him to be happy. Selfishly I wanted him to marry a nice woman and have children. I made the mistake of thinking I could just tell him to do it, as if it was something he could just decide to do. I know it was wrong, it was just an old woman's delusion."

They were now standing at the foot of the memorial. Sarah was looking up at the soldiers depicted in bronze. "When he started dating Philip I could see what was going to happen. That boy was too young for him and was only with him to get money. I just knew it or thought I did. I was convinced he used his body to seduce Theodore and then broke his heart."

Edward knew from his talks with Teddy that her thoughts on Phillip were completely wrong. He wasn't going to attempt to change her mind tonight. That was something Teddy would have to deal with, if he even wanted to. All he would do is listen to her, but he couldn't figure out where this conversation was going. "Ma'am, why are you telling me all of this?"

"I owe you an apology, so I wanted you to know where I was coming from. I said some horrible things to my son, things about you."

"You don't have to apologize to me."

"Thank you, but I do. I was wrong and I have to admit it." Sarah sighed deeply before she continued, "I met your daughter tonight. She is a remarkable young lady."

"Yes she is and I can't tell you how much she loves Teddy."

Sarah smiled, "You don't need to. She told me herself." Sarah looked up at the memorial again and then down at her feet. She thought for a moment before she raised her head to look directly into Edward's eyes. "What are your intentions with my son?"

Edward didn't even need to think before he responded. "I love him. He means everything to me. I will do everything in my power to make him happy and to protect him. I can't say that I will never hurt him, BUT I can say I will never do anything to intentionally hurt him. I promise you I will spend the rest of my life showing him how much I love him."

"You see, I was lost before I met Teddy and I didn't even realize it. To take one of his sayings, I was just going through the motions of life. My wife left me while I was in the hospital recovering from wounds I received in Afghanistan and when she left she took Elizabeth with her. She said some pretty horrible things to me when she left, things that left me a broken man." Without even thinking Edward had taken his fingers and ran them along the scar on the side of his jaw.

It was Edward's turn to look up at the memorial, searching for strength from the soldiers who had come before him. "I'd never even thought about being with another man, until I met Teddy. He changed everything for me. He showed me what I was missing all these years, what I needed to make myself complete. You see, he does that for me, he makes me a better man. Not long after we met he helped me get my daughter back and since then he's loved her as his own child. Then came the phone call that he was hurt and in hospital. I saw him on the gurney with blood on the sheets... When I thought I was going to lose him..."

Sarah noticed that there were tears in Edward's eyes. She reached out to the man she hardly knew and placed her hand on his arm.

Edward swallowed hard before he could continue. "When I thought I was going to lose him in the hospital that night, I wanted to die myself. I didn't want to go on without him." Edward stood up straighter than he had been and wiped the tears from his eyes with the back of his hand. "I know what one of your concerns is... money. I didn't know he had any when we met or when I fell in love with him. To me, he was just John's cousin that worked in the family business. I've never wanted anything from him other than his love."

"And you have it... I love you with all my heart."

They both spun around to find Teddy standing behind them. Neither knew he was there. Edward figured they had been so concentrated on their conversation they hadn't noticed him walking up behind them. Teddy walked directly to Edward and wrapped him in a hug. Before he pulled back he kissed Edward gently on the lips.

"Mother, what are you doing here?" Teddy voice showed an amount of emotion just short of out and out hostility.

"I was just talking with Edward, Teddy."

His eyes grew wide as she said it, "Mother, you haven't called me Teddy since... since before..."

"I know dear. Since the night you told us you and David were in love. I felt like I had lost my little boy that night. You had grown up and it just didn't seem to be the name I should call the man you had become." Sarah walked closer to Teddy. "I'm sorry for that... for that and a great many more things. I'm not sure why I came to London, but I'm glad I did."

Sarah turned back and looked at Edward standing there. She noticed he was staring intently at her son. This man had eyes for no one or nothing else. In that moment, she could see that everything she had been told that night was the truth and there was no doubt left in her mind. She reached out for Teddy's hand, "I love you. You're my son and I'm so proud of you. I'm sorry that I haven't told you that in such a long time. I want you to know that your father loved you so very much and his pride in you was greater than you will ever know. He wanted to tell you before he died, but it happened so suddenly he never had time. I should have told you long ago, but I could never find the right way or the right time. Tonight seems to be that time."

Tears were now flowing down her face and also down Teddy's. "Edward is a good man Teddy. He loves you deeply, I can see that. I'm happy for you, for both of you. You have finally found someone that will love you the way you should be loved. That is all every parent should want for their children. It took a child to teach me that tonight."

Teddy couldn't believe what his mother had just said. He just stepped forward and wrapped her in a hug. He held her as they both cried. His own tears were flowing as he felt Edward's large hand on his shoulder. It gave him strength as he could feel the support and love flowing from his boyfriend.

After a couple minutes the crying stopped and Sarah straightened up. Before she pulled completely away from her son, she kissed his cheek. Then turning to Edward she leaned up and kissed his cheek also. "I have to be going, please take care of him."

Teddy was shocked that his mother would say all of this and then just leave. "Mother, why don't you stay with us?"

"Teddy, I have to get back home. I just came to talk some sense into you, but it seems everyone has talked the sense into me instead." She took his hand and squeezed it, "I'll be back soon. I have a foundation meeting in the morning and I need to get back to Sienna."

Teddy knew that his mother's charity work was the most important thing in her life since his father's death. "Ok, please be careful. I love you mother."

"I love you too Teddy." She kissed his cheek again, before she turned and looked at Edward. She extended her hand, "Thank you for loving my son. I hope to see you again, soon."

Edward smiled at Sarah, "I do too ma'am."

As she turned and walked back to where her car was parked, Edward reached out and took Teddy's hand. They were walking back towards the stables, "Well, that was a shock."

"You're telling me. I'm sorry."

Edward stopped and turned Teddy towards him. "There is nothing to be sorry about babe. Do you realize how much progress we've made tonight?"

"I know. I can't really believe it." He then smiled, "Looks like my mother can't resist your charms either. Like mother like son it would seem."

Edward's mischievous grin appeared on his face as he looked into Teddy's eyes. "And, unlike you, I didn't even have to let her touch my bum to win her over."

Teddy just smacked Edward in the arm before he started laughing. "Is that how you think you won me over?"

"I'm pretty sure that was the deciding factor." He tried to say it with a straight face, but was quickly laughing.

Teddy lowered his voice and leaned towards Edward, "Fan-fucking-tastic."

It made them both start laughing as they remembered their first night meeting each other and their drunken trip up the stairs. They walked back into the stables where Edward wrapped him in a tight hug and didn't want to let him go. Teddy wasn't sure how long they stood there before they finally let go of each other.

When he finally walked in the door to the flat later that night, John and Laura were waiting for him. John pulled him into a hug. When he released Teddy, the shorter man was smiling at him.

Teddy started speaking in an exaggerated whisper, "John, stop... Laura is right there... She'll start to suspect."

"Honey please, you can have him... as long as we make it a fair trade."

After Teddy tapped his finger to his chin a few times, he shook his head. "No deal La. I'd end up with the short end... and I do mean SHORT."

They both started laughing as John stood there with his arms crossed. "You two are giving me a complex. You know, I think we need to clear this up right now." He moved his hands to his zipper and started to slowly lower it. Teddy grabbed Laura and they both started to run down the hall while pretending to scream.

As they were about half way down the hall, three little bodies emerged from Elizabeth's bedroom. Two little boys with their hands on their hips and a little blonde girl with her hands in the air, all three had shocked looks on their faces.

Elizabeth was the first to speak. "Mr. Teddy, are you ok?"

Before anyone could answer, Dylan turned to Elizabeth. "Oh yes, he and daddy are being bad as usual."

"Mommy, can't you make them behave?" Matthew still had his hands on his hips. Teddy wished he had a video of the three of them standing there.

"Hey munchkins, this time it was your mommy and Uncle Teddy being bad." John sounded as smug as the look on his face.

Dylan didn't miss a beat, "Well, that's ok then. We'll go back to bed."

John stood there dumbfounded as the three disappeared back into their room. Teddy and Laura couldn't stop laughing as they continued walking into the living room.

Edward walked in the door just after lunch the next afternoon. Teddy noticed how tired he looked, but was so happy to see him he ran up and hugged him anyway. They just held each other as the kids stood around them talking.

After changing and grabbing a bite to eat, Teddy and Edward were out the door headed to Dr. Alexander's office. Teddy was more nervous then he thought he would be. Edward sensed his nervousness and was trying everything he could think of to take his mind off of it.

After a short stay in the waiting room, they were shown to an examination room. Teddy was surprised the nurse didn't have him remove his shirt. Edward stood and walked to stand next to Teddy. He started rubbing Teddy's back as they waited.

Dr. Alexander walked in a short while later. "Sorry I'm running late. Edward it's good to see you again. How are you doing today, Ted?"

"Good doctor."

"Could you remove your shirt please? Any problems?"

As Teddy removed his shirt, Dr. Alexander was beside him. He slowly started to palpate the area around the wound. As he pushed on it, Teddy was trying to not react. "Just a little pain every now and then, nothing too bad."

"It looks really good. We're going to take the stitches out today. Once they're out, you'll be able to shower normally. The pain is to be expected. We won't worry about it unless it gets real bad or we see something that shows it's more than it should be."

"That sounds great, doctor."

As the stitches were removed, Teddy winced several times as they were pulled from his skin. He noticed there was the beginning of a desire to scratch as the itching started to grow. Once the stitches were removed, Dr. Alexander had Teddy put his shirt back on.

"Well, it looks really good. I think we're on the right track here. Next week we'll make some more decisions and see if we can lift your... restrictions." The smile on his face told Teddy which of his restrictions he was talking about.

The thought of being able to have sex with Edward brought a smile to Teddy's face. "Thank you, doctor. I can't wait." After he said it, he could feel himself blush. When he looked up at Edward, he noticed his big lover was blushing also.

"Boys, I'm not that much older than either of you. I know what it's like to be young and in love. I'm not going to make you refrain one minute longer than I have to." He made a few notes in Teddy's chart and then extended his hand. "I look forward to seeing you next week."

As they left Dr. Alexander's office, Edward leaned over and whispered into Vladimir's ear. The young man smiled and nodded.

"Ok, what are you two up to?"

"Nothing, babe. We're just taking a little detour on the way home." Edward leaned over and kissed Teddy, which stopped his talking.

A few minutes later they pulled up in front of the Freedom Health office. Teddy smiled wide, "I completely forgot about this."

"I know you did. I called yesterday and made an appointment for today. Perfect timing, we're right on time."

With Vladimir driving back to the flat, it gave Teddy and Edward the chance to sit next to each other in the back. Teddy was leaning his head against Edward's chest, while Edward's large arms were wrapped around him.

Edward was smiling, "So we should have the final results in four or five days."

"Yup, so it looks like we will be all ready when Doctor Alexander says we can..." He felt himself blush and he couldn't finish his sentence.

Edward didn't say anything, he just kissed Teddy again.

"Babe, what are we going to do this weekend?" Teddy was aimlessly stroking his fingers along Edward's forearm.

"I hadn't thought about it. We're going to be all by ourselves." He kissed the top of Teddy's head, "What do you want to do?"

"Sleep in late." They both laughed.

"That sounds so good doesn't it? Is that the only thing you want to do?"

"Well, would you be upset if I said I don't want to do a whole lot? I'd like to just spend the time together."

Edward kissed his head again, "It sounds absolutely perfect."

It was the last words spoken and the rest of the ride went by in silence. When they walked into the flat, it was eerily quiet. They searched and found they were alone.

Teddy could tell that between working so long and then going to the doctor's office, Edward was exhausted. He grasped Edward's hand and pulled him towards the bedroom.

"Babe, you know we still can't..."

"I know. But we can take a nap together, as long as you promise you aren't going to try to have your way with me while I'm asleep."

"You don't know how much I want to. But I promise I won't ravage your body... this time."

Teddy pushed Edward onto the bed and knelt down to remove his shoes, before removing his own. As he stood up, Edward pulled him onto the bed and kissed him deeply. Teddy could feel himself instantly starting to get aroused and he could also feel Edward's cock growing inside his cargo shorts. He pushed himself away, "Okay, that's enough of that right now. You may have promised, but I didn't."

Edward rolled Teddy over and snuggled up to his back. As Teddy was falling asleep he could still feel Edward's bulge pressing into his cloth covered ass and it lead to some wildly sexual dreams for both.

After Teddy and Edward woke from their nap, they were roped into helping everyone else pack their bags. Edward spent extra time with Elizabeth packing for her stay with John, Laura, and the boys. She was very excited and didn't seem to be upset at the thought of being away from Edward.

Teddy stood behind Edward and placed his hands on Edward's shoulders and then slid his hands down to his chest. He leaned his head over to Edward's ear, "You ok, babe?"

Edward just nodded his head without speaking. He placed his right hand on top of Teddy's right hand. Teddy kissed Edward's cheek. "You know she is going to miss you, don't you? As sad as it is, she's grown up having to be used to you being gone. It makes her a stronger person."

Edward smiled as he turned and kissed Teddy's lips. "I guess you're right... like always."

"So, when are you going to tell me what you've got planned for my birthday?"

"Nice try Jackson, not going to happen."

Teddy's mischievous side was now in full swing. "Bess, do you know where your daddy is taking me for my birthday?"

"Yes, sir." She had stopped to look at Teddy like he was crazy.

"Can you tell me?"

"McDonald's, isn't that cool?" Teddy couldn't tell by her face if she was serious, but after a minute she and Edward both burst out laughing. She ran up and hugged her father.

"Thank you kiddo, we'll go when you get back."

Teddy wanted to be mad about Edward's prank, but he couldn't be. He just laughed and hugged them both. He got down to the business of helping Bess pack for her trip.

Friday morning was a mad house around the flat. When Teddy and Edward emerged from their room, the house was already in a full state of chaos. Bags were being carried towards the door and kids were running back and forth.

Edward said his last minute goodbyes to the family and paid extra attention to saying goodbye to his daughter. As soon as Edward left for work, the process of getting the bags to the cars started. The porters were glad to help, which made the work less stressful on the travelers.

On the way to the airport, Teddy was riding with the kids and the other adults were following in a second vehicle. The drive to Biggin Hill was a sad one for Teddy. The closer they got, the more he realized the house would be empty when he got back to it. As much as he wanted to be alone with Edward, he still wanted everyone around.

Pulling up to the hangar, they were all met by Dustin. He helped the kids out of the Range Rover before he was wrapped in a hug by Devon. Loading all of the baggage onto the aircraft took a little longer then they planned. Jake wanted to make sure everything was weighed, since he didn't want any surprises by having to stop for fuel before they got to Savannah.

When everything was loaded, Teddy said his goodbyes and then waited by the car as the engines were started and the Gulfstream taxied to the runway. The kids were waving from the windows as they started accelerating down the runway. Teddy smiled and waved back. He stood there with tears in his eyes, until they were out of sight.