This story contains descriptions of graphic sex between males. If that kind of thing does not appeal to you, stop reading now.
This story is pure fiction. If this resembles something that happened to you, it must have been an incredible experience. But it's simply a coincidence.
All comments are welcome: djwarner1984@hotmail.com Please donate to Nifty: https://donate.nifty.org/
-DJ
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The Inheritance Clause - 40
Adam watched as Dawson grabbed the pen that was kept in the binder of the notebook. He put the cap of the pen between his teeth and held the pen there. He flipped the page and started reading.
"You figured it out," Adam said with amazement.
"Yes!" Dawson said excitedly, looking at the notebook.
Dawson bit the cap and pulled the pen out. He kept the cap between his teeth, crossed out something on the page, and started writing.
"What is it?" Adam said as he sat up higher and leaned toward Dawson.
"One sec," Dawson managed to say with the pen cap in his mouth.
Dawson flipped the page and wrote something else. Adam looked over with anticipation while still petting Colby. Dawson finally looked up.
"Ok," Dawson said, trying to contain his enthusiasm.
He sat up and turned in the lounger so he was facing Adam. He was very animated as he told Adam the idea that Adam had sparked with his comments. Adam smiled as he listened to Dawson's proposal. Adam began to get a sympathetic face and his eyes watered when Dawson finished.
"Dawson..." Adam said with astonishment, "That's beautiful. I love it."
Dawson was nodding. Colby was still next to Adam, although he had stopped petting him.
"Now it feels like the right plan," Dawson said.
"I agree," Adam said with a smile.
Dawson sat back in the lounger and looked over the notes again. Adam picked up his drink and took a sip. Colby wandered off to somewhere in the garden. Adam sighed with satisfaction. Dawson made some more notes in the notebook as he and Adam talked and refined the plan. Finally, Dawson closed the notebook and put it at the foot of the lounger. He tossed the pen and it landed on the notebook. He picked up his glass and held it out toward Adam. They clinked glasses and both took a sip. Dawson leaned back and held his drink in his lap.
"I feel so much better," Dawson said.
"Me, too," Adam said and then he turned toward Dawson.
"It's going to be a lot of work," Adam said, "But imagine how rewarding it's going to be."
"Yeah," Dawson said as he thought about it."
The boys lay back in their loungers in silence as they mulled over their plans in their heads. Colby came back from wherever he wandered to and lay down next to Adam. Eventually, Krantz paged them over the communicator that Larkin had arrived. The boys got up, collected their drinks and the notebook, and headed up to the terrace with Colby. Krantz brought Larkin to the living room. That's where the boys greeted her.
Joan was already there, behind the bar. Shortly after Larkin arrived, Cassie joined them. And when the doorbell rang, Krantz escorted Margherita, Helena, and Rosa to the living room. Dawson greeted them all and then grabbed Adam's hand. He pulled Adam close to him.
"We have some news," Dawson said to Helena, Margherita, and Rosa.
He looked at Adam and smiled. Then he looked at the three women.
"We're engaged," Dawson said with excitement.
There was a moment of hesitation as they absorbed what he said. Then Helena yelped with happiness. She grasped her hands in front of herself and started speaking in Spanish. Margherita and Rosa's faces lit up as they congratulated the boys. Helena hugged Dawson.
"Oh," Helena said, "Mi nieto... mi nieto..." she kept repeating, saying 'my grandson' in Spanish, as she hugged him.
Then she pulled back and looked at Adam.
"Ah..." Helena said with a big smile, "Mi pollito... marrying my grandson..."
She grabbed Adam's face and kissed his cheeks repeatedly. After talking with Dawson's family for a while, Adam managed to get a moment with Niven and Krantz.
"I can't thank you enough for what you did with the master bedroom," Adam said with sincerity.
Niven pursed her lips. Krantz didn't show any reaction on his face, but he did seem to stand up taller and straighter in response.
"It was our pleasure, sir," Krantz said, "But the credit really goes to Mr. Stewart. It was his idea."
"I can't believe you managed to get it all done so quickly," Adam said.
"That was all the judge's doing," Niven commented, "When she and her mother arrived, she took charge. I've never seen workers move so quickly."
Niven had a glint in her eye and a slight grin as she talked about how the judge took command.
"Well, I know you had more to do with it than that," Adam said, "And I want you to know I'm very grateful."
Niven pursed her lips in response. Krantz simply nodded his head toward Adam.
Meanwhile, Rosa casually pet Colby as she talked with others. He was pretty well behaved, not bothering the others too much. At one point, he ended up near Krantz, who had made his way toward the doorway, surveying the room in case anyone needed anything. Colby sat quietly next to where Krantz was standing. At one point, Rosa looked over and noticed Colby sitting next to Krantz, with his head held high. Colby also seemed to be surveying the room.
There were several conversations going on around the room as everyone mingled. After Joan made sure everyone had a drink, she made new ones for the boys. This time she didn't use as much green food coloring. Everyone's drink was some shade of green. Some looked better than others.
Krantz hired extra help to cook and serve dinner so he and Niven could participate as part of the group. One of the servers came into the room and spoke to him. Krantz came up to Adam and Dawson and told them dinner would be ready on time if they started now. Adam took a spoon from the bar and clinked his glass. The noise in the room dissipated until everyone was looking at Adam.
"Thank you for being here," Adam said, "Happy St. Patrick's day!"
Adam raised his glass and everyone acknowledged.
"Congratulations on your engagement!" Cassie interjected as she raised her glass.
The group cheered and took a drink.
"Thank you, thank you," Adam said, "Dawson and I are excited to share our plans with you. If you make your way to the screening room, we'll get started."
Everyone started talking again as they slowly made their way to the hallway. Larkin caught up with the boys.
"Congratulations!" Larkin said, "My best wishes to both of you."
"Thank you," Dawson said.
Adam smiled. They continued walking together down the hallway toward the screening room.
"If you're prepared to discuss how you'd structure your team, we're ready," Dawson said.
"I am," Larkin said, "But I want to hear what you've got planned, in case I need to pivot on anything."
"Of course," Adam said.
When they arrived at the screening room, everyone took seats while Adam and Dawson stood at the front of the room. Krantz took a seat at the end of the front row. Rosa noticed that Colby sat rigidly in the aisle next to Krantz.
"Adam," Dawson said quietly as he waved the notebook, "We didn't really talk about how we would present this..."
Adam grabbed Dawson gently by the biceps and looked him in the eye.
"Just tell them like you told me in the garden," Adam said softly.
"Me?" Dawson said with surprise, "All of it?"
"Yeah," Adam said, "You tell it so well."
Before Dawson could object, Adam turned to the others.
"Ok," Adam said as he clapped his hands together and held them, "Dawson is going to explain our plan. Now, we want you to be honest with your opinion of it. Don't hold back."
Adam looked at Dawson and gave him a nod. He took a step back and Dawson stood up straight and cleared his throat. He looked at everyone and noticed Cassie was recording him with her phone. He looked down at the open notebook. He rubbed his goatee as he thought and then he looked up at everyone seated in the screening room.
"My great grandfather, Alejandro Santos, was an amateur painter," Dawson began, "After seeing his paintings, it's clear to us that if he had been given the opportunity, he would have been a great artist."
Dawson paused. He looked at his grandmother, who was smiling at him with pride and nodding in agreement. Dawson took a deep breath and exhaled. He glanced at the notebook and then realized he didn't need it. So, he closed it and tossed it onto one of the empty seats in the front row.
"When I told my parents I was gay," Dawson said, standing taller now, "They kicked me out... If it wasn't for the family of a buddy of mine and my cousin Cassie, who took me in, I would have had nowhere to go."
Cassie clenched her jaw and grinned at Dawson and Adam to prevent herself from showing her emotions. Adam stepped forward and put his hand on Dawson's back, like he had done when Carmen was reading the will in the library. Dawson seemed to gain more confidence.
"These two concepts inspired us," Dawson said, "and we found a way to help others in similar situations."
Dawson paused and cleared his throat.
"So," Dawson said, "First, we will establish a foundation. Its mission will be simple - to create opportunity for those in need. We will name it 'CAJ Foundation', using Clayton Arthur Jameson's initials. Adam and I will put the initial funding into the foundation, so it can be established. The CAJ Foundation will create and partner with charities and organizations to provide opportunities to those who need it."
"The first organization the foundation will establish is a network of safe, welcoming, nurturing places across the country for youths who are rejected by their parents and have nowhere else to go. Through donations, or purchase, or new construction if we have to, the organization will ensure there is a place to go for those who need it."
Adam and Dawson both looked at Helena.
"With your blessing, Abuelita," Dawson said with emotion, "We want this organization to be called 'Helena's House'."
There were audible reactions from everyone in the room. Helena teared up. Margherita took Helena's hand. Helena simply nodded because she couldn't speak; she was overwhelmed with emotion.
"And to ensure Helena's House has continuous funding," Dawson continued, "The foundation will create a charity called 'Alejandro's Wish'. It will hold charitable events in each location where there is a Helena's House. Alejandro's Wish will highlight and profile local artists just starting out. We will draw in big donors and auction off the new artists' works. The artists will get needed exposure. They will make money from the sale of their artwork. And Helena's House will raise funds to continue to serve those in need."
Margherita had teared up. So had Cassie. Niven's lips were pursed. Joan was smiling proudly at Adam and Dawson.
"The CAJ Foundation board will be focused on these endeavors to start," Dawson said, "but we will look for partnerships and create new charities and organizations as the CAJ board sees fit."
There were slight murmurs and nods from everyone.
"And one more thing..." Dawson said, "We will need to establish boards to run CAJ Foundation, Alejandro's Wish, and Helena's House. We want each of you to be a board member of whichever organization you choose."
"Oh," Joan gasped, as others in the room made similar sounds.
"So," Adam said as he clapped his hands and held them together, "That's our plan... What do you think?"
The room was quiet as everyone looked around for who would speak up first. Finally, Cassie stopped recording and stood up to get everyone's attention.
"I for one," Cassie said, "love it. I want to help with Alejandro's Wish."
The room erupted in positive noises. Some were discussing Alejandro's Wish. Some were discussing Helena's House. The excitement swelled as everyone continued talking about the plans. The boys stood at the front of the room and watched as their families got excited about their proposal. Adam and Dawson put their arms around each other's waists. The feedback everyone gave them was positive.
"Ok..." Adam said with pride, "So the other reason why we wanted you all here... As you know, Niven and Krantz will be retiring..."
Adam glanced at Niven, then Krantz.
"So, we are looking to hire a Private Secretary to help Dawson and I manage things. You've all met Christine Larkin. She's now going to walk through her thoughts on how she would organize her staff to support our plans if we hire her as our Private Secretary. Larkin... the floor is yours."
Adam gestured to Larkin and she stood up. The boys took seats in the front row as Larkin moved to the front of the room.
Earlier that day, Krantz had set up the few slides that she wanted to project. She went over to him and he handed her the remote control. Larkin stood to the side, so everyone would be able to see the screen, and started speaking.
"First," Larkin said, "I want to say how thrilled I am about your plans. They are right in line with what I was hoping to see. You've set a simple, clear, mission and carved out two ambitious yet attainable goals. And you've left room to expand your outreach with the foundation if your plans pay off and you get the opportunity to expand. Well done."
The boys smiled and looked at each other from their seats in the front row. Larkin clicked a button on the remote and the lights slowly dimmed. A slide projected up on the screen.
"I've divided the staff into three areas," Larkin said, "Managing the lake house, managing your time, and managing your financial affairs."
She pressed a button and another slide came up.
"To manage the lake house," Larkin continued, "There will be a team of five people led by an estate manager. Their responsibilities will be to run and maintain the lake house."
The slide showed a team that was modeled after how Clayton managed the lake house property when he and Sara first moved into the house. She advanced to the next slide. It showed the time management strategy with two people reporting up to her and dotted lines to Adam and Dawson.
"To make sure your time is being used effectively," Larkin said, "A personal assistant will support both of you and see to your day-to-day needs. And a scheduler will organize a single calendar of events, including shared and individual commitments. That will ensure your time is coordinated without any conflicts."
She clicked the remote and brought up another slide.
"Finally, you'll have a financial advisor and a legal advisor," Larkin continued, "They will be responsible for coordinating your financial and legal teams, so you'll get diversity of advice, without too many voices creating confusion. They will be responsible for advising you on your personal and foundation assets."
She pressed a button and a slide came up showing the whole entire staffing model.
"And..." she concluded, "It's flexible enough to expand. Say, for example, you want to take on more ventures, we can add support staff as needed."
The boys both grinned. Cassie was keenly focused on where the PR firm fit in and liked what she saw. Krantz and Niven were satisfied with the household organization. And Dawson knew that the financial and legal team structure she proposed was similar to what Clayton had in place.
Overall, everyone liked her plan. The boys were quietly talking to each other as Larkin answered a couple questions from Joan and Cassie. When she finished, Larkin clicked the remote and the lights slowly came back up.
Adam and Dawson looked at each other and nodded.
"We'd like to negotiate an offer with you after dinner," Dawson said, "If you're still interested."
"Absolutely," Larkin said as she smiled.
"Great," Adam said as he clapped his hands together once and stood up.
"Sirs?" Krantz said as he stood from his seat.
Colby stood up to move closer to him. The boys looked over at him. Rosa looked at Colby.
"We have about twenty minutes until dinner will be ready. I'll go check on things," Krantz said.
"Thank you, Krantz," Dawson said.
Krantz started to make his way toward the door. Colby stayed right with him, as Krantz lightly touched Colby's head. Rosa jumped up and told Margherita she would be right back. She followed Krantz out of the room.
"Mr. Krantz..." Rosa called to Krantz.
"Yes," he said as he and Colby stopped and looked back at her.
Rosa walked toward Krantz as she thought about how she was going to say what she wanted to convey to him.
"Can I have a moment of your time?" Rosa said, looking behind her to make sure they were alone, "In private?"
"Of course, Ms. Torres," Krantz said, "This way..."
Krantz gestured toward the open door of the ballroom. Rosa went in. Krantz followed her, with Colby close by. He shut the door and turned toward her.
"Uhh..." Rosa hesitated as she looked at Colby and then at Krantz, "Animals are amazing. They can do things that we humans can't."
"I suppose that's true," Krantz said trying not to show confusion on his face as he tried to figure out where Rosa was going with her comments.
Colby stood next to Krantz, panting and looking at Rosa.
"For example..." Rosa said as sympathy started to show on her face, "I saw a dog once, position himself close to someone who had a terminal illness. He stuck by him, wouldn't leave his side. He protected him, as if he could sense that person was not well and it was his job to take care of him."
Rosa paused to see if Krantz was understanding her. Krantz, of course, kept his stoic face, even though he understood what Rosa was trying to say.
"What did you do when you saw this?" Krantz replied, remaining stone-faced.
"Well..." Rosa said.
She started to reach her hand out to touch Krantz's arm, but then thought better of it.
"Well..." she repeated, "I offered my support to him... I told him that I would help him with anything he needed."
Krantz looked at Rosa for a moment.
"He must have been very grateful," Krantz said quietly.
"I hope so," Rosa said as she felt tears welling in her eyes.
"I'm sure your comments were of great comfort to him," Krantz said as he flashed, for a split second, a look of acknowledgement toward Rosa.
Rosa now knew that Krantz understood what she was saying, but neither one would acknowledge it outright. Krantz cleared his throat.
"Now," Krantz said, keeping up the pretense, "What was it you wanted to talk to me about?"
"Oh... uhh..." Rosa tried to stall to come up with something in order to keep up the pretense, "You know what? I've completely forgotten what I wanted to say to you."
Krantz gave her a reassuring look.
"That happens to the best of us," Krantz said.
"Thank you, Mr. Krantz," Rosa said as she looked at Colby, patiently standing guard next to Krantz.
"No, Ms. Torres," Krantz said as he gently placed his hand on Rosa's forearm and paused for emphasis, "I should thank you."
With that, Krantz turned and opened the door. He gestured for Rosa to leave first. She went into the hallway and headed back toward the screening room. Krantz left the ballroom with Colby by his side. Krantz reached down and was touching Colby's head as they walked together toward the dining room.
Rosa paused and looked back at Krantz and Colby walking away. She looked sad, thinking about the seriousness of what Krantz must be going through. But then she took solace in knowing that Colby was there to comfort and protect him.
Rosa came back into the screening room. There were animated conversations going on amongst the group. Margherita noticed the look on Rosa's face. She came over to her.
"Are you alright?" Margherita asked her quietly.
"Yeah," Rosa said under her breath, "I'll tell you later."
She forced a smile at Margherita and brushed her arm. They heard Adam talking and their attention was redirected toward him. Everyone was listening to the boys tell the story of how Adam proposed.
"So, when he was turned around to get the towels," Adam said, "I got down on one knee."
"Awww," Helena gushed as she smiled at Adam and Dawson.
"I was shocked when I turned around," Dawson said, "He was so nervous."
Adam smiled and blushed.
"Dawson!" Adam said as he smacked his arm lightly.
"Well," Dawson said as he chuckled, "You were... then he finally managed to ask me... and I said yes... and then he gave me this."
Dawson pulled his sleeve to expose his wrist, so he could show everyone the bracelet. Adam pulled his sleeve back, too. Everyone leaned in and oohed and aahed. Helena looked at Dawson's bracelet closely. She got a shocked look on her face and then she looked at Dawson, then Adam, then Dawson again.
"Abuelita," Adam said, "What's wrong?"
Helena looked at Adam for a moment with her mouth slightly open.
"Nothing, pollito," Helena said, "It was... I am happy for you... You two are very romantic."
Helena smiled and patted Adam's cheek to try to cover up her surprise at seeing the bracelet.
Dawson sensed what was going on, but didn't say anything. After a few more minutes, Krantz came to the screening room to let them know that dinner would be served shortly. Everyone started to slowly move toward the hallway.
Dawson leaned into Adam.
"I'll catch up to you," Dawson whispered, "I need to talk to Abuelita for a minute."
Adam nodded. Dawson caught Helena's arm.
"Stay for a minute," Dawson quietly said to her.
Helena looked at Dawson nervously. Adam was the last one to leave the room and he shut the door. Dawson held Helena's hand and gestured for her to sit. They sat down next to each other. He pulled back his sleeve and lifted the bracelet toward her.
"I saw you react when you saw this," Dawson said.
Helena looked at Dawson's engagement bracelet.
"You recognized the links on the chain, didn't you?" Dawson said.
Helena had a look of surprise on her face. Dawson grasped her hands.
"Adam had the bracelets made so they would match the necklaces that Clayton and Jorge wore," Dawson said.
Helena sighed. Then she sat up straighter. Her eyes began to water.
"I remember when Jorge came home after Clay had given it to him. He was so happy, the most joyous I'd ever seen him. Clay wanted them to have something as a token to keep close to their hearts and no one would know. Jorge loved that necklace," Helena said.
Dawson tilted his head and looked at his grandmother sympathetically.
"When I saw your bracelet..." Helena said, "Well, I immediately recognized it was the same links."
Helena was looking down at the floor. She didn't cry, but it looked like she was on the verge of it. Dawson looked down at his hands holding his grandmother's hand.
"Clayton was still wearing his necklace when he died," Dawson said, "Adam wears it now. He copied the chain links of the necklace because he wanted for us to have something that would symbolize our love but also honor their love."
Helena lifted her head and looked at Dawson.
"Jorge was wearing his necklace when he died," Helena said, "They were both committed to each other... right to the end."
She slipped her hands from Dawson's grasp. She brought her hands up to her neck. After a moment Dawson saw her pull Jorge's necklace from beneath the neck of her blouse. She moved her hands along the chain to the back of her neck and unclasped it.
"You should wear it now," Helena said as she brought her hands forward, holding the chain.
"No, no, no," Dawson said as shook his head and put his hands up to cover hers, "I can't take it. It's yours."
"Dawson," Helena said as she smiled at him, "I've worn this necklace so I could remember my brother when he was happy. But I don't need it anymore. You are now my reminder of my sweet Jorge. I want you to take it. Wear it. Keep it as a reminder that you are helping so many others with your foundation to create those happy times, like Jorge and Clayton had... like you and Adam have now."
Helena pushed her hands forward and held out the necklace. Dawson smiled at his grandmother as he felt his eyes water. Without saying anything, he leaned toward Helena. She put the chain around his neck and clasped it. Dawson sat up and put his hand on it.
"I love you, Abuelita," Dawson said.
He leaned in and they hugged.
"Te amo, nieto... Te amo," Helena whispered.
They both sat up and sniffled. Then they both chuckled at themselves as they stood. Dawson tucked the chain under his shirt and he slipped his arm under Helena's arm. Dawson and Helena smiled at each other and then Dawson escorted her to the dining room.
When they reached the dining room, Joan and Rosa were standing together, talking while looking at one of Alejandro's paintings. Adam was standing behind his chair. Krantz was standing next to his chair, next to Adam's and across from Dawson's. Larkin and Margherita were seated.
Dawson brought Helena to her chair. Then he went to stand next to Adam. Adam mouthed, 'You ok?' toward Dawson. Dawson leaned in, put his hand on Adam's shoulder and whispered in his ear.
"Everything is fine," Dawson whispered, "I'll tell you later."
Dawson pulled back and the boys nodded at each other.
Colby was sitting next to Krantz's chair. One of the temporary kitchen staff opened the entryway to the kitchen. She was holding Colby's dinner bowl.
"Colby..." she said, "Dinner..."
Colby looked at Krantz and then after hesitating for only a second, he turned and went into the kitchen. Krantz moved between his chair and the table. Still standing, he picked up his champagne glass and raised it in the air.
"A toast," Krantz declared as he raised his glass.
He waited for everyone. The sound of chairs moving filled the room as everyone stood and raised their glasses.
"Adam..." Krantz said, surprising the boys by not calling him sir, "your grandfather would be proud of you. And Dawson, I know for certain he would be happy that you and Adam found love together. I'm sure I speak for everyone here, when I say, we are all looking forward to your happy future together. Congratulations on your engagement! Cheers!"
"Cheers!" everyone repeated and then they all sipped.
There was light clamoring as everyone took their seats. Adam, Krantz, and Dawson exchanged glances as they smiled at each other.
Dinner was served. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Joan and Helena had a lengthy conversation and behaved as if they were old friends. Larkin entertained Niven and Rosa with stories from her past job experiences. Dawson and Adam shared some of their thoughts on what they wanted for their wedding with Krantz. All in all, the group had an enjoyable time together.
There was a moment, when most everyone had finished eating. There were conversations going on down the end of the table, away from Dawson, Adam, and Krantz. Krantz smiled at Dawson. He leaned forward and gestured for the boys to lean in, too. When they did, he glanced to make sure no one else was listening.
"You are ready," Krantz said.
He waited a moment for the boys to comprehend what he was talking about.
"I pity anyone who comes up against the two of you," Krantz added, "Go out there and conquer the world."
He leaned back in his chair. He picked up his wine. He lifted it toward the boys and then took a sip.
Adam and Dawson looked at each other. Then they both looked at Krantz and smiled. They, too, picked up their wine glasses and saluted Krantz before they drank. Krantz had a satisfied grin on his face.
Once dinner was finished, Niven and Krantz thanked Adam and Dawson for including them. They had to relieve the temporary staff and prepare for the legal team and the will's ruling panel coming the next day. So, they left to take care of that.
Adam and Dawson excused themselves and met with Larkin in the library. After a brief negotiation, they agreed on terms for Larkin's employment. The boys told her they would draw up the contract and get it over to her right away. They escorted her to the front door and said their goodbyes.
Everyone else had moved to the living room where the boys joined them. They talked about plans for the wedding. About ten minutes later, Krantz appeared in the doorway with Colby right next to him. Colby came over to where Dawson and Adam were sitting. He put his head onto Adam's thigh and looked at him.
"Colby looks kind of sad," Adam said as he leaned closer and pet him with both hands, "Doesn't he?"
Rosa and Krantz made eye contact. Dawson noticed.
"Perhaps he's still getting used to his new surroundings," Krantz said.
Rosa looked at Krantz.
"That happens all the time with pets," Rosa said, "He's just adjusting."
Rosa kept glancing at Krantz. Dawson looked at Rosa skeptically.
"We should probably call it a night," Margherita said.
She and Helena stood up. Everyone started to hug each other to say goodbye. Colby, who normally would get excited and try to nuzzle himself to be included in the action, moved toward Krantz. He stood next to Krantz as if he were his body guard. Dawson then realized what was going on with the glances between Rosa and Krantz. Dawson made sure he hugged Rosa last. When he went in to embrace her, he whispered to her.
"I need to talk to you," Dawson said quietly to her.
Dawson and Rosa separated. Rosa looked at him with curiosity. Dawson took Rosa's hand.
"Rosa and I will meet you at the door," Dawson took charge as he tugged loosely on her hand, "I need to ask her something about Colby's food before you all leave."
Dawson casually led Rosa across the room and into the hallway. He didn't look at her but continued to lead her by the hand to the office off of the kitchen. They went inside and closed the door. Rosa tried to look casual, but she suspected Dawson knew what was going on.
"I saw you and Krantz exchanging looks... You know, don't you," Dawson said cryptically.
"Know what?" Rosa started to object.
But then she stopped with her mouth slightly open. She had already seen and heard about how Dawson was able to perceive things that other people missed. She closed her mouth and sighed as she looked down.
"I noticed Colby protecting Krantz," Rosa said, "I know dogs can sense that kind of thing. So, I knew what it meant."
Dawson's face softened.
"Did you talk to him?" Dawson asked.
"Kind of," Rosa said as she grinned, remembering the conversation she had with him, "I let him know I knew, not in so many words. But he got the message."
"Yeah," Dawson said with a slight chuckle, "He does not wear his feelings on his sleeve."
"How did you find out?" Rosa said, "Did he tell you?"
"I picked up on it and confronted him," Dawson said with sadness, "He told me then."
"How bad is it?" Rosa said as she reached out to Dawson and touched his arm.
"It's not good," Dawson said, "By fall, his doctors think. That's why we're getting married in June."
"Ah..." Rosa said as she realized now why they were rushing to get married.
They stood in silence for a moment.
"Margherita noticed something was up," Rosa said, "I was going to tell her."
"Ok," Dawson said, "Let me tell Abuelita."
Rosa nodded.
"What can I do?" Rosa said, "How can I help?"
Dawson smiled at her.
"I think you've already helped by just being here for him," Dawson said.
"I'm here for you, too" Rosa said as she spread her arms out.
Dawson forced a smile as he felt his eyes starting to water. They hugged as Dawson fought off tears. After a few moments, Dawson pulled back.
"We should get back with the others before they suspect something," Dawson said.
Rosa nodded. Dawson found a tissue box on the shelf and they dried their eyes. They left the office and made their way to the front door where everyone else was waiting. They said their final goodbyes. Margherita, Rosa, and Helena left. Adam turned to Krantz.
"Krantz," Adam said, "We're going to talk PR strategy for a few minutes and then call it a night. We should be good if you want to turn in."
"Very well, sir," Krantz said, "Good evening."
Krantz turned to go up the stairs. Colby started to follow him.
"Colby..." Adam said, trying to get him to stay with them.
"Oh, it's alright if Colby wants to go with Krantz," Dawson interjected, "Is that ok with you, Krantz?"
Krantz stopped and turned to look at Dawson. Then he looked at Colby who was looking up at him, panting, with his tail wagging slowly.
"I don't mind, sir," Krantz said.
"Ok..." Adam said somewhat half-heartedly.
"Good night, Krantz," Dawson said, trying to put the final word on that topic.
Krantz and Colby started up the stairs. Dawson ushered Joan, Cassie, and Adam back into the living room.
"Honey," Joan said crossing the room to get her after dinner drink, "Like I said before, I don't know why you need me to be a part of this... You can say whatever you need to the press."
"Mom, I want us all to be on the same page," Adam said with a bit of frustration.
"Fine," Joan said, waving her hand, "What statements do you want to make?"
Cassie proposed a couple of tactics. Adam and Dawson weighed in. Joan sat quietly nursing her drink. Once the boys settled on their approach, Adam turned to his mother.
"Mom," Adam said, "Are you good with this?"
She waved her hand.
"I'm fine," she agreed.
Adam clenched his jaw as he turned back to Cassie. Dawson subtly placed his hand on Adam's back to calm him.
"Great," Cassie said, ignoring the tension, "I'll draft a press release for you to review in the morning."
"Great," Dawson said.
Cassie got up.
"We can talk about the PR campaign for the foundation later," Cassie said, "I think... If Dawson explains it the way he did today, you will get a tremendous reaction. The passionate way you talk about your plans... because it's so personal to you..."
Cassie paused as she replayed Dawson's pitch earlier in her mind.
"I'll take some time to put together a strategy for you," Cassie said, "I should have something ready for you to look at by mid-week."
"That works," Dawson said as he gently rubbed Adam's back, "We're going to be up to our eyeballs in finance and legal teams for a couple days anyway."
"If you're good, I'm going to go up," Cassie said.
The boys stood and hugged her good night. Joan got up and embraced her.
"Congratulations on your engagement," Cassie said to the boys.
"Thanks," the boys said in unison.
"Goodnight, cousin of honor..." Dawson quipped.
Cassie smiled and Dawson chuckled. Then she walked out of the room.
"Well..." Joan said as she approached Adam, "Goodnight, honey."
They hugged. She turned to Dawson and hugged him. When they separated, she took one of Adam's hands and one of Dawson's.
"I am so happy for you two," Joan said sincerely.
"Thank you, mom," Adam said.
She leaned over and kissed Adam on the cheek. She let go of their hands and left the room. Dawson took a deep breath and sighed. He turned toward the coffee table and began collecting the empty drink glasses.
"What's with my mom?" Adam said, "She was completely unhelpful when it came to my father."
"Babe," Dawson said as he put some of the glasses on the service tray, "Try to see it from her perspective. She's been dealing with him her whole adult life. She finally asked for a divorce and got away from him. It looks like he's going away to prison for probably the rest of his life. She's probably thinking she doesn't have to deal with him anymore... and then we come in and force her to deal with him. That's got to be frustrating for her."
Adam tilted his head as he thought about it.
"Once again..." Adam said as he threw the used napkins in the trash, "You're probably right."
Dawson snickered with that comment as he put the last of the dishes on the service tray.
"Hey," Adam said, "What was that with Rosa, right before they left... Colby's dog food?!?"
Dawson smiled at Adam as he approached him.
"And what was going on with Abuelita before dinner?" Adam said.
"Let's go to bed," Dawson said as he put his arms around Adam, "I'll tell you when we get upstairs."
Dawson leaned in and they exchanged a gentle kiss.
"Mmm," Adam said as their lips parted, "I can't say no to you."
Adam smiled and leaned his head up against Dawson's.
"C'mon," Dawson said, "It's been a long day."
Dawson turned and held Adam from the side as they made their way to the master bedroom. Dawson went into the bathroom to pee while Adam changed for bed. Adam came to the sink to brush his teeth, wearing only his boxer briefs. Dawson left the bathroom to go into the bedroom to change. Just as Adam was rinsing his mouth, Dawson appeared in the doorway. He was wearing his usual basketball shorts, but he was holding his t-shirt up against his upper body.
"Look what Abuelita gave me," Dawson said.
He waited for Adam to finish rinsing and look at him. Dawson lowered the shirt to reveal Jorge's necklace. Adam looked surprised.
"What?!?" Adam said as he came closer, focusing exclusively on the necklace.
He came up to Dawson and slipped the chain between his fingers and thumb as he examined it. He knew right away it was the same links as his grandfather's necklace and the bracelets. A look of recognition came over his face.
"Jorge's necklace..." Adam said softly, "Abuelita had it?"
Dawson nodded. He told Adam the details of the conversation he had with Abuelita. Adam looked at Dawson with sympathy and then embraced him.
"She is something, isn't she?" Adam said with admiration.
"Mmm," Dawson said as he held his t-shirt in one hand and rubbed Adam's back with the other.
Dawson began to feel Adam's package expanding and bulging into his. Adam pulled back slightly and leaned his head down. He kissed Dawson's shoulder with a soft, gentle kiss.
"Don't bother putting your shirt on..." Adam said as he slipped away from Dawson's arms.
Adam raised his eyebrows and flashed Dawson a devilish grin. He let his fingers linger on Dawson's back and chest as he slowly moved past him. When his fingers finally lost contact with Dawson's skin, Adam emitted a soft sigh. Dawson smiled as he turned and watched Adam seductively move toward the bed. Dawson lingered his eyes on Adam's briefs-covered ass, standing frozen was he watched him.
"Hurry up..." Adam said, slipping under the bed covers and laying his head on the pillow, "Mmmm..." Adam seductively hummed as he stretched his arms over his head and rolled on the bed.
Dawson didn't move. He felt his dick start to harden. Adam slid his hands under the covers and he shuffled a bit. Then his hand came out from under the sheets holding his boxer briefs. He tossed them at Dawson. They landed right at Dawson's feet.
"Fuck..." Dawson sighed under his breath.
He tossed his shirt onto the counter of the sink and hurriedly brushed his teeth. By the time he finished, he had a full erection. He slipped off his shorts and put them on top of his shirt. He shut off the lights as he left the bathroom. A very subtle glow came up from the base boards that allowed him to just make out the bed. He stepped on Dawson's boxer briefs. He stopped and picked them up. He tossed them blindly into the bathroom, hoping they landed somewhere near his clothes. He made his way over to the bed, lifted the bed sheets, and crawled into bed.
Dawson was on his side as he slid toward Adam. When his body came into contact with Adam, he brushed his erection against Adam's side. Adam was on his stomach. Dawson draped his arm across Adam's back and began caressing his shoulder. He couldn't help gently grinding his cock against the bare flesh of Adam's hip. Dawson's eyes were still adjusting, but with the soft light coming from below, he was able to see Adam had his head turned and was looking at him.
"I love you," Adam said very softly.
"I love you so much..." Dawson said as he looked into Adam's eyes.
Adam took a moment as he looked back at Dawson's eyes.
"Babe..." Adam whispered.
"Mmm..." Dawson hummed as he leaned in and kissed Adam's shoulder.
"I'm ready to try," Adam said with nervousness in his voice.
It took Dawson a few beats to understand what Adam was talking about. He moved his head closer to Adam, putting his face right up next to his face as they locked eyes.
"Are you sure?" Dawson said with concern.
"I've seen the way you look at me when I'm inside you..." Adam said.
Adam lifted his head and turned his body toward Dawson. Their hard penises jostled against each other. Adam pulled Dawson close and put his hand on Dawson's cheek.
"I want to feel what it feels like..." Adam said, "I want you to see my face when you're inside me... I want to share that with you..."
Dawson began running his fingers through the hair on the back of Adam's head. Dawson moved his head forward until their foreheads were touching. He could smell Adam. It was intoxicating. He felt his cock flex its hardness up against Adam's cock and abs. He brought his lips up against Adam's. Their noses touched. Dawson gave Adam a soft, gentle kiss. Their lips separated but Dawson kept his lips close to Adam's.
"I'm nervous..." Adam said softly.
Dawson could feel Adam's breath on his lips when he spoke.
"I'll take care of you," Dawson said.
He moved his lips closer again and gave Adam another soft, gentle kiss.
"But only if you're sure..." Dawson said.
Adam brought his hand to Dawson's arm. Dawson stopped running his fingers through the hair on the back of Adam's head as Adam gently moved his arm. Adam moved Dawson's hand down his body until Dawson's hand was cupping Adam's butt cheek.
"I'm sure..." Adam said, "I want you inside me..."
Dawson grinned. Adam grinned nervously. Dawson squeezed his hand on Adam's ass. Dawson gently moved in for another soft kiss as his hand began to caress Adam's butt cheek.
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The Inheritance Clause - 40
If you like this story, tell me: djwarner1984@hotmail.com And then donate to Nifty: https://donate.nifty.org/
-DJ