The Luckiest Man in the World

Story: Luckiest Man In The World

Chapter: 7 Loose Ends

Author: Eric McQueen (mcqueen.richarderic@gmail.com)

Mature Readers only due to sexual situations and graphic sexual content

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Literally, loose ends are tied up and there is a wedding. Read Matt Stryker next. A rising star with amazing talent hides his relationship in the early eighties.

Loose Ends

The evening progressed well. Quinton and Isabel were feeling what I had felt right after finding out I had won the Superpowerball. That delightful giddiness and feelings realizing that life was going to be a lot less stressful. Toby and Tyler only got a little of what was happening but having a big house to explore was far more exciting for them. They were well behaved! Seeing the look Isabel gave whenever they were about to do something they knew they shouldn't, they stopped whatever. They were active boys and full of energy!

We shared a good meal and conversation and returned to the library.

Our evening came to a close when we found things very quiet.

Quinton looked around seeing Toby and Tyler in separate plush chairs in the library, each asleep. "I guess we'd better head home." He smiled getting up. "Eric," he said to me. "Thank you." He hugged me again. "We will be at that wedding."

Isabel bent and picked up Toby who merely made a soft sound and settled against his mother. "Thank you."

Rain and I went to our bedroom ourselves after seeing Aunt Pearl to her home, checked in on Lola who was asleep. Once in our bedroom, Rain grabbed me and kissed me deeply which I immediately returned. We'd kissed many, many times daily, but this was different.

I chuckled as we both came up for air. "I love you. I know you love me. That was a good kiss, but..." I said running my lips over his lightly, "I got the feeling that was more than just love."

Rain nodded. "I just wanted to kiss you as the Luckiest Man in the World." He grinned.

I frowned. "That was just a title the Powerball people gave me to boost the international economy..."

Rain shook his head. "No, not you. Me!" He said brightly.

My eye narrowed as I looked at him. "Okay," I said hesitantly. "I'm not disagreeing with you, but...what are you saying?"

"Well, little more than a year ago, while I was dealing with Matt's issues on the floor of the men's room at that club in Vegas. I meet you! The guy that won a billion dollars!" Then he held up his finger. "Then he takes me around the world! I meet kings, queens, sports legends, actors and they know who you are and who I am!" He shook his head. "A trip around the world that cost me nothing! It cost you nothing! You offer to buy a house here, which again, cost you nothing! Aunt Pearl is leaving it in her will to you."

"Which includes you now, but I paid for the reconstruction!"

"Right." Rain nodded. "I haven't forgotten that. The only major purchases were the hotel and the house in Australia. You didn't pay for the cars. The clothes, yes, but...you are a rich man, Eric."

I nodded. "I just won the money because..."

"No!" Rain said quickly. "Not because of the money. Every country we've been to you have people that love you. Winning the Superpowerball and the money gets you through the doors, but you win them over."

I huffed and sort of growled. "I doubt India feels that way."

"Sure, but you made them think," Rain pointed out. "One more time you caused them to have to think. Those that are LGBT there have sent you thanks! That makes you a rich man."

I smiled when he said that. "Okay, but how are you saying you're the luckiest man?" I asked.

"Because, of the billions in this world." He smiled kissing me, "You love ME!!"

I chuckled shaking my head. "Yes, I do, but you're wrong. You love me, so I'm back to being the Luckiest Man."

"Then I guess we both are." Rain began walking us closer to the bed.

"I think so." I agreed. "Two individuals out of billions find love? Yes, we're both very lucky." I pulled him down on the bed over me and we made love. No more guessing, we knew each other and what each needed and gave it easily and willingly.

The following few days I watched as Lola was beginning to get even better. She was still cantankerous sometimes, but not as much. Aunt Pearl visited with her every day. They would be talking and going for walks. Walks Lola took with Rain and even with Lucky. Being alone all the time seemed to make Lola's antisocial aggravation worse, but now she had companionship daily...she was almost mellow. Almost....and who wouldn't love Lucky? He was always happy and loved you!

Rain was now taking some courses from the Citadel online. He was determined to get that degree. Kyle had gotten some people together for the sole purpose of doing research with the names in Aunt Pearl's Bible. Access to records was so much easier with the internet and when these people heard who it was for, they seemed more willing to help. That was their only job. Kyle had put in the paperwork to make what we were doing a nonprofit organization. Tax exemptions both Federal and State, protect the assets and just to keep Uncle Sam appraised to what it was we were doing. News of this began to get out and was spreading quickly. Now there was the beginning for those that wanted to be counted in that group to receive those gifts. I wasn't stupid, but I didn't have the legal expertise Kyle had.

I met with Kyle again for lunch at my hotel. This time, we ate in the restaurant. Again, I had security nearby to keep others at bay.

"What you're doing is good." Kyle said. "What's happening is not so good." He grudgingly sighed. "In order to find out if they are the descendants of anyone that worked on Bonnie Glenn we had to contact them." He nodded. "Word is getting out and spreading."

I nodded. "And?"

"They want interviews." Kyle shrugged.

"Who?"

"A lot of people," Kyle said. "The NAACP, various news agencies."

"I should answer them," I said simply. "It's the right thing to do." I sat back looking at Kyle. "I don't normally like the idea of working for friends or having friends work for me. I don't want you to work for me. I hate that Tom, Quinton and several others I see as friends, and they think they are working for me." I smiled. "I rather they work with me. Will you work with me, Kyle?"

Kyle's eyes narrowed. "I work with you now."

I nodded. "No, you work with me from the law offices of Dan Poole. It is he that's getting most of that money."

Kyle nodded. "I told you, I just needed more time with a seasoned lawyer."

I loved Kyle. He was very smart but lacked confidence in the decisions he made on his own. "I think you are damned fine lawyer, Kyle," I said proudly. "At no time during this whole year did you ever consider anything about yourself." I threw my hands out. "Hell, you were going to give yourself to me to keep me happy...and you're not gay!" I leaned forward. "That's a friend."

Kyle shook his head. "You do the same with me your whole life!" He said. "All the time!"

I smiled nodding. "Now, I'm being that friend to you. I want you at my side. Always. I'm putting you on the payroll...exclusively. Not Dan Poole."

Kyle looked a little uncertain. "Then I will be working for you."

"Semantics!" I rolled my eyes. "Kyle, there is not one person, other than Rain now, that I would trust more than you. You can call me an ass and I listen." I waved away from the hotel in a direction of home. "You objected to Rain! Voiced it to me and I listened. I had to defend my relationship with Rain to you!" I smiled at him. "You have access to those funds, Kyle and never would I ever think you would cheat or steal from me. You just are not that way. I wouldn't steal or cheat you. You know that." I chuckled. "You lack confidence in your abilities, but I don't. I'm putting you on the payroll. You can be...whatever for me. I know hotels. You know the law. I trust you. Work with or for...whatever, but together?"

Kyle's eyes lowered as he smiled. "That would be great." He nodded then pointed quickly. "But you tell ol' Dan!"

I laughed with him. "Consider it done." I grinned. "Now you don't have to ask for time off to come to the wedding!"

He chuckled. "I will be in the front row!"

I shook my head again. "No, you won't." I smiled at him. "You'll be at my side as Best Man."

Kyle's eyes widened a second and then he nodded. "You bet." He waved his fork at me. "When I get married...if I get married...you have to do the same." The look on his face told me that was very possible.

"Let's go with that." I smiled. "How are things? With say...a certain woman in Vegas?"

Kyle nodded. "Amy." He grinned. "We've seen each other."

"You never mentioned it!" I said aloud, but happy to hear it.

"You were off going around the world!" Kyle said as loud, he pointed to me. "You never talked about you and Rain while you traveled. How was I to know it was so serious?" He was grinning more laughing lightly.

"I don't know..." I shook my head, "maybe because we were still together when we traveled? I came home with him! Wasn't that a clue? I don't know, we talked about everything until it came to dating. We never really did that sort of talk."

Kyle nodded. "You were always there." He explained simply. "We were always together. There was nothing to share except the details and we just...didn't."

"Is it serious?" I asked hopefully.

Kyle blushed. He never blushed! "Well..." he said quietly, "I would like it to be." He looked at me. "I'm going to invite her to the wedding."

"Yes!" I all but yelped getting up and grabbing him up in for a hug.

"Don't be rushing us down the aisle, but I'd like to find out," Kyle said in our hug. "She needs to come here."

"Fine!" I said sitting again. "Now that you're the President or CEO or whatever of all this...you can begin to do that!"

Kyle smiled as he nodded and blushed some more. "Yeah." He looked at me tentatively. "What do we call ourselves?"

I thought only a few seconds, "Something Mom would say when things went her way. She would thank her lucky stars."

"Lucky Stars?" Kyle asked remembering what she said. He was there so often.

"Sounds good."

What I didn't know, was that Rain and I were being watched. Not by someone wanting to do us harm, but by Lola. Rain and I didn't hide our affection. Why would we? Lola was out more, and she would see us together. She came into the room we used as an office. I was on a computer at home one day. I was working on the computer and looked up as she came in followed by Lucky.

"Hi, Lola!" I greeted happily. "Just getting somethings ready for the wedding."

Lola was dressing better now. The woman I was introduced to wore no makeup and wore those tie-dyed things. She had been like the Old Crone I mentioned from Charmed? Now, she didn't wear makeup, but her hair was combed, even if it wasn't styled by a salon. She shook her head. "I couldn't believe that you two would be together this long." She looked around the office. "All this..." she waved at the house, "takes some getting used to."

I looked at her sensing it was a statement that would lead to something. "Why wouldn't Rain and I still be together? I love Rain."

She shook her head sitting in a chair across from my desk. "Anyone I was with...it died after a couple of months. I felt lucky when it lasted six months. How did you keep it going?"

I shrugged. "We just do," I replied. "If you're talking about passion with sex, we have that. He's a very loving man. I love him, but I also like him. It's easy to keep."

She looked confused, "Aren't passion and sex the same?"

"Absolutely not," I said immediately surprised she didn't know that. "Lust, love, passion, and friendship can merge, but they are not the same." This could be a clue about what made Lola...Lola. "I desired Rain physically almost immediately. That was lust. We became friends next. I like to spend time with him even if we aren't having sex. He's funny and very smart. I fell in love with him shortly thereafter. Lust and love began to merge. It's what we do as humans...even if some humans don't see how it can happen with two men."

She seemed to think about what I'd said. "I guess I just never had that happen." She shook her head and then laughed. "Maybe I didn't let that happen. I had what I thought was love. There were three men that I thought I could, but..." she stopped without finishing her statement.

"But?" I asked carefully.

She chuckled. "It was the era of free love and all that when I had Rain's father. We had the lust and passion, but I watch you with Rain and... it's almost like you're communicating telepathically at times."

I smiled. "I suppose we are. There are times I know exactly what he's thinking, and he knows what I'm thinking."

"I remember times when I couldn't keep my hands to myself, and they couldn't either." She frowned. "I see you two...even now...you pass by in the hall, or even just standing next to each other. The light touches and affection is clear."

"Sure. Rain means a lot to me. We just do it." I shrugged. "I'm learning more about Rain every day. He's quite a remarkable man. He has a strong sense of right and wrong. He has a dedication to causes." I smiled. "Though, I don't think I would have worn the prom dress to my school prom."

Lola laughed at that. "That was a bit extreme, but I agreed with him. I even helped fit him in the dress!" And then she shook her head. "As the years went by I began to realize...my father's decision to fight in the war...I was so young...dying over there caused me not to trust anyone male."

"Perhaps it did, but you taught Rain a lot of good values he took to heart." I turned more to face her. "When we first met, he was beside a friend trying to get him to seek help with his Post Traumatic Disorder. Not because he needed to, but because he cared and wanted to." I pointed at her. "That was because of you."

She smiled. "I hope so."

"I trust Rain," I said simply. "He trusts me. We let each other in. Perhaps you can do that with someone."

Her eyes widened. "At my age!?"

I nodded laughing. "At any age. Love happens if we let it." I waved at the computer. "Rain and I are getting married. Our lives will join. You will be there to witness when we do it legally. He's a good man, Lola."

She nodded. "He is." She agreed. "I just want him happy."

"I'll do my best to see he is," I said.

The yacht was donated. I mean, I didn't rent it...exactly. I paid for the fuel, I paid the wages of those that kept the yacht going as in crew and those that would serve as we sailed. I bought the supplies we would use. The yacht was itself donated to the Luckiest Man in the World. Me! Rain and I were limiting those that would be there as guests. We would marry just a little way out offshore by a woman who was legally able to marry people. We had entertainment planned with the band. Several bands offered and we finally decided on which one. Of course, Kyle and Amy were coming. Ned Turner and his husband Marcus Delray, Chet and his wife Amanda Dobbins, Tom Perriguex and his wife, Quinton and Isabel...Toby and Tyler were staying with Isabel's parents, even Mark Fritz and a date were coming. Karen Walker was coming along with a camera crew to film and broadcast the wedding to post on the website. Only Rain, Quinton, Isabel, Kyle, and Amy were going with us to the Caribbean. There were others were getting off before we set sail.

I told Dan Poole what was going to happen with Kyle which he protested and didn't like. He wouldn't, he'd lose the money! I simply asked Mr. Poole what he had done on my part other than to have his name attached to all Kyle's work. He said his reputation. Kyle moved to a new office with the others, he ended up with a staff and needed legal connections he had made with Dan Poole, but I told Kyle, those connections were made solid by him. Those that were working to locate the descendants from Aunt Pearl's Bible moved there, too.

At a little more than two weeks before the wedding, Kyle came to the house unannounced. He would come by on occasion, but when he came in the room with Rain, and I were sitting with Lucky on the sofa having a drink before dinner. Aunt Pearl and Lola were not here yet. I was greeting Kyle, but I saw his face. The playful good humor that was almost always on his face just wasn't there.

"Kyle?" I asked sitting up more about to get up. "What's wrong?"

He waved me back down. Like me, he just ripped the Band-Aid off. "Susan's dead. She was shot several times."

To say it didn't have an effect would be a lie. Even Rain had a reaction to that as he reached beside him taking my hand. I did feel sorrow, the sorrow of regret. "By whom? Do they know?" I asked.

Kyle sat down in a chair near us and sighed. "Yes, that man she took off with, whatever his name was, shot her...they think." He shrugged. "The Brazilian Authorities sent me photos and the crime reports. She was killed it seems by Mark Fritz's business partner that took the money and Susan to Rio...a jealous rage is what I was told." He looked at me carefully. "Are you okay?"

"No," I said, "I'm not okay. I married that woman. I did love her once. A part of me still does." I wasn't angry, just sad. "It was so pointless." I looked at Rain. "I told you, the woman I married wasn't the woman you met. She had that whole damsel in distress thing going and I fell for it hook, line and sinker." I said frustrated. "That was something she had practiced and did well."

"That's who you are, babe." Rain said pulling me closer to him. "That's the man I fell in love with. Don't fault yourself for trusting."

Kyle nodded. "You know I don't like her." He said to me. "I never did like her, but I didn't wish her dead..." he saw me looking at him with a look of surprise. "Okay, there were times I did, but not seriously. I just wanted her out of your life...out of our lives."

I sighed. "I know." I smiled at Kyle and looked at Rain. "You weren't the first he put his vengeance on in my life."

Kyle grinned nodding. "No, you aren't, Rain. Only you, I'm now very comfortable with. I know you love Eric."

Rain rolled his eyes. "So glad I finally got the Kyle Walters' Seal of Approval at last."

Kyle grinned holding his hands out waving at us. "I'm a lawyer! Show me the evidence! I see it now." He shook his head. "They wanted to know what to do with the body."

"Does her parents know?" I asked.

"Apparently they didn't agree to take care of it." Kyle shrugged sadly.

Rain frowned hearing that but not understanding. "They didn't...what!? She is their daughter!"

"I really never met her mother," I admitted suddenly needing more bourbon. I swallowed what was left in my glass quickly. "Her father I saw once." I sighed. "He wasn't like Ward on Leave it to Beaver or any other father on those shows. He was definitely not the father that knows best." I looked at Kyle. "I guess we will. She can at least be buried properly."

Kyle smiled nodding. "I knew you'd say that. It's being done."

I smiled as we got up as I waved at the bar which Kyle nodded. "So, I was right to have you work with me!"

Kyle nodded. "I hope I never let you down." He said softly as he took the drink I made for him.

I hugged him. "You never have." Then I kissed him. "You're closer than a brother to me. No. You do fine."

Rain chuckled. "And the only other man I'm okay with kissing my husband!" He said bringing Kyle in he kissed Kyle, too.

Kyle smirked drinking a little. "How many CEO's gets kissed by the owners?"

Rain shrugged. "Probably more than you imagine."

"Have you had dinner yet?" I asked.

Kyle clapped his hands in anticipation. "I was hoping you'd ask. What are we having?"

I watched the big white yacht as it pulled up in the harbor when I was at the hotel. From my balcony terrace, I could see most of the harbor and it arrived slowly. Tom Perriguex was with me as we saw it slow even more and it was big...it was a ship! Don't be mistaken, there are a lot of "ships" in Charleston's harbor at different times for import, export, Navy, and passenger ships...they were bigger than this one, but the portion of the harbor it was going into was for privately owned luxury boats making them look like dinghies. What guy isn't conscious of size? You say it doesn't matter, but it does.

"Damn," Tom said quietly as it pulled up next to the other sailboats and other craft, dwarfing them. "That is big."

I will admit it. That pleased me! "I wanted everyone to be comfortable." I looked at Tom. "She's three hundred feet and has ten grand staterooms, three elevators, large TV's in everyone's stateroom...a movie theater, swimming pool." I smiled. "I doubt anyone will feel cramped or uncomfortable. There is enough room on deck for the wedding to take place!"

Tom chuckled. "I don't think they could be uncomfortable on that." He looked at me. "I guess you're really going through with it."

My eyes widened which I rolled, and my wiseass side came out. "No, Tom...I'll change my mind," I growled. "Of course, I'm going through with it," I said simply. "I feel like Rain, and I are married now." I shrugged. "This is just a legal formality." I chuckled. "Besides, I can't get my money back now."

Tom nodded. "Well, I'd love to come with you, but for two weeks? I couldn't do it." He grinned. "I have a vacation planned and..."

I bumped him lightly. "I know. I'm good with that. You're coming to the wedding. I'm good!"

Tom shook his head. "I wouldn't miss it."

We gathered on the pier to board this...boat! It was even bigger up close. Dressed for the warm weather in shorts and t-shirts, Rain nudged motioning to the bow. "See the name?"

I smirked. "Yes," I said sourly. "Not what I want to say. I should send it back."

"Well, it is!" Rain defended. "This is the Envy of the Seas!"

"Daaaamn!!" I heard behind us said in that long fashion. "It sure as hell isn't a little sailboat." Turning I saw Quinton and Isabel walk up the pier.

They were also dressed for the warm weather, but Isabel looked classy with the light-colored dress on the billowed in the warm breeze. "Nope, it isn't." I agreed.

We watched as a limousine pulled up. Aunt Pearl and Lola got out and began coming down to the pier.

Quinton grinned at Rain and me. "You're getting married!" He waved at us. "I see nothing but a relaxed demeanor here. What's wrong with this picture?"

Rain chuckled. "What's missing?"

"When Izzy and I married, I couldn't sit still, pacing and having to piss every ten minutes," Quinton confessed receiving a light slap on the chest from Isabel. "What!?" He asked her. "I was nervous!"

"And never mind that bachelor party that might have made things a little difficult," Isabel grumbled, but smiled and looked at me and Rain. "All that alcohol might have made you piss as much. And the hangover."

Quinton gave a grudging nod. "Just a little, baby!"

Aunt Pearl and Lola came up closer, also dressed for the warm weather, but not in shorts. They had on pants and loose shirts.

"This is where you two are getting married." Aunt Pearl said to confirm.

Rain nodded. "Yes!" He waved at the bow. "We will be the Envy of the Seas!"

We boarded the Envy. Kyle and Amy arrived, almost out of breath.

"Cutting it close, Buddy!" I said hugging Kyle as he got onboard. "We couldn't have left without you."

Kyle chuckled. "Well, I wanted to be sure."

"Blame the airline," Amy said. "We were delayed over Atlanta. An alternate flight had to be scheduled to get me here." She held her hand out to me. "Hello, Eric."

I waved away her hand. "We'll be seeing a lot of each other these next two weeks. Welcome aboard, Amy." I said bringing her into a hug. "I prefer hugs!"

Amy laughed and hugged me. "Me, too."

There was the happy bark at our feet. Lucky was nearly beside himself with all these new people. His tail again nearly disappearing again as he wanted to greet and sniff everyone!

Amy looked down and a smile instantly appeared. "Aw, he's adorable!" She claimed, bending down, and presenting her hand out for Lucky to sniff, but Lucky knew she was friendly and was clamoring for more attention from her. She laughed and picked him up. He was a small beagle, not a hunting beagle and would never be big. Lucky gave several welcoming licks.

Rain nodded putting familiar arms around me from behind. "Yes, he is." He grinned. "And he knows he is. Don't you, Lucky?" He asked Lucky giving him a pet.

Ned Turner and his husband Marcus Delray came aboard next. Both were large men, but there was love between them as Ned's arm was around Marcus as they approached Rain and me.

"Hello!" I greeted Marcus shaking his hand happily. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you...in person and not on the phone or on the computer!"

Marcus smiled. "As it is for me." He said shaking my hand. Ned's arm tightened around his husband proudly. "Ned told me some pretty great things about you two." He said pointing at Rain and me.

Rain chuckled. "I'm sorry we kept him away from you for so long."

Marcus waved that off. "He was doing a job." He shrugged. "We saw each other during that year."

My eyes widened. "Really? I never saw you!"

Ned smiled and turned a little pink. "We would take a day or two and just be alone for a while."

"Covertly," Marcus said quietly to me. "I didn't want to intrude on what was happening, so we kept it quiet." Marcus explained.

"Damn," I said. "You are good at what you do."

Chet Dobbins and Amanda came up behind them. "Hi, Ned!" Chet greeted his former boss.

Ned turned, grinning at Chet. "How are things?"

Chet nodded. "Very good." He waved to Marcus. "Hi, Marcus!" He moved his wife up. "Have you met Amanda?"

We were left that morning for a wedding that was taking place the next day at about eleven in the morning. The band was flying in by helicopter the next morning. Karen and the minister were coming that night for the pre-wedding things. Yes, we had a helipad on the Envy of the Seas. The band's equipment was preloaded before we left. I had chosen this ship because of the room on the deck. There was the pool mid-section which for could be covered with a hard covering that could be stood on and support the weight.

Everyone watched as the Envy began to sail out of the harbor slowly. There were boats that surrounded us as we did, and we were waved to and waved back at the passengers on those boats. The weather was beautiful and the breezes from the travel and blowing off the water were very pleasant. I looked at the people we had onboard. All were in loose tops or t-shirts. Even Tom looked very...un-Tom-like! He was in this blue Hawaiian top and had on white shorts! His wife was beautiful...for a blonde. Dressed in one of those outfits women wear that were all-in-one. They looked very relaxed. I was used to Tom's scowl at work. He didn't have one on now as his wife and Quinton and Isabel were laughing with their various drinks.

The Envy had everything. It was very luxurious. The stateroom Rain and I were given was as big as our room back at Bonnie Glenn! It was as wide as the entire yacht. Large bed in a room where the color theme was light whites, beiges, and the dark color of polished wood. That theme continued in the bathroom where the color was white, but in marble. There was a standalone shower big enough for Rain and me with room left over. The interior was made to make the most of space and they did it well. That didn't mean it was cramped at all. There was plenty of space all over. Including a gallery/living space that spanned two decks! The floor was open allowing everyone to not feel cramped at all. There was the upper decking that surrounded this room where pictures and other objects like sculptures and paintings were displayed everyone could see from the circular walk that edged the room. It was a very impressive yacht. It was a cruise ship! Just for us.

There were servers that kept those little tidbits to eat even before the party that night. Very tasty. We went out a good way away, land was no longer seen. As the sun was setting, we all changed to a more...not quite dressy, but jackets and nice shirts and pants to stroll on the deck. This was the night before our wedding, but Rain and I were together already. I'm sorry, but whatever part of me that was gay didn't really get that part about clothing and what went with what, but I looked as Rain pulled his white jacket on. I could not deny that he was the most beautiful human being I had or would ever see. He turned and froze.

"What?" Rain asked smiling knowing what I was doing.

I walked over slipping our arms around each other as we always did. "I was just thinking about how wonderful you are. You agreed to marry me."

He chuckled. "I think you are wonderful, too. Like I said. We are two of the Luckiest Men in the World." He grinned kissing me gently.

There was a knock on our door. Opening the door there was a woman that was here to provide service. "Ms. Walker and Ms. Carson have arrived."

Greta Carson was the minister that was performing the wedding. She wore the clergy collar around her neck as if there were doubts. There wasn't to be a wedding rehearsal exactly but knowing where we would stand and all that...was just practical.

The open deck above had been decorated with tiny white lights that added elegance to the ship. Soft music played as the other guests came up to begin the evening. Even Lola looked...well, not like the Lola I had been introduced to. She was even wearing makeup! Not a lot, but she had on lipstick and something to add a little color to her cheeks. I was stunned! She was wearing a nice light blue, floor-length gown, her hair was done up over her head with some nice, but simple jewelry.

"Lola!" Rain said surprised at seeing his grandmother.

She laughed shoving Rain lightly, "Don't get used to it. After this, I'm back to my usual ways. This is a special occasion." She shrugged as a tray passed with those fancy glasses of champagne. She took one and smiled at Rain. "This is a once in a lifetime event. My grandson is getting married." Then she looked seriously at Rain. "I did a lot of thinking recently. I raised you to be your own person...to think for yourself." She shook her head. "I missed some things about relationships in my life. I didn't see them as anything that could last." She shrugged. "I don't regret my life, but perhaps I could have done more, to have someone in my life." She pulled Rain in and kissed his cheek. "I'm so happy for you, Rain." She smiled at me and hugged me, kissing me on the cheek. "You're a good man. You love Rain. I wish for the very best future for you two."

Quinton came up with Isabel, both looked extremely good. Isabel was in a white floor-length gown, Quinton in a light-colored shirt and white pants. Again, I appreciate clothes, I don't know who did it or anything like that, but they both looked very good. "I say again..." Quinton smiled at me, "...daaaamn." He shook his head. "A guy could get used to this." He said looking around the Envy.

Isabel rolled her eyes and smiled at me. "He's just excited to be here. I am, too. This is very nice. The room we were given is not anything we've ever had before."

"Well, it's yours for two weeks." I shrugged smiling.

Quinton frowned. "Which I don't get." He said as he tried to figure it out. "We are going with you on your honeymoon?" He said like he knew there was a mistake somewhere.

Rain chuckled. "Yes, you are." His arm went around me. "We've been together for almost two years."

"We are taking a trip with friends," I said simply. "And you two are that."

Quinton's face changed to one more serious. "Yes, we were, are and always will be."

Greta Carson was a nice woman about forty-five with an open and happy smiling face. I had chosen her because of her Unitarian background. As one of that denomination, they were very open about...everything. Including same-sex marriage. We went over where we were to proceed in the morning and once that was established, we went back to the celebration.

We were all brought to the attention of Karen Walker as she tapped her glass. "It was about twenty months ago when I met Eric Mitchell and Kyle Walters." She chuckled. "I have to admit, I was surprised by them both. What we wanted to do was to stimulate the economy and we were not disappointed. There were record booms with every country he went to amounting in the billions." Then she shook her head but laughed. "All except India, but that too had an effect." She held her hands out cautioning us. "There will be change, but that's going to take time. They suffered losses, instead of gains. She held her glass up to me. "It has been my privilege to meet Eric, Kyle and later joined by Rain. I am here, not as someone from the Powerball, but as their friend. To Eric Mitchell, Kyle Walters, and Rain Stevens. To Eric Mitchell, the man who chose the right numbers. You are the Luckiest Man in the World...and it's not over! We have received many requests for you to come back...Japan, Italy, France, and Russia are just some, plus new invites from other countries that didn't get to host a party for you. Kings and Queens, Presidents and other leaders are asking for you to come. Including a second invitation by India, but not India as a country. By Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil of Gujarat. The only openly self-admitted gay prince known in the world. He wants you to come as his guests, asked by name for both of you to further his cause for the LGBT community in India. That was not the goal of all this, but there is good coming out because of it. It was not a total loss for India." She held her glass up as a toast. "To Eric and Rain. I don't have to wish you the best for the future, you have it now and it will only get better. This is not a wedding toast but is simply a toast. I know you'll both be very happy."

There were the nods and voices of agreement as they all toasted us.

The stateroom was very nice and soundproof. We had partied most of the evening and until early into the morning. It was only as there were a few hours before the wedding that we retired for the night. I persuaded Karen and Rev. Carson to stay instead of returning to shore. There were other quarters. They were not the staterooms we had but were nice enough for them. I say it was soundproof as we were awakened by the knock on our stateroom door. I had not heard the helicopter arrive or the preparations going on deck going on above.

"Rise and shine!" I heard Kyle's happy voice faintly. "It's put up or shut up time! You're getting married in a couple of hours!"

"Thanks, Kyle," Rain shouted back chuckled pulled me closer from his spooned position behind me. "Sorry, but I had to be loud." as I rolled over to face him as he continued softer. "Yay, we are getting married." He kissed me.

"We're just breaking all the rules," I said grinning.

"What rules?" Rain asked.

"We were supposed to be apart last night." I grinned. "That rule."

He nodded. "I believe that rule is for the groom to not see the bride the night before the wedding. Don't see her in her dress, bad luck and all, but...as there is no bride...so?" He shrugged.

The wedding preparations continued as we dressed and came out on deck. This was a simple wedding. No tuxes or anything like that. Rain and I were dressed in nice white pants and white open-collared shirts. The weather in this part of the world was warm, even at sea. The idea that everyone would be comfortable was the only real consideration. The band was setting up to play. They were a new band, but very good from the samples Rain and I heard. They pretty well could perform anything and... I hate it but being here to play for the Luckiest Man in the World's wedding gave them something else to be recognized for.

The cover over the pool had been decorated with a simple running carpet Rain and I would come upon as we stood before Rev. Carson. Everyone would have a good view of us. Even Lucky was at the wedding. He'd had a bath and was happy. He was always happy.

Aunt Pearl came over just before. She touched my face as she smiled. "Now this..." she looked at Rain, "is right. I've spent time with both of you now. I can say, I've not known many I could honestly say, we made for each other." Her eyes teared a little. Taking her handkerchief out, she shook her head at both our concerns. "No, these are happy tears. I am so happy for the two of you." She said kissing Rain but looked at me. "You brought Bonnie Glenn back, but you brought me back, too." She said kissing me on the cheek. "Thank you. I'm proud to be a part of this."

"Aunt Pearl," I smiled hugging her. "You were always family to me. Since I was seven you were family! You know that."

"I know," She said kissing Rain. "This is right. You deserve each other." She said and walked off to join the others.

Then I saw Mark Fritz come over holding the hand of a young woman who looked to be in shock. He grinned, "I have to say, thank you." He stuck his hand out to me. "Being invited to the wedding is so...surprising."

I smiled at his sincere words, "We both made mistakes with Susan." I shook my head. "I don't blame you alone. I made plenty."

"You know what happened to her?" Rain asked Mark. "Her and that business partner of your Dad's?"

Mark nodded, "Yes, it is sad, but..."

"She chose to do it," I explained. "It was bound to catch up with her."

Mark pushed the woman he was with up. A dark-haired attractive woman about thirty that was not looking so comfortable. "This is Shelia Barnes, my date."

I shook her hand. "Glad you could come."

She shook her head, "I would have had to if I'd known." She said simply. "How do you say no to coming to the Luckiest Man's wedding?" She frowned at Mark. "He didn't tell me it was your wedding, just a friend's wedding. He didn't tell me it was you."

Mark grinned at me, "I told her we were going to the wedding of my business partner..." he smiled, "and friend." He said the last part a little hesitant.

I nodded smiling. "We are both of those things. We're business partners and we will know each other for a long time. Friends, because I really like you, Mark." I grinned. "I'm a hugger, so get ready" Mark grabbed me in a tight hug. The sound of another helicopter, but I looked over to the helipad on the Envy. The helicopter was hoovered over us. Looking up there were people on it, but I saw a person pointing a camera. "I chose this yacht to avoid reporters, but there they are."

Rain nodded looking up. "They can't land. There's no room."

I looked over to Karen who was meeting with the cameramen and women that had been allowed onboard, "They will get the better footage."

There was the musical sound, indicating it was time to start. Kyle came over.

"I'm your Best Man?" He shrugged to me. "Who is Rain's best man?"

"Actually, you're both Rain's and my Best Man," I said. I waved at the others. "We have plenty of witnesses, but only one Best Man."

"Do I have your approval now?" Rain asked Kyle.

Kyle nodded. "Absolutely! If I were gay, I'd be all over you, Rain. You are quite a guy!" He put his hand out. "I will be honored to be your Best Man."

The music started and Kyle went forward and stood to the side of Rev. Carson. Then Rain and I walked up to stand in front of her.

"My friends." Rev. Carson began, having done a wedding many times, needed nothing to read. "I was asked to join these two together. I will confess, I watched the whole year as you two traveled the world. I saw the results of those travels. However, with every picture, video, and blog about them, I can say, I have never seen two people more devoted to each other." She smiled at me and Rain. "And it wasn't just for the cameras. It is real. Two people that express this kind of love, no one in their right minds can deny. They belong together." She shook her head. "To be the one to officiate for the wedding of a man that guessed those numbers...earning him the title of The Luckiest Man in the World...that should have been a burden, but not for Eric Mitchell." She looked at Rain. "You Rain. Many men would have been very reluctant to join him for anything other than the money and the parties...yet, Eric posted many times how you pushed that back and denied that was ever the case. You proved to Eric you were there for him and him alone. And I see that. You love truly. As he does you. I am so happy to be the one to do this last step legally." She waved at the others. "You are all here because of these two wonderful people. You were friends or family before the Superpowerball and are here now to witness this momentous occasion." She stated simply. "Love is love. These two have that and have asked you to be here." She smiled. "I was asked to keep it simple. So, I am. Do you, Eric Mitchell, take Rain Stevens to be your spouse, your best friend, and counsel, for good and bad times until death?"

I smiled. "I do."

"Do you Rain Stevens, take Eric Mitchell to be your spouse, your best friend, and counsel, for good and bad times until death?"

Rain grinned nodding. "I do."

"You have words to express?" She asked us, knowing we did.

I looked at Rain. "I remember meeting you and I could not believe it." I looked briefly at the others. "Believe it or not, it was in the men's room at a club." I looked at him while there was some laughter. "You were there helping a friend. Having met someone so open and trusting...so loving..." I shook my head. "I may have chosen the right numbers, but until we came together, it wasn't real. After meeting you, I felt I was the luckiest man in the world. I love you, Rain. I want you with me for the rest of my life."

Rain's eyes were beginning to glisten as he wiped his face. "No, I disagree." He shook his head chuckling. "You picked the numbers, yes. I was there helping a former buddy from the military, looking to start learning to help others like him and me. I was there, I heard your voice and..." he gave a startled look. "There you were! You changed my life! I wasn't sure if I should go with you when you asked me to, but...I did and..." he shook his head. "I have not regretted it one bit! You may have the title of Luckiest Man in the World, but I'm the luckiest man in the world. You love me! I want you with me for the rest of my life."

Rev. Carson nodded and reached over to Kyle. "The rings, please?"

Kyle pulled them from his pocket.

"Simple but saying so much." Rev. Carson said holding up the two rings. "Never ending circles represent never-ending love. That is what these rings symbolize. A love that has no end." She handed me a ring. "If you'll put this on Rain's finger and repeat...with this ring, I take you as my husband."

The simple bands of gold, which was now a little blurred, I slid it on Rain's left ring finger. "With this ring, I take you as my husband."

Rev. Carson nodded as she gave the other to Rain. "And now, Rain, do the same with Eric?"

Rain slipped the ring on my finger. "With this ring, I take you as my husband." He had to let go of a hand to wipe a tear that came. "Men don't cry!?" He chuckled as he smiled broadly. "That is such bullshit."

I nodded, wiping my own face. "Yes, just bullshit." I chuckled with him.

"Now," Rev. Carson said. "I'm telling you two and everyone," she pointed to me, "you are not the luckiest man in the world." She pointed to Rain. "You are not the luckiest man in the world. Together now, you are the happiest, luckiest couple in the world. I pronounce these two souls have joined and are married!" She waved to us. "Kiss the other half of the soul you now share."

Rain nodded. "She's right. We are."

"Yes, she is." I agreed as I leaned toward him and kissed my new husband.

Read Matt Stryker next. A rising star in the late seventies and early eighties. To save his budding career he must hide his relationship with that one special person. His nephew. (Did I hear a gasp? Read and see what happens.)