Tom the Fireman Part 71
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Zach, thank you for your editing skills. Your ability to take my words and make them better is appreciated.
Steven woke up alone in the big bed, it was the first time since Barron passed on. Feeling quite content, he turned his head to look out the bedroom window. Though he was alone, he felt at peace while reflecting upon his year and all that had happened. How his life changed over the year. Remembering at this time the previous year he was alone, the last few years were a fog - a very dense fog.
He had known he was going to have to pull himself up by the straps and start living life again, just how and when. With his mourning almost over, he was ready to forge ahead in life once again. He never thought he would return to this place, the memories of what was left behind hurt him so bad. He couldn't believe he was lying in this bed, looking out upon the lake that he and Barron had loved. How things came full circle: still enjoying the lake, but this time spending it with his husband who, at that time, he didn't even know existed.
How could a chance meeting with a handsome guy standing alongside a country road holding a boot change his life? Significantly! If he were told that was going to happen, he would have laughed it off. But here and now, a married man; to a guy he met in the spring; and a most fantastic guy in his world.
Though he left his friends in the city: Fred and Wayne were his closest friends; he also missed being with Mark and Julio; and he did miss the Sunday morning basketball games. It seems strange that time had come between two of his four most intimate friends.
Getting out of bed Steven stood by the window, staring out onto the lake. Opening the sliding door to the patio, he breathed in the brisk morning air. Feeling the chill invigorate his being, he felt alive so alive. Gazing down on the two docks, he knew it was time to give this old place some life. Sitting idle for five years, he was surprised how everything was still in good shape.
Standing outside, Steven felt the cold trying to brave the briskness several minutes more before returning inside. Walking down the stairs, he stood on the landing to take in the beauty of the cabin before continuing down again. He thought, "How could Tom not love this place?"
Heading into the kitchen he filled the coffee maker with water, making more cups of coffee than he usually would. Satisfied that the place was clean, he knew he had to get the wood for the fireplace. He wanted a cozy fire for all his guests.
Tom woke up early, feeling the empty bed next to him. The thoughts of yesterday's photo shoot were still in his mind. Thinking about his busy week, he was happy he would be spending this evening in bed with his husband by his side. He welcomed the change of scenery of spending time in a cabin he never saw before.
Tom thought back on his year: the calendar modeling; meeting some random stranger who donated a large amount of money during his canvassing on the country road; and never realizing that would be the man that changed his life until it happened. Living with Sam and Jake, though nice, did not force him to move on. That one particular night he stayed at `his' man's place and never left, changing the dynamics of his life forever. Laughing to himself that he never officially moved out of Jake's home where he had his room and just existed, life was same shit different day until he met Steven. Though there was never an official moving invitation granted, he seemed like he knew Steven forever. Understanding the quote, "You'll know when you meet him." It was a too-good-to-be-true romance that blossomed into his life, not trying to make the puzzle pieces fit like in previous relationships - if some of those flings could be considered that.
Tom thought that's all he did `exist'. His children were at the age where they wanted to spend more time with their friends than with him. He was feeling alone, in a rut, and was willing to accept that. It was his children that made him happy.
Thinking back on his first date: something inside of him changed; he wanted to live his life; there was something special about the man who sought him out. Three years of living with Sam and Jake, he just went through the motions of life.
Turning in bed, Tom grabbed Steven's pillow hugging it to his chest. He felt tranquil smelling Steven's scent as he placed his face into the soft pillow. He pulled the covers off his naked body as he stretched his arms out while he stared at the ceiling. "Thank you, Jesus. Thank you for everything." As he wiped the tear of joy from his eye.
Feeling the pressure on his bladder he reluctantly got out of bed. Looking out the bedroom room onto the driveway that headed to the river road, feeling the peaceful solitude of the home Steven made for the both of them. Thinking about the upcoming year: Tonya eventually giving birth; what will happen to the child now knowing that Bev is pregnant; would Steven want to help adopt and raise his grandchild; and Mason would be turning 18, graduating from high school. Mason would be heading off to college in the Fall; how did this happen so quickly, his two precious children turning into adults?
As he felt the warm rays of the sun on his body, he was brought back to reality with an urge to go. Walking into the bathroom, Tom touched his face to feel the beard as it was getting longer. Scratching, he stood before the toilet and reached down to aim his cock into the bowl. Feeling the relief on his bladder, Tom moaned as the flow rushed out his cock – Ahhhh! Such a much-needed relief.
As he walked to the vanity, he looked in the mirror admiring his facial hair. He had not considered it would look so good when starting to grow it. Hearing the high pitch whine, he quickly got into his sweatpants, and sweatshirt before stepping into his moccasin slippers to head downstairs to greet his newest love; the little bundle of joy. After putting on his coat, he picked up his little bundle and took it out to the back patio. Placing the little rascal on the ground, he followed Tom around the yard wanting attention. Tom tried to make the puppy piddle before going back into the house. Realizing he should have put on socks, he picked up the pup and carried it back into the warmth.
As he opened the back door, he was greeted by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and his mother's big greeting of "GOOD Morning".
Walking up to the counter with the pup following him, Tom found that Eva had poured a big mug and sat it on the countertop in front of him. "I'm all packed," she beamed. She looked forward to spending time at the lake with her son and daughter. Coming from around the counter in the kitchen, Eva joined her son with her big mug of "morning ambition".
Hearing the stirring from the one lower bedroom Tom looked up, expecting to see Tonya, to be greeted by his muscular brother-in-law who was in ill-fitting boxers, leaving hardly anything to the imagination.
"Don't you ever wear clothes? We're not in Florida," Eva stated seeing her almost naked son-in-law.
Ignoring Eva's comments, Vince strolled into the kitchen to pour himself a big mug of that stuff everyone else was enjoying. Standing on the other side of the counter he adjusted himself.
Tom felt a smack on the back of his head, only to turn his head to find his mother giving him the eye. Flashing his smile, he returned his attention to the muscular body that was on display in front of him. Vince stood there daydreaming as he sipped from his mug. He was not paying any attention to his admirer. Eva was nodding her head in disapproval.
Looking up Eva greeted Melinda with a smile, "Good morning darling. How did you sleep?"
As Melinda rubbed her tummy as she smiled back, "Good morning," as she ran her other hand through her hair. Turning toward Tom, "When did you get in?"
"Around 10:30," he replied.
"I was already in bed," Melinda announced.
Modeling that `not so ready for morning' look, Tonya appeared. She bumped into the walls as she rubbed her face.
"Good morning, honey," Eva greeted her.
"Good morning, Grandma," as she walked up to hug Eva before hugging Tom, "Good morning dad."
Looking up, she took a second look at Vince's almost naked body, before looking at Melinda, "Good morning!"
Melinda leaving the kitchen joined Tonya giving her a hug, "Good morning."
"Well, let's clean up; get breakfast; and get this show on the road. Everyone packed?" Tom asked.
As Steven heard the caravan drive up the long dirt road, he looked out the window to watch Tom leading the pack. Stepping outside, Steven waved as the three cars pulled up. Tom getting out of his truck ran to the porch picking up Steven whirled him around as he kissed him hello.
Seeing Tonya standing by the truck with her arms crossed not looking amused, Tom returned to his daughter. He gathered her belongings and had Mason, who trailed behind looking at the scenery surrounding him, pick up his sister's belongings. Vince had gathered Eva and Melinda's belongings from the back of his SUV. He carted them to the big porch, while Kenneth and his wife followed behind.
Steven asked, "Where's Laura?"
"She went over to stay with her friend. She didn't want to spend New Year's Eve with grownups," mocked Ken.
As Steven helped carry the luggage from the porch into the house, another two cars came up the drive. Wayne and Fred got side tracked so needed to change the previous night arrival to the next day. Standing next to Tom, he greeted his friends. Welcoming Wayne and Fred back as they came closer. They mentioned that it was a long time coming to see the cabin again in commission and were glad. Giving the hosts their respective hugs, Wayne yelled back to Mark and Julio, "What's taking you two so long?"
"We're coming, we're coming," Mark called out, as the two gathered their matching luggage from the trunk. Julio was calling dibs on the hot tub tonight. Steven smiled from ear-to-ear seeing his old friends, "It's good to see you." Mark dropped his luggage at his husband's feet to return to the car. Pulling the basketball out of the trunk, Mark held it in his arms wearing a big smile.
As he approached Steven, he threw the ball toward him. Steven was stepping out and caught it smiling, "She's ready to go." Mark smiled, knowing he could get a game in while they were there.
When Vince appeared from inside to get a cooler out of the car, Mark and Julio's eyes popped out of their head. Their heads turned as Vince walked past them, nodding hello, inspecting his every move. Mark tried consciously not to drool when he watched the muscle-bound jock carry the cooler up the steps and into the house.
"Who is he?" they said in unison.
"That's Tom's brother-in-law. He's married to Tom's sister," Steven pointedly stated to the boy-crazed men.
Vince made another trip to the car, laughing to himself as it was apparent all eyes were on him. Soon Eva followed behind, getting in the car with her son-in-law. "We'll be right back, we're heading to that store we saw coming here," as she got in the car with Vince.
The three stood there watching as Vince drove away.
Tom was the next running out the front door, looking for Vince and his mother. Seeing he obviously missed them, he turned around heading back into the house.
"That's your husband, right?" Mark asked.
"Yes, that was Tom, he's pre-occupied with his family being here," Steven informed.
"His family?" Mark asked as he elbowed his partner, "We need to be on good behavior."
"Let's go in, it's getting cold out here," Steven offered.
Vince motioned for the basketball to be tossed to him upon seeing it on his return from the store. Holding the ball under his arm, he went outside to the basketball court. Throwing some hoops before Ken joined him. As they had a little one-on-one fun, the rest of the guys came out to join them. Tossing the ball back-and-forth amongst the guys and making hoops, Vince suggested a game. Being the smartass that he is, "All the tops are on my team, all the bottoms are on Ken's."
The men laughed. Tom was the first to stand next to Vince. Ken looked at his brother, "Oh, nice can't choose family over in-laws, shorty?" Tom hadn't heard that reference in a long time, "I may be short, but I'm not the one going to be tripping all over the court," he countered.
"Come on Steven, guess you're on my team," Ken suggested.
"Don't be so sure about that," as Steven went to stand next to Tom.
Wayne was next to join Vince's team as well as Horace.
Ken looked around, "Come on guys, you can't all be tops?"
Julio joined Ken, "Thank you," Ken giggled, "I have one player for my team."
"I'll join you, Uncle Ken," as Mason approached, "You'll need the help." Mason patted him on the shoulder as he joined his uncle's team.
Mark and Fred joined Ken's team, "Way to go guys, don't look so enthused."
Ken looked at Steven to say, "You two can't play on the same team," pointing his finger between Tom and Steven.
"You got Mark and Julio," Vince pointed out.
"Gym class all over again," was a comment from the peanut gallery.
Ken called shirts, as the other team just looked at him. "It's too cold out here," replied the other team. "Ok, whomever gets the ball gets to decide, and like I said, we're shirts."
Vince's team just shook their heads, as Tom hoped Vince could pull it off.
Ken's wife, April appeared, "I'm refereeing your sorry asses," as she looked at both teams. Throwing the ball into the air, Ken was able to out-jump his intimidating brother-in-law. Neither captain had ever played with the fellows before, so they had not realized the game would be taken so seriously. Ken called shirts.
Looking at Vince and his guys Ken egged them, "Come on! What are you waiting for? It's not going to get any warmer." Vince setting the example pulled his hoodie and shirt over his head. Holding his arms to his chest as he was waited for his team to do the same.
As Steven and Tom slowly took up their sweatshirts and tee's they joined Vince rubbing their hands up and down their arms. Wayne and Horace were the next. Five against five.
With the muscular beast, Vince on their team Tom was convinced they were going to win this game. He was sure Vince would be a distraction.
From the balcony of the cabin, Tonya and Melinda watched as the boys played their game. Eva joined them, "They're going to be sore tomorrow," as she cheered on both teams. Melinda and Tonya looked at her. "I have to be fair. My sons are on both teams," Eva retorted.
"Traitor," Tonya laughed. Melinda nodded her head in agreement.
The sounds of the bouncing ball on the macadam court and the rattling of chains each time the ball hit the backboard. The guys played seriously and April had no problem maintaining a semblance of fair play amongst the guys.
As time wore on, the other team was removing their sweatshirts, playing in their shirts or tees. The boys kept the ball moving as the three spectators watched from above.
Toward the end of the game Eva went to light the outside grill. Giving it time to warm up, she would be feeding 10 hungry guys. As the game came to an end, Ken boasted how great his team was by winning over Vince's side. As they got dressed and reached the top of the stairs to the balcony Eva asked them, "Cooking instructions for your steaks guys."
Looking inside the cooler of steaks, each picked out their cut. They let Eva know how they liked theirs prepared. Melinda and Tonya went inside to get the other dishes ready, as Eva cooked.
"Hey mom, you don't have to do that. I can cook them," Vince tried to convince his mother in-law.
"Go clean up. I can handle this," Eva ordered.
Vince entered the house to ask Melinda and Tonya, "Do you need help?" Both were suggesting what he could do.
The guys gathered around the table, as Eva motioned Vince for help. Returning to the table with five steaks, he placed them in front of the owner of the steak. They waited for the others' to be prepared before eating. With the second batch done, Vince waited on the table as Eva finished up. All thirteen sitting around the huge table.
When dinner was finished Ken said, "The winners get to use the hot tub first as the loser have to clean up. Mom, don't you help them." As Ken went outside to turn on the jets; Mark, Julio, and Fred followed along, but were stopped when Steven mentioned bathing suits nodding in the direction of Tonya, Melinda, and Eva. Displaying disappointment the guys went to their rooms to change.
Ken was the first to change after uncovering the hot tub, he came back in to get his beer. Walking quickly over the balcony to slide into the hot tub, he sat back and relaxed. He was joined by Julio, Mark, and Fred all carrying the beverage of their choice. Mason was the last as he brought a beer and stripped naked before sliding into the hot tub. Tom rolled his eyes and shook his head thinking, "Gotta teach the kid some decorum."
All of the sudden three pairs of bathing suits were slung out of the pool making Ken realize he was the only one dressed. Steven just shook his head, "So much for modesty." He realized the women didn't know they were naked and most likely wouldn't join them in their conditions.
As the other five cleaned up, Eva was making the rounds making sure everyone's glass wasn't empty. Knowing that none of them would be leaving anytime soon. Once everything was cleaned up, Steven found robes to take out to the hot tub gang.
Ken was the first one to get out, still wearing his board shorts, he quickly dried off before putting on the robe. All eyes were on him as they checked out his body before he quickly walked over the patio to slip inside.
Kissing his wife, as he passed her on the way to the bathroom while holding his bottle of beer. April sat on the sofa in front of the fireplace, enjoying her juice with wine as she listened to Melinda and Tonya talk about their upcoming due dates.
Ken returned from the bedroom, wearing shorts and a tee. He knelt down in front of the fireplace to open the flue as he gathered some kindling from a nearby basket to start a fire. Successfully starting the fire he sat next to his wife, placing his arm around her.
When Mason saw the puppy awake, he quickly got out the hot tub. He gave the three a front-row-view of his young naked body. Knowing they were trying not to stare, Mason took his time drying off in the cold air with his backside to the windows. Slowly putting on his robe he left it opened as he faced the men, before reaching for the belt to secure it. Gathering up his clothes, the young man headed back to the house. Once inside, he knelt down to play with the puppy, giving the men inside a view of his goodies as the robe opened slightly in the front. Looking up, he quickly closed his robe when his father gave him the glare. Heading to the bathroom Mason pulled the dog to his chest, right under his chin, as he went to change.
Tom, Steven, Vince, Wayne, and Horace were the next to get into the tub after the three remaining were done soaking. Wanting to warm up her cold bones, April joined the five men, as they sipped on their wine or beer. They sat there discussing how this was a great place while Steven told stories about how he found it.
With Eva still making the rounds, Vince was getting ready for their New Year's Eve meal. When Vince cleaned himself up after the hot tub he carried the cooler to the kitchen table. Eva got busy boiling the water, as she and Vince were preparing to make lobster tails for their just-before midnight meal.
As she drew the butter she steamed the tails. Vince found the Champagne. They all gathered around the table. All complimenting how good it looked and how tasty it was. Eva was proud of her cooking. It was always New Year's Eve tradition to cook lobster tail. They all sat around the table enjoying each other's company as they ate and drank.
They quickly cleaned up as the time was approaching midnight, Vince poured the champagne as all gathered around the fireplace to keep warm. Steven and Tom promptly went downstairs. Steven sat up the fireworks as Tom unveiled his father's rifle. Steven was shocked that there was a gun in his house, he saw Tom load it with shotgun shells.
The group gathered on the balcony to count down the New Year seconds. Steven was kissing Tom when the New Year ushered in. Carefully lighting the fuses, the fireworks went off in the sky over the lake, joining the display by other neighbors. Tom held the gun into the air, shooting several times, ushering the New Year. The crowd cheered as they wished everyone, "Happy New Year!"