Tourist Motor Court

TOURIST MOTOR COURT - 12 by Paul Daventon

Disclaimer

In the early part of the twentieth century, when motor vehicles were becoming plentiful, forward thinking individuals figured that those motorists would often want to find a place they could stay overnight to continue their journey the next day. They didn't construct fancy motels and inns as are frequent today. The first 'motels' usually contained a number of small cottages near the office facing a courtyard, and were called tourist courts.

These cottages were separated from each other by a distance for more privacy. I, personally, remember at a very young age staying at one of these motor courts with my parents and my sister in the late forties, while traveling on the early Pennsylvania Turnpike. At the time I believed it a wild exciting adventure, sleeping in a cabin-like structure away from home..

The Motor Court of which I write is a left-over, still functioning in the present day. I'm sure the residents are quite different from those in the forties. Travel though time with me to see how they wound up through there in Johnston City, a fictional city in a work of complete fiction, all characters are fictional and do not represent any living person.

All the usual restraints apply to this story. This story contains male/male explicit sex. If you don't like that, or are under 18, please leave.

MY EDITOR

I must thank and give my appreciation to my editor, David, famous author of Tales From The Ranch, for editing all the chapters in this story, except for Chapters 1 and 2 which I messed up all by myself. Thanks so much, David

Tourist Court - Chapter 12

FOUR YEARS LATER -

Pete stood at the motel counter, watching for more guests to arrive. Only two cottages were vacant, 7 and 8, but he was sure they would be filled before dark. He had been amazed over the previous four years they had no problem with underage young people trying to rent a room for an hour or two. Having the college just across the street had worried Pete, afraid the Court would become a hot-bed motel. Young couples had learned once a cottage was rented for the night, even though the couple obviously left for good, the cottage wasn't rented again that day. And the couple paid the going rate for overnight, no discounts.

Pete did know that young student couples came in for a night of sex in one of the cottages, and he had no problems with that. In fact he felt that his place was supporting loving couples with a comfortable, nicely furnished place for them to enjoy each other. Everyone on the court's staff checked driver's licenses for age, name and made sure the picture matched the person. The possibility remained that some underage kids had made good their fake licenses, but he didn't worry about it.

As the manager and majority owner of the court, Pete began to check the books again for the day, finding everything in order, then was surprised when the office door opened to admit a young man, his own age. He looked slightly familiar to Pete, but he couldn't place his face.

"Welcome to the Johnston City Tourist Court. How can I help?"

"Hi, Pete." The young man had addressed Pete personally, but Pete still couldn't place the face in his memory.

"Hi," he stared and paused, "I'm sorry, but do I know you?"

The young man laughed, pleased that he's fooled his old partner. "Well, a few years ago you and I would have been in bed by this time of day." He still smiled, "And you wouldn't be so puzzled by the one you were sleeping with." He again tried to help, "Geez Petey, babe, it wasn't that long ago."

"Oh my gosh, Jerry, I'm so sorry I was baffled for a moment." He looked again, "Hey when I knew you, you weren't a blond, and you were about 50 pounds heavier and you had a moustache and beard. What happened?" Pete immediately rushed to hold the young man in his arms, raining kisses on his cheeks, chin, forehead and even lips. "I'm so pleased you stopped, Jerry, I've really missed you. You've tightened up this body, those are great muscles."

"I've missed you, too, Petey, I'm driving through to New York. About four years ago you sent me a post card with a picture of your Motel here. Looks great, love, but where are all the babes."

Pete smiled, "You know me, Jerry, no babes," he wanted to stun Jerry, "but I have four sons, a son-in-law, and a partner. And I never got married to any woman."

"Oh Pete, you must tell me all about it." He hugged Pete, kissing him again.

"Hey, Dad, we're home from school. But .... " Bobby stopped when he saw a strange young man hugging and kissing Pete. "What ... ?"

Pete and Jerry split apart. Pete introduced the boys to Jerry Bishop, Pete's lover before he went to Knoxville, Iowa..

"Jerry, this is my youngest, Bobby Johnston, with his super best friend, Derek Wilson. They are in the same grade at school and practically live together, though Derek lives sometimes with his mother at their home, on the next street."

Jerry leaned over, "Hi Bobby and Derek." He shook their hands, "Your Dad is an old friend of mine from about eight years ago, then he left me." Jerry spoke seriously to them, "Ya know, guys, your Dad is a great man, wonderful man. He and I were in love for a little while."

Wide-eyed, Bobby and Derek ran from the office as soon as they weren't the center of attention. And there were video games to play, and maybe a little dicky sucking. They had never tried what they saw in Tim and Tom's cottage, along with Ted's instructions. Maybe some day.

At that moment Frank entered the office, returning from the bank to the Court. "Hi, all, uh Petey, are you going to introduce me to your friend. I assume he's that because I noticed you are holding hands. Hmmm?"

Frank kept his eyes on Jerry, checking out Pete's former lover. The young man was tall, slender, blond-haired, looking a lot like David James Elliott from JAG. He thought, 'Pete, you were crazy giving up that man, he's gorgeous.' Frank was jealous as hell, 'At least, Pete, quit holding his hand', he thought. Pete explained later how much Jerry had changed for the good.

Pete blushed and let go of Jerry's hand, "Sorry, Frank, I'd like you to meet Jerry Bishop, with whom I lived for a couple years in Seattle about 10 years ago. He's on his way through to New York City, direct from one coast to the other, and stopped to see me, probably for a free motel room." Pete laughed, "Sorry, Jerry, we're all filled up." Pete smiled, "Jerry, Frank Warren is my partner and my banker." He grinned, "He works at the biggest bank in town, important man. He's also my lover." Pete spoke with pride in his 'man'.

"Hi, Frank, I'm pleased to meet you, I was sure Pete would eventually meet someone who met his criteria for a partner. And such a handsome one, too." Jerry was thinking, 'Son of a bitch, Petey sure struck the mother lode with this guy'. "Obviously, I didn't pass the test."

"Hey, Jerry, please stay for dinner. My oldest boy, Ted, and his partner, my son-in-law, Brett, will be starting the preparation at our house. We have an extra room at the house and you can have a room as our guest. It is so good to see you again, come on, I'll take you to the house and you can help the boys." Pete turned to Frank, "Could you take the desk, no .... wait, " he walked to the switch box by the window, "I've turned on the NO VACANCY sign, so we can all adjourn to the house." He got on the phone, called the house and told Ted to set a place for one more for dinner.

The dinner was excellent, Ted and Brett were learning to set up fine meals. While they ate, Pete introduced all the boys, and told Jerry how his having sons came about. "I have another almost son, Branford Little, who has moved with his partner, Jon Hamlin, another good friend of ours, to Columbus, studying at Ohio State. Bran will graduate this year. I think they plan to stay in Columbus, Jon has good job with a publishing house there."

"Bran tried for the wrestling team in the last Olympics but didn't make it. . He's so great. He does have a job coming up with the Columbus Dispatch on the sports desk. And he will probably be a writer like his partner. Brett misses Bran greatly, they were best friends from early on and wrestling partners. Together they are the best." Pete missed Bran and Jon, thankful that Brett remained.

He pointed out Tim and Tom would be graduating in June from High School here in Johnston City in a couple weeks.

"Geez, does that mean you own the whole city, Pete?"

Everybody laughed at Jerry's remark. "No, Jerry, my great grandfather founded the city, I'm sort of a late-comer."

Ted interrupted his Dad, "Jerry, he won't tell you, but I will. Pete was elected to the Board of City Commissioners last year as a new member. Imagine a gay man being elected to any office in a small Ohio city. He's doing good, too." Ted and the other boys were so proud of their Dad, and didn't waste time telling one and all about him.

"I was just lucky, Jerry, you never know how elections will swing."

Ted interrupted again, "Jerry, Pete had the help of Amanda Warren, a good friend who is the real power in this city. Good woman."

"Okay, Ted, enough about me. Jerry, tell us all about your trip and future work."

Jerry spent about 10 minutes telling one and all about his new job, and a new partner waiting for him in New York City. He pulled out a small picture of his lover to which everyone whistled or said 'Yes!' or whatever admiring term they chose.

Most of the boys and young men either had homework to do or something very important elsewhere. They quickly scattered around the court or took off. Ted had finished restoring his 1959 Chevy Impala convertible, all white with red plastic on the seats. He and Brett left to visit friends from Brett's high school class, many of whom had come home after finals to visit their parents or more likely, old classmates. Ted told Jerry about Brett's last wrestling match and that he's completely recovered.

Later Pete, Frank and Jerry sat around the living room of the big house with drinks in their hands while Pete explained where his children came from. Jerry was amazed by the story, "Jeez, Pete, you got away with skipping the waking up in the night and changing diapers bit. You got them ready made."

"Yeah, Jerry, except for the younger boys, Bobby, Tim and Tom. They took a little extra work and parenting. But I love every single one and wouldn't part with any. I'm so pleased and proud of their progress in life." Pete did choke up a bit, being very emotional about his children.

He nodded to Frank, "I had lots of help from Frank when he joined the family about four years ago. He's been a dream. So the boys all have two Dads, actually there is a third Dad who also helps out. That is Harry Morgan, Brett's father. He also has found a partner and still is the superintendent of the local school system. We are all waiting for the other shoe to drop."

Pete continued about Harry, "Harry was so lucky to become acquainted with Dwight Jensen, our lawyer. Even though Harry is 20 years older than Dwight, they are so in love and great partners. They live next door and I want you to meet them before you leave."

Frank broke in, "Jerry, since we have a gay city commissioner and a gay superintendent, the voters have begun their education about gays and other alternative people. Of course not everyone is learning or even being understanding about gays. But, fortunately those are a smaller minority now." * * * * *

Jerry Bishop left the following morning, an early start hoping to reach New York City by nightfall. He and Pete both enjoyed their reunion, plenty of hugging and kissing before he left. Both were reminded of the few years they lived together, mostly the good parts, not the unhappy ones. In a way Pete almost wished he didn't have a family and partner, so he could have enjoyed some sex with Jerry. But, that was just wishful thinking, not reality for him. He loved his partner, his boys and wouldn't want any changes.

Pete, Harry and Dwight sat in Harry and Dwight's living room, talking after work. Ted was taking care of the Tourist Court, and he was feeding the troops. Harry and Dwight served dinner for Pete and themselves.

"That young man of yours, Pete, Jerry is a handsome man, gorgeous, in fact he's a real hunk. How come you left him, Petey?" Dwight was playing the devil's advocate, surprised that Pete would have left Jerry of his own free will. "What did he do, kick you out?"

"Dwight," Pete was angry. He didn't know Dwight very well. "What is your problem? What I did was my own decision." He looked at Dwight with annoyance. "Why are you interested about it, it's no business ....."

Harry interrupted, "Dwight, cut it out, you have no reason to tear into Pete. What's wrong with you?" Harry was incensed at Dwight. They'd only been partners for a few months and now he saw another side of him.

Dwight looked around, down at the floor then he blushed and put his eyes on Pete, "I'm sorry, Pete, I hope you can forgive my stupid questions." He was ashamed, "Sometimes I let my lawyer side takes over and I'm in trouble again." He turned to Harry, "Harry hasn't seen this side of me, Pete, and I'm sorry to have let it go on." He gave Pete a pleading glance, "Would you please forgive me, Pete, I am sorry. I shouldn't have attacked you that way. It won't happen again."

Pete had a difficult time easing his anger toward Dwight, but .... he gave him a slight smile, "Dwight, babe, you do that again and I'll cite you for miscarriage of justice and bust your butt. So there!"

Dwight stood in front of Pete, bowed low, then said, "Pete, I beg your pardon, I was in the wrong and I apologize." He stood there, red-faced, but waiting for Pete's rebuttal. He knew Pete would be serious about the butt busting. Dwight was not a fighter. Ever.

"Okay, Dwight, no harm done." He stood and hugged Dwight, "It's okay, man, we all jump off sides sometimes."

Harry looked more at ease after their hug. He didn't want Pete to be offended by his partner. Dwight must have a hair trigger somewhere inside. He, himself, would have to work with Dwight about his manners.

While Ted and Brett were still at home, Pete sat down to talk to them. "Brett, I've been thinking back a few years. I am so pleased to have you as my son-in-law. It seems so long ago, but I remember when you graduated from high school. And here you are ready to graduate from Johnston City College in just a few weeks.

"I was so proud of you when your Dad handed you the diploma, your certificate on that wonderful day. And the way all the kids applauded and cheered you. You must have been pleased with yourself. Right?"

"Dad, I could hardly contain myself, I felt like bawling my heart out, but didn't dare at that point. I had gone from being petrified to go to school after I was outed, to graduating with all my friends with me, even most of the guys who gave me a hard time that first day or two." He did start crying in front of Pete and Ted then, unable to hold it all together. Ted came to sit by to sit with Brett on the couch and to hold him tight in his loving arms.

"Pete," Ted started, "Brett and I both cried when we got home in bed, just us. We had a difficult time trying to stop. But it did us good. We did recover from the "outing" and were better off. We did cry again at home when Brett was elected president of the Senior Class. We also saw tears in his father's eyes as he spoke Brett's name at graduation. The three of us hugged and cried after that ceremony, after we got home, though.

"And, Dad, you have two more boys graduating in a couple weeks. Tim and Tom have done a great job in high school with both having 4.0 in their GPA this year. I'm so proud of them and I know you are, too. Did Harry tell you that you are going to give them their diplomas?"

"No, really?" Pete couldn't believe it, but Harry has been very good to them. "That's great."

"Yeah, Ted, I can't begin to say how proud. I've already told them, but they need to hear that often. Even though neither played on any of the school teams, I know they played often with intramural teams. And I know they took a lot of ribbing and nasty names when they went out for cheerleading, but, damn, they were great at the football games. Their callisthenic exercises were perfect, I couldn't get over how well they jumped, flipped each other over, did the splits. I was afraid they'd break their balls."

"Me, too, Dad. They did a little before I got them to use a real stiff jock and pulled their private parts up in front. I know they were embarrassed because everyone could see them, but I do think they really enjoyed the attention. And, no one knew they were gay lovers, or cared. They covered their sexual orientation by dating a number of very nice girls." Ted was so proud of his brothers, he could easily get very emotional about them.

"Yeah, Ted, I'm just so happy we have enough money to send them to Columbus to the Ohio State School of Veterinary Medicine. That will take them six or seven years including summers. I'll go crazy without them, but they promise to come home as often as possible."

"Dad, have you thought any more about getting them a car? They will need one to get back and forth." Ted soon realized that Brett was asleep in his arms. He looked into Brett's face, smiled fondly into his lover's face. His big thought then was to get his Brett to bed as soon as possible. They both needed soft loving by lips and hands to rekindle the sexual fires inside.

Pete was also smiling affectionately toward his two boys. "Maybe, Ted, if you and Brett were to find out what kind of a car they'd like. That would help us all out. They will be having lots of luggage to hump back and forth. Maybe something in a half pickup and half sedan?"

Ted put his hand on Pete's shoulder, "Pete, don't worry about it, I'll find them something." * * * * *

Pete knocked on the door of Tim and Tom's bedroom, hoping they were inside.

"Tim, Tom, you in?"

"Ah, just a minute, Dad."

Ted and Pete could hear the rustling of clothes changing just behind the door, moving of some furniture, too.

When the door swung open, Tim and Tom invited them inside. "Come on in, Dad, Ted, we were busy studying ... ah ... playin' a game." Tim blushed to the roots of his blond hair, he knew they knew he and Tom weren't studying, high school for them was practically over.

Pete looked closely at his two sons, beloved to him, "Guys, I thought maybe you two were doing some planning for when you start at Ohio State. Possibly thinking about what you will be taking. And how you are going to get there?"

Tim answered, having thought Pete would take care of it, "We thought you would take us."

"No, right, Ted?" Pete faced his oldest son, "Aren't we too busy to drive to Columbus a few times?"

Ted nodded, "Yeah, you're right, Dad." He turned to the boys, "We thought maybe you might want to pick out a car you'd want." Tim's and Tom's eyes bugged out just before they yelled together, "Hey, Dad, we get a car? Oh Wow, man, are you serious?" Tim screamed. Tom finished, "If you're serious, we're serious. Sure, we'd like a vehicle."

Pete entered the fray, "Okay, guys, you decide what you want us to buy, let me know as soon as you can. We'll take you round to the dealerships. Tomorrow's Saturday, would that fit your schedules?" Pete got a little sarcastic, "You've got time for 'GAMES', right?" He did smile enough so they didn't feel too guilty. "Don't worry guys, you can play 'around' all you want."

Pete put his arms around both of them, "We love you guys, you know we'll help you, all your Dads and brothers will help." He reminded them, "So you two tell us what you want. AND, don't break the bank." Pete and Ted hugged their sons and brothers. * * * * *

Pete and Frank also were proud of Eric and Billy who graduated from the Johnston College in agriculture and ornamental floriculture. In fact they became partners of the business they had worked with as laborers when the Tourist Court needed landscaping. Neither had any idea or eagerness to split up and marry a woman. Actually they wished they could get married to each other. They repaid Pete and Frank many times over for their help and guidance by working on the cottages for no pay.

Bran and Jon had moved to Columbus so Bran could wrestle and get his degree at Ohio State. He even collected many cups and awards and championships in his weight class from wrestling in NCAA tournaments. He almost made the Olympic team, but not quite. Jon was happy he didn't. Jon still didn't understand Bran's dedication and love of the wrestling business, but always was with Bran wherever and whenever he wrestled. Brett and Ted would visit them in Columbus fairly often and watch Bran wrestle along with all four loving each other. Though they never told anyone, Brett and Bran, Ted and Jon would occasionally have sex together.

Monty Warren had been murdered in prison. Some guys had found out he was a sexual predator of young people. No one missed him.

Pete and Frank were able to turn Harry around to have sex with them. He did turn out to be a repressed homosexual and became so proficient and inventive, the others enjoyed him anytime at all. None of the boys, now men, were told of that, but suspicion grew with each year. Especially since Harry had no thoughts of finding another woman. Brett had asked him one time, but got no logical answer. Harry did remind Brett of loving his mother with all his heart and body, and loved his son as well.

Pete would think back to his wander-lust life before he returned to Johnston City. He often thanked the Lord for bringing him Frank, the love of his life and his partner forever. Frank hardly ever thought of his deceased, former partner, Jim Reynolds, anymore.

After fifteen more years, Pete and Frank sold the Tourist Court but didn't move from Johnston City, that was a good place to see their boys, all then were men, who filled them with pride and thanksgiving. The big house had yearly gatherings for Thanksgiving and Christmas, the love flowing in a river of passion and ties, connections to each other. * * * * *

The following November was cold and crisp, winter coming on early. Snow had blown around the Tourist Court for the last couple weeks, fortunately it didn't stay long. Though the drifts melted, the temperature stayed lower than would be expected. However, the big house was warm and cozy, not easy for that large house.

The day before Thanksgiving Day was nastier than before, rain, sleet and snow besieged the inhabitants, Bobby and Derek were nestled in Bobby's room, playing video games and eating junk food by the bag. Everyone would be home for Thanksgiving. Ted and Brett stayed in Johnston City after graduating at Johnston College in business management. Since they expected to help run the Tourist Court after they graduated, business seemed the best education for them to take. They also had plans to maybe open a fast food place of some sort, having work to do before Pete and Frank were to sell the Court, maybe to them.

Bran and Jon were coming from Columbus for the next day's holiday, to arrive on Thursday, traveling 120 miles on non-interstate routes for two or three hours. Everyone was anxious to see them, the pair hadn't been home for a while. The family in Johnston subscribed to the Columbus Dispatch mainly to keep up with Bran's sport's writing and Jon's publishing business. The cost was a bit more than the usual newspaper and didn't arrive until the next day. But it was worth it to see Bran's sport writing in print. Most were also interested in Ohio State sports and the professional teams in Columbus.

Brett and Ted were still living in the Johnston house, just hadn't made the effort to find a place of their own. The house, Pete and Frank's, gave them plenty of room to be with the rest, but they could find privacy when they needed it. When their business gave them enough backing financially to think about it, then they would start a search.

Tim and Tom were busy decorating the big house for Thanksgiving and upcoming Christmas. The two boys had grown into large men, though Tom ended up at least six inches taller than Tim. That difference bothered neither of them and they were both very handsome young men, uniquely differing in looks, both well-muscled and in good shape.

Their two and a half months of college had gone well for them. They drove home in their Toyota Highlander SUV that Pete figured would come in handy as two Vet's business vehicle. That is, if it lasted that long. Their schedule of classes would last 7 years, including a couple summer school terms. As it turned out, Tim changed his major field from veterinary medicine to business major. He decided he'd be better off as their clinic business manager. He couldn't handle the work with animals, and couldn't understand how Tom could do it. Tom had lived on a farm for most of his life. That made the difference.

When he told Pete and Frank that he was changing, they weren't disappointed, in fact they thought it a good idea.

"Tim," Pete started, "we think you've made a good decision. Not everyone can be a doctor to handle patients, especially animals. Tom will do fine for you both."

"Thanks, Dad, when I saw what Tom will have to do, like stick his whole arm up a cow's rear end, I was convinced I just couldn't do that. I'll start working when I get my degree and keep Tim in the long, long rubber gloves for the next three years plus." He thought a moment, "And, Dad, we'll have an outside shower so he can't come in the house until he doesn't smell like a newborn calf." His eyes sparkled, "But when he does come in, I'll be wearing only socks and a smile on my face with two martinis in my hands."

"Oh, way too much information, Timmy, way too much." Pete wasn't too happy to have to visualize that scene. "When one of you is pregnant, then we'll try to understand," Pete laughed, leading the rest with silly, disbelieving gales of laughter. * * * * *

The next day, the actual Thanksgiving Day, Eric and Billy arrived about eleven in the morning, having no work, no landscaping on Thanksgiving. So they slept in, enjoying each other under the warmth of the covers of their apartment. The feast was due to begin about 1 p.m., so they were in plenty of time.

Pete, Frank and Harry were supervising the meal while Brett and Ted, the slaves, were working hard on producing a delicious, traditional dinner. Most of the guests had eaten breakfast sparingly, so as not to fill up early.

"Dad," Brett called, "when are Bran and Jon to be here?" He was a little worried about them. "I wish they hadn't been forced to drive on Thanksgiving Day."

"I'm sure they will get here in time. The back roads they have to use shouldn't be very busy, but they still wouldn't make very good time with the ice and snow. I'll bet they make it about noon. You know they can't ever get started on time."

Most everyone was in the kitchen except Tim and Tom. The doorbell rang and Pete heard them answer it. He assumed it was Bran and Jon.

"Dad, Dad all Dads to the living room. Hurry, hurry!" Tim and Tom were yelling, their deep voices having dropped to the floor in their maturing. Then those in the kitchen heard a baby's cry, then two babies crying.

Everyone flew to the living room to see Bran and Jon each holding a baby in their arms.

"What the hell, what the .....", the voice dropped away into silence.

Bran asked, "Is everyone here? I don't want to do this all day."

They were assured that the whole gang was in the room.

"Jon, you tell them." Bran was speaking to Jon, quietly, but forcefully.

Jon moved a little ahead, "Well, I would like to introduce you all to Pete in my arms and Frank in Bran's arms, what their last names will be, we will have to come to a consensus. I have no idea.

Bran broke in, "And these young men have been adopted by your neighborhood Jon and Bran. I guess their name will be Hamlin, in fact we all may have Hamlin as our last name. That's better than æLittle' for me." He looked around. Everyone was standing quietly, mouths dropped, eyes bugging out, hardly breathing. "So, are you going to say anything?" He was a little ticked, their surprise had been a stunning astonishment. "Hello, there. We're here. These grandsons are for everyone."

Frank started to clap his hands, smiling broadly, so proud of their sons. Soon the whole company was applauding Bran and Jon for their magnanimous gesture and loving thoughts.

Pete was the first to move, walking to Jon and Bran, pulling up the blue baby blankets to see the little faces. "How on earth did you manage this?" He accepted the baby Pete into his arms, never having held a baby before. "Oh, Jon, Pete is so beautiful, thank you for the name."

"Well, we got to know a judge or two in Columbus and these little babies had no father around and their mother died after delivering them. They are twins and they are gorgeous. Check them out, please." He added, "We tried to get triplets, Harry, so you could have one, too, there was one mother of triplets, but her husband wouldn't let her give them away. Actually, he'd have killed both of us first. She wouldn't have anyway.

At that everybody crowded around Jon and Bran and their babies. Frank had taken little Frank into his arms and he started crying, he hugged the baby to him, adoring his new grandson

"Everybody, " Jon said, "you all must take one of these boys, they are so beautiful. It would be difficult to tell exactly where they came from, they are a little darker than us, but they couldn't be more perfect, especially Frank here."

Frank immediately sat with his Frank on the sofa with young men all around him picking at the baby's miniature fingers and toes. Someone, though they didn't know who, spoke up loudly, "Are you sure they have penises and balls?" Everyone groaned, but the grandfathers proudly stripped their grandson naked and showed the evidence. Even Amanda Warren went close to see along with Derek Wilson's mother.

Of course the little boys soon began to cry, after which they were returned to their real dads by adoption, and they soon quieted them. Baby bottles came from bags stuffed with diapers, and other baby accouterments, and were warmed. At six weeks the boys didn't talk much, actually not at all, but all the guests watched the brown eyes and very short black hair, slender bodies and delicate muscularity on the small bones.

Soon the babies were deposited into their carriers and soothed to sleep when Jon and Bran took them to their room in their carriers, warm, fed and diapers changed. As some of the guests watched, Bran, the mighty wrestler, carefully changed Peter, Jr. Jon and Bran would keep a close eye on them, checking often, while the feast was moving from course to course.

Fortunately Pete and Frank's house could manage a feast for fourteen easily, plenty of china, serving dishes, silverware and pure white table cloths. Ted had search all over the kitchen cupboards and in the pantry. Brett's grandparents gave an awful lot of good stuff with the house. Particularly in cooking pots and pans, they had found tons of big ones and little ones.

The feast of turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, cranberry sauce, relishes, and a glass of wine, small for the younger boys. It took quite a while for each platter and dish to make the rounds of the table. Instead of just eating, everyone was well able to carry on a conversation with those around the groaning board. Finally, after pie and ice cream, the table was cleared for those who wanted to play cards, or have just a little more wine, The younger boys did not get more wine, but plenty of pop and formula for the littlest ones. Both Jon and Bran regretted not being able to breast feed their boys. They tried of course, but not for long. Both men's nipples were ultra sensitive so they enjoyed the trial period. That stopped after the first trial.

Pete walked through the main rooms of the big house, watching all his 'boys', his 'man', his friends. He remembered when he was leaving Iowa from the Stone farm where he'd lived and worked for 3 or 4 years. At the time he was petrified to head for his old hometown, Johnston City, Ohio, not knowing what he would find, a good place or complete desolation. He marveled at his luck, first finding the Tourist Court still in fairly good shape, and having some money where he'd had none.

Frank watched Pete for a while, but soon joined him, holding him around his waist. "I'll bet you are reminiscing about the past four years, right, Pete?"

Pete smiled at his partner and lover, "You are so right, man, that's what I was dreaming about. First getting Tim, then Tom, Ted and Bobby, too." He looked into Frank's eyes, his own eyes misty, "I got to adopt them, then I got you." He smiled and paused, "Do you feel like a 'kept' man, Frankie? I feel like a kept man with all my treasure." He swung his arm pointed to the whole house, "All these young men are here because I wanted them so much," he kissed Frank, "and especially I wanted you, love."

"Pete, you must know all these people are here because they love you, and love all you stand for, like 'home', 'family', 'health', 'plenty', well, relatively." He kissed Pete back, holding it until the boys started howling 'get a room', or 'TMI', or 'think of all your poor children'. He and Pete laughed and yelled, "Shut up or we'll send you to your rooms."

"Promises, promises," the boys answered. "Come on, send us to our rooms."

Pete was so amazed by the warmth each boy felt for the others, very little friction between them, mostly gentle backstabbing or snide nose picking. He held Frank tightly to him, "Do you suppose anyone would notice if we snuck off to our bedroom." (Snort, snort)

"Yes, we are the hosts and must be here. By the way, where are the babies?"

Smart-ass Pete, "They just went down the street to play pool."

"Pool, you're kidding,"

"No, pocket pool. You know our boys."

Frank laughed, "Did you notice that Bobby and Derek had dates with two girls the other night. They didn't really tell us, but I saw them coming out of the movie theater last Sunday night. Yup, two boys and two girls, maybe we might have a couple of straight boys. And after all the work we've done to keep them in the gay line." He snickered, "Well, all things can happen. Let's go see Ted and ask him."

They went upstairs to see the babies when Ted popped from his room. Frank grabbed him and led all into their bedroom.

"Ted, how many dates with girls have Derek and Bobby had by now?"

"Eight. Where have you guys been?"

"Nobody tells us anything. Really." Pete looked warily at Ted, questioning, "Do you think maybe we have a straight couple in the family."

They finally sat down in the reading area of the master bedroom, "If I'm reading them correctly, Dads, I believe that's so. I'm sure they are still having some sex with each other, but I think the girls will win. I'd put money on it." Ted sat back with a satisfied grin.

"And I suppose you take credit for that, right?" Pete looked skeptically at his oldest son.

Ted finally answered, "Well, I've been giving them instruction in boy/girl sexual habits and relationships. And, I think they have taken to it. Jeez, Dad, I'd think you could let one of your sons be on the other side of the fence." Ted sounded a bit testy.

"Why, Ted, have I been pushing guys into being gay? I think most of them just followed the same navigation through troubled waters, but found their own way."

Pete was serious, "Ted, did I push you to be gay, ever?"

"Well, no, I fell for Brett and there was no going back." He winked, "And I love it ... and him." He waited, "With Tim and Tom they spent most of their puberty, in the same bed even though there were two beds in the cottage. And since they were from different families, they were different enough to find their partner in their own bed. That's what I think. How about you, Frank?"

"I agree with you, Ted, but each of your sons have seen Pete and me living in a warm, loving relationship, steady and without problems. Any problems come up, we handle them in bed at night. If there are disagreements, we solve them before we go to sleep. Maybe that's what they have seen. I can only pray that they did and will try to follow our example."

Ted stood and gave Pete and Frank kisses from a respectful son. "I know Brett and I will do that, you two are our prime examples, so be yourselves, we care for your guys. Love and all that." When they stood he hugged both, enjoying their warmth and loving each other and all their sons and grandsons.

When Ted left the room, Pete and Frank hugged, looked at the bed. They looked into the other's eyes, then toward the bed. "Just for a nap, okay? Frankie?"

Frank nodded, pulled Pete to the bed, lay down and cuddled, still clothed. They slept.

They never knew it, but every one of the guests was prodded to come to the door to see the Big Dads asleep, doting on each other with no sex but a lot of worshiping of their partner.

They dreamed of their boys and maybe some girls and more grandchildren. And a long, long life together.

THE END

After posting this chapter, I will be away for two weeks, taking a break, but I will answer all emails after that time. Thanks for writing.

Paul

Hope you have enjoyed this story. I would appreciate hearing from my readers. All email will be answered except flames.

Paul Daventon - authorpaul@mail.com