Winging It

"Winging It" Part XI By: Pee Jay peejay@mi.rr.com

I would like to preface this installment with a sincere thank you to Mark Corlis and my friend Michel for their time and advice; it's greatly appreciated.

Five years had brought about a good deal of change at Capitol City Airport. John and Adam were at the top of the heap in the general aviation sector. Their main competition, Fischer Aviation, had gone out of business, and the guys were elated for the good fortune it brought them.

Adam was more impressed than ever with John's steady hand; the reality of his fears and concerns were there in plain sight to witness and hopefully not repeat.

Within a year of the guys buying the King Air; Don Fischer bought a used Cessna Conquest (a twin engine turbo-prop of like kind and class) with twenty thousand five hundred hours on the airframe. It was a hastily made decision in an attempt to keep up with his competitor and it was the beginning of the end for him.

The FAA issued an AD (airworthiness directive) limiting the airplane to twenty-two thousand five hundred hours of flight time on the airframe for commercial operators, and Fischer Aviation was a commercial operator. After two thousand hours of use, it couldn't be in commercial service any longer so he was forced to sell it, and sustained a sizeable loss in doing so.

Fischer's next purchase was a Cessna Citation CJ1, which he bought new; and that proved to be his demise. It was a VLC jet that had a service ceiling of an additional six thousand feet and a maximum cruise speed of an additional seventy-seven KTAS (knots true air speed) over the King Air. He paid two and half times the amount John and Adam spent and it accommodated three fewer passengers. It didn't make enough of a difference to warrant the additional cost and his corporate clientele began to migrate to Hughes. John and Adam had the competitive edge and his charter business died a slow death forcing him into insolvency.

When Fischer folded, John and Adam invited some friends for a small party to celebrate their ascendency to the throne and; needless to say, there was a lot of jokes and ribbing about who should be sitting on it. Adam insisted that John earned the right to occupy the throne since he controlled the money. John made a case for Adam citing him as the one with the regal deportment.

Fischer's misfortune was their boon and they were positioned to take advantage of the situation. There was only one other FBO on the airport and it was much too small to pose a viable threat.

John didn't want to get a big head or become complacent; they were still in a cautious growth mode to his way of thinking. He maintained his tight-fisted grip on the finances, which continued to be a source of angst but worked to their advantage and worked well.

Several months later, at the auction of Fischer's assets, John and Adam were there with checkbook in hand. Adam wanted to bid on the Citation but John would hear nothing of it; in John's opinion, even at bank repro rates, it was still priced too high so Adam yielded to John's wishes.

After a few years of observation, Adam was more than aware of the importance of fiscal responsibility; he had come to rely on John's assessment of all things moneyed. They did manage to bid on and pick up a used Cessna 182 at fire sale prices and it proved popular among the rental clientele, it was the weekend pilot crowd as they referred to it.

Unfortunately, Fischer Aviation wasn't the only entity to perish; Jack Felstow, Adam's father, passed away as well. It was hard on Adam and John did all he could to help and support him; they both cancelled their commitments and went to Chicago for the services.

Both Adam and his mother, Elaine, cried a lot and it was awkward for John but he did his best to comfort his boy. Adam's mother was despondent; in spite of her husband's problem with their son and John, she loved him and mourned his passing openly and deeply; she was beside herself and alone for the first time in thirty some years.

Several months after the funeral, Elaine Felstow grew increasingly lonesome and bought a luxury Condominium in Springfield so she could be near her son and John; she was feeling isolated and craving family ties. She and Jack had purchased a large home in Florida on an exclusive island a few years before he passed away where they established legal residency. Elaine began to spend her winters in Florida and summers in Springfield; she rarely went to Chicago anymore preferring the slower pace of her two newer residences.

During those years, Adam had enrolled and paid the dues for the two of them to join a gay pilot's aviation group; after talking with John, they both thought it would be interesting and fun. The organization sponsored fly-ins at different locations and events around North America; it seemed like a good time versus some of the industry events they were invited to attend.

Unfortunately, they hadn't made it to any functions to date as the business kept them more than busy; on holidays and weekends they preferred to relax and unwind at home. They planned to attend some functions eventually when time allowed.

One Sunday in early spring, the two awoke at Elaine Felstow's condominium in Springfield; she had cooked a meatloaf the night before at Adam's request and it came out surprisingly well. The two of them were glad to spend the night away from the airport and work; it was a change in venue and a psychological respite for the most part. They also liked the way Elaine catered to them; it was almost like having a housekeeper and she enjoyed having them around the house.

That morning was relaxed and laid back. They lie in bed half awake and in no particular hurry to get up. "Geez Babe, I think I'm going to have some more of that meatloaf for breakfast. I want eggs on top with hot sauce or maybe ketchup. I miss Rosie's huevos rancheros too."

John moaned at Adam's culinary tastes, "Let's stay in bed for a while. You know you're going to have gas from that hot sauce. Why do you eat like that?"

John rolled away from Adam placing a pillow between his legs and pulling the covers over his shoulder.

Adam rolled toward John, draped an arm and leg over him and pulled himself closer to his boy.

A knock came on their door and Elaine said, "Are you guys ready for breakfast?"

"Yeah Mom, I'll have some meatloaf with eggs on top" Adam said.

Elaine let out a groan and went to the kitchen to start the coffee maker and make eggs over meatloaf for Adam; she was thinking about his request, and curled her lip.

Adam kissed John on the side of the neck and John uttered, "Mmmm more".

He slapped John on the butt and rose for the bathroom to have a morning leak.

"Harder" John said as Adam climbed out of bed.

Adam took a leak and went into the kitchen to have a coffee and toast while he waited for his eggs and meatloaf. He sat at the island in the spacious kitchen and pulled the morning paper in front of him. Elaine served her son a coffee and initiated conversation as she worked.

"Adam, how long have you and John been living together?"

"I don't know. What's the difference? It's not a big deal Mom and it's not like it's going to change any time soon. We're basically married; and Mom, I don't want to be with anyone else. C'est lui pour moi, moi pour lui. (it's him for me, me for him)."

Elaine smiled as she labored over the cook top; she liked it when her son spoke French, she taught him herself when he was a boy and he had a near perfect accent. Her parents were bilingual but spoke French at home; she learned English as a young girl but she hadn't used it often until she went to school. She was French and proud of her heritage; she and her son were Lemieux's, the last of the line in the States.

"I'm going to make some changes to my will and amend your trust. I want you to think about that too."

"What's to think about Mom? Isn't it more or less what you want it to be?"

"Yes, but you're the sole heir as it stands now and the bank is the trustee. I'm not so sure the bank should be trustee, their fees are high for that kind of thing. I think you can manage it yourself along with John's help if that's what you want. And then, there's the question of your heir in the event something happens to you. You need a will too; there's too much money involved not to have it spelled out."

"I don't know Mom, John can be such a tight ass when it comes to money; that might be a problem. I'm having trouble convincing him I need a new car now."

That was all Elaine needed to hear. She wanted to make sure her son was provided for and wouldn't squander the money foolishly. She also didn't want the bank dipping into the fund with their myriad fee schedule. If Adam had to consult with John before he spent a large sum then she was sure there would be a reasonable check and balance in place. In her mind, the matter was resolved; she would amend the document and pose it to the guys before she made it official.

"Good morning" John said as he entered the kitchen.

He went to his boy and gave him a quick peck on the head then patted at Adam's hair attempting to make it lay flat on his head. He should have known by now that it wouldn't but he liked doing it and the soft fine feel, it was a feel good thing for John.

"Did you sleep well?" Elaine asked John.

"Yes I did thank you. I love the mattress on that bed; it's so comfortable."

"Good, what are you having for breakfast?" Elaine asked as she put a black coffee in front of John.

"Thank you, a bagel and yogurt sounds good to me."

"Do you guys have anything planned for today?"

"No not really Mom, why do you ask?"

"I'll pay you guys to take me to Chicago. I want to bring a few things back here. My computer, some files, sheets and blankets, some things for the kitchen, nothing big."

"You don't have to pay Mom, we'll do it."

"I insist on paying, what else am I going to spend it on. Can we take the King Air?"

"Sure whatever you want Mom. John needs to log time in it to stay current anyway."

They cleaned up after breakfast and made their way to the airport. At the apartment, John and Adam changed into some fresh clothes and played around a bit in the bedroom. When they came out, Elaine was standing at the windows looking out over the airport,

"I see why you guys like this place. It's interesting to watch the activity out there." John said, "You should see it at night with snow on the ground; it's beautiful."

John turned the radio on that monitors the control tower so Elaine could have a better appreciation and maybe understand what was happening in front of her.

He walked over to Elaine, put his arm around her and explained the activity as the voices came over the radio. He pointed to the aircraft as the pilots spoke and she began to grasp the logic of the whole thing. John sat her in Adam's chair so she could relax and digest the workings of the airport.

While Adam cleared phone mail at John's desk and filed a flight plan for Midway, John surveyed their apartment from a stool at the bar. The apartment had proved to be a good long-term decision. They had lived there almost seven years and John worked it out in his head; with the money they had spent, it was a little under seven hundred dollars per month. And it was all expensed to the business with the exception of the bar that Adam wanted, which was out of pocket funds.

He loved the apartment and what it stood for, they had built it with their own hard earned money and it was theirs and theirs alone; their love nest as he often reminded Adam, and he was always teased for it. It was the place where they started their life together; together and alone, alone with nothing but each other and whatever the future may hold.

John recalled the first few weeks he had met Adam and smiled, they had come a long way, and there was a longer road ahead. There was no doubt in his mind that he was up for it; he was in it for the long haul.

As well as the apartment had worked for them, he thought maybe it was time to move on and buy a house or condominium, something larger and away from the airport. As it was, the business needed the additional space. He would wait for the right time and put it to Adam for their discussion.

Sometime later, Adam had taken care of all the arrangements for their flight to Midway and they boarded the airplane. On the runway, they held their position waiting for take-off clearance. Finally, ATC cleared the King Air and Adam commenced their ground roll, pushing the throttles full in and pressing Elaine into her seat back.

After lift-off, Adam asked John to go sit with his mother so she wouldn't be alone. He said the flight was under an hour and he would be fine. John agreed and headed aft for the cabin to sit with Elaine. She was reading a book when he approached her.

"Can I get you something to drink?" John asked.

"Do you have water?"

"Yeah, we just took off and the refrigerator hasn't had enough time to chill it."

"That's okay."

John brought the water and sat down opposite Elaine with a table separating them. Elaine marked her place and set the book down as she turned her attention to him.

"Well John, who would have guessed we'd be having a conversation under these circumstances?"

"Certainly not me Elaine, all I ever wanted was to pay the bills and be with Adam. It's worked out well so far. We make a good team."

"I think you do too. I'm happy for both of you."

"I think I'm going to approach Adam about buying a place away from the airport. We spent a few years in the apartment and it's worked out well. We were able to save money and grow the business. Now the business needs more space and I'm hoping Adam will want more privacy than we've had in the past. I'd like to get him a dog too, I know he'd love it. I want it to be a surprise."

"What kind of place did you have in mind?"

"Nothing too big, a townhouse, or something like that. We'll need furniture and probably a lot of other things too. The price of the house is the beginning of the spending if you know what I mean."

"Yeah, do you think you guys would ever use the apartment in Chicago?"

"I don't think so; especially now that you're spending most of your time in Springfield. There's no reason to go there."

"What about your family? Don't they live in the area?"

"Yeah, but I haven't been home in like six or seven years."

Elaine furrowed her brow; she had a concerned look come over her, "Why is that John? That doesn't sound good."

"It's my father. He's a bigoted red-neck. He makes Jack look like a die-hard liberal. He's so far right, he's wrong."

Elaine had to laugh at that. John spoke with such conviction and dispatch she assumed he had given it a lot of thought.

"How about your mother?"

"She knows about Adam. That's about it. We never discussed it."

Elaine turned her head to gaze out the window and sat quietly for a few pensive moments. She didn't like the situation John had just described and wondered if she might be able to help reconcile the breach. It was worth a try.

"What if we were to invite them to the apartment for dinner some weekend?"

"That's nice of you to suggest, but I'm okay with the way things are. I don't feel any great need so see them. Well, it would be nice to see Mom but if the old man comes with, then I'd rather skip it. Neither me nor Adam need that crap."

John and Elaine looked at each other with nothing further to say about the matter. John excused himself to check on Adam. When he got to the cockpit he closed the door, leaned over, spun the mic of the headset away from Adam's mouth and kissed his boy firmly as he held Adam's head in place with his hand. He was feeling the need to be intimate with his lover boy.

"Is Mom okay?"

"Yeah, I just came up here for a little kissy-poo, I'm going back in a minute" and John gave Adam another kiss.

"You get more weird all the time."

"And you like it in a weird sort of way" John clipped him on the back of the head and Adam laughed as he re-positioned the mic.

John ran his hand through Adam's hair and went back to claim his seat opposite Elaine.

"He's doing a good job up there," John reported as if he was the boss checking on an employee and they both chuckled.

After they landed and parked at Midway, Elaine paid to have the tanks topped off and she covered the landing fees. They made the short walk to the car rental counter and she ordered a mini-van. When they made it to the apartment, Rosie the housekeeper was dusting and vacuuming.

Adam and Elaine chatted with her and John left to pick up lunch. Elaine tried again to convince Rosie to come live with her in Florida and Springfield but Rosie wasn't quite ready to leave her kids behind. They were grown with families of their own but she was of Hispanic descent and her family bonds were strong. She told Elaine that she would probably go in due course but wasn't quite ready.

Adam decided to work on her a bit and complimented her cooking telling her how much he missed it, she grinned and shushed him away with her dust rag; she knew what he was trying to do and appreciated the compliment, she was a soft touch when it came to Adam.

When John returned, the four of them sat at the island in the kitchen eating and talking. When they finished, Elaine had John dismantle her computer and Adam gathered her files as well as the other things and piled them in the living room. An hour later and they had everything in the van and said 'adios' to Rosie.

She had to give Adam a kiss and hug before they left; he was like one of her own, she had been with the Felstows since he was a toddler.

On the way back to Springfield, Elaine told John about her plans to change her will and Adam's trust. John suggested she talk to his old boss Will Harris. He told her that he was brilliant and credited him with making the sale with Hughes go through. Elaine said she remembered him and wasn't aware of the role he played in the transaction.

John suggested that she make Will the trustee; he knew if she went for it that Will would be set for life. He would never have to worry about a pension or retirement, he may not become rich or wealthy, but his future would be secure. John also knew that Will was capable and trustworthy beyond question; he could be counted on to do the right thing, he was the epitome of integrity.

Elaine asked John to call Will on her behalf and he agreed.

They took Elaine home, set up her computer, and helped her put the rest of her things away. Back at the apartment they made themselves comfortable and John thought it would be a good time to talk to Adam about a house.

Adam was sitting at his desk looking out the window at the airport. John sat down at his desk opposite and facing Adam.

"What do you think about us buying a house or condo?"

"You've been thinking again. Why don't you tell me what you have so far?"

"Geez, okay, well...the business needs more space. Angie's crowded in down there with her friend that she hired and Larry needs a desk and phone, somewhere he can return calls and talk with charter clientele. And then, another desk or work station for the other two guys to share. Ed's part time, he doesn't need his own setup. You and I can put our office in what is now our bedroom for privacy."

"Babe, why don't we look into buying Fischer's old building, it's still up for sale. We would have the hangar and offices all under one roof."

"Do you know how much the bank wants for it?"

"Nine hundred fifty grand."

"Shit Adam, we just got Hughes paid off. Do you really feel like having a monthly note again? And, there would be a ground lease on top of that with the airport authority. This is the first time in six years we haven't had that little black cloud called debt over our head."

"You've been looking for a good deal on a jet. Where do you plan to park it? Our hangar is full now. And you're going to have a monthly payment with a jet. Not only that, if a large FBO operator comes to town with deep pockets and buys Fischer's old building, they could put us out of business."

"We could park the three 152's outside and stay here. I don't think we could handle a jet and building payment especially if we make Larry a salaried employee."

"Why would we make Larry salaried?"

"If we buy a VLC jet and fly it with one pilot the insurance will cost more than making Larry a full time salaried employee. So if Larry becomes full time then we have the flexibility to buy anything we want; Larry would be on the payroll at our beck and call. And Larry's getting married, he's going to want the stability of a full time job."

"We can hire Mike or Pete from Fischer on an hourly basis; they're already checked out in a Citation and they aren't working."

"Shit Hon, I'm getting numb. Your point about a competitor coming to town worries me. It's a lot to think about."

John had to think for a few minutes. He was aware of the necessity for some debt; he didn't want to compete with a large syndicated FBO operator either, and Fischer's building would be ideal for that. If they bought Fischer Aviation's old building, they would still have the one they were in and effectively freeze out any competition barring a major airport expansion, there was no more room at the airport in its present configuration.

"Hon, I like the idea of buying Fischer's old building, if for no other reason than to lock up the airport and freeze out a competitor. That means we would have to make this home for the next little while. What do you think?"

"Babe, I like this place. It doesn't bother me at all to stay here."

"I like it too. Jesus Christ Hon, is there ever going to be an end to owing someone?"

"I don't know. I do know if we want to grow, this building won't handle it. If we make the changes you're talking about it just makes it comfortable for the way things are now, it doesn't allow for growth."

"Damn, do you mind if I call Will and have him look the books over and tell him what we want to do. It would be nice to have a second opinion."

"Not at all, go for it Babe, another set of eyes can't hurt and Will's a sharp dude. Why hasn't he made partner yet? Is it because he's black?"

"I don't think that's it. Will's too nice. You have to be an asshole or SOB to make partner. You know, stab people in the back, kiss ass that kind of shit and Will has too much integrity for that."

The next day, John called Will and set up a meeting with them and Elaine. They took Will and his wife out for dinner one evening that week and by the end of the night, Will had sold himself to Elaine without knowing it.

She was impressed with his knowledge of securities and trust taxation; Will assured her it was basic in nature but the bank had failed to raise the issues with her. He offered some suggestions to Elaine about the structure of the trust so as to take advantage of the tax code and Elaine listened intently as he spoke. He told Elaine he would be more than happy to sit down with her again after he reviewed the asset structure of the trust and she took him up on his offer.

John told Will he would email the password and link to their financials so Will could access their accounting files from his home or office computer, and he did. After careful consideration, Will composed a pro forma for the purchase of Fischer Aviation's building demonstrating the feasibility; his analysis was comprehensive and his conclusion gave the guys the green light to go ahead and make a bid. He presented all of his findings on company stationery so John and Adam could take it to the bank with a high degree of credibility.

John asked Adam if he could send Will a check for a thousand dollars for his work; he pointed out that his former employer usually charged upwards of five thousand dollars for that kind of analysis and Adam agreed. John didn't feel bad about the discount since, for the most part, he dropped the trust account in Will's lap.

Spring was in full swing and Memorial Day was drawing near, Adam had the itch to get out and go somewhere. He wanted to get away with John. It had been a long time since they had taken a trip and been alone together to enjoy each other's company, to bum around with no particular agenda. He decided to take it up with John one evening after closing.

"Babe, you feel like going somewhere for Memorial Day weekend?"

"Sure what ya got in mind?"

"I don't know. I want to get away for a few days; just the two of us."

"It's warm enough to go anywhere. How's 'bout we go north?"

"Like where north?"

"I don't know. Let's pull up a map of the U.S. and Canada on the net."

Adam clicked away for a couple minutes. John studied his face while he worked. He had to smile, his boy had such an earnest look on his face; it was too damn cute. He wondered where he would be if he hadn't met Adam; he was sure there weren't many people as lucky as he. To find the right person had to be fate or luck or destiny; he wasn't sure. One thing he did know; he had found the one for him and thanked the Lord silently, again.

"Okay, I have a map on the screen" Adam said.

John came around to his side of the desk and knelt on one knee next to Adam's chair placing his arm around Adam. He gave him a quick peck on the head before turning his attention to the monitor.

"Okay, where to Hon? Your wish is my desire. Say the word and it'll transpire. I'll go to Sarasota or Oklahoma, Kalamazoo or Timbuktu, anywhere to be with you" and John gave Adam another peck on the head.

"What a twit" Adam said. He pushed John over on his back and climbed on top of him; both of them laughing and kissing.

John wrapped his arms and legs around his boy, kissed him and squeezed him saying, "Ya gotta admit, ya love this twit."

"Yeah I do" Adam said and attacked John's mouth with vigor.

After a couple minutes of making out, Adam rolled off John onto his side and they looked each other in the eye. John brushed Adam's hair off his forehead as he ran his fingers through it and kissed him. Adam wrapped his arms around John and the two of them lay quietly on the floor, neither one needing to speak, secure in the knowledge of what the other was thinking and feeling.

A few moments passed and Adam said, "Let's go to Vermont".

"That's a long haul; why the sam heck do you want to go there?"

"Will you marry me?"

John got the picture real quick and broke into a big ole goofy grin.

He said, "Of course I will" and kissed his lover boy on the mouth.

He couldn't stop grinning. His boy's request was so romantic and profound and heartfelt and...he couldn't even finish the thought he was so moved. God he loved Adam something fierce, there simply weren't words for it, or bounds, or any kind of precedent; it had to be a first.

Adam was overcome with emotion at the spontaneity of his question. His feelings had welled up and escaped him without the least bit of forethought. He had asked John to marry him; did he really do that? Of course he did, and he meant it, every word of it. There wasn't anything in the world he desired more completely and categorically than to belong to John and John to him, until death they do part.

It didn't matter that it wouldn't count in Illinois. What mattered to him was that somewhere, somehow he could proclaim his true feelings for John in an overt, demonstrative way; and there would be a transcript, a document that attested to the fact, something concrete. A testimonial of their love, on record for anyone that would look. A record to persist and verify through time to posterity that it had happened, that it was real; that he had lived and loved someone, that he had loved John. It was right and fitting and it made him swallow hard.

"Hon, there isn't anything in this world that would mean more to me."

"Same here Babe. I guess we know where we're going" Adam said with a chuckle.

"I always knew where I was going."

"And where is that?"

"Nowhere, I was always going to be right here with you at your side. I'm your sidekick. I mean sidetwit" and John gave Adam a peck on the mouth as they both grinned.

They decided to call Elaine, Adam's mother, and invite her to go along with them; she readily accepted and approved, there was a hint of excitement in her voice too. She was aware of the change in Vermont law but it never occurred to her that John and Adam would do something like that; she liked the idea and began to think of a wedding present, it would be a legitimate reason to do something nice, something very nice.

They called Jim and Dave, told them of their plans and invited them to go along as well. Adam asked Jim if he would be his best man, and suggested Dave could do the same for John and they all liked the idea. They weren't able to commit over the phone but were excited about the news. Jim said they would get back to them in a couple days.

John wanted his mother to go as well. He wasn't sure how to get around the old man but decided to call her anyway, he was thrilled beyond belief and wanted her to be there. It was evening and he knew his father would be home; he was hoping his mother would answer the phone as she usually did so he dialed home.

"Hello."

"Hi Mom, it's John."

"Hi Hon, it's so good to hear from you at long last. How are you?"

"I'm good Mom. No, I'm fantastic. Are you busy Memorial Day weekend?"

"No we don't have plans, nothing out of the ordinary. Why do you ask?"

"I'm getting married Mom" John sat in place, on edge waiting for her response.

The response didn't come quickly; the line was quiet for a few moments.

"Who are you engaged to honey?"

"Mom, you know who I'm living with. We're getting married and I would like it if you could be there. We never talked much about it but I love him and we're getting legally married. It would be nice if you could make it. If you don't want to come, well, I guess I understand."

A few moments later and John's mother said, "I would love to come. I'm happy for you. What are the arrangements?"

"The ceremony will be in Vermont sometime Memorial Day weekend."

"This is short notice to get a room and flight."

"We'll pick you up at Midway and I have your room covered, it's not a problem."

"What do you mean pick us up at Midway?"

"We have an airplane Mom. We'll pick you up and fly you there ourselves."

"You're full of surprises. That will be nice; we won't have to buy airline tickets."

"I'll have to check with your father and let you know."

"Mom, I don't want him there. You're more than welcome if you can make it; otherwise forget it. We don't need his condescending, red-neck attitude. I'm getting married to the person I love and want to spend the rest of my life with him. Mom, I don't want anything to spoil it; leave the old man home. Can't you think of a reason to go by yourself? Tell him you're coming here for a visit or something."

"Okay, I'll think of something. I'll call you this week."

They said goodbye and hung up. John was ecstatic with joy as he looked at Adam.

"This is going to be great. I can't wait Hon" John said and walked over to embrace Adam.

Adam wrapped his arms around John as he buried his face in the small of Adam's neck; he was so overcome with emotion that his eyes were tearing up as he held on to his lover boy. He began to stroke Adam's back and run his fingers through Adam's hair. He relished the feel and warmth of Adam in his arms; he was a perfect fit as he held the side of his head against Adams.

Adam was experiencing similar emotions. He held on to John as though he were going to run away or some daffy thing. The feel of the person that he loved in his arms, warm and real, defeated any affront to his common sense; he was sinking in a quagmire of sentiment for his lover.

John pulled his head back and kissed Adam.

"Babe, how come the tears?"

"I'm happy. I'm so damn happy Hon. I want to belong to you so bad." John kissed Adam again and held on tightly.

"You do belong to me and I'm proud to be with you, lucky to be with you and dismal when I'm not with you."

"Come here" and John led Adam to the couch and pulled him on top of himself.

That weekend, Jim and Dave came over and told the guys over pizza and beer that they made some changes and would be able to go. Dave wanted to know how to dress and that touched off an hour of conversation.

John wanted to keep it simple. He thought a sport coat with an open collar shirt would be fine and Adam liked that too. Jim and Dave were trying to get them to go the tux route and Adam finally made the decision; it was going to be informal, if Jim and Dave wanted to go formal then they could do it at their own wedding, and that was that.

Elaine got wind of John and Adam's plans for the old Fischer Aviation building from Will and she began to negotiate through her attorney for the purchase of the building. It was going to be her wedding present to the two of them. The deed was to be entitled to both of them personally and she was hoping it would come about before the ceremony. As it turned out, there wasn't sufficient time to consummate the deal so she had the attorney compose a pseudo deed to put inside the wedding card she planned to give them.

As the weekend drew near, John couldn't help but notice how the excitement began to crescendo in his lover boy. Adam wasn't antsy or nervous or skittish, he was animated and spirited he couldn't wait for the affair to be under way, the anticipation was killing him.

John on the other hand, was calm and relaxed; he knew what he wanted and was secure in the knowledge that he was going to get it. He was going to belong to Adam and Adam was going to be his, for good, beyond question or doubt, without reservation, as long as he was able to sustain life he would belong to Adam.

The Friday they were to leave for Burlington, Vermont, they had no obligations for the day. John was first to rise and quietly left the bedroom while Adam slept. He started the coffee maker and went to the windows to look out over the airport. He heard someone entering the building downstairs and decided to go down and see who was early for work that day.

When John reached the bottom of the stairs, he turned to the office and saw Larry booting up the computer.

"Morn'in Larry."

"Morn'in John, so this is the big weekend huh?"

"Yeah. You know Larry, I'm happy to do it, eager in fact; even though it doesn't hold water in Illinois."

"Then what's the big deal?"

That got John heated up.

"The big deal is, Larry, that there's an official record that goes on file and one we take home. We become a legal couple in the state of Vermont. It means we're married, we're committed to each other, it's a manifestation of us and the way we are. It says we're not an offshoot or aberration of someone's version of the way things should be. I belong to Adam and he belongs to me, until one of us dies. That's the big deal."

"Easy John, it's cool with me. No need to get geared up."

"Well you asked and there you have it. And that's the way it is, like it or not."

Larry was taken back somewhat by the emphatic fervor of John's statement. He was all for the guys; but, John's rash account and compelling response left him a little astonished. He knew he was out of his league competing with John, he was also aware of John's signature on his paycheck.

"I'm happy for you John and I mean it."

"Thanks Larry, and thanks for watching things this weekend. We really appreciate it. Do you still have the key for the apartment in case you need something up there?"

"Yeah, I keep it on my key chain."

"Okay, feel free to make a sandwich or take a beer, anything you want."

"Thanks."

John went upstairs to get a coffee and wake Adam if he wasn't up yet.

Adam was coming out of the bathroom, so John decided to pop a couple bagels into the toaster and fix Adam's coffee for him.

"Here's your coffee."

"Thanks, who's downstairs?"

"It's Larry the stooge," John said shaking his head.

Adam chuckled "Why is he a stooge this morning?"

"The dumb ass asked me what the big deal was about us getting married and the idget is doing the same damn thing in a few months; like I should have to spell it out for him or something, go figure."

John took a stool next to Adam at the counter and they had a quick breakfast.

"Hon, I ordered seven meals from Airline Caterer's at Midway. They'll have the meals at the general aviation terminal when we get there to pick up Mom."

"That's cool. Tomorrow's the big day Babe."

"You know what? It's a big day and a big deal to me and I'm excited. The thing is, it's been a long time for you and me, and it seems like we should have done it ages ago, but we didn't. I guess what I'm trying to say is, nothing is going to change in my mind. I'm going to continue being, doing and living as I have, with you. That's the way I want it and always hoped it would be. The ceremony will be nice; it will be a testimonial for us, an occasion to tell others the way we feel, the way it is."

"Me too Babe, I want the same thing. Do you think it will ever change?"

"I can only speak for myself and the answer is unequivocally no. After tomorrow Hon, it's till death us do part, your farts and my squeekiness. Are you okay with that?"

"I am. I want it more than anything; that's why I asked you Babe."

The buzzer from the side door downstairs rang and Adam got up to answer it. He let Jim and Dave in and John took that as his cue to start his routine in the bathroom. He retrieved clean underwear from the bedroom and said hello to Jim and Dave as he moved to the bathroom. Dave gave John a pat on the ass as he crossed the kitchen in his underwear and Adam clipped him on the back of the head.

Adam entertained the guys and when John was done, Adam met him in the bedroom. They comingled a little bit and Adam made his way to the bathroom.

When John was packed and dressed, he emerged from the bedroom looking like a million bucks; which wasn't a stretch of the imagination at that point, they were both millionaires by their own doing. Unfortunately, a million dollars wasn't all that much money anymore.

John refilled their coffee cups and chatted with them as they waited for Elaine to arrive and Adam to finish in the bathroom.

Jim said, "Are you nervous?"

"No not at all." John replied. "It's more like other people will be aware of what I already committed myself to, the way I feel. How do you see it Jim?"

"I think it's great; I see it as a lifelong commitment, something permanent."

"Same here. And for that reason I'm excited; but nothing changes for me. It's always been that way as far as I'm concerned."

There were footsteps on the staircase from downstairs and John recognized them, it was Elaine prodding along at her own pace, one-step at a time as she ascended the staircase.

John rose, went to the stairs and descended half way to take her arm and assist her as she made her way up. In the kitchen, Elaine thanked John and he escorted her to a stool at the breakfast bar. When she was seated comfortably, John fixed her a coffee with cream and sugar; John knew how she liked her coffee, it was a typical French recipe.

The kitchen was quiet when Elaine sat down and eventually she said, "Are you ready for this John?"

"Elaine, it's not a question of being ready."

He walked over to Elaine, put an arm around her shoulder and whispered in her ear, "I love your son until I take my last breath and then some if I were able; and God help me, I hope I go first. I will never, never do anything to hurt him and it will never, ever change. That's what this weekend is all about Elaine."

Elaine smiled. She knew John was of one mind and she liked it; her son was loved and cared for and she liked that too. Cared for beyond the affection she could offer as a mother, Adam had a lover, a partner...a significant other, someone he wanted to spend his life with. She welcomed the scenario and the idea; she wanted her son to be happy and she was happy for him.

"Okay let's get going," Adam said on his way to the bedroom to dress and pack.

He was traversing the kitchen in his underwear and John watched him intently as he disappeared from view.

Elaine noticed John's fixated stare at her son and kept it to herself. She didn't fully understand the attraction and she didn't disapprove either; she wanted all the best for her son. If that meant John was his object of his desire, then she was all for it. After all, John was going to be his husband the next day. It was strangely odd but not surreal. She knew John and liked him, respected him even. John would be her son-in-law in Vermont; and well, in reality as far as she was concerned.

John excused himself and left to get the airplane out of the hangar and taxi it in front of the building. Jim helped Elaine downstairs and into the plane as John stocked the on board fridge with beverages and condiments for coffee and tea.

Adam took a few minutes to file a flight plan and say goodbye to Larry. When he climbed into the plane, John took his bag, placed it in the cargo area and sealed the door.

Adam told him he had all the zip locks of cash from the freezer in his bag and John nodded. John asked Dave and Jim to move to different seats so the weight and balance of the aircraft would be optimized and they complied, they were ready to go.

Adam went through the checklist and fired up the engines, one after the other and they were under way. As soon as they lifted off, Adam sucked up the gear and rolled into a steep climbing turn out of the airport traffic pattern. The twin Pratt & Whitney 1,050 SHP (shear horsepower) engines sucked them into the sky like a vacuum.

When they leveled off to a cruise-climb, John grinned at Adam's cocky move and said, "Nice maneuver ace, I hope Larry didn't see that."

"Oh, I'm sure he did and if he ever tries it, I'll fire his ass."

They both chuckled and John went back to the cabin to check on the others. He showed everyone where the fridge and coffee maker was and the door to the bathroom. He indicated the door to the cargo area and said they could go back there anytime they wanted because it was pressurized like the rest of the airplane.

He paused in front of Jim who was white as snow and gripping the armrest with both hands.

"Are you okay Jim?"

Dave said, "I think that departure scared him a little bit."

John turned his attention to Adam's mother, "Are you okay Elaine?"

"I am now. Tell that son of mine I'm going to choke him if he ever does that again."

John couldn't resist a grin, it looked like the passengers were a mix of fright and ire as a result of Adam's barnstorming.

"How about you Dave?"

"I'm fine. Let's go vertical next time."

Elaine gave Dave a noxious look, "Don't encourage him Dave".

John went back to the cockpit and put his seat belt on.

"I don't think you should do that move again. Jim is about to pass out back there and your mother is ready to choke you; Dave wants to go vertical next time."

Adam opened the intercom to the passenger cabin and said, "Good morning everyone this is your captain speaking; thank you for flying Turner-Felstow Airlines, we appreciate your business. There will be no talking enroute today; your crew is nursing a hellacious hangover. A portion of our trip will be over water. So all of you that can swim, please sit on the right side of the airplane; and all of you that cannot swim, please sit on the left side of the airplane. Thank you again for choosing Turner-Felstow Airlines. Oh, and if anyone knows how to get to Burlington, we could use your help up here. Thank you and be quiet please."

John and Adam were both laughing aloud as they imagined the look on Jim and Elaine's face. Adam needed to make a trip to the bathroom or wet his pants so John put the headset on and flew the plane. Actually, he watched the plane fly itself as he monitored the instrument panel. He verified the VOR (very high frequency omni-directional range) and the waypoint with the chart on the clipboard.

Adam was hunched over as he made his way aft to the restroom; the cabin was four foot nine inches from floor to ceiling. As he passed Jim, he couldn't resist a smile and Jim punched him on the arm with a good deal of force. Elaine hit him with her book twice and he was laughing his ass off. Dave couldn't resist clipping him on the back of the head as he turned and twisted to get past them, with his arms raised protecting his face.

"Jesus Christ" Adam said. "This is a surly bunch we have on board today", he was laughing all the way. "We have to raise prices to weed out the riff-raff."

When he was finished, Adam made his way back to his seat in the cockpit,

"Geez Babe, with friends and family like that, who needs enemies".

John was smiling; the cockpit door was open and he saw the whole thing.

"I guess you know how they feel about our departure."

"Yeah, but it could have been you that did it and there they go blaming me before they knew for sure."

"It was the look on your face Hon, that devilish grin was a dead giveaway."

John knew Adam was easy to read; he couldn't keep a secret or tell a lie to save himself if he had to, and John loved him for it.

It was a short flight to Midway, about forty minutes and the traffic was horrendous so they quieted down when Chicago Center called and handed them off to approach and departure. Another fifteen minutes and John had them on the ground taxiing to the general aviation terminal.

They parked the plane and everyone got out stretching their legs. John was first inside and went to the counter to order the tanks topped off; it would be a non-stop flight to Burlington with full fuel. He asked to have the meals placed on board and turned to survey the room looking for his mother.

She was sitting in the middle of the terminal next to John's father looking out the window. They obviously hadn't seen him get out of the King Air. Adam was standing next to John.

"Hon, she brought the old man with her."

"He probably just wants to say hello before we leave."

"I hope that's all he wants. Son of a bitch, I feel like going home; I don't want to do this."

"Come on Babe, I'll go with you. It'll be fine." Adam cradled John in his arm to reassure him.

They walked over to John's parents and stopped in front of them.

"Hi Mom and Dad, have you been waiting long?"

"JOHN" his mother shouted as she leapt out of her seat with her arms outstretched.

She hugged and kissed him profusely and he loved it, he was all smiles and happy to see his mother after such an extended time. He guessed it was seven years more or less, as his eyes grew moist. He held on to her with the zeal he reserved for only Adam.

When she was finished she pushed him back and said, "Let me have a look at you, it's been so long. You look better than I remembered, you're so handsome" and she cupped his face and kissed him again.

John's father stepped forward and wrapped his arms around John's shoulders; he was a large tall man and John's head rested under his chin.

"How have you been son? It's been way too long since we've seen you" he was misty eyed too.

"I've been good. There's some people I'd like you to meet" John said as he pulled away.

The embrace was definitely out of character for his father and it made him uncomfortable. By that time, Elaine along with Jim and Dave were standing there watching John's reunion with his parents.

"Mom, Dad, this is Adam Felstow. Adam these are my parents Mary and Ron." Ron shook Adam's hand and Mary took her turn shaking his hand then giving him a quick peck on the cheek saying, "It's nice to finally meet you".

John made the other intros and the group chatted for a few minutes. When the conversation subsided Ron said, "Can we have a couple minutes with John?"

Everyone acknowledged the request and made their way back to the King Air. Elaine stopped at the desk and paid for topping off the tanks, the meals and the landing fee. Adam stayed at the counter to keep an eye on his boy; John took notice and was glad to have Adam nearby.

Ron began, "John, I don't know what we've done to alienate you but I want you to know that you and Adam are always welcome, anytime. And I know the story John; it's perfectly okay with me, in fact I'm happy for you."

"What about all those comments you made over the years? Have you suddenly changed your opinion?"

"Had I known the score I wouldn't have made them and I'm sorry that I did. I didn't know about you; I wish you would have told us, things could have been different. John that's mindless construction talk and more kidding than anything. That doesn't make it right or reflect the way I feel about you. I just want to say that I'm sorry you felt that way and I guess I understand why."

Mary, John's mother, gave her account and apology as well. She said that his father had a suitcase in the car and asked if he could come if there was room. She said that his father wanted to be a part of the most important day of his life. It was all too much for John; he was having trouble processing everything that had happened. In the end, he agreed not having a good reason to object.

Adam could see the powwow breaking up and made his way to his handsome hunk. He put his arm around John's shoulder and smiled at him and John smiled back. Ron went to retrieve his suitcase from of the car and Adam escorted Mary to the airplane.

John walked his father in the direction of the King Air. When it became obvious which plane they were going to board, he stopped dead in his tracks.

"Is that the airplane?" he said with amazement.

"Yeah, it's a King Air by Beachcraft. Pretty nice huh?"

"Nice? It's...it's...John I don't know what to say. It's magnificent. My God, how much does something like that cost?"

"Dad, we paid just under two mil" John said proudly. "We own it free and clear."

Ron looked at his son with astonishment. He couldn't believe his kid even owned an airplane, not to mention one costing two mil! He was overcome with emotion. He was beaming with pride at his son and the grin on his face was enough to win over a thousand hearts. He was the proudest parent on Earth at that moment.

He wondered what else he had missed in his son's life and felt the sting of guilt. He put his arm around John and they crossed the tarmac to board the plane.

John locked and sealed the door then placed his father's suitcase in the cargo area. He re-configured one seating area so his father had adequate legroom and told everyone to buckle-up. As he made his way to the Cockpit; Jim gave him a wink and John smiled back; everything was a go.

Adam went through the pilot checklist and fired up the engines and they began to taxi to the active runway.

John closed the door to the cockpit and sat down next to his boy with a sigh.

Adam looked at him with affection and smiled; he stroked John's thigh and said, "Next stop Vermont".

To Be Continued