I wanted to get here a couple of hours early so I could introduce him. I’ve told Andrew about our plan, but he wanted to talk to you, too. He thinks the plan is probably enough, but he’s more than willing to provide legal backup if you need it.”
Puck shook hands with Andrew. His grip was firm and reassuring. Suddenly, Puck opened his eyes wide. “Hey, wait! Andrew!” He turned toward Ross. “Is this that Andrew?”
Andrew laughed while Ross nodded yes. “Yep, you caused a reunion with my old boyfriend. I have to say it has been a wonderful thing, too. We tied a loose end into a neat little bow.”
Andrew quickly added, “But don’t worry. It’s only a friendship now. I have a partner, and it looks like Ross will have one soon, too. I would be happy to invite the two of you to Middleton for dinner, but I can assure you that’s all it would be.”
“Oh my God. Come and sit here in my living room. We’ve got a lot of guests on the way. I put out some cheese and crackers and stuff on the dining table, and there’s beer and pop in the fridge. Help yourselves. Somebody needs to pinch me. I can’t believe any of this is happening.”
Ross glanced at Andrew. He said, “I think we’re both good for now. We had lunch together before we came, and we talked about some of the old times.”
“So you guys are good with things now? I’m happy to hear that.” Puck leaned forward. “Andrew, wait until you meet all these people coming over today. They are the best people in the world. I don’t know what Ross told you, but it’s going to be amazing.”
The next two hours zipped by in a flash. The three men talked briefly about Addie and the unpleasant custody battle brought on by her grandparents. Andrew said, “Unless there is something strange lurking around that Ross doesn’t know, I’m not worried that you will have any significant issues, but nothing like this is ever pleasant. Let’s hope your little party this afternoon will take care of everything without any additional legal effort on my part.”
“I’m so fortunate. It’s hard to believe that you’re willing to help out. I’ll have to set up some kind of payment plan, though. I’m sure I can’t afford the time you’ve put into this.”
Andrew shook his head. “No, there will be no exchange of money. I’m doing this gratis, and I’ve already got my reward.” He touched Ross’s knee. “We’re friends again. That’s worth pure gold. I missed this man. I’m sure you know what a good heart beats in his chest. Honestly, Ross puts most of us to shame.”
Puck smiled and nodded in agreement.
They were busy chatting about small towns in southeastern Minnesota when the doorbell rang. Puck gasped, “Oh, shit, that’s probably Ellen and Myron. I lost track of time.” He glanced at Andrew and said, “Please excuse my language. It slips out at some of the worst times.”
Puck brushed his hands down his button up shirt and over the crisp, new jeans he wore for the occasion. “I know it’s not a suit, but do I look okay?”
Ross hugged Puck. “You look great. Don’t worry. Suits aren’t required for casual parties. Think about this afternoon that way.”
Ellen began to speak as soon as the door opened. She glanced at Puck and dismissively pushed past him. “I want to make this as brief as possible. We’ve got papers from our lawyer, and he’s laid out a timeline for Addie’s transition. You will sign the papers, and we’ll be on our way.”
Myron interrupted her. “Who is this man?” He nodded in Andrew’s direction.
Andrew spoke up with a voice of authority honed by decades of appearances in courtrooms. “I’m Puck’s legal representative.” He reached a hand out to shake with Myron. “Andrew Olson.”
Ellen pursed her lips. “You have a lawyer?”
Before Puck could answer the question, the doorbell rang again. He said, “Please excuse me for a moment. I need to answer the door.”
Rhea greeted Puck with a hug. He called over his shoulder, “Ross, Rhea’s here.”
Ellen asked, “And who is this?”
With exaggerated movements, Rhea held her hand to her mouth and said, “Oh, do pardon me. I’m Ross’s supervisor at work. He’s the best worker. I’ve never seen someone so diligent in the office.” She leaned toward Ellen and spoke like she was sharing a secret. “He’s great with babies, too. Have you seen him play with Puck’s Addie?”
Ellen frowned and stepped back.
Ross pushed forward and said, “There’s plenty of snacks in the kitchen. You might want to get there now. The big appetites aren’t here yet.”
“You invited over more people?” asked Myron. “This was supposed to be a private meeting.”
Puck shrugged. “No one mentioned private to me. You mentioned you were coming over, and I invited a few of my friends. I decided to make it a social occasion. They really are all family anyway.”
Andrew watched the conversations and sipped a glass of wine. Ross leaned over and whispered in his ear. A huge smile spread across Andrew’s face.
The doorbell rang again. Puck asked, “Ross, hun, would you get that? I need to check on the queso in the kitchen.”
Diego poked his head in as the door opened. He said, “I hope you didn’t start the party without us.” Alan peeked over his shoulder.
Ross held his hand to his mouth when they stepped inside. Diego was the instant center of attention. He wore a perfectly tailored suit with a tie sporting fiery orange-red flower blossoms. He was stunningly handsome. Alan was content to bask in his partner’s reflection.
Diego spotted Ellen and solicitously held out his hand. When she hesitantly offered hers in return, he inclined his head to kiss the back of her hand. “She’s lovely, Ross. Surely, the rumors aren’t true.” Diego threw his head back with a full-throated laugh as Ellen frowned, and Rhea pushed a glass of wine into his hand.
Myron asked, “Isn’t it getting a little crowded in here?”
Alan placed a hand on his shoulder. “Oh, we’re all good friends. Puck’s place is like a second home. We keep a close watch on Puck and Addie. They’ve been through a lot, and we all want to make sure Addie grows up to be a fine young woman.”
Myron coughed and stepped away from Alan. Rhea smiled at Ellen. “There goes the bell again. I bet I know who it is.” She pushed around behind Andrew to reach the door as Puck rejoined the crowd.
Brody opened the front door before Rhea could reach it. He said, “I saw all the cars, so I wasn’t sure if you’d hear the bell. I didn’t think you would mind if we got the door ourselves. Dak’s just behind me with Penny.”
“Penny?” asked Ellen.
Brody held out a hand to shake. “You must be Ellen. Yes, Penny is our daughter. She’s several months older than Addie, so we do our best to share the hints and tips we’ve learned along the way. Dak takes care of Addie during the week while Puck’s at work.”
Ellen asked, “Who or what is Dak?”
Brody frowned. “What?” He breezed toward the kitchen as he said, “Dak’s the best husband in the world!”
Dak announced himself with his deep voice. “I heard that! I’ll remember it, too.” Penny clung to one shoulder, while Dak carried a large diaper bag on the opposite shoulder. He grinned and said, “The party can start now. I’ve arrived.”
Myron mumbled and pushed himself to one side of the living room. “And I think it might be time for us to leave.”
Ellen shook her head. “Where’s Puck? What is the point of this? Perhaps we should take Addie right now. I’ve never seen such a ridiculous display and an utter lack of decorum. We called for a meeting. We didn’t call for a…a circus.”
Andrew squeezed past Rhea, and he gently pushed on Ross’s shoulder to make his way through the crowd. When he was finally face-to-face with Ellen, he said, “This circus, as you call it, is the gathering of some of the best people in the world. Addie is one of the luckiest…”
Andrew’s voice faded when the doorbell rang one more time. Rhea leaned toward Diego and spoke in a whisper. “Who’s that? Everybody’s here, aren’t they?”
Ross smiled at her and said, “Not everyone.” He stepped up to the door, turned the knob, and opened it to reveal the final guest.
27
Auntie Erin
Puck gasped when the door opened, and he saw the most elegant older woman he could remember meeting. Ross held up a hand. Quiet fell over the crowd. He said, “I want to introduce to everyone our guest of honor. This is Alan’s Auntie Erin. She is celebrating her 88th birthday today.”
Auntie Erin wore a navy blue dress that fit her still slim figure. Her nails were painted to match the blue, and she wore a blue lapis lazuli necklace. Ellen grumbled. “Why on earth would she want to spend her birthday here among…these people?”
Auntie Erin shook her head. “Please, Ross. I don’t want to cause a fuss. It looks like everyone is having fun. Please go back to that. I must see the little one. Seeing her is the best birthday present of all.”
Puck smiled. “I’ll go get Addie. She’s back in her bedroom, and it’s about time for her to wake from her nap.” He rose onto his toes and looked over the gathered crowd. “Ross, you know what to do while I’m gone.”
As Puck disappeared down the hall, Ross slipped into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator door. Rhea looked over his shoulder. As he pulled out a decorated sheet cake, she said, “That’s lovely! Thank goodness you didn’t cover it with 88 candles. We would burn the house down.”
Andrew offered his arm to Auntie Erin. She said, “My, what a handsome man,” and together they made their way to the dining table to view the cake.
Brody’s voice rose above the rest of the crowd. He said, “There’s the little lady!” when Puck returned to the living room with Addie cradled in his arm. Her eyes were only half open, but she didn’t squirm or cry. Brody scanned the room looking for Dak and Penny.
Ellen stamped one foot. Her voice was loud and shrill. “What is the meaning of all of this? I demand to know!”
Auntie Erin continued her examination of the cake, and she didn’t indicate that she heard the question. However, it became apparent that she didn’t miss anything.
Making sure that she was loud enough to be heard, Auntie Erin asked Andrew, “Is that one of Addie’s grandparents? I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting them yet.”
“Would you like me to escort you in that direction? I can’t let you go yet. You’re the most elegant woman in the room.”
“Oh, yes, please.”
As they walked into the living room from the dining area near the kitchen, they passed Puck and Addie. Auntie Erin leaned in close and kissed Addie’s cheek. “She is such a sweetheart. She takes after her father. He’s an impressive role model.”
The celebratory crowd stepped to the side while Auntie Erin approached Ellen and Myron. A hush fell over the room. No one wanted to miss the potential for fireworks.
Myron folded his arms over his chest and set his jaw. He asked, “And who are you? This whole day looks like a farce. Say your piece. We need to leave soon. I think we’ve been set up, and we refuse to continue to be a part of your little games.”
Auntie Erin reached one hand upward and tapped her lower lip with a perfectly manicured fingernail. She said, “I think the more appropriate question is to ask about the two of you. As an introduction, I’m Erin Larson. I’ve lived in this town for nearly seventy years now. I’m here to celebrate my birthday with a small gathering of some of the best people I’ve ever known. Who are you?”
Myron’s face turned pale, and he wavered on his feet. He turned to his right. “Tell her, Ellen.”
Ellen said, “We planned a meeting with our granddaughter and her…” She hesitated. It was apparent that she had some difficulty remembering the proper word. She added, “Her father.”
Auntie Erin smiled. “Oh, go right ahead and have your meeting. It’s probably quieter back in Addie’s room, but let me make one comment. I don’t think anyone should assume that the rest of the world will stop turning and the rest of the good people of the world will cancel their treasured life events simply because you happen to be present. That is not only an unfortunate display of unpleasant ego but also a misunderstanding of what’s most meaningful in life.”
Ellen’s eyes widened in shock. “Well, I…” She stared back at Auntie Erin for a moment and then turned her head.
Auntie Erin did not look away, but she said, “Alan, please bring your aunt a glass of wine. Top it off as well. I think I’ll need a little extra.” While Ellen’s shoulders heaved, and she gasped for air, Auntie Erin said, “Unless you do have more to say to Puck and his attorney, I suggest that you leave now. This is my party, and you aren’t on the guest list.”
Ellen clutched her purse close to her chest and turned toward Myron. Her voice cracked as it reached an even higher register. “Myron, I will not stand for this. We are leaving. Puck will hear from us soon.” She opened the clasp on the purse and stuffed the papers inside that she held clenched in her right hand.
The gathered guests cleared a path, and Brody held the front door open. As the uninvited couple stepped outside to the sidewalk, Brody pushed the door shut before doubling over and slapping his knees. Then he raced to the opposite side of the room and said, “Erin, I’ve never met you before, but it has been my loss. I’m Brody Sexton. My family has been here for many decades, too, and I wish for you the happiest of birthdays. That was one of the best performances I’ve seen in a long, long time.”
Auntie Erin gently pushed her hand forward. “Please, call me Auntie Erin. All of my best friends do. Oh, and that was no performance. It was all the honest truth.”
The gathered group of friends and family broke into spontaneous applause. When the sound died down, Andrew said, “I think it’s time for a toast. Everyone grab something to drink.” After Rhea poured more glasses of wine, and Puck retrieved a beer from the fridge, Andrew held his wine glass aloft and said, “To the wonders of family, a gathering of new friends, and this stunning woman at my side. This is a day to remember!”
28
After
Puck was naked as he slipped between the sheets. Ross rolled over and placed his hand on the cheek of the man he loved. Puck said, “We have to be quiet. It’s been such a long day for Addie, and I don’t want to wake her up. I can’t believe it all happened. Auntie Erin is a saint.”
“Now you know why Alan turned out the way he did.”
Puck kissed the side of Ross’s neck. “And Andrew was your boyfriend? He’s so handsome, and he was in control. I was awestruck watching him. How did you…”
Ross held his fingers to Puck’s lips and then kissed them. He silenced the words to change the focus of concentration. “I have the best man in that entire room.” Ross walked his fingers down the center of Puck’s abs until they landed on the curve of his already half-hard cock.
“Oh fuck!”
Ross held his fingers to Puck’s lips again. He whispered, “Addie.”
“But…shit.” Puck breathed hard and slid closer to Ross while the thin fingers began to stroke. “I don’t know if I can stay quiet when you do that.”
Ross raised his free hand and gently clamped it over Puck’s mouth. “I can help out if necessary.”
Puck’s eyes opened wider while his cock throbbed. He reached out for Ross’s smooth chest and tugged lightly on a nipple. As the stroking increased in speed, his nostrils flared. He needed more oxygen.
“If I wasn’t so exhausted from the day, I’d fuck the hell out of you to show you how much I love you. As it is, you’ll have to be okay with me making you cum.”
Puck meekly nodded, and Ross pulled his hand back. “Oh, my God, that’s hot. Slow down, please. I don’t want to cum so fast. I thought I would blow as soon as your hand clamped over my mouth. Is that weird? It made me horny.”
Ross cut the words off with a flurry of kisses. “It just means there’s a lot more for us to explore in the future.” He pulled back the sheet and licked Puck’s exposed nipple. His fingers released their grip, and he
stopped stroking. “I’ll slow down. In fact, I can stop.”
Puck gasped. “No, no, don’t stop. Please, I didn’t mean that.”
“You’re sexy as hell.” The stroking started again, but this time it was a leisurely pace.
“Yeah, yeah, that’s it.” Puck arched his hips and closed his eyes.
“But we’re making a deal,” said Ross. “You have to look at me and kiss me while I’m stroking you, or I’ll stop.”
Puck opened his eyes. “Okay, and damn, it’s twice as hot when I’m looking at you. Your blue eyes…”
“You like my blue eyes?”
“I love them. I get lost in them every time I look at you.” A shudder raced through Puck’s body.
“That’s why you need to keep your eyes open. I want it to be three times as hot.”
Puck bit his lip when Ross’s free hand slipped behind his balls and tickled lightly. His balls began to tense, and he reflexively closed his eyes.
Ross whispered, “Open.”
“Oh, shit, I’m…” Puck opened his eyes. His body shuddered again. “I don’t know if I can hold out. You drive me insane, fucking or not. How did you turn out to be so hot? Were you born that way?”
Ross chuckled softly and said, “Inside voice. Soft and easy. We don’t want to wake Addie.”
Puck’s breathing came in short gasps. “You know she’ll hear this when she’s twelve.”
“That’s why God made sleepovers. Her Dads will need time on their own.”
Puck reached up and gripped Ross’s shoulders. “I’m gonna cum. I can’t stop it. It’s too…” He arched his hips again, and the reflexes shook his body three times in quick succession. Ross smiled as an arc of white cum landed on Puck’s chest. “Ohh, damn, you make me insane.”
“Not half as crazy as you make me.” He lay his head on Puck’s shoulder and gently kissed the side of his neck.
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