They stood side by side holding hands, June and Liam on Jack’s side, Henrietta and Brayden on Ethan’s side. Father O’Donnell did a short prayer about love and commitment.
June did the first reading from the Old Testament, Song of Solomon: May the wine go straight to my beloved, flowing gently over lips and teeth. I belong to my beloved, and his desire is for me… She started crying halfway through it.
They sang Blessed Assurance. Then Henrietta did the second reading, in 1st John: Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in His presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and He knows everything… Her tears came after the reading.
Father O’Donnell said, “I’m going to skip the lecture on the importance and mysteries of marriage, and jump to the statement of intentions if that’s ok with everyone.” Ethan and Jack nodded.
He asked, “Ethan Thomas and Jack Nathan, have you come here to enter into this marriage without coercion, freely and wholeheartedly?” Together they said, “We have.”
“Are you prepared, as you follow the path of marriage, to love and honor each other for as long as you both shall live?” Together again they said, “We are.”
“Are you prepared to accept children lovingly from God and to bring them up according to the law of Christ and his Church?” Together again, “We will.”
“Since it is your intention to enter the covenant of Holy Matrimony, join your right hands, and declare your consent before God and his Church.”
Jack and Ethan turned to each other and reached for the hand they weren’t holding. Ethan realized he did not feel this way the first time he got married. Before he went through the motions, but this felt very real. He felt like his heart was going to come out of his chest with how full it was right now. Jack likewise was trembling, and Ethan felt it in his hand. They looked at each other, unsmiling, holding hands tightly, as if the one were to let go, the other would fall.
The priest said, “Now both of you will say these simple words, I, Name, take you, Name, for my lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part. Do you think you could do that without fumbling or do you need me to spoon it to you?” They both laughed and looked at him.
“Ahhh there we are.” He said. “You’re so serious! Smile at each other, it’s a good thing!” They turned back to each other, smiling this time. Father O’Donnell said, “Who will go first?”
“Well Jack looks like he’s going to throw up a little, so I will.” Ethan said and Jack smiled widely.
He started, “I, Ethan Thomas, take you, Jack Nathan, for my lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health…” He paused looking at Jack’s wide green eyes that were taking his breath away. It was the most vulnerable he had ever seen him. Ethan looked up and swallowed a few times, then looked back at Jack whose eyes were welling up with tears.
“Wow. Okay. Sorry… until death do us part. Sorry. I didn’t think it was going to hit me like that…wow. We’re really doing this… Ok. I’m good. Let’s keep going.” They all laughed and Jack smiled.
The priest said, “Your turn, Jack.”
Jack tried to rush through it: “I, Jack Nathan, take you, Ethan Thomas, for my lawful husband…to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health until death do us part…Shit.” he cursed as the tears started falling, making them all laugh. Ethan used his hand to wipe Jack’s tears away, ignoring his own that started leaking out.
Father O’Donnell asked, “Do you have the rings on you at all? If not we can skip that part.”
Brayden said, “Use ours!” He and Henrietta took off their rings and held them out.
Jack hesitated. “So who gets the girl ring?”
Henrietta hit him, “You, with your girly fingers!” Everyone laughed.
They held their hands out and rings over one another and the priest said, “May the Lord bless these rings, which you will give to each other as the sign of your love and fidelity.” Then he told them, “Bring your rings back to me when you get a chance so I can bless your actual rings as well.” They slipped them on each other, Brayden’s too big on Ethan, Henrietta’s too small on Jack, making them all laugh again. They waited for the next step.
Father O’Donnell said, “This part is on you to solidify with a kiss.” He smiled. They leaned in together and pressed their lips lightly against the other.
June said, “Oh c’mon, Nana Mary kisses better than that!”
Jack chuckled. Ethan said, “That’s all you’re getting tonight, wait until tomorrow.”
The priest said, “Please kneel.” Ethan and Jack did. He prayed over them and distributed communion, which made them both emotional again, tears threatening to come out their eyes that they quickly wiped away.
Then they were to stand and face him as he said, “May God the eternal Father keep you of one heart in love for one another, that the peace of Christ may dwell in you and abide always in your home. May you be blessed in your children, have solace in your friends and enjoy true peace with everyone. And may almighty God bless all of you, who are gathered here, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Let the Church say…”
And they all said, “Amen.”
Then Jack drew in breath and said alarmingly, “Is…is that it!?” His eyes were wide again as Ethan smiled.
Father O’Donnell said, “Not quite, I need you to sign this.” He pointed at the little table behind him. On it was their marriage certificate with the date of September 1st, and their names already embossed in silver and cursive: Ethan Thomas Starling and Jack Nathan Redmond Frazier. They were both shocked.
“How long have you been planning this, Father?” Jack asked.
Father O’Donnell answered, “Since Ethan asked about getting his marriage annulled. I couldn’t put the date in because I didn’t know when it would be finalized, hoping and praying it did before September 1st. Just in time I say. Please, come sign. Just do me a favor, don’t hang it up until I’m dead ok?” They both laughed.
Ethan said to Jack, “I went first with the vows, you sign first.”
Jack, with trembling hands again, signed all four of his names. Then he handed the pen to Ethan who took Jack’s whole hand, wrapped his arm around his waist with his other hand, pulled him close and kissed him fervently for a couple of seconds, licked and sucked his tongue and pulled his bottom lip a few times. Jack moaned in his mouth and melted, and Ethan felt his whole body go lax in his arms.
Henrietta called out, “Now that’s a kiss!”
They laughed as Ethan pulled away first, then landed three more simple kisses on Jack’s lips and face. “Thank you,” Jack said. “I needed that.”
Ethan smiled, “I know.” He kissed him once more, before taking the pen and signing his name. He turned to Jack and said, “Now that’s it.” He pulled him in for a hug as their witnesses signed as well.
They stood there and held each other for a while, with Jack whispering “oh my God…oh my God…” and Ethan saying, “I know Jackie Bear…I know.”
~~~
They found Mina in their bed with EJ. She said, “He refused to sleep in his room, said he was waiting here for his dads.” Ethan and Jack smiled at each other.
Ethan told her, “Take the couch, go home in the morning to freshen up. We’re leaving here at 10am to head to Halifax for our 12 o’clock appointment with the court.” She agreed and left the room. They silently took off their clothes and found pajama bottoms to wear, and moved to lay on either side of EJ. They looked at each other over his head. Ethan put his hand on EJ’s back, and Jack put his hand on top of Ethan’s.
Jack mouthed, “I love you. So much.” Ethan shrugged, then grinned, making Jack grin.
~~~~
By the time Ethan, Jack, EJ, June and Liam showed up at the courthouse the next day, there were almost 20 people waiting for them: Ethan’s family, complete with Becky, AJ and their kids, Jack’s family with Brayden and Brayden’s dad Brian who Ethan had never met, three of Ethan’s friends that drove up from New York- Monique, Sonia and Rasheed, and four of Jack’s friends- BJ, Sam, Connor and Afia.
Jack wore a three piece cobalt blue Prada suit with a green, silver and blue tie and his father’s cufflinks, while Ethan wore a light gray three piece Prada suit with the same tie as Jack. They all piled into the tiny courthouse and watched Ethan and Jack exchange vows humorously, as they laughed so hard tears were coming out of their eyes throughout the whole ceremony.
During Judge Robinson’s introduction speech, Jack started it, giggling right from the beginning, then outright laughing. Ethan whispered, “What the fuck?” Which only made Jack laugh harder and made Ethan laugh, understanding why Jack was laughing.
“Ok Jackie bear, get it together.” Ethan said, pulling him into a hug.
They resumed their positions standing side by side holding hands and waited for the judge to continue. When she got to the vows and Jack repeated after her the, for better or worse, richer or poorer, till death do us part, part, Ethan busted out laughing loudly. Jack looked over at him with wide eyes, then and started laughing again. Then they were both laughing with tears coming down their eyes.
Then Jack said, “Ok, ok, c’mon we have to do this.”
“Really Jack? Do we really have to do this?” Ethan asked. Then they looked at each other and laughed uncontrollably all over again.
AJ and Liam who were standing on the sides of them looked at each other bewildered but began laughing because their laughter was infectious, then everyone started laughing, clapping and cheering for them.
Judge Robinson was not amused. She said, “What is this? Is this a joke to you? I will cancel this whole thing right now!” That straightened them right up and quieted everyone down.
The judge gave them the lecture Father O’Donnell did not on the seriousness and importance of marriage, which made them smile widely but respectfully. Then she made them do their vows over again. This time they faced each other and did it giggling a bit but not outright laughing. They exchanged their Claddagh wedding rings and then at first went for a simple peck kiss.
Then Jack grabbed the back of Ethan’s neck and pulled him in for a more passionate kiss and Ethan happily gave him one, dipping him down as Jack lifted up a leg. This led to more cheering and hooting, and some had tears in their eyes. Most people thought they were deliriously happy, but June, Liam, Henrietta and Brayden knew the truth: that this wedding seemed redundant and comical compared to the emotional one they had in jeans and t-shirts just 12 hours before.
Afterwards, they had EJ ride with his grandparents so Liam could drive the BMW x5 back -which he happily agreed to with June by his side- so they could sit in the far back row to make out like teenagers.
“I fucking love you Jackie Bear.” Ethan said in between kisses. He removed Jack’s tie and opened up his top button so he could kiss his neck and suck on his collar bone.
“hmmmm…I fucking love you too,” Jack said as he pulled Ethan up by his hair roughly and kissed him again. Jack pulled Ethan’s shirt out of his pants and ran his hands over his body, squeezing his nipples in between. He slid down so that he was positioned flat on his back with one leg against the side back window and the other and the other on the car floor. Ethan leaned up and took off his suit jacket, then attacked Jack with kisses all over again.
Liam looked out the rearview mirror at them and yelled, “Seriously? Y’all can’t wait an hour or so?”
“No!” They both yelled simultaneously.
Ethan unbuttoned more buttons and found Jack’s chest, kissed him all the way down to his belly button and Jack began moaning. Liam looked up again and shook his head. He turned on the player loud to drown out the moaning, and Ethan snorted a laugh. He looked up at Jack and they stared at each other for a moment. Then Ethan moved his body back up to Jack’s face, positioning his thick penis right next to Jack’s long one. He held himself up and over him, and began to move.
Ethan moved slowly at first, running his dick all the way up the length of Jack’s, then back down again. He held eye contact with his new husband and moved with more speed, back and forth right over their pants. Jack reached down and grabbed Ethan by his butt cheeks and held him tighter against his groin. Ethan moved faster and Jack’s eyes fluttered. I love you, he mouthed to Ethan. Ethan’s response was to move against him harder and faster.
Jack let out a loud moan and Liam turned the music up louder. They held each other’s gaze and moved against each other, creating friction and feeling the heat rise between them. Ethan leaned down and adjusted his arm in between Jack’s arm so that he could slide it under his back, and he laid his whole torso down with his face in Jack’s neck. “Come for me.” He whispered.
Their bodies moved together like waves against the sand, back and forth they moved and held each other, as spots of pre-cum now seeping through their clothes. They were uncomfortable in the tight space, and yet it was the most comforting place they could be, in each other’s arms. They moved faster, held each other tighter, moaned louder together.
Jack came first, felt the tightening of his balls as they released his Irish cream right up through his slit and created a warm puddle between them. Ethan felt the wet and warmness of Jack’s cum and immediately came, creating a damp spot of his own. They held onto each other for a moment, then Jack began to laugh and Ethan laughed with him.
“How are we getting out the car looking like this?” Jack asked.
“I don’t give a fuck.” Ethan replied, and they laughed again. He began to kiss Jack’s neck again, suck it harder leaving red hickies on his white skin. “Hey, Jackie Bear. Thanks for marrying me. I promise I will make you so happy.”
Jack closed his eyes and rubbed on Ethan’s back. “You already make me so happy. I love you so much, babe, my heart never gave me a choice.”
Liam dropped them off at the Marriott where they had a honeymoon suite for the weekend. “You kids have 4 hours, I’m picking you up at 7p.”
Ethan and Jack walked into their suite and there were His & His complimentary fluffy white robes waiting for them, which they stripped and put on immediately. Ethan then called room service to take their pants and get it laundered and ironed, and to be brought back by 6:30pm. He took Jack’s hand and led them to the living room where they had champagne and a fresh batch of strawberries with a chocolate fondue station. He took a strawberry while Jack dipped his fingers in the chocolate and sucked it seductively.
Ethan laughed, “I’m going to get you to do that to something else too.”
He laughed. “Is it weird that I don’t want to have sex right now?” Jack asked.
“That’s cool, you don’t have to do anything, but I’m going to fuck you. I’m going to fuck you right on this couch, then again against that glass shower wall, then by that time you might feel like having sex, and I might let you fuck me.” Jack laughed heartily. “But first,” Ethan said, “Let’s talk finances.”
Jack groaned. “Ok Dad. Let’s see, you have money and I don’t. Next topic.”
“I just think it’s weird that you never asked me. Ever.” Ethan said.
“Because I never cared about it. Obviously you have enough to buy a business and keep it afloat while it’s still in the red, so I know it’s a lot.” Ethan did not respond, just raised an eyebrow. Jack rolled his eyes. “What, you want me to sign a prenup or a post-nup now that we’re having this conversation after the fact?”
Ethan said seriously, “No, but my dad asked me to ask you before we got married.”
Jack’s mouth dropped. “Seriously!? I thought Alan liked me.”
“He does like you,” Ethan said. “My dad loves you. But he’s still a finance guy. Plus I was married before without a prenup, and I had to give Trish 2 million to close it out.”
Jack’s eyes went wide. “You gave Trish the addict 2 million dollars!?”
“I had to. I’m the one that cheated, so I broke the vows. She had no job and I was the sole provider. I had to pay, literally. And I was not paying her alimony for a year and half of marriage, so I gave it in one lump sum, with the condo in the Bronx. But I think she sold it so that was another 600k.”
Jack blew out air, “Jeeeeezus.”
“I’m pretty sure her dad put it up for her, anyway.” Ethan said.
Jack said seriously, “If we break up I don’t want your money. Not one cent.”
Ethan smiled. “Don’t you want to know how much it is first?”
Jack laughed, “Ok. Tell me.”
“All together it’s probably a net worth of 8.” Ethan said.
Jack blinked twice, then said slowly, “8…mil…lion?”
Ethan said, “Yes.”
Jack paused and looked at him for a moment, then said, “You have 8 million dollars and you’re living in a fucking 1000 square foot basement apartment, what the fuck Ethan?”
Ethan laughed. “So here’s the breakdown: 3 mil is tied up in an IRA, stocks, bonds, CD’s and securities, things like that. My lawyer told me to do that right away so Trish couldn’t touch it. That’s going to keep growing. 500K in a trust for EJ when he turns 18, to be used for college and whatever else he wants to do. That’s collecting interest too.
“3 mil is in a separate account for B&B related stuff, property taxes, salaries, health insurance, utilities, repairs, you know. Business is doing ok, especially since we have some contracts with local businesses that send their out of town clients to us. But we need to do more because we aren’t quite making enough to sustain it, so it’s still coming out of my pocket a bit. The rest is mostly in savings, but I transfer $4000 into my checking every month, that’s basically my salary and I don’t take it out of the B&B account.
“Actually I didn’t pay you out of that money either, I paid you from mines, which is why I had to fire you, or you would have basically been my hooker.”
“Really!?” Jack laughed. “Ok, you’re forgiven for that one.”
Ethan continued, “So it’s about 1.6 give or take of disposable income right now in my personal account. And that’s the account I’m putting your name on, the checking and savings. And the B&B, I’ve already started the process to put your name on the deed. It’s ours now.”
Jack was stunned. “You don’t have to do that, at all.”
“I know I don’t have to. I want to.” Ethan said simply.
“Well I got about 60k to add it.” Jack said and smiled triumphantly.
Ethan laughed. “Ok, I’m sure we can use it.”
Jack feigned being offended, “Don’t laugh at my hard earned money. It was close to 100k at one point, but then I bought my Chevy outright, and I gave Liam a down payment for his car. And then I took about 20k with me to Ireland, liquidated most of it because I needed to do things in cash, obviously.”
“I’m not knocking your hustle at all,” Ethan said. “If you want to add money anywhere, put it in the B&B. That’s where it’s needed right now.” He paused then said, “Also I should let you know I have my eye on a small motel on the south side, called Hoppin Inn.” Jack was surprised, Ethan had never mentioned it.
“I’ve already talked with the owner a couple of times and we’ve been negotiating. He wants 2.8 and technically I have it, but I need to get him closer to 2 mil. It would help because they are already in the black and I wouldn’t be starting out at a deficit like I did with the Inn. It’s bigger than the B&B too, 20 rooms instead of 8, and it’s near the highway so more foot traction, and more up to date so things won’t be breaking down so often.
“Also it might not be a motel or an Inn, it has potential for actual residency, and that’s steady revenue. So right now I’m figuring out how to financially manage two businesses. I’ve already started working on the business plan and financial portfolio. I’ve been asking your dad for advice, he’s good at business development.”
“Wow, why didn’t you tell me?” Jack asked.
Ethan shrugged, “You and I talk about practical matters about the B&B, our hopes and dreams for it, not logistics. Now I’m bringing you into logistics.”
“So do you want me to quit my jobs and work full time at the Inn? Or the motel when you buy it?” Jack asked.
“We. When we buy it. And no, I want you to do what you’ve always wanted to do. Go to school and get your degree. I’ll pay for it outright.”
Jack joked, “Daaaaamn I landed me a suga daddy didn’t I?” He winked.
“Keep sucking my dick the way you do, and I’ll pay for anything you want.” He winked back.
Jack laughed. “So I am a hooker? I feel like Pretty Woman.” Ethan punched his arm playfully and they laughed. Then he asked, “So you made 8 million in 5 years?”
Ethan said, “Six and a half years. I started working for the medical device company my senior year in college as a financial analyst and they paid for my MBA and CPA. They don’t give a 401k they gave me stock in their company. Between salary, bonuses every year I made them money, stocks and bonds, and not to mention being a financial advisor and consultant for other CEO’s and companies, my net worth was close to 12. I knew how to manage my own money obviously and spent as little of it as possible.”
“So you were like, a financial genius at your job?” Jack asked, fascinated with the things he is learning about his new husband.
“Yes, but I also was just inquisitive and paid attention to detail. I’m good at helping people and businesses figure out where their money is going and finding money in places people didn’t even know they had. I’ve given BJ some financial advice that he brought back to his dad and it’s panned out so far. And I have a meeting with your dad and Brian next month, but just a courtesy financial check up. I made it clear I wasn’t going to be involved in the business in any way, shape or form.”
Jack asked, “Why? You don’t want to do that again, full time?”
“That life did not make me happy,” Ethan said. “This…This quiet life, being a husband and father, working with my hands, painting when I want…this makes me happy.”
~~~~
Reception began at 6p at a small two-story art studio in Providence called Just Art Gallery, where more of their family and friends joined them in celebrating, catered by the Red Rock Bar and Grill. Ethan and Jack joined them by 7:15p and were separated most of the night entertaining everyone else. The curator said they had a special admission to the Gallery that would be revealed at 10p, but until then they were to eat, drink and be merry.
Jack’s friend Connor asked to speak to Jack privately so they made their way to the 2nd story balcony.
“What’s up?” Jack asked him when they were alone.
Connor said, “So I’m seeing someone.”
“And when you say seeing someone…” Jack said knowingly.
Connor smiled, “It’s a man. Actually we’ve been seeing each other for almost a year now. Someone Afia introduced me to… He asked me to move in with him.”
Jack’s eyes went wide. “Connor. That’s huge. What are you going to do?”
“At first I told him no, it wasn’t the right time. But fuck it Jack. You and Ethan made me realize that I can’t live my life in the closet anymore. Being here today witnessing your marriage, I want that. All of that. And I can’t do that while hiding my truth from everyone. I need to come out. Fuck my prejudice family. They will just have to deal with it.” Connor’s family was very religious and conservative, and pretty much racist and homophobic.
Jack leaned on the side of Connor’s shoulder. “It’s not going to be easy. But you know you always have me in your corner.”
“I know. That’s what I wanted to ask…will you go with me? When I’m ready?”
“Of course,” Jack said. “Tell me where and when and I will be there.”
Connor said, “Thanks. Truly.”
They stood side by side in silence for a bit staring out into Providence. Jack said, “Your family is going to freak the fuck out. But it will be ok. Because you are an adult and it’s your life.”
“It doesn’t matter if they do. I just want to be me. I’m 26 years old and my family has no idea who I am.” He sniffed and held back tears.
Jack looped arms with him. He said, “Tell me about him.”
“His name is Jamel.” Connor smiled, knowing they don’t know any white guys named Jamel, and Jack quickly understood. Jack’s eyes went wide and he turned to smile at Connor.
“Ja…mel?”
Connor laughed. “Yea, he’s black. Like Morris Chestnut black. And built like Morris Chestnut too.”
Jack was amused. “Wow your family is really going to freak the fuck out now.”
Connor laughed again, “They already think I’m fucking Afia like everyone else does, so they got used to the idea of me in an interracial relationship. Well, they at least learned to keep their racist ass comments to themselves when I’m there.” They laughed. Afia has been Connor’s best friend since high school and beard since he was discharged from the military three years ago.
“Ok, tell me about this sexy mother fucker named Jamel.” Jack said.
Connor told him. “He’s 29 years old, a contractor, a certified electrician, and works with his father in Providence in their family owned business. He also served in Afghanistan, so we had that in common. He’s sweet, smart and beautiful inside and out. I love him. And he loves me.”
“You should have brought him tonight.” Jack said.
“I considered it, him being one of the many faces in the crowd. But I wouldn’t have been able to keep my hands off him, I know it.”
Jack smiled. “I’m so happy for you Connor. You deserve to live your truth and be happy.”
He was quiet for a moment. “Thank you for always being there for me.” Connor said.
“And I always will be.” Jack said.
They hugged as Carlos came up the stairs. “Hey Jack, I was looking for you, can we talk?” Carlos showed up with Jorge and Jack had made it a point to not be in the same space as him, but now he was cornered.
Connor started to move away, saying, “We’ll talk later.”
But Jack said, “No Connor, stay a minute. I want to introduce you to Carlos, Ethan’s best friend. Carlos, this is Connor, one of my best friends.” They shook hands. Then Jack said, “I was Connor’s fuck, and he was my first top.”
Connor was horrified and yelled, “Jesus fucking Christ, Jack!” He turned around to face the railing in embarrassment.
Jack said, “Don’t worry, Carlos is gay too, he doesn’t give a shit about your sexuality, Con.” He patted his back and turned back to Carlos.
“You see that reaction my best friend just gave? That’s because we have literally never talked about it, not since Connor left to join the Marines at 18 and I just turned 17. And we did a lot of fucking and experimenting in the year and a half we were together, but then we decided to just be friends and that was that. We’ve never mentioned our previous relationship, ever, in almost 10 years. In fact I’ve never told Ethan, but I guess I should now, now that you know, right?” Jack smiled.
Carlos smiled too. He started again, “I just want to apologize again, man to man, for how I acted.”
Jack ignored him and said to Connor, “Carlos was Ethan’s first too. First fuck, first love, first everything. And now like us, they are best friends. But see the difference is, Carlos likes to touch and flirt with Ethan, bring up all the fucking they used to do, and on rare occasions, likes to try to kiss and stick his tongue down Ethan’s throat. You know, to try to break up any relationship he might have outside of him.”
He smiled and took a sip of his whiskey he was holding while Connor looked at Jack alarmed and turned back around to Carlos, face hardened. “I think I heard about that, Jack,” He said. “That’s a real fucked up friend. A selfish prick if you ask me.” He glared at Carlos.
“Right? I thought so too but…” Jack took another sip of his whiskey and looked at Carlos.
Carlos gave another small smile. “I’m really trying here. Can I talk to you in private, please?”
Connor turned to Jack and said, “No fucking way I’m leaving you alone with him.”
“That’s because you are a good best friend.” Jack said, patting him on the back again. “I’ll be fine, don’t worry. You can hang at the other end of the balcony if it would make you feel better. But nothing is going to happen, trust me.” Connor glared at Carlos as he walked past him, went to stand on the other side of the railing and crossed his arms, watching.
Carlos chuckled, then turned to Jack. “Listen man, I know you are still upset and you have every right to be. Ethan said you are ok with our friendship as long as we don’t touch. So you have nothing to worry about, I’m not going to touch Ethan in that way anymore. He’s a married man now, and I’m going to respect that. And I have respect for you too.”
Carlos smiled and reached his hand out to shake Jack’s, who didn’t take it. He put his glass on the railing and said, “I’m going to talk now and I want you to listen. And I need you to hear me because this is the most important and the only conversation you and I will ever have about Ethan. It’s a little long, I’ve been practicing it in my head for months, but you need to hear it, all of it.
“Ethan is amazing, intelligent, beautiful, loving, loyal, and he’s the strongest person I know in all areas. Except his heart. My husband is a fucking idiot when it comes to the people he loves. You already know this. And I know this because I hurt him when I left and he took me back way too easily. I realized then how fragile his heart is, and I vowed never to hurt him again, never to leave him, never to take advantage of how much he loves me. I give all of myself to him as freely as he gives it to me.
“Today I realize he’s also a financial genius and I asked him if he wanted to do more with that. He told me no, he wants this quiet life he has here with me and EJ. He’s happy here and he’s happy with me and it’s all he’s ever wanted. We have a great life here. But Ethan still loves you. Maybe not as deep as he loves me right now, but it’s just under the surface. And you know that too. That’s why you fuck with him, to see if it’s still there.
“And you and I both know if you push him hard enough, he will break. And I’m telling you now Carlos, I don’t care if it’s a year, 10 years, 20 or 30 years from now, if you push my husband and he breaks and ends up sleeping with you, I’m leaving him. And I’m not looking back. And I will leave you to pick up the pieces, because we both know it will destroy him.”
Carlos laughed a little. “Ethan would never cheat on you. He told me how in love he is with you, and I believe him.”
“Oh no, not right now, or any time soon,” Jack said. “I have his whole heart right now. But people eventually start having problems in their relationships. And there will be a time or two when we’ll be at a weak point and he’ll be vulnerable, and you’ll probably sense it. And in your weakness, you’ll be tempted to move in and make him fall for you all over again. I’m not competing with you Carlos. I’m-”
June came upstairs interrupted, “Jack! I’ve been lookin-”
Jack cut her off abruptly, “June go back downstairs, I’m talking.”
Her eyes narrowed looking from him to Carlos. She knew what had happened between them in February. “Jack…” she said warningly.
Jack snapped at her, “June! I need you to go downstairs, I’m talking right now. I will find you in a minute.”
June glanced at Connor who was leaning against the railing on the other side of the balcony, arms crossed. He motioned with his head for her to leave. She glared at him, then at Carlos and said to her brother, “OK Jack. I’m going.” But with her eyes she said to him, Don’t do anything stupid.
Jack continued. “Ethan could cheat on me with anybody else and I wouldn’t leave him. He could fuck 100 men and I will forgive him and still be here. He could suck 100 dicks and I would take him back every time. But not your dick, Carlos. Not you. If you push him and he touches your dick in any way, I’m gone.”
Carlos scoffed, “If you and Ethan start having problems and he cheats on you with me or whoever, that’s your problem, cabron. That doesn’t mean I made it happen.”
Jack took a step closer and said, “You and I both know you’re the only other person on this earth besides me that Ethan would willingly sleep with. You’re the one person whose love he always wanted and you refused to give it to him. I don’t know why and frankly I don’t give a shit. I just know that if he turns to you, I’m not staying around for it. I don’t care if we have a house, kids, retirement plans, I’m walking away from it all.
“So unless you’re planning on stepping into my shoes, being the faithful husband to him, dutiful father to EJ, live in this podunk town and take my place, don’t ruin his life. Don’t fuck with his heart anymore. If you really love him, if you really care about him like a friend, you’ll want him to be happy. This makes him happy. I make him happy. Let him be happy. And leave his fragile heart the fuck alone.”
Carlos was thoughtful. “So if Ethan ends up with me in any way, you’re gonna break your own heart and leave him? I don’t buy it.”
“That’s because you don’t understand what love is.” Jack said simply. “If it’s you he really wants, and it will make him happy, I’ll leave so he can be happy. That’s how much I love him. Ethan deserves to be happy, even if it’s not with me.”
Carlos smirked a little, started to say, “Jack, man-”
But Jack got in his face, nose to nose and said dangerously, “Don’t say anything smart or witty or funny, I’m not fucking around here, ‘Los!” He spat out Carlos’s name. “My only options are to walk away or kill you. And if that time comes you better pray to God I walk away. Because that’s the only thing that will save you from me.”
They glared at each other, Carlos trying to figure out how serious he is while Jack was trying to impress upon him how deadly serious he is. They heard footsteps and turned to see Ethan rushing up the stairs.
Jack stepped back and smiled at Ethan. “Hey, babe.”
Ethan gave him a The fuck are you doing? look and smiled as well, saying, “Hey Jack, Carlos, what are you two doing?” He glanced at Connor who still had his arms crossed watching them, then back at his friend and husband.
“Just talking.” Jack said. He slid his arm around Ethan’s back.
“Yea, what about?” Ethan said, still smiling.
“You of course. How much we both love you and want you to be happy.” Jack said innocently.
Carlos said, “Yea, Jack was just telling me how he would do anything to keep you happy.”
Jack turned to Carlos and said seriously, “Anything. You better believe that.” He glared at him then turned back to Ethan, rubbing his back.
“Yea? Well I’m glad I married you then,” Ethan said, and kissed him on the lips.
“I’m going to go find Jorge.” Carlos said. He looked at Jack but Jack wouldn’t look at him again and kept his eyes on Ethan, so he went downstairs.
Ethan smiled and asked sweetly, “What the fuck did you say?”
“I just told him how I felt. And I think he heard me this time.” Jack said.
Connor came over and asked, “You good, Jack?”
“Yea, I’m good. Thanks for having my back. Best friend.” They smiled at each other.
“Ok now I really want to know what went down.” Ethan said looking between at the two of them again.
Connor changed the subject. “Ethan I want to tell you something.” He took a deep breath and said in one breath. “Amgay.” Then his eyes went wide and held his breath, looking terrified.
Ethan’s eyes went wide as well but he hid his surprise behind a smile and said, “Well that’s good to know, so am I. Have you met my husband Jack?” Connor exhaled and busted out laughing, and so did Jack.
“So you and Afia…no?” Ethan asked incredulously.
Connor said, “No. She’s been my cover story for years.”
“Well it’s a damn good one, I believed it. You guys kiss and everything.” Ethan said.
“I know. She likes kissing me, she said I’m a good kisser.” Connor said.
“Wow. As much as everyone is in everyone’s business, the gays in this town sure like to do their business quietly.” They laughed. Jack reached up and brushed a brown strain of hair out of his face and they both looked at each other and smiled.
“You ok if I head out?” Connor asked. “I would like to go see my boyfriend. He lives about 10 minutes from here.”
Ethan said, “Of course. Thanks for coming out. I mean, coming to our wedding and reception!” He went red as Jack and Connor laughed.
Connor reached over and gave Ethan a hug. “Jack is lucky to have you. Take care of him for us.”
Ethan hugged him back, “No question.”
Connor went downstairs and left Ethan and Jack alone. Jack asked, “So June told you to come get me didn’t she?”
Ethan nodded. “She said you had murder in your eyes, and she’s seen that look before.”
Jack rolled his eyes. “The killer jokes are starting to get old.”
Ethan laughed and kissed the side of his head. Then said, “Sooooo…one of your best friends is gay?”
Jack said, “Yup.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Ethan asked.
“Because it’s not my secret to tell. But he wants to come out now, so you were his test run.”
Ethan smiled. “Ooooor… he’s one of the someones in this town that you’ve fucked or that fucked you, that I look in their face every day?”
Jack looked up at the clear night sky and said, “Do you really want to know?”
“Nope.” Ethan said, pulling him closer and Jack laughed.
They kissed softly, letting their tongues find each other and play together, then Jack pulled away first. He went over and closed the balcony door, then said, “Have you ever had a blow job on an outside balcony babe?” He walked to Ethan and started unbuttoning his freshly laundered clothes.
Ethan smiled, “I can’t say that I’ve had.” Then he reminded him, “You do know that door doesn’t lock from the outside. So anyone can walk up here. Also, I’m pretty sure that anyone can see us up here, we’re not that high up. And-”
But Ethan was cut short by Jack’s warm wet mouth engulfing his entire dick in one motion. “Holy shit.” He moaned. Jack pulled back to the head of Ethan’s cock, then pushed it all the way to the back of his throat again until his lips touched Ethan’s groin hair. He did it again and again, slowly, repeatedly, intentionally, wanting to feel Ethan’s dick that started out completely soft grow in his mouth. And it responded favorably, lengthening, tightening on top of his tongue.
Ethan closed his eyes and heard the sounds of Providence while holding onto Jack’s head, not to guide him at all, but to steady himself against the railing which pressed hard against his back. Jack held the base of Ethan’s cock and pulled all the way off so he could lick him for a bit. He circled Ethan’s head with his tongue using the tip to trace the underside of his mushroom head. Ethan was moaning now, calling his name in between breaths, confessing his love over and over again.
“Jack… love you… love you Jack … Jack.. Jackie… my Jackie… Love you… so much… my Jackie… Jackie Bear… love you…”
Jack traced the length of him all around before he guided Ethan into his mouth again. He reached around and held onto Ethan’s ass cheeks and pushed him into his mouth with more speed. Ethan got the message and began to face fuck him, gently at first, and then faster. Ethan let his inhibitions go and started moaning louder, pushing Jack’s face against his pelvic bone harder until his orgasm rose. Jack felt it and pulled back just so the head of Ethan was in his mouth and filled his cheeks up with Ethan’s salty Irish cream as Ethan almost fell over.
Jack closed up Ethan’s pants before he stood up and faced him. He smiled with his mouth closed. Ethan laughed. “You’re either going to have to swallow it or spit it out.”
Jack continued to smile. Ethan shook his head and pulled his face closer. He kissed Jack on his closed lips twice, then Jack opened his mouth and Ethan closed his mouth over his, drinking in his own essence and sucking on Jack’s tongue. They kissed as passionately as they began. Then Jack reached up and held his neck putting his face on his shoulder and Ethan reached around his back. They were quiet for a long moment.
Then Jack said, “This has been the best 24 hours of my life. I don’t think this day could get any better.” Ethan just smiled and didn’t respond.
At 10p they all gathered in the back room for the unveiling. A black curtain was draped across the wall and the curator stood to the side of it. He said, “This piece was done by our own Ethan Starling, to honor his husband. It will remain here, unsold, for as long as they desire it to be here and when they decide to take it home. It is called, Redmond.”
He pulled the curtain and the room gasped and wow’d, then got quiet. Jack’s mouth was a small o and he slowly started walking to it. It was a 5 foot rectangular canvas. At first glance it appeared to be Jack in two different scenes, walking as if he was caught in a photo mid-step, wearing a white t-shirt and blue jeans, white sneakers. He was neither sad nor happy, just contently walking with his hands in both pockets. Square jawed, black hair going any which way, slight indentation of his dimples, collar bone pronounced, along with the definition of his biceps. It was so lifelike, he could have been walking right off the canvas in the Gallery.
On the left side of him was clearly the outside of the Inn, his left foot half on the sidewalk, the buildings on that side of the street visible. On the other side however, his foot was a dirt path in a grassy lane, green hills rolling behind him. On the left side which appeared to be Rockville, Jack’s left eye was a sparkling green, and the sky was lighter orange and red colors like a sunrise was happening. On Jack’s right side, a grassy lane somewhere, his eye was brown and the sky appeared darker oranges and pink colors, like a sunset.
Jack reached out to touch it on the right side, his hand trembling, but couldn’t bring himself to do it. He stepped back and stood there, stunned by what he was seeing. June saw it too, and came over and stood next to him with tears in her eyes. She held his hand.
She whispered, “It’s you. And dad.” He nodded, the lump in his throat making it hard to talk.
Henrietta came and stood next to Jack, and held his other hand. She looked over and asked in a whisper, “Uncle Jamie too?” They both nodded. “Wow,” she said softly.
Mina came to stand on the other side of June to hold her hand. “I see it too.” And the four of them stood holding hands, staring at the Redmond of the past and the Redmond of the present.
Slowly people started coming around, admiring the painting they believed to only be of Jack, shaking hands with Ethan and congratulating him on such a captivating piece, while he stood on the far back wall and kept one eye on Jack, who could not take his eyes off the canvas. After about 15 minutes, Brayden came to take Henrietta away, then Mina left them.
Liam came to stand with them and asked, “Does Jack’s eye look brown on the right side?” Making them laugh. “What?” Liam said. “What did I miss?” He asked seriously which only made them laugh more.
His father Henry came around and said, “He surely captured the Redmonds didn’t he?” He squeezed Jack’s shoulders.
After 30 minutes of standing there June said, “Liam, take me home.” He took her hand and they went, leaving Jack on his own, seeing his father in him. He sat down cross legged in front of the picture.
Carlos came to stand next to Ethan. He said, “Soooo. Jack.”
Ethan smiled. “Yup. Jack.”
Carlos let a moment pass, then said, “Question though. How fucked up is he? Like, is he dangerous or some shit?”
Ethan chuckled. “What did he say to you?”
“Nothing I wouldn’t have said if I was in his shoes. I just want to know how serious I should take him.” Carlos said.
Ethan said with a straight face, “Take him seriously. If he sounded dangerous to you, then he will be.”
Carlos’s eyes went wide. “Are…are you safe with him?”
“Always,” Ethan said automatically. “He’ll do anything to protect his family. Anything. And we’re family.” Ethan turned away and looked at Jack’s hair from the back. He said, “Don’t test him Carlos. I told you not to and you did anyway. Don’t test him again. Because if Jack says he’s going to do something, his word is bond.”
Carlos watched Jack for a moment too, then exhaled. “Okay. I hear you.” Then he said, “He really loves you man. Not everyone gets a great love in their lifetime, and he is yours.”
Ethan looked at him surprised. “I know this. But I’m surprised you’re the one saying this to me. I thought you would say you were my great love.”
Carlos said, “No, you’re my great love, mi amor. But I’m not your great love. He is.”
Ethan smiled again and looked back at Jack sitting down in the middle of the Gallery. “Yea, he is,” he said softly.
When Jack was ready he stood up and turned around, knowing Ethan was somewhere directly behind him. Ethan was still leaning against the back wall talking with AJ, and he immediately straightened up seeing Jack turn around looking for him. Jack started walking toward him and he said, “AJ, we’ll talk later,” and met him halfway, his arms open. Jack leaned his body against Ethan’s shoulder and buried his face in his neck, hands at his side at first as Ethan held him.
After a bit he wrapped his hands around Ethan’s back and whispered, “Thank you. I really, really love you.”
Ethan said, “And I love you. More than you’ll ever know.” He squeezed him tighter.
~~~~
They stayed at the Marriott for the rest of weekend enjoying couples massages, exfoliating mud baths and candlelight dinners before heading to the cabin on Sunday that Ethan bought in Island Falls, Maine overlooking the lake. They immediately gravitated toward one of the bedrooms and stayed in bed from Sunday evening until Tuesday afternoon taking turns entering and making love to each other every couple of hours with not much sleep or eating in between.
After lunch on Tuesday Jack said, “Not that I mind but maybe we should see the light of day at some point?”
Ethan laughed and said, “Ok, let’s go out.” They went hiking the rest of the afternoon and then to the lake where Jack taught Ethan how to fish, something he had never done before. That night they got out of bed around midnight and ventured into the night for the first time for skinny dipping in the lake, Jack’s idea, and ended up kissing and grinding together until they came together, Ethan’s idea.
On Wednesday morning they agreed together to give the soreness of their bodies a break, and to spend quality time together, something they rarely get to do with the hustle and bustle of work and being parents. But by Wednesday night Ethan had other plans. They were on the couch together watching a movie but Ethan was paying more attention to touching Jack. He was laying on Jack’s bare chest, rubbing and kissing him every so often from his nipples down to the V part of his groin.
“hmmm… you’re going to start something again.” Jack said, rubbing on Ethan’s bare back.
“Maybe I want to,” he said. “Maybe I want to make you cum over and over again.”
“Isn’t that what we’ve been doing?” Jack asked, amused.
Ethan leaned up and looked at him. “Not the way I’m thinking of doing it.”
He slowly moved off the couch pulling Jack’s leg with him. He leaned up and kissed Jack’s neck, then down his body, taking his pajama pants down. He watched Ethan get on his knees in front of the couch between his legs and stretch them as far apart as they would go. Ethan took Jack’s cock and closed his eyes as he rubbed it all over his face, as if he was enamored with it. Then he put Jack in his mouth and sucked slowly but firmly.
Jack ran his fingers through Ethan’s hair as he ran his tongue all around his dick from the inside of his mouth with intention, and moaned softly. He began to deep throat his husband over and over again until Jack was close, then he slowly came off Jack’s penis to reach into his pajama pants pocket and pulled out a small bottle of lubricant and a ribbed vibrator.
Jack laughed. “Where the fuck have you been keeping that thing for the last four days?”
Ethan did not answer, just smiled at him. He put a few drops on Jack’s penis and a generous amount on his hands, then he pulled Jack’s body closer to the edge of the couch by his thighs with his other hand.
He took Jack’s dick in one hand and inserted two fingers into Jack slowly at first, making Jack moan that moan Ethan loves so much, “hooooooooooo!” He found Jack’s most sensitive spot and began to stroke him with his fingers while jerking him off with an average speed for both. Jack closed his eyes and moaned loudly as Ethan brought him to orgasmic euphoria and Jack came in all over himself.
Ethan leaned down and kissed Jack’s hairy hole first, then added lube to the toy. He slowly inserted it into Jack’s rectum watching his face screw up. Jack moaned, “You know I would rather you inside me.”
“I know.” Ethan said. “But my dick doesn’t do this.” He turned the knob to the pulse vibration and Jack’s back arched and his bottom half lifted off the couch as he yelled loudly, “hoooooooooooly shit!” Cum shot out of Jack’s penis hitting him on his chin making Ethan snort a laugh as he turned it off. Jack’s body came crashing down on the couch.
Jack was panting and Ethan continued to dart in and out of Jack’s hole with the vibrator at an average pace. “I thought… we… weren’t… fucking… shit Ethan.”
“We’re not fucking. I’m just going to keep milking you, watching you cum for a while.” Ethan said seductively. Jack’s eyes went wide as Ethan continued to move the vibrator in and out of him. “I’m playing a game called musical sweet spot. When I turn it on, you cum for me. Got it?” He said seriously.
“You’re fucking crazy.” Jack said and laughed.
Ethan smiled, “Close your eyes, babe.”
Jack did and Ethan spent the next hour moving the vibrator in and out, twisting it around for maximum pleasure as Jack moaned, every so often stroking his dick to keep it hard, as Ethan would periodically turn it on at different speeds and pulses, making Jack continuously leak and spontaneously shoot out cum.
After Jack’s fourth orgasm, Ethan’s own hard dick couldn’t take it anymore. He removed the vibrator completely from Jack, lubed up his own penis and replaced the vibrator with his own tool, thrusting down in one smooth motion in Jack’s highly sensitive hole. Jack instinctively wrapped his legs around Ethan digging his heels into the small of his back and his arms quickly followed.
They made love again slowly and intentionally until Ethan felt the build up in his entire groin area. He pulled out and came on Jack’s chest instead of inside of him to Jack’s disappointment.
“hmmmm…why did you do that?” he moaned.
Ethan did not answer, instead moved down and leaned over him, started at his belly button. He used his tongue to lick his and Jack’s cum together off his chest, keeping it in his mouth until he made it up to Jack’s lips where he was ready. As Ethan opened his mouth Jack put his tongue inside and they kissed, moving around the salty sweetness of their combined Irish creams until it dissolved between them. Then Jack adjusted to lay on his side on the couch and Ethan laid in front of him.
They stared into each other’s eyes not knowing who fell asleep first, naked on the couch with their soft groins against one another, holding onto each other.
~~~
Ethan and Jack slept most of the day on Thursday to really give their bodies a rest and got home around 10p that night after EJ fell asleep. Their mothers, Suzanne and Marie had temporarily moved into their apartment and took turns watching EJ and getting him to and from preschool that he started attending last week.
EJ was excited to see Ethan and Jack when he woke up on Friday morning and refused to go to school. So they kept him home with them, played all the games he wanted to play, watch all the movies he wanted to watch and cooked him all his favorite meals. He fell asleep early due to exhaustion, which was fine by them. Ethan went to bed early as well, leaving Jack to clean up the apartment before heading to bed.
Just as he was falling asleep next to Ethan the bedroom door opened and EJ came in crawling in the bed between them. Jack sat up, “You know, you’ll be 5 real soon and too big to be doing this,” he told him.
EJ kneeled on the bed and said, “Can I lay with you pleeeeeeease? Just for right now.”
Jack chuckled softly, not to wake Ethan. “Sure, bud.” EJ happily crawled into bed and Jack snuggled him in between them.
After a few moments EJ said, “Jack?”
“hmmm?”
“Are you my dad now?” EJ asked.
Jack sat up a little to look down at him. “Well. You already have a dad, a great one. And I could never take his place. But if you want, I can be like a dad to you too. If you want.”
“OK.” EJ was quiet for a moment, then said, “But can I call you dad too?”
“You can call me whatever you want: Jack. Dad. Papa. Pops. Father. Just don’t say, hey you!” He poked his side and EJ giggled that infectious laugh he’s always had. Then he was quiet again, thoughtful.
He spoke again, “I’m going to call you…Papa.”
Jack felt his heart burst. “Yea. I like that. I can be your Papa.”
EJ turned on his side to face Jack. “Goodnight Papa.”
Jack said softly, “Good night, son.”
EJ was asleep in moments, leaving Jack to feel all his feelings of happiness alone.