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I look down at my nephew in amazement when he asks if I will take him to the football game this Friday evening. I had no idea he enjoyed any sports other than in-line skating and ice skating, along with water skiing and sailing whenever he got a chance.

"Why? I didn't know you were a fan of football."

"I'm not, but I have a new friend who plays and he wants me to see him in a game."

I hate football and most other team sports, but I try to spend as much time with Eddie as possible. I inherited the kid two weeks ago for nine months or more while his parents are abroad. Ed has an excellent job with a European based computer firm and since he will be traveling and Eddie refused to attend boarding school, I've taken him in.

None of our family is tall, but I wonder if Eddie will ever start growing. He's sixteen and just a couple of inches over five feet tall. Tiny boned, he's best described as petite, so to find clothing he has to go to the kid's departments which he hates, but he's so cute it's unbelievable. He's never been a talker, but those gray eyes are in constant motion, never missing a thing. In my mind I call him Squirrel Nutkin, from a book I loved as a child. Somehow it seems to fit Eddie. He seldom smiles unless someone says something amusing to him, and says even less. He's so quiet and content to read or play computer games that there are times I even forget he's around.

"Is it a home game?"

He nods.

"Okay, if you want to. We'll have to eat early, so don't be late for dinner."

His tiny face lights up, which is his way of saying thanks.

When we reach the ball field of the high school he attends and I once attended, I find the game is with our old arch-rival. We're early enough to find excellent seats on the fifty-yard line. Eddie sits in expressionless anticipation until the home team runs out on the field, then he's up and screaming, "Go, Big Mike!"

"Which one is your friend?" I ask.

He points to the team. "Thirteen. Mike says it's his lucky number."

I know the padding and so forth make even small guys look far larger, but when I pick out thirteen I can't believe what I'm seeing - the guy's a giant! I shake my head; this can't possibly be Eddie's hero.

Not knowing the first thing about football, I can't say more than it's a game, but watching thirteen is like watching a bulldozer plowing down the field scattering the opposition like so many toys. At half time, the team comes to the bench not far below us, I can see Mike is double the size of any of the others.

"Way to go, Mike!" Eddie yells at him.

When he turns and gives Eddie a thumbs-up, I can see his face clearly. Definitely not handsome or even attractive with the three pointed set of coal black chin whiskers he's cultivated. Only the smile saves him from being almost sinister looking, not a man I'd want to meet on the street on a dark night.

"That's your friend?"

"Yeah. Mike's cool; he says I'm his good luck guy," he adds proudly.

The band is off the field and the second half about to begin when Mike points to Eddie and yells, "Wait for me," before he runs on field.

"Can we, Tim?" He asks.

"If you want. How old is Mike anyway?"

"Seventeen. He's a senior."

"How did you come to know him?" I'm really curious over the incongruity of a friendship between a huge guy like Mike and one so tiny as Eddie.

"I'll tell you later," Eddie says, his attention riveted on Mike and the play in progress.

To cut to the chase, it wasn't really a game with Mike playing. We send our rivals of the field at the end with a 27/0 score. Not surprising considering Mike's size and skill.

Eddie drags me down to the locker room entrance to wait for Mike. The team is in high spirits and several players push through the door at once. One of them pushes Eddie into me roughly. "Out of the way runt."

Suddenly he's stiff-armed against the wall, Mike glowering down at him. "What did I tell you about that shit?" He demands.

The other boy gulps. "I ... I didn't mean nothing by it, Mike."

"Do that again and you're dead meat," Mike snarls, then drops his arm, spinning around and pulling Eddie in a hug. "Glad you came li'l buddy. How was it?"

"You're awesome, Mike. This is my Uncle Tim. I'm living with him while my dad's in Europe."

Mike extends an arm bulging with muscles and almost crushes my hand. "Good to meet you, sir."

That's when I notice Mike has no left arm. From the way his short sleeve hangs I'd guess he has perhaps a two-inch nub. "Nice to meet you, Mike. You're quite a team all by yourself."

He grins. "Naa. Just big."

"You are that. Mind saying?"

"Six, eight and two-eighty."

"Can we take Mike for a pizza?" Eddie asks.

"Sure. Okay with you, Mike?"

"Thanks. Eddie said he'd buy me one if we won the game."

I reach over and smack Eddie lightly on the back of the head. "Set me up, didn't you?"

He grins. "Yeah. Let's go."

When Mike drapes that big arm around Eddie's shoulders, I'm almost afraid Eddie will stumble under the weight of it, but he puts his left arm as far around Mike's waist as it will reach, and they walk along happily. Eddie obviously worshiping him.

Mike gets in the front passenger seat of my Jeep after pushing the seat back as far as it will go. I see Eddie start to climb in and sit on his lap. "No way, Eddie. Back seat."

"Aw, Tim ..."

"No argument, and put on your seat belt." As an emergency room nurse I've seen the results of too many accidents.

When Mike turns and looks at him without saying anything, Eddie complies immediately, saying, "But I wanted to."

"Your uncle is right, buddy. If we was to hit anything I'd flatten you against the dash like a June bug."

"Oh."

"Gino's okay with you, Mike?" I ask.

"Super. I don't get one of theirs often, the other guys like Pizza Hut."

It's late enough that we get a table immediately. I order one for Eddie and me to split, and tell Mike to order what he wants. He orders an extra large with everything and asks a beer.

"What's your coach going to say?" I ask.

"Nothing, no practice until Monday. The other guys are having a beer bust tonight."

Big as he is, the waitress doesn't question his age. Mike grins at me after the waitress has gone. "You're a good guy, sir, just like Eddie said."

Like the guy in the old seltzer commercial, I can't believe Mike eats the whole thing. His pizza looked big enough to serve three hungry people, while Eddie and I barely finished a medium.

"Oh, man, I needed that," Mike says. "It was great."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it."

When I stop in front of a small house Mike directs me to, Eddie gets out when Mike does to take the front seat. Mike's arm goes around Eddie and lifts him so they look into each other's eyes.

"Tomorrow?" Mike asks.

Eddie smiles. "Yeah." Then he looks at me. "Mike's coming over tomorrow so I can help him with his computer homework. That okay, Tim?"

"Sure. I'll be working the early shift. I'll leave you some money if you want to go out for lunch."

"Cool!" Eddie says.

The light is so dim I can't tell for sure, but I'd swear Mike kisses Eddie before he sets him back down and walks toward his house.

Eddie is beaming when he gets in beside me. "Isn't Mike awesome?"

"He certainly is. How did you meet him? I mean it's a little unusual considering he'd more likely be hanging out with his friends from the team."

"He's in my computer class. My old computer has a programmable keyboard I don't like so when I saw he was having trouble with some of the key combinations, I gave it to him and showed him how to set it up so he only has to use one key instead."

"That was nice, but why do you really like him so much?"

Eddie looks down at the floor and doesn't answer.

"Eddie, I don't mind you being friends with Mike if he's really your friend, but I would like to know why you like him."

"I ... I wasn't gonna tell you, but some of the bigger guys started picking on me at school. Mike picked me up like he did just now and told 'em they'd have to go through him first. They've left me alone ever since." He looks at me. "Mike's a really nice guy, Tim; he just looks mean because he's so big. Some of 'em call him names behind his back." He looks back down at the floor again. "You know that time I came home and told you I fell down?"

"So?"

"One of the guys called Mike King Kong so I hit him and he hit me back."

I put my arm around Eddie. "Why didn't you tell me the truth?"

"I was scared cause I know you don't like fightin'."

"I told you not to start fights, especially with guys bigger than you, but I'm glad you stood up for your friend. I'm surprised you didn't get more than a black eye and some scraped knuckles."

"A teacher broke it up. He blamed the other guy for picking on a little one."

I chuckle. "That's one time being small is an advantage, wasn't it?"

He gives me a little smile. "Yeah. Wish I was big as Mike, though."

"Please, not that big. I'll bet he has a harder time finding clothes to fit than you do."

"He told me he did."

When we're home, Eddie goes to do his homework while I read the paper. On my way to bed I open the door to Eddie's room. "I'll be gone before you get up. I'll leave some money on the kitchen table so you and Mike can get some lunch. Just don't destroy the place, okay?"

"'Kay, Tim."

"And don't stay up too late."

After the emergency room doctor and I set a simple arm fracture for a kid who fell off his bike, we're washing up when the doctor says, "Was that you I saw at the game last night?"

"My nephew is staying with me for a while. He wanted to go."

"Wasn't much of a game. Thirteen wiped the place up."

"He did that."

"Was that him with you at Gino's after?"

I grin. "Eddie roped me into that. He told Mike he'd buy him a pizza if we won."

The doctor looks at me, surprise written all over his face. "That little kid is your nephew? How'd he get to know Mike?"

"They have a computer class together. He showed Mike how to program a keyboard so he wouldn't have trouble with the multiple keystroke commands."

The doctor's mouth drops open. "Eddie's in high school?"

"He's sixteen, though he doesn't look it."

"Damn, I'd have never believed it. Cute little kid. Nice of him to help Mike out. Shame about his arm."

"You know him?"

The doctor shakes his head. "His mother works for my lawyer and he has nothing but praise for her. He told me Mike was just ten when they took his arm, and his father walked out on them soon after. They had a hard time for a while because his mother went back to school part-time to become a paralegal. I don't know her, but if that kid is as smart and determined as her, he'll be okay."

"Thanks for telling me. Mike and Eddie are doing their homework together this morning. Eddie seems to like him a lot."

"Don't let his size put you off. I've seen a few big as him and they were some of the most gentle men I've ever seen."

"Eddie was getting picked on because he's so small and Mike apparently ended it."

"That's what I mean. I hope the rest of the day is this quiet. Let's go grab some lunch."

My shift ends at three and I'm glad to get home to relax with a drink before I start fixing dinner. There's an old Chevy in my driveway. Wondering, I pull in behind it and enter quietly to see Eddie sitting on Mike's lap, Mike's arm around him. Mike breaks their kiss and looks up, his face turning red. "Uh oh."

Eddie looks at me with a tiny smile.

Mike starts to push Eddie off his lap, but I shake my head and sit down to recover from my surprise. "Sorry I surprised you," I say.

"We ... ah... ," Mike stammers.

"Did you get your homework done?"

Mike's blush fades. "Ah ... yes, sir. Eddie's sharper than our teacher, he's sure helped me a lot. I wouldn't be able to do half of it without that programmable keyboard he gave me."

"I'm glad he could help you." I look him straight in the eyes. "I want the truth, Mike. Do you really like Eddie or are you just playing around with him because he can help you? I'm not about to let him be hurt."

Mike looks at Eddie who nods, then back to me. "I guess it does look funny, the two of us together, but I really like Eddie. I wasn't very nice to him at first, but he started to help me in class without asking any questions and all, and it finally got through to me he's a great little guy. I don't have many friends cause most are scared of me, but he wasn't." He puts his arm around Eddie again and Eddie snuggles against him. Mike looks almost tearful. "I guess you'll throw me out now, but I've liked boys ever since I can remember."

"You're gay?"

Mike flinches at the word and drops his head. "Yeah. Don't tell nobody. I'm not out."

"Eddie?" I ask.

He looks at me almost defiantly. "Me, too. Mike's wonderful."

Mike starts to get up again, but Eddie hangs on so tightly he can't.

"Stay put, Mike. I guess Eddie has told you I'm a nurse in the emergency room. Your being gay doesn't bother me, but I want you guys to be damned careful. You're big enough to hold your own, Mike, but Eddie isn't, and I won't have him subjected to what will happen at school if the word gets out."

"It won't! Nobody'd better mess with my baby."

"I can see you want to protect him, Mike, but how do you get away with Eddie hanging around with you at school?"

He grins. "They know Eddie helps me in class, so I told 'em he's my good luck guy. They know I can take them even with one arm, so they don't give me any shit, and they ain't gonna give my Eddie any either." He looks at Eddie. "You better tell me if it happens, love."

Eddie smiles.

"As long as you feel that way, Mike, you're welcome. What you guys do on your own is your business, but do it here where it's private. I know sex comes natural to guys your age and while I'd rather you wouldn't, I know you will. I just ask you to be safe. I'll get whatever you need, if you'll tell me."

This time Mike does get up, Eddie clinging to him. He comes over and grabs my hand. "Eddie said you were cool, but I ain't believing you. You're the best."

"So are you, Mike. I'm glad Eddie has found a friend like you. Will you stay for dinner?"

"Wish I could, but mom's expecting me home." He leans down and kisses Eddie. "Gotta go, love. See you in school."

"Don't forget your books." Eddie runs to his room and returns carrying a worn backpack.

I move my car so Mike can get out. He smiles at me before driving away. The minute I'm back in the house, Eddie hugs me. "Thanks, Tim."

"No problem. You really like Mike, don't you?"

"Yeah." Eddie blushes. "He lets me rub his stump. It's beautiful."

"I'm surprised."

"He don't let anybody else touch it, but he says it feels good when I do. I wish I had an awesome bod like his."

"Is there an exercise room at school?"

He nods.

"Then ask Mike if he'll help you work out. If he has to bring you home after, I'll buy him some gas."

"'Kay."

The boys become inseparable. I find Mike at the house nearly every day, and I get dragged to every home game and those nearby. Mike always saves us seats just behind the bench and has gotten in the habit of running his fingers through Eddie's short hair before he goes on field. The first few times, the other players laugh, but Mike tells them it's for luck. Maybe so, maybe not, but thus far the team is unbeaten, even by larger schools. The teasing stops and the others adopt Eddie as their mascot, getting him pants and a team jersey that fit, and having him sit on the end of the bench with them at every game. On those occasions I work an evening shift Mike picks him up and takes him, so I happily quit going. After Mike asks and the coach encourages it, I give my permission for Eddie to ride the bus with the team for out of town games. Mike also starts Eddie weight lifting, and he begins to develop some muscle.

I get a letter from my brother saying he's pleased with the rise in Eddie's grades, and that he's made se friends. I can't help wonder what he'd say if he saw Mike cuddling Eddie, for they all but ignore me when they're together. I sometimes see Eddie slip his hand up Mike's empty sleeve and rub his stump. Mike always purrs softly and responds with a kiss.

With exams coming up, the boys spend a lot of time after Thanksgiving studying. I'm amazed to see Eddie helping Mike with his other course work. When I get home the last day of school before Christmas break, both are waiting for me with big smiles.

"Look, Tim, I got straight A's! So did Mike."

"I'm proud of you guys. All that study paid off."

"Sure did. My mom's gonna be over the moon when I tell her. It's my first time." Mike hugs Eddie. "It's all because of this guy, too. Damn, I love him."

"You haven't told her yet?" I ask.

"She's out of town until Sunday."

"Do you know how to reach her?"

He nods. "But she don't want me to run up our phone bill."

I point to my phone. "Then give her a call, it'll make her day. She's going to be proud of you, Mike."

"Can I really?"

"Sure."

After pulling a slip of paper from his billfold, he grabs the phone and punches in the numbers. He all but yells the news at her in his excitement. Watching him, I realize that because of his size I constantly forget he's still a kid like Eddie.

"Oh, thanks, man," he says after he hangs up. "She couldn't believe it. She wants to meet you sometime."

"I'd be pleased, Mike. Your mother works hard and deserves to see you happy."

"Yeah, Mom's great." He grabs Eddie. "So's this guy."

"Since you're going to be alone, why don't you stay over with Eddie? I'll take you guys out to dinner to celebrate."

"Thanks, man."

Knowing how Mike can eat, I take them to a restaurant noted for large portions and reasonable prices. We all order steaks. Eddie doesn't hesitate to pull Mike's plate over and cut his steak for him.

For some reason the lights in the parking lot are out when we leave. We're making our way to my car in the dark when a punk jumps in front of us waving a pistol and demanding money. It strikes me he's high because of his lack of coordination. Mike suddenly pivots and kicks the gun out of his hand, then grabs his arm so fast I hear the bone snap before the kid screams. I push Mike aside to help, but the kid's running.

"Li'l bastard," Mike snarls and starts to pick up the pistol.

"Don't touch it, Mike. Eddie, go back inside and call the cops."

Mike's still shaking with anger, so I put my arm around him. "That was extremely brave of you, Mike. That kid was high; he could have done most anything."

Mike's arm goes around me and squeezes until I think my ribs might crack. "Nobody's gonna fuck my friends over."

A cop car squeals to a halt beside us. "You people all right?" The cop asks.

"Fine now." I point to the ground. "There's the pistol he had. We haven't touched it."

"Good." He puts a ballpoint pen in the barrel and drops it into a plastic bag. He puts it in the car and comes back with a clipboard, just as the lights come back on and Eddie joins us.

I recognize the cop as having brought people into emergency from time to time.

"Damn, I didn't know it was you, doc. Can you tell me exactly what happened?"

I do as best I can remember, for it happened so fast. "Oh, and you'll be looking for a kid with a broken arm. Mike broke it."

The cop looks at Mike, his jaw drops. "Damn, guy, you did all that with one arm?"

"Yeah. He was fucking with friends of mine."

"Let me put a call in, then you can go home. Wish you had a better description of him, but I expect he'll be looking for a doctor before long."

As soon as the cop turns his back, Eddie jumps on Mike and kisses him. "You're wonderful, Mike."

Mike grins. "You're pretty wonderful yourself."

The cop gives me an 'all clear' so I say, "Let's go home and relax guys."

"Yeah, man, I'm ready," Mike growls. "I could sure use a beer."

"Weren't you scared, Mike?" Eddie asks after we're home and Mike has a beer in his hand.

"I am now, but it was all so fast I didn't think."

"That was brave of you, Mike. I see freaked out guys like that in the emergency room and they're unpredictable."

"Hell, I didn't even think. I just knew he weren't gonna hurt my li'l buddy here. How come you ain't a real doctor, Tim?"

"I couldn't afford medical school, but I could study nursing at the college here."

"You could have made a lot more money."

"Yes, but male nurses are so few we're paid better than most."

"Oh. I bet you're good. Wish you'd been there when they cut my arm off."

"You wouldn't have known me then, but I know you got good care, and I'd have been completely professional. Now that I know you, I might cut you some slack if you ever go back. But I hope you don't have to."

He grins. "Ain't planning to."

"Good. I'm on tomorrow, so you guys sleep in and do what you want. I'll see you after I get off." I hand Eddie some money. "I'm sorry we didn't have a quiet evening, so you guys go out for lunch tomorrow and enjoy it."

When I get home the next afternoon, a grinning Eddie is sitting on Mike's lap; Mike's scowling. "What's up?" I ask.

"Mike's picture is going to be in the paper tomorrow," Eddie says.

It dawns on me that it has to be about the attempted robbery. "They send a reporter around?"

"Yeah," Mike growls. "No big deal. Don't know why they want to put it in the paper."

I can't resist teasing him a little. "It's about time they found a hero to print something good about."

"Shit. Now my mom's gonna find out."

"She should know what a fine son she has."

"Naa. She'll get all worried and it's over."

"I expect she will, but she'll be proud of you for all the surprises, your grades and your bravery."

"Just can it, huh?"

I give him a hug. "Okay, but I'm proud of you too." Secretly, I'm delighted I was at work and escaped the reporter.

I'm up before the boys, fix a cup of coffee, and grab the Sunday paper. It's a front-page story and the photographer has gotten a great picture of Mike with his fingers in Eddie's hair. The article is laudatory almost to the point of sensationalism, mentioning Mike's extraordinary football playing as well as his act of bravery. I'm amused to see him quoted: 'He couldn't of hurt me cause I had my lucky guy along.' He goes on to say Eddie is his good luck charm and makes his life the best it's ever been. I hope nobody realizes how close Mike's come to outing himself with the statement, but I plan to buy several copies of the paper and send one to Eddie's dad. I'll also try to get a copy of the picture from the photographer.

When I hear them in the bathroom, I start breakfast, laying the paper by Mike's chair. I can already imagine his reaction. I'm not disappointed when he sits down and looks at the picture. "Aw, Shit!" He yells.

"What?" I ask.

"Why'd they have to put it on the front page? Mom'll be sure to see it now. They said it would be inside somewhere."

"Bear with it, Mike. Fame is fleeting, so you won't be news much longer."

"I hope the hell not." He reaches up and pulls Eddie around from where he's been reading over Mike's shoulder. "I got what I want right here."

I slide his plate in front of him. "Eat first, fun later."

He finally grins. "Yeah."

The boys amuse themselves playing computer games until time for Mike to go home. "Aaah, Tim?"

"Yeah?"

"Would you and Eddie come home with me? I mean my mom's gonna be all upset and you know what to do about that."

"Okay. I'll have to follow you."

Eddie rides with Mike and I follow. When we pull up at his house, his mother rushes out and grabs Mike in a hug. "Don't you ever do anything that stupid again, Mike. He could have killed you! Oh, I'm so proud of you."

He hugs her then pulls away. "You mad or glad, mom?"

"Both, you big idiot. Hi, Eddie."

"Hi, Ms. Johnson."

She hugs him, too. "I'm so glad you weren't hurt, Eddie."

"Me, too. Mike's wonderful."

"Mom, this is Eddie's uncle Tim Bryan."

She smiles at me. "It's nice to meet you. You've been so kind to Mike, and he thinks the world of you and Eddie."

"I have to think the world of a brave young man like Mike. He has an extraordinary mother as well." She's very attractive, too.

"Do come in and tell me about it or I'll have to drag it out of Mike word by word."

"Thank you. Okay, guys, you're dismissed. Go find something to do."

Mike grins and grabs Eddie's hand, dragging him into the house. Ms Johnson has the coffee maker going, so I suggest we sit at the kitchen table to talk. After I've given her as much of the story as I can remember, she looks at me and drops a bombshell of her own.

"You've been a wonderful influence on Mike, especially since he never really had much of a relationship with his father and hasn't had a man to relate to. Does it bother you that he's gay?"

"You know?"

"I have for several years now, but I've been waiting for him to tell me. No one would ever know from the way he acts, especially as big as he is. I'm glad he hasn't come out at school. He'd be tormented and fight back, and probably get expelled."

"True. Though he came very close in what he said to the reporter. So far the other guys on the team think Eddie is his lucky charm and accept it. He told me they love each other the night I came home early and found them kissing."

"You're not upset, then?"

"Not at all. I told them to be careful in public and to come to the house for any displays of affection which, as far as I know, they have. I'm a nurse in the emergency room so I told them how to be safe and to let me know if they needed anything for protection. Mike and I have had a few talks as well. You must be proud of him."

"I am. Thank you for being so open with him and providing a place where he feels comfortable."

"How can I do otherwise, especially now. Eddie adores Mike."

"No more than Mike obviously loves him."

"I know. The only thing I dread is what will happen when Eddie's parents return and take him home with them."

Her face creases with alarm. "I had just assumed Eddie lived with you permanently. Mike's heart will break if he leaves."

"It's not that soon. They won't be back until after school is out next summer."

"I'm so glad. I wish Mike had college to look forward to, that would help."

"He doesn't plan to go?"

"He'd like to, but unless he can find a good summer job to help, we can't afford it. I think you're the first person to understand he's still just a boy."

"I do find it hard at times. He's so big I mostly think of him as a grown man."

"Everyone does, and it's been hard on him."

"I'm sure. It's when I see them together I remember how young they are. Poor Eddie is so tiny he's always treated like a child. That's as bad as what Mike's been through."

She smiles. "I had better get busy. I have a growing boy to feed."

"I know you've just gotten home, so let me take you and the boys out to dinner."

"How thoughtful of you. I know Mike hasn't left a thing to eat in the house nor done any shopping."

I smile back. "How could he? He's been at the house every minute with Eddie."

"I had no idea. I didn't mean for you to feed him, I know how he eats."

"Like a growing boy who's in love."

One of the few restaurants open on Sunday night is the one where we were accosted. I ask Mike if the idea bothers him.

"Naa. The food is great."

When we arrive, Mike immediately says he's having the twenty-four ounce steak.

"Dear Lord, Mike, have you no manners? That's far too expensive," his mother protests.

He grins. "That's what Tim told me to get last time."

"Go for it," I tell him.

We're about ready to order when a man wearing a well-cut dark suit comes over to our table. "Aren't you the gentlemen who were almost robbed in our parking lot Thursday night?"

"Yes," I answer.

He smiles at Mike. "I thought I recognized this young man. I'm so glad you returned to dine with us. Please order anything you wish, it's on the house."

"That's very nice of you, but ..."

"No, no," he says quickly. "The outside lights should have been on. I'm sorry to say the boy they caught was a busboy here until I fired him for using drugs, so the incident was partly our fault. Please enjoy your meal and come back again."

After we've given our orders to the waitress, he brings over a bottle of wine I can tell he's carefully selected to go with our meal. "I think you will enjoy this." He pours for me and Mike's mother, then leaves the bottle. Mike's mother looks at me when I pour a glass for him and another for Eddie. Mike smiles, "It's okay, mom, he won't let me have but one."

"Well ... I suppose you're old enough. But you know my rule about drinking."

"I'm sorry. I wasn't aware ... ," I begin.

"It's perfectly all right. Mike knows that if he has a drink I want it to be at home instead of sneaking around. You must feel the same with Eddie."

"Fortunately Eddie doesn't like anything other than an occasional glass of wine with a meal, but boys their age need to learn responsible use of alcohol. I know they're going to try it, so let them learn at home. I see too many tragic results from kids every day."

"I'm certain you do, and I'll thank you again for teaching Mike things a mother doesn't seem to get across very well. It was a drunk driver that caused him to lose his arm."

"I'm sorry about that, but he does well."

She smiles at Mike. "He's a fine son. I'm very proud of him."

"As well you should be."

The waiter sets our dinners in front of us. Mike's mother looks surprised when Eddie immediately pulls Mike's platter over and cuts his steak for him. Mike looks back at her and winks. "How's that for service, mom?"

"It's very nice of Eddie. I hope you thank him."

Eddie looks up with a grin. "He does."

Mike slaps him on the head and laughs.

"Did I miss something?" She asks me.

"Not a thing. Just boys at play."

Tuesday afternoon Mike hands me a letter when I get home from work. I read it to find his presence, his mother's, and any friends he wants along to be at the city council chambers at seven p.m. at the request of the mayor and council.

"You know what this is for?" Mike asks.

"I haven't the foggiest."

"Will you and Eddie come with mom and me?"

"If you want. We'll pick you up at six-thirty."

"Thanks." He seems relieved.

Fortunately, Eddie brought along a suit and white shirt that he hasn't put on since he's been with me. He grumbles, but I make him put it on, and dress similarly. When we stop for Mike and his mother, Mike comes running down the walk, his empty coat sleeve flapping.

"You can't go like that," Eddie tells him. "Go get a couple of pins."

Ms Johnson gets in front with me. "I'm glad Eddie can make him take more care of his appearance. I never thought anyone would make him get rid of dreadful goatee."

"He did look a little like Blackbeard. He was sleeping one afternoon and Eddie tied little red ribbons to each point then woke him up." I chuckle remembering the sight. "When Mike saw the picture then what Eddie had done, I thought Mike might kill him, but he shaved immediately."

"I wish I could have seen that."

Mike comes running back. The minute he's in the car, Eddie pins the sleeve up neatly. "Now you look good."

When we reach city hall and ride the lift up to the third floor, we see the cop that helped us. His name tag reads: Smithson.

"Hi, doc. The mayor told me to have you wait out here until he calls us in."

"Do you know what's going on?"

"No idea," but his grin tells me he's having us on. "How you doing, Mike?"

"Okay. This is my mom."

"Ms Johnson. You've got a fine boy here."

"Thank you."

A few minutes later the door opens, and the cop escorts all of us up to the dais before the mayor and council. The mayor asks Mike to introduce us all, then stands and reads a proclamation naming Michael Johnson the city's young man of the year, citing his outstanding achievements and bravery. Mike is crimson with embarrassment as he stammers out his thanks.

Then the principal of the high school stands and asks to be recognized. He announces that Mike has been voted student of the year by popular acclamation of the student body. I hear several voices yell, "Yeah, Mike," and turn to see several members of the football team sitting in the audience.

A very dignified gray haired man stands, and I hear Mike's mother gasp, "That's my boss." He thanks the mayor and council and tells Mike that a man of his caliber should further his education. Because they are so impressed with his bravery and his mother's dedication to her job and fine work, that in behalf of his legal firm he's presenting Mike with a four-year scholarship to the local college. I look at Mike's mother to see tears flowing down her cheeks.

After shaking hands with all of us, the mayor and council dismiss us, but not before a reporter takes a picture of Mike shaking the mayor's hand. When we start out Mike's teammates, the principal, and her employer join us. The boys are slapping Mike on the back and hoisting Eddie in the air.

"Your lucky guy really came through for you, Mike," I hear one of them say. "Can I borrow him?"

"Hell, no! He belongs to me. Go find your own good luck."

Mike's mother is thanking her boss, who repeats that she's a valuable asset to the firm and Mike has made them proud.

We finally get away. The moment we're in the car Eddie kisses Mike. "You're wonderful, Mike. I'm glad others think so, too, cause I love you so much."

I see Mike throw a worried look at his mother.

She smiles back at him. "It's okay, darling. I've known for a long time."

"You ... you have? Why didn't you tell me?"

"It was up to you to tell me. Tim has told me about you and Eddie and I couldn't have wished anyone better for you."

I'm surprised to see tears in Mike's eyes. "Thanks, mom. I love you."

"I love you, too, son. I want only happiness for you."

"I've got that now. A great mom, a guy I love, and a real friend in Tim."

When we get to their house, I see a wrecker hooking up Mike's old Chevy. He jumps out even before I've stopped.

"That's my car," he yells. "What you think you're doing?"

A nicely dressed man gets out of a Mercedes and walks over to Mike. "Are you Michael Johnson?"

"Yeah. What about it?" Mike snarls.

"Simmer down, son, this isn't what it looks to be. I'm Paul Ayres, president of the local automobile dealers association. Because you've made the entire city proud by your actions, we are pleased to give you this." He holds out a ring of keys.

Mike stares at him. "What?"

"They fit that car, Mike. We hope you will enjoy it." He points to a sharp looking sporty convertible parked in front of the wrecker. I can tell it's last year's model, probably a demonstrator.

Mike just stares at it in incomprehension, while Ayres turns to Mike's mother and asks her to have Mike bring the title to his old car by his office tomorrow so the paperwork can be completed. He seems embarrassed by her effusive thanks and tears.

"Wow, Mike! Look at that!" Eddie yells. "Take me for a ride."

Mike stands there hugging Eddie until he can compose himself. "Yeah. Let's go."

I put my arm around Mike's mother's shoulders as we watch them drive off. If there are two happier kids anywhere, I have yet to see them. She turns and buries her face in my shoulder. "Oh, Tim, I can hardly believe people can be so wonderful."

"I'm happy they realize what a special guy Mike is. I just wish I was rich enough to reward him for what he did for me and Eddie."

"You've already given him so much, your love and guidance, your nephew, and your home. What he's been given is wonderful, but he'll realize your gift is best of all."

"I hope so. He'll always be welcome in my home and I'll do anything I can to help him."

"That means more to me than anything else, especially as he and Eddie seem so much in love." She titters. "I never dreamed when I had Mike that one day I'd lose him to another man."

"I hope Eddie's dad accepts it as well as you have."

"They don't know?"

"I'm afraid not. Tom knows I'm gay, but he isn't happy about it."

"What about your sister-in-law?"

"She couldn't care less. She's not much of a mother, that's why Eddie is so fond of you. Ed had to raise Eddie practically single handed."

"But even though he doesn't like gays he left Eddie with you?"

"He knows kids hold no attraction for me, and Eddie will always be a kid in my mind. I'm glad for that."

"Thank you for being honest. Now I understand why you've been such a help to Mike. Let's have a cup of coffee. I doubt the boys will be back for a while."

We talk for quite a while, deciding that Eddie and I will celebrate Christmas at their house since I've never put up a tree and don't have the decorations. Living alone since college I usually work a double shift at the hospital so the other emergency room nurse can be off with her family. Despite the difference in age between Mike's mother and me, I'm attracted to her in a way that almost makes me sorry I'm gay.

The boys come in, Mike carrying Eddie. I don't know why, but both of them seem to enjoy it. Seeing them, I'm struck by how much Eddie has begun to fill out since he's been weight lifting with Mike. "Mike, pretty soon Eddie's going to be too heavy for you to lug around."

He grins. "Yeah. If I wasn't working out, I wouldn't be able to hold him." He kisses Eddie and sets him down. Eddie takes off for the bathroom.

"How's the new car?"

"Fantastic! I never thought I'd have one that nice. We saw a few of the guys and they were jealous as hell, but you know what the greatest thing was? Eddie. He's not jealous at all, just happy for me to have it. God, I love him."

"He's a very special young man if he can feel that way, Mike. You're very lucky to have him," his mother says.

Mike bends over and kisses her. "You know it."

A few days later at work, the emergency room doctor and I are having a cup of coffee together when he says, "After I saw Eddie the other day I've been thinking. His size may be genetic, but I suspect there's a hormonal problem behind it. You did say he's sixteen, didn't you?"

"Right. Why?"

"Has he ever expressed a wish to be taller?"

"Nearly every day."

"I'm not an endocrinologist, but I don't think he's too old to help to some degree. Anders was talking about trying to find someone to work with for a paper he's writing."

"He's the endocrinologist?"

"Yes. I don't think there would be any charge if he accepted Eddie. Interested?"

"Of course, but it will have to be Eddie's decision. I expect I should get his dad's permission as well."

"You talk to Eddie and I'll talk to Anders. You know it will involve a few tests that are non-invasive, and then a series of shots on a regular basis. Anders will want to see him once a week for measurements."

"I'll talk with Eddie. His friend will bring him here from school if Anders accepts him and Eddie wants to."

"Fine. I'll get back to you on this."

"Thanks for thinking of Eddie, Doctor."

"Hey, what are friends for?"

I'm stunned. He and I have always gotten along well and work together smoothly, but for a nurse to be called a friend by a doctor is something else. I get home a few minutes before Eddie, so I look up what information I can find on endocrinology to refresh my memory.

"Eddie, I need to talk to you," I say when they come in.

"Sure. What's up?"

Mike has read my serious expression. "Want me to leave?"

"Stay, Mike, I guess you'll be concerned, too. Eddie, would you like to be taller?"

"You know I want that more than anything, but it ain't gonna happen."

"It might." I tell him what I know.

"Aw, geez. If you get any bigger you won't be my baby any more," Mike says mournfully.

"Yeah. Maybe I'll get tall enough so I wear something besides kid's clothes." He leans over and kisses Mike. "But I'll love you just as much."

"I was teasing. Go for it if you want to."

"What's it going to be like?" Eddie asks.

"Some blood tests and maybe a shot once a week. I won't really know until I talk with Doctor Anders. But don't get your hopes too high, he may not take you."

"Do we have to tell dad and mom?"

"I don't know. It will depend on what Anders says. Why?"

"I'd sure like to surprise them when they come home."

"You had better ask Mike is he's willing to take you to the hospital on those days I'm working."

"I will unless I have football practice or something. If it's only one day a week, I might be able to get off, cause the coach won't let me scrimmage against the guys." He grins. "He's afraid I'll kill off my own teammates."

"Great. I won't be scared if you're there."

After Mike has gone home, I tell Eddie, "I have tomorrow off, want to do your Christmas shopping? It's coming up next week."

"Yeah. I want you to help me find something special for Mike and I gotta get something for mom and dad."

"Okay. What do you want?"

He shrugs. "I don't know. I've got most everything right here."

"You're a lot of help. If you don't tell me something you might not get anything."

"Surprise me."

"I suppose I could order you a football uniform in case you get big enough to play next year."

He finds the idea as hilarious as I meant it to be. He's still snickering when he goes to bed. At least he now laughs at his size. Mike's lack of sensitivity about his arm and his love of Eddie for being small has brought the kid out more than I thought possible.

We head for the mall as soon as it opens. The first order of business is to find something for his parents. It'll have to be small enough to ship by air express as we've waited too long. In a jewelry store Eddie spots a lovely jade pin. Elaine loves jade and this one is unusual, so I approve the choice. Ed is going to be tough to buy for, but Eddie sees a gold Dunhill cigarette lighter, he thinks perfect, since Ed still smokes. The store obligingly wraps the gifts beautifully and promises to get them out that afternoon by UPS air. Eddie is disappointed at the required customs declaration which requires a description of the gift. On our way out he stops suddenly and points to a pendant in the showcase. It appears to be a coin about the size of a half-dollar cut irregularly in half, each half with it's own chain. It's inscribed with characters I recognize as Hebrew. The clerk who has been helping us rushes over.

"What's that?" Eddie asks.

"That's a mispah. It's for one person to share with another. The inscription reads: The Lord watch between thee and me when we are apart. This is a very fine example in heavy sterling silver." He takes it from the case for Eddie and me to see.

Eddie smiles and looks at me. "For Mike?"

"It's very nice, but his half will need a longer chain."

"I have this chain in several different lengths. How long do you need?"

"A twenty-four inch will be none too long." I tell the clerk.

"But that will put the medallion practically down to his navel."

I smile. "You haven't seen Mike. He's tall and large."

"Of course. Do you wish this engraved?"

"Why not have your initials and the date put on the back, Eddie."

"Yeah! His on mine and mine on his."

We're assured we can pick it up in two hours, so we go back into the mall. "What next?" I ask Eddie.

"I want to go by myself a while. Lets meet here in an hour then get some lunch."

"Fine." I know Eddie wants a personal CD player of the kind joggers use, because I asked Mike. He tells me which one Eddie had mentioned, saying wistfully he wishes he could get one. He has also written down for me the names of a few CD's Eddie wants, pointing out which ones he's getting for him. I head out of the mall and across the highway to a large discount electronics store whose ads I've been following; they've just put the players on special sale. The clerk is surprisingly helpful so I find one I think Eddie will like, then I happen to think of what Mike said. I don't have my brother's money, but what the hell, it's Christmas and I owe the boy more than I can repay.

I get my purchases in the boot of my car and myself back into the mall to see Eddie waiting for me.

"Where you been?"

I tap my head. "That's for me to know and you to find out, nosy. Ready to eat?"

"Yeah. My feet hurt."

"Oh, poor baby. Just don't expect me to carry you like Mike does."

He smiles and punches me on the arm. This time it hurts. Eddie's really getting strong.

"Did you get Mike's mother anything?" I ask over lunch.

"Uh huh."

"What?"

He grins and pulls a small statuette of a robed and bewigged Barrister out of his shopping bag. On the base is inscribed: Sue the bastards. I laugh and hand it back to him, hoping Mike's mother has learned Eddie's quirky sense of humor. It is cute, though.

"Did you get her anything?" He asks.

"Not yet, but there was a lovely little crystal vase in the jewelry store. I thought she might like it."

"Yeah. She likes flowers."

Eddie mentions wrapping paper, so we stop at Hallmark. I give few gifts and have the store wrap them when I do, so I'm glad he reminded me.

We spend the evening apart and together depending on whose gift we happen to be wrapping. I've deliberately left the CD's and players in my car until Eddie's out with Mike. He may not say much, but those eyes miss nothing.

"I wish we had a tree," he says at bedtime.

"Well, maybe a small one, but you'll have to get lights, balls, and all that stuff."

"You don't have any?"

"I usually work Christmas so the other nurse can be at home with her family, so I've never put one up. That can be your job and Mike's."

He hugs me. "I hope you don't have to work this year."

"I hope so, too. I put in for the day off and they owe me. I know I'll have to work the night shift New Years. That's when all the drunks get into accidents."

I leave Eddie some money and head off to work wondering what type of tree and decorations he and Mike will be likely to get. Eddie knows it's strictly up to them. I had quickly learned to keep enough in the fridge for them to make sandwiches if I'm working. They both like grilled cheese and BLT's.

The doctor is changing when I enter the staff room to put on my greens. "I talked to Anders. He's interested, but he doesn't want to see Eddie until he's run a complete blood series. He wants you to draw blood today and send it to his lab immediately."

"I'll call Eddie a little later and have him come by."

"Great. I hope things work out, but Anders said Eddie's too old unless he's in delayed puberty."

I grin and shake my head. "Nothing delayed about that boy."

"Well ... it looks as if it's genetic."

"I'm no giant either, Doctor." I'm only five foot six and tip the scales at 145.

He smiles back. "Maybe not a giant in size, but I'll take you over any nurse I've ever worked with."

"Thank, you, sir."

He puts his hand on my shoulder. "You're strictly professional, Tim, but when we're alone please call me Steve. I'd like to get to know you as a person."

"Thank you. I'm always happy when you're on duty. I wish I had your ability to sum up a patient's condition as swiftly as you."

He grins. "If you'd gotten your ass chewed as many times as I did during my residency, you'd be fast, too. We'd better finish changing so we can go to work."

We both work for over two hours stabilizing an elderly man in a cardiac arrest. After he's taken up to cardiology, Steve looks at me. "Good work, Tim. I thought for sure we'd lost him, but you were ready with everything without my asking."

"Just part of the service, Doctor. I sure need a cup of coffee."

"Double that prescription. Let's go while it's quiet."

"I need to call Eddie first."

"Fine. You can make it from the doctor's lounge. Coffee's better there."

Steve and I are talking by the emergency room desk when Eddie arrives, followed by Mike.

"Am I going to see the doctor?" Eddie asks me.

"Not today. I'm going to draw some blood for tests he wants to run before he sees you. Come on in."

"Go easy, Tim," he says as I swab his arm.

Steve laughs. "That why you brought a reinforcement?" He nods toward Mike. "So he can beat Tim up if he hurts you?"

Eddie giggles and never notices I'm drawing his blood. "Mike and I are going to get a Christmas tree if Tim ever gets around to doing his job."

I swat him on the back of his head. "Then get going or we won't have a tree."

"But ..."

I point to the three vials in the rack. "Done. See how good I am at stabbing people?"

He looks at me in shock. "I didn't feel a thing."

"Didn't want you to. Now get going, the doctor and I are too busy to yack at you guys."

"Thanks for distracting Eddie. He hates a needle," I tell Steve after the boys are gone.

"Hell, the next time I have to have blood drawn I'm coming to you. You're fast and dead on. I never could stick a patient without hurting him."

"That's because you doctors leave all the dirty work up to us poor nurses."

He laughs. "I think I hear an ambulance, so it's back to work."

We get rushed because of a multi-car pileup on the freeway, so I'm quite ready to be relieved when my shift ends. As soon as I'm home I flop down in my recliner and ask Eddie to make me a BLT and some coffee.

"What you think, Tim?" Mike asks.

They've found a nice fir about five feet tall and have just about finished decorating it. "You guys have done a beautiful job. It's looks terrific."

He grins. "Soon as we finish this one, we're going to do ours."

"Good, I'll be able to grab forty winks. Things got hectic right after you guys left."

"Eddie can eat with us tonight. You can, too, if you want."

"Thanks, but I'll stay here and enjoy the peace and quiet. I have a few things I need to get done anyway."

I do eat my sandwich, but drop back my recliner and have no idea when the boys finished the tree and left. When I wake about five-thirty, I happen to think and run out to my car for Eddie's and Mike's gifts and wrap them, then put them under the tree. I'm just finishing up my late supper of eggs, bacon, toast, and coffee when the phone rings. When I answer, I hold my breath afraid I'm being called in.

"Tim, Steve. I checked the roster and see you're working Christmas Eve, but you're off tomorrow, right?"

"Yes."

"Good. If you have no plans I'm having a few friends over for drinks about seven-thirty and I'd like to have you join us." He chuckles. "Only one doctor in the group. I'm not about to talk shop after a day like we had like today."

"That's very kind of you. I'd enjoy it, but I'll have to see what Eddie's plans are."

"Tim, I ... well, if I read the signals right the boys are gay and so are you."

My mouth hits the floor. How could he have guessed? "Aaah ..."

"Don't worry, I am, too, and it wouldn't help either of us if it got out. My friends are closeted as well, so you have nothing to worry about. Bring the boys. There'll be one other their age present and if they don't come Don won't be able to bring Tory with him."

"I'll call you tomorrow morning."

"Good. Here's my private number. Leave a message if I'm not in."

When Mike brings Eddie home, I wave at him to come in. As soon as they are seated, I ask, "The doctor I work with in emergency has invited me to a small party at his home tomorrow night and he wants you guys to come. There's going to be another guy about your age there. Interested?"

Eddie looks at Mike, then back to me. "I don't know. Doesn't sound very interesting, a bunch of doctors and all."

"Steve doesn't like doctors socially, these are just friends of his. Besides, they're all gay. He knows we are."

"Oh, shit," Mike moans.

"Steve and his friends are not out and don't want to be. I wouldn't even think of going if they were."

"Well ... what you think, Eddie?"

He smiles at Mike. "If there's another guy there we can find out who it is. I bet he's lonely like we were."

Mike grins. "I'd better not see you checking him out."

Eddie jumps in his lap and kisses him. "I got my man right here. You'd better not be looking him over either."

"I can take that as a yes, then? I told Steve I'd call him. Just dress casual, Mike. We'll leave here about quarter to seven. You can drive so I'll get to ride in your new car."

"Cool. See ya then if not before."

Eddie looks nice in his black slacks and gray sweater. Mike's dark blue slacks and navy turtleneck look fine, but emphasize his muscular bulk. The left sleeve is folded smoothly over his shoulder and pinned. "Wow, you look cute," he says to Eddie.

Steve's house is a large brick ranch in a nice subdivision a couple of miles out of town. The lots are large and wooded, offering privacy. I can't help but be envious.

Steve opens the door, immediately putting his hand on my shoulder and squeezing it lightly.

"Glad you came, come on in. Mike, you look great. Eddie, I swear you get cuter every time I see you."

Eddie blushes as I knew he would. After Steve shuts the door, Mike quickly surveys the room. "Oh, shit," I hear him mumble.

"What?" I ask.

"I know that kid over there. He's on the soccer team," he whispers.

"Relax. Steve told me everyone here is gay."

"No, shit! I'll bet he's gonna be as surprised to see me as I am him."

"He's not out, so just be friendly, okay?"

"I'm cool. Come on, Eddie. Let's get something to drink."

"If you have more than one beer, I'm driving."

"'Kay."

Given my lack of experience, the party is far from what I expected. The guests are nicely dressed and talking quietly; the background music is soft. I've been to any number of hospital staff parties far louder than this. I get a drink from the bar and see Steve walking toward me with another man who looks a few years older. Steve can't be more than thirty and, seeing him dressed informally, it strikes me for the first time that he's a handsome man. I've never paid any attention at work, but I feel a sudden attraction for him.

"Tim, this is Henk von Rhyn. Henk, Tim Bryan."

After the pleasantries, Steve says, "Come in my study for a minute. Henk and I want to talk with you."

I smile. "So, my presence here has an ulterior motive."

Steve grins. "Not at all, but Henk thought this was a perfect opportunity for us to talk without arousing any suspicion."

His study is so beautiful and comfortable I could stay forever, but Steve gets right to the point. "Henk is the new surgeon on staff." He smiles. "And like I told you, the only other doctor here tonight. What we want to say to you must be kept in the utmost confidence. Do I have your assurance?"

I'm really curious now. "Of course."

Henk begins with his lightly accented voice. "Tim, Steve is telling me you are finest nurse he work with. If he say that, you must be so, because he's a bitch to work with," he smiles at Steve, "I know from experience. The reason we wish talk with you is the hospital board plan to end emergency room service and contract it to private group."

"Henk's right, I found out this morning," Steve adds. "Here's the plan. Henk and I, with one other doctor I won't name yet, will set up a private practice and bid for the contract. I happen to know we're the only local doctors interested, and the board doesn't want outsiders. We want you to join us as our senior nurse. You will work only with me, as Henk and the other doctor will be hiring their own nurses, but they will junior to you. After we're established I hope you'll have better hours and we'll at least double the pay you're getting now. Interested?"

I'm so stunned by the news I can simply stare at them. Finally I stammer, "It sounds too good to be true. Are you certain about all this?"

Henk nods. "Absolutely, or we not talk."

"How much do I have to put up to join you, Steve? I haven't much in savings."

Steve looks at Henk. "I never though about that. I mean we had discussed what we need, but we hadn't thought of including you."

"That's fine. I'll be happy working for you guys."

"No," Steve says, "I didn't think you'd be that interested."

"Steve," Henk says, "it is to be stock partnership, is it not? Then we set aside shares for Tim to buy as he is able. I am happy a man like him wish to join us."

"I didn't mean to intrude, Doctor von Rhyn."

"I am Henk, yes? You do not intrude, Tim. I am pleased you have such interest." He winks at me. "If you are partner with Steve and I, you will not be quick to leave us."

"Any chance you can come up with ten thousand, Tim?" Steve asks.

I've got a little more than that in savings and I'd hate to lose it, but I've never heard of a doctor losing money. Besides, to be asked to join a practice is beyond my dreams. Doctors just don't include nurses in their plans.

"I can, but I'd like to think it over. This is a big step for me."

Henk reaches over and pats my arm. "Do not think long, my friend. On first day of new year, you will have notice from hospital that you become floor nurse or your employment is at end. That is why we move fast."

Steve gets up from his desk, comes over and pulls me up, then hugs me. "I want you with us, Tim. I can't work with anyone else as I can you, so our patients will benefit and I hope I will too. I make you this promise, if we fail, Henk and I will replace whatever investment you lose."

I fall back into my chair, unbelieving. I can only stare at them again with my mouth open.

Henk grins at me. "We have saying at home that man with open mouth catch many bugs."

"I ... I'm blown away, gentlemen, but how can I refuse such generosity. Yes! I'm in."

"Excellent!" Steve hugs me, while Henk opens the door and yells for Daryl. Steve says, "Daryl is our attorney. I have the paperwork here, so he can make the changes immediately. Tim, I can't tell you how happy I am. Now we can really get to know one another."

"We've always had a pleasant professional relationship, Steve, so it was not until tonight I realized how attractive you are to me."

He hugs me until a slender young man comes in. "Tim, this is Daryl Andrews our lawyer. Daryl, Tim Bryan, our new head nurse."

He shakes my hand effusively. "If Henk and Steve are this happy, I know you're the right man for the job." He sits behind Steve's desk. "What changes you want? I knew damn well I was going to have to work tonight, you wouldn't have invited me otherwise," he says with a grin.

Henk waggles a finger in his face. "Best you make joke, Daryl, or we find other lawyer."

"You doctors always take things so serious. Lighten up, Henk."

"We fight for life, not chase ambulance," Henk snaps back with a grin, then his face grows serious. "We wish what Steve write on pad. See to it."

Daryl scans Steve's notes and nods. "No problem." He looks at me. "Can you have a check for ten-thousand in my hands by the 28^th?"

"As soon as I get off work."

"Excellent. I just hope you know what you're getting into. These two are reputedly the terror of the hospital. That's why they're closing emergency."

"I find that impossible to believe. I work with Steve constantly and there's none better or easier to work with. I'm thrilled he would even consider asking me to join the practice."

Daryl looks surprised. "Damn, guy, you must be everything I've heard you are."

Steve puts his hand on my shoulder. "Let's join the party. I'm prescribing a drink for a man who looks a bit stunned."

"I am that, and you're on. Thanks, Steve."

"I thank you for your trust in Henk and me. You'll love him as much as I do after you get to know him. He's brilliant."

Henk stops us at the door and after looking across the room at Mike, says, "We perhaps make mistake with Tim, Steve?"

"How?"

"I see huge bodyguard come with Tim. Is he dangerous?" Then he laughs.

"Mike's my nephew's protector and lover. He's a fine young man."

"Ah, yes. Young people not much enlightened in this country, so if he is gay is in danger from other students."

"I'm sorry to say it's not just the young, Henk. That's why Steve and I must stay in the closet."

"I also. At home I walk down street and hold hand of my love, not like here."

"After we get the practice going good, I'll go with you and Al for a visit. That's a promise, Henk."

"I hold you to it," he says. "Maybe you bring Tim."

Steve smiles at me. "I can always hope."

I make a fast run for the food. I'm not drunk from alcohol, but from joy and apprehension. I've just taken the biggest step of my life without thinking carefully about the possibilities and outcome. I calm myself by raiding the bowl of shrimp, which I love.

Steve grins when he hands me a drink. "You can't sober up from an emotional drunk by eating."

I shake my head. "No, but these sure help. I love shrimp."

"So do I. Help yourself, there are plenty. Those crab puffs are good, too."

I try one. "They sure are."

"Then eat up, Tim. The rest of this crowd drink more than they eat, and I don't want to be eating party leftovers for Christmas. Hell, why don't you come back Christmas and help me?"

"I'd like to, but I'm spending it with the boys and Mike's mother."

"Uh oh, don't tell me I screwed up."

I smile. "Not at all, but she's a damned attractive woman. If I were a few years older and not gay ... "

He grins. "I know what you mean. I've got to mingle, so enjoy yourself."

I hug him. "How? I've already had the most pleasure it's possible to have."

"Just keep it under your hat until the first, buddy."

"I will, but it's going to be damned hard."

"Not a word, especially at the hospital. You promised."

"I won't let you down partner."

He smiles. "I'm waiting for the day you'll say that without meaning business." He slaps me on the back and moves off.

I'm still floating, but about nine-thirty I go over and tell the boys it's time to leave. They both look at me a little reproachfully, then tell the kid they've been talking to they'll e-mail him about getting together.

At his car, Mike hands me the keys. "I had three beers, Tim."

"Damn! I'm not sure I should be driving either. Eddie?"

He smiles. "I only had a small glass of wine, and I ate a lot, too. That was sure good food for a party."

>Mike hugs him. "Yeah. You drive."

Poor Eddie views the road through the steering wheel instead of over it, but he drives smoothly. When he pulls up in my drive, he says, "How's Mike going to get home if you won't let him drive?"

"Mike, you want Eddie overnight?"

He grins. "Yeah!"

"Okay, Eddie, take Mike home and stay. He can bring you home sometime tomorrow. I'm working."

"'Kay."

When I reach the hospital, Steve is in his greens ready to enter the treatment room. "Hurry. Got several injuries coming in."

The next couple of hours are so busy Steve and I run on our usual doctor/nurse basis. When it's over, he winks at me. "Coffee in the doctor's lounge."

I change into fresh greens and join him, getting a sour look from another doctor. Nurses enter this sanctum only by rare invitation. Steve hands me a cup and says, "Excellent work, Bryan."

"Thank you, sir."

The other doctor leaves to answer a page then Steve grins. "Damn glad you came last night. Henk is most impressed."

"I like him, too."

"I thought you would. And the boys certainly impressed Tory. He embarrassed Don when he told me it was the first old people party he'd been to that was fun."

"Eddie and Mike are planning to get together with him before school starts again."

"Good. Don has been worried that Tory has so few friends."

Steve is paged. "Damn, I thought New Years would be the worst, but today is catching up fast."

We stay busy until my shift is over. Poor Steve has another four hours to go. "Merry Christmas," he says as I'm relieved. "I hope you don't get called in tomorrow."

There are others present, so I say, "Thank you, sir. A Merry Christmas to you."

Eddie's not home, so I grab a shower and a nap before I go to Mike's for dinner. Because of the possibility I'll get called in, we've decided to open a few gifts after dinner and save the rest until Christmas Day. Of course I'll leave Eddie's here so we can enjoy tomorrow morning together. There are a few gifts from his parents as well. When they arrived I hid them before he came in from school.

The Johnson home is beautifully decorated with a tree that touches the ceiling. Many of the ornaments look quite old. When I comment, Elaine smiles, "Many of those ornaments I inherited from my parents. It's not only nice to have a son who loves Christmas, but who's tall enough to decorate the tree without a ladder. Sit down and let me get you a cup of eggnog. It's spiked very lightly."

"I would ask for heavier after today, but I may get called in. I never know on holidays, and I'm on call until mid-night."

"That's a shame, but it's reassuring to know good care is always available."

"Where are the boys?"

She laughs. "Dressing. They were in and out all day doing Lord know what, but they both needed a bath. I told them not at my table unless they were clean and neatly dressed."

"I'm always amazed at how Eddie seem to attract dirt. I seem to spend most of my free time doing wash."

"At least his clothes are small." She shakes her head. "I'm glad Mike takes care of the wash for me. I would have to kill him if everything wasn't perma-press. I don't have time to iron and the laundry charges a fortune now."

We talk on for a while then she goes to check on dinner. "May I help?"

"Please. Then I'll call the boys."

She's cooked a traditional Christmas dinner, which smells so good my appetite almost overcomes me. I finish setting everything on the table while she calls Mike and Eddie. They come to the table with mischievous smiles. After she says grace, we fall to. Everything is as good as it looks. I do accept one small glass of wine and nod at Eddie when he looks at me.

Elaine suggests we have coffee and open some of the gifts. I'm pleased to see Eddie help Mike clear and put the dishes in the washer, while Elaine takes care of putting away the leftovers.

Their tradition is to open one gift at a time, so Mike and Eddie sit on the floor. Mike picks up one and hands it to his mother. We all watch as she unwraps the figurine Eddie had chosen. She looks at it for a moment then begins to laugh.

"Oh, Eddie, this is hilarious and unfortunately true. Thank you so much. I can't wait to put this on my desk at the office. Not many people think lawyers and assistants have a sense of humor, but we do. It's just that we can't show it around clients." She reaches over and kisses him on the cheek. Eddie, being Eddie, blushes.

Mike hands Eddie one. When he opens it and sees two CD's he wanted, his face lights up. "I really wanted these, Mike." He grabs Mike's hand and kisses it.

Mike hands me one. The tag reads: Mike and Elaine. I unwrap a beautiful leather billfold. Mike grins. "Now you can throw away that worn out wallet of yours."

"You'd better believe it. I appreciate this very much. I never think of getting a new one when I'm in the stores." I nod at Eddie who hands Mike my gift to him.

When he opens it and sees the CD player he just sits staring at it. "I hope that's the type you want, Mike. If not, you can exchange it," I tell him.

"Never in this world," he says and hugs me. "Look, mom, this is better than the one I wanted."

She looks at it, then at me. I see her eyes are moist. "You're so thoughtful, Tim. I wanted to get Mike one, but it was beyond me just now."

I smile back. "He deserves it and a lot more for all he's done for Eddie and me." I see Eddie looking at it enviously.

Mike starts the round of gifts once more. Elaine seems delighted by the vase. The last gift is a small jeweler's case. When Mike opens it, Eddie takes out half the mizpah, puts the chain around his neck then gives him in a kiss.

Mike puts the other half around Eddie's neck and kisses him back. "What does it say?"

"The Lord watch between thee and me while we are apart." He shows Mike his initials on the back of Mike's half, then shows him his with Mike's initials on it. "I love you, Mike."

"I love you, too," Mike says hugging Eddie again. Then he grins. "I'll wear this all the time. Even if some of the guys see it, they won't figure out whose initials they are."

Eddie grins. "That's what I had in mind."

"Leave the rest for tomorrow, Mike," his mother says. "Come help me with the coffee."

Mike gets up then says, "What's that beeping?"

I pull out my pager and read the display. "I'm sorry to leave, but I'm needed. Mike would you take Eddie home later? I have no idea how long I'll be."

"Sure."

"Can't I just stay here?" Eddie asks me.

"I would like to have you home for our Christmas together, just as Mike and Elaine will have theirs. Then you and Mike may do what you wish."

"Okay."

I dash into the emergency room and grab my greens. One of the attendants points toward the door to the small operating room. I expect to see Steve, but it's Henk.

"Move!" He barks. "This not wait for upstairs."

I move next to him and take over, instantly alert. Thoracic surgery can be tricky. I admire the skill with which he's closing a torn lung. When I see he'll need more instruments than are out, I tell the OR supervisor to get them. She knows I'm a nurse, but we've never worked together before. She looks at Henk questioningly.

"Do it," he barks without looking up.

It's midnight before we're finally finished and the patient is taken to IC. "Coffee," Henk tells me. We shed our gowns and I follow him to the empty lounge. He drops down in a chair and simply says, "Straight."

I pour us each a cup and hand one to him before sitting down next to him. "A beautiful piece of work, Doctor."

"Thanks. Is bad to have such case on a holiday." He looks at me. "It go much better when you come. Steve is correct when he tell me you are only choice to work with. I have not to ask you for anything, is there when I want. You are best, Tim."

"I appreciate the way you and Steve treat me more as an equal than as a nurse. I wish I had had the opportunity to study medicine instead of nursing."

"No, my friend. You have special skills you use better than nurse. You think ahead, anticipate my need. The seconds that save may be difference between patient live or die." He smiles. "I am most happy to see you demonstrate such skill just now. You are making a worthy partner to Steve and me. Stand up."

I do, only to be grabbed in a fierce hug. "You are special man, Tim. I am sorry you must be called in, but I thank you. Go to home and rest, my friend. A peaceful Christmas I wish you."

"I hope your Christmas will be joyous and undisturbed, Henk."

He smiles. "I wish also. My man wait for me."

I realize on my way home that I've already had the best Christmas in years. I stumble into bed and sleep immediately.

I'm awakened by Eddie. "You going to sleep all day? It's Christmas."

"What time is it?"

"After nine. I'll go fix breakfast for you. I ate at Mike's."

"Thanks."

After a shower, I feel much better. Bless Eddie, he set a cup of coffee on the bathroom counter while I was showering. A luxury to have coffee while I'm shaving, but I get more special treatment when I go to the kitchen. Eddie has fixed my grapefruit, two perfectly poached eggs on toast with crisp bacon on the side, and more coffee.

When I finish eating I get up and hug Eddie. "That was wonderful, Eddie. Thank you, especially for bringing me coffee while I showered. I needed it."

"I love you, Tim. I'm glad I'm here instead of some old boarding school."

"I'm glad you're here, too. Let's go open our gifts."

Eddie hands me a large box. "That's from mom and dad and me." It's a gorgeous soft white sweater with a pale gray and beige design, definitely Scandinavian and frightfully expensive. Ed knows I love sweaters.

"It's beautiful. I love it, Eddie."

I point to a small square box, "That's yours."

His eyes dance when he sees the half dozen CD's. "Wow! I really wanted all these, Tim. You going to let me play them on your stereo?"

"When I'm at work, buddy; not my kind of music." Absolutely not. I like quiet classical pieces, especially string quartets, while Eddie's tastes are strictly in line with those of his peers.

"'Kay. But I sure want to hear 'em." He opens his presents from his parents, then hands me a small oblong box. I'm shocked when I open it to find a desk plaque of polished walnut with Timothy A. Bryan, RN engraved on it in gold. The line below reads: Director of Patient Care.

"This is beautiful, Eddie, but I'm just an emergency room nurse."

He grins from ear to ear. "That's not what I'm told."

"What do you mean?"

"I saw Doctor Steve in the mall and he told me this would be a special surprise for you. He helped me pick it out, but said it's a big secret I couldn't tell anybody, so I didn't."

I have to hug him tightly. "It's still a secret until I tell you different. Is that what Steve told you to put on it?"

"Unh, unh. He wrote it all out and gave it to the clerk." He grins. "You're really moving up."

"That I am, Eddie. I never dreamed of anything like this." I swat him on the behind. "You've still got a present to open."