---

They've about finished eating when I see Mike get up and walk over to one of the guys, pull him up, and push him toward the garage. One of the rent-a-cops starts toward him, but Mike shakes his head. I see Mike take a pint bottle, slip it under a towel and, after saying, "You'll get it back when you leave," walk into the kitchen with it. He's done it all so smoothly I doubt anyone else noticed. He winks at me on the way back to his seat.

After they've eaten, about half the guys ask to be taken back to town, with general mutterings of regret over the dates they'd made earlier. One guy jumps out of the van and comes back.

"I thought you were gone, man," one of his friends says.

"Hell, she stood me up last week, let 'er find out what it's like. This is too much fun to miss."

By nine-thirty only a few guys remain when one of the rent-a-cops comes over to me. "No women around?"

"None. Why?"

"I can't stand it no longer." He strips to his briefs and dives in the pool where the boys gang up on him in good-natured play. The other cop looks at me then joins them.

By ten-thirty the last of them are gone, leaving me with the feeling Eddie's back is going to bruised from the number of times he's gotten slapped there by the guys, and he's a little unsteady on his crutches when he comes in and hugs Steve. "Thanks a lot, Steve. It was a great party."

"I'm glad everyone had a good time, but it's Tim you should be thanking, it was his idea."

I get hugged, too. "Thanks, Tim. I love you."

"Hey, the guys have been good to you. I was glad to do it."

When Eddie and Mike come in from school Monday, Mike's laughing. "Hey, Tim, there was sure a bunch of pissed off girls at school today."

"Why?"

"Because they weren't invited to the party. They didn't think the guys should have one without them. Makes me glad I'm gay," he kisses Eddie, "cause I had a date."

Eddie punches him on the arm. "Some date! Didn't even get a kiss."

"What? And blow our cover? I made up for it after."

Eddie blushes. "Yeah."

A couple of weeks after the party, Eddie is back on his leg and things settle down to a comfortable routine.

Steve and I are having a before dinner drink one Friday evening in October when the door chime sounds.

"Expecting anyone?" Steve asks me as he gets up to answer.

"No."

"Is this where Tim Bryan and Eddie live now?" I hear a familiar voice say.

"Yes," Steve snaps. "Why?"

"Could I come in and see them?" The tone is plaintive.

I get up and go to the door. "Can you be civil, Ed?"

"Please, Tim. I need to talk to you."

"Okay." Steve steps aside, and Ed enters.

I introduce Steve to him as my business partner and lover, surprised when Ed doesn't blink an eye and shakes Steve's hand.

After Steve has fixed him a drink, weak at Ed's request, Ed says, "Tim, I've made a real mess of things."

"So what else is new?"

"Please don't, Tim." He looks ready to cry.

"All right, go ahead."

"I'm lucky I still have my job, but when I came home to that empty house it was more than I could take. I've sold it and moved into a townhouse."

"Where's Martine?"

He shrugs. "I have no idea, nor do I much care. She was part of the trouble, and I should have seen that pretty quickly, but, damn, she was so beautiful …"

"You've learned that beauty is only skin deep."

He nods. "Yeah. Tim, I'm really sorry for what I've said to you in the past. Is there any way you can forgive me enough to let me try to make it up to you?"

"Ed, you hurt the hell out of me and I'm still not completely over it, especially what you said when Eddie was hurt. You didn't give a damn about him or me then, why now?" Then it strikes me. "If you're hoping to get Eddie back, forget it. He's settled and happy, and has a lot of friends. I know he e-mails you from time to time, so even you should be able to see that. His grades are high and he and his lover plan to enter college here when he graduates. I'm not letting you disrupt his life now that he has a stable one, nor will Steve. Steve loves him as much as I."

Ed's face is anguished. "I know. I'm not going to do anything to hurt him ever again." He looks straight at me. "Nor you, Tim. It's taken all this time for me to realize how much I love you and what I've missed."

"I love you, too, Ed, but it's been hard a few times."

"Would you consider letting Eddie visit me for a weekend or on a short holiday?"

"That's strictly up to Eddie. He makes his own decisions now, unless Steve or I know absolutely he's making a wrong one. You might as well know that he won't go anywhere without Mike. Are you prepared to deal calmly and reasonably with lovers?"

He gives me a faltering smile. "I'll try to do better by Eddie than I did you."

"You were my idol when I was a kid, Ed. That's what made it so hard when you began to reject me."

He stands with tears in his eyes and holds out his arms. I get up and receive the brotherly hug I've missed so badly. "Where's Eddie?" He asks as he turns me loose.

"He and Mike are working out, they'll be here in a few minutes. Would you like to have dinner with us?"

Ed's smile is genuine. "There's nothing I'd like better."

"I'll tell Millie to set another place," Steve says.

The front door opens and Eddie stops so suddenly Mike almost knocks him down. Eddie looks again, then smiles. He walks over and hugs Ed. "When did you get home?" He asks calmly.

Ed hugs him tightly. "Five weeks ago. I wanted to come see you then, Eddie, but I didn't know how Tim would feel. I've thought a lot and gotten my head mostly straightened out, I think. That's why I'm here now. I love you, Eddie, even if I haven't been much of a dad." He hold Eddie at arm's length and looks him over. "Damn, you've grown! You're a man. You've gotten strong, too."

"Yeah. Mike and I have been working out for a year now." He nods toward Mike. "This is Mike, father. He's my one and only."

Ed looks at Mike for the first time and gasps, "God, you're big."

Mike smiles.

"You should see him playing ball. He's awesome."

"But he's only got one arm."

"So what? Doesn't make any difference, and my leg doesn't bother him."

"I'm so sorry for what I said when you got hurt, Eddie. I didn't even think of it seeing you walk in."

"Henk and Steve made sure I got the best foot the guy could make."

Ed frowns for a moment. "You shouldn't be calling older people by their given names, especially doctors."

"Why not? They told me to, and Steve's my dad along with Tim. He's great."

I see Ed wince when Eddie says that, but he turns to Steve and says, "Thank you for being good to Eddie."

Steve smiles. "He's like Tim's and my own son. These two guys are the best."

Ed nods. He turns to Mike and holds out his hand. "Mike, Eddie has told me many times how much he loves you. Be good to him."

Mike's mouth drops open in surprise; Eddie looks at his father. "You aren't still pissed at me because I'm gay?"

"Not pissed, as you put it. I don't like it and I never will, but you're my son, Eddie. If you're happy, that's enough for me. I got in touch with a parents of gay kids group not long ago." He tries to smile. "l'm learning a lot."

Given a last minute guest for dinner, Millie works her kitchen magic and comes up with a meal to be remembered. We're all relaxed and enjoy it. While Millie is clearing before serving dessert and coffee, Ed looks at Eddie and says, "Tim and Steve have given you the kind of home I wish I could have. I'm glad you're happy here."

Eddie gets up and walks around the table to hug Ed. "I know you tried, father. I wish things had worked better for you, too."

Ed wipes his eyes as Eddie goes back to his chair, then Eddie asks, "Where's mother?"

Ed looks at me and I nod. "I don't really know, Eddie. I'm divorcing her, so I've only talked with my lawyer who talks with hers."

Eddie drops his eyes, and I see Mike reach for his hand and hold it. Eddie looks up at Ed after a few moments. "She never did like me," he says flatly.

Ed winces. "I'm sure she did, she just didn't know how to show it."

"No need to lie for her, father. I thought a lot about things when I first came here, and I remember how you used to yell at her for not paying me any attention. I guess I've felt like I never had a real mother, because I used to go to bed at night and pretend she was a wicked step-mother like those in some stories you used to read me."

"Oh, Eddie, I'm so sorry. I wish I had known earlier, but …"

"It's okay, father. You made up for it until …"

Ed reaches across the table and takes Eddie's hand. "I'm sorry about that, too. Will you give me a chance to try to make it up to you?"

"How? I'm happy here with Tim and Steve, and I've got Mike. I don't want to go back home."

"I've sold the house and moved to an apartment, Eddie; it reminded me of too many things. But I've talked with Tim and Steve and it would make me really happy if you and Mike would come for a long weekend or spend a holiday with me."

"You'll let me bring Mike?" Eddie looks surprised.

"If he wants to come. I don't want to separate you from your … ah… lover. He seems to love you as much as you tell me you love him."

Eddie smiles, then looks at me. Steve and I both nod. "That's cool, father. Maybe you can spend Thanksgiving and Christmas with us. Mike's mom and us all get together."

"I'd like that very much, if Tim and Steve are willing to put up with a foolish man."

"You're far from foolish," Steve says quietly. "We've all made mistakes, but I admire you for doing the best you can to make amends. There's room for you here at any time. Why don't you get your things from whatever motel you're in and stay the weekend with us?"

Ed pauses to wipe his eyes again. "Thank you, Steve. I can see now why Tim and Eddie are so happy here. You're as fine as Eddie says you are." He smiles. "Got my things in my car. Haven't checked in anywhere yet."

"Excellent. Eddie, put your father's things in the guest room."

After dinner, Eddie and Mike listen intently as Ed starts to reminisce about our boyhood, laughing at some of the mischief we got away with. When we go up to bed, Ed stops at the door to Steve's and my room and hugs me. "I love you, li'l brother. I don't deserve it, but thanks for everything."

"And I love you, big brother. Forget the past and enjoy the boys and your stay."

Things go so well, both Eddie and I feel a tiny pang of regret when Ed leaves Sunday after dinner. He told us he's having to work hard to rebuild his position in the firm he works for, but that he'll definitely spend the long Thanksgiving weekend with us. Steve comments to me that Ed wasn't at all what he expected, and that he's welcome so long as he maintains his present attitude. That's quite a concession for Steve.

Ed arrives late Wednesday evening before Thanksgiving with a big smile and a hug for me, though I can tell he's tired. Apologetically, he asks for a drink then hits the bed. The next morning Eddie hugs Ed the moment he sees him at the breakfast table.

"I'm glad you came, father. This will be the best Thanksgiving ever."

"I'm glad to see you, too, Eddie. Where's Mike?"

"At home. He and his mom will be over before long."

Ed smiles. "After we eat, I have something for you."

"What?"

"A surprise, but it'll wait until we've eaten."

After breakfast I follow then out to Ed's car. He opens the boot and takes out a box, handing it to Eddie. "I hope you're still into skating."

Eddie rips into the box and brings out a pair of in-line skates even I can tell were very expensive. He looks at Ed with moist eyes. "Gee, thanks, father, but I don't think I can skate with just one foot."

Ed hugs him. "I saw a few seconds on the news of a young man who's a professional. He only has one leg, too, and I know you're good as he is."

Eddie's eyes get big. "Wow!" He sits down and takes off his shoes, handing them to me, then puts on the skates. He's a little awkward like a beginner would be, but it isn't long before he's doing quite well. His face is one big smile, when he skates back to us.

"I can do it! I just gotta remember to use my good leg for turns and jumps." He hugs Ed. "Thanks, father. I gotta practice. Mike isn't gonna believe it."

"I'm glad to see Eddie so happy, Tim. He's a changed kid."

"I'm glad you're finally taking an active interest in him. You can be damn proud of Eddie."

"Thanks to you."

Mike's car slows and turns into the drive. Mike gets out, then goes to open the door for his mother. I see Ed's look of interest when Elaine gets out. She's gotten some rest and looks as lovely as I've ever seen her.

Eddie skates up just in time to introduce Elaine to Ed. Ed holds her hand a second or two longer than necessary with a smile. She glances at me, and when I nod, she responds to his greeting graciously. I let them walk into the house together, because Mike is watching Eddie show off on his skates, and I need to help Steve with dinner since he's given Millie the day off to be with her family.

Dinner is not only a delight, but the easy conversation at the table fills my dream of how a Thanksgiving should be. We've just finished our coffee when Steve and I are paged. He tells Ed and the boys to fix supper for themselves and Elaine in case we're not back.

The next few hours are hectic. There's been a multi-car accident on the freeway, and some of the victims have been seriously injured. Jake and Martin take the less seriously injured, even so, it's after eight when Steve and I get back home. The boys are there alone.

"Where's your father, Eddie?" Steve asks.

Mike grins. "He took mom home after we ate." He sounds pleased.

"Oooh?" I say.

"Yeah." He winks at me. "I think he's interested."

Steve looks at me with raised eyebrows and says, "I'm hungry, Tim. Let's go fix a sandwich."

"Well," he says when we're in the kitchen, "I certainly didn't expect this."

"If you're talking about Ed, he's not slow when he decides to act. He's not one to live alone for very long either."

"But Elaine has always seemed so cautious and deliberate."

"She is, but from Mike's grin, I'm wondering if he isn't partly behind it."

"With all he knows about Ed's past behavior?"

"I think Eddie's happiness at seeing Ed is changing his mind."

Steve suddenly grins. "Say something were to happen, will two stepsons in love be committing incest?"

I have to grin at the thought. "Elaine's the law expert, but I doubt either boy will give a damn."

"Has Ed's divorce come through?"

"He told me it had, and Martine got only the Mercedes she had. Her lawyer was really pissed when Ed's lawyer presented plenty of evidence of her infidelity."

"Oh, ho. So she didn't take him to the cleaners."

"Hell, she didn't even deserve the Mercedes."

Friday morning, nothing will do but Eddie buying Mike a pair of skates like his, then teaching him how to stay up on them. I feel sorry seeing his one arm flailing about trying to keep his balance, but Eddie is a patient teacher. Poor Mike is so big he reminds me of a charging elephant when he finally begins to skate a little.

Mike is limping when they come in. "Oh, man, my ankles are killing me," he moans.

I have to smile. "Wait until Eddie gets you on a pair of ice skates," I say.

"Never happen." He rubs his rear. "Damn, that pavement's hard."

"You're suppose to stay on your feet, not your butt, ' Eddie taunts.

"Easy for you to say."

"Don't let him get your goat, Mike. I expect he fell quite a lot when he was learning. Go get a hot bath and soak your feet a little. They'll feel better."

Before he leaves Sunday, Ed takes me aside. "Elaine is a wonderful woman, Tim. I'm coming back to see her often."

"I'll tell you now, Ed, she knows Mike's gay and in love with Eddie, and it doesn't upset her in the least. If you're thinking about getting involved with her, you'll have to show Mike the same kindness and attention you've been giving Eddie. Mike's very protective of her and Eddie thinks the world of her because she mothers him."

"I know, we talked quite a bit the past couple of nights."

"Before you get too serious, I have to say that I doubt she'd be willing to move to Statesburg and leave Mike here, especially as he has a scholarship at the college."

He smiles. "Got that covered, li'l bro. I'm doing most of my work by computer from home now. I fly into Boston to the office about once a month for a week, but that's all. Really doesn't make a lot of difference where I live as long as I'm in reasonable distance of an airport."

"If you live here, think you can manage with a couple of guys running in and out? Eddie and Mike are there as much as they are here."

"You and Steve seem to manage quite well. Both boys are old enough to understand that I'll need no interruptions when I'm working. If things work out, I'll be looking for a larger place than Elaine's so I can have a home office."

"I hope things work out for you, Ed, Elaine is a fine person. Just don't push. She's not the kind to take it."

He smiles ruefully. "I know."

"Good. The room upstairs is yours any time you come."

"No. I appreciate it, but you guys are too generous. I'll stay in a motel so I won't intrude, but I might be persuaded to have dinner with you occasionally so I can be with Eddie."

"You will stay with us Christmas so you can enjoy the boys. Mike may look grown, but he's still a kid at heart, just like Eddie."

"I want to. God, I've missed so much." He hugs me then goes to get his things. After good-bye hugs for us, he drives away.

He returns a couple of times before Christmas, never failing to be with Eddie and Mike as much as possible, and on one Friday night dragging me to a football game with Eddie to cheer Mike on.

Christmas dinner at our place is as wonderful as Thanksgiving was. Ed and Elaine can hardly keep their eyes off each other. Eddie tells me the evening after, that while Steve and I were at work, he called him and Mike into Steve's study for a long talk. Both boys look very pleased at dinner the next evening. Ed has taken Elaine out.

As we're going up to bed, Ed asks me what day Steve and I will be off work after New Years, knowing what our work entails. I tell him the third of January and ask why. He grins and says he gave Elaine a diamond, she accepted, and they are getting married. They want us present with the boys.

"The hell you say!" I yell.

Steve comes running up the stairs. "What?"

"Ed and Elaine are getting married!"

"Damn! This needs celebrating! Come on, I've got a bottle of champagne in the fridge."

It's an hour later that we finally get to bed.

The ceremony is simple and low-key. To my surprise the judge is none other than the judge of domestic court that gave custody of Eddie to me. She's all smiles as she reads the vows, then pronounces Ed and Elaine husband and wife, in the presence of the boys, Steve, and me.

After it's over, she looks at me. "You're still custodian of Eddie and I approve of the way he's blossomed under your care, but I hope you will let him spend some time with his father"

I smile at Ed and Elaine, then at the judge. "Your honor, I doubt if things will change a bit. The boys will be with Ed and Elaine as much as they are with Steve and me. In a way, they have two sets of parents who love them dearly."

With both boys looking at her and nodding happily, she says, "I can believe that. I wish every case I handled had such a happy conclusion, or should I say beginning? In any event, I wish you all the very best."

Steve, the boys, and I are in my car headed home for a family wedding party when Mike says, "Now that Eddie and I are brothers … I mean we're lovers, too, so what does it mean?"

Steve looks back at them with a grin. "I'd say it means you love each other in two ways now, as brothers and as lovers."

Eddie grins. "Yeah!" He grabs Mike and kisses him in anything but a brotherly way.