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Date: Fri, 15 Oct 2021 22:28:13 -0400
From: Richard McQueen <mcqueen.richarderic@gmail.com>
Subject: Luckiest Man in the World, Chapter 7 Loose Ends

Story: Luckiest Man In The World

Chapter: 7 Loose Ends

Author: Eric McQueen (mcqueen.richarderic@gmail.com)

Mature Readers only due to sexual situations and graphic sexual content

Freedom of expression is precious. To do that Nifty needs help. Your
donation is greatly desired. Give to http://donate.nifty.org/ or this story
ends and all the others! That would be a crime!

Literally, loose ends are tied up and there is a wedding. Read Matt Stryker
next. A rising star with amazing talent hides his relationship in the early
eighties.

Loose Ends



The evening progressed well. Quinton and Isabel were feeling what I had
felt right after finding out I had won the Superpowerball. That delightful
giddiness and feelings realizing that life was going to be a lot less
stressful. Toby and Tyler only got a little of what was happening but
having a big house to explore was far more exciting for them. They were
well behaved! Seeing the look Isabel gave whenever they were about to do
something they knew they shouldn't, they stopped whatever. They were active
boys and full of energy!



We shared a good meal and conversation and returned to the library.



Our evening came to a close when we found things very quiet.



Quinton looked around seeing Toby and Tyler in separate plush chairs in the
library, each asleep. "I guess we'd better head home." He smiled getting
up. "Eric," he said to me. "Thank you." He hugged me again. "We will be at
that wedding."



Isabel bent and picked up Toby who merely made a soft sound and settled
against his mother. "Thank you."





Rain and I went to our bedroom ourselves after seeing Aunt Pearl to her
home, checked in on Lola who was asleep. Once in our bedroom, Rain grabbed
me and kissed me deeply which I immediately returned. We'd kissed many,
many times daily, but this was different.



I chuckled as we both came up for air. "I love you. I know you love
me. That was a good kiss, but..." I said running my lips over his lightly,
"I got the feeling that was more than just love."



Rain nodded. "I just wanted to kiss you as the Luckiest Man in the World."
He grinned.



I frowned. "That was just a title the Powerball people gave me to boost the
international economy..."



Rain shook his head. "No, not you. Me!" He said brightly.



My eye narrowed as I looked at him. "Okay," I said hesitantly. "I'm not
disagreeing with you, but...what are you saying?"



"Well, little more than a year ago, while I was dealing with Matt's issues
on the floor of the men's room at that club in Vegas. I meet you! The guy
that won a billion dollars!" Then he held up his finger. "Then he takes me
around the world! I meet kings, queens, sports legends, actors and they
know who you are and who I am!" He shook his head. "A trip around the world
that cost me nothing! It cost you nothing! You offer to buy a house here,
which again, cost you nothing! Aunt Pearl is leaving it in her will to
you."



"Which includes you now, but I paid for the reconstruction!"



"Right." Rain nodded. "I haven't forgotten that. The only major purchases
were the hotel and the house in Australia. You didn't pay for the cars. The
clothes, yes, but...you are a rich man, Eric."



I nodded. "I just won the money because..."



"No!" Rain said quickly. "Not because of the money. Every country we've
been to you have people that love you. Winning the Superpowerball and the
money gets you through the doors, but you win them over."



I huffed and sort of growled. "I doubt India feels that way."



"Sure, but you made them think," Rain pointed out. "One more time you
caused them to have to think. Those that are LGBT there have sent you
thanks! That makes you a rich man."



I smiled when he said that. "Okay, but how are you saying you're the
luckiest man?" I asked.



"Because, of the billions in this world." He smiled kissing me, "You love
ME!!"



I chuckled shaking my head. "Yes, I do, but you're wrong. You love me, so
I'm back to being the Luckiest Man."



"Then I guess we both are." Rain began walking us closer to the bed.



"I think so." I agreed. "Two individuals out of billions find love? Yes,
we're both very lucky." I pulled him down on the bed over me and we made
love. No more guessing, we knew each other and what each needed and gave it
easily and willingly.





The following few days I watched as Lola was beginning to get even
better. She was still cantankerous sometimes, but not as much. Aunt Pearl
visited with her every day. They would be talking and going for
walks. Walks Lola took with Rain and even with Lucky. Being alone all the
time seemed to make Lola's antisocial aggravation worse, but now she had
companionship daily...she was almost mellow. Almost....and who wouldn't
love Lucky? He was always happy and loved you!



Rain was now taking some courses from the Citadel online. He was determined
to get that degree. Kyle had gotten some people together for the sole
purpose of doing research with the names in Aunt Pearl's Bible. Access to
records was so much easier with the internet and when these people heard
who it was for, they seemed more willing to help. That was their only
job. Kyle had put in the paperwork to make what we were doing a nonprofit
organization. Tax exemptions both Federal and State, protect the assets and
just to keep Uncle Sam appraised to what it was we were doing. News of this
began to get out and was spreading quickly. Now there was the beginning for
those that wanted to be counted in that group to receive those gifts. I
wasn't stupid, but I didn't have the legal expertise Kyle had.



I met with Kyle again for lunch at my hotel. This time, we ate in the
restaurant. Again, I had security nearby to keep others at bay.



"What you're doing is good." Kyle said. "What's happening is not so good."
He grudgingly sighed. "In order to find out if they are the descendants of
anyone that worked on Bonnie Glenn we had to contact them." He
nodded. "Word is getting out and spreading."



I nodded. "And?"



"They want interviews." Kyle shrugged.



"Who?"



"A lot of people," Kyle said. "The NAACP, various news agencies."



"I should answer them," I said simply. "It's the right thing to do." I sat
back looking at Kyle. "I don't normally like the idea of working for
friends or having friends work for me. I don't want you to work for me. I
hate that Tom, Quinton and several others I see as friends, and they think
they are working for me." I smiled. "I rather they work with me. Will you
work with me, Kyle?"



Kyle's eyes narrowed. "I work with you now."



I nodded. "No, you work with me from the law offices of Dan Poole. It is he
that's getting most of that money."



Kyle nodded. "I told you, I just needed more time with a seasoned lawyer."



I loved Kyle. He was very smart but lacked confidence in the decisions he
made on his own. "I think you are damned fine lawyer, Kyle," I said
proudly. "At no time during this whole year did you ever consider anything
about yourself." I threw my hands out. "Hell, you were going to give
yourself to me to keep me happy...and you're not gay!" I leaned
forward. "That's a friend."



Kyle shook his head. "You do the same with me your whole life!" He
said. "All the time!"



I smiled nodding. "Now, I'm being that friend to you. I want you at my
side. Always. I'm putting you on the payroll...exclusively. Not Dan Poole."



Kyle looked a little uncertain. "Then I will be working for you."



"Semantics!" I rolled my eyes. "Kyle, there is not one person, other than
Rain now, that I would trust more than you. You can call me an ass and I
listen." I waved away from the hotel in a direction of home. "You objected
to Rain! Voiced it to me and I listened. I had to defend my relationship
with Rain to you!" I smiled at him. "You have access to those funds, Kyle
and never would I ever think you would cheat or steal from me. You just are
not that way. I wouldn't steal or cheat you. You know that." I
chuckled. "You lack confidence in your abilities, but I don't. I'm putting
you on the payroll. You can be...whatever for me. I know hotels. You know
the law. I trust you. Work with or for...whatever, but together?"



Kyle's eyes lowered as he smiled. "That would be great." He nodded then
pointed quickly. "But you tell ol' Dan!"



I laughed with him. "Consider it done." I grinned. "Now you don't have to
ask for time off to come to the wedding!"



He chuckled. "I will be in the front row!"



I shook my head again. "No, you won't." I smiled at him. "You'll be at my
side as Best Man."



Kyle's eyes widened a second and then he nodded. "You bet." He waved his
fork at me. "When I get married...if I get married...you have to do the
same." The look on his face told me that was very possible.



"Let's go with that." I smiled. "How are things? With say...a certain woman
in Vegas?"



Kyle nodded. "Amy." He grinned. "We've seen each other."



"You never mentioned it!" I said aloud, but happy to hear it.



"You were off going around the world!" Kyle said as loud, he pointed to
me. "You never talked about you and Rain while you traveled. How was I to
know it was so serious?" He was grinning more laughing lightly.



"I don't know..." I shook my head, "maybe because we were still together
when we traveled? I came home with him! Wasn't that a clue? I don't know,
we talked about everything until it came to dating. We never really did
that sort of talk."



Kyle nodded. "You were always there." He explained simply. "We were always
together. There was nothing to share except the details and we
just...didn't."



"Is it serious?" I asked hopefully.



Kyle blushed. He never blushed! "Well..." he said quietly, "I would like it
to be." He looked at me. "I'm going to invite her to the wedding."



"Yes!" I all but yelped getting up and grabbing him up in for a hug.



"Don't be rushing us down the aisle, but I'd like to find out," Kyle said
in our hug. "She needs to come here."



"Fine!" I said sitting again. "Now that you're the President or CEO or
whatever of all this...you can begin to do that!"



Kyle smiled as he nodded and blushed some more. "Yeah." He looked at me
tentatively. "What do we call ourselves?"



I thought only a few seconds, "Something Mom would say when things went her
way. She would thank her lucky stars."



"Lucky Stars?" Kyle asked remembering what she said. He was there so often.



"Sounds good."





What I didn't know, was that Rain and I were being watched. Not by someone
wanting to do us harm, but by Lola. Rain and I didn't hide our
affection. Why would we? Lola was out more, and she would see us
together. She came into the room we used as an office. I was on a computer
at home one day. I was working on the computer and looked up as she came in
followed by Lucky.

"Hi, Lola!" I greeted happily. "Just getting somethings ready for the
wedding."



Lola was dressing better now. The woman I was introduced to wore no makeup
and wore those tie-dyed things. She had been like the Old Crone I mentioned
from Charmed? Now, she didn't wear makeup, but her hair was combed, even if
it wasn't styled by a salon. She shook her head. "I couldn't believe that
you two would be together this long." She looked around the office. "All
this..." she waved at the house, "takes some getting used to."



I looked at her sensing it was a statement that would lead to
something. "Why wouldn't Rain and I still be together? I love Rain."



She shook her head sitting in a chair across from my desk. "Anyone I was
with...it died after a couple of months. I felt lucky when it lasted six
months. How did you keep it going?"



I shrugged. "We just do," I replied. "If you're talking about passion with
sex, we have that. He's a very loving man. I love him, but I also like
him. It's easy to keep."



She looked confused, "Aren't passion and sex the same?"



"Absolutely not," I said immediately surprised she didn't know that. "Lust,
love, passion, and friendship can merge, but they are not the same." This
could be a clue about what made Lola...Lola. "I desired Rain physically
almost immediately. That was lust. We became friends next. I like to spend
time with him even if we aren't having sex. He's funny and very smart. I
fell in love with him shortly thereafter. Lust and love began to
merge. It's what we do as humans...even if some humans don't see how it can
happen with two men."



She seemed to think about what I'd said. "I guess I just never had that
happen." She shook her head and then laughed. "Maybe I didn't let that
happen. I had what I thought was love. There were three men that I thought
I could, but..." she stopped without finishing her statement.



"But?" I asked carefully.



She chuckled. "It was the era of free love and all that when I had Rain's
father. We had the lust and passion, but I watch you with Rain and... it's
almost like you're communicating telepathically at times."



I smiled. "I suppose we are. There are times I know exactly what he's
thinking, and he knows what I'm thinking."



"I remember times when I couldn't keep my hands to myself, and they
couldn't either." She frowned. "I see you two...even now...you pass by in
the hall, or even just standing next to each other. The light touches and
affection is clear."



"Sure. Rain means a lot to me. We just do it." I shrugged. "I'm learning
more about Rain every day. He's quite a remarkable man. He has a strong
sense of right and wrong. He has a dedication to causes." I
smiled. "Though, I don't think I would have worn the prom dress to my
school prom."



Lola laughed at that. "That was a bit extreme, but I agreed with him. I
even helped fit him in the dress!" And then she shook her head. "As the
years went by I began to realize...my father's decision to fight in the
war...I was so young...dying over there caused me not to trust anyone
male."



"Perhaps it did, but you taught Rain a lot of good values he took to
heart." I turned more to face her. "When we first met, he was beside a
friend trying to get him to seek help with his Post Traumatic Disorder. Not
because he needed to, but because he cared and wanted to." I pointed at
her. "That was because of you."



She smiled. "I hope so."



"I trust Rain," I said simply. "He trusts me. We let each other in. Perhaps
you can do that with someone."



Her eyes widened. "At my age!?"



I nodded laughing. "At any age. Love happens if we let it." I waved at the
computer. "Rain and I are getting married. Our lives will join. You will be
there to witness when we do it legally. He's a good man, Lola."



She nodded. "He is." She agreed. "I just want him happy."



"I'll do my best to see he is," I said.





The yacht was donated. I mean, I didn't rent it...exactly. I paid for the
fuel, I paid the wages of those that kept the yacht going as in crew and
those that would serve as we sailed. I bought the supplies we would
use. The yacht was itself donated to the Luckiest Man in the World. Me!
Rain and I were limiting those that would be there as guests. We would
marry just a little way out offshore by a woman who was legally able to
marry people. We had entertainment planned with the band. Several bands
offered and we finally decided on which one. Of course, Kyle and Amy were
coming. Ned Turner and his husband Marcus Delray, Chet and his wife Amanda
Dobbins, Tom Perriguex and his wife, Quinton and Isabel...Toby and Tyler
were staying with Isabel's parents, even Mark Fritz and a date were
coming. Karen Walker was coming along with a camera crew to film and
broadcast the wedding to post on the website. Only Rain, Quinton, Isabel,
Kyle, and Amy were going with us to the Caribbean. There were others were
getting off before we set sail.



I told Dan Poole what was going to happen with Kyle which he protested and
didn't like. He wouldn't, he'd lose the money! I simply asked Mr. Poole
what he had done on my part other than to have his name attached to all
Kyle's work. He said his reputation. Kyle moved to a new office with the
others, he ended up with a staff and needed legal connections he had made
with Dan Poole, but I told Kyle, those connections were made solid by
him. Those that were working to locate the descendants from Aunt Pearl's
Bible moved there, too.



At a little more than two weeks before the wedding, Kyle came to the house
unannounced. He would come by on occasion, but when he came in the room
with Rain, and I were sitting with Lucky on the sofa having a drink before
dinner. Aunt Pearl and Lola were not here yet. I was greeting Kyle, but I
saw his face. The playful good humor that was almost always on his face
just wasn't there.



"Kyle?" I asked sitting up more about to get up. "What's wrong?"



He waved me back down. Like me, he just ripped the Band-Aid off. "Susan's
dead. She was shot several times."



To say it didn't have an effect would be a lie. Even Rain had a reaction to
that as he reached beside him taking my hand. I did feel sorrow, the sorrow
of regret. "By whom? Do they know?" I asked.



Kyle sat down in a chair near us and sighed. "Yes, that man she took off
with, whatever his name was, shot her...they think." He shrugged. "The
Brazilian Authorities sent me photos and the crime reports. She was killed
it seems by Mark Fritz's business partner that took the money and Susan to
Rio...a jealous rage is what I was told." He looked at me carefully. "Are
you okay?"



"No," I said, "I'm not okay. I married that woman. I did love her once. A
part of me still does." I wasn't angry, just sad. "It was so pointless." I
looked at Rain. "I told you, the woman I married wasn't the woman you
met. She had that whole damsel in distress thing going and I fell for it
hook, line and sinker." I said frustrated. "That was something she had
practiced and did well."



"That's who you are, babe." Rain said pulling me closer to him. "That's the
man I fell in love with. Don't fault yourself for trusting."



Kyle nodded. "You know I don't like her." He said to me. "I never did like
her, but I didn't wish her dead..." he saw me looking at him with a look of
surprise. "Okay, there were times I did, but not seriously. I just wanted
her out of your life...out of our lives."



I sighed. "I know." I smiled at Kyle and looked at Rain. "You weren't the
first he put his vengeance on in my life."



Kyle grinned nodding. "No, you aren't, Rain. Only you, I'm now very
comfortable with. I know you love Eric."



Rain rolled his eyes. "So glad I finally got the Kyle Walters' Seal of
Approval at last."



Kyle grinned holding his hands out waving at us. "I'm a lawyer! Show me the
evidence! I see it now." He shook his head. "They wanted to know what to do
with the body."



"Does her parents know?" I asked.



"Apparently they didn't agree to take care of it." Kyle shrugged sadly.



Rain frowned hearing that but not understanding. "They didn't...what!? She
is their daughter!"



"I really never met her mother," I admitted suddenly needing more
bourbon. I swallowed what was left in my glass quickly. "Her father I saw
once." I sighed. "He wasn't like Ward on Leave it to Beaver or any other
father on those shows. He was definitely not the father that knows best." I
looked at Kyle. "I guess we will. She can at least be buried properly."



Kyle smiled nodding. "I knew you'd say that. It's being done."



I smiled as we got up as I waved at the bar which Kyle nodded. "So, I was
right to have you work with me!"



Kyle nodded. "I hope I never let you down." He said softly as he took the
drink I made for him.



I hugged him. "You never have." Then I kissed him. "You're closer than a
brother to me. No. You do fine."



Rain chuckled. "And the only other man I'm okay with kissing my husband!"
He said bringing Kyle in he kissed Kyle, too.



Kyle smirked drinking a little. "How many CEO's gets kissed by the owners?"



Rain shrugged. "Probably more than you imagine."



"Have you had dinner yet?" I asked.



Kyle clapped his hands in anticipation. "I was hoping you'd ask. What are
we having?"





I watched the big white yacht as it pulled up in the harbor when I was at
the hotel. From my balcony terrace, I could see most of the harbor and it
arrived slowly. Tom Perriguex was with me as we saw it slow even more and
it was big...it was a ship! Don't be mistaken, there are a lot of "ships"
in Charleston's harbor at different times for import, export, Navy, and
passenger ships...they were bigger than this one, but the portion of the
harbor it was going into was for privately owned luxury boats making them
look like dinghies. What guy isn't conscious of size? You say it doesn't
matter, but it does.



"Damn," Tom said quietly as it pulled up next to the other sailboats and
other craft, dwarfing them. "That is big."



I will admit it. That pleased me! "I wanted everyone to be comfortable." I
looked at Tom. "She's three hundred feet and has ten grand staterooms,
three elevators, large TV's in everyone's stateroom...a movie theater,
swimming pool." I smiled. "I doubt anyone will feel cramped or
uncomfortable. There is enough room on deck for the wedding to take place!"



Tom chuckled. "I don't think they could be uncomfortable on that." He
looked at me. "I guess you're really going through with it."



My eyes widened which I rolled, and my wiseass side came out. "No,
Tom...I'll change my mind," I growled. "Of course, I'm going through with
it," I said simply. "I feel like Rain, and I are married now." I
shrugged. "This is just a legal formality." I chuckled. "Besides, I can't
get my money back now."



Tom nodded. "Well, I'd love to come with you, but for two weeks? I couldn't
do it." He grinned. "I have a vacation planned and..."



I bumped him lightly. "I know. I'm good with that. You're coming to the
wedding. I'm good!"



Tom shook his head. "I wouldn't miss it."





We gathered on the pier to board this...boat! It was even bigger up
close. Dressed for the warm weather in shorts and t-shirts, Rain nudged
motioning to the bow. "See the name?"



I smirked. "Yes," I said sourly. "Not what I want to say. I should send it
back."



"Well, it is!" Rain defended. "This is the Envy of the Seas!"



"Daaaamn!!" I heard behind us said in that long fashion. "It sure as hell
isn't a little sailboat." Turning I saw Quinton and Isabel walk up the
pier.



They were also dressed for the warm weather, but Isabel looked classy with
the light-colored dress on the billowed in the warm breeze. "Nope, it
isn't." I agreed.



We watched as a limousine pulled up. Aunt Pearl and Lola got out and began
coming down to the pier.



Quinton grinned at Rain and me. "You're getting married!" He waved at
us. "I see nothing but a relaxed demeanor here. What's wrong with this
picture?"



Rain chuckled. "What's missing?"



"When Izzy and I married, I couldn't sit still, pacing and having to piss
every ten minutes," Quinton confessed receiving a light slap on the chest
from Isabel. "What!?" He asked her. "I was nervous!"



"And never mind that bachelor party that might have made things a little
difficult," Isabel grumbled, but smiled and looked at me and Rain. "All
that alcohol might have made you piss as much. And the hangover."



Quinton gave a grudging nod. "Just a little, baby!"



Aunt Pearl and Lola came up closer, also dressed for the warm weather, but
not in shorts. They had on pants and loose shirts.



"This is where you two are getting married." Aunt Pearl said to confirm.



Rain nodded. "Yes!" He waved at the bow. "We will be the Envy of the Seas!"



We boarded the Envy. Kyle and Amy arrived, almost out of breath.

"Cutting it close, Buddy!" I said hugging Kyle as he got onboard. "We
couldn't have left without you."

Kyle chuckled. "Well, I wanted to be sure."

"Blame the airline," Amy said. "We were delayed over Atlanta. An alternate
flight had to be scheduled to get me here." She held her hand out to
me. "Hello, Eric."

I waved away her hand. "We'll be seeing a lot of each other these next two
weeks. Welcome aboard, Amy." I said bringing her into a hug. "I prefer
hugs!"

Amy laughed and hugged me. "Me, too."

There was the happy bark at our feet. Lucky was nearly beside himself with
all these new people. His tail again nearly disappearing again as he wanted
to greet and sniff everyone!

Amy looked down and a smile instantly appeared. "Aw, he's adorable!" She
claimed, bending down, and presenting her hand out for Lucky to sniff, but
Lucky knew she was friendly and was clamoring for more attention from
her. She laughed and picked him up. He was a small beagle, not a hunting
beagle and would never be big. Lucky gave several welcoming licks.

Rain nodded putting familiar arms around me from behind. "Yes, he is." He
grinned. "And he knows he is. Don't you, Lucky?" He asked Lucky giving him
a pet.

Ned Turner and his husband Marcus Delray came aboard next. Both were large
men, but there was love between them as Ned's arm was around Marcus as they
approached Rain and me.

"Hello!" I greeted Marcus shaking his hand happily. "It is a pleasure to
finally meet you...in person and not on the phone or on the computer!"

Marcus smiled. "As it is for me." He said shaking my hand. Ned's arm
tightened around his husband proudly. "Ned told me some pretty great things
about you two." He said pointing at Rain and me.

Rain chuckled. "I'm sorry we kept him away from you for so long."

Marcus waved that off. "He was doing a job." He shrugged. "We saw each
other during that year."

My eyes widened. "Really? I never saw you!"

Ned smiled and turned a little pink. "We would take a day or two and just
be alone for a while."



"Covertly," Marcus said quietly to me. "I didn't want to intrude on what
was happening, so we kept it quiet." Marcus explained.

"Damn," I said. "You are good at what you do."

Chet Dobbins and Amanda came up behind them. "Hi, Ned!" Chet greeted his
former boss.

Ned turned, grinning at Chet. "How are things?"

Chet nodded. "Very good." He waved to Marcus. "Hi, Marcus!" He moved his
wife up. "Have you met Amanda?"



We were left that morning for a wedding that was taking place the next day
at about eleven in the morning. The band was flying in by helicopter the
next morning. Karen and the minister were coming that night for the
pre-wedding things. Yes, we had a helipad on the Envy of the Seas. The
band's equipment was preloaded before we left. I had chosen this ship
because of the room on the deck. There was the pool mid-section which for
could be covered with a hard covering that could be stood on and support
the weight.

Everyone watched as the Envy began to sail out of the harbor slowly. There
were boats that surrounded us as we did, and we were waved to and waved
back at the passengers on those boats. The weather was beautiful and the
breezes from the travel and blowing off the water were very pleasant. I
looked at the people we had onboard. All were in loose tops or
t-shirts. Even Tom looked very...un-Tom-like! He was in this blue Hawaiian
top and had on white shorts! His wife was beautiful...for a blonde. Dressed
in one of those outfits women wear that were all-in-one. They looked very
relaxed. I was used to Tom's scowl at work. He didn't have one on now as
his wife and Quinton and Isabel were laughing with their various drinks.

The Envy had everything. It was very luxurious. The stateroom Rain and I
were given was as big as our room back at Bonnie Glenn! It was as wide as
the entire yacht. Large bed in a room where the color theme was light
whites, beiges, and the dark color of polished wood. That theme continued
in the bathroom where the color was white, but in marble. There was a
standalone shower big enough for Rain and me with room left over. The
interior was made to make the most of space and they did it well. That
didn't mean it was cramped at all. There was plenty of space all
over. Including a gallery/living space that spanned two decks! The floor
was open allowing everyone to not feel cramped at all. There was the upper
decking that surrounded this room where pictures and other objects like
sculptures and paintings were displayed everyone could see from the
circular walk that edged the room. It was a very impressive yacht. It was a
cruise ship! Just for us.

There were servers that kept those little tidbits to eat even before the
party that night. Very tasty. We went out a good way away, land was no
longer seen. As the sun was setting, we all changed to a more...not quite
dressy, but jackets and nice shirts and pants to stroll on the deck. This
was the night before our wedding, but Rain and I were together already. I'm
sorry, but whatever part of me that was gay didn't really get that part
about clothing and what went with what, but I looked as Rain pulled his
white jacket on. I could not deny that he was the most beautiful human
being I had or would ever see. He turned and froze.

"What?" Rain asked smiling knowing what I was doing.

I walked over slipping our arms around each other as we always did. "I was
just thinking about how wonderful you are. You agreed to marry me."

He chuckled. "I think you are wonderful, too. Like I said. We are two of
the Luckiest Men in the World." He grinned kissing me gently.

There was a knock on our door. Opening the door there was a woman that was
here to provide service. "Ms. Walker and Ms. Carson have arrived."

Greta Carson was the minister that was performing the wedding. She wore the
clergy collar around her neck as if there were doubts. There wasn't to be a
wedding rehearsal exactly but knowing where we would stand and all
that...was just practical.



The open deck above had been decorated with tiny white lights that added
elegance to the ship. Soft music played as the other guests came up to
begin the evening. Even Lola looked...well, not like the Lola I had been
introduced to. She was even wearing makeup! Not a lot, but she had on
lipstick and something to add a little color to her cheeks. I was stunned!
She was wearing a nice light blue, floor-length gown, her hair was done up
over her head with some nice, but simple jewelry.

"Lola!" Rain said surprised at seeing his grandmother.

She laughed shoving Rain lightly, "Don't get used to it. After this, I'm
back to my usual ways. This is a special occasion." She shrugged as a tray
passed with those fancy glasses of champagne. She took one and smiled at
Rain. "This is a once in a lifetime event. My grandson is getting married."
Then she looked seriously at Rain. "I did a lot of thinking recently. I
raised you to be your own person...to think for yourself." She shook her
head. "I missed some things about relationships in my life. I didn't see
them as anything that could last." She shrugged. "I don't regret my life,
but perhaps I could have done more, to have someone in my life." She pulled
Rain in and kissed his cheek. "I'm so happy for you, Rain." She smiled at
me and hugged me, kissing me on the cheek. "You're a good man. You love
Rain. I wish for the very best future for you two."

Quinton came up with Isabel, both looked extremely good. Isabel was in a
white floor-length gown, Quinton in a light-colored shirt and white
pants. Again, I appreciate clothes, I don't know who did it or anything
like that, but they both looked very good. "I say again..." Quinton smiled
at me, "...daaaamn." He shook his head. "A guy could get used to this." He
said looking around the Envy.

Isabel rolled her eyes and smiled at me. "He's just excited to be here. I
am, too. This is very nice. The room we were given is not anything we've
ever had before."

"Well, it's yours for two weeks." I shrugged smiling.

Quinton frowned. "Which I don't get." He said as he tried to figure it
out. "We are going with you on your honeymoon?" He said like he knew there
was a mistake somewhere.

Rain chuckled. "Yes, you are." His arm went around me. "We've been together
for almost two years."

"We are taking a trip with friends," I said simply. "And you two are that."

Quinton's face changed to one more serious. "Yes, we were, are and always
will be."



Greta Carson was a nice woman about forty-five with an open and happy
smiling face. I had chosen her because of her Unitarian background. As one
of that denomination, they were very open about...everything. Including
same-sex marriage. We went over where we were to proceed in the morning and
once that was established, we went back to the celebration.

We were all brought to the attention of Karen Walker as she tapped her
glass. "It was about twenty months ago when I met Eric Mitchell and Kyle
Walters." She chuckled. "I have to admit, I was surprised by them
both. What we wanted to do was to stimulate the economy and we were not
disappointed. There were record booms with every country he went to
amounting in the billions." Then she shook her head but laughed. "All
except India, but that too had an effect." She held her hands out
cautioning us. "There will be change, but that's going to take time. They
suffered losses, instead of gains. She held her glass up to me. "It has
been my privilege to meet Eric, Kyle and later joined by Rain. I am here,
not as someone from the Powerball, but as their friend. To Eric Mitchell,
Kyle Walters, and Rain Stevens. To Eric Mitchell, the man who chose the
right numbers. You are the Luckiest Man in the World...and it's not over!
We have received many requests for you to come back...Japan, Italy, France,
and Russia are just some, plus new invites from other countries that didn't
get to host a party for you. Kings and Queens, Presidents and other leaders
are asking for you to come. Including a second invitation by India, but not
India as a country. By Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil of Gujarat. The only
openly self-admitted gay prince known in the world. He wants you to come as
his guests, asked by name for both of you to further his cause for the LGBT
community in India. That was not the goal of all this, but there is good
coming out because of it. It was not a total loss for India." She held her
glass up as a toast. "To Eric and Rain. I don't have to wish you the best
for the future, you have it now and it will only get better. This is not a
wedding toast but is simply a toast. I know you'll both be very happy."

There were the nods and voices of agreement as they all toasted us.



The stateroom was very nice and soundproof. We had partied most of the
evening and until early into the morning. It was only as there were a few
hours before the wedding that we retired for the night. I persuaded Karen
and Rev. Carson to stay instead of returning to shore. There were other
quarters. They were not the staterooms we had but were nice enough for
them. I say it was soundproof as we were awakened by the knock on our
stateroom door. I had not heard the helicopter arrive or the preparations
going on deck going on above.

"Rise and shine!" I heard Kyle's happy voice faintly. "It's put up or shut
up time! You're getting married in a couple of hours!"

"Thanks, Kyle," Rain shouted back chuckled pulled me closer from his
spooned position behind me. "Sorry, but I had to be loud." as I rolled over
to face him as he continued softer. "Yay, we are getting married." He
kissed me.

"We're just breaking all the rules," I said grinning.

"What rules?" Rain asked.

"We were supposed to be apart last night." I grinned. "That rule."

He nodded. "I believe that rule is for the groom to not see the bride the
night before the wedding. Don't see her in her dress, bad luck and all,
but...as there is no bride...so?" He shrugged.



The wedding preparations continued as we dressed and came out on deck. This
was a simple wedding. No tuxes or anything like that. Rain and I were
dressed in nice white pants and white open-collared shirts. The weather in
this part of the world was warm, even at sea. The idea that everyone would
be comfortable was the only real consideration. The band was setting up to
play. They were a new band, but very good from the samples Rain and I
heard. They pretty well could perform anything and... I hate it but being
here to play for the Luckiest Man in the World's wedding gave them
something else to be recognized for.

The cover over the pool had been decorated with a simple running carpet
Rain and I would come upon as we stood before Rev. Carson. Everyone would
have a good view of us. Even Lucky was at the wedding. He'd had a bath and
was happy. He was always happy.

Aunt Pearl came over just before. She touched my face as she smiled. "Now
this..." she looked at Rain, "is right. I've spent time with both of you
now. I can say, I've not known many I could honestly say, we made for each
other." Her eyes teared a little. Taking her handkerchief out, she shook
her head at both our concerns. "No, these are happy tears. I am so happy
for the two of you." She said kissing Rain but looked at me. "You brought
Bonnie Glenn back, but you brought me back, too." She said kissing me on
the cheek. "Thank you. I'm proud to be a part of this."

"Aunt Pearl," I smiled hugging her. "You were always family to me. Since I
was seven you were family! You know that."

"I know," She said kissing Rain. "This is right. You deserve each other."
She said and walked off to join the others.

Then I saw Mark Fritz come over holding the hand of a young woman who
looked to be in shock. He grinned, "I have to say, thank you." He stuck his
hand out to me. "Being invited to the wedding is so...surprising."

I smiled at his sincere words, "We both made mistakes with Susan." I shook
my head. "I don't blame you alone. I made plenty."

"You know what happened to her?" Rain asked Mark. "Her and that business
partner of your Dad's?"

Mark nodded, "Yes, it is sad, but..."

"She chose to do it," I explained. "It was bound to catch up with her."

Mark pushed the woman he was with up. A dark-haired attractive woman about
thirty that was not looking so comfortable. "This is Shelia Barnes, my
date."

I shook her hand. "Glad you could come."

She shook her head, "I would have had to if I'd known." She said
simply. "How do you say no to coming to the Luckiest Man's wedding?" She
frowned at Mark. "He didn't tell me it was your wedding, just a friend's
wedding. He didn't tell me it was you."

Mark grinned at me, "I told her we were going to the wedding of my business
partner..." he smiled, "and friend." He said the last part a little
hesitant.

I nodded smiling. "We are both of those things. We're business partners and
we will know each other for a long time. Friends, because I really like
you, Mark." I grinned. "I'm a hugger, so get ready" Mark grabbed me in a
tight hug. The sound of another helicopter, but I looked over to the
helipad on the Envy. The helicopter was hoovered over us. Looking up there
were people on it, but I saw a person pointing a camera. "I chose this
yacht to avoid reporters, but there they are."

Rain nodded looking up. "They can't land. There's no room."

I looked over to Karen who was meeting with the cameramen and women that
had been allowed onboard, "They will get the better footage."



There was the musical sound, indicating it was time to start. Kyle came
over.

"I'm your Best Man?" He shrugged to me. "Who is Rain's best man?"

"Actually, you're both Rain's and my Best Man," I said. I waved at the
others. "We have plenty of witnesses, but only one Best Man."

"Do I have your approval now?" Rain asked Kyle.

Kyle nodded. "Absolutely! If I were gay, I'd be all over you, Rain. You are
quite a guy!" He put his hand out. "I will be honored to be your Best Man."



The music started and Kyle went forward and stood to the side of
Rev. Carson. Then Rain and I walked up to stand in front of her.

"My friends." Rev. Carson began, having done a wedding many times, needed
nothing to read. "I was asked to join these two together. I will confess, I
watched the whole year as you two traveled the world. I saw the results of
those travels. However, with every picture, video, and blog about them, I
can say, I have never seen two people more devoted to each other." She
smiled at me and Rain. "And it wasn't just for the cameras. It is real. Two
people that express this kind of love, no one in their right minds can
deny. They belong together." She shook her head. "To be the one to
officiate for the wedding of a man that guessed those numbers...earning him
the title of The Luckiest Man in the World...that should have been a
burden, but not for Eric Mitchell." She looked at Rain. "You Rain. Many men
would have been very reluctant to join him for anything other than the
money and the parties...yet, Eric posted many times how you pushed that
back and denied that was ever the case. You proved to Eric you were there
for him and him alone. And I see that. You love truly. As he does you. I am
so happy to be the one to do this last step legally." She waved at the
others. "You are all here because of these two wonderful people. You were
friends or family before the Superpowerball and are here now to witness
this momentous occasion." She stated simply. "Love is love. These two have
that and have asked you to be here." She smiled. "I was asked to keep it
simple. So, I am. Do you, Eric Mitchell, take Rain Stevens to be your
spouse, your best friend, and counsel, for good and bad times until death?"

I smiled. "I do."

"Do you Rain Stevens, take Eric Mitchell to be your spouse, your best
friend, and counsel, for good and bad times until death?"

Rain grinned nodding. "I do."

"You have words to express?" She asked us, knowing we did.

I looked at Rain. "I remember meeting you and I could not believe it." I
looked briefly at the others. "Believe it or not, it was in the men's room
at a club." I looked at him while there was some laughter. "You were there
helping a friend. Having met someone so open and trusting...so loving..." I
shook my head. "I may have chosen the right numbers, but until we came
together, it wasn't real. After meeting you, I felt I was the luckiest man
in the world. I love you, Rain. I want you with me for the rest of my
life."

Rain's eyes were beginning to glisten as he wiped his face. "No, I
disagree." He shook his head chuckling. "You picked the numbers, yes. I was
there helping a former buddy from the military, looking to start learning
to help others like him and me. I was there, I heard your voice and..." he
gave a startled look. "There you were! You changed my life! I wasn't sure
if I should go with you when you asked me to, but...I did and..." he shook
his head. "I have not regretted it one bit! You may have the title of
Luckiest Man in the World, but I'm the luckiest man in the world. You love
me! I want you with me for the rest of my life."

Rev. Carson nodded and reached over to Kyle. "The rings, please?"

Kyle pulled them from his pocket.

"Simple but saying so much." Rev. Carson said holding up the two
rings. "Never ending circles represent never-ending love. That is what
these rings symbolize. A love that has no end." She handed me a ring. "If
you'll put this on Rain's finger and repeat...with this ring, I take you as
my husband."

The simple bands of gold, which was now a little blurred, I slid it on
Rain's left ring finger. "With this ring, I take you as my husband."

Rev. Carson nodded as she gave the other to Rain. "And now, Rain, do the
same with Eric?"

Rain slipped the ring on my finger. "With this ring, I take you as my
husband." He had to let go of a hand to wipe a tear that came. "Men don't
cry!?" He chuckled as he smiled broadly. "That is such bullshit."

I nodded, wiping my own face. "Yes, just bullshit." I chuckled with him.

"Now," Rev. Carson said. "I'm telling you two and everyone," she pointed to
me, "you are not the luckiest man in the world." She pointed to Rain. "You
are not the luckiest man in the world. Together now, you are the happiest,
luckiest couple in the world. I pronounce these two souls have joined and
are married!" She waved to us. "Kiss the other half of the soul you now
share."

Rain nodded. "She's right. We are."

"Yes, she is." I agreed as I leaned toward him and kissed my new husband.



Read Matt Stryker next. A rising star in the late seventies and early
eighties. To save his budding career he must hide his relationship with
that one special person. His nephew. (Did I hear a gasp? Read and see what
happens.)