Luckiest Man In The World - 10. 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!

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. “Well, 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 income...”

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. 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 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. “Well, 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 and 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. “But 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 my 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 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 Perrigeux 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 bandaid 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 who? 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 Perrigeux 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 dingys. 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, TV’s in everyone 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?”

“Well, 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!”

Next: The Wedding