Timothy - 101. Chapter 101

Stephen walked around with a smile, like a cat that got the cream. He was relaxed and very attentive. I could have kicked myself in the ass for not paying more attention to him, I took him for granted, and that was a horrible mistake. There was no question that he loved me. I made a contract with myself, I’ll make sure that he is number one in my life, and if I ever drift from that, I want Donnie to make sure I remember this commitment.

Andrew met us whenever he had an update on his assignment. I made sure we met at lunchtime at work. If he needed additional information, Stephen would provide computer searches for him. I, more or less, took a back seat. I hadn’t lost interest in pursuing this lawsuit to a favorable conclusion. I had faith in Andrew, and it appeared from our conversations he was having fun doing this.

Friday evening, we had dinner with Alex and Ann Marie at the family diner. I enjoyed their food and best of all, Stephen and I didn’t have to cook. “Tim, look”

Ann Marie had a big smile on her face as she showed me a beautiful diamond ring on her finger. “Does this mean what I think it means?”

“Yes, Alex asked me to marry him, and I said yes.”

“Well, congratulations, Alex, you are a lucky man.” Ann Marie was a beautiful woman, and I was glad for her.

“Thanks, Tim. I’d like for you and Stephen to stand with us. We are planning on being married in August.”

“That’s great, and you can count on us.” Saying that I felt relieved. Now I have Tom to deal with, and I’ll need Alex’s help. Tom’s issues will be resolved before their wedding if I’m lucky.

That evening, lying in bed, “I need to talk to your dad. Ann Marie and Alex will need an apartment.”

“What are you going to do about the lodge?”

“I’m going to ask the Struthers if they want it. It belongs to Ann Marie, so that will have to buy it.”

“If they don’t?”

“I’ll put a staff in place and manage it as a vacation lodge. I’ll set up a trust for the profits and the interest she can spend as she wants. If they have children, then the trust can be for their education.”

“My guess they will buy it.”

“That’s my guess as well.”

“How much are you going to ask for it?”

“I’m going to ask for two and half million, but I’ll settle for two million. I’ll discuss this with your dad and Gramps this Sunday at dinner.” Stephen smiled when I implied Sunday dinner at his parents was back on.

After confirmation of our love, I fell asleep. Donnie came, smiling. No words were spoken, and his smile said it all.

On Sunday, we were sitting in the conservatory having our coffees, ‘Dad, my sister is getting married in August, and I’ll need a place for them. What do you have available in an apartment or condo, preferable between the office and the university hospital?”

“I currently have a project converting an old hotel into condos. The project won’t be finished until the end of September. I can show you the drawings, and if they can wait, I think that would satisfy your conditions of being between the office and hospital.”

I did review his drawings, and the condos were two bedrooms, living room, dining room, and kitchen. “Dad, this would be perfect.”

“Tim, maybe they could change their wedding date until the end of September.”

“We can ask, but if it were me, I wouldn’t wait. I’d rent a hotel room until when the condo would be ready.”

“Tim, I do have an apartments that I could rent until the condo is available.”

I smiled. “That would be great. Then they won’t have to delay their wedding.”

On the way home, “Maybe we should buy one of your dad’s condos. Then when my mom and dad visit, they can stay there.”

“You don’t want them to stay with us?”

“No, I have missed my breakfast seat too many times.” I didn’t have a problem with Mom and Dad staying with us, but now I want to enjoy my home with Stephen.

Tom called and said his classes would end on the 15th of the following month. I arranged for him to stay with us. Now I needed to talk to Alex.

I called Alex from work and arranged for him to join us for lunch. Alex arrived a few minutes early. Stephen met him and brought him to my office. “Alex, we have a friend that needs help.” I proceeded to tell Alex about Bruce and Tom. I had told him about Bruce’s raping of Ann Marie, so he knew who I was talking about. “Tom’s classes will end next month. He needs help. His self-esteem is very low. The guy is intelligent and needs to get on with this life. Can you help him?”

“I’ll need to talk with him before I can answer your question. Whatever happened to your court case against this guy?”

“It’s still going on; I have a lawyer friend who needed something to occupy his time. He’s taken over the case.”

“Tim, let’s go to lunch. I’m hungry.”