Pushing the Limit -Book 2 - 20. Chapter 20

The silence was broken only by the sounds of soft breathing coming from the two men who were still asleep. Sinclair was sandwiched between them, his absolute favorite place to be. It was early, the darkness just barely feathered with the faint gray of the impending dawn. It was Christmas morning and Sinclair felt like a little kid again, only now he knew that he had something better than any present Santa could bring. He had TC and David.

The past couple of weeks had shown him exactly how much they loved him. True to his word, Sinclair had gone with TC on his work trip to the other side of the state. Sin loved watching TC in his element, negotiating for the salvage rights to a large yacht that had burned, arson being the prime suspect. The insurance company wanted the remains of the vessel brought up so they could determine the exact nature of the cause of the fire. TC’s confidence and business savvy had won the bid.

David had also been super attentive, texting often when Sinclair went back to work. He had also gone with him and his Mom to get the restraining order filed against his sperm donor. TC had immediately emailed a copy of the order to George’s employers. Claire had received a scathing text damning her to Hell for ruining his life. She forwarded it to her attorney and then blocked his number after advising him that he would need to speak directly to her lawyer from now on.

Sinclair shifted slightly, his hand had been tucked beneath his head and was getting numb. The movement caused TC to shift as well, a soft sigh accompanied the movement. Sinclair held his breath, not wanting to interrupt his sleep. It had only been a few hours since they had all fallen asleep, arms and legs tangled, bodies sated. They had spent the evening out at Miles and Andi’s place, enjoying great company, great food and plenty of fun. They had kept the evening rated PG as the kids were there. Miles and Andi’s two new puppies had been a hit with everyone.

Sinclair had recognized the gleam in Lyssa’s eyes and he had a feeling that she and Morgan would cajole David into allowing them to get a dog. He was pretty sure that Lyssa was planning on using the whole ‘guard dog’ angle on David, and he also knew David was probably going to cave.

Sinclair was happy. For the most part he had been able to shake off the self-deprecating thoughts that seeing George had brought back. Dr. Ng had been a great help, even though it had only been a couple of sessions so far.

He was also optimistic. He had contacted one of his old coaches and had found out that the family who now owned the gymnastics center were very open to speaking with any potential buyers. He had passed along the information to TC and his financial advisor and lawyer were now doing the research to see how sound of an investment it could potentially be. Sinclair knew for a fact that the center had been doing very well and he was sure that the marketing analysis would reflect that. He was really hoping that it would work out.

Sinclair’s eyes blinked sleepily and he let himself drift back into a light slumber. He was awakened by a hand skimming lightly along his hip and ass. Damn, he could never get tired of that sensation. He shifted slightly, letting TC know that he was awake. He could feel light kisses being peppered along his shoulder. They were soft and comforting.

The slight movements caused David to stir as well, his eyes fluttered open, long lashes stuck together in the corners. Sinclair smiled when those blue orbs locked onto his own hazel ones. A lazy smile rewarded him in return. TC hummed his approval when he saw that they were both awake.

“Merry Christmas.” TC said, his voice raspy with the remnants of sleep.

“Merry Christmas Sir,” both Sinclair and David replied. TC chuckled at the teasing tone that David had added to his ‘Sir’.

“Santa doesn’t bring presents to naughty boys, Agori.” TC teased.

“Then Santa is missing out. Naughty boys deserve the best presents.” David quipped.

Sinclair couldn’t help but laugh. TC joined him.

“Well, shall we go see if Santa left anything under the tree?” TC asked.

Sinclair didn’t need another invitation, he threw back the covers and gave both guys a quick kiss, and scampered out of reach before either one could get a hold of him. He bounced on his toes at the end of the bed and said “C’mon Sirs, let’s go.”

“Put some clothes on Sin or we won’t make it past the bathroom door.” David instructed.

Impatiently, Sin grabbed a pair of shorts and hightailed it to the bathroom before the other two had even managed to sit up. In short order they had all finished using the bathroom and TC and David followed Sinclair into the living room. The tree was still lit up and the presents that they had been piling there over the course of the past few weeks beckoned. David got the coffee going. Priorities you know.

Sinclair was anxious to please his two lovers. Christmas had always been subdued when he was growing up. In college he hadn’t even bothered to go home, instead spending the holiday with either a teammate or his coach. This year was different. This year he had the two most important people to share the day with. He had never been so excited before and his enthusiasm was contagious.

“So, how do you guys usually do this?” Sinclair asked.

“Why don’t you play Santa and get a present for each of us. Then we can open them one at a time.” TC suggested.

“Works for me. I usually have two overly hyped up kids tearing things open before I can take my first sip of coffee.” David remarked. They would be going over Renee’s for dinner, so Sinclair knew there would be plenty of tearing open of presents later. He had helped wrap most of it.

Sinclair gave TC and David each a gift with their names on them and chose one for himself. They took their time, enjoying watching each other open a variety of useful, thoughtful, and occasional naughty presents. David got a lot of clothes as he had kept up with his healthier eating habits and hadn’t gained back any of the weight he lost. TC and David had given Sinclair a new laptop, his old one had gone belly up not that long ago. TC got some beautiful artwork that he had been admiring. Several new toys and lengths of rope would be added to the playroom collection.

They balled up the wrapping paper and threw it at each other randomly, when one of them wasn’t looking. David laughed as Sinclair nailed TC right in the back of his head. The look of pure joy and happiness on Sin’s face was worth the look of feigned annoyance on TC’s face.

The last of the presents were opened and the shredded wrapping paper gathered up and stuffed into a trash bag, the three men thanked each other and headed to the kitchen to make breakfast. Sinclair whipped up his French Toast casserole while David got the bacon started. TC put on another pot of coffee. They had plenty of time to relax and enjoy each other’s company. TC and David told stories of the Christmases they’d had growing up. Sinclair even chimed in a few times. He remembered Christmas being fun when he was little. His mom had tried to make it as festive as she could when he got older.

Once breakfast was over and cleaned up they ended up back in the playroom. David declared that Sin’s red ass was the best present yet. He had held himself back, not wanting Sin to be too uncomfortable to enjoy the rest of the day. He and TC both knew that their lover would feel the heat on his ass for several hours and that thought alone brought them both to a shuddering climax as they stroked themselves to completion, painting Sin with their release.

They had a few hours to kill before they needed to head to Renee and Mike’s house. TC and Sinclair set up his new laptop and David dozed off on the other end of the sofa. TC slid his hands down David’s chest, pinching his nipples along the way. When David jolted awake TC chuckled and teased, “Maybe you should get yours pierced too.”

David stared him down and merely retorted “Only if you get a Prince Albert.”

TC quirked an eyebrow, winked at Sinclair and then replied “We can always discuss it.”

David’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed hard. Sinclair felt his dick twitch at the thought. TC just laughed.

“C’mon, time to shower and get our asses in gear. We’re supposed to be there in an hour.” TC admonished.

Knowing they needed to be out the door in a half hour had them sticking to the basics of getting washed up. They were on their way twenty-five minutes later, Sinclair’s hair still a little damp because David had hogged the blow dryer. TC had recently gotten hair cut so he merely towel dried his hair and brushed the strands into place. It gave him a sort of ‘I don’t give a fuck’ look that oozed sexiness.

David’s ex-wife’s home was a bevy of activity when they arrived. Renee and Mike were in the kitchen, busy with dinner and the kids were in the bonus area playing pool on the table that Renee had gotten Mike for Christmas. Hugs, kisses and choruses of ‘Merry Christmas’ contributed to the festive atmosphere.

TC and Sinclair put two apple pies, a pecan pie and brownies on the side table. The strawberry cheesecake went into the fridge, balanced careful atop a few sealed containers of food.

The next few hours were a combination of food, presents and an intense game of pitch. TC knew that he and David had always had a competitive streak. It was absolutely nothing next to Sinclair. Lyssa too, surprised them with the ferociousness of her bidding. They changed teams after each game and when it came down to TC, David, Sinclair and Lyssa against Owen, Morgan, Renee and Mike, David’s team was ruthless in their quest for victory. Lyssa squealed when they bowled over their competition.

Morgan seemed so much more relaxed. Renee and Mike had taken her under their wings. For Christmas they had taken care of getting her car serviced. She had started working when she was ten, mowing lawns, doing errands or odd jobs for neighbors, and babysitting, saving nearly everything she made. She saved enough to get an eight year old Toyota Corolla when she turned sixteen. It gave her the freedom to get a part time job and she continued to save her money, knowing she would need it for college. Now the car was ten years old and at the point where it needed some more expensive work done on it, so Renee had decided it would be a worthwhile present for her.

Lyssa and Owen had gotten the usual assortment of clothes and electronics. Owen gave everyone the best Christmas present when, in the second week of December, he had announced that he had been accepted into the United States Coast Guard Academy. The Naval Academy’s acceptance had come a week later, but everyone knew that Owen had already set his heart on the Coast Guard. David was so proud of that kid.

They had considered getting Lyssa a car of her own, but Owen told them that she could share his vehicle until he left for the Academy and then it would be hers to use while he was gone. He did stake claim to all future visits home.

David had gotten a call from Dr. Charlotte a few days before Christmas. She had rented a condo on Siesta Key and would be there after the first of the year and stay through the end of April. He was looking forward to seeing her again and introducing her to the most important people in his life. They had continued with their weekly ‘therapy’ sessions and Dr. Charlotte was excited to visit.

It was nearly ten o’clock when Sinclair, David and TC loaded up the car, David still muttering that he was getting a truck soon. When they got home TC turned to David and Sinclair and said “I have one more present for you guys. It’s in the playroom.”

Sinclair saw David tilt his head inquiringly and TC just nodded. They followed him down the hall. Opening the door, TC flipped the switch for the lights and immediately the room was bathed in a soft glow. There were flowers on the small stand next to the bed, red roses and white carnations surrounded by greenery.

Sinclair and David were both taken by surprise when TC lowered himself to his knees in front of them.

“TC?” David said softly.

“Shhhh. Let me do this.” replied TC, his voice husky with emotion. He reached under the bed and pulled out the box that David had given him. The one from Oberammagau, carved with the intricate Celtic knot. “Both of you open it. Please.”

Sinclair took the box and held it as David opened the lid. They both gave a little gasp at what was inside. Sinclair reached in and lifted one of the beautiful chain collars and David pulled out two more. The chains themselves were identical, interwoven black titanium links, the strand itself about five millimeters thick. The way the links were entwined it gave the illusion of scales, like a dragon. Each chain had a locking ring about an inch in diameter. In the center of each ring was a different dragon’s eye stone. Sinclair held the one that was a vivid and intense blue, while David admired the deep amber of the second and the fiery red and orange of the third.

Still on his knees TC declared “David. Sinclair. I love you both with every single breath I take. I can’t legally marry both of you and I could never choose one of you over the other. I can however, commit and pledge myself to both of you for the rest of our lives if you’ll have me, and each other. These collars are my promise to you both, to belong to you always, to seal the bond we have between us. So, will you do me the honor of becoming my partners forever? Husbands, for all intents and purposes?

Sinclair looked at David and in a mutual understanding they both slowly lowered themselves to their knees in front of TC. Sinclair looked into those beautiful eyes, filled with hope and answered clearly “Yes Sir.” The significance of TC’s willingness to wear a collar as a Dom was not lost on either man. It was a solid affirmation of his commitment to them, and they were both awed by the gesture.

David looked at TC, his eyes reflecting the question that remained unspoken, yet understood, ‘Are you sure?’

When TC gave one short nod, David’s face lit up and he looked at TC with love, and answered “Forever.”

TC pulled them both close, his eyes brimming with tears of pure happiness. He would cherish these two until his last dying breath.

Pulling back he took the box from Sinclair and pointed to the collar with the blue stone. “This one is for you Sin. Blue will always be your color, your inner dragon, strong and beautiful.” He turned to David and held out the collar with the red and orange stone and said “David, you have a fire within you that burns brightly. It’s the fire that drew me to you. It’s the fire that warms our hearts. This stone reminds me of that fire and I thought it would suit you.”

“It’s perfect TC. Damn, you really know exactly what to say don’t you?’ David replied, his own eyes threatening to unleash his own tears of joy.

“What about you Sir? Why did you pick the amber color?” Sin asked.

TC blinked back the moisture that was nearly at its tipping point and replied “This was the stone I was going to give Elliott for Christmas before he died. I truly believe that he led me to both of you. This is my way of honoring him and thanking him for the wonderful gift he brought me.”

Sinclair was awed and humbled by TC’s admission. He looked at both of his lovers and declared “I love you Sirs, forever.”

TC and David echoed his sentiments and they wrapped their arms and lips around each other. It didn’t take long for the short sweet kisses to turn into long, passionate meetings of lips against heated skin. TC got up, pulling both Sin and David up along with him and climbed onto the bed. They closed out their Christmas in a tangle of limbs, entwined with each other, not caring where one began and one ended. Sheets became tangled as they became one. TC buried himself in Sinclair and David once again revelled in the sweet heat of TC’s body. It was one more gift which he willingly gave.

The night had seamlessly become a new day and the three men had spent the duration enjoying each other in every way possible. David and TC both gave Sinclair the go ahead to top either of them, but he was a true bottom and had no desire to explore anything else. As the sun broke over the eastern horizon they finally drifted off into a deep, satisfying slumber, pressed against each other as only lovers can do. It was midafternoon before any of them stirred. David, surprisingly, was the first to wake and he laid there quietly, watching the two men that he loved completely as they slept. He had been contemplating how to seal their relationship and knew that TC had hit upon the perfect solution.

Gradually his lovers stirred and gentle caresses and kisses were exchanged. Anything further was ground to an abrupt halt when TC’s stomach growled loudly and David’s answered. Sinclair bent down and gave each of the grumbling bellies a kiss.

“I think my Sirs need to be fed.” he declared as he crawled out of the cocoon of sheets and blankets that had surrounded them. TC ran his hand over Sin’s flank as he maneuvered himself off the bed. Sin merely turned and shot him a devastating smile. TC chuckled.

David gave TC a kiss and said “C’mon, let’s go see what we can fix to eat. I’m starving.”

TC sighed and threw back the remaining covers and headed to the bathroom.

Renee had sent them home with leftover ham and turkey and when TC and David made it into the kitchen Sinclair had taken out all the fixings for Monte Cristo sandwiches. Before long they each had a double decker sandwich piled high with a thick layer of turkey and ham, each section surrounded by Swiss cheese. Sinclair had perfected his French toast and had added some maple syrup to the egg mixture, giving the bread an extra hint of sweetness. It was the perfect touch.

As they sat at the table enjoying their food, TC asked “So, any ideas on when and where we should have our collaring ceremony? I’d like our friends and families to witness it.”

David shrugged and suggested “We could do it here or at my house if we keep it small. There’s always the beach too.”

TC replied “I’m not too keen on the beach. Too many people around. I’d rather keep it more private. Either house would work as long as we keep it to around twenty people or so. If we go that route, I think your house would be better. It’s a little bigger and we could use the lawn area in between the lanai and the pond. Sin, what about you? Do you have any ideas or suggestions?”

Sin swallowed the bite of sandwich he had been chewing and wiped his lips with a napkin before answering “What about the Conch? It can accommodate twenty or so people, can’t it? It would be nice to be out on the open water, especially around sunset.”

David’s face lit up and he replied “That’s a brilliant idea, Sin! I think it’s perfect. We can have the collaring ceremony, celebrate with everyone, bring them back to the marina and then stay on the boat, maybe take a few days to head to the Keys for some diving for a quick honeymoon?”

TC’s smile matched David’s. “Better yet, why don’t we head to the Bahamas for some diving? That is, if Sin can get the time off?” He looked at Sinclair inquiringly.

“It depends on when you want to do it,” he replied. “The school has it’s Spring Break the second week of March but I don’t know if you want to wait that long. Training for baseball will kick in by the end of January. Golf is ongoing all year, but the Academy has a full time training staff just for the golf program. I only help out when they need an extra hand.”

TC grabbed his phone and pulled up his calendar while David did the same. They had their heads together, black locks contrasting against the sandy blond ones. Sinclair smiled at the sight.

David was quicker to analyse their schedules and he commented “If I move these appointments and you postpone this job by three days, that will give us twelve days starting January 17th.”

“Wow, that’s coming up quick.” TC commented. “Sin, can you take off a week or so starting the 17th?”

Sinclair looked at the calendar on TC’s phone, his bottom lip caught between his teeth as he contemplated his options. “I can probably get the week off following the 17th, but with baseball starting I think I’ll need to be back at work on the 27th.” he replied.

David looked at them and suggested “So let’s plan for having everyone on the boat on the 18th for the collaring and we can head out the next day and spend the week island hopping around the Bahamas.”

TC and Sinclair both agreed that it would work. They spent the rest of the long holiday weekend making plans. They all decided to make the ceremony simple. Legally the only thing that needed to be done, which TC insisted on, was to have power of attorney paperwork drawn up to cover financial and medical decisions for each other should anything happen to any of them. TC was also planning on revising his will and David would do the same.

They made a list of who they wanted to invite and including themselves there would be twenty people. Just the right size. They called everyone they wanted to invite and were pleasantly surprised when everyone was able to confirm that they would be there. The only exception were Miles and Andi’s kids who already had a commitment for that weekend which cut the guest list to eighteen.

David had a lengthy conversation with Dr. Charlotte and by the time he ended the call he had committed to picking her up at the airport on January 2nd and delivering her to her condo as well as reserving the following Saturday for all of them to spend with the lively old lady so that she could “get to know his lovely fellows” in person. Dr. C was like Lyssa, she was hard to say no to.

The next week was a busy one and before David knew it, it was time to pick up Dr. Charlotte from the airport in Tampa. He delivered her to the condo complex where she was renting a unit and made sure she got settled in, promising to be back on Saturday with TC and Sinclair.

When Dr. Charlotte opened the door to the condo on Saturday, David had to laugh as she craned her head back and looked up at TC who towered over her by nearly a foot and a half.

In her clipped British accent she declared “I may need a ladder to have any sort of decent conversation with you!” She then turned her gaze onto Sinclair and stated, “That’s better. I don’t need binoculars to see you clearly. Come in, come in, don’t just stand there lads.”

David chuckled and once in the door made the introductions.

Dr. Charlotte got everyone settled with water or tea and made herself comfortable on a chair with her feet dangling down, nowhere near to touching the floor.

“So tell me David, how are things going with you all now that you’re engaged?” She asked.

David told her about TC’s proposal and how proud and in awe of TC he was. He knew that she would appreciate how important it was that TC would be willing to wear a collar.

“TC, dear, you are a special man, aren’t you? I can see by the look on David and Sinclair’s faces that they think so too.” she remarked. Looking at Sinclair she said “And you, young man, you must be so proud of yourself. It takes someone with a strong sense of inner strength and confidence to make such a commitment, especially as a sub. David has already told me that you’ve given yourself fully to both of them. I’m proud of you.”

Sinclair blushed at the reference to sex and Dr. Charlotte giggled.

“No need to be embarrassed young man, you're young. Enjoy the sex as often as you can. It’s a natural part of a relationship.” she told him.

“Not everyone thinks so.” commented Sinclair.

David had already spoken to her about what had transpired between Sinclair and his father and she had ranted over the phone with him for nearly a half hour. To say she was quite opinionated on the subject was putting it mildly.

“Well then those people are nothing but close-minded arseholes now aren’t they?” she huffed.

Just like that, the three men laughed, not expecting the petite Doctor to swear, and the mood lightened considerably. Dr. Charlotte was a breath of fresh air. They spent the remainder of the day showing her the sights around the area, stopping at the farmer’s market and exploring the shops downtown. They returned to the condo and walked out to the beach to catch the sunset. Dr. Charlotte was amazed at how beautiful the colors were. She even dipped her toes in the water, even though it was cold at this time of year, at least for Floridians.

When they finally departed at the end of the night everyone knew that they would be enjoying Dr. C’s company a lot more in the upcoming few months and TC and Sinclair were looking forward to getting to know her better. TC and David had to bend over nearly in half in order to receive a kiss on the cheek and Sinclair just had to lean in as they filed out the door, promising to get together again soon.

TC had been right and immediately after Christmas, Lyssa had started her quest for a puppy for her and Morgan. David was able to shut her down by telling her that it was off the table for the immediate future, but he would be willing to discuss it further once they graduated and could present a plan that would ensure that the critter was not left alone for long stretches.

Sinclair had no problem getting the requested time off, and even David’s boss was fine with him taking off ten days. He had been busting his ass since he had returned from Europe and had landed several lucrative contracts. TC managed to clear his schedule as well.

When the day arrived, TC, David and Sinclair greeted their guests happily as they arrived at the dock. TC’s parents had come down from Virginia the week prior and had driven up from Naples a few days early to spend some time getting to know Sinclair. They had gone to Siesta Key to pick up Dr. Charlotte at David’s request. It was apparent when they arrived that the little Englishwoman had worked her magic on them as well. Nicolas and Helen were quite taken with her. When Sin’s mom showed up, she and Helen bonded instantly. Renee, Mike and the three kids arrived, Lyssa practically bouncing with excitement. Miles and Andi arrived with Terri and Michelle. Mile’s kids were on a mandatory band trip out of town for a state wide competition. Zander and Gio sauntered up the docks not long after.

Once everyone was settled Owen helped Sinclair untie the lines and TC piloted them out of the marina into the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. It was mid afternoon and the temperatures were in the upper 70’s. Humidity was nonexistent this time of year. Most of the guests stayed in the sheltered area behind the bridge, out of the wind. The kids had thrown on sweatshirts and were lounging on the bow cushions. TC had left the canopy raised, further helping to shelter their guests from the breeze.

The perfect weather kept the swells to a moderate 1-2 feet and TC brought them out to a point where the shore was just a thin line on the distant horizon and cut the engines before dropping the anchor. They mingled among their family and friends until the sun was hovering low on the western horizon. The sky had started to turn yellow and orange.

TC disappeared into their cabin and came back with the carved box. He handed it to Miles as he and his lovers got ready. They had decided to keep things short and simple. TC removed his shirt and David and Sinclair followed suit.

Family and friends gathered around and as the sun sank into the dark sea. Sinclair gracefully dropped to his knees and placed his hands behind him, grasping his elbows. TC and David held the blue-stoned collar around Sin’s neck and David spoke first, promising “Sin, take this collar as my promise to you. To care for you and love you for the rest of our days. We cannot be an us without you. You are part of my everything.”

TC followed with his own promise. “You are my heart and soul Sin, I will cherish you and take care of you for the rest of our lives. You make us complete. You give us exactly what we each need, now and forever.”

TC and David pushed gently and the lock clicked into place, the stone nestling perfectly in the hollow of Sin’s throat, sealing Sin to them. He stood up so that David could take his place, slowly lowering himself to his knees, hands clasped in front of him.

TC took the red and orange stoned collar and he and Sin placed it around David’s neck. Sinclair looked into those beautiful blue eyes and declared, “Sir, I am yours, forever and with every breath I take. I will love and obey you, aways.”

TC ghosted his thumb across David’s cheek and said “David, you make me whole. We’ve gone through so much to get here and I will never let you go again. You will forever be a part of me.” David smiled as the lock clicked into place. Then he stood and his heart swelled with pride and love as TC lowered his gaze and went down on his knees to receive his collar. Even on his knees, he still oozed a confidence that only a Dom could exude.

David and Sin took the collar with the amber stone and TC shivered as their fingers placed it around his neck. Sin looked into his eyes and repeated the vow he made to David. “Sir, I am yours, forever and with every breath I take. I will love and obey you, always.”

David had tears in his eyes as he looked into TC’s soul. “ It is truly a miracle that we are here, together. I am truly complete and whole now. You are the other part of my everything and always will be.” TC smiled at the distinct ‘click’ of the lock snapping into place.

Their friends and family all clapped and congratulated them, their happiness and pride quite apparent.

TC stood and embraced his lovers, wanting to hold onto this moment forever. He couldn’t believe that the two men he loved wholeheartedly were his forever, to cherish and take care of for the rest of their lives.

Sinclair relished the feeling of two sets of strong arms around him. He felt so safe and secure. He would do anything for these two. They meant the world to him.

David inhaled deeply, his nose drawing in the strong, masculine scents of TC and Sinclair. It was hard to believe that it had been almost two years since he had heard TC’s voice call to him across that hotel lobby. Two years, and so many trials and tribulations to get them to this point. He was eternally grateful that the tribulations had conquered the trials. He was truly happy.

They were all happy.

The End