More Than Friends And Brothers

Disclaimer: Not mine, no money made etc.
Note: In response to the Live Journal prsw22 challenge, themes #21, warmth and #04, commitment (reprise). – Okay, hold onto your hats, folks; after all the angst and drama in the previous arc, the next two chapters are going to be pretty much all fluff (and PWP! *evil grin*). Enjoy anyway, I hope, and please pass by the feedback box on your way out?


More Than Friends And Brothers
Chapter 22: Forever And Always


"Leave it right there; that's perfect," Jason told Tommy once he'd shifted the black-stained wooden container containing their Christmas tree a bit more towards sliding door. Since remodeling the house, they'd taken to buying a live tree with the bale still intact, leaving it on the patio until shortly before the holidays. They would plant it out into the back yard in early January; now all they had to do was put up the lights, and they were done.

"Okay." Tommy made a few adjustments until the lush fir was standing absolutely straight and gave the container a last twist. "Man, these things are getting heavier each year," he grumbled. "Did you get the lights untangled?"

"Yep." Jason joined him on the roofed terrace, several strings of golden-yellowish LED lights already in hand. Together, they made quick work of fixing them evenly to the branches. When only one strand was left, Jason unrolled the extension cord and placed it near the waterproof outlet in the wall. "Can you finish by yourself?" he asked. "The news start in a couple minutes – and I'll heat up the punch for later."

"Sure, go ahead." Tommy smiled to himself as his lover went inside after giving him a quick, grateful kiss and grope. If everything went as usual, they'd be making love in front of the fireplace later tonight. There were more comfortable places in the house, but ever since they'd bought the thick, soft sheepskin rug the temptation to have sex right there, with only the flickering flames and the lit Christmas tree for illumination and the winter night sky clearly visible through the wall-to-wall glass doors, was hard to resist.

*Besides, nothing beats the atmosphere!*

First, though, Jason would watch the news like he faithfully did every night. They'd have dinner next, share some more punch, and after that …

*Then, the fun starts.* Tommy couldn't help a small leer as he plugged in the lights and set the timer. The punch Jason had prepared from a recipe he'd brought home from Geneva would be a fragrant mixture of hot tea, red wine, orange juice and spices – ideal for warming up after a day spent skiing … or setting up the Christmas tree. It also never failed to get them into the mood for some slow, intense loving. Tommy's cock stretched and filled as he pictured mapping Jason's tanned body with his hands and mouth in the firelight. *Mmm. Soon,* he promised himself.

However, first he had to wash the dirt and sticky sap from his fingers. With a last, critical glance he decided their tree was as fine as it was going to get and went inside.

On his way back from the bathroom, he collected two mugs of steaming punch from the kitchen and went down the two steps into the living area to join Jason on the couch. Jason murmured his thanks as he jotted down a few notes and a web address related to the latest news from a conflict somewhere in Africa. He was planning to teach a unit on third-world development next year, and could use the information to prepare lessons. Tommy stretched out his long legs with a contented sigh, sipped his beverage and let his mind wander when the news anchor's voice suddenly caught his attention.

"In domestic news, Congress passed the Equal Marriage Act with a significant majority today. As of January 1, 2020, same-gender couples in all fifty states will be able to enter legal unions, with all the rights and benefits associated with traditional marriage. Let's switch to our correspondents in Washington and several other states across the union for reactions from legislators, lobbyists and opponents …"

The distinguished features of Alan Collins were among the first to appear on the screen, answering a reporter's questions. Both men had sat up and were now listening intently; they'd known that Wes' father had actively been lobbying for this change in the law for years, but they'd had no idea his efforts would be successful so soon. Once the segment was done, Jason reached for the remote and clicked off the TV.

"Well," he said slowly, trying to mask his reaction. It wasn't easy, not when he was yea-close to panting as if he'd just run a full stadium lap. "I certainly didn't see that coming."

"I don't think anybody did," Tommy murmured dazedly. He was having trouble not to press a hand to his chest in an attempt to still his triphammer heartbeat. "Certainly not this year, or Wes would've mentioned something. Wouldn't he?"

"Uh huh." Jason slanted a sideways glance at his best friend and lover. "So what do you think?"

"About the new law? It's … good."

"Yeah."

Tommy dearly wanted to ask what that meant for them, but couldn't quite find the nerve to broach the subject. Back when they'd first become lovers, making their union legal had only been an option in Massachusetts or a few foreign countries; it wouldn't have been valid anywhere else. A few years later, they could have registered a 'domestic partnership' in their home state, giving them every right and privilege that a marriage would, but it would've been invalid almost anywhere else.

*We both said we wanted all or nothing.*

When Jason's parents reacted so negatively to their coming out, he understandably hadn't wanted to compound the situation any further by legalizing their relationship, and eventually they just stopped talking, or even thinking about it. Besides, both men felt that a piece of paper or a ceremony didn't make a difference to their commitment to each other. It still didn't.

Now, though, that situation would be changed forever within a few short weeks.

For some reason neither Jason nor Tommy chose to pursue the subject. Instead, they acted as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened; they prepared dinner together, ate, cleaned up and went back to the couch to finish their hot drinks. Like most nights, they talked idly about everyday stuff – their classes, students, what they were going to do for the holidays. Tommy especially seemed bent on discussing at length what kind of presents he was going to buy for his nephews.

Jason leaned back against the couch cushions, listening to his distracted ramblings with warm eyes and a slightly amused smile.

*Tommy sure gets into that whole Christmas thing. Well, maybe I would, too, if I'd ever gotten to meet the real Santa!*

He couldn't help but notice, however, that Tommy was rather fidgety, repeating himself on occasion and sometimes even losing his train of thought altogether. Jason puzzled over it for a moment until realization dawned – could it be Tommy's teenaged absentmindedness was making a comeback because he was thinking about the very thing that was foremost on his mind since hearing the news broadcast?

*Marriage. For me and Tommy. Man, we always thought that was stuck in some kind of weird 'someday' zone. I never quite believed 'someday' would actually come this soon.*

If he was totally honest, despite their resolution to shelve the issue Jason had sometimes fantasized about proposing to Tommy, or being proposed to. Over the years, the scenario had changed and shifted from embarrassingly romantic to matter-of-fact and back again, with every possible variation in between. He'd pictured himself going down on one knee, ring in hand, after a festive dinner, only to dismiss it as too clichéd; he'd dreamed of Tommy fiercely declaring his intention to claim him as his lifemate during passionate sex, and had laughed inwardly – they usually had better things to do with their mouths at those times than make life-changing grand pronouncements! In the end, no matter which notion his imagination had conjured, whether casual, spontaneous or deliberate … none had seemed quite right for them.

*What does seem right, now that it can become reality, is that I want to be married to him. I want 'someday' to be now. And if I know Tommy at all, so does he. Only …how do I bring it up?*

The last thing he wanted to do was pressure Tommy into anything. He'd been the one to take the first step by declaring his love; he'd also taken the leading role in their lovemaking, at least in the beginning. Tommy might have suggested they move in together, but again Jason had been the one to argue first – and most – for coming out.

*It'd only be fair to let Tommy say the word for once. So, I should probably wait until he asks me.*

The only problem was, Jason didn't think he had the patience to wait for Tommy to make up his mind. Plus, of course, there was an outside chance that Tommy didn't want to change the status quo after over a decade. Jason thought it was unlikely, but he couldn't be one hundred percent sure – not without broaching the subject himself, anyway. *Catch-22. Shit.* Stifling a sigh, he set his empty mug onto the coffee table and snuck another glance at his lover. Tommy was done with his drink as well and placed the cup absently on the small chest next to the reading lamp. As he straightened, he looked up at Jason, a welter of emotion in his eyes even as he continued to ramble on about presents.

With a flash of insight, Jason realized that it didn't matter who eventually did the asking … and that the question didn't need to be asked verbally at all. He could read it perfectly in the brown depths – love, hope, uncertainty, even a trace of fear – but not a single doubt, and the answer right along with it. Jason's breath caught; he didn't doubt for a second that the same things could be read in his own eyes, and between one heartbeat and the next he knew what to do.

*First, though, I gotta stop his babbling.* Nearly overwhelmed with love and certainty, Jason moistened his lips to speak.

"Tommy."

"If you still want to give your Mom something decorative for the house, there's this new curio shop down by the harbor; I think I saw a nice-"

"Tommy," Jason interrupted his lover a second time, and reached for his hands. The gentle but firm grip finally got Tommy's attention and he shut up, gulping as he saw the expression on Jason's face.

"Um, yeah?"

Jason lifted the long fingers and brushed his mouth against Tommy's knuckles.

"Yes."

"Uh … w-what?" Tommy stammered, taken completely by surprise.

"My answer is yes," Jason repeated softly, his eyes glowing.

Tommy felt his insides melt, both at the caress and the realization that the wish he'd secretly harbored for quite a long time despite their mutual decision that they didn't need a formal – public, legal, whatever – commitment beyond what they already shared was anything but to Jason.

"But I haven't asked you anything," he replied anyway in much the same tone, trying to calm his now wildly-beating heart.

"You didn't have to," Jason said, his smile widening as he moved closer to slide his hands up Tommy's arms until he could cup the lean face between both palms. "And neither do I – I believe it's pretty obvious we're both thinking the same thing. Am I right?"

Denial would be futile. "I guess." Tommy had to smile as well as his emotions surged, making him lightheaded with relief and delight. "Do you want it as much as I do?"

"Hell, yeah."

"Then it's a yes from me, too."

With a sound that was half sob, half laughter, Jason opened his arms and Tommy let himself sink forward. Chest to chest, they embraced hard until the first giddy excitement passed. Eventually they drew back to look at each other with shining eyes and kissed at last, breaths mingling, lips opening, tongues twining oh-so-gently until joy and passion overwhelmed them.

***

Tommy shuddered into orgasm with a strangled cry as his balls contracted and he spilled his seed into the skillful fingers milking his aching shaft. Kneeling between the wide-spread thighs, Jason laughed huskily and released the softening cock with a final squeeze and stroke, then lifted Tommy's knees with both hands and placed them over his shoulders. He was buried to the hilt in Tommy's ass, waited until the last spasm faded and only then resumed his thrusts into the well-lubricated channel. Tommy gave a slight gasp, arching sensually as Jason gradually increased the tempo and his throbbing dick slid repeatedly over Tommy's prostate, sending a fresh jolt of pleasure through him each time the head hit the hidden bump.

"Fuck me, Jase," he panted, feeling the waves of sensation gradually fade. "I want you to come in me." He lifted his ass and crossed his ankles behind the strong back, encouraging Jason to take him harder.

"Oh yeah," Jason breathed, his throat tight as he picked up more speed. "Soon, I promise …" He closed his eyes, concentrating only on the heat and tightness surrounding his cock. Tommy was deliciously relaxed after his climax, and he had no problem gliding back and forth, the only sounds in the darkened room the crackling of the logs in the fireplace, the moist slap of flesh on flesh whenever his balls hit the underswell of Tommy's ass, and their combined moans and sighs. Far too soon for his liking, Jason reached his own pinnacle; he managed to teeter on the brink for a few moments, but inevitably the sensations overwhelmed him. He thrust hard once, twice, froze – and with a hoarse shout erupted deep within his lover.

It was Tommy's turn now to wait for Jason to recover; deliberately releasing his tensed muscles, he lowered his legs and lay back, shivering slightly as Jason slumped on top of him and his breath tickled his skin in small hot gusts. Eventually, Jason nuzzled the hollow at the base of Tommy's neck one final time with his lips and tongue.

"Don't go anywhere," he whispered, kissing first Tommy's lips, then both nipples and squeezed the firm asscheeks a final time in parting as he eased his softening cock out of its tight sheath. "Be right back."

"Mmm." Humming contentedly, Tommy felt him rise and get up. He heard the slap of bare feet on the floor, a short rush of flowing water from the kitchen and then Jason was back with a warm, damp towel. He carefully cleaned them both, tossing the piece of cloth aside once he was done. He lay down again, waited until Tommy had settled his head on his chest, then drew a blanket he'd brought along up to their waists. It was winter, after all, and neither wanted to get chilled; besides, the soft wool felt wonderful against their bare bodies.

"Thanks." Tommy shifted so he could lean up on one elbow to kiss Jason. The firm lips opened willingly, allowing him to slip his tongue between them. He could still taste himself from the blowjob Jason had given him earlier, and as always it gave him a small thrill.

"Love you," he murmured once they were done.

"Ditto," Jason replied just as quietly, running his fingers from the short, spiky hair to the lean throat. "That was great."

"Uh huh." For a while, they basked contentedly in the combined warmth of the crackling fire and the love between them, sharing soft kisses and the occasional caress, until Tommy turned his head and looked speculatively at his lover. "Think we should, er, save ourselves from now on? I want to have a real wedding night with you, with lots of hot sex," he asked semi-seriously. "I wouldn't want to spoil that."

Jason chuckled. "Neither do I, but do you honestly believe we could? I'm not gonna be able to keep my hands off of you for long," he said. "Unless we're talking about next week or so?" They might not be altogether young anymore, but they were healthy, red-blooded men in their prime who enjoyed having a regular, vigorous love life.

"Maybe not," Tommy conceded ruefully. He, too, enjoyed making love with Jason too much to seriously contemplate being celibate for any length of time.

"Anyway, I don't think we need to worry," Jason whispered, his deep voice taking on a seductive tone that never failed to thrill his lover. "For an occasion like that … I promise, I'll think of something to make it extra special." To prove his point, he leaned in to lick and nip at Tommy's neck. Simultaneously pinching one sensitive nipple, Jason succeeded in sending renewed sparks into Tommy's spent cock. The softened rod stirred sluggishly against his belly, and the instinctive gasp and moan from his partner made his own breath hitch.

However, Tommy shook his head at both the playful tease and his body's instinctive – if presently ineffective – reaction and shifted away from the roving mouth and hand. "Behave, okay?" He laughed at Jason's exaggerated pout, then sobered. "I guess we should set a date, though," he said. "I don't want to wait any longer than we have to."

"Me neither," Jason agreed as he reluctantly complied. "And yeah."

"What if we went to Vegas? Just after New Year's, maybe, before school starts again. It'd be quick, easy, no fuss …"

Jason stared at him as if he'd grown another head. "You mean, like eloping? Getting married in a quickie ceremony without our parents and the gang? Not only are both our mothers gonna kill us, all the girls would only be too happy to help them!"

Tommy winced as he pictured the combined wrath of Kimberly, Kat, Trini, Aisha and Tanya if they found out they'd been deprived of witnessing their vows. As for Rachel and Helen's reaction … he shuddered. "Uh, good point."

"Duh. No, we've got to have a 'real' wedding – although I agree on one thing, let's not do a big, formal bash. Just family and friends ... maybe a few colleagues." Jason did a quick mental tally of the number of possible guests. "Around forty people, fifty if we count your last team and whichever Rangers are around, and maybe a dozen kids. Let's say seventy-five in all, to be safe."

"Too many to do it at home," Tommy sighed.

"Hmm, yeah." Jason thought for a minute. "How about the Harbor Inn down in Reefside? The reception room is just big enough to seat that many and set up a buffet; we can also use the adjoining terrace for the ceremony and as a dance floor afterwards."

"Sounds like a plan … of course, that means it'd have to be in late spring or summer, to avoid nasty surprises with the weather," Tommy nodded. An idea hit him, and he sought Jason's eyes, only to see that the same thought had occurred to him as well.

"Memorial Day weekend?" Jason said softly, touching Tommy's chest right above his heart. It was the anniversary of the first time they'd made love.

"Perfect," Tommy drew him even closer and they exchanged a gentle kiss. "That is … if we can keep everybody from finding out just why we consider it a special day already."

"Should be doable. I hope so, anyway." The deep baritone was filled with amused awe. "Hard to believe it's been fifteen years next summer, huh?"

"Yeah." Tommy rested his head on Jason's shoulder, his back encircled by a powerful arm as he lost himself in memories of that first, heady encounter and what had followed from there. He sighed happily and half-closed his eyes, drifting on a sea of contentment as he watched the flames cast flickering shadows over the broad expanse of smooth skin, just as he'd wished for earlier. He idly traced the sculpted abs from collarbone to navel with one finger. "We're getting married," he whispered, feeling slightly overwhelmed now that they'd set a date. Somehow, having something concrete to look forward to made it even more real. "You, and me. After all this time. Aw, man!"

"No kidding," Soft laughter rumbled in Jason's chest. They lay like that for several minutes, each lost in his own thoughts until Jason reluctantly eased out of their loose embrace. "Hate to say it, but we better go to bed," he sighed. "Staying here like this may be romantic and all, but my back will thank me tomorrow for sleeping on our nice, comfy mattress instead."

"I hate it when you're right," Tommy grumbled, but scrambled to his feet as well. They quickly folded their blanket and made sure the still-glowing logs in the fireplace could safely burn down overnight. Turning off all lights, including those on the Christmas tree outside, Tommy was about to suggest they go upstairs when he suddenly saw Jason stand across the room. Like himself, Jason was completely nude, and the sight took his breath away. Jason had bulked up somewhat around his torso, his hips weren't quite as trim as they used to be and there was a little grey at his temples, but underneath all the inevitable changes of passing time Tommy still saw the handsome boy who had befriended him all those years ago. The midnight eyes were just as warm; the hand reaching out to him just as friendly, and as then he didn't hesitate to take it.

"I love you, Bro," he murmured, closing the distance between them.

"Love you too, Tom," Jason replied, drawing his best friend against him. Sharing a long, deep kiss, both men reaffirmed their bond once more before climbing up the stairs towards their bedroom hand in hand.

***


On New Year's Eve, the two families relocated from the dining table to the couches once all the dishes had been cleared away. Rachel Oliver gratefully accepted the coffee cup Jason handed her. "Thank you. Dinner was excellent, boys."

"It really was," Helen Scott concurred. "I'd only like to know who cooked it. It obviously didn't come from a restaurant."

Jason grinned and perched on the armrest of Tommy's recliner with his own coffee now that everyone had been served. "What, you don't believe we did it ourselves? I'm hurt, Mom!"

His mother gave him one of her patented Looks. "Jason, I taught you most of what you know how to do in a kitchen, after Trini badgered you into taking that first cooking class in Geneva. You're good for an everyday, quick and easy meal, but unless you've had lessons since you moved here that you haven't told me about, you are not up to the kind of four-course dinner we just ate."

"Your doctorate in paleontology doesn't make you a cordon bleu chef either, Tommy," Rachel murmured dryly.

Laughing, Tommy draped his arm comfortably across one of Jason's knees and winked at his partner. "Guess we're busted, Bro." Then he turned to their waiting mothers. "Actually, you're right, we didn't cook all of it ourselves – we just finished it. Most of the prep work is courtesy of Mrs. Scheffer," he explained. "She's the mother of one of my students and was looking for a part-time job now that her oldest daughter has started college. What with my research and Jase training the Mercer Industries security squad on weekends, general housework got to be a bit much for us so we hired her as … well, I guess you could kind of call her our housekeeper. She's been coming by twice a week for the past few months now, to clean and take care of our laundry, and she also cooks for us at home so she can keep an eye on her younger kids. We just put everything in the freezer and take it out as needed."

"Sounds like a sensible arrangement," Tommy's father commented.

"If you have the money, yes," John Scott murmured. "Are you sure you can afford it?"

"Yes, Dad," Jason said patiently. "It's not as if we have hired permanent staff or anything. We're just realistic enough to know the housework was getting away from us – and before you bring up the state of our rooms at home, these days we both prefer to have a clean house and ironed shirts," he grinned.

"I thought your mother taught you how to do that, too."

"She did – but I'm not domestic enough to enjoy having to do it, sorry. And neither is Tommy," he added with a tiny wink. "We need the help, Mrs. Scheffer needs the job, everybody benefits."

"Well, at least you're being sensible about it," Helen harrumphed with a smile.

"Thanks – I think," Tommy laughed.

"That aside, you certainly made the house look festive for the season," Rachel said, smiling approvingly even as she adroitly changed the subject. "I really like the way you've decorated. Rather minimal, but still nice and Christmassy." The tall Christmas tree was now standing in one corner of the room, resplendent with red and white glass ornaments, and Tommy had lit the trio of fat green candles on a black-stained wooden tray in the center of the coffee table. Red and white poinsettias in matching gold-rimmed pots were arranged in front of the window, a basket with pine cones stood by the fireplace, and the handful Jason had thrown into the flames a few minutes ago gave off a lovely, woodsy scent as they burned.

"We both enjoy the season," Jason shrugged. "Putting up decorations is part of the fun – as long as it's not too fussy. No offense, Mom, I loved the way you did up the house when I was a kid, but I wouldn't want all those bows and garlands and other stuff here."

"Why have a real tree, though?" John wanted to know. "That's not really environmentally friendly, is it? Cutting down live plants just for the holidays?"

"Actually it is," Tommy replied. "Admittedly, we did that at first and composted the remains afterwards, but in the last few years we started buying from an organic tree farm that constantly re-grows what they sell. After New Year's we plant them out; they make a great, natural privacy shield for the yard."

"Also, it's really more 'green' than having an artificial tree," Jason added.

"How so?" Brent Oliver wondered.

"Artificial trees are most often made from plastic or some other petroleum-based materials – which is a finite natural resource," Tommy said. "I won't bore you with all the chemical details, but as a rule they aren't biodegradable, can't be recycled – and since most of them are produced in Asia, need to be transported here by plane. Which also uses up large amounts of fossil fuels. Real trees, on the other hand, can be replaced naturally, produce oxygen while they're growing, and can either be planted out or composted. It's also why we bought LED lights; they may not be quite as pretty as the conventional ones, but last longer and use less energy."

"So that's where the recycled wrapping paper, the raffia and colored cotton string on your gifts come from," Helen realized. "I must admit, I was a little surprised at first; it seemed less festive than the traditional colored prints and metallic ribbons, but now I really like it. Especially with the natural decorations." She fondly patted the small arrangement of acorns, holly and dried orange slices that had been tied to her present.

"Thanks, Mom," her son smiled.

Rachel lifted an eyebrow. "So do I, but I didn't know you were taking the whole 'green' business this seriously."

"We started recycling as far back as 1995, in High School," Jason said, his mind flashing back to Trini's campaigns and their rather short-lived 'clean-up club'. If it hadn't been for Zedd going after the Green Ranger's powers at the time ... he recalled himself to the present with a small shrug. "It's just that we've taken it a couple steps further in recent years."

"Somebody has to start, even if it's only on a small scale," Tommy added, sharing a look with Jason that was rife with memories as well. "The knowledge and technology has been around for ages; getting big business to clean up their act is one thing, sure, but people also need to use it more in day-to-day life."

It was the perfect opening for John to steer the subject onto something he'd planned to ask anyway. "Speaking of which, Tommy, have you got any suggestions on how to make a house more energy-efficient – but on a budget? I have a new client in Stone Canyon who wants to renovate his house as environmentally friendly as possible, but can't afford to install solar panels or geothermal power for heating. I know it's not really your area, but I'd like to run a few ideas by you …"

Minutes later, the two men were lost to their surroundings, listing and discussing all sorts of gadgets. John had educated himself extensively on the kind of appliances and materials that were on the market, whereas Tommy had done a lot of work with Hayley on how to power the Dinozords and the Lair without access to the almost unlimited energy supplies the old Power Chamber had had. Some of the methods and shortcuts he'd learned from her could easily be adapted to everyday life, not just giant fighting machines.

Smiling to himself, Jason tuned them out and joined the conversation his mother was having with Tommy's parents. He was just glad that in the past few years his partner and his father had found common ground; all resentment was long forgotten and there was no longer any kind of caution or reservation when the families met.

*If Tommy and Dad hadn't learned to get along, we couldn't have had both our folks over tonight!*

The thought filled him with deep contentment; he'd known the initial euphoria from their reconciliation wouldn't last forever, but everything was still very much right in his world. The only thing that worried Jason slightly was how both his and Tommy's parents would take the bit of news they were going to tell them as soon as the new year started. Jason unobtrusively checked his watch.

*Two more hours. Oh boy. I just hope we're not going to give Dad a heart attack, after all!*

***

"Happy New Year, everybody!"

The two families toasted each other at midnight, clinking glasses. Hugs and kisses were exchanged all around, even though Tommy and Jason habitually refrained from kissing in front of their parents; they felt they could do without the indulgent smiles and coyly averted eyes any public displays of affection between them usually produced. "Mom used to give me the exact same kind of look when I was thirteen and kissed my cousin Marlee's cheek on Grandma Scott's birthday," Jason had grumbled disgustedly the first time they'd shared a more intimate gesture than a hug or holding hands and noticed the reaction. "And that after she practically dared me to do it, too!" However, it was only a small inconvenience, nothing more – they'd simply wait until they had the privacy of their bedroom.

"Well, it's another new year," Helen mused after everyone had taken their seats again, fresh drinks and a platter of tasty nibbles before them. "2020 – my God, back when I was a girl, that date seemed like science fiction!"

"I know what you mean," Brent nodded. "Even though it's entirely reasonable to expect to live into your seventies, it's just not something you like to think about when you're young."

"And look at us senior citizens now," Tommy's mother said dryly. "All four of us about to turn seventy in the near future."

"Don't remind me," Helen muttered, giving her friend a disgusted look. "That sounds so … old!"

"Don't worry, you and Mom will be the youngest and prettiest septuagenarians in the state," Tommy smiled.

"What a lovely thing to say! Thanks, Tommy!" Both mothers beamed.

"You're very welcome."

"It'd be nice if some other people felt the same and could be bothered to tell us so." Both Rachel and Helen mock-glowered at their husbands.

The older men glared at Tommy.

"Great, show us up, why don't you?" John grumbled half-seriously.

He laughed and raised both hands in a defensive gesture. "Hey, feel free to compliment your wives as much as you want! I just happened to do it first."

"Don't fight, you two," Helen admonished. "We're having such a lovely time tonight, I don't want to spoil it by having you get into an argument." Not that there was much danger of it; John and Tommy still had their differences on occasion, but they never let it escalate into something serious and thus subsided amicably enough. Reassured, Helen nodded, cleared her throat and deliberately changed the subject. "The new year has just begun; isn't it time for resolutions, plans and such? Has anyone made any?" Hardly waiting for an answer, she continued, her voice vibrating with anticipation. "Jason, your father and I have decided to take a month off and finally do some traveling!"

*What a perfect opening! Thanks, Mom!* Hiding his own sudden excitement, Jason smiled at his mother. "Really? Where to?"

"The Gulf of Mexico," John replied. "We've wanted to go there for quite some time, and since this summer there'll be lots of special events to commemorate the reconstruction in New Orleans, it seems like a perfect opportunity. Maybe we'll even tack on a few days on Galveston afterwards to recover from all the sightseeing and culture."

"Sounds like fun," Rachel said. "We're hoping to go to Scotland, if Brent can get the time off." Mr. Oliver had reduced the number of hours he spent at his office, but wasn't yet ready to retire.

Tommy grinned. "Let me guess – Dad's gonna play golf at St. Andrews, and you'll be all over the antique stores in Edinburgh, right?" His mother gave him a 'who, me?' look that didn't fool anyone while Brent leaned back in his chair with an expression that was both complacent and anticipatory.

"Best of both worlds, son. Best of both worlds."

"What about you boys?" Helen asked curiously. "Will you be traveling somewhere?"

This was it – the moment they'd been waiting for to make their announcement. Jason and Tommy shared a long glance and almost instinctively joined hands. Tommy swallowed once when Jason nodded minutely, then looked straight at every parent in turn.

"Not this year," he said, his voice shaking slightly despite himself. "We, ah, have something else planned for this summer."

"Oh?" Both Helen and Rachel exchanged a quick look and sat forward. Their mother's intuition clearly signaled that their sons were about to tell them something important.

"Yeah," Jason chimed in. "I hope your travel plans don't include the Memorial Day weekend," he began, his fingers closing tightly around Tommy's. "Or if they do, that you can change them to before or after." He inhaled deeply, held his breath for a second or two before releasing it again and let Tommy drop their bombshell.

"We're getting married."

The silence following their announcement was only broken by Rachel's gasp and a soft exclamation by Helen.

"Oh. My. God."

Brent Oliver reflectively passed a hand through his hair and set down the glass he'd been holding. "Well," he started, then shook his head in amazement, momentarily lost for words.

Jason ignored all three, his attention fully focused on his father. It was his reaction he'd been worried about all along – would he welcome, or at least accept their decision, or would he return to his former incomprehension and antagonism? "Dad?"

John stared into the dark eyes of his son, pursed his lips and looked away again before he spoke at last, his voice almost totally devoid of emotion.

"You disappoint me, Jason."

Jason flinched as if he'd been struck, and felt himself blanch. He never heard his mother's muffled protest or noticed the Olivers' dismayed looks. Tommy tensed and squeezed his hand, ready to spring to his defense, but before anyone could say a single word, John continued in the same bland, measured tone.

"First you decide to leave a perfectly good family business for a teaching career, then you choose a lifestyle which makes it all but impossible for you to ever produce grandchildren for your mother and myself. The very least you could have done, if you absolutely had to take a male partner, was give me a son-in-law who might have followed in my footsteps. And what do I get?" He glanced at Tommy, sudden humor in his eyes as he began to smile. "An ex-racecar driver with a fancy but really rather useless title. A dinosaur doctor, of all things. Thanks a lot, son!"

Jason went weak with relief as he realized his father was only teasing. Next to him, he felt Tommy's shoulders beginning to shake as he sputtered and heard his mother sob once as the Olivers laughed. His mind still reeling, the only thing he could do was groan. "Dad, I – you – shit, don't do that to me!"

John rose from his seat and went over to stand before his son. Jason got up as well, and found his arms grasped in a firm, familiar grip. "Did you honestly believe I would reject you again?" John asked soberly, shaking him a little. "Jason, I already missed four years of your life because I was too stubborn to see how much Tommy means to you, or could admit that you made the right choice for yourself. I'm not going to make the same mistake twice."

"Then … then you don't mind?" Jason asked, still somewhat anxiously.

His father gave him a brief hug. "The only thing I'd mind would be if I lost you again. All I want is that you're happy, son," he murmured. Then he turned to look fully at Tommy and held out his hand. "I couldn't ask for a better second son. Welcome to our family, Tom."

Smiling, Tommy accepted it and found himself drawn into the embrace. "Thanks, John."

Rachel and Helen hugged them as well, their eyes suspiciously moist, and Brent cleared his throat even as a broad grin spread across his face.

"I hope you boys have another bottle of champagne on ice," he said gruffly to hide his own feelings. "If this doesn't deserve a toast, I don't know what does!"

After the toast had been duly drunk, Rachel put down her champagne flute and briskly rubbed her hands together, nodding at Jason's mother. "Right," she said in her best businesslike tone. "Helen, get something to write with from the office – we've got a wedding to plan!"

Their husbands shared a positively evil grin. Helen all but rushed towards Jason's desk and returned in no time at all, her blue eyes bright and determined as she resumed her seat and poised her pen on the legal pad's first page. "Uh-oh," John smirked. "I know that look!"

"So do I," Brent snickered. "Boys – you're doomed!"

In unison, Jason and Tommy groaned.

***

The alarm rang at eight o'clock, and Jason drowsily fumbled for the switch to turn it off. It was really too early to get up on a holiday weekend, but the excitement coursing him as soon as he was fully awake dispelled the small annoyance almost instantly. He rolled over and met the soft brown eyes of his soon-to-be husband.

"You'd think we might at least be able to sleep in on our wedding day," Tommy murmured, smiling when Jason leaned in for a light yet unhurried good-morning kiss. "Mm."

"I wish," Jason sighed comically once he could tear himself away from the taste and feel of the warm lips. "But if we don't get up soon, we'll never get ready in time."

Tommy stretched languorously under the covers. "I wonder how women do it," he yawned, shaking his head. "I mean, here we are awake at 8 a.m., and the ceremony won't be until early afternoon. When do brides get up for the occasion, anyway? At the crack of dawn?"

"I guess."

"We could always ask one of the girls," Tommy suggested without thinking. "After all, except for Aisha they've all been there, done that, got the pictures to bore us with."

"You do that – if you don't want to live long enough to get married," Jason advised him dryly. "I'm certainly not stupid enough to ask any of them how much time they needed to get all prettified on their big days."

"Er, right," Tommy gulped.

"I knew you'd see sense," Jason chuckled and kissed him again. The caress soon deepened into passion, and Jason moaned when Tommy ran a teasing hand down the sculpted chest and flicked a fingernail across his pecs.

Tommy grinned around the tongue plundering his mouth. The small brown peaks on Jason's chest weren't nearly as sensitive as his own, but that didn't mean Jason was completely immune to stimulation in that particular spot. Much to his disappointment, however, his fingers were playfully slapped aside. "Hey!"

"You're the one who's been going on forever about having a proper wedding night," Jason said, panting just a little as he fought to put a lid on his percolating hormones. "So behave and wait until tonight."

"Spoilsport," Tommy grumbled, grudgingly abandoning his exploration of the smooth, tanned skin before he went into territory that would inevitably bring them to the point of no return. "I suppose that means separate showers, too?"

"Afraid so. But we really ought to get started – even if we don't need hours for primping. The out-of-town guests will start arriving soon."

"Yeah. Don't wanna get interrupted at a bad – or rather good time." They shared a rueful look, sighed in unison and rolled out of bed. Just before Tommy entered the bathroom, though, Jason held him back.

"We'll make up for everything later," he promised huskily. "Once we're on our honeymoon, nobody is gonna disturb us for a whole week."

Tommy shivered at the thought. They'd booked a cottage on a small, private Caribbean island – a place where, if the information they'd been given was correct, they'd be able to live out a fantasy or two in peace and absolute privacy.

"Can't wait."

"Me neither. Now let's get going."

***



"Aisha! Over here!" Kimberly excitedly waved at her friend across the parking lot. She'd dashed down to retrieve a bag from her car and saw the yellow sedan back into a free space. "Hi!"

"Hi yourself!" The former Yellow Ranger dropped her bag and gave her a brief hug. "When did you guys get here?"

"Last night," Kim explained. "It wasn't easy to get another day off, but with two children we had no choice." Together, the two women entered the hotel where all the friends had booked rooms. They'd leave for the ceremony as a group.

"I thought Andy was supposed to stay with your in-laws," Aisha wondered while the clerk checked her in. "Isn't he too small for a wedding?"

"Uh huh, but Kevin's mother had to beg off at the last minute. I called the guys and Jase said to bring him, so … I guess there'll be enough people to look after one reasonably well-behaved three-year-old," Kim said, her brown eyes sparkling. "Especially as David and Karen arranged for someone from the Reservation to come by and take all of the kids to a camp-out in Tommy and Jase's back yard before the dancing starts. You know, real teepees, roasting marshmallows, the whole nine yards."

"Sounds like fun."

"Doesn't it, though? Maybe we should suggest the gang do something like that for our next get-together," Kimberly laughed. Then, she belatedly noticed that Aisha was by herself. "But wait a minute – where's Roger? Wasn't he supposed to come with you?"

Roger was a fellow researcher at the CDC in Atlanta Aisha had been dating for the past two years. To Kim's surprise, a shadow flitted across Aisha's face.

"Roger's no longer in the picture," she said curtly, then sighed at her friend's quickly-masked curiosity. *Better to get it over with right away.* "At first, he was all gung-ho about being invited to one of our friends' wedding," she explained. "He thought it meant I was ready for our relationship to go beyond merely colleagues and casual dates – and I was, to be honest. But when he found out my two friends getting married were both male, he threw a fit. Went all self-righteous on me and all but ordered me not to go." She gave an unladylike snort. "Needless to say, that was the end of it. Jason and Tommy were my friends long before I met Roger, they are and will continue to be an important part of my life, and if he can't deal with the fact that I accept them just the way they are and am happy for them, good riddance."

"I'm sorry." Kim slipped an arm around her waist. "That must've been rough."

"Not as rough as what Jason went through with his folks, I bet." Aisha dredged up a rather wobbly smile. "But enough about me and Roger. Have you seen Jason and Tommy yet?"

"They came down for dinner last night with those of us who were already here," Kim said. "You're not gonna believe how great they look; talk about two absolute hunks!"

"Really? Even now?"

"You have no idea! They look almost better than they did in their uniforms way back when," Kim sighed dreamily. "Or in swim trunks."

Aisha grinned naughtily as she, too, recalled tight backsides and rippling abdomens covered by shiny spandex. *Those chests weren't half bad all sweaty from working out or wet from swimming in the lake, either!* She and her fellow female teammates certainly had been spoiled for choice with five gorgeous-looking males to ogle during their time as Rangers. Still, it wouldn't do to let any of the guys know just how much they'd 'appreciated' their physiques during hot summer nights in one or the other's bedroom.

"Stop drooling, Kim; you're a married mother of two," Aisha reminded her, dark eyes gleaming.

The petite brunette snickered and winked. "So? That doesn't mean I'm dead or can't look. But I'm glad Kevin's here to stop me from embarrassing myself," she whispered conspiratorially. "Here's your door, though; our suite is down that way," she pointed. "A whole bunch of us – all former Rangers – are going to meet at the bar an hour before the ceremony. Join us there when you're ready?"

"Sure. Seeya." Feeling much better than on her lonely flight from Atlanta, Aisha let herself into the comfortable room to freshen up and change into her wedding finery.

***

Eric was listening to the conversation between Wes, TJ, and the Red and Pink Lightspeed Rangers when he noticed that the festively-clad crowd in the Harbor Inn's reception room began to drift outside, towards the terrace. He unobtrusively checked his watch, looked around for their hosts and saw Jason and Tommy already standing by the stone railing, a middle-aged official-looking stranger next to them. He grinned and nudged his partner.

"I think it's going to start," he murmured and jerked his head meaningfully towards the group. Several pairs of eyes lit up as they followed his glance.

"Oh my, yes," Trini smiled. "Where are the kids?"

"The last time I saw them, they were near the door," Kat replied, looking around anxiously for her son and daughter. "Yes, over there; they're playing with the Trueheart boys."

That started a general scramble of parents looking for their offspring. Most of them were gathered in one corner of the room where a thoughtful manager had set up a play area with coloring materials, assorted toys, a box of Legos and a stack of comics. Soon, every couple had corralled their children and joined the other guests outside. The Scott and Oliver relatives were seated right at the front; all former Rangers present, their spouses and children occupied the next four rows. Behind them came the rest of the guests – Anton Mercer, colleagues and other, more casual friends of both men.

Tommy was joined by his brother, and Billy came proudly forward to stand with Jason as witness.

"Are you ready?" he asked his oldest friend under his breath. Billy vividly remembered his own wedding day; it had only been thanks to Jason's calming influence that he hadn't been a complete nervous wreck despite his conviction that he was doing the right thing. Now was his chance to return the favor, but by the look of things he wouldn't have to deal with frazzled nerves. Jason's dark eyes were serene and focused solely on Tommy as he nodded.

"Absolutely."

Across from them, Tommy was smiling at a whispered remark from David, but his eyes, too, were firmly fixed on his best friend and lover, the expression in them an exact mirror to Jason's. The emotions arcing between them were easy to identify, and Billy had to quell a sudden urge to withdraw. *It's as if they are alone in a world of their own. Surely no stranger, friend or no friend, should intrude on this!* He mentally shook himself, calling to mind that he was here at their request – and that he had an important task to perform. Unobtrusively, Billy patted his pocket – yes, the ring was where it was supposed to be. He hid a grin when he saw David do the same.

Further conversation was prevented by the magistrate clearing his throat.

"Ladies and gentlemen, your attention, please?"

The crowd quieted, and the ceremony began. All went well until Billy and David were asked to produce the rings and place them on a small, lacquered tray of ancient Asian design Trini had brought from home. It was black with a gilt edge and decorated with two intertwined dragons – one red and winged, the other a green wyvern. Both Jason and Tommy had instantly loved the symbolism when she showed it to them and agreed that it would be most fitting for the purpose.

Suddenly, Rocky came forward, reaching for the ersatz salver. He wasn't wearing any kind of clerical garb, just a plain black suit with a regular shirt and tie, but a small silver cross pinned to his lapel still gave away his calling. "If I may?"

"Certainly, Father," the official murmured, a little taken aback. Why was a priest even attending a same-sex marriage? The law might have changed this year to allow it, but the Catholic church's dogma hadn't – not yet, anyway. He took a step backwards, curious to see what would happen next.

Rocky closed his eyes briefly, praying for courage. What he was about to do wasn't exactly forbidden, but it would be a professional as well as a personal risk. Still, he felt strongly enough to say what he felt he had to, regardless of any consequences. He looked up once more and faced the crowd.

"We are here to celebrate the fact that Jason Scott and Tommy Oliver are about to join their lives," he began. "As a Catholic and an ordained priest I should not condone the union of two men. As their friend, however, I can and do wish them well." There were some murmured comments and a smattering of applause from the assembled guests. Rocky squared his shoulders and stepped out on a rather shaky limb. He first sought out Tommy's, then Jason's eyes. "Jase, Tommy – I know we don't even share the same faith, and you know why I can't give you any kind of official approval, but if you'll allow it, I'd still like to bless your rings at least," he requested softly.

Surprised and moved beyond words, Jason and Tommy nodded their agreement. Rocky paused to gather his thoughts one last time, held his right hand over the tray and finally spoke freely and from the heart, his voice gradually gaining strength with every word.

"In almost every marriage ceremony I have ever performed, I usually pray that the couple will share love, steadfastness, and trust. I don't need to do that today. In all the years I have been privileged to know Jason and Tommy, they have demonstrated and proved all that and more, both towards each other and to those they care about. If one knew to look deep enough, it was there for all to see right from the start.

"My friends … you don't need words or a piece of paper to make what binds you visible to all, yet chose to do it anyway. You have invited us here to witness your commitment to each other."

Before his courage deserted him, Father Rocky DeSantos signed a cross over the tray and the two white-gold bands lying in the center.

"In his first epistle to the Corinthians, Paul tells us in verse 13, 'If I do not have love, I am nothing, have nothing. Love doesn't rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. Faith, hope and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.' It is my personal belief that these rings are a true symbol of a love great enough to transcend all boundaries. May the Lord bless them and protect what they stand for."

He finished with a soft 'Amen' that was echoed by almost everyone present, then handed the rings back to Billy before going back to his seat. Both Rachel Oliver and Helen Scott had tears in their eyes, expressing their thanks for an act of pure friendship by gratefully touching Rocky's sleeve as he passed them. He just smiled and nodded, pleased that they seemed to understand why he'd chosen to couch his slightly unconventional blessing in the most neutral way possible.

Up front, the magistrate cleared his throat and resumed the ceremony. "Please place these rings on each other's hands and repeat after me: 'I, Thomas Oliver, take you, Jason Lee Scott …'"

Tommy recited the vow steadily, took one band and slipped it on Jason's hand with fingers that shook only slightly.

Then it was Jason's turn. "I, Jason Lee Scott, take you, Thomas Oliver …" He picked up the remaining ring, sliding it smoothly past the knuckle on the fourth finger of Tommy's hand.

They laced their fingers together and Tommy impulsively lifted their entwined hands to kiss the ring bearing Jason's name.

"Forever," he said softly but clearly.

Nearly overcome with happiness, Jason did the same.

"Always," he replied, his voice deep and sure.

Billy heard suppressed sniffles from the audience and had to swallow to hide his own feelings. It wasn't quite the traditional 'you may now kiss the bride/groom', but no less meaningful or heartfelt. Automatically, he looked towards his own wife and saw Trini dab her eyes with a wispy bit of lacy handkerchief, a bright, happy smile on her face. Next to her, Kim was clinging fiercely to her husband's arm, quite obviously in a similar state. *As are Kat, Tanya, Aisha and Hayley …* Billy was recalled to his surroundings when the magistrate spoke the final, all-important words.

"I now declare this union legal. Congratulations, gentlemen."

***

A general reception line formed, then the guests separated to pre-assigned tables. After several speeches and dinner, Jason and Tommy began to mingle with everybody. Tommy joined a group of colleagues with Hayley and Anton Mercer while Jason sat down among their friends with a satisfied sigh.

"God, I'm glad the speeches are over," he groaned comically. "Zack, I could've killed you for dredging up all that stuff from our school days! You made it sound as if Tommy and I were the worst pranksters ever!"

The former Black Ranger snickered. "Blame your sick sense of humor, Jase!"

"Oh, please – I wasn't that bad!"

"Yes, you were," Kimberly giggled, ignoring his muttered protest. "And Tommy was only too happy to be your sidekick! I especially liked the story when you two made half the football team pee their beds during the team's pre-season training camp!"

Trini laughed. "Oh my, I wish I could've been there! Some of those guys needed taking down so bad, and that was the perfect way to do it! How on earth did you come up with that plan?"

"Well, a certain someone – who shall remain unnamed, of course – mentioned one day that caffeine and a heavy meal before going to bed, plus stress, can cause an involuntary loss of bladder control," Jason smirked. "We sure were stressed enough by what coach had put us through on the field that day – so we claimed we wanted to celebrate Tommy's success as the new quarterback, made sure that everybody had a huge amount of cola with dinner and threw in lots of chips and candy bars afterwards. All we had to do was wait until everybody was fast asleep, turn on the taps in the bathroom for additional, um, 'encouragement', and voilà!"

"Mean – but I like it," Tanya grinned. "Makes me wish Shawn had played football instead of baseball. Something like that would've served him right!"

Justin raised an eyebrow, then turned towards Adam. "Are you sure one of those evil Space Aliens who used to attack Angel Grove before you graduated didn't switch your wife with one of their minions?" he asked in a deceptively casual tone, being circumspect for the sake of those spouses and significant others to whom their shared past as Rangers was still a secret. Adam quirked his trademark half-smile and shrugged.

"Sometimes. Other times, not so much." Both men ducked hastily when Tanya quickly balled up two napkins and lobbed them at their respective heads with deadly accuracy. Unfortunately for her, though, the pieces of cloth unfolded halfway across the table to flutter down harmlessly before they hit their intended targets.

"Ooh, you – ! Just wait until we're home, I'll get you for this," she threatened her husband, who caught her hand and kissed the back.

"I certainly hope so," Adam murmured, making Tanya blush and everybody laugh. Further down the table, Kira, Conner, Ethan and Trent shared delighted grins. They'd suspected that Dr. O.'s friends were a cool bunch – how could they not, having all been Rangers – but had had no idea that they would have so much fun around them. Or be accepted at equals, not only by Tommy and Jason's friends, but as well by those Rangers from other teams who had come to the wedding.

"I never completely bought that 'once a Ranger, always a Ranger' stuff," Conner had remarked quietly to Trent earlier. "Guess after today I'll have to."

"Man, I thought the hazing at prep school and the frat pranks at college were bad." Wes shook his head in amused disbelief. "You guys almost make me wish Dad had sent me to a regular high school instead." Next to him, Eric cleared his throat. "Of course, then I'd probably never have known that Eric could be much nicer than he wanted us to believe at first," he added rather sheepishly, sending his partner an apologetic look which Eric accepted with a barely-visible nod. Jason smiled when he caught the two touching hands, remembering how his own opinion of the Quantum Ranger had changed over the years and how much the friendship of the older couple had come to mean to him and Tommy.

"The best thing was that everybody wanted to blame Bulk for the prank, but knew that he just wasn't smart enough to come up with it," Zack resumed the topic when the group had quieted down again. "That took real genius."

"Gee, I wonder who had that," Kat said innocently, carefully not looking at Billy, who nonetheless blushed and ducked his head.

"And here I thought you were all so nice and good. I wonder, Cathy – are there similar stories about you that I haven't heard yet, eh?" André Beaumaris chuckled, his words laced with a faint French-Canadian accent.

"I was always a model of decorum, chéri," Kat claimed with a wide-eyed look. "Just ask everybody!"

"Careful, Kat – I've heard things about my wife that made me think more than once that the goody-two-shoes reputation you guys had was so much hogwash," Kevin Sorenson, Kimberly's husband, grinned. "If you know whom to ask the right questions, anyway!" Immediately, half the gang tried to protest their innocence and the other half started with more 'do you remember when' stories. Kevin held up both hands in a warding-off gesture. "Stop! I don't wanna know," he laughed. "It's probably safer that way!"

"You may be right," André concurred, sending his blonde wife an amused glance. "It is better for us to keep some illusions, n'est-ce pas?"

Laughter branded up around the table once more, and Jason leaned back in his seat, grateful that they could share this special day with these special people. Eric, Wes, TJ, Dana and Carter Grayson fit in as if they'd known each other for ages, as did Tommy's last team despite the difference in age. Not for the first time he wished that life hadn't scattered them so far apart to make reunions a rare treat – no new friends had ever achieved the kind of closeness that existed among them. Unfortunately, Jason knew he'd have to move on to another table soon, but that couldn't be helped; it was their duty as both hosts and guests of honor to spend time with all of their guests. Across the room, Tommy was already joining another group. First, though, he intended to share a glass of champagne with his friends. He signaled a waiter and asked for refills all around.

Once everybody had been served, Jason raised his glass. "Thanks for being here, guys," he said with warm sincerity. "Today wouldn't be the same without you."

"Hear, hear!"

The toast complete, Jason reluctantly got to his feet. "Sorry, but I need to see some other people," he apologized. "Later, okay?"

"Sure, Jase," Rocky told him. "We're not going anywhere."

"Didn't think you would," Jason grinned. "And ladies, the dancing will start soon; save one for Tommy and me?"

"Of course," Kimberly promised. "Wouldn't miss it for the world!"

***

Some time later that night, Jason was taking his turn on the dance floor with Kat. He appreciated how the lovely blonde effortlessly followed his lead, and smiled down at his partner. "Having fun?"

"Oh yes," Kat replied. "It's so great to be able to enjoy a party and not have to worry about the children. Since my parents returned to Sydney and André doesn't have close family, it's always a problem what to do with them when we're going out. I don't like imposing on our housekeeper in the evenings, and I try not to leave them with a sitter unless it's unavoidable. Thanks for arranging this with David's neighbor; I just hope they'll be all right."

"The kids'll have a great time," Jason reassured her. "David says Mark Runningdeer and his fiancée both come from large families and know how to keep them safe and busy."

They twirled and swayed for a few moments before Kat spoke again, a little more softly. "Agnès was so disappointed when she found out there wasn't going to be a bride," she said, a twinkle in her eyes. "Her best friend's aunt got married a couple of months ago, Janine got to be a flower girl and has been bragging about it ever since. When Agnès understood that there would be two grooms, she probably thought there would be double the amount of rose petals, fairy-tale gowns and floating veils."

"Looking forward to one-up her playmate, huh?"

"Most likely," Kat replied dryly. "She's certainly gone mad with dressing up her dolls and worrying that her own party dress was pretty enough. It just took a while to convince her that in spite of a definite lack of lace and tulle yours was still a very real and wonderful wedding."

"Yeah, well, I doubt a veil and sweeping gown would've suited either Tommy or me," Jason deadpanned.

"No, I guess not," she giggled.

Her own society wedding had taken place in the grandiose Basilica de Nôtre Dame in Montréal, with half a dozen bridesmaids and lots of designer fashions, including her gown and her husband's tuxedo, but in her decidedly biased opinion the view of the harbor from the terrace where Jason and Tommy had exchanged their vows had been just as magnificent. The classic dark suits, white shirts and not-quite identical red silk ties they were wearing, combined with their dark good looks and splendid physiques, also made up for a lot of missing sartorial splendor. More importantly though, everybody present had sensed their deep commitment to each other.

"At least none of us women needed to fear outshining the bride," Kat added laughingly. "I hope my budding fashion-plate of a daughter will come to appreciate that eventually. Besides, it'd be hard to find grooms anywhere who are as drop-dead gorgeous as you two!"

Jason felt his ears redden at the compliment and chose not to comment, letting his expression grow serious instead as he drew her a little closer. "You're doing a great job with your kids," he murmured, picturing her son and daughter. André was brown-eyed with dark hair, but only Laurent, younger than his sister by a year, shared both those traits. The girl, named after the grandmother who had raised Kat's husband after his parents died young, had inherited Kat's blue eyes instead. "Both of them."

"Thank you, Jason," Kat whispered, sudden tears in her eyes. "That means a lot, coming from you."

"Hey, don't cry," he soothed her. "Tommy and I always knew you would be a terrific mother, and André is a good father. When I think of all the trouble you went through to have children at all ..."

"It was hard," she conceded, thinking back six years to a lot of heartache, disappointment and difficult decisions. Banishing the painful memories, she resolutely met his warm look. "Jase, I wanted to tha-"

"Don't," he interrupted her gently but firmly. "We promised each other we'd never talk about it again, remember?"

"Well, yes, but –"

"No buts. The four of you are a happy, normal family who love each other very much. That's all that counts."

"D-do you mean it?"

"Absolutely," he declared with conviction. "And I know Tommy thinks the same. So forget it, okay?"

A tremulous smile curved Katherine's lips. "I couldn't possibly, but I'll try."

"Good," Jason smiled back, noticing that the music had switched to a slow English waltz. It gave him the perfect opportunity to change the subject. "Now, how about we show everybody how to waltz properly?"

Laughing gratefully, Kat accepted his suggestion and shifted into the proper position. "Are you sure you still remember those ballroom classes you took in Geneva?"

"Just watch me!" With a flourish, Jason swept his friend and former teammate into the dance.

***

Across the room, Kimberly was dancing more sedately with Tommy and watched the two a little enviously. "Jason's become quite a good dancer," she murmured. "Especially with someone who knows what she's doing, like Kat."

"Are you saying I'm not?" Tommy mock-grumbled even as he silently acknowledged the truth of her observation. Jason was doing a much better job than himself, and Kat … *Well, she's a pro. She can make everyone look good!*

Kim snickered impishly, her momentary funk already over. "Tommy, I used to love dancing with you, and Kevin is always willing to indulge me whenever I feel like it, but let's be honest here – neither one of you is exactly Fred Astaire!"

"Well, no," he had to admit, his eyes still following the other couple. Close as they were, Kimberly couldn't help but notice that he was watching Jason far more intently than his graceful blonde partner.

*Well, duh!* She squeezed Tommy's hand. "Why don't you dance with Jason?" she suggested impulsively. Tommy gave her a rather startled look and shook his head no. "But, but girls dance together all the time at weddings," she fumbled before he could say anything, "and there's nothing that says two guys can't, you're married now anyway, and I think it'd be sooo cute, and totally hot, and …" Kim gulped as she realized what she'd just let slip and felt herself blushing furiously. "Oh boy. You didn't hear I said that, okay?"

"Actually, I thought I'd ask you to repeat it a couple times," Tommy laughed, hoping his own heightened color wasn't visible in the mellow mood lighting on the dance floor. *Kim thinks Jase and I together are hot? Aw, man!* He fought the temptation to find out whether she had ever seen two men making love. The notion of being intimate with Jason in places where they might be observed had long turned him on, but admitting that to himself didn't necessarily mean he wanted his ex-girlfriend to be the one to catch them! *Nevermind what Jase would say!*Despite himself, Tommy felt blood rush to his groin and unobtrusively eased away from Kim a little lest she notice his burgeoning erection.

"No way! I'm mortified enough already," the petite brunette groaned, sneaking a peek at her tall dance partner. The laughter in the brown eyes told her he wasn't angry, and she breathed a silent sigh of relief, both continuing to sway gently to the music for a few seconds. As soon as Kim thought she had herself back under control again, though, her curiosity got the better of her once more.

"Um, anyway … I can see how that could go awkward and all, but haven't you ever wanted to dance with Jason?"

"In public? No."

*A-hah!* She almost gloated over having caught him at what she thought was a slip of the tongue. "But in private?" Kim asked with barely-concealed eagerness, only to find herself on the receiving end of an enigmatic smile. "Come on, Tommy," she wheedled. "I promise not to tell anyone – not even Trini," she promised. "Pretty please?"

"Jase and I don't dance," Tommy repeated calmly, but his voice belied the words. Predictably, Kim wouldn't let the matter rest.

"What, no touching to a melody at all? No moving together, no holding hands, no sneaking kisses to a nice beat – or possibly even more when the right song is playing? Neither one of you was ever shy about doing any of that with your girlfriends. I should know – I've been there when we were dating, and from before when Jase and I figured out we weren't ever meant to be more than just friends! Sorry, Tommy, but I don't believe you for a minute!"

"Oh, we do plenty of that alright," Tommy shrugged nonchalantly. "But we don't call it dancing."

"Oh yeah? It sure sounds like it to me," Kim challenged, coming to a halt along with the music. "What do you call it then?" Her breath caught when Tommy's smile widened, growing blatantly sensual. Her eyes flew up to his and she gaped in astonishment when she saw the chocolate-brown irises darken in a way they had never done when they'd been together.

*Oh my. That look is sexy as hell – as if he's about to seduce someone on the spot. Does he look at Jason that way when they're about to make love?* Kimberly's imagination went into overdrive as that particular image released a horde of butterflies in her stomach, but her train of thought derailed when Tommy bent towards her, his lips barely brushing her cheek as he whispered a single word into her ear.

"Foreplay."

Heat suffused her from head to toe and she knew her face glowed as vibrantly pink as her dress when he left her with a knowing wink and a smile that was more than a trifle smug to join Jason. His arm slipped easily around the broad shoulders in a gesture that looked as innocent as the hugs they used to share in high school … yet at the same time managed to be intimate and very possessive. She also couldn't help noticing how naturally Jason fitted himself against the lean body as his own hand came to rest on Tommy's back, just above the swell of his butt.

"Oh, get a room already, guys," Kim muttered to herself, torn between exasperation and amusement as a certain look passed between both men that conjured up images of dimly-lit rooms, cool sheets and hot bodies in her mind. *I'd bet all my medals and my Power Coin that Jase and Tommy are planning on making sure their wedding night has all the bells and whistles!*

Kim pressed her hands against her still-hot cheeks, sternly telling herself to mind her own business. Then a slow grin spread over her face as an intriguing thought presented itself. Kevin and she had traveled here as a family and booked a two-room suite, but nine-year-old Josie and little Andrew had gone to the camp-out at Valencia Drive with all the other kids; they would have a nice, reasonably luxurious room and a fully-equipped bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub all to themselves, with no fear of interruption for once. She was also sure she'd seen a baby bottle of champagne in the mini-bar.

*It would be a shame to waste the opportunity,* Kimberly decided with sudden glee. *And why should Jase and Tommy be the only ones to have some fun tonight?*

Humming to herself, she went in search of her husband. What better way than some nice slow dancing to get him in the mood for … later? At least they could do so in public without a second thought.

*So you think dancing is foreplay, huh, Tommy? Let's see if you're right!*


To Be Continued …