Adulting

 Scotty’s story

After a night of relaxing, lovemaking, and reconnecting at the resort in Tucson we hit the road for Phoenix. I was so freaking happy to be back with Brad and we had so much to talk about. It was the most energized conversation we had ever had. We started talking about logistics and details, renting a truck, moving my stuff, getting storage space… blah blah blah. Brad was on his phone making all the arrangements as I drove. Then we got into the real conversation: our wedding and our future. While Brad worked on making reservations at a wedding chapel for Sunday evening, I called Chip and asked him to be my best man. He had to do some fenagling to make it work, but he texted me minutes after we hung up and said they were coming. I really thought he’d say no. Knowing my best friend would be there with me put a huge smile on my face. Chip and I had lived together for almost five years and that was going to end in less than a week. It was like the end of an era… although I’d been out of college for over a year, this felt like the official end to my college years. As sad as that made me, the reason for moving on made me the happiest fucking guy on earth. Brad.

“Well, we’re all set. How are we going to handle this with your family?” Brad asked.

“What do you mean?” I asked. I really wasn’t sure what he was talking about, I mean… I just figured we’d get married then call them all and surprise them.

“Scotty, do you really think they’re going to be thrilled with us just sneaking off and eloping without telling them or inviting them? You know that will kill your mom, she’ll want to be part of it. And Kev… he’ll be pissed if you don’t tell him first.” Dammit. Brad was being rational! I was on such a high after finding him that I didn’t think about anything but solidifying our relationship. But he was right, it would kill my family not to be there.

“Well, we can have a reception in a month or two and invite everyone, Mom and Kev could help us pull it together, they’ll both love that.” I said, “But if we call them all before they’ll just try to talk us into waiting, and after the shit we just went through… that’s not happening.”

“We’re probably going to see Kev today, we have to tell him, Scotty.” Shit. Brad was right. We did have to tell him. There was no doubt he and Randy would want to come to Vegas for the wedding, and it would be awesome having them and Chip all there as witnesses and to celebrate.

“Well, then let’s tell them. But you know he’ll try to talk us out of it.” I said.

“In the beginning maybe, but he’ll come around. Besides, I want to borrow his Jeep for the trip. My TT is too freaking small to haul anything in” Brad said. I laughed at that. All the details and logistics were discussed and in question, but what was not in question was our decision to be together. And it felt awesome.

One of the things at the top of our to-do list when we got back to Phoenix was get Brad a new Phone number so his father couldn’t track him again, however, he still had his old phone and number when it rang. It was an “unavailable” number again. I could see the concern in his eyes as he decided to answer it.

“Hello?” he answered tentatively “Yeah, this is Brad” he said “Brian! Is that you” he said excitedly as the emotion started to flow through him. It was his little brother and Brad was elated to hear his voice after two years. They talked almost the entire ride from Tucson to Phoenix… just like brothers. Just like me and Kev. I had a smile on my face as they spoke. When Brad hung up he told me everything. Brian is safe with Barbara’s organization, They found him a place to stay, he’s still in school, and they’re helping him get on his feet and make a plan for the future. Apparently my Pop (who Brian now calls “Pop”) wired him cash for a phone and other essentials and is working with the organization to help him. Now that he’s in touch with Brad we can help him too. I already loved Brain… anyone who could make those huge dimples appear on Brad’s face with one phone call was okay by me. I was so happy Brad was reconnecting with his family, I know how much he missed them. Brian told him that his sisters left and went back to school while his Father was away on his “abduction tour.” Both girls got new phones that his dad doesn’t know about and Brian gave Brad their numbers. The two younger brothers are stuck there until they turn eighteen… they’re sixteen and seventeen now so it won’t be too long. The sad part is that his mother is taking his father’s side… stand by your man I guess. No matter what a bigoted, abusive nut bag he is. Brad defended her saying she was just protecting the younger boys, and she also probably feared for her own safety. He wasn’t giving up on her. After he updated me on his conversation with Brian he said, “I’m going to help all my siblings somehow… and my mom too.”

“No YOU’RE not” I said and his face dropped thinking I was going to fight him on it, “WE are going to help them. We’re in this together” I added. Then his dimples came back. I was all in… shit I’m gay, what’s a little family drama. Right? By this time we arrived at Brad’s building… well, our building. We pushed the code to enter the garage and parked the Jeep. We checked on his car and Brad realized that he didn’t have his car or condo keys. We called Marc and he said he said he had them with him and was at home. He agreed to meet us at Kev’s.

Before we headed over to Kev’s we stopped at the jeweler a few doors down from our building. I showed him Brad’s band and said we wanted something that complimented it but needed it to be in stock because we were getting married the next day. I told Brad if he wanted a different ring he should pick one out. He looked at me like I just grew a third eye or something “Are you fucking kidding me? No ring could ever mean more to me than this one.” It fit him perfectly, which surprised me, but if he loved it then so did I. The Jeweler commented that the ring was good quality, then he brought back something similar. It was perfect! A little big, but he said we could bring it back after the wedding and he’d resize it for me. He also suggested we engrave the date in them after the ceremony. We told him we’d be back and he handed me the box with my ring. We put both rings in the box until the wedding.

On the ride to Kev’s Brad said, “we have to tell them, Scotty.” I reluctantly agreed. When we got there we let ourselves in. Kev was in the kitchen he embraced Brad and hugged him forever. While they were embracing Marc walked in jingling Brad’s keys. Brad let go of Kev and went over to hug Marc “Dude, you saved my fucking life” He said as Marc enveloped him in a bear hug to end all bear hugs.

“Just doing my job, you have no idea how happy I am to see you. You got a lot of people who love you.” Marc said, “I can’t stay, but I wanted to see you for myself to make sure you’re okay. Welcome back to the land of the living.” Brad thanked him again. And again. And again… and then Marc left.

Kev went back to the kitchen “You guys are staying for dinner” he said to us, “Randy will be home in a few. We hung out and relaxed just lounging out near the pool. When Randy got home, Kev put dinner on the table and we all sat down. Brad was sitting across from me and looking at me with eyes that said, “tell them or I will.”

“Hey Kev, can I hang onto your Jeep? We’re going to drive to Denver and empty my place out. Brad can drive the Jeep back and I’ll drive the Buru with a trailer and my shit.” I said as I ate.

“Sure. But already? Don’t you have a few weeks of work left?” He asked.

Brad looked me straight in the eye. I inhaled deeply and said, “I talked to my boss and she agreed to let me go now and pay me for family leave through the month considering the circumstances.”

“Wow! That’s really generous of them” Randy said.

“Yeah, they’ve been really great through this. We’re going to head back to Denver in the morning to get my stuff.” I said with Brad’s eyes boring into my soul. I inhaled again as I put another bite on my fork “And we’re going to make a detour to Vegas on the way and get married tomorrow” I said then I shoved the fork into my mouth. Brad gave me a look that was half smile and half annoyance at my approach.

It took Kev and Randy a second to process what I said, “You’re going to fucking what??!!!” Kevin yelled as he dropped his fork onto his plate, “You’re being irrational! What did I tell you about not making any major decisions yet?” He raised his voice. He was in reaction mode.

I barked back and barked back loudly “Yeah! You also told me to think with my head not my heart and what the fuck did that get me? A boyfriend abducted by a bunch of religious fuck-nuts. I’m sorry Kev, but after the hell we just went through I think we’re entitled to be a little impetuous! I am not wasting another second away from him. Either you’re with us or against us. Which is it?” My tone was loud and serious and I was ready to stand up and leave. Maybe I was a little out of line, Kev had always been my best advocate. He wasn’t against us, his intentions were nothing but good, but goddammit this was our decision!

“Maybe I need to call Pop so he can talk some sense into you. I love you both, but you’ve only been dating a little over a month and marriage is a huge step! You need to…” Kev yelled back and started to lecture us.

Then Brad stood up, slammed his fist on the table lifting the dishes up a little, and yelled “STOP IT! YOU’RE BROTHERS WHO LOVE EACH OTHER… NOW ACT LIKE IT! SCOTTY, KEV HAS ALWAYS HAD YOUR BACK AND MEANS WELL, SHOW HIM SOME RESPECT. KEV, WE LOVE YOU BUT THIS IS NOT YOUR DECISION TO MAKE, IT’S OURS AND WE’VE MADE IT. NOW BOTH OF YOU SIT THE FUCK DOWN AND LET’S ENJOY THIS MEAL AS A HAPPY FAMILY!” Then he sat back down and picked up his fork. Randy just sat there in awe, snickering a little and doing his best not to laugh out loud. Brad was always so quiet, none of us had ever heard him yell before.

Randy just said “So Vegas? Tomorrow? Are we invited?”

Brad looked at him and in a sweet normal tone said “Yes, of course. 6PM and it would be lovely to have you both there to participate in our special day.”

“It sounds lovely. We would love to be there. I’ll see what we can arrange” Randy retorted in a civilized tone as he and Brad continue to eat nonchalantly as if nothing ever happened.

“Excellent. And by the way this steak is done to perfection” Brad said, then he looked up at us “See fuckers! THAT’S how brothers act.” Randy burst into a fit of laughter, looked at us, tilted his head, nodded and went back to his dinner. After that we all calmed down and had a rational discussion. I told him that based on what we had been through together I felt we were more than ready to tackle anything life could throw at us together. Kevin said he understood but loved us both so much and just didn’t want ether of us to get hurt. We both made our points, but it didn’t change my mind. By the end of dinner Kevin was supportive of our decision and he and Randy booked flights to Vegas in the morning so they could be there with us. He also promised not to tell my parents and let me do it when I was ready. I decided to call them after the fact. The evening was a little bumpy but in the end… Kevin had my back like always. We all said goodnight and made plans to meet in Vegas the next day. Kevin even called Jordan to get us all rooms for the night, even Chip and Alec.

We drove back to “our” place and parked the Jeep. When we got to the door of the Condo Brad unlocked and opened the door, then lifted me up and carried me over the threshold. When he got in he kicked the door shut and kissed me as he lowered my legs to the floor. “Welcome home” he said as he kissed me with passion. His lips were so soft and felt incredible against mine. We stood in the middle of our living room, in our home and we embraced and kissed. It was a loving moment between two people who thought they had lost each other forever.

We parted for a couple of minutes as he went over and messed with the thermostat, then too looked around the place quickly, no one had been there in a week. I made a quick trip to the bathroom then put my bag in the bedroom. Brad came in and went to the dresser and started combining drawers and said, “This half is yours,” then he went to the closet and moved a few things around to open up more space for me in there. “At least you’ll have a place to put your clothes when we get back from Denver. I’ll move more shit around later.”

He came over to me and we picked up where he left of with him kissing me tenderly. I started fumbling with is belt and zipper, he reached over and started unbuttoning my shirt. We both pulled back for a minute and finished undressing ourselves. After I took my pants off I stood up and caught brad just standing there staring at me with a giant smile “Fuck my fiancé is hot!”

I grinned at him and said, “Not as hot as mine.” Then he threw me onto the bed and went fucking nuts on me. He straddled me kissing me with abandon. Then he moved to the foot of the bed and started licking my toes. He licked my fucking toes then took my big toe in his mouth. No one had ever done that to me, and frankly the idea of it kind of grossed me out, but it felt fucking incredible. My dick go instantly hard as his hot mouth engulfed my big digit, his tongue getting every inch of me, then he worked up the inside of my thighs until he reached my ball sac. Oh god, his warm mouth felt so good as he took the entire sac into his warm oral cavern driving me insane. My body writhed as he slurped and licked occasionally flicking his tongue over my asshole. I gasp each time he did, encouraging him more. Soon he pushed my legs to my chest giving himself open access to my sweet, tight pucker. Oh god! Waves of lust washed over me as he licked my hole lightly, then harder, then shoving his tong deep and launching an out and out assault on my hole. DAMN! I grabbed the back of his head and pulled him deeper into me, pushing his tongue in and out. He was tongue fucking me and it was amazing.

He put a finger in me and toggled it with his tongue, then a second finger, then a third slicking my hole with his saliva and opening me up. The cool air felt wonderful and my hole reacted by contracting around his fingers and tongue. I was just lying there, holding my ankles with my legs pointed to the sky, opening myself up for him. He was bringing me to the brink when I pushed him away.

I took control and used all my might to get him on his back. I put his big toe in my mouth like he had done to me… why the hell not? I liked the way it felt and it was one of the few parts of his body I hadn’t tasted yet. It was ok, not gross but nothing great either… that was until Brad moaned. It was a guttural, animalistic groan that pushed a secret button deep within me. Fuck, I loved turning him on and this seemed to do it. Brad was into it and I took the hint. I sucked his toes and licked his feet and I could not believe the response I was getting. He was a man possessed, begging for more… and I gave him all I could. He got off on it, and I got off on that.

Soon I was licking his ass with gusto. It was amazing. I just basked in the smells and tastes of him. I loved it and wanted more. I was lining my cock up at his entrance when he said “Can I fuck you? I want to be in control.” I rolled onto my back and he mounted me in one swift movement. He bent over and sucked my cock with vigor until I was rock hard, then he pushed the head of his cock into me, breaching my tight hole. He leaned down butting his body weight against mine and I very lightly bit his smooth neck.

He pushed deeper into me, hitting my prostate, then pulled out. His movements were long, smooth, and determined. I was moaning and bagging “Fuck me Brad, fuck me!” He didn’t disappoint. He found the exact spot that was driving me crazy and rammed it, over and over.

I reached to stroke my hard cock but he pulled my hand away. “I want to make you cum” he said after a couple of more minutes he did. I shot my load in between us “That’s it” he said as he continued to fuck me, putting more power behind his thrusts. “I’m gonna shoot, Scotty.”

“That’s it baby, give it to me.” I said kissing him and pulling his face tighter to mine “C’mon, I want to feel your seed in me.” That’s all it took. He almost creamed into my mouth as he shot his warm spunk deep into my bowels. I loved that feeling. Knowing that part of him was living inside part of me gave me a feeling of completeness that I couldn’t get from anything else. He was still pumping in and out slowly as his dick began to soften, kissing me as he did. Our sweat mingling on our heaving bodies. It was sweet, dirty, and wonderful.

We got up and took a shower together and then dried off and headed to bed getting under the covers naked. He spooned me and said, “You know, I can’t think of a better way to spend the rest of my life than with you.” And we fell asleep.

We were so packed and ready by 6AM so anxious for our trip. We had several things to do before we hit the road. We went over to Jordy’s for breakfast and he didn’t say a word about the wedding. That was a good sign that Kev was keeping his mouth shut as promised. After breakfast Brad insisted on stopping by the donut shop to pick up several dozen donuts, bagels and a couple of boxes of coffee to drop off at the police station as a thank you. Both Marc and Detective Morris were at the station when we got there. Marc introduced Brad to Detective Morris who yelled out a couple of specific names of officers and said, “Get over here guys!” They all filed over and the Detective said loudly so anyone in ear shot could hear “THIS is Bradley Westin, he’s safely back home.” Anyone who heard cheered loudly and clapped. The guys started patting him on the back, a couple hugged him “These four gentlemen here were up all night reviewing surveillance tapes from area building, talking to the highway patrols, combing the streets, and doing anything they could think of to find you.

Brad had tears in his eyes as he thank each of them individually shaking their hands and thanking them by name. The he yelled a group “thank you” to the rest of the stations. “You guys saved my life” he said.

One officer said, “As bad as those guys are, I don’t think they would’ve killed you.”

“But they would’ve changed me” Brad responded. “They would’ve taken my life as I know it. You guys saved my life and for that I will be forever grateful” he said with complete sincerity. The guys just looked on and nodded telling him how glad they were that he was safe and how nice it was to see him in-person. We hung out for a little while hearing stories about what happened during the investigation. It was nice to be with others who understood what we just went through. They were our heroes.

After our stop at the PD it was off to the cell phone store. We got Brad a new phone and a new number. He loaded it up with a bunch of Apps that the cops had suggested for blocking tracking software, etc. Brad also sent texts to all his important contacts including his brother and his sisters. They all texted back instantly! Theresa even called him and they talked for a long time. Brad hung up and said “That man is the devil. We need to keep him away from my family… including my mom.” I just agreed. There wasn’t much I could add.

We went home, grabbed our bags, jumped in the Jeep and hit the road. Next stop Vegas. The next time we came back here we would be Mr.’s Scott and Brad Nicholls. Yup, Brad told be last night that he intended to take my name after we got married, however, at Brad’s insistence, it was contingent on Pops approval. He didn’t want any bad feelings about our elopement and his “forcing” his way into the family (those were his words, not mine. I invited him in!).

Brad drove the entire way, he said it made him feel normal again. The poor guy had been through a lot, and though he seemed to be dealing with it well I’m sure he was a mess inside and probably would be for a while. The trip was uneventful except for hitting traffic at the Hoover Dam, Brad kept complaining about the “dam traffic,” he thought he was hilarious.

We didn’t get to Vegas until almost 4:00 and the wedding was at 6:00. We checked-in and went right to the room to get ready. Holy Shit, Jordan booked us the honeymoon suite! It was incredible and there was a bottle of champagne on ice from him and Jodi. Unfortunately we didn’t have time to hang out and admire the room and jumped right into the shower. We had told everyone to dress casually since I didn’t have many clothes with me and we didn’t have time to pick anything up. So it was jeans and a nice button up for me. Brad had jeans and a nice sport coat. I texted the group and we all met down in the lobby and walked over to the chapel together.

I’d love to tell you that it was a beautiful, romantic storybook wedding with every little detail handled to perfection like Kev and Randy’s. But it wasn’t. It was functional. It served its purpose – legally binding me with the man I loved and making me his next of kin. We recited standard vows to the bored looking officiant, adlibbing a little along the way to make it more personal as the people who meant so much to us looked on. I know Kevin and Randy were torn; They loved us both but thought we were moving too fast, and I know Kevin wanted us to have the big beautiful wedding like he did, but they were there supporting us none the less. After about fifteen minutes it was over and we were married. Brad was my husband. Mission accomplished.

We took some photos at the chapel (it was part of the wedding package) before heading over to the restaurant for our “reception.” When we got there they led us to a private room. There was one big round table that seated six. In the middle of the table was a beautiful centerpiece from Chip and Alec with two little grooms incorporated into it. There was a smaller table off to the side with a huge seafood tower, and another table with and incredible two-tiered wedding cake with two grooms on top. Kevin and Randy had the cake made for us. Chip and Kevin had been in touch and did their best to make our quickie wedding special. They succeeded. Kevin was also pushing us to have a big reception for all our family and friends once thing settled down. That would be nice, but right now we had other things on our minds.

Before we sat down to dinner we decided to facetime Mom and Pop to tell them. This could go great or be a disaster. Mom and Pop always supported me and they loved Brad, but they were very rational, practical people. We found a nice background in the room, stood next to each other and Facetimed Pop. “Hi boys, how’s everything going. Brad, it’s good to see your face.’

“Thanks Mr. Nicholl’s, and thank you for everything you’ve done for me and my brother. I talked to him yesterday.” Brad said. Then Mom came into the picture.

“Hi boys. Oh Brad, you look good!” she said. He smiled and thanked her.

“We’ve got some news” I said. They both waited for me to finish my announcement, I’m sure they assumed we were tell them something about Brad’s father or the case, instead we dropped the bomb “We’re in Vegas and we just got married.” Their facial expressions went blank and it was silent on the other end of the phone. “Did you hear me?”

Then Pop snapped out of his trance “We heard you, I’m just not sure I believe you.”

“We love you Brad, but marriage is a huge commitment and you boys hardly know each other” Mom said, then Pop started to lecture us, calling our decision irrational and emotional.

“STOP!” I yelled into the phone as the other four guys stopped talking and turned their attentions to us. “We know. We know this is fast. We know we’re being impetuous. We know the risks we’re taking, but we also know that after what just happened we can handle anything the world can throw at us together. I also know that Brad deserves a better next of kin than the asshole that abducted him. This isn’t how either of us pictured things working out, but here we are. We hope you’ll support our decision.” There was silence on the phone and in the room. I saw Kevin walking towards us, he was ready to talk to Pop, I put my hand up to stop him. This was OUR issue and WE would handle it.

Pop finally spoke “Listen, I can’t say as I’m happy about how this all went down. Brad, I hope you understand that this has nothing to do with you. We love you and love you two as a couple. You just blindsided us. You’re married now, and marriage takes a lot of work. But you have our support.” Mom echoed his sentiment and they congratulated us. We talked a little longer and then went back to our friends. Kevin’s phone rang as soon as we hung up, it was Mom. While he got an earful about not telling them, etc. Brad made a bold move.

Brad called Pop. “Mr. Nicholl’s, it’s Brad.” I heard him say. “I know you’re upset, but I wanted to call you and assure you I love Scotty , we know how serious marriage is and that we will make this work.” He took a pause, I’m not sure if Pop responded or he paused for effect “And this may not be the most appropriate time to do this, but I also wanted to ask you something.” Brad paused again, I wasn’t sure what he was doing “Now that we’re married, I would like to take the Nicholls name. But I will only do it with your blessing and approval sir.” Brad was silent as he listened to my dad. Behind us Kevin was still trying to calm Mom down. Then Brad said “Thank you, I absolutely will, sir… Pop. I love you too.” Then he hung up..

“What did he say?” I asked putting my arm around him.

“Without even taking a second to think about it he said…” Brad sniffled a bit “…absolutely. It would be an honor. I know you will make me as proud as the other three young men and one young woman who currently bear my name.” He turned to me and hugged me “Then he told me to call him Pop and said, ‘welcome to the family, I love you, son.’”

I hugged my husband hard. We were family, no matter how unexpected or impetuous… it was official and there was no turning back. Not that I had any intention of doing so.

We joined the others, dove into the seafood tower, and drank champagne. It may not have been a fairy tale wedding, but it was perfect. I found the perfect mate and was surrounded by people who loved us. We really had so much to celebrate beyond just our nuptials. Brad was safe! Chip found Alec. Chip and I were both starting new exciting life’s. Brad was reconnecting with his siblings. Holy Shit, so much had happened in the past week. So much that could have gone so tragically wrong… but didn’t.

We sat at the table and the waiters put our salads down in front of us. Chip was the first to lift his glass before anyone could eat “To the four fabulous Nicholls’ brother’s” We clinked our glasses and drank from to that.

Then Kevin raised his glass “Whoops, You’ve evolved from Mom’s little accident, into my pain in the ass baby brother, then into one of my favorite people in the world, and now into half of one of my favorite couples in the universe. Here’s to you and Brad, the two brothers I never saw coming but can’t imagine living without.”

Our wedding wasn’t big, or fancy, or frankly all that romantic… But it was fucking everything!

To be continued…