Rachael breathed a sigh of relief when Mike finally passed her desk, coat and hat on, briefcase and cell in hand. He nodded curtly to her and did not even pause in his conversation as he boarded the elevator and left her alone for the night.

It was almost 6:30pm and he was the last.

She logged off her computer and cleared the last file from her desk. She gathered her coat and purse and, slipping past the "in conference" sign blocking the door, went into JD's office and locked the door behind herself.

He was facing the window, hands clasped behind his back, listening to the argument coming in over his speakerphone. She watched him as she put her things quietly on his office couch. He was a short man, which still surprised her; his presence was so tall it seemed incongruous with his person. At 63 and with a full head of neatly trimmed white hair, JD was still stocky not stout; years of sitting behind a desk during the week had been offset by weekends at his family's fishery or hours in the gym. Built like a boat anchor, he once described himself - small but dense. She was taller than he, almost a third of his age and far more slender - his willow, he called her - but their relative sizes and ages had made no difference in their devotion to each other. Or their passion.

"Semantics, gentlemen." JD finally boomed over the conversation, "Hair splittin' of the worst kind. Neither of ya'll gives a hoot in hollerville about the legal name of this here joint venture." The argument droned on and Rachael checked her watch. 6:45; their dinner reservations were for 7pm but there was no way they would make that now. Judging by the frustration in JD voice and the audible slip of his deep southern Virginia accent - normally kept so carefully in check - this had gone on for hours.

'Maybe time for a little incentive.' Rachael thought.

She had planned to strip for him when he took her home; tonight was their one-year anniversary. It did seem rather fitting to do it here now, though, since their first time together had been on the floor in front of JD's desk.

She moved to the center of the room and took the clips out of her hair, tossing them one by one onto his desk. She shook her long, wavy, dark brown hair out and let it flow down her back - just above her butt so that she rarely sat on it. He did not look up. She began to dance slowly, humming "Let Me Entertain You" softly as she unbuttoned her blouse. She tossed it on top of one of the high backed leather guest chairs. Her camisole landed on the opposing chair. She knew he had finally looked up when she was bending over at the waist with her back to him stepping out of her skirt.

"Holy Mary Mother of God!"

She straighten slowly, smiling as she turned around to face him. She could hear the men on the speaker asking if JD was ok. He ignored them and let his eyes feast on her slender lace clad beauty. "Mercy, mercy me." He breathed, "If'n you ain't everything a man could desire."

She pointed to the phone, "Your call?"

"Ah. Yes." He cleared his throat and un-mute the call; she had not seen him hit the button. "Gentlemen, your pardon. My co-worker has presented me with…" he looked at her again, "…with another issue that requires my immediate attention. I would suggest at this time that you all consolidate the items we have discussed so far and forward a revised contract to my office. We can continue this discussion at a later time." JD did not even give them time to agree with the idea, "Good day, gentlemen." He hung up the line and moved quickly around the desk.

She turned slowly around allowing him to peruse fully the black lace teddy she had purchased for the occasion. He let out a low whistle, "My, my, my goodness, woman! To what do I owe this unmitigated pleasure?"

"It's a special day." She backed out of his reach, "Not until you guess." She teased.

"Alright, now let's see." He knit his brow and pretended to think hard, "No, no, can't think of a thing worth celebrating."

"Not one thing?" In the eight years she had worked for JD, he had never forgotten a date, meeting or birthday. He knew what the day was.

"Well, now I guess I can think of one little thing. It was one year ago today that you tried to kill me."

"What?"

"Right here in my office. You and yo' friend like to give me a massive coronary.

It had been a threesome with Helen the first time. He remembered - some things are hard to forget.

"We did not." She laughed but let him pull her close and caress the lace.

"Should I be expecting Ms. Bogud's presence shortly?" he asked tracing the arch of her hips under the delicate material.

She thought about it. That first night had turned out to be a one-time thing but she did not mind sharing him - especially not with Helen. Not if he wanted to. "No, but I can call her, see if she's still here."

"Touch that phone young lady and I'll bite you." She giggled and reached in that direction. Gently he nipped her shoulder. "No. Maybe again one day," he looked into her eyes, "but not today." He kissed her, a light peck and then again, more deeply with lips and tongue. Soon his fingers were pulling the shoulder straps down and stroking her oh-so-sensitive shoulders. She tugged the corner of his bow tie - she had finally gotten the knack of untying them - and unbuttoned his shirt. She loved the soft feel of his hairy chest. The white hairs stood out from the well-tanned and surprising taut skin. He did not feel 63, and did not act it either. He was broad and fit and energetic and made her feel like someone special.

His lips lingered on her collarbone and moved ever so slowly around her neck. She ran her fingertips across his nipples and felt him shiver. His lips changed direction, moving down her cleavage. She had small breasts, which always bothered her - not enough to consider a boob job, but she had to confess to a twinge of jealousy for any woman with more than a B-cup. But JD loved her "little buds" - loved their shape and color, loved their sensitivity. He was astounded the first time he made her come playing with them alone. He made it a regular practice. Slowly he slid down the teddy revealing more of her skin and sucking her nipples gently. She moaned and let her hands unfasten his pants to stroke his growing hardness.

He took her just to the edge of orgasm then stopped to undress fully. He smiled at her, a look born of lust, and pushed her firmly backward over his desk. He bent over and licked her slit. His tongue squirmed in and around the syrup-soaked folds of her pussy and they both moaned. He licked again, this time letting his tongue encircle her clit. She came, crying out loudly and arching her hips. He tongue fucked her until she came again washing his face with her cream. The suddenly he was on her - in her - moving in swift strokes, his pelvic bone rubbing against her clit, his lips squeezing her nipples. Another wave crested over her before the previous one faded and she pumped against him trying to push him deeper and deeper. When he came, they came together and lay spent and panting atop his desk blotter. She loved him and it was wonderful, nearly perfect.

Nearly.

Slowly they pulled themselves together. He kissed her and she could taste her essences on his lips and tongue. They giggled like teens.

"I am presuming that we have missed our dinner arrangements?"

"Long since."

"Well, then let's just stop on over at that little place on 14th and see if they can't fix us a plate to go." He pulled her close again, "I'd just as soon have you to myself tonight." His brow furrowed, "And if I'm not mistaken, you have homework, don't you?"

She laughed and pulled free of him so he could finish gathering his things, "Yes, JD I have homework." He had suggested and she agreed to get her paralegal certification. Now, halfway thru, it had all the joy and excitement of re-living high school - that being none at all. Still, finishing meant that she would be JD's Legal Aide not his secretary. They would work more closely; she would be even more important to him. She could not deny the appeal.

"I swear, woman, it's like raisin' my boys again!"

She waved the comment off and turned to get her coat. Behind her, JD cleared his throat.

"Miss. Sullivan?"

"Yes, JD?" even after sleeping together for a year, he still addressed her so formally.

"I have wanted to ask you something for sometime now." He paused and she looked at him. He was staring out the window again, "I, uh, I realize that I am…" His voice trailed off and he cleared his throat again, "Miss Sullivan, are you happy with our arrangement, currently?"

"Our arrangement?"

"Us, I mean. Together. Our relationship, our living arrangements, our sexual relations, an' so on."

"Oh." She put on her coat as she moved toward him, "I love you, I wish we were living together but I know that has to wait - at least until my lease ends. The sex is…" She slid her arms around him, "…amazing. So yeah, I guess I'm happy with it. Why? Are you?"

He turned to face her and put his arms around her as well, "I have never been so happy in my life. I have never been so profoundly moved - even in church - nothing has touched my life the way you have."

Suddenly her heart was racing. She had not expected such a strong admission and his intensity frightened her. "JD…"

"No, now let me speak my mind while I have the courage to do it. You can have your say when I'm through." He pulled away from her and opened his briefcase, "I have been considering our arrangement for some time now, and I find that I am not at all pleased with it, not at all pleased. You are an astounding woman and you deserve more."

"JD…"

"I said hush up, now, woman." He reached in the case, "You deserve more than part of my time and part of my attention and quite frankly, I find myself a might disturbed when I call you and you don't answer."

"I do have a life, JD."

"I respect that, I truly do. Nevertheless, I am displeased with this current arrangement. And I'd like to make some changes."

"Such as?"

"Well, first off, I agree. Our living arrangement is quite unsatisfactory. I propose that you break your lease and move into my house."

She pursed her lips, they had discussed this much before, "And the affect on my credit report and the resulting fees?"

"Your credit will simply have to suffer the blow and I will pay any and all fees resulting from this action including the cost of a moving company. I have no intention of hauling any furniture."

"Ok. What else?"

"We have discussed a trip to Reedville this holiday season to visit my family."

"Yes."

"And in deference to my aged mother, you made a hotel reservation for one in your name."

"Yeah?"

"Cancel it."

"You're the one who said your mother would never let us sleep together in her house."

"The house - as a point of fact - is in the family name. But be that as it may, yes, mother would preach fire and brimstone if we were to share an unwed bed under her roof."

"So?"

"I would like you to cancel the reservation for 'Miss Sullivan'" he pulled a ring box out of his case, "and stay with me as 'Mrs. McElroy'."

Rachael stared at the box. Her hands shook as she took it, opened it, saw the simple gold band with a single diamond. Her vision blurred.

"You, of course, do not have to answer now. I understand that there are many things to consider. You will no doubt want to discuss this with your friends. Family. There are legal ramifications." He babbled on while shoving files into his briefcase. Every moment she was silent weighed upon him. He snapped the case shut and looked out the window again. He clasped his hands behind his back and tried to stop shaking. Proposing to his first wife Claudia had not been anywhere near as terrifying. "I will, of course, understand completely if you decline to accept my offer." He heard himself say. She still had not spoken and he risked looking in her direction.

She was wearing the ring. Tears were streaming down her face.

"May I inquire if those are in fact tears of joy?"

She nodded.

"Honey," He swallowed hard, "Nothing sounds quite like yes to a man like the word 'yes'."

She gasped and threw herself around him - not easy with their height difference - "Yes, you idiot! Yes! Yes! Yes!" she punctuated each yes with a kiss until he caught her face and held it still. He kissed her soundly.

"Yes?" he asked again not quite believing it.

"Oh! What, do you want a written contract? Yes, Julius, oh God, yes!"

His knees gave out and they both fell to the floor.

"Hot damn!" He exclaimed breathless, "Oh, Jesus, thank you. Ha-lay-loo-ya!"

"Are you ok?" she asked him, finally beginning to control her own emotions.

"I've never been so scared in all my born days."

"Scared?"

"I didn't know what I was gonna do if'n you said 'no'. Bless me but I sure-n-hell didn' know."

She wiped her face on her coat sleeve and he laughed at her. They managed to stand up and clung to each other as they made their way out of the office.

"I'd best discuss this with Paul in the morning. I don't know if you were aware but we are in violation of the firm's 'no fraternization' policy."

"Us? I can't imagine how." She said giggling. The ring fit perfectly and glittered in the low elevator light.

"Now don't go flashing thing to every mother's son until I've discussed this with him. We may have to remain circumspect a tad bit longer, you understand. Don't look right for the Legal Council ta break the company policy."

She sighed, "I know. Just Helen. I promise."

He nodded; Helen kept more than her fair share of secrets. And it wasn't as if she did not already know about their relationship.

He took her home. They did not stop for food. And she did not do homework.

JD hung up the phone, took off his glasses and rubbed his temples. He hated dealing with freshmen legislators. They always had more ideas than sense. Eventually, this right honorable gentleman would prove himself - worthy or no - and JD just hoped it would happen before the subcommittee vote and not after. It was his eighth Assembly phone call of the day the Fishery and the last before his lunch meeting with Paul and the board for the Consulting firm.

'I'm getting' too dang old for this.' JD thought, 'One job is enough.'

As much as he hated admitting it, he was going to have to choose. He either remained as Lead Legal counsel for the consulting company that he helped form and steer for the last 33 years or he resigned and become a full time lobbyist for his family fishery.

He sighed and turned to look out the window at his coveted view of McPherson Square. He did not want to leave the company. If he had to be honest, it was a matter of personal pride. Davidson Fishery had been established in 1804 in the same small fishing town, on basically the same patch of ground where their simple packing plant stood today. Nine generations of Davidson men - well, McElroy after his grandfather - had run the fishery and run it well. He was proud of that, glad of the time he had spent working there himself and happy that all three of his sons worked there still. But JD had always needed something personal; a testament to his own accomplishments. As much pride as he had with the family business, he would never be able to claim its success or failure as his own.

But the company, he had helped found and build. From the days when they had set-up shop in Adams Morgan in one room above a Mexican take out place - back when rent there was still affordable. He had been here through eight presidential administrations, six military conflicts that had affected sales or supplies or both, three major expansions, two serious recessions and Black Monday. He had raised this company just as surely as he had raised his sons.

But every good parent knows when it's time to let go. Truth told, JD did not handle much of the day-to-day issues any more - he had handed that over to Bill Clark, his senior aide almost a year ago. JD smiled; he claimed the decision was to promote Bill but really, it was to lighten JD's workload so that he could in turn spend more time off with Rachael. Now most of that extra time was being spent running back and forth between DC and Richmond following Virginia's legislative process. Bill was handling the added duties far better than JD had expected and maybe it really was time to consider retiring and letting Bill and Paul guide the company's next generation.

His phone buzzed and a woman's voice cut through his thoughts, "JD?"

"Yes, Ms. Johnson?"

"I have a Mark McElroy on the phone for you and Paul says to tell you that Jerry and Phil are waiting in his office when you're free."

"Mar-cus, Ms. Johnson. Marcus McElroy." He hated it when Rachael took a day off - especially a day off without him, "I'll take the call. Tell Paul that I'll join them presently." He waited for the phone to buzz again and hit the speaker button. "Marcus?"

"You got good news for me, Julius?"

"I don't have bad news if that helps."

Marcus sighed heavily, "George has given me a couple estimates if'n this bill passes. Right nasty."

"Can we absorb it?"

There was a moment of silence then another heavy sigh, "Yeah, profit margin'll make Momma scream ta all hell but we can take the hit. Don't know how some of the smaller charter's'll do with it."

"Well, I've been trying to get them to make the tax a pass-thru. It'll raise prices but at least it'll raise 'em across the board."

"That'd help. You comin' in for Momma's birthday?"

"Could I ever set foot in the house if I didn't?"

"Wouldn't think so but I ain't never tried." He paused then asked, "You gonna bring this new catch of yours this time?"

This time JD went silent. He had been putting off giving the family much detail about Rachael. "If she's available." She had not been "available" yet.

"Maybe I'll come up there and meet her. You going awful far to keep her an' us apart, Julius. Something you need to tell us?"

"Well, I'll tell you Marcus." He hesitated and then just decided to come out with it, "She a might bit younger than I am and I don't know how the family's gonna take it. The boys are still pretty loyal to their Mother. And I know Momma's not gonna like it one bit."

"Girl's old enough to drink, ain't she?"

"Well of course! She's not in high school, for heaven's sake."

"Then ta hell with 'em. If you like her and she likes you then that's all that matters."

"Thank you, Marcus. I appreciate that."

"'Course you bring a black girl in here and I'm gonna eat them words."

That was a joke - Marcus' wife Candice was Black and the family had had no complaints about it. "Thank you, Marcus." The intercom light on his phone flashed. "Marcus, I'm sorry but I've got to go. I've got a lunch meeting and they're waitin' for me already."

"When are you gonna quit an' come home?"

"I don't have time to discuss that, now."

"Well, you need to start thinking about it, Junior, an' make time to discuss it. We need you here."

"Later, Marcus."

"Count on it." There was a sharp click and JD slammed the phone down then held his breath for the count of ten. His older brother could tick him off faster than anyone else in the world. Always could.

He composed himself and left his office. He paused at Ms. Johnson's desk, "If my brother, Mr. McElroy calls again, take a message. I don't want to be disturbed unless Miss. Sullivan calls, hear?"

"Sure, JD."

In Paul's office, the senior managers and most of the board sat around the informal conference table. JD fixed himself a plate, took a seat, and listened as Paul updated everyone on the latest, greatest idea. To his own surprise, he found himself not the least bit interested. His mind wondered to the charter tax bill so he was chagrined when he realized that everyone was staring at him. Paul repeated the question, which JD answered. Over the next hour, though, he found he had made his decision. He hoped Rachael would understand.

As the meeting neared ending, JD spoke up, "One more issue, gentlemen, and I know this was not on our agenda but this would be the group to make the decision. What would you all think about Bill taking over as Lead Legal Counsel when I retire?" The response was good so he made a swift silent prayer and said, "Good, good, I think he's a fine man for the job. I bring this up because I'm thinking about retiring soon."

"How soon?" Paul asked and JD could hear the suspicious edge in his voice.

"Oh, I don't know. 90 days ought to be enough time for the boy to get situated. I could loiter on a part-time basis another month or so after that but I don't want to get in the boy's way." The rest of the afternoon was spent discussing the issue first with this group, then with Paul and Bill and later with Paul and the HR Manager. By the time JD made it back to his own desk, he was talked out.

Seeing Rachael sitting in one of his guest chairs was almost enough to relieve the stress. She kissed him lightly and hugged him tightly.

"You look beat up."

"I feel beat up. Let me grab my things and we can discuss it over dinner."

They were settled at a table, order placed and JD had taken his first sip of a welcome bourbon and water when Rachael casually said, "So Karen says you put in your notice today."

He coughed and nearly spilled the drink. "And how in thunder would she know whether I did a thing like that or not?"

"She's Paul's admin. If Paul knows it, she knows it. Really, JD, it's not some state secret. It had to be coming soon. You've got, what, 2-3 years on Methuselah?"

"Funny."

She leaned over and kissed him, "I like the idea of moving to Reedville and becoming Grandma and Grandpa McElroy."

"No one's grandmother has ever looked like you, my little willow."

She lowered her voice, "No one's grandpa ever ate pussy like you."

"You have a foul mouth, you know that?" but he could not help smiling. Or thinking of her taste. He was glad the table hid his sudden erection.

"And you love my little foul mouth, don't you?"

This was not like her; Rachael was not prudish but usually showed discretion in public places.

"What's gotten into you today, woman?" he glanced to see if anyone else was close enough to hear her. "You being a might forward, do you think?"

"You have no idea." She leaned forward again, "I'm not wearing any underwear." She giggled.

It was vulgar and whorish. The idea also made JD's erection throb. He took a long pull from his bourbon. "Upper or lower garment?" He asked.

"Neither." Her eyes flicked upward and then she composed her face as the waiter returned with their dinners. JD ordered another drink.

"That is highly inappropriate." He said when the waiter left and he had downed in one swallow what was left of his first drink.

She looked a bit crestfallen, "You don't think it's hot?"

"I think it is astounding. And when we get home, I will show you just how 'hot' it is." He paused as the waiter brought his drink, "That, however, is not my point. It's simply unhygienic."

"Oh." She waved the comment off, "I'm not putting my bare butt on anything but my own clothes and those can go in the wash."

"And the wet spot you have undoubtedly left on the back of that skirt?"

She giggled again, "I haven't left one yet but you can't imagine how wet this is making me."

"I can imagine quite well, thank you." He smiled, "You have a weakness for exposure that this must surely be titillatin'. 'Sides, I can see this adventure has your, attention let's say. It's not hardy that cold in here."

"They're rubbing against my sweater every time I move. It's all I can do not to play with them."

"A little forbearance is good for a body."

"It's driving me crazy. It's just this constant tease."

He pictured what was going on inside her - the subtle touches that must be igniting her nerves but not really enough to make her feel good. Even a few minutes of that usually made her mad with desire. It would be another few hours before they made it home and she could be relieved. By then she would be drenched. He smiled again, "Good."

He took his time finishing dinner and ordered dessert just to tease her a little longer. She enjoyed the game just as much and ate her meal suggestively - something JD thought was a Hollywood myth until he started picturing her lips and tongue doing those things to him. Then his found his pants far more uncomfortable then they had been.

She had parked in Vienna, so after dinner they walked hand in hand to the subway station. They had not remembered the game earlier in the evening. The trains were as crowded as they would be at rush hour. They squeezed into the back and when a seat next to them cleared, JD tried to put Rachael in it. Instead, she pushed him to sit and sat in his lap.

He was never comfortable in this position; it always seemed to emphasize their height difference. Right now, it also exaggerated his desire for her and the constant movement of the train did not help the matter. He tugged her sweater to get her attention and she turned her ear to him.

"You need to stand up before I have a right problem, young lady."

She squirmed against him in response. He closed his eyes and swallowed hard. Her movement was slowly moving her skirt up. He was not sure how public she wanted to be but he was nearing his limit. With a few very slight movements, he could open his pants and slid into her and - in this crowd - no one would be the wiser. It was beginning to sound like a good idea. He glanced around. No one was paying them any attention; the passenger next to them was asleep and wore headphones.

He slipped his hand surreptitiously under Rachael's butt. Her skirt was so far up, he could feel the heat from her slit. He pushed his hand a bit further and touched the lips. They were slick and hairless. She had shaved for the occasion.

'Oh heavens,' he thought, 'I am gonna stain my pants for sure.'

Rachael leaned forward and rested her arm on the back of the seat in front of her. After moment of JD's further investigations, she rested her chin on her arm. Only the tension in her butt and convulsing pussy gave away the pleasure JD's fingers caused her. He alternated between fucking her with his fingers and toying with her clit until her free hand squeezed his leg. She shook with unexpressed tension. He stopped playing with her then but did not remove his hand. Every few minutes he would tease her to the brink of cumming then stop. Despite himself, JD enjoyed this semi public display immensely. If he was not so concerned about the risks of being caught, he could see the appeal of exhibitionism. Especially if one was watching Rachael.

Finally, their seatmate got up and JD realized that the train had dwindled down to only a few riders for the last two stops. He slipped his fingers inside her again but this time did not stop when her hand frantically signaled him. An audible groan escaped her and JD glanced to see if any of the other riders heard her. If they did, they did not seem to care. He continued and Rachael began twitching and shaking. She whimpered then moaned and drenched his hand with hot, wet, cream. JD leaned against her back and tried not to cum himself. He wiped his wet fingers on her thigh under the skirt at about the same time the train pulled into their station.

"Come on, now, Willow. Up you go."

Rachael stood unsteadily and staggered to the door. JD put an arm around her to keep her up right. Happily, the wet spot on his pants was not too visible in the low lights of the station and less so as they weaved through the parking lot. It took all his strength not to lick his fingers as they walked.

It was in the car almost two hours out from DC that Rachael started having serious second thoughts.

"Maybe you should call and tell them I'm coming." She said nervously. His whole family at one dinner. It had a sink-or-swim feel that she disliked.

"Nonsense! They'll be tickled pink to finally meet you."

"They know we're engaged?"

"No, but they have known I been seein' someone mighty special for sometime."

"They know I'm 26?"

"Now, stop worryin'. They'll love you just as much as I do."

"And if they don't?"

"We gonna have an awful small wedding." He glanced at her and smiled. "I'm too old ta be fightin' and carryin' on. Either they like you or they gonna learn to like you."

She was silent again as she had been for most of the trip. In her minds eye were images drawn from 'Gone with the Wind' of a southern family in its worst incarnation: racist, chauvinistic, xenophobic. She kept expecting to see confederate flags and shot gun racks. Instead, they drove down miles of lush greenery, historic landmarks and a surprising number of wineries. She made JD promise to stop at one on their way home. She had the feeling that a stiff drink would be the first thing she would need as they left.

They passed the sign for Reedville.

"Wasn't that your turn?" she asked as they sped past the exit.

"If'n we was being picked up, yes. But I figured we'd just drive on up to the house." He paused and looked at her then back at the road, "Without a car, someone has to ferry you to and from Reedville proper and, well, some guests feel trapped. So I thought, you might like to have a car available. If you need it."

She nodded. JD was aware that this might not be 'love fest' he hoped for. She wished she found that comforting.

After another hour, JD started pointing out local sights. Finally, he slowed to a crawl near a mailbox.

"Open that, honey, an' see if'n the mail's come in yet."

"You're becoming more and more southern as we drive, you know. And who's mail is this I'm stealing, anyway?"

"Ours. We's here." He turned on to a dirt road hidden along the tree-lined highway and suddenly they were there.

The house it's self was a four story anti-bellum beauty with well-kept porches and delicately painted trim. A few bushes dotted the grass in front of the house and four large magnolia trees framed it all. A little ways from the house was an elegant willow tree. In the distance, Cockerell Creek glittered in the afternoon sun. It was breathtaking. The trip was worth the view alone.

"You grow up here?" she gasped as they got out of the car and she surveyed the scene.

"Yep. That windo' there. I used ta climb out at night and sit on the roof 'round the side. Can't imagine why I didn't break my fool neck."

The house door opened and someone yelled out, "That you, Julius?"

"'Lo Marcus! Come on down, want you ta meet someone." He put his arm around Rachael's waist and pulled her along, "You've spoken ta Marcus a hunnerd times, so now don't be nervous."

Marcus met them at the base of the stair and the brothers embraced briefly. The JD introduced, "Ms. Rachael Sullivan." Which is as far as he got before Marcus cut in.

"Ms. Sullivan, well hello and welcome. Hey boys," he yelled over his shoulder, "Yo' Daddy's here. Come on out. Ms. Sullivan, I am right pleased to meet you. I musta heard your voice just about as often as I've heard Junior here."

"Pleased to meet you as well." Rachael found it easy to like Marcus. He had the southern "good-ole-boy charm" that was much the opposite of JD's dignified reserve. He was a big man with all the marks of a one-time athlete. He towered over JD. She also enjoyed the subtle changes that came over JD - even as his age, it was clear that he was the younger brother. He bristled at 'junior'.

From out of the house came four men, whom Marcus took the liberty of introducing. They were his own son George and JD's sons Charles, Edward and Wilton. "Boy's this is Junior's secretary up in Washington, Miss Sullivan."

"Please, Rachael is fine."

Wilton moved first, taking her hand and kissing fingertips softly, "My pleasure, Miss Rachael. I declare you 'bout the finest thing Daddy ever brought home from the capital." Somehow the gesture was creepy rather than charming and as quickly as possible, Rachael pulled her hand away.

"I've heard so much about you all, I feel I know you already."

They gathered the overnight bags and everyone made their way into the living room. Sweet tea, mint juleps, and fresh baked cheese biscuits waited inside and Rachael got a chance to talk to everyone for a few moments.

Charles was most like JD - same short but stocky build, same thick hair - dark brown still not white - and like his father had gotten a law degree. He had much of JD's reserve as well. Edward must have taken after his mother for he seemed to have nothing of JD's build or persona about him. He was tall, thin, fair and prickly, with the family constantly telling him to 'sit down and relax.' But he was nice enough in general and Charles blamed his nerves on the fact that Ed had always preferred spending his time at sea rather than on land.

"I think he's the only actual sailor in the family." Charles laughed, "Not a good trait to lose in a family of fisherman."

Wilton kept watching her, though he kept his physical distance, and in truth, her eyes kept finding him. He had the looks she classically went for - dark hair, tall and muscular. He had razor stubble, and although he said he was a deckhand on one of the family boats, his hands had the smooth feel of a man who'd never worked a day. He looked like Central Casting sent over an actor for the family black sheep.

"Momma!" She heard JD's cry over the rest of the room's conversation and stood up to greet her future mother-in-law. Rachael was just a touch surprised. They were here to celebrate the woman's 83'd birthday and Rachael had expected an elderly, frail woman. Instead, she looked and moved as if she were considerably younger. 'Here's to good living' Rachael thought, admiring the woman's grace. JD called her over and Rachael took his hand.

"Momma, this is Miss Rachael Sullivan. Miss Sullivan, my mother, Cecelia Rose Lee McElroy."

"How do you do, Ms. McElroy? It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

"And a pleasure to meet you, child. Now how did you meet my Julius?"

"I'm his secretary."

His mother snap to attention, "Julius! Don't you be sneaking off down to that office, ya hear? This ain't no working week, this is time to spend with your mother who's old and won't be with you much longer." She turned a cold eye on the whole family, "That goes for the rest of you as well." A chores of "yes, momma" broke out amid the laughter of the room and Mother McElroy took Rachael's hand, "I don't care why Julius brought you down with him, while you are here you are my guest and not his employee, you hear me?"

Rachael laughed, "Yes, Mother McElroy."

"Now, don't go standing on formality, here. You call me 'Momma' just like the rest of them." She leaned in to whisper, "I'm getting' so old, I'm not sure I'd answer ta anythin' else."

"I would say you are anything but old, Momma."

"Keep this one happy Julius or I'll tell Marcus to hire her out from under you. We could do with a good secretary."

"I intend to, Momma." JD said mildly and Rachael bit back a giggle.

As the afternoon strolled along, more family members arrived. George's wife and children. Charles' wife and children. Ed's wife and children. Rachael began to loose track but things became simpler when she was pushed with the other "womenfolk" into the kitchen to help with dinner. Thankfully, a local caterer cooked, they just had to heat and serve. Rachael and Hanna - Marcus daughter - set the table.

"Seat's eight comfortably but I ain't never seen a family dinner here where we didn't squeeze twelve or more round this table." Hanna chatted, "We'll put all the young'uns at the card table in the living room so us grown folk can talk." Hanna - short for Rappahannock - was in college and was glad that at least one non-family member was attending, "Otherwise, you can't git my daddy to stop talkin' 'bout fishin'. Uncle Julius 'bout as bad. I always ask him what's happening in Washington, he always come round to some ole fish story."

Rachael thought for a moment, "What's your major?"

"Architecture."

"Oh! Well, you have to see the city itself! When you get your next break from school, come up and see us and I'll take a couple day's off and give you a tour."

"Really?"

"Sure!"

Soon the food was set out and the men were called to the table. Before they sat down, JD caught Rachael's hand and pulled her aside. "I was thinking after dinner would be a good time to make our announcement. When everyone's been well feed."

When there is no possibility of her escaping the room. "Ok."

"Oh, and uh, have you meet Claudia yet?"

"I can't tell who I've meet anymore."

"Woman on the far side of the table with the garish red hair."

"Yes, we were introduced but that's about it."

"That's my ex-wife."

"She's here?"

"As the mother of my sons, she and momma spent a lot of time together. They grew quite close. The gentleman beside her is her new husband, Parker."

She looked at his face closely, "Are you ok?"

He smiled, "I lost her and gained you. I think I'm quite ok."

"Come on, Uncle Julius," some called out, "Stop harassing that po' child with business."

Everyone gather around the table and held hands. Marcus led the family in prayer. A long prayer. Rachael had wondered early on if JD's religious expressions were born of real faith or local idiom. He rarely went to church even though he tithed regularly. Listening to the family now however left no doubt. This was a family of believers. Her own family were lapsed Catholics and she had never had much reason to reconsider the choice. It occurred to her now that this was a meaningful part of his life. That family was a meaningful part of his life - standing around this table were four generations of a family who had lived in this house since 1804 at least. JD had asked her to become part of that. It was overwhelming for a moment. She found herself suddenly close to tears. 'More than anything, God', she thought, 'please let them accept me for his sake.' Creating a rife between him and his family would be unthinkable.

When Marcus said, "forever and ever, in the almighty's name we pray…" Rachael joined the group's "Amen." and wiped her eyes. JD caught the gesture.

"Willow?"

"I'm fine."

Eventually, the meal started. Conversation and wine flowed and Rachael found the family to be open and warm and nothing like what she feared. When Marcus' wife stood to start clearing the table, JD squeezed Rachael's hand and tapped his wine glass.

"If everyone would just stay put for a moment, I have a few words I wanted to say on this occasion." He cleared his throat. "Now, as most of you know, I have a young woman in my life in Washington with whom I have spent some time with. And I wanted the family to know, that although I have not introduced her properly as yet, I have asked this woman to marry me and she has accepted." There were sighs and applause from around the table. "Thank you, thank you. Now, I haven't discussed it with her yet, but I was hoping we could have the service here on Christmas Eve." Several people thought that a lovely idea and mummers of agreement drifted around the room.

"Dang it Junior, when do we meet this woman?" Marcus roared.

JD grinned, "You already have."

Everyone in the room exchanged confused looks except Marcus who suddenly went pale. After a moment, JD took Rachael's hand and stood her up, "May I present my fiancée, Miss Rachael Sullivan."

The room went silent. Instantly Rachael knew this announcement was a mistake.

"Oh, well, hell! Someone say something!" JD finally snapped.

There was more silence then Claudia laughed. It sounded as gleeful as broken glass. "That child is gonna marry you?" she cackled, "Julius, be sensible."

"Good lord, Daddy, she's younger than me." Wilton sneered, "You get a taste fo' Yankee poon, ain't no need ta bring it here."

"Hell, yes, Junior! You don't need to go marryin' yo secretary just cause yer doin' yo bizness with her." Marcus' eyes narrowed, "less'on there more you need to tell us."

Marcus' implication sunk in slowly around the room. Momma cleared her throat, "Is there something more you need to tell us, Julius?"

"I'm not pregnant, if that what you mean." Rachael felt like the elephant in the middle of the room, "I'm not pregnant, I don't want money and it's not just sex. I love JD and I want to be with him and that's all."

There was actual snickering from Wilton's direction.

"You need to make another comment, boy?" JD's voice held more menace than Rachael had ever heard. "Be my pleasure to school you, boy."

Charles interceded, "Daddy, come on, now. No offence, Miss Sullivan, I'm sure you right nice young lady, but you can't really be in love with my Father."

"Why not?" Rachael faced him, "Age mean he can't be kind, or intelligent or witty or fun, charming, handsome, generous…"

"…Arrogant, self-centered, alcoholic, domineering, and just plain mean?" Claudia added.

"If that's the man you married, he must have mellowed with age." Rachael shot back.

"Julius, you hardly know this woman." Someone's wife offered.

"Miss Sullivan and I have worked together for nearly ten years - eight of them well prior to our relationship. I assure you, I know this young woman quite well."

"Then maybe you ought to consider a longer engagement. Two - three years ought to be time enough to see if'n you have real feelings or are just abattin' yo' lust."

"I don't want a two year engagement. I think a Christmas wedding is lovely, JD." Rachael turned to him suddenly, "But I don't want a long engagement because, well, there is that massive coronary…" her voice dropped.

"Tomorrow is not promised to any of us, Willow. But I was following a similar line of thought." JD sighed deeply, and looked around the room. His eyes settled on his mother, "Momma, I love you but, frankly, I'm a grown man. I am marryin' Miss Sullivan in December. Now, I'd rather do it here with your blessings but the court house been marryin' folks fo' a little while now and we can do it there if need be."

Cecelia Rose Lee McElroy looked at her son for a long time before she silently stood up and left the dinning room.

He found her sitting on the front porch, swinging slowly and watching fireflies. He leaned against the doorframe sipping bourbon and watching her - thinking about living his life without her and knowing he no longer could. He sat next to her and she put her head on his shoulder. For a while they just sat.

"Marcus is glad I'm coming home." He finally offered. She nodded. He took another sip.

"Was Claudia's description accurate?" Rachael asked softly.

He thought back and looked at his glass. "When I get over stressed, I may over indulge in my spirits. I may have done or said things I might not have ordinarily. The last five years of our marriage were," he paused, remembering some of those days, "stressful." He finished the drink and took Rachael's hand.

"Come on." He led her into the deepening nightfall to the family's dock. He pointed off into the distance, "Look off ova thar. See that spot where thar's water as far as the eye can see? Well what yor seein' is Cockerell Crick, the Chesapeake Bay and the A'lantic Ocean. In order. I used to come down here and sit and wonder where I could go if'n I just took a boat an' went that-a-way." He wrapped his arms around her from behind and kissed her shoulder. "Rachael, I love my family but," he took a deep breath, "I'm going that-a-way. 'Cause now I know, it's you 'round that bend somewhere. An' I can't loose you."

"But your family…"

"Now, now, don't you worry none about that. We've weathered bigger storms than this. I'll find my way into Mother's good graces and you will too. Make you her personal assistant or something. She wasn't happy with Elizabeth, either but she got over it."

"Elizabeth?"

"Charles' wife."

"Oh."

He kissed her shoulder again. She was so tall but he could just rest his chin on her shoulder and look out at the river. The dock itself was small; it used to be the site of the main pier with two large boats but his father shifted all commercial operations a mile further downstream when they added a third boat. Wood and fixtures from this spot had been moved to the new one. While growing up, this simple dock - now just enough space for a fishing boat and a bench - had been JD's favorite place to sit and think. Holding Rachael here made him feel seventeen again. Young, eager, excited. Ready to face life all over again. He wondered what her children would look like and smiled at the thought of her being a mother. They would have to discuss that; he definitely wanted children with her but she had never mentioned the idea.

"I wanna ask you something and I want you to answer me honestly." He said softly.

"Ok."

He hesitated a moment then laughed at himself, "Why do you always make me feel 'bout 17?" She laughed and tried to turn around but he held her and kissed her neck, "Now, come on. You've never mentioned motherhood. Were you planning on broaching that subject?"

He felt her stiffen a bit. "Oh. Well. I figured you had enough kids."

"And you never worried 'bout havin' one yo'self?"

"It's not" she hesitated and he could feel her trembling, "It's not a big deal."

He kissed her neck again, enjoying the heat of her in the cool night air. "Sure would fix Momma if-n you were with child."

"But," she was actually shaking, "I mean do you want…"

"If we have a girl, I wanna name her "Willow". That be alright?"

"Oh, JD," Her voice cracked, "Do you really want more kids? I mean, I…" she stopped again.

"Now how are we gonna be Grandma an' Grandpa McElroy if-n we don't have a young'un o' two?" He could feel her crying and hoped he had said the right thing, "That ok with you?"

She sniffed a bit, "Um, yeah. That'd be ok with me." She kissed his temple, "I love you, JD."

They stood together watching the water until both of them were shivering. He took them the long way back to the house.

"Ah! Here it is!" he exclaimed finally, "Knew it was back here somewhere."

"Oh, what a lovely gazebo." It was a simple screened in building, one small round room with just enough space for two wicker armchairs and a matching loveseat sofa. JD flicked a switch and soft white Christmas light glowed from the floorboards. It was dusty as if unused, and the plant life around the structure obscured the view in all directions.

"Well, in daylight at any rate. Marcus an' I installed the lights in high school. But in this here household, this is where you and yo' young lady might escape a parent's watchful eye fo' a spell."

"So you brought me out here to take advantage of me?"

"The thought had crossed my mind."

"Only the thought?" she asked while sliding her arms around his neck and kissing him deeply. He undressed her quickly not concerned with subtleties. As soon as her nipples were bare, his lips sought them and he teased them unmercifully. Soon she was leaning against the wall, cumming, as his tongue and fingertips twisted her breasts in just the right ways. He waited until she was panting to move down across her abdomen. He pulled away and led her a few feet over to a chair. He took her hand, kissed it, and placed her finger into her slit. Then he stripped himself listening to her play with herself.

He rubbed his prick against her check and she turned to catch it with her lips but he moved away "Not yet. I want to hear you cum." He continued to rub himself against her cheeks, her neck, her shoulders, all the while listening to the wet gushing of her fingers and her low groans. She gasped when he covered her nipples with pre-cum. He could not resist sucking them clean again. Then he rubbed his shaft across her lips. Her hot breath nearly finished him and he had to pull away from her for a minute. When her cries began to go up in pitch, he knelt down in front of her and pulled her hand out. It was drenched with her juices all the way to her wrist. He licked it clean.

He did not know what it was about the taste of pussy in general that he found so intoxicating or why Rachael in specific was so irresistible to him. He only knew that this was his definition of heaven. Devouring Rachael. He had discovered - much to his shock - that he even enjoyed her taste during her time of the month. When he finished her hand, he worked his way down to the source. He always started slowly to extend how long he could do this to her. Their record was an hour and a half but JD had high hopes of beating that. He loved hearing her: the panting, gasping, moaning, growling, crying, shrieking and - when he really took his time - screaming. After, when she lying in afterglow, whimpering, when he entered her, he never lasted long but the orgasms had been some of the strongest of his life.

It was always better when he ate her first, he thought, kissing the back of her neck as they lay together on the dusty floor of the gazebo. Not just for him but for her as well. She moaned more and talked less. In theory, he loved hearing her tell him just what she needed. But all too frequently it was the same request.

Deeper.

Which, in any practical sense, means 'longer'.

Which was not a problem he knew how to resolve. But was one that was going to have to be addressed. Sooner, rather than later.

"Willow?" he whispered between kisses, "Come on, honey, I need to ask you something."

She made a sleepy-groan and snuggled against him.

"Miss Rachael, your back may be fine on this floor but I have a limited time that I can lie here and still be able to walk away."

She sighed, "Just a little while longer."

He held her tighter. He kissed her neck again. He took a deep breath and asked, "Do I fulfill your need adequately?"

"What?"

"Do I fulfill your need adequately?"

He could feel her tensing, "What does that even mean?"

"It means that I have always considered myself a gentleman of average proportions. Of average…size. Is that satisfactory for you or do you need someone of larger proportion?"

"Ok, tell me you are not asking if you're big enough. You know size doesn't matter…"

"Deeper damn you."

"What?"

"'Deeper damn you' I believe was your exact expression. I cannot help but think there was an intentional meaning there. I have a difficult time believing that size does not matter when my balls are slappin' yo' ass and you still scream 'deeper damn you.'" He winced; the moment still poked him like a thorn. He rubbed his face in her hair and took a deep breath of her scent, "I'm sorry, I had not intended to be quite so…frank. But I want ta give you what ya need and I'm not sure I can in this case."

She was silent a long time and he thought that maybe she just was not willing to answer that. But finally, "I love you so much, JD. And everything is so good with you. I keep thinking that it's a little thing and I can live without it." JD winced at the phrase. "Sorry - I mean that it's not really that important, how…big or…whatever. You make me feel so good. In all ways. But sometimes, it's - it's just not there. And I don't know what to do. I'm sorry. I didn't want you to know," she turned to face him, "I didn't want you to ever, ever, ever think that you don't do everything for me because you do…"

"Except this."

"JD. JD, I'm sorry."

"Hush, woman," he kissed her forehead, "My ego's not so frail as all that. When I was 23, I might have had a singular collapse of my masculinity. But I am old enough to know that I am lucky to find a partner who considers me male atal at my age." She giggled so he felt a little better, "We shall just have to find a way for what you need to be available. I am sure they make a tool to facilitate this; I'd imagine that your friend would know where to purchase such."

"You want me to buy a vibrator?"

"I want you to do whatever you want in order to never feel less than fulfilled again. Well, nearly anything. I draw the line at another man."

"Now see, I was thinking, that was the obvious answer."

"I have no intentions of lettin' you go off on your own…"

"Not me, us. Picture it, one dick in my pussy, one in my mouth, me in the middle moaning."

"The image is not wholly without some charm, I will admit. But I am not good at sharing."

"You shared me with Helen."

"Your friend is another matter entirely! How on earth was I supposed to not share you with her? Get a court order and the entire sheriff's department?"

"She does tend to get her way."

"Yes she does. So, as I was sayin' Miss Helen is fine, your choice of 'marital aide' as they are called would also be acceptable. But we gonna' have a whole lot more talkin' 'fore I let another man touch you. Clear?"

"Clear." She kissed his nose. "I don't suppose there are any blankets out here?"

"Lord o' Mercy, woman!" JD's eyes nearly bulged from his head, "You done bought the display model not the tool!"

Next to it, JD was sadly comical, but the mammoth dildo would have dwarfed most men. It was huge; fully thirteen inches long and almost three inches across, it was the second largest model the store had carried.

She and Helen started hunting for the perfect all-purpose tool shortly after the discussion with JD. She had tossed most of her toys after they had moved in together because she did not want him to feel…inferior. Now, she was looking for the right thing just in case toys are not something JD enjoyed; if there might only be one, make it the right one. It had taken almost a month of wandering through sleazy little shops and unsavory websites but they finally found one that had everything she wanted. Rachael had it shipped overnight. It vibrated, rotated and came with a prehensile clit teaser. And a remote control with a signal range, she learned the day it arrived, that reached all the way to the kitchen downstairs. She reached around him and closed the nightstand drawer.

"You don't need to see that."

He held her wrist, "Yes," His voice was flat, "I do." He reopened the drawer and pulled the vibrator out, studying the various dials and knobs. "Is this representative of yo' prior lovers?"

"I've never heard of a man who vibrated." She quipped hoping to lighten his mood.

"I was referrin' to the actual size uh the apparatus." He said without humor, "Have you evah been serviced by someone so…large?"

"That's a rather personal question."

"It would then require a rather personal answer."

She contemplated telling him an outright lie but odds were that he'd suspect the truth anyway. She sighed and sat on the edge of the bed. "My boyfriend, about six years back. Shortest guy I ever went out with but hung like a horse. I don't think he was actually as big as that thing but he must have been close."

"I see. And may I inquire as to why you are not currently seein' this paragon uh masculinity?"

She shrugged, "We were young. It didn't work out. I don't know; it wasn't love, I guess."

He flipped the on switch and the vibrator began to hum. Rachael shivered as her heart rate responded. He ran through each of the settings and uttered a non-committal 'huh' occasionally.

"Would you prefer I not be present when you utilize this here apparatus?"

"I would prefer you use it on me but if you're not comfortable with that then…" she shrugged again.

JD turned the vibrator off and sat down beside her. She could see the tension in his jaw beneath his beard. "It's a toy, JD, not a replacement." She said softly, "And it isn't an everyday kind of thing."

"Just whenevah you cry out 'deepah damn you'?"

"JD! I'm sorry!" she stood up, "It slipped out. I wasn't trying to hurt you. What do you want me to say here?"

He was silent and she cursed herself because she knew the answer to that. He wanted her to say that he was enough. But the oversized object in his hands clearly said otherwise. She could not even offer to return it - she had already tested more than a few features in the three days she had had it.

"Lie down." He was not looking at her and his voice was still tight with pain.

"No. Not … not like this. You'll just get even madder and you'll never want to do it again and we'll just both be more upset over it."

"Kindly allow me ta worry ova what I will an' won't evah do again." He still would not look at her. "I said, lie down."

He had a bit of a dominant streak, Rachael reminded herself. Sometimes he expected her to obey. She suspected that this was one of those times. Hoping that this was not as bad an idea as it seemed, she crawled on to the bed - still fully dressed - and lay flat, arms at her side. He studied her for a moment then told her to close her eyes. He stood up.

She felt the penis shaped tip stroke her face, "Does it feel real?" he asked.

"No. It's close but not quite right. And the smell is all wrong too."

He dragged it lightly all over her face and neck then stroked her lips with it. "Will it fit?"

She ran her tongue around the tip and made a face.

"Tastes bad?"

"It's the cleaner. I can taste it faintly." She ran her tongue around it again; the taste was fading already. She opened her lips and sucked the very tip. Suddenly her heart was pounding and the eroticism of the moment became very real. JD was making her swallow a cock. If she opened her eyes, he might blindfold her. It was just the very shallow edge of bondage and domination but the fact that JD was in these waters at all was enough to make her nerves tingle. JD pushed the monstrous vibrator a little deeper and she had to stretch her mouth painfully but it fit just barely. He held it still.

"Deepah?" he asked.

She shook her head. Even with less than and inch in her mouth, she was nearly gagged. He pulled it out and stroked her chin with the wet tip.

"Unbutton yo' shirt."

She complied, biting her lips and swallowing hard. He stroked her chest and abdomen. Slowly he moved it up and down her bare skin but avoided any clothing. Each time she thought he would slide it over her bra he would stop and change direction. She was squirming with anticipation.

"You're teasing me, JD." She whispered.

"Hush up now, woman." He snapped but then she felt him lean down and his lips brushed hers lightly. "You just stay quiet and let me think now, hear?"

She bit her lip and nodded. She let her hands lay by her sides waiting for his next instruction. Then she heard the buzzing and held her breath waiting for it to touch her. Instead, the buzzing stopped and a quiet sigh escaped her.

He asked her to remove her pants - but not her panties - and caressed her stomach and legs. Then asked her to remove her shirt altogether. She lay in just her underwear, eyes closed, breathing hard. Every so often, he would turn on the vibrator and she would stiffen in anticipation but he would turn it off before touching her again. She could feel her nipples straining against her bra. The teasing was effective. She was breathing hard and twitching, dripping with anticipation.

She heard the buzzing start again and gasped as the vibrations touched her foot. She moaned and came. She had not expected that. She did not know he could do that to her. "Oh, god, JD." She gasped.

"Quiet. I ain't done wit' you yet. An' keep yo' eye shut." His voice was husky and made her shiver.

The vibrating continued moving slowly up her leg, again tracing her whole body except the areas covered with clothing. She heard the buzzing change in intensity. Then he touched her nipple. She came again, shaking. He reached under her and unhooked her bra. Once removed, he proceeded to tease her breasts with the vibrator and the lube he found at some point until she came again. By now, sweat glazed her body and she could not lie still.

Then the buzzing stopped. She heard a drawer on the other side of the room open and asked, "What are you looking for?"

Rachael opened her eyes and looked at him. He was still dressed but his shirt collar was open and his pants tented. He frowned, "Damn it, woman!" his eyes shifted and he smiled. It was positively evil. She watched him all but pounce on his tie rack. Grabbing a hand full, he returned to the bed.

She was shaking with anticipation, "JD, what are you doing?"

"I said lie still and keep yo' eyes closed." He tied one tie around her eyes, tight enough to keep her eyes shut but still loose. He tied both her wrists and ankles and eagle spread her on the bed. She wondered how he planed to keep her anchored that way - the bed did not have posts. "Move you wrists." He said and she tried to lift them. The ties were tucked into the mattress. If she wanted to move, she could easily but it was enough to keep her from twitching out of place. She nodded.

"Now, hush up and lie still."

She swallowed hard and shivered. The buzzing started again. Then, before he touched her, the buzzing stopped. She did not know what to expect next so JD's lips sucking gently on her drenched, panty-clad pussy were an unexpected joy. She cried out.

"My lord, you are enjoyin' yo'self." He moved her panties aside, "You taste right nice." He sucked her clit and lapped the juices that bubbled forth.

He spent a few minutes eating her while she groaned before she realized that the buzzing had started again. He shifted his position and sucked her clit gently as he slowly pushed the vibrating tool inside her. She started cumming again, thrashing and moaning as he inserted nearly the entire length into her. The orgasm did not crest but continued as he pulled it out and slid it back in steadily. Blindfolded, she was able to focus on nothing but the intense pleasure JD created and being tied down gave her little outlet except to arch her hips against him and cry out loudly.

She did not know she could cum that hard or for that long. JD seemed to be extending her orgasm. Rachael was not sure how much longer she could take it. Then it occurred to her what she wanted. The vibrator was a tool. It could fill her all the way - it bumped her cervix with nearly every stroke - but that became genuinely painful after awhile and the tool would never sooth that pain the way JD could.

"JD, please, fuck me." She panted, "Please cum inside me."

He clicked the vibrator up a notch in speed, "What was that, honey?"

"Oh god, oh god! Please! Please! Cum inside me."

"I thought you wanted yo' toy."

"Please!" she gasped, "I need to feel you. Feel you inside me."

"Ain't you enjoyin' yo'self, honey?

"JD please! Fuck me!"

"You sho' you wont me?" He let her plead for a minute or so before he turned the speed down to low and pulled the vibrator out of her. She gasped and twitched and begged him to come back and make love to her. Finally, she felt him climb on to the bed and kiss her deeply. His lips, beard and mustache were drenched with her juices and she lapped at them hungrily in between kisses. She felt his naked body rub against her and she groaned again. His erection slid into her easily and swiftly.

"Oh, yes. Fuck me, fuck me!"

He fairly pounded her, both of them crying out in tandem and cumming hard almost immediately. He collapsed on top of her and panted for a moment. Then he pushed away from her and pulled her legs free. He pulled her arms free as well and laid back down to hold her closely. They dozed off together, waking when the phone rang.

The answering machine switched on and a familar voice came on, "Uncle Julius? Aunt Rachael? Hey. This here's Hanna. I'm at the train station. I hope I'm here on the right week."

"Oh, hell." JD groaned and rolled over to grab the phone, "Hanna, honey? I'm so sorry. Ya'll here at the right time; yor old uncle done fell asleep. No, honey, I don't mind commin' ta get ya. Actually, if-n you wanna come half way, why don't you go down ta the lowah level an' catch the Metro." He told her where to go and hung up. "You are a demon, woman."

"Me?" Rachael squealed as she lifted the tie around her eyes, "I'm the one tied to the bed. You're the one making me come so hard it hurts."

"Was that what you wanted?"

She pushed him down with a fervent kiss, "You did more that I wanted. I could never have dreamed of that." She smiled, "I had no idea how amazing being blindfolded would be." She kissed him again, "Was it ok for you?"

He put his arms around her and pulled her tight, "If I live uh hunnerd years, I will nevah forget the image uh you cummin' while tied down. Manna from heaven."

They lay together for a few more minutes, then he kissed her forehead, "Come on, we'd best shower and get a move on."

They got up and together untied his neckties. After their shower, as they were dressing, Rachael quickly cleaned the vibrator and put it away.

JD chuckled and kissed the back of her neck, "An' you thought I would nevah play with that thing again. You'll be lucky if I limit to once a week."

Rachael groaned, "Oh god! That? Once a week? You'll kill me." But she turned in his arms and hugged him, "Thank you."

"For what?"

"Trying to kill me."

"Why am I here, Marcus?" JD walked into Marcus' office without waiting for invitation. His brother was on the phone and scowled at him. JD frowned and leaned over the desk - pointedly impatient for the man to finish the call. When he finally hung up, JD repeated his question, "Why am I here, Marcus?"

"You the one stormin' in, what's on yo' mind?"

"Charles is a fine lawyer."

"I'm glad you think so. I'm right proud uh yo' son mahsef." Marcus put his feet up on the desk. "Something wrong with that?"

"I wouldn't think so. Which brings me back ta mah original question which is why am I here?"

"It's a family business; you part uh the family."

"You don't need me here. Charles can handle all the day-ta-day operations."

"Now, Julius, don't start…"

"I'm serious, Marcus, I don't need ta be wastin' my time playin' law clerk to a boy I done apprenticed in the first place."

"Oh, so that's it." Charles voice cut in from behind him, "Look, Dad, just go home. You don't need ta be here, no way. Retire. Take Miss Sullivan out or somethin', hell I don't care - just go."

"And at what point did ya think you got ta decide who work here an' who don't" Marcus growled.

"He in my department?" Charles practically snarled back, "You want him, let him work fo' you. Just keep him outta my way."

"You right smug now, boy." JD crossed his arms to keep from throwing a punch at one of them, "Good luck with the committee hearing this afternoon."

"I can handle it, damn it!"

Marcus snorted, "Sure you right."

Charles pinched his temples, "Look, Marcus, I don't need a babysitter. And I got news fo' you - he doesn't like most of yo' ideas any more-n I do."

Marcus shrugged "Junior ain't never has."

"God damn it ta hell," JD snapped, "will you stop callin' me that!"

"Soon as you stop being junior on board." Marcus gave JD a malicious smile, "First born got privileges."

JD narrowed his eyes, "Second born, Marcus. Just 'cause Augustus ain't with us don't mean you move up in rank."

Marcus was on his feet and JD was reminded of just how much bigger than he his brother was. When they were in high school, Marcus was on several athletic teams and the strength of it never left him. They only fought physically once - that had been over their late eldest brother as well. Neither of them had left the house for more than a month afterwards - their father had grounded Marcus until JD's ribs had completely healed.

"Ya'll want me ta call Grandmamma up here ta send ya'll to yor rooms?" George had slipped in unnoticed and sounded surprisingly calm, "Or should I just call the nurse ta bandage you after you done beat each other to a pulp."

"Only one of us gonna get beat to uh pulp, here." Marcus drawled and JD had no doubt that Marcus could still drop him with one shot.

"George," JD did not take his eyes off his brother's face, "I don't suppose Marcus plan ta buy me out any time soon?" JD had a larger financial stake in the family firm because he personally funded an expansion of operations. He took pains to never let Marcus forget it.

"I wouldn't think so."

"How much a hit you fixin' ta take, Marcus?" JD saw both anger and resignation in his brother's eyes. "You know I ain't never been one fo' fightin' an' carryin' on."

Marcus flexed his shoulders and exhaled sharply. "You a snake, Julius."

"Had ta learn some way ta beat you. An' I got right good at it."

"I don't care what you do with yo' time. Stay outta my office."

"Then why in Hell you done spent twenny year, tellin' me 'come home', 'work fo' me', 'we need you.' if-n you ain't even know what the Hell you need me fo?"

"I don't need you anywhar." Marcus growled, "Daddy wanted you here."

"Daddy ain't been here fo' a long time now."

"Yeah, an' Momma was right proud that you was at his side when he left."

It was the closest JD had been to taking a swing a Marcus in decades. They had known their father's health was failing but JD had spent one more day in Washington and had gotten home too late by just hours to say goodbye. It was an ache he could never ease and it floored him that Marcus would bring it up now.

The look on Marcus' face changed and he flexed his shoulders again. He cleared his throat and muttered something that sounded vaguely apologetic. "E'body know you wanted ta be here, Junior. You an' Charles jus' need ta do whatevah ya'll do t'gether."

"That don't make no sense, damn it." JD gestured to Charles, "Yeah, the boy's weak on the legislature, but he'll pick it up. I'm in his way just as much as he's in mine." He looked at his son, "Oh, an' contradict me in public again, an' we gonna have more than words, boy." He turned back to his brother. "You just want me here 'cause, hell, I don't know why you want me here but we gonna have a whole lot more fights like this the longer I'm here."

"Ain't my fault you an' yorn can't work together. George an' me do just fine."

"Yeah," George laughed outright, "'Cause you in here an' I'm down in accounting. If-n we was both in the same department," he shook head, "we'da had us uh fist fight long ago."

"Hell," Charles added, "you-n-me come close from time to time."

"Now I see where we got it." George sighed deeply, "I just wish to hell you two'd stop actin' like you still in high school."

"Ain't me who can't grow up none." JD shrugged, "I stopped resentin' Marcus a long time ago."

"Piss off!" Marcus spat. He sat down again and put his feet back on the desk, "You come in here for a reason, George or is this just my day?"

"I came in to drop off this month's numbers and ta see if you wanted to blow off the rest of the day an' go fishin' but I'd just as soon not if you in one uh yo' moods."

The four men looked at each other. JD looked at his watch; the committee meeting was not for another four hours. He should really drive to Richmond and be there in person but he could attend by teleconference. He also knew that he and Marcus would be bickering all day trying to one-up each other in petty competitions. "Damn it." He sighed deeply, "I'll go to Richmond. Charles, you fish. Marcus," he paused and started again, "We gonna have ta work this one out, Marcus." He nodded to George and left the office.

Driving to Richmond, he could not help but think, "I really would rather be fishin'." He had never had an easy relationship with his brother but there had been good times. They used to sit on the dock and just fish. Momma had had a pathological fear of JD going out on the boats until he was taller than the railing - and being a short child, he was ten by the time that happened - so everything JD learned about fishing and sailing, he learned from Marcus sneaking out with him at night and showing him the ropes. And Marcus had been a bully, but he had been the only one - he made sure that everyone else knew to steer clear of harassing JD. Later, in high school, being the brother of the school's athletic star had gotten JD invited to more than one party. JD sighed. He hoped their relationship was not too far gone to work together now.

One handed, he found his cell phone, slipped the earpiece on and dialed Rachael. When she was not at the DC office, he tried house in Falls Church.

"Who said you could play hooky, young lady?"

"You did. I told you my annual was today. I just got home."

Her annual gynecological exam. "Right, you did." They chatted about nothing; pointless but at least he could talk to her. After a morning with Marcus and Charles, he needed to hear a voice that was not needlessly irritating. He heard rustling in the background, "I didn't interrupt anything, did I?"

"No, just shifting my towel."

"Towel?"

"Yeah, you caught me just heading into a bath."

"Kinda early for that, ain't it?"

"I hate the goo."

"The 'goo'?"

"Yeah. The annual is, well, invasive so she uses goo. I like to treat myself to a bubble bath afterwards."

"I see. Well, then. You go on. Your water must be getting' cold."

"Why?" She put on her 'bedroom' voice, "Don't you want to talk to me while I'm all naked and sticky?"

He could picture her clearly, slender and warm, lying in their bed. He realized that he was no longer paying attention to the road and forcibly re-focused his attention, "Now, Willow, stop that. I'm in traffic here."

"Oh, is it distracting thinking of me like this? It's cool in here. I've got goose bump everywhere."

It was surprisingly effective, listening to her voice and picturing her, no doubt, erect nipples. He shifted in his seat trying to find space in his suddenly tight pants. She kept talking.

"Oh yeah, You should feel how hard my nipples are right now." She gasped sharply and JD almost swerved, "Well, that felt good."

"Willow, now you behave yo'self." But he changed lanes and pulled onto the road shoulder. He became aware of his own heavy breathing as she ignored him and continued to describe her self-exploration.

"Oh I wish you were here to do this. I love how you play with my breasts. Oh, it feels so good. I just want you to squeeze them and suck them and kiss them." She groaned into the phone.

JD closed his eyes and leaned his head back, "Lord give me strength." Already, his erection was throbbing against his pants, "Willow, you killin' me here."

"You don't want to know how wet I am?"

"Oh, God. Stop."

"I'm so wet, JD. My fingers are all slick."

"Willow, I swear you worse than a tease. Now, stop that."

"Oh, don't make me stop. It feels so good. I wish it were your fingers inside my pussy instead of mine. I want you to slide your fingers in me like this. Rub your thumb against my clit. Oh, yeah, that's good. Oh, yeah."

He found himself sorely tempted to give in, unbuckle his pants and let her listen to him for a while but he was still very aware of being in the car. Rachael's voice in his ear was no longer verbal; merely moans and groans of pleasure. JD was so engrossed in listening to Rachael that he actually jumped when someone knocked on the car window. "Jesus, Mary and Joseph!" he exclaimed. He looked to see the dark glasses and hat of a Virginia State patrol officer asking if he was ok.

JD rolled down the window, "Afternoon, Officer. Everythin' alright?"

"Well, that's what I'm asking you. I saw you pull over and just wanted to make sure everything was ok."

"Thank you," he cleared his throat, "But I'm just fine."

In his ear, Rachael groaned, "Oh, god, I'm so close." just as the officer said, "You don't look so good, sir."

"Oh, hell." JD moaned.

"Excuse me, sir?"

JD quickly pulled the earpiece out so that he could no longer hear Rachael's climax. "I'm sorry. My wife. On the phone. She's a might distractin' at times."

"Uh huh." The officer looked at him for a moment then asked, "Have you been drinking today sir?"

"No!" he loosed his tie. The headset was resting on his shoulder and Rachael was loud enough that he could still hear her. He reached for the phone itself but it slipped from his fingers.

"License and registration, sir," The officer's tone was firm, "and hand me that phone."

JD handed over the phone with a silent groan then reached for his wallet. The officer took the phone and ID and moved back toward his cruiser. JD took the opportunity to find a napkin and wiped his brow. He fixed his collar and tie, and tried to steady his breathing. The officer came back and returned JD's things.

"You realize, of course, that inattention to the road is a hazard."

"Yes, sir. I tried to tell her that."

The officer chuckled, "Alright, sir. This is a written warning just to help keep her in line."

JD was mortified, "Thank you, Officer."

"You have a good day, sir." The officer started to leave but paused to add, "I wouldn't call her back until I get where you're going, if I were you."

"I don't think I will."

He did wait almost an hour - until he was parked at the State Capital - before calling Rachael back. "When I get home tonight you gonna pay for that."

"JD, I am so sorry." She sounded contrite, "I promise I will never do that again."

"Now, now, just promise you won't do it while I'm on the highway. Let me be somewhere I can enjoy mahself."

"JD!" she teased, "So you liked that?"

"Well, it ain't as much fun as being there with you but it's better than fishing."

"Is that a good thing?"

He laughed, "It's a very good thing, Willow. Very, very good."

The weekend trips to Reedville were getting easier - not that the family was accepting her yet but at least the hostility was less open. She was still "Miss Sullivan" to almost everyone but at least everyone actually spoke to her now. It was not much but it was a start.

She carried the last load of boxes in from the car and struggled into JD's office with them. He decided to move as much as they could every trip to help everyone get used to the idea that this was his home again. Rachael was not certain she agreed but JD insisted and they had brought several stacks of boxes, storage bags and other non-essentials over that last few trips. She sat heavily on top of a box and sighed wearily.

The house was quiet. Momma was at her bridge game and JD was in Richmond. If anyone else was around, they were most likely at the commercial dock. It gave Rachael a rare quiet moment to relax. She opened the box in front of her. Like most of them, it contained law references. She scowled and reached for another box. After a few, she found a box of fiction, picked one at random and headed across the property to the gazebo. It had become something of a refuge for her - no one used it anymore, so it was overgrown and private. The afternoon was cool but bright. Rachael figured she had a couple hours to sit comfortably and read before the family descended on the house for dinner.

She stretched out on the little wicker loveseat, tickled once again by the classic southern charm of the little room. The paperback was one she had read a few years back - a semi-fictional tell all about a congressional intern and the sexual/political scandals she encountered. Not great literature, Rachael thought around chapter three, but far racier than she remembered. She found her pulse elevating a touch, as the sexual liaison in the senator's office brought back vivid memories of her own trysts with JD in his Washington office. She shivered and wished she had stayed in her own room.

Then she glanced around. She might as well be in her own room - the gazebo was secluded and the rest of the family was out. No one even knew she came here except JD. Rachael bit her lip then lay back down. She had never masturbated in such an open - nearly public - place. If she got caught, she would never hear the end of it. It reminded her of playing with herself as a teen in the shower; always afraid that someone would walk in a catch her.

She reached a hand under her shirt and began teasing her nipples lightly. In short order, they were taut and the book was forgotten on the arm of the sofa above her head. She squeezed and stroked her breast, sighing. It seemed wasteful - an exhibition with no voyeur. She bit her lip again as she realized that she was close to cumming. She wished JD was there.

The thought of his tongue made her shiver, groan, and slid her hand into her jeans. "Oh, yeah, baby," she whispered. She was soaking wet and gasped as she imagined JD's tongue roughly stroking her clit instead of her fingers. In only a moment, she was cumming; groaning and gasping helplessly. "Eat me, honey, oh, god, yes!"

Soft lips touched hers and she smiled as her book was suddenly used as a makeshift blindfold over her eyes. She giggled and groaned as he first sucked her fingers clean then used her hand to replace his holding the book in place. Rachael lifted her hips as he slid her pants and underwear off and pulled her so that her ass rested on the arm of the sofa.

His kisses on her labia were softer than usual but when he opened the lips, he lapped her with an urgency that had her thrashing and screaming with release in short order. She rode the orgasm for several long minutes before she could catch her breath enough to pant, "Fuck me, fuck me, oh god!" His tongue left to be quickly replaced with two fingers and the sound of a belt buckle opening. He slipped just the tip of his cock in for two of three short strokes before slamming his full length in and banging her cervix. Rachael gasped in sudden pain and rapture. She could not remember the last time JD had filled her like this. She love him but really wished he would do this more often - not make love, just a raw, animal fuck. "Deep and hard," she groaned, "Oh god, baby, fuck me like that."

He laughed evilly, "Oh, fuck," It was not JD's voice, "but ain't you hot-n-tight."

In an instant, Rachael's mind went from ecstasy to horror. She dropped the book and stared at the dark hair and young face leering back at her.

Then Wilton came deep inside her. It triggered her own orgasm. She could not deny it - it felt good. It felt right - what she had been missing this last year. It was the only feeling JD could not give her. She moaned as much from guilt as from the unrelenting pleasure flowing through her.

"You bastard!" she hissed when she had breath again.

He pulled out of her slowly, which sent another ripple of guilty pleasure through her, "Why I declare. Miss Sullivan. I had no idea that was you hollorin' and carryin' on." He grinned as he buttoned his fly. "You ought ta be mo' discrete, you know, being as how you engaged to my Daddy an' all."

"You son of a bitch!" she curled into a ball, pulling her shirt down as far as she could over her legs, "How could you? Get the fuck away from me!"

"Oh don't mind me, I'm just passing by. Got me a cruise to work tonight. I'll say this much, Daddy got fine taste in tail." He tried to kiss her but she smacked him hard. He laughed and patted her hip instead, "Now, now, ya lil' ho, don't be actin' all high and mighty with me - you just fucked yo' stepson, Momma."

"JD and Marcus will break you in half when they find out about this." She hissed. She was shaking but it more rage than anything else.

"Oh, sure. You just go on an' tell e'v'body how I found you playin' with yo' pussy and beggin' to be eaten and fucked. You go on an' tell 'em how hard you done cum when I done drilled you like an oil well. I'm sure Daddy'll wanna hear all about how good it felt to ya." He laughed again and opened the door. "Oh, an' tell my Grandmamma, I'll be up fo' Sunday dinner. See you round." He left.

Rachael showered, trying to wash away the sex and rage and guilt. She found herself shaking and sat on the floor of the tub under the spray.

Wilton.

She had not even looked, did not ask, just assumed that her unseen lover was JD and let him take her. More, she had loved the mystery as much as the act. She did not know what upset her more: that her future stepson committed a nonconsensual act against her or that she enjoyed it so much that…

So much that if it were not for JD, she would still be in the gazebo with him, testing his stamina. Does it count as rape if you'd do it again?

Not just cheating. Cheating with his son.

She shook harder.

She loved JD. He was the man that truly loved her and respected her. He made her feel right. Good. Worthy. No one else had done that. Her family had always believed in self-reliance and tough love. Get what you want, don't depend on anyone, and life is hard so suck it up. They were never cruel and really had always helped her whenever she needed it. But JD was kind. JD was supportive. He had noticed her in the secretarial pool and praised her work - suggested that she apply for the full-time position when she was just a summer intern. Then later, he had been honest - not always nice but you knew when you had done something right for him. He had high standards and she had worked hard to meet them, to get his notice first as his secretary, then later she realized she wanted to be more. He had always believed in her even before he loved her. It was so cliché but with him, Rachael honestly knew she could do anything.

But he placed a high value on fidelity. She could hear his voice 'I cannot abide…' He would end it - call off the engagement, ask her to move out. His family was right, she was a slut and she did not deserve him. She was hyperventilating. She took a deep breath and held it. Then she turned off the water and sat shivering. She realized that she was panicking. She wished there was a standard procedure for times like this. In the event of an infidelity remain calm and contact your local authorities. Get help.

Helen. Helen would know what to do next.

Rachael nearly fell getting out of the tub and wrapped a towel around herself as she ran down the hall to her room.

She got Helen's voice mail both at work and at home. She curled into a ball on the floor and wept.

She woke sometime later still on the floor to JD's stricken voice, "Willow?" he brushed her cheek softly, "Good God, Willow?"

He was so kind to her. She burst into tears again, pulling away from him. First, he pleaded to know what was wrong then he just held her and rocked her gently.

"I don't want to lose you." She choked out between sobs, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to."

He kissed her, "You not gonna lose me, honey."

"But, but…"

"Shh, it's alright, you all upset, now."

"But…"

"Shh," he held her tighter, "Later. You just simmer down now, an' tell me everything when you ready. Nobody ain't goin' nowhere, now."

They sat together while she tried to calm down. It would hurt him so much; his fiancée and his son. She could not tell him. Not the truth. Not that Wilton took her and she loved it and not that it was nonconsensual. She did not know what she would tell him but not the truth. Her first secret from him. She swallowed hard and wiped her face with the corner of the towel.

"You better, now?" he asked, kissing her temple.

She nodded, still not trusting her voice. Still not able to look at him.

"Look at me Willow." When she reluctantly turned her head, he held her chin, "Did something happen I should know about?"

She looked in his eyes - he would not let her look anywhere else, "No." she whispered hoarsely.

He brushed her cheek softly, "Then what's all this carryin' on fo'? Ain't nothin' so bad as all that."

"I was just worried," she started looking away again.

"I love you Rachael Sullivan an' I ain't goin' nowhere til heaven done call me home. Ya hear me?"

She buried her face in his chest and wept again, softly this time and he rocked her gently again. Finally, the tears stopped and she stayed curled in his arms listening to his heartbeat. She shifted slightly and became aware of a lump under her thigh. JD cleared his throat. She looked up at him and even in this frail emotional state could not repress a smile. JD had a raging hard-on.

He smiled sheepishly back, "You, uh, have no idea how, ahem, attractive you look all balled up and pretty and uh…."

"Vulnerable." She supplied.

"Well, yes, come to mention it." He looked a little disturbed, "Don't rightly like that. It's somehow…"

"Bad. Wrong. Dark." She looked him in the eye easily this time, "Guilty."

"Sins of the flesh." He pulled her towel open, "Lord almighty, forgive this poor sinner." He kissed her hard. Passionately. Then in a move that surprised her, pushed her off his lap with a thump. He bent over and had his lips on her clit before she could protest. She howled as an electrical current of pleasure surged over her nerves. She was over one intense orgasm and hovering on the edge of the next when she finally had enough presence of mind to pull him into a 69 position. She opened his pants just far enough to suck his throbbing cock into her mouth. When she came again, she had to stop herself from biting down on him. Then she sucked and licked until he stopped her.

He spun around and roughly pushed her flat on the floor. He held her wrists down and kissed her hard, wiping her cum across her face and licking it off again. "You must be the picture of everyman's desire." He whispered. Without warning, he rammed into her - much rougher than usual but today, it felt right. "Ain't a man alive don't want ta fuck you, is thay?" She gasped. JD never said 'the f word', not in bed, not ever. For a moment, she almost panicked, fearing that it was not him again somehow. But she could see his face and the intense look he gave her now.

"Only you, JD." She tried to put her arms around him but he kept her wrists pined. Her heart rate went up another notch.

He looked at her oddly and slammed his cock into her hard enough to hurt. He panted in her ear, "Now, come on. You sayin' a man with a great big thick ole dick come in that door right now, you wouldn't want him?"

"No, no!" Stretched like this, JD had her at a new angle and each stroke rubbed both her clit and her g-spot. Rachael had never had a more intense sensation, "Oh god, only you, JD. Just you."

"You like this?"

"Oh god! Yes!"

"Yeah?"

"Yes!" then her orgasm over took her but before she could really cry out, JD's lips smashed down painfully on hers and he came hard inside her. They lay together, panting and he finally let go of her wrists.

"Oh my god, JD," she huffed, "That was incredible."

He rolled beside her, still panting, "Lord forgive me." Then he seem to catch his breath and sat up slowly. He stroked her cheek, "You a right mess. Ya'll go on an' shower fo' dinner."

She picked up the towel again - acutely aware of this being the second time today she'd showered to clean off sex. She reached out to him, "Come with?"

"You go on, I'll join you presently."

He did not join her in the bathroom and was gone when she returned to dress. She found him in the living room having a pre-dinner drink with Marcus.

"Evening, Miss Sullivan."

"Good evening, Mr. McElroy." Ever since the announcement, Marcus had been reserved but polite. She missed his boisterous charm immensely and knew that she was coming between JD and his brother.

"I trust you are feeling better?"

"Better?" She glanced at JD but the question seemed to catch him curiously as well.

"Yeah, I saw Wilton at the dock on my way out. He said he saw you on his way in past the house and thought you looked a might poorly." He chuckled, "Said you looked rode hard and put away wet." He sipped his drink, "Of course, you look like you've gotten some rest since then."

Rachael realized she was shaking and moved unsteadily to sit on the couch. Silently, JD handed her a drink and she drank without looking at it. Ordinarily, she disliked bourbon but the strong bitter taste helped steady her nerves. She took a deep breath, and then realized that both men were waiting for her to respond, "Yes, uh, I moved books today. Law manuals, mostly. He caught me…" the truth wanted to spill forth but seemed to catch in her throat, "he caught me right after I finished." She took a gulp of the bourbon and frowned as it burned down her throat, "Right as rain now."

She would not say anything. The longer JD drove, the madder he got. She had looked him in the eye and lied. He was a fool, a ridiculous old fool. No wonder the whole family was laughing at him. Rachael was young and beautiful; what could she possibly want with a worn out little old man like him? But she didn't have to lie. She could have just told him the truth. I don't want you anymore - it would hurt but, damn it, he could get over it.

He was still slightly sick at the idea that while eating her, he had eaten another man's seed.

He nearly passed the turn and almost spun the car wiping into it at the last second. A car wreck was a tempting idea - a far more pleasant idea than getting out of the car and going into the house with her. He pulled into the driveway and sat.

"JD?" her voice was soft. He used to love that voice. It made coming in to work that much better for years. It used to sooth him. "What's wrong?"

"In all honesty," he said carefully, "I cannot say what is wrong as you have not officially informed me."

"What?"

He continued, trying to keep a multitude of emotions under control, "Therefore I would ask that you answer a question for me before I answer yours. Will you tell me with whom you are having sexual relations or do you consider that information none of my concern?"

She was silent. No denial, no tears. He felt a knot in his chest tighten.

"I see." He said and started to open the car door.

"You don't understand." She whispered.

"No, I don't." He waited for her to say something further. "I did not ask to understand. I asked for a name."

"It was only once and it will never happen again."

"Oh, did he not suit yo' fancy?" he snapped.

"I didn't ask for it, Wilton just…" She stopped as JD's face responded to the name. "JD. Julius, it wasn't like that. Please, just listen."

He held up his hand. He knew it was bad. Wilton. He looked at her. He could hardly blame the boy - she was lovely.

"Get out of the car, Miss Sullivan." He whispered. His chest felt tight enough that he might be having that proverbial massive coronary. He ignored her pleas, "Get out of the car and go pack your things. I would like you to vacate my house with all due speed." She touched his arm and he thought her hand would burn through his arm, "Get out of the car, get out of my house." Slowly, crying, she got out. As he backed out of the driveway, she banged on the window. He rolled it down and she grabbed his face and kissed him.

His last kiss. He pulled her hands into his and let his lips linger on hers. How often had Wilton kissed her, he wondered. He pulled away and realize that she wasn't the only one shedding tears. "Not my son, Rachael. I cannot share you with my son. I understand about you and Miss Helen and I imagine I could be persuaded to accept another man if I simply cannot provide for your desires. But, but not Wilton. I'm very sorry. I hope you are very happy together. If you will excuse me."

He let her go and rolled up the window. He drove in to DC and found a room at a hotel near the office. A week should be long enough for her to find a new residence. He sat on the bed and tried to think. The ache in his chest kept tightening. He rubbed it absently as he contemplated calling Marcus.

Wilton.

His cell phone rang. He looked in its direction but did not get up. He could see the clock and realized that he had been sitting for an hour. He got up and went down to the hotel restaurant. They had a bar. He ordered a sandwich to go with his bourbon and drank without ever tasting it.

Wilton.

He went back to his room, showered and climbed into bed. When he could not sleep, he turned on the TV and scrolled aimlessly through the channels. His phone rang again. He glanced at the clock; it was six am. He looked at the number and breathed a sigh of relief when it was Charles.

"Morning, son. Up kinda early, ain't you?"

"Sorry, Daddy. I didn't mean ta wake ya, but I want yo' opinion 'fore I sign this contract."

"What contract?"

"One I sent over last night. Miss Sullivan said she left it on yo' desk. She did tell you, didn't she?"

JD's mouth went dry. "No. But I - I - hold on a spell." He put the cell down and called the hotel lobby. After getting their fax number he picked up his phone again, "Here, son, resend it to this number."

Charles repeated the number and JD could hear paper shuffling and a fax whine in the background. "Alright, it's goin' thru. Now are you gonna tell me what the hell is going on or do I have to guess."

"What is goin' on is none uh yo' god damn business!" JD exploded and hung up. He took a deep breath and counted to ten. Then called Charles back, "Sorry, son. You didn't deserve that."

"'S alright, Daddy. You don't want to discuss why you not wakin' up at home at 6am on a Monday morning, it ain't me who got a right ta ask why."

JD sighed. He felt old and tired. "I'm at a hotel so that Miss Sullivan has sufficient time to pack her belongings and vacate the house."

Charles was stone silent for a moment. Then softly he said, "I'm right sorry to hear that, Daddy. I truly am. I know you cared for her deeply."

JD felt something wet hit his hand and realized that he could not discuss this, not now, not without an emotional breakdown that he was not ready to face. He tried to steady his voice, "Yes, well, I guess that just--" He had to stop and steel himself. He refused to cry like a child in front of his son. "Let me go get that contract. I'll get back with ya shortly, son."

"Alright. I'll be waiting."

He cut the line and spent the next few minutes concentrating on getting the tears to stop flowing by force of will alone. They finally stopped but the knot in his chest tightened. He dressed, went to the front desk and started reading the documents in the elevator. The more he read, the less he liked the idea. A joint venture with another charter service - using Davidson boats and licenses. He made a cup of coffee and read the contract again. It was damn short and just smelled fishy.

He called Charles. "Who's idea is this one?"

"Strikes you wrong, too, don't it."

"Yeah. I can't say's I understand Marcus being involved with this."

"He's not. This new 'empowerment' idea of his."

"Oh, someone decided to suggest something? Well, I guess I'll give it another look."

"Consider the source, now."

"Who's idea is it?"

"Wilton's." JD's vision blurred for a moment and he missed the next part of what Charles said. "…so I want to give his a chance, I really do, but…. I just don't trust 'em." JD did not respond and after a minute, Charles prodded, "Well? Think we can risk it? Dad?"

JD tried to take a deep breath but the knot in his chest constricted and for a moment he could not breathe at all. He wheezed and coughed. His heart was pounding and his head spun. 'Oh Lord, please just take me.' He thought. After a while, he was able to get his breath back and he picked up the phone from where he dropped it. He could hear Elizabeth this time.

"You gonna be ok, Daddy, just relax. Just try to breathe, Daddy. Charles is on his way. You gonna be just fine, ok? Can you hear me, Daddy?"

"Yes, yes." He said, "I'm fine Lizzie. Don't ya'll worry. I just… I couldn't catch mah wind fo' a moment. Whayuh is that son uh mine headed?"

"He's in the car, Daddy. He'll be up as soon as he can."

JD laughed then coughed dryly, "Lizzie, he don't know where I am! Whayuh is that damn fool goin'?"

"Well you just tell me whayuh you is, Daddy, an' he'll find you." She still had that overly calm tone reserved for shock patients. "Whayuh is you, Daddy?"

"I'm fine, Lizzie. Call him home."

"I will do no such thing! If-n Miss Sullivan can't take care of you then someone has to."

The tears started again and JD took a breath that ended with a gasping sob, "Please don't discuss that woman."

Lizzie went quiet. Then asked again, "Now Daddy Julius you tell me where you are." He told her and heard her relay the information to someone else. "Now, Daddy, it's just you an' me. E'body else done left the room. Now, tell me what happened."

He could not stop it. He was falling apart, "She's sleeping with…" he did not want to say it out loud.

"With who, Daddy?"

"With Wilton." He whispered and then could not speak again. He could not stop crying this time and felt ashamed of it. At least it was Lizzie, not one of the boys. But he should be better than this, he thought. It took him a long time but he finally took control of himself and stopped sobbing like a broken child. He found a towel and wiped his face. Then realized that the phone was still engaged, "Lizzie?"

"I'm right here, Daddy."

"Oh, Jesus! Darlin' I'm sorry ta put you through that. I'm - Ima be alright, ya hear? Don't you worry 'bout me none."

"I know, Daddy." He could hear a catch in her voice.

"Oh, now, Lizzie, don't you weep none ova this. Ya'll was right; I was a damned old fool to think a young girl like that…"

"Oh, stop that, Daddy!" She snapped, "You men think you can talk yo' way outta everything. But you don't have to! Hell, Daddy, I know you loved her. An' I know that Wilton is a low down rotten snake."

"Lizzie, now…"

"If-n she can't see that you a finer man than yo' son will evah be, then she doesn't deserve you!"

JD had to smile, "Thank you, honey. I appreciate that."

"Now, Charles is on his way up there. And he is gonna take you out to eat - 'cause I know you ain't had nothing but bourbon an' water since you left here, have you? - an' you gonna go with him or Ima come up thar. Alright, Daddy?"

"I'm fine, Lizzie, I just need to take a shower an' get my mind offa it."

"I said, alright Daddy?"

He did not want to see Charles. He did not want to see anyone or anything but Lizzie really would be on her way up to DC if he did not agree. "Alright."

"Alright. Now, I've got to go get the baby off to school and dress for work myself. You go on an' take that shower."

"I already have one mother, I need two now?"

"Yes, you do."

He started to snap then realized she was only doing this because she cared. "Thank you, Lizzie." He was close to tears again.

"You welcome, Daddy. We love you. Ima call you back in just a spell, alright?"

"Alright."

He hung up then sat on the floor and cried for a while. The knot in his chest eased. The phone rang again but he let it go when he saw Elizabeth's number. Instead, he showered, dressed for work and drank the coffee. It was especially bad and he was not sure why until he realized that Rachael had made his coffee everyday for as long as he could remember. She just knew somehow how he liked it. He poured it all down the bathroom sink and called Elizabeth back.

"I'm dressed and nearly fit for human company."

"Glad to hear it, Daddy. Now, if thay's anything you need - I mean anything, Daddy - I want you ta promise you gonna call me."

"I'm fine." He lied, "I've gotten ova a woman before." The words actually hurt.

"Uh-huh. Nevertheless, you just call, hear?"

"I hear." There was a knock on the door and Charles voice calling for him, "Hang on Lizzie." He opened the door and handed his son the phone, "Tell yo' woman that I ain't dying."

He listened to Charles sooth Elizabeth in hushed tones. The conversation turned stilted and JD presumed that she told him what and who. When Charles hung up, he looked grim. "Somewhere nearby we can have breakfast?"

"I imagine so."

They found a breakfast buffet and ate in silence. The coffee was better. Finally, JD cleared his throat. "I'm gonna work from here for a few days, I think."

"Fine." Charles nodded, "I'll take care of anything that comes up."

"I 'preciate that. I'd, uh, also appreciate it if you did not mention my personal situation with anyone else at this time."

Charles face darkened, "I can respect that but I'm gonna have to have a discussion with him."

JD did not ask whom he meant, just sighed deeply and tried to stop his hands from shaking. He took a deep breath and counted to ten. He closed his eyes. 'How could she do this to me?' he thought, 'My own son, damn it.' He felt the knot in his chest again and realized that he was not in control of his emotions again. "Let's get out of here." He stood up and left without waiting for Charles to catch up.

They walked for a while, eventually finding themselves on the National Mall. The day was cool and it was still fairly early so it was not crowded.

"This is her favorite spot, you know." JD said as they walked up to the Lincoln memorial.

"Is it?"

"Yeah. Not the memorial itself, but the view of the monument from here. Said it always made her giggle." He looked away, "She had a penchant for phallic humor."

"Uh." Charles did not know how to respond to that, "Oh."

"I tell you how she an' I met?"

"No."

He told him about the internship program; how he and Paul had screened the applicants and picked student with good skills and few options. She had been the brightest of the lot and, at the end of that summer, he had initially encouraged her to go to college. When it became apparent that she would not - or could not - go, he suggested she apply for one of the full time administrative positions, never dreaming that she would apply for the one in his department. By then, his divorce was in process and the idea of having a 'pretty little young thing' running around the office appealed to his baser nature. He was thrilled, however, to find her competent and resourceful. He never once regretted the decision to hire her and never allowed himself to think of her as anything other that his employee. When she announced her resignation, he was at a loss to explain why he found it such a personal affront. When she confessed her true feelings for him, he was floored.

"You know what she did, son?"

"No, what?"

JD glanced around to make sure no one could hear them, "She serviced me. Orally. In my office." Charles looked a bit stunned, "Oh, I guess no one wants to hear the details of their old man's sexual activities."

"I just wasn't expecting you to say she blew you." Charles smile slyly, "She seemed like the type who don't do that. Hell, Dad, I'm kinda glad you can still get it up. Gives me hope for my own future."

"Ain't much my little Willow won't do." JD said smiling. Then it hit him that she was not his any more and who she had done. "She likes men of significant size. I apparently do not qualify. I guess Wilton does." JD wished he had something he could hit. He clinched his hands and his eyes and counted to ten. When the threat of tears did not abate, he counted to twenty. When he opened his eyes again, Charles looked murderous.

"That little cunt'll get what she deserves from him. He's got more than a few abuse charges against him."

JD whirled on him, "Don't you call her that. I don't care what she done ta me, I won't hear ya'll degrade her like that." He pulled back, "I'm sorry. It's my fault. I'm a foolish old man chasing afta a child ought ta be my granbaby. 'Course she went after…him. Didn't seem right she'd want me noway." They stood in silence for a little while. Then JD checked his watch; it was after lunchtime. "Come on boy. Let your old man buy you a drink."

Charles made him eat and harassed him into talking to Elizabeth before he ordered his first drink. He was midway through the second when he thought more closely about Charles' comment. "What abuse charges?"

"Come again?"

"You said he had more than a few abuse charges against him. What do you mean?"

"Oh." He shrugged, "He got in trouble once. Old news, Uncle Marcus took care of it. Told him if anything like it ever happened again, he'd fire him permanently. Not a big deal."

"You a right bad liar, boy. You don't do much courtroom work do ya?"

Charles looked away.

"Honestly, boy, how much worse could my day get? Out with it."

"He's never been convicted but it's largely because none of the women involved will press charges. One would have but there was no way to prove that it was Wilton what beat her. So far as we know, he ain't hurt anyone since Uncle Marcus hired him back but…" he made a empty gesture, "it ain't like he'd volunteer that."

"If he hurts her, I'll kill him." JD actually saw red for a moment and had to put his glass down before he broke it. "Tell him that. Tell him I'll brake his god damned neck with my bare hands if I evah hear tell uh him hurtin' her."

Charles' phone rang before he could respond to that and JD ordered another drink while he answered it. Shortly, Charles handed him the phone, "Uncle Marcus."

"You alright, Julius?" his brother asked when he answered the phone.

"I seen better days."

"Come on back home, Junior. Ain't nothing for you up there no-way."

"I…" He could not see them yet, "I got details to finish up here."

"Well, he ain't here so come home when you ready."

"Christ almighty!" JD snarled, "Does everybody in Hell and half uh Georgia know this by now?"

"Down boy! Lizzie thought I ought to know seeing as Charles is up there with you not down here in the office. An' I ain't told nobody but the boy hisself when I told him to get his ass offa the property an' keep it off 'til you called him home. She can feed-n-cloth him for a spell."

JD was close to tears again. "Thank you, Marcus."

"Come home, Julius." Was the last thing he said.

JD put his face in hands. Rachael and Wilton. He no longer cared if Charles saw him weep.

The card read 'Congratulations on your achievement. Best wishes for your future endeavors. Davidson Fishery and the McElroy Family.' It was the only word she'd had from him in more than a month.

Rachael felt her lip trembling, "Oh. Damn." She ran to the bathroom for a tissue as much to keep her sister from seeing her cry again as to save her perfectly applied makeup. She pulled herself together. She smoothed her hair again and took a deep breath. Smile, she thought, it's graduation day.

JD had wanted her to walk and had convinced her to invite her family. Now he was gone and she was stuck sitting in the middle of the public spectacle when she'd much rather be at her apartment watching TV. Still, her sisters, mother and great aunt had all come down from New York for the graduation so it was not all bad. Mom and Tanta Nilda still spoke more Spanish than English and Rachael was hard-pressed to keep up with some of the conversation. But last night, after they went to bed, the conversation with Gabriella and Lucille had been long and stressful. Where was JD, why did they break up? You should find a nice boy your age - he was too old for you anyway. It had all grown tedious in very short order.

Mid-way through the graduation ceremony, Rachael caught herself looking at her watch and wishing the whole event was over. Eventually the scrolls were distributed, hands were shook and caps were tossed. Rachael found herself greeting friends and looking over their shoulders for someone she knew was not there. Helen shook her out of it.

"You should get laid."

"Helen!"

"You should." She shrugged, "It'll remind you that there are other men out there. Or you could just come home with me." She leered.

"Thanks but I'm not ready for that yet."

Helen exaggerated a sigh, "Fine. Just remember, I offered." She snapped her fingers, "Speaking of offers, here, call this guy. He's looking for a paralegal." She handed Rachael a business card.

"Really?"

"Yeah. I meet him at the club and we got started talking about work."

"Thank you so much!" she gave her friend a big hug.

Helen pulled back and looked at her, "Have you heard from him yet?"

"No. I was really hoping he'd come today." She sighed heavily, "I just really thought…"

"See? That look right there is why I never let love interfere with a good relationship."

"I wish I could do that." Rachael could feel the tears welling up in her eyes.

"Oh, no! No crying - this is a happy day. Asshole or no asshole, you just graduated! Smile!" Helen manually lifted the corners of her lips and when that did not work just hugged her.

Rachael managed to keep from making her mascara run and pulled away from Helen with a warm squeeze, "Thanks. I'm ok. New piece of paper, new career. Right?"

"Right."

So, Rachael tried to make the best of the rest of the day and went graduation party hopping with her sisters and Helen. Eventually, they dropped Gabriella and Lucille at their hotel and Helen offered to drive Rachael home. They rode mostly in silence, Rachael lost in thought. She had been planning a wedding, a family, a life in the country. Now all that was gone.

'I'll meet someone else.' she thought at the same time thinking 'I miss him so much.' Her eyes welled up with tears again but she knew Helen would cut her a break if she cried again.

Helen parked and Rachael looked up to find herself in completely unfamiliar surroundings.

"Ok, where are we?" It looked like the dock in the warehouse district of some Bogart movie.

"Home?" Helen offered, failing utterly to sound innocent.

"No. We're not."

"Well, I practically live here."

"Oh my god!" Rachael gasped with equal parts excitement and dread, "This is The Crack?"

"Well, they are having a graduation party tonight. I promise we'll stay in the front room."

"You are such a liar."

"No, really. Front room only. If I take you into the back room, you can tie me to a wall and spank me." She paused and smiled, "Maybe I should change that; that's a really good idea."

"We will stay in the front room, we will have one drink at the bar, then you will take me to my home. Well, then at least, I'll go home; you can stay and play all night if you want to."

"Ok, front room, one drink, home. I swear."

As she got out of the car, Rachael knew she won that too easily but she let herself be lead to the club anyway. At the door, as Rachael's ID was checked, Helen french kissed all three of the door attendants.

"Gentlemen," she said when she finally came up for air, "this is my friend…" she paused then smiled, "Marie. Marie just got her heart broken by a jackass who didn't appreciate what he had."

"Now that's a shame," one of them said kissing the palm of Rachael's hand and sending shivers up her arm, "because I would treat you like a queen."

"I imagine you would." It was a tempting offer. He was tall and wide with black hair and black eyes.

She had left her cap-and-gown in the car but was wearing her tassels around her neck. His fingers gently followed the braid around her neck and down her chest. He lifted the tassel just before stroking her cleavage and Rachael caught her breath. "Congratulations." His voice was soft and deep, a true bass. He took her hand and slipped a wristband on her - drawing it tight while staring into her eyes. He let her go with a nod that was almost a bow.

Rachael quivered, shocked at how quickly her body responded to him. "Oh, you're good." She breathed.

Helen put her hands on Rachael's shoulders and steered her inside, "Come find us when you get a break, puppy dog. We are staying in the front room only, at the bar and having only one drink."

All three men laughed at that.

Inside it looked like any other dance club. The music was too loud, there was too much smoke and the lights were so low they may as well have been off. They squeezed through the crowd of dancers and made their way to a bar at the back of the room. The bartender smiled at Helen and paused long enough from the drink he was mixing to kiss her lightly. After serving a few others, he returned to them and kissed her again, much more deeply.

"What can I get you, Hot Lips?"

"Two rum and cokes."

"No." Rachael laughed, "One rum and coke, one merlot."

Helen shrugged, "Ok, two rum and cokes and one merlot."

He leered at Helen, "You paying tonight or is this on your account?"

She leered back, "I think I'll pay tonight." Helen leaned over the bar and Rachael could see her stroking the man through his pants, "How's the till tonight?"

"Why don't you come around and count it?"

"Helen!" Rachael was shocked. She knew from her own relationship with Helen that the woman was not shy. But she was completely off guard watching Helen climb over the bar and slid down the bartender, oblivious to the loud cat calls of the crowd around the bar watching her drop to her knees and unzip his pants. The bartender for his part continued to mix drinks - albeit it more slowly. Rachael was too embarrassed to watch the details but even over the loud music, their groans of pleasure could not be missed.

"She's not supposed to do that."

That soft deep bass sent a shiver down Rachael's spine and she swallowed hard before turning to see the speaker.

It was the man from the door. He sat down next to her without peering over the bar for a closer look. He looked like the kind of man who's other suit had a cape and tights - wide shoulders, chiseled abs, tapered waist. The tight black jeans and security t-shirt left nothing to her imagination and much to be admired. "All sex should be in the back room. But they always seem to make an exception for Helen."

"I - uh - I guess so." Rachael gathered herself enough to stutter back. It was that voice. If there was such a thing as a den of iniquity, she was sitting at its bar and that voice just fanned the flames.

"Can I get you anything, My Lady?"

"Um. Marie." 'I would treat you like a queen' he said. She wondered just how serious he was. "And no, I have my one glass of wine. I'm fine."

"May I ask what you graduated today?"

"Oh, my associates. Nothing big."

"Education is big. It makes the smallest man tower and the largest fall."

She was being seduced despite herself, "Philosopher and security, impressive."

"I'm a man of many talents, My Lady." He gestured to her leg, "May I?"

She glanced down, "What?" he waited and she relented, "Ok, sure."

"You've no doubt been on your feet all day." He said as he stood then stooped before her, allowing his fingers to stroke down her leg gently, "Those shoes look tight." He held her ankle firmly and slowly slipped her shoe off. He massaged her foot and calf, "And what did My Lady receive an Associates degree in?"

"Law. Legal Aide. Paralegal; I'm a paralegal now." JD never made it to her feet. Already this man was taking liberties and she didn't even know his name. "I'm sorry," she tried to pull her foot away but his grip was too strong. Not that she tried hard. "I don't even know your name." His fingers felt wonderful.

"I am your dog, My Lady. Call me as you will."

"Dog? Your name is Dog?"

"If that's what you want to call me."

"What's your name, though?"

"Marie," he loosened his grip on her foot, "while I am here tonight, I would like to be your slave and treat you like a queen. Meet your every whim, satisfy your every desire. You can beat me, fuck me, make me find lovers for you, buy you drinks. When I get home, I drive a very expensive car to a very high stress job. When I'm here, I'm just my lady's dog. Ok?"

JD was usually the Dominant when they did this sort of thing - and even so, neither of them was as submissive as this. But clearly this was what he liked.

And she wanted to. His hands felt good on her foot - they'd feel good anywhere. "Can you make me forget him? Just for tonight."

"Let me have you, My Lady, and I'll make you forget yourself."

She swallowed hard. Just one night. Just one night not wishing he were there, not looking for him to call, not crying over him like some Lifetime movie of the week. "I think I'm going to need something stronger than red wine, Rover."

He stood up slowly and offered his arm, "There's a bar with more attentive service in the back, My Lady."

"My shoe?"

He picked up her shoe then swept her up into his arms and carried her to an area away from the dance floor, with comfortable couches and even dimmer lighting.

"What may I serve you?"

She shrugged, "Surprise me." He returned with a tray of drinks. "You didn't have to do that. Anything would have been fine."

"What would he have brought you?"

"Red wine." She sipped something sweet and red, "Or bourbon and water."

"Did I surprise you?"

"Yes." She laughed, "Yes, you did. Well done."

"May I be rewarded?"

"With what?" It was too easy to be pulled in. He was gorgeous and his eyes never left her. He seemed utterly intent on making her smile. It was as intoxicating as the alcohol.

"A kiss. From your lips. A small one."

She beckoned him forward and kissed his cheek. Then, on impulse, ran her hand over his crotch. He felt massive. And hard. Her heartbeat quickened and she picked up her drink again to cover her embarrassed grin.

"Would My Lady care to see me?"

"Ah," Yes, the back of her mind screamed. "No. Not yet."

He smiled coyly as he knelt on the floor and removed her other shoe. He began massaging her feet and calves again, "So, tell me about yourself."

She laughed, "Ok, well, let's see. I'm 28, I was born in New York but raised mostly in DC. I…"

He laughed warmly. It was as deep as his speaking voice and vibrated through her, "I didn't mean your life story." He paused, "Forgive me. If My Lady wishes to tell me every detail of it, I would love to listen. But, what I meant to ask was, what do you like sexually. Tell me what you like so I can please you."

"Oh." She felt her face flush, "Of course. How stupid of me…"

"You could never be stupid, My Lady." He kissed the top of her foot softly. The touch sent fire crawling up her leg, "Where in DC were you raised?"

"Wha?" She put the drink down and tried not to melt into his fingers, "Oh, uh, Columbia Heights mostly. With the rest of the Puerto Ricans. My mother's from there originally."

"That explains much of your beauty."

"Right." It was a fantasy. Like being on a movie set. A dream written just for her. "This is silly." She pulled her feet from him. "I should go."

He picked up her shoes, "You should stay and let me give you everything you've ever wanted but…" he shrugged.

She looked at him, "I'm sorry. We were engaged. It's only been a month. And today," tears spilled before she knew they were coming, "today he was supposed to meet Tanta Nilda."

He moved beside her, wrapped his arms around her and let her cry on his shoulder. After a few minutes she pulled away from him with a loud sniff. He handed her a napkin and she wiped her eyes then blew her nose.

"Well that was attractive." she quipped.

"Everything My Lady does is attractive. Would you like some water?"

"Oh, yes. Please."

He walked slowly to the bar and she took the time to pull herself together. By the time he returned, she was calm again.

"Listen, I really appreciate you fawning all over me and letting me cry on you like that but, um-" his t-shirt caught her eye and her momentary attention, "Shouldn't you be working?"

"I'm off shift." He knelt down again, "I have nothing better to do than to cater to your whims."

She sighed heavily, "I don't even know what I want anymore. I lied to him; he doesn't even want to hear my name much less talk to me."

"If it were me, I'd be waiting by the phone for your call."

She stroked his cheek gently, "You wouldn't have thrown me out for sleeping with another man."

He looked surprised, "That's all?"

"It was his son." When he looked confused she added, "The son is twenty-seven. JD's in his sixties."

"Ah. That explains a lot." He looked a bit wistful.

Rachael took her shoes and caressed his face again, "I aught to have my head examined. One day I'm going to regret not sleeping with you."

"Life's too short for regrets. Let me do one more thing for you."

She smiled, "Sure. What?"

"Let me take you home. I'll give you a full body rub and you can tell me all about this man."

"I've ruined your whole night, haven't I?"

"I wouldn't say that. Tonight, I learned that there are still women who believe in love. One last kiss?"

She kissed his lips this time. Warm and soft but not deeply. They pulled apart with sad smiles. He slipped her shoes on and swept her into his arms again.

"My Lady still should not have to walk."

JD picked up another copy of Virginia Law Review and caught sight of the clock as he did so. 2:46am. Charles was no doubt long since in bed. He thought about turning in for the night himself and then imagined the cold, empty room waiting upstairs. He took another sip of bourbon and opened the magazine. One more, he thought to himself, one more issue and then I'll turn in.

This would be the 12th 'one more issue' of the night.

Sometime later Charles shook him awake. It was well past sunrise and his son was dressed, "Now, come on Dad, we had an agreement." Nominally being that the office was Charles' during daylight and JD's at night.

"I'm up." JD answered but neither opened his eyes again or made move to get out of the chair.

"You a lie." He shot back, poking him, "Come on, now. Rise an' shine."

JD swatted aimlessly at the poking finger, "Quit that, boy. Show some respect."

The phone rang and frowned as Charles answered it. He put the call on hold. "Alright now, Dad, that's uh conference call. So you kin either head on outta here or you kin talk ta Marcus. Take yo pick."

JD forced himself up, "I can't talk ta Marcus 'fore I had a full pot uh coffee. I'm gettin'." He yawned and stumbled upstairs, "Need my own office 'round here." By the time he got to his room, however, he found he had no desire to climb into bed.

He looked at the headboard. It was relatively new. They had bought it after the third time he tried to tie her down. They spent so much time laughing because her hands kept slipping free that he simply got dressed, drove to the nearest store and bought the first bed frame with four posts. Three hours later, she was strapped to the new frame and all laughter had been exchanged for moans of pleasure. Later that night, she tied him down for the first time and he got to see what all the fuss was about.

He smiled. After that, they bought a couple pairs of padded handcuffs. Much stronger - and less expensive - than his silk ties. Neither of them found pain much to their liking but a little bondage, a few toys and a bit of latex does wonders for the imagination. They were turning the basement into a playroom and were considering making a small one in Reedville as well.

Were. Past tense.

He showered and dressed for the day. After a quick cup of coffee and a brief wave to Charles, he drove in to Washington. Twice a week he met with Bill to see how various issues were progressing. So far, it seemed productive. Bill seemed to genuinely appreciate JD's insights and JD made a point of not talking to Paul about policy decisions. 'The decision process needs to be between Bill and Paul', JD reminded himself frequently, 'you in the way, old man.'

He was very careful to avoid Helen when he was in the office.

He was in the elevator on the way to the garage, when the doors opened and Miss Bogud was the only one waiting. He groaned silently but did not speak. She stepped on, looked at the lit button and waited for the doors to close.

"You're a jackass, you know that right?"

"Good evening, Miss Bogud, I trust you had a pleasant day?" He did not look at her, although for some reason, he could just remember how her skin tasted. It was a far more sensual thought than he wanted to have at the moment and reminded him forcefully of just how long it had been since he held Rachael.

"She sleeps with one guy and you throw her out? No discussion?"

"Quiet day in our office. Not much going on, overall." He continued as if she's responded in kind.

"I wouldn't care if she slept with one guy a day."

"I suspect, Miss Bogud, that you would not care if she slept with one man an hour. You and I have slightly different criteria for fidelity."

"Did you give her a chance to explain why it happened?"

"Did she tell you who it happened with?"

"You are an arrogant, self-righteous, mean-spirited, hypercritical bastard and I hope you die alone." The elevator doors opened and Helen strode out and across the parking lot. JD watched her walk. He did not remember being a lecherous old man so he could not understand why all he could think of while Helen was yelling at him was taking her into his arms and burying his face in her more than ample cleavage.

Die alone. He seemed destined to now. Without Rachael, days seemed longer, work meaningless, family had become obligation. Charles. Charles should be in Reedville with Lizzie and the children not in Falls Church with his father. Maybe then, JD should just retire from everything. Bill had the firm more or less under control. The Fishery certainly did not need him. Falls Church was quiet and convenient. He could just live there off his annuity income without bothering anyone else. Claudia was re-married. The boys were all grown. Wilton had Rachael.

The though always made him run cold, as if someone poured ice water through his veins. He seemed to have it at least once a day. He found himself standing next to his car and not quite sure how he got there or how long he'd been there. He was much more absent-minded of late. One more proof that he was an old man - too old to be chasing young girls barely his son's age. He got in the car and drove to a bar-and-grill near the house. He ate there often enough that the wait staff recognized him, if they didn't know him by name.

He sat at the bar, ordered a sandwich and a bourbon and water and stared at a matchbook cover. He didn't have any contracts to review. There was no pending legislation to analyze. No woman in his life to think about.

"You alright?"

He looked up to see the pretty, little thing tending the bar looking at him. She was small and almost elfin with short, dark curly hair around a round face and bright green eyes. He smiled wanly, "Fine, honey. Thank you."

"You don't look alright."

"I have just realized that I have outlived my usefulness." He said with a deep sigh, "Happens to the best of us. Don't you worry 'bout me."

"What happened to your daughter?"

He frowned, "Mah daughter?"

"Yeah, didn't you used to come in here with a tall girl, 'bout 25, real long hair?"

He stared at the girl for a moment. Daughter. They thought Rachael was his daughter. "That" he cleared his throat, "That was my, uh, my girlfriend. My fiancée."

She looked embarrassed, "Oh, my god. I'm sorry I didn't mean…. She looks really young." Then she leaned over to him, "Actually, we sort of had a kind of running thing around here 'cause we weren't sure." She stood back and grinned, "So I'm kind of glad I asked. So where is she?"

JD tried to get his face and emotions under control, "We, uh, we are no longer seeing each other."

"Oh," she lamented, "I'm so sorry to hear that. Well, you'll find someone new. You're young. You're cute." She tapped his glass, "Refill?" He nodded and she popped down the bar.

Young. Cute. Two words that even Rachael would never have applied to him. He was neither young nor cute. Nor was he open, friendly or likely to find someone else. Die alone; Helen's words came back to him. The girl brought his drink and a few minutes later his dinner.

"So. How'd you two meet?"

He shrugged, "She worked in my office."

"Ooooh. Interoffice romance. Cool." She stole a french fry from his plate "How long were you together?"

"Approximately uh year an' uh half." He watched her steal another fry, vaguely amused by the audacity, "Are you plannin' ta eat mah whole meal while you interrogate me or is they a fee I am heretofore unaware of?"

"Oh, sorry." She colored slightly and JD was struck by her high, delicate cheekbones and olive skin tone. "You never finish them, so I sort of thought you wouldn't mind."

He couldn't help himself smiling, "I don't. But you young folk don't know how ta ask 'fore ya take. No manners these days."

"You should smile more." Someone called her name. She took another fry and she trotted back down to the other end of the bar.

'She can't be more than twenty-two.' he thought to himself. 'Good Lord, this is disgraceful. Man my age ought ta have more sense than ta-' He thoughts derailed as he watched while she bent over and struggled to reach something behind the cooler, her round ass unconsciously twitching in front of him. 'Lord uh mercy.'

He and Rachael were just beginning to experiment - successfully - with anal play when she left. No, he reminded himself, when I told her to leave. When I sent her without delay or hindrance into Wilton's arms. He shivered.

Die alone.

He finished his drink and paid for his meal.

"You want me to wrap this to go? You barely touched it."

"You finish it. You could use a little meat on them bones."

"How would you know" she smiled. If he were younger, he would have thought it a seductive smile. "Or were you looking for a new baby girl?"

"Young lady, you far too young fo' me ta look at."

"So why you still looking?"

He sat down again, "Now tell, me somethin' and be honest, now. If-n you had a choice 'tween me an' my twenty-some-odd year-old son, who would you go out with?"

She started to answer, then stopped, "Depends. Is your son like you?"

'Hell no' he thought, 'I've never stolen a woman.' She touched his arm and he looked at her. If the look on her face was a reflection of his then he was not handling this well.

"Oh my god. What a bitch! She dumped you for your son?"

He tried to smile, "Oh, it ain't all that. She was too young fo' me anyhow."

"You're not that old. What, like around fifty?"

"Older than that, I assure you."

"Well it doesn't matter. If she dumped you like that, she's a bitch. And if she did it for your son, she's a whore and a bitch. I would never do that."

"Wouldn't you?"

"No. I really wouldn't." Someone called her name again and she patted his arm affectionately. Then she stopped and suddenly kissed his cheek.

He drove home. Charles was in the office, on the phone so JD went into the living room, poured himself another drink and turned on the TV. He scrolled through the channels without any real interest. Rachael watched TV. Undoubtedly, she was watching it now. With Wilton.

He finished his drink and poured another.

An hour later, Charles joined him in the living room. They sat together flipping through channels on an endless loop.

"How long you gonna be doin' this?" Charles finally asked.

"Oh, I expect I'll head on up ta bed soon enough." JD sighed.

"No, I mean all uh this." Charles gestured vaguely at the house. "Livin' here 'steada at home. Drinkin' yo'self ta sleep providin' you actually go ta sleep. Wanderin' 'round like the livin' dead."

JD shrugged, "'Bout four months after yo' mamma left me. I 'spect I'll be comin' 'round soon enough."

"You need to get out. Meet people. Get a hobby."

"I meet someone today. Had dinner with a charming young woman. Chrissy - or Christy - not quite sure which. She felt sorry enough for me ta kiss me."

"So? Call her up. Take her out. Stop sitting here doin' this. Dad, it's like I'm watchin' you dyin'."

"Ain't all that." JD shrugged and took another swallow of bourbon, "'Sides, I'm old. Old men die. That's the way uh things. You need ta head home. Go on back. Bad habit, livin' apart from yo' family. I shoulda never done it. I shoulda insisted that yo momma bring you boys up here."

"Or you coulda stayed in Reedville with us."

JD nodded. "I was a bad father, wasn't I? Don't you follow mah footsteps, son. You be with yo' boys. Stick close ta Ms. Lizzie. Make sure they know you love 'em."

"Great. Tomorrow, we'll pack an'…"

"Tomorrow you'll pack."

"I go home when you do."

"I have no home." JD hadn't meant to say that but it was true. He looked at Charles, "Home is where the heart is an' she took that with her."

"Daddy, I know."

"You couldn't. Lizzie ain't never done nothin' like this."

"Lizzie done stepped out on me more times-n I kin count."

"Not with yo' son."

"No - but only 'cause they both under age. Jus' with both mah brothers, mah cousin an' half mah teammates." He looked away, "She, uh, she ain't no saint. But then, neither am I so's I ain't got no right ta talk."

JD stared at him. "Both? An' George? Are you sure?"

"Edward got three little girls, Daddy. An' nobody sure who's child Peter is. Only one I'm sure is mine is Robert an' I ain't never check that 'cause I'd just as soon not find out I'm wrong about him too."

Charles first-born son was another man's child. Beth was Edward's child not Charles. It was a greater betrayal than he could have though possible. JD put his hand on Charles' shoulder, "Son. Oh god, son, I'm sorry."

"Water under the bridge. Me an' Lizzie made our peace a while ago. Edward don't know I know an' I ain't fixin' ta tell him."

"I failed all ya." JD whisper to himself. All these years, he thought he'd been a passable father - not the best but at least had taught his sons ethics and pride. Learning that they were lecherous, deceitful…. He was to blame. He should have taken a stronger hand; he should have been there more instead of concerned with his own personal quest for recognition and power.

"You didn't fail anyone, Dad. If anything, you taught me an' Edward both that family come first. He loved Lizzie but he stepped aside 'cause uh family. An' I forgave 'em both. Truly. I love Beth both an' I don't care who her father is 'cause she's my baby girl. That's mah point, Dad. If-n you think you love this woman, then you gonna have ta forgive her. An' if-n you can't, then you don't rightly love her an' it's high time to move on. Sometimes you gotta fight ta land 'em an' sometimes you gotta cut bait. I don't know which one this is, Daddy, but you gonna have ta pick one."

“Rachael?” Gail called over the intercom.

“Yeah”

“There’s a Mr. McElroy here to see you.”

She stared at the phone.

“Rachael? Rachael?”

“Uh, yeah.” Her hand was shaking, “Uh, I’ll be down in just a second.”

It had been more than three months since she any contact with the family – she did not count the card at graduation. Maybe it was not him. She almost called the front desk to ask for a first name but paused. If it was JD, he was here for a reason. If it was not JD, then something was wrong. That thought got her out of her seat and rushing down the hallway. ‘Calm down, nothing’s wrong.’ She told herself but did not believe it until she saw him – before he saw her – in the lobby wearing the navy pinstriped suit that they had bought together and holding the battered old fedora his insisted on wearing on cold days.

He had gained a little weight, and he had skipped a haircut or two. But when he looked at her, her heart stopped. She froze to keep from throwing herself into his arms. He smiled and she felt her knees shake.

He cleared his throat, “Good afternoon, Miss Sullivan.”

It took her a moment to gather herself enough to answer, “Good afternoon, Mr. McElroy. You’re looking well.”

“Thank you.” He looked away, “You are looking lovely as always.”

“Thank you.”

They stood in silence for a while and finally the receptionist spoke up, “Hey, Rachael, you know the meeting room is free if you need somewhere to speak in private.”

Rachael shot the woman a panicked look but JD spoke up quickly. “No, no. I was not intending to take up that much of your time. I was…in the area…I thought I’d see…” he shrugged, “I wanted to see how you were doing at your new job.”

“Well. Everything’s going just fine.”

“Good, good.” He hesitated, “Well, I didn’t want to hold you up, I just wanted to – uh – well, anyway, I’m glad all is well.”

They looked at each other. He cleared his throat again, “I don’t suppose you are free for lunch at this late hour?” She opened her mouth but no words came out and he continued before she could think of anything to say. “Of course not, what I’m I thinking. You have things to do – other than fool with an old man like me – I’d best be on my way. I’d just wanted to say hello. And…” He stopped and looked away again, “…well.”

“Dinner?” She asked tentatively.

“Dinner?” he repeated and when she nodded, he smiled again, “Dinner would be right nice, Miss Sullivan. Shall I call for you here or at your home?”

“Uh,” she was shaking again, “Here is fine.”

They stared at each other for a few more minutes. Then JD gave himself a shake and cleared his throat again, “Well, then, I guess I will be seeing you later this afternoon.” He tipped his head to her and the receptionist. “Miss Sullivan. Ma’am.” And pushed the elevator button. He looked down at the floor, she noticed, not back at her – not even at her reflection in the elevator door. But she saw his hand shake as he pushed the lobby button to go down.

“Well that was awkward.” Gail exclaimed, “Who was grandpa?”

Rachael bristled at the reference to his age but did not comment. It was not the first, and would not be the last, “’Grandpa’ is my fiancé.” She frowned and sighed, “Ex-fiancé. We broke up a few months ago.”

Gail’s face registered several different emotions before she looked pained, “Oh. Uh. Sorry, I didn’t mean -”

“Don’t worry,” Rachael waved the comment off, “he’s a little older than me, so it’s a common reaction. We just…it was a…he dumped me and I deserved it and I haven’t seen him since so I just…” She shrugged and bit her lip. She though she was past crying over this but she could feel the tears, “I just really miss him…and…”

Gail handed her a box of tissues then answered a call. When she finished, she looked back at Rachael, “Hey he came to see you. Maybe he’s over it and wants you back.”

Rachael shook her head, “Not what I did. He won’t get over that.” The phone rang again and Gail rolled her eyes as she answered it. Rachael waved goodbye and went back to her desk. She tried to concentrate on her work but after the third time she typed JD’s name into the forms she was completing, she gave up and called Helen.

“Guess who came to see me today?”

“Good.” Helen purred, “Bright boy.”

“Helen, what did you do?”

“I had a brief discussion with a co-worker.”

“Helen…”

“Oh, stop. You don’t really care what I said so long as he makes up with you, do you?”

“Yes, actually I do.” Rachael shook her head, “I was wrong, not him. I should have told him everything. I should have called him as soon as it happened. I should have been honest and trusted him. Instead I lied.”

“Yes and if the prick had ever taken the time to listen to you, he’d know all that.”

“Be fair, Helen.”

“Look, the only reason I care about him moping around like his dog died is because I know you’re doing the same thing. Really; if I’m going to lose one of my favorite fuck buddies, I’d like it to be for a reason!”

“Oh,” Rachael could not help laughing, “you are such a self-serving bitch.”

“I never claimed otherwise. Oh, another call. Call me when you get home and tell me what he said.”

“It might be late. He’s taking me to dinner.”

“Oooh! Well in that case, call me with the juicy details.”

She was able to clear her mind somewhat after that – although she kept returning to the idea that he really just stopped by to see her. Helen said ‘moping like his dog died’. It gave her hope that maybe he could forgive her. Maybe they could try again. She was imagining the conversation where he says ‘I still love you’ when Gail buzzed.

“You know he’s still waiting, right?”

“Who’s waiting?”

“You’re ex. He’s been here since four-thirty.”

Rachael looked at the clock; it was 5:15. Ordinarily, she did not leave until 5:30. “Why didn’t you call me?”

“He said not to. Said you knew he was here. He’s been reading the journal but I thought maybe you forgot about him.”

“Of course I didn’t forget him!” She snapped, “I gotta tell Steve I’m leaving. Don’t let him go anywhere.” She hung up, cleared her desk by dropping everything into a drawer and called her boss. She turned off, locked up, grabbed her coat and purse and tried to fly down to the reception area.

She entered panting, “Oh, JD, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to make you wait! I don’t usually clock out until 5:30 and I-”

He stood to greet her and stroked her shoulders, “Miss Sullivan, it’s ok. I arrived early an’ didn’t want to disturb you. After all, I can’t approve your hours any more if-n you leave a bit early.” His chin lifted slightly then stopped. He pulled away from her, suddenly serious, and called the elevator, “’Sides, you have waited patiently for me frequently in the past; I imagine I can wait once or twice for you. Ya’ll have a nice evening, Ma’am.” He called out to Gail. As they stepped on to the elevator, Rachael realized that he had started to kiss her but stopped. She felt a warm shiver run through her.

He opened the car door for her and drove to Friendship Heights – to her favorite Italian restaurant. Neither said much as they waited for a table. Once seated, they ordered drinks and pursued the menu.

“Alright,” JD finally said, “how is he?”

Rachael looked up at him, “How is who?”

JD did not look away from the menu, “My son. I presume he’s with you. You can tell him to come on back to work when he wants to.”

She stared at him opened mouthed, “You think I would let him near me after…” she stopped, remembering the JD did not know what truly happened; how close to rape it was. “JD,” she tried to stay calm, “I have not seen him since that day. I don’t want to ever see him again.” She sipped her wine and tried to breathe normally.

He did not respond, just waved to the waiter and gave his order. She ordered her favorite ravioli and found herself fascinated by the light striking her wine glass. Strains of “When Somebody Loves You” in the background did not help her feel any less stressed. Dinner had not been a good idea. She looked up when he spoke again.

“If something happened, that I should know about…” he said softly.

“Nothing happened that anyone should know. I made a mistake and I lost you for it. My own fault. Not his, not anyone else’s.”

“I see.” JD looked thoughtful. After an extremely long pause, he spoke softly again, “Are you seeing anyone now then?”

She stared at him again; maybe he never believed that she loved him.

“I’m sorry.” He looked away from her, “That is none on my concern. You certainly have a right to your privacy.”

“No, I’m not.” She pursed her lips, “Are you?”

“I” he stressed the word, “am a retired old man. Ain’t nobody interested in me. You, however, are a vibrant, intelligent, beautiful young woman. They should be linin’ the streets just to speak to you.”

She blushed a bit, “Let’s not get carried away, now.”

“Surely your friend must know someone.”

“Several someones. I wasn’t interested.”

His smile grew slowly, “Really.”

“Really.”

“Miss Sullivan,” he carefully folded and refolded his napkin as he spoke, “If I were to ask you to accompany me to the courthouse tomorrow morning, would you say yes?” His eyes never looked away from his hands.

It was the last thing she expected him to say. She sputtered for a moment before blurting out, “How could you trust me again? I lied to you.”

He shrugged “I just do.”

“JD, you caught me in a lie. How could you possibly believe anything –”

“Oh, I don’t believe you.”

She froze, not quite sure she heard that, “What?”

“I don’t believe you.” He refolded his napkin again, “But I trust you. I know something happened to you that you feel – for whatever reason – that you cannot share with me. I don’t like that, not at all. But if you say that there is nothing I need to be concerned about, then, alright. I am not concerned.”

“You forgive me. Just like that.”

“There is nothing to forgive. I love you. I trust you.” He paused, “You see, the error was mine. I let anger cloud my judgment and for that, I am truly sorry.”

She sat with her mouth open as the waiter served their meals. JD began eating calmly and after a moment, she picked up her fork and tried to digest his words.

“I have been a fool, Miss Sullivan.” He announced after a few minutes. “An unmitigated fool. I would appreciate it if you would forgive me, but I would understand if you did not.”

She stared at him again, “You want me to forgive you.” He nodded. “You still want to marry me.” He nodded again. “I fucked your son.”

He held up his hand, “Please, Miss Sullivan. I would just as soon not recount the details.” He reached into his pocket and put a ring box on the table between them, “I’d rather forget all this foolishness, an’ go on with our lives together as if none of this ever happened.”

“But it did happen. What if it happens again?”

“If it happens again, then we shall discuss it at that time. It will not happen again with him because if it does, I will kill him.” He said it so simply; Rachael almost believed he meant it.

“You’d threaten to kill him, not me.”

“I have reason to suspect that, despite your assurances to the contrary, that he is at fault in this matter. I have discovered some disturbing things about my sons over the last few months. An’, frankly, I would very much like you back in my life. If that means I have to learn to share your affections,” He sighed deeply, “I will have to learn ta share. I am more than willing to forgive and forget any perceived trespasses against me at this point.”

“You haven’t spoken to me in months.”

“No.” He said between bites, “I have not.”

“And you don’t seem to care one way or the other if I stay or go.”

“I do have a confession.” He looked at her then, “I had a very large brandy before joining you for dinner this evening. It was the only way to stop mah hands from shaking.” He looked back at his plate, “Even so, I’m so terrified you’ll say no that I can hardly look at you.”

A courthouse wedding. Tomorrow. No fuss, no muss but her mother would scream just as loudly as his. Rachael took a bit of her dinner while she thought about the situation. Not whether to marry him – that, she had no doubt about.

“What would your mother say if we went the courthouse route?”

“Oh,” he sighed, “She raise holy Hell, probably ban me from the house for a week or so, but eventually she’d get over it.”

Rachael nodded, “My mother wouldn’t be much better.” She took another couple of bites then felt her heart pounding as she said, “I think we should just stick to the original December date.”

“Alright, Willow. Whatever you want.”

She shivered when he called her ‘Willow’ again. She picked up the ring box and quietly slipped the engagement ring on. It felt right on her hand. They ate without saying anything else about it.

Midway through the meal, he cleared his throat yet again and stood up, excusing himself. Then, as he passed her chair he stopped short, leaned down and kissed her – softly at first but shortly his hands held her face and he kissed her soundly. For a moment, she forgot where they were and could only respond to the pleasure of his lips against hers and the heat of his tongue in her mouth.

He pulled away eventually with a deep groan, “Oh, mercy!” he whispered, “I missed that. Be right back.” He headed toward the restroom.

They finished dinner quickly after that with little conversation but a strong desire to go home. They held hands walking back to the car and grinned like teens the whole ride to Falls Church. He took her hand again when they got out of the car and kissed her deeply on the doorstep. She slipped her arms around his neck and maneuvered her purse behind her. He leaned her back against the door and for a moment, she wondered if he intended to take her there and then. She moaned at the idea and tried to encourage it by unbuttoning his coat.

Without warning, the door opened behind her and the two of them tumbled onto the hallway floor. Rachael let out a surprised yelp and JD and Charles’ familiar voice both swore.

“Oh fer chrissake! What are you two, fifteen?”

Rachael began laughing and could not stop. JD joined in. They remained heaped on the floor laughing until JD kissed her lightly, “I love you. I need you. I want you. I love you. I can’t live without you.” He punctuated each sentence with another kiss somewhere on her face.

Rachael whispered back between kisses, “Don’t ever, ever, ever, ever, leave me again. You hear me? I mean it. You hear me?” Her hands were finished with his suit jacket and were busy opening his shirt.

“I hear you.” He caught her lips again and pinned her to the floor with a kiss. “I missed you so much.”

“How much?”

“This much.” He kissed her again and pulled her shirt, nearly snapping the buttons off. She started to complain but he pushed her bra out of the way and virtually attacked her breasts. She gasped and purred. He nipped her lightly. She could feel his erection against her leg. One of his hands slipped behind her back holding her still while the other slid under her skirt and into her panties. That alone was enough to spark her first orgasm. She had another before they could finish undressing.

When he finally held her legs open and eased his length into her, Rachael moaned, “Oh Julius, I missed you. You feel so good, so…” she voice dropped off as he used shallow strokes to rub her g-spot. She came again and seemed to ride a continuous wave as his strokes became deeper and faster. He came with a roar and a prayer. They lay wrapped around each other, still in the front hall.

It was pitch black when the phone rang. JD answered it, still half-asleep.

"Your turn, Jul." said a female voice.

"Come again?"

She laughed, "Good morning, Jul, this is Candice. Nick called in this morning and it's your turn to fill in."

JD was silent, trying to jumpstart his brain. It had been almost a year since he was in town and got a call to serve as a deckhand but he had done the job often enough since junior high and knew it well enough.

"Jul?"

"Yeah, I'm up." He lied. "Give me an hour. I'll be in."

"Alrighty, then. See you at the dock house."

He hung up the phone and sighed deeply. It must be around 4:30, he thought, which meant he probably had less than an hour to get aboard and settled before they left the dock at six. He was going to have to get moving.

Rachael snuggled against him making the need to move even more regrettable, "Who was that?" she mumbled.

"Candice."

"Who?"

"Marcus' Candice. I've got crew duty today."

She rubbed her face against his chest, "Oh," she yawned and pulled a bit closer, "When?"

"Now." He kissed her forehead, knowing that if he did not get up soon, he was going to be late, "Gotta get movin', honey."

He got out of bed regretfully and stretched as he wandered into the closet. He closed the door before turning on the light and found a pair of work pants and a shirt and sweater that should be about the right weight for this time of year on the water. By the time he stepped out again, Rachael was awake and waiting.

"I don't mean to be slow, but where did you say you were going?

He kissed her lightly, "The dock. I got called for crew duty today."

"Why you?"

"It's my turn." He smiled at her looked of confusion as he dressed, "Every McElroy works crew. Always has. If one of the hired hands calls in, a family member fills in for the day. Today's my turn."

"Oh, so you guys all pitch in."

"Everybody. Momma used to be damn fine captain."

"Oh." Rachael frowned.

JD headed down to the bathroom and quickly went through his morning routine. When he returned, Rachael was dressing.

"Oh, now, honey, you don't have to get up now. Go on back to bed."

She ignored him and continued dressing, "What time do we need to be at the dock?"

"We don't need to be anywhar. I, on th'othuh han' have to be on deck by 5:30."

She held up a sweater, "Will this be good?"

"For what?"

"For a day crewing a boat."

"Willow, go back to bed."

"She looked at him, "You said 'every McElroy', JD. That means me too."

"Willow," he took her by the arms, "What do you know 'bout fishin'?"

"Not much."

"Uh huh. You evah even been on a boat before?"

"Well, no, not like this."

"It's gonna be a long, hard day, sweating ova a whole lotta fish. It's not gonna be fun or easy by any means. Especially seein' as you ain't done it before."

"So, I'll learn. It'll be easier next time." She lifted her chin a little, "I can do hard work, JD, I'm not some little princess."

He smiled; Claudia had whined all day the one time that JD had coaxed her on to the boat. Now Rachael was all but begging to go with him. He kissed her chin, "I know you can." He looked at the sweater she was still holding, "This is good but you'll likely be more comfortable if you have a long sleeve shirt ta go under it."

She smiled and nearly skipped happily to find a shirt and JD took the time to pack a bag with extra clothes and a few other things for the both of them. It took him a few minutes search but he finally found his buck knife and the rest of his kit. He ran his thumb over the worn initials on the case - MDM - it had been a gift from Marcus when JD worked his first summer as full-time crew.

They made it to the dock house with time to spare and spent a few minutes chatting in line with the rest of the crews as Candice handed out ship assignments. She paused when Rachael said she wanted to be assigned with JD.

"Your first time ever? On a commercial boat?" she seemed appalled, "Oh, no. Jul maybe evil, but I'm not." She reassigned them both to one of the charters and handed them nametags. When JD saw the name he groaned, "Candice, honey, now come on. Not the Midday Sun." There were a few snickers behind them and JD shot the group a look. Most people knew it was Edward's boat.

Rachael hit his shoulder "Stop fussing. Candice does this everyday. If she says this is the best boat, deal with it."

He looked at her, more than a little annoyed, "Who's side you on, anyhow?"

She bit her lip and looked at him in earnest. "JD, please?" As if he could really have resisted that look.

"I swear, woman, you gonna be the death of me."

She smiled broadly, "Thank you JD." She leaned down and whispered, "I'll make it up to you tonight. Promise."

He stole a kiss, "Yeah," he affirmed, "you will."

JD shouldered his bag and tried to frown at Candice - which failed, "Thanks, Candice. See you later."

"Bye Jul. Bye Rae." She waved them off and started the next assignment.

As they headed down the dock, JD got his first real breath of the morning sea and smiled. It was tempting to sign on full time. Let Charles and Marcus fight with paperwork and the legislators, he could handle tourists and bait. He glanced over the six boats that made up the Davidson Fishery fleet. Three had been in service, at least in name, since the 1800's. The other three had been his gift to the family when it became apparent that the charter side of the business needed expansion. He occasionally threatened to sell his personal stake, but it was pure bluff. In his will, he split the shares evenly between his sons and his grandchildren. He would no more sell out than he would sell his right arm. He greeted the familiar faces along the dock. Some of the crewmembers had worked for them for as long as JD had.

"Hey, what's with 'Jul' and 'Rae'?" She finally asked.

He shrugged, "Don't know. We've just always done it that way. Mark, Jul, Ed. Chuck - oh he hates that, you know."

"One syllable, eh? I guess that's easier to say when some one goes in."

"Now, don't even joke about that, Willow. 'Specially around Momma and Marcus. You find yo'self out in the cold in uh hurry." He put an arm around her. "We take water safety right seriously round here." He stopped walking and looked at her, "You don't know about Augustus, do you?"

"No." she must have caught the timber of his voice because her smile faded and she faced him gravely.

"Augustus was my eldest brother. Died in, oh, I guess about 1947. I was all of two at the time but he and Marcus were bein' boys one night…"

"Night?"

"Yep. Weren't supposed ta be out the house in the first place and damn sure weren't supposed to be out here. Anyway, they was fooling around an' fell in. It was morning fo' anyone knew they was missing." He shrugged, "Marcus survived, Augustus passed. Momma wouldn't let me on a boat without her til I was ten. Good reason ta worry, I guess."

"Oh, god. I'm so sorry."

"Now, don't get all upset. That was damn near sixty years ago. Just don't go teasing 'bout folks fallin' in 'round the family."

"Oh, no." she shook her head, "Of course not."

He put his arm around her again and started walking again, "We'd best shake a leg. That's us at the end an' we don't want ta be late on yo' first day, now do we." They walked on and as they neared the boat, JD saw Edward lean over the rail and wave them in.

"Who's that?"

"That, it occurs to me, is the other use fo' the one syllable name, ship board. Helps keep the rank-n-file in line." He swatted her butt, "Come on; Cap'n's waitin'."

Edward - Captain Ed - was waiting as they stepped aboard, "Mornin' Jul, Mornin' Miss Rachael."

"Mornin' Cap'n." It always struck JD with a mixture of pride and annoyance that Edward could slip so easily and confidently between the roles of Father/Son and Captain/Crew. It was reason he usually served aboard one of the commercial ships. However, it never really took long to adjust to taking orders shipboard from his son and JD never let his personal feelings get in the way of Edward running a tight ship, "but she's crew, not a passenger today."

"Really?" Ed grinned then looked thoughtful, "How often you done this, Miss Rachael?"

She lifted her chin indignantly again and JD stifled a grin of him own, "I haven't actually. But I'll do whatever need to be done."

"Alright." Ed nodded sharply, "We cast off soon as I call in. Jul, go on up an' give Mike a hand with the ropes. Rae, galley's below. We've got four crew and six passengers soon as we get to Reedville. Get breakfast started." He turned toward the bridge.

Rachael nearly burst, "Now wait just a god damned minute!"

JD had a hard time not chuckling as he kissed Rachael on the cheek, "I ain't about ta argue with the Cap'n on his own deck. But if-n you ain't sailing with us today, I should be home in time fo' dinner." He outlined a salute to Ed and practically fled to the bow of the ship.

Twenty minutes later, Mike and JD were catching up on old times and cutting squid into small, hook-sized pieces when Ed appeared, shaking his head. JD looked at him sideways, "She swear at ya in Spanish?"

"No." if his expression was any indication that was the only thing she did not do.

JD went back to cutting bait, "Then relax, boy, she ain't really mad."

"Huh." Ed shrugged, "All the same, Jul, I'd stay out of the galley, if-n I was you. Mike, when you finish this, show Rae the life jackets and get her up to speed. She can get the passengers suited up. Jul, you still remember the safety speech?"

"In my sleep, boy." He caught himself, "Sorry. In my sleep, Cap'n."

Ed shrugged it off and started to leave then paused, "Oh, yeah, an' Charles told me ya'll worse than a pair uh teenagers so, uh, no funny business, hear?"

JD felt his jaw drop and Mike laughed uproariously. He snapped his mouth shut and went back to cutting bait. The last thing he wanted was his sons discussing his sex life. Of course, he had to admit that it was nice having a sex life worth discussing. That thought kept him smiling until they docked in Reedville at which point he was too busy to think of much.

The passengers - a group of city guys on vacation away from their wives - wanted to do some offshore fishing so Mike and JD hauled out the heavy-duty rods. When they got back on deck, JD passed Rachael and was surprised to see her blushing furiously.

"What's up, Willow?"

She blushed even deeper, "If I told you that you don't really want to know, would you let it go?"

He kissed her cheek, "Suit yo'self." He went aft to start setting up the equipment. Five of the passengers were laughing; the sixth had a noticeable red handprint on his cheek. JD chuckled as he passed the man, "I see you've met mah wife." He continued working with the rods and clamps - Rae was going to handle herself just fine for the day.

Just before they got underway, all hands wrapped in bright orange vests, JD began the standard greeting and safety speech. "Good mornin' Gentlemen and welcome aboard Davidson's Midday Sun. Cap'n Ed McElroy is getting' us underway an' we gonna cruise on out to the Chesapeake Bay, see if we can't find a bass or two for ya. My name is Jul, the fella behind you is Mike and the young lady that helped ya'll into yo' life vests is my wife, Rae." He was enjoying saying far too much, "Now before we get too far from shore, let's talk a bit 'bout safety." He covered that and some history about the company, the boat and the area.

By the time he finished, the men were at ease and Rae and Mike had begun serving breakfast. Not fancy but enough eggs, bacon, toast and coffee to fill up everyone.

"Good job." JD overheard Ed tell her, "Mike will clean up. Jul, show her how to bait and cast off."

Seated the bow, JD showed her how to handle the hook safely and showed her the scars on both sides of his hand where he imbedded himself as a teen. "Marcus pulled it through fo' me 'cause you can't back it out. Remember that less'on you want a whole lotta pain." Then he taught her how to tie hooks and lures securely and how to throw the line without hooking the person behind you. She learned quickly - in part because every time she did something right, he kissed her. Ed found them a half an hour later doing more kissing than casting and separated them for the rest of the day.

The weather was clear and the catching was good. By the time Ed started the engine and headed back to Reedville, there was a cooler full of blue and bass and a deck full of happy passengers. JD finished stowing the last of the equipment and joined Ed in the wheelhouse.

"So whatcha think of her?"

Ed glanced at him, "As my Daddy's future wife or as a member uh my crew?"

"Both."

"Well as a crew member, she's got a lot to learn and needs more discipline, but" he smiled at his father, "I've had worse. As your wife, I think you bit off more-n you can chew but I ain't never seen you this happy."

"I ain't never been this happy."

Ed nodded, "Yeah, figured. That's why me an' Charles talked to Wilton."

"'Bout what?"

"We bought him out, Daddy. He got enough money out uh the deal ta do what he please so long as he don't evah come within a hunnard miles uh you an' her."

JD felt his knees give out and dropped heavily on the first mate chair. Charles had been working on a contract he would not discuss. 100 miles. He suspected that was not just a phrase coming from the two of them.

"He's a bad seed, Dad." Ed went on, "Happens. Whole family better off without him."

"He's your brother." JD whispered, "He's my son."

"I near caught him."

JD looked at him slowly, not understanding the phrase.

"Joan an' Jean. They was eight. Wilton says he gonna take 'em to school. They was dressed an' they swear he nevah touched 'em but I still can't think of a reason in the world he shoulda been in the bathroom with 'em at seven in the mornin'. April an' me, we banned him from the house an' he ain't allowed on school property either. This ain't just fo' you, Daddy."

JD hung his head. He failed the boy. Somewhere along the line, he failed and Wilton was paying for it. Ed put his hand on his father's shoulder.

"Dad, he jumped at the deal. He don't care if-n he never sees us again. He took the money an' ran. Hell, I don't know if he bothered ta say goodbye ta Momma. I know he's my brother, but that one…. He ain't right."

They stayed like that for a while until a light began flashing.

Ed swore and grabbed the wheel. After he satisfied himself that they were not off course, he looked at his father, "We be in Reedville 'bout uh-nother half hour. Show Rae how ta tie us up."

"Yeah." JD sighed "Edward…"

"I need you Jul. We'll talk with Charles when we get back ta port."

JD took a deep breath and counted to ten before releasing slowly. "Yeah, Cap't. I'll get'er up ta speed."

Rachael admired herself in the mirror. She loved dressing up for JD - finding sexy lingerie, revealing dresses, skirts so short she didn't even have to bend over. Today was new for her. She found an adult clothing shop among the trendy U Street boutiques and they carried non-piercing jewelry. She bought a matching set of nipple rings and a clit clip. Sparkly purple beads now squeezed her nipples delightfully making them strain against her light silk shirt. They were clearly visible. She shivered with the thrill of it.

After playing with the nipple rings, the clit clip was much harder to put on - she was so wet, it kept sliding off. Eventually, she got it hooked around the hood properly. She had originally thought it was supposed to clip on to her clit directly. It did not work but she had a great deal of pleasure trying. Finally, she found the trick; the clip slid over the hood, causing the clit to protrude further than normal. The two strands of purple beads hanging down teased her unmercifully. The large end bead of one nestled naughty in her anus, the other in her slit. Each step caused something to rub against her sending spasms of pleasure through her body. It was almost too much to stand.

The jewelry matched the new shelf bra and crotch-less panties. The whole set was over the top but, frankly, watching JD's eyes pop when she wore things like this brought her as much joy as the sex it usually lead to.

She called JD on her way back to her car.

"Well, hello, Willow. I was just thinkin' 'bout you."

"I was just thinking about you too. Where are you?"

"On the road, on my way ta Falls Church. Left a file in my office and damned if-n that ain't the one file I need tonight. Where are you?"

"Still in the city. I could meet you at the house?"

"I be there, 'bout an hour."

"I'll be waiting."

She hung up, and stopped once on the way out to pick up an order of ribs at JD's favorite barbeque place.

"Well, ain't you a sight fo' sor' eyes." JD smiled and took the bag as she walked through the door. He only took a few steps away before he laughed at her indignant expression, "Oh I guess I'm glad ta see you too." He looped an arm around her and pulled her in for a passionate kiss.

"You best be." She remarked icily.

"Oh, hush up." He led the way to the kitchen and they ate informally at the kitchen table. After, JD begged off doing dishes, saying that he had paperwork to attend to. "Come to my office when you done, though, I got somethin' fo' ya." He said with a kiss.

"I've got something for you to." she smiled, imagining his response.

"Well, then, you just hurry along." He gave her a firm spank and left.

It was amazing how different he was between home and work. At the office, he was reserved, almost repressed, never showing any intensity of any kind. A mild approval or disapproval was all any one ever received giving JD a reputation of cold, disdainful arrogance and leaving many of her friends to wonder what she saw in him. Working with him closely over the years had given her more insight and she had seen that 'still waters ran deep' - that he felt things far more intently than he liked to show them. She learned to judge the silences before he responded to a comment or situation. At home, however, he was a different man - playful, affectionate, expressive, loud even. She used to wonder how much it would take to get him to open up and express his feelings to her. Now she wondered how he managed to keep it all contained for any amount of time at all.

When she finished in the kitchen, she tapped lightly on his office door. "Come in, Miss. Sullivan." Somehow, what ever he called her in the rest of the world, she was still 'Miss Sullivan' when he was at work. She found him at his desk, reviewing paperwork. "Please have a seat; I'll be with you in just a moment."

Almost a fully professional tone. Rachael sat down. Whatever he wanted to discuss was business not pleasure.

Finally, he cleared his throat, "I am sorry to keep you waiting. I wanted to give a final review of this document before I presented it to you."

"What is it?"

"Well, actually, there are a number of documents we should review this evening. I meet with George and Chris Hopewell today." Hopewell was JD personal attorney. George handled much of JD's personal finances along with the Davidson Fishery accounts. "First, I want to be sure that you are fully assured of my deep love for you." He paused, "You know that, right? I love you more than life itself."

She felt her eyes well up even as she blushed. Finances, legal paperwork and professions of abiding love. JD had a pre-nuptial agreement. How can you tell if a lawyer really wants to marry you? He makes you sign a contract. "I know." She couldn't stop the smile that grew across her face. "I love you too."

He smiled warmly, "Glad ta hear it." He cleared his throat again, 'Now. As you well know, I have a rather large family…"

"…Really? I hadn't noticed…"

"Hush up, now, I'm serious here. My eventual estate will be of modest size but a considerable portion of what appear to be my assets are actually held by The Davidson Family Trust so there ain't much I can offer you when I pass on."

"JD, I really don't care…"

"Not now, perhaps. But you are young and you will survive me…"

"JD…"

"You will, Miss Sullivan, unless there is some unforeseen tragedy. In which case, I will not survive you fo' long."

"Julius…" She hated talking about him dying even if she did know the truth of it.

"If you would hush up an' let me finish, you can whine at me all ya want." She made a face at him but kept quiet. "Thank you. Now. My personal assets are limited to the cash in my accounts, this house and my car, and a few odds an' end of stock holdings, 401k, an' such. My point is that, I have more heirs than assets and have had to make some hard decisions.

He hesitated then pushed the first document toward her. "This is a-" He stopped as Rachael took the pages, and without reading, flipped to the signature page. He snatched the pages from her hand before she could sign them, "What are you doing?"

"Signing the pre-nup." She rolled her eyes. In all honesty, she could care less about his money. If she had a job and a roof, all the rest could go to the boys. "JD, really, it's not that big a deal."

"I'm surprised at you. You have no idea to what you are agreein'. I could have a clause sayin' you need ta run around naked from now on."

Rachael considered that idea; she knew no such clause would be there, but the idea was entertaining - she was tempted to strip now just because he suggested it. JD must have been following a similar line of thought because after a moment he leered at her, "Hand me that pen uh moment."

"Too late!" she laughed.

"Huh. Nevertheless, my point is, even with me, I don't want you signin' contracts you ain't read yet, clear?"

"Clear."

"Alright, then. This is as you surmised, a pre-nuptial agreement specifying three stipulations that I have been advised to require. One, as is standard, in such things, all assets and or liabilities acquired prior to the date of our marriage shall remain as titled throughout our marriage. In other words, if it's yours now, it shall remain yours and if it's mine now, it shall remain mine. This clause needs your initials right here to allow George to pull both of our credit reports and criminal records." JD had already place his nearly illegible 'JDMJD' next to the paragraph. Rachael added her simple 'RMS' and he pointed to the next paragraph. "This indicates that you have been excluded from my last will and testament and that you are aware that you have been excluded from my last will and testament and that you agree to be excluded from my final estate."

That was not standard. That was bordering on cruel. The family must still believe she was there for his money to request such a clause. And JD must harbor no small amount of doubt himself to agree to it. She initialed the paragraph and waited for him to go on.

He took a breath, "Finally, the document stipulates that when our marriage ends - regardless of reason, death or divorce - you shall have claim to only such assets that were obtained after the marriage date and are held jointly by us."

It was a harsh agreement. It was one that presumed that she was a gold digger. She initialed the last paragraph, and signed and dated the signature page before pushing the entire document across the desk.

"George left out the insurance policies."

JD looked sick as he took the contract back and signed it himself, "All of my life insurance policies list the Davidson Family Trust as their beneficiary."

"Oh. Convenient. Remind me to thank George for his vote of confidence."

"There is a reason fo' this, Willow…"

"I don't care, JD, I'm not marrying you for money. But it would be nice if you'd all consider trusting me." She saw his jaw shift under his beard and knew he was biting back what he wanted to say. "Nevermind." She tried to smile, "What's next?"

"My will." He said, almost expressionless. "You may read it if you care to. The pertinent clause is the exclusion on page six. You need to initial it."

She scanned the document briefly. Any asset not going specifically to family or close friends went to the Trust. She signed the exclusion and handed the document back. He took it with no comment and handed her two signature cards. "These are to make you a signer on my bank accounts. Note that they are effective immediately."

She paused before signing, "So…"

"So, yes, these accounts predate the marriage and therefore are affected by neither the pre-nuptial nor the will." The cards, one for a bank and the other his investment firm made her the unrestricted joint account holder on all of his cash accounts. She wasn't familiar with the investment accounts; those statement usually when directly to George's office but the checking account usually had a balance around $10,000. "The bank is sending out a card and new checks an' so forth so as I get these back to them."

"George approved this?" she asked with more bitterness than she intended.

"George is my advisor not my father."

She looked away and signed the cards. "I'll go to my bank tomorrow and get a signature card for you."

"Actually, I would advise you to have your legal council draw up a contract to protect your assets."

"JD, you are my legal council."

"Then I advise you to leave all of your assets in your name alone."

"Because?"

"Because it will exclude them unequivocally from probate."

"Julius!" She snapped, "Unless there's something you haven't told me, you're not going to drop dead tomorrow. Can we at least get married before you plan my widowhood?"

He looked at her for a long time before he answered. "No, we can't. I may not make it to the wedding. Tomorrow's not promised. Hell, I'm lucky to make it ta bedtime. We goin' inta this knowin' that we don't have forever. Most women wonder if-n they gonna get that call one day; you know fo' uh fact it's gonna happen. Ain't no need ta pretend or hide. Now, there's only couple more things here an' then you can show me what you wanted ta show me." The comment made her remember the jewelry and she shivered as she became aware again of the continuous titillation. Before she could get lost in the sensation, JD handed her another form. "This is your copy. Put it wherever your permanent financial records are."

"What is it?" She reviewed the document. It appeared to be the deed to the house they were in but the owner was listed as herself. "JD, what is this?"

"It's the deed to your house."

"JD, I don't own a house. And I don't want this one. It should go to one of the boys or the Trust. I won't sign it."

She slid the paper back toward JD but he stopped it. "Now, you see? This is why you should read what you signing fo' you sign it." She felt her jaw drop. She signed things for him so often - as a witness or notary - she had stopped even seeing them, just taking his word and signing what he needed. He grinned slowly, "'Bout a month back. It was one of about six properties needed ta be witnessed and notarized fo' my friend Josh."

Josh had come to the house in Reedville claiming that his secretary was on vacation and asking if JD knew of a notary. The documents had been virtually identical - only the property names had varied. She had signed them so fast, JD had bragged about her efficiency. She picked up the deed again. It had the state seal on it - the property was hers.

"I wanted to make sure that no matter what, my Willow has room an' board. The rest, the Trust will see to." She was overwhelmed, close to tears. He gave her the house. "Now, it's not as much of my total assets as I'd like; it's not a fair share but, well…" he hesitated.

"I understand." She got up and moved around the desk to sit on his knee. "Heirs of the body first. Your boys and their kids. This is too much for just me."

"Like it'll be just you fo' long." He teased.

"JD!" she huffed then turned serious. "It'll be just you forever."

He chuckled, "I'll be lucky if-n it's just me while I'm still here. You likely already got the next one down in the basement."

"Oh right. Right next to your next woman."

"Me?"

"Don't play innocent with me. I've seen your eyes every time we go past a high school." He scowled. "And don't think I haven't noticed you flirting with that girl over at that bar and grill you love so much."

"Chrissie is a lovely young woman."

"Christine is way too young for you."

"There, now ya see? I don't even know the child's name."

"I'll bet you don't know her face either, but you could find her ass in a line up."

"Willow!" he almost sounded shocked, "I have never known you to be jealous."

"I just wish you'd share your toys."

He pulled her up onto the desk and leaned her back, "Oh, trust me, if-n I'd had that one, you'd'a been right with me." He kissed her deeply. "But since you put that thought in my head, I can't help but find it an enticing idea."

"You find any thought an enticing idea." She started working on the buttons of his shirt.

"That may be true." He conceded between kisses. "Make another suggestion an' let's test the theory."

"Ok. Open my shirt."

"Too easy. I can already see you wearing one of those harlot- oh my, my, my!" he opened her shirt fully and stepped back. "I'm just gonna presume that this is the surprise you had fo' me."

"I hope you like it."

"Well now, let's get a good look at it." He stepped back to let her stand up and slipped her pants off her. "Glory, glory. Look at you."

"Take a closer look." she said lifting one foot and putting it on the seat of his chair. He knelt down slowly.

"Now, you are something else, woman. You know that?" He gave the beads a gentle pull, which dislodged the strand in her slit. He swiped it with his tongue. "Now there's uh gem uh man can appreciate." He ran his tongue along the length of the strand and she felt the corresponding vibrations.

"Oh, JD." She groaned, "don't tease."

He laughed softly, darkly, "Oh but I must." He kept his tongue on the beads, down the length of her slit and around the hood of her clit but avoided more sensitive locations until she was whimpering, leaning back on his desk. He stood, long enough to sweep their financial lives out of the way, settle her hips on the desk, and sat comfortably in his chair to eat her thoroughly. He used the beads and his tongue the find her g-spot and groaned loudly when she came, drenching his face.

With one hand, he opened his pants and pulled his cock through his boxers. Then he gave her hips a tug. She took the hint and sat in his lap, putting one knee on the seat beside him and swinging the other leg over the arm of the chair.

She lowered herself on to him and they both groaned. JD held her waist and tapped the tip of her distended nipple with the tip of his tongue. She gasped and cooed. He alternated between left and right - eventually knocking both nipple rings off as she bounced up and down. They were nearing a joint climax when the phone rang.

"Damn!" JD swore. "Grab that." He tilted the chair toward the phone.

"Wha?" Rachael was a little disoriented but pressed the speakerphone button.

"Yes, George?" JD snapped harshly.

"Hey, Uncle Julius. I just want'd ta call, see how it went with Miss Rachael t'night."

"It went fine. Just fine."

"She sign it all?"

"I told she would."

"You did, you did."

"That all you needed?"

"Neither do I. Give the man yo' number, Willow."

"Hey George." She told him the number. "Anything else?"

"Nope, that about do it for me. Uncle Julius, you gonna be down-"

JD cut him off, "George, lemme call ya back tomorrow. This is a rather inopportune moment and, frankly, we're busy. Good night, son." JD leaned so far to cut the line he nearly tipped over the chair. "Oh God, I want you." She giggled as he slipped them off the chair and onto the floor.

Not gentle, not slow. He pounded into her, lifting her hips to plunge deeper. Rachael could no longer tell when an orgasm started or ended; they seemed to continuously roll though her until JD finally cried out and came deep inside her.

He exhaled, "Whew! Oh Lord, woman. You gonna need ta buy uh few mo' pair uh them."

"Which, the undies or the jewelry?"

"Both. An' I'll have ta find something appropriate ta match 'em."

It had been overcast most of the day but the rain had started in earnest as JD left Richmond. It had been a good day - the tax bill passed but with the pass thru clause and an additional waiver for fisheries under a specific income level. The guy with a boat fishing for his own dinner was not going to be impacted. JD was pleased about that. The government wanted to protect the fish and the water; he was glad they decided to protect a few of the people too.

He started to reach for his cell phone but stopped. Since he had spent the day in Richmond, Rachael was out on the boats. He smiled at the thought. Now that the latest legislative crisis was over, maybe they should both quit and join the crew. Edward, however, had made it clear that it would not be on his boat - not both of them, at least. Even if she had the phone handy, she should not be taking his calls while she worked.

Instead, he turned on the radio and scrolled through the stations. He paused when he heard weather advisory. This was still storm season in the Atlantic and though it was pretty late for hurricanes, it did not need to be that bad for a boat to get in deep trouble. He began to have an uneasy feeling and shook it off. Davidson's Midday Sun was a re-fit Coast Guard 44MLB. It was damn near unsinkable short of just tearing into the hull. Between them, Ed, Mike and Paul had something near 120 years of experience. Rachael was actually safer on the water with them. When the advisory started to replay, he turned off the radio.

He felt foolish and paranoid when he finally gave in and called Candice.

"Yes, Julius. Everyone has called in and Midday is on her way to Reedville. She'll probably beat you home."

"Thank you, Candice."

He relaxed for the rest of the drive home. There were several cars in front of the house when he arrived - which annoyed him a touch because the mail had been left in the box. 'You'd think someone could have grabbed it.' He groused to himself as he headed into the house. From the front hall, he could already hear the video game from the living room. Inside on the floor sat the nearly identical heads of Edward's twins.

He squatted down with a grunt and kissed the top of both heads, "Who's winning?"

"Hey, Granddad!" they spared a little attention for him but Joan actually kissed his cheek, "I am."

"Momma's in the kitchen with Gran-Gran." Jean added.

"Where's Miss Rachael?"

Jean shrugged. "Haven't seen her." Joan added.

He ruffled their hair. "I play the winner when you done?"

The girls exchanged looks then focused on the game again. "Deal." Jean said.

JD went into the kitchen. Momma and April were cooking far too much food - which meant half the family was coming over again. He kissed them both and started opening pots on the stove until April smacked his wrist.

"Dad! Nobody called you in here!" she teased, "You're just under foot. Out! Go sue something."

"Momma!" he looked at his mother for support but she just smiled and turned back to her chopping. He scowled and left, "'Least my woman loves me." He muttered as he headed upstairs.

Ten minutes later he was back in the kitchen, clothes and expression changed. "Where is Miss Rachael, anyhow?" When they did not respond right away, he added, "I notice Edward ain't around either."

"Weather's bad, Julius," Momma said calmly, "boat's always late when the weather's bad."

"Right." JD had a prickly feeling across his skin. "Right." He said again mostly to himself. He looked at these two women coolly bustling around the kitchen and suddenly realized that apart from holidays, the largest family meals he could remember happened on stormy nights. How many times had mothers and wives cooked in this kitchen and reminded each other about the weather? He used to be annoyed that there was no phone in the kitchen. Now that seemed like a deliberate design rather than an oversight.

"Grandad!" a sing-song shout came from the living room, "I won!"

April grinned and prodded JD with a spoon. "Go on. Out. Unless you want to cook."

He surrendered and kissed his mother's cheek again on his way out. With Joan's help, he was able to give Jean a run for her money but he was there more to spend time with the girls than to win the game. He tried not to notice the rest of the grandchildren wandering in. Before Jean could start a re-match, George's boy, Alex, jumped up and switched to the TV. Joan put the game away and the sisters took up positions on couch on either side of him to watch the most recent episode of some young folk series JD could not begin to follow. His questions about who was doing what were meet with terse answers or exasperated shh-ing. He chuckled and contented himself with holding the girls comfortably, surrounded by the next generation of McElroys.

Until he realized the time - 9:30. 9:30 at night and neither Edward nor Rachael was home. Candice had not called. This was not just bad weather; something was wrong. During the next commercial break, got up and headed back into the kitchen. Momma and April were sitting at the table chatting with Elizabeth and George's wife Stacy. He watched them all for a moment.

Then he fixed himself a drink. Bourbon. No water. He looked out the kitchen window; the rain had finally stopped and the night was clear. Starlit. He took a swallow and hoped that Rachael was somewhere that she could see them.

"Daddy? You eaten yet?" He heard Elizabeth behind him.

"Kinda late fo' dinner ain't it, Lizzie?"

"You go on back in an' relax an' I'll fix you a plate, Daddy."

"Sit, woman, I already got one mother." Then he rolled his eyes as he heard the whole table giggle and remembered where he was. "No disrespect, intended, of course." He cleared his throat, "I'm gonna take a walk. I'll eat when…" he cleared his throat again, "when Marcus and Candice get here. Aught to wait fo' the whole family, right?"

"Now there's a boy who ain't never missed a meal." Momma laughed, "You can't put out enough food to feed Marcus!"

They all laughed and JD wondered ultimately over the years who had been braver - the men on the boats or the women here. He knew where he would be if he had a choice. He tipped his glass at the table and slipped out the back door.

He wandered down to the family dock and sat on the bench, looking out over Cockerell Creek. After a while, he put his head down and began praying. Losing Rachael, now, would kill him. He just got her back. And Edward; how would he tell Claudia if Edward died? A heavy hand gripped his shoulder and he knew without looking that it was Marcus. He kept praying until his voice broke; then Marcus took over.

"Lord, please forgive me. I haven't been a good man. I sent Augustus ta ya too soon, Lord. An' I tried to send ya Julius, I know. But please don't take Edward an' Rachael today Lord, please don't take 'em both. You know my brother's heart Lord, he's always been yor voice in my ear." Marcus gasped and JD realized that he had never seen his brother cry, "We love you, Lord an' if you see fit, then take 'em to glory. But Lord, we beg you."

"Amen." JD whispered. He put his hand atop Marcus' and they stayed that way for a long time, neither able to speak. When JD finally began to pull himself together, he took a large swallow of his drink then handed the glass up to his brother. Marcus took it, drained it and sat beside JD. Neither spoke for a while. Eventually, Marcus pointed to the pier.

"Every damn time, I think of that spot."

JD did not ask 'every time what'; he knew his brother meant every 'rainy family dinner'. "Why?"

"That's all I could see." JD waited for Marcus to go on. "Augustus was behind me an' I kep tryin' ta push him off 'cause I could see this one 'lil spot on the dock and I jus' kep thinkin' that if-n we jus' swim, we'd both be safe an' dry 'fore Momma caught us."

Augustus was probably holding him, trying to keep his younger brother's face out of the water with one hand and a gripe on the boat with the other. If they fell in on the far side, not the dockside and Marcus was struggling, Augustus probably could not decide if it were better to try to swim or wait there for help. Not a choice a child should have to make - not a burden a child should bear. Then, JD had an epiphany. Sixty years of family history and veiled references became as clear as if he had witnessed the events. He went down on his knee and took Marcus' hand, "Lord, I'm callin' on you again tonight to forgive me for all my years of cruelty to my brother who has carried the guilty of our eldest's death for most of his life. Please, Lord, ease his burden. Tell him that a six-year-old cudd'na swam 'gainst that current no more than a four-year-old cudda. If'n you tryin' ta teach me ta appreciate what I got, I do Lord." He looked his brother in the eye, "I'm sorry Marcus - it never even occurred ta me that you thought you shoulda saved him. I regret e'very spiteful mean word I ever said ta ya. You been e'vy thin' uh brother could be an' more. I wish I were half the man you are."

Marcus' grip tightened for a moment then he pulled JD forward and hugged him hard. "I thought you blamed me too. I let him die, Julius. I know if-n I'd jus held on to him 'stead pushin' him away, we'd both be here today."

"Who you lyin' to, boy?" Julius chuckled hoarsely, "Most likely I'd lost two brothers instead uh one."

They held each other until they became aware of the intimacy. Brother or not, Julius was not overly comfortable holding another man and after a few minutes they let each other go and just sat together. JD picked up his glass and frowned briefly to see it empty. Marcus tapped his leg and JD smirked as he took the bottle from him. He refilled the glass and handed the bottle back. They toasted silently and stared out at the water again.

'Again', JD thought, 'my son and my wife.' "I can't loose 'em one at uh time, can I?" he said mostly to himself.

"You nevah could do nothin' by half."

They both snickered and had another drink.

JD sighed heavily, "I nevah even asked if e'body else came in."

"Safe and sound."

"Good." He nodded, "Paul's wife been called?"

"Yeah. I expect she's at the house by now." Marcus took another swallow, "Bill was on the Pride but I think he stayed dockside. He an' Mike still try an' keep it quiet."

JD nodded again and refilled his glass. "I guess I'll call her sister in…" he stopped mid sentence when he heard an air horn faintly in the distance.

He swallowed hard, "You said e'body else safe an' sound?"

"Only one slip empty when I come up here ta see you."

JD was on his feet and moving almost before he was aware of it. The two docks were almost a full mile apart and they heard the air horn twice more before they got to the commercial dock. Charles and George were dockside on cell phones when JD and Marcus arrived and the Midday was just pulling in.

She was water logged and her antenna where missing. Only one light was on but it was enough light to see three wet crewmembers waving at the shore. JD could hear Rachael's voice and nearly wept again, "Oh, Jesus. Thank you, God." He whispered. Bill moved past JD toward the empty slip and JD joined him to help tie the boat into the dock. Rachael was the first one off and JD paused just long enough to make sure Mike could get off behind her before trying to squeeze Rachael as tightly as he could. She smelled like salt water and she was cold and JD could not stop thanking God.

A hand touched his shoulder and he looked up to see Edward also wet but alive and well, and let go of Rachael just long enough to embrace them both.

After a minute, Edward pulled back, "Come on. We'll catch our death uh cold out here."

Reluctantly, JD let go of everything but Rachael's hand and they all headed down the dock. He reached out and shook Mike and Paul's hands as well, "Glad to see you boys as well."

"Oh, yeah." Paul quipped.

"What in the hell happened?" Bill asked.

Edward shook his head, "We got rolled, hit something and broke the antenna clean off. Lost the radio and flooded the damn engine."

"Christ almighty."

"But everyone's ok, JD." Rachael added, "Passengers got a little bruised but we dropped them in Reedville before we came home. They've got some fish tales to take home!"

There was some tired agreement to that. They got back to the dock house and another reunion ensued as half the family had made it down from the house. Through all the subsequent hugs and tears, JD never released Rachael's hand. Eventually, they all went back to the house where a more subdued reunion took place as dinner was reheated - the kids had been quiet but knew a ship had been missing. Joan and Jean fell into their father's arms with evident relief.

Rachael squeezed his hand. "You go eat, I'm going to shower. I'll be back in a minute."

He kissed her shoulder, "The hell you say. You not leavin' mah sight, woman. Go on. You smell like somethin' just washed up on shore."

Joan must have overheard him, "Yeah, you kinda rank, too, Daddy."

JD smiled. It all sounded so normal. He silently thanked god again as he followed Rachael up to the bathroom. They showered together and under the running water, he kissed her tenderly.

"I thought I'd lost you fo' good this time, Willow."

"It was never that bad, JD. Ed had everything under control the whole time. And he made me stay below deck with the passengers for most of it."

"Thank god." He held her tight again, "You not going back out there."

"Yes I am."

JD grabbed her chin and held it, "I am not foolin' with you, woman. You not going back out there. Period. This is not open fo' discussion." He was trembling.

Rachael put her fingers gently on his cheeks and kissed him. "Ok." She kissed him again, more deeply. Soon, he had her leaning against the wall as the need to feel her warmth overwhelmed him. It was easy to slide down her body, kissing, but he thought he might drown trying to eat her in the tub. He gave up when he managed to evoke one deep shuddering groan from her and worked his way back up to her lips.

"JD. I love you," She said between kisses, "but I'm hungry."

"I guess we could continue this later."

"Definitely."

They dried off, dressed and went downstairs. From the stairs, he could hear the kids talking and suddenly realized that it was about them. He stopped to eavesdrop.

"I'd do her." Peter was Charles' eldest and his sister Beth hit him.

"You are so gross! She 'bout ta be our grandmother!"

"'Sides," Gracie was the eldest and worked in the office with her father George, "If she's got a thing for older guys, she wouldn't look sideways at you. I think they're sweet."

"Yeah, but ain't it kinda weird?" Jean shrugged, "I mean Granddad's old."

"You heard that." Alex snickered, "I guess he ain't too old." The oldest three laughed and Joan and Jean squealed, "Eeww, gross!"

JD cleared his throat loudly at that point, "Now come on Miss Rachael," he made sure his voice carried to the living room, "family's waitin'."

They got some odd looks as they past the door on the way to the kitchen. Rachael did not help matters when she leaned in and said, "It's not age, guys, it's skill." The room erupted into laughter and JD just shook his head.

It the kitchen, the adults were not much better. Bill and Mike had stayed as had Paul and his wife and the kitchen was over flowing with people standing around.

Marcus raised an eyebrow as they came in, "That took long enough." Charles, Elizabeth, Edward and April all stifled laughter. JD would have said something but Rachael was pretty when she blushed.

Someone made space at the table and they sat down to eat. It was close to midnight but no one looked ready for bed. Finally, Momma spoke up.

"Julius," she said, "I've been thinkin'. It ain't right."

"What ain't?" he kept his tone light but he could feel the tension run down his spine.

"You gonna make this po' child marry under that old willah tree in the middle uh December. Ought to be a proper church weddin'."

He looked at his mother and actually had to bit his lips to keep them from trembling. He stood up and leaned across the table to kiss her cheek. "Thank you, Momma." He said softly.

Because it was on Christmas Eve, the wedding was supposed to be a simple thing with just family. Just a few people standing under the willow tree out front and then dinner at home. At some point, however, it had spiraled completely out of Rachael's control. When they renewed the engagement, JD hired a wedding planner and gave the woman's phone number to both of their mothers. After that, Rachael was consulted about colors and preferences, but really was no longer involved with the planning.

It was supposed to be just her and JD. Maybe Marcus and Helen. Her sisters. Instead the wedding party included all of them plus Charles, Edward and all seven grandchildren. They were still in front of the willow tree but now they also had a tent that held 200 guests - that way they could serve the buffet outside as well. Apparently, outdoor weddings in December are not impossible. She had at least insisted and won on her choice of silk flowers; fresh flowers were just too expensive.

It was all costing a small fortune even so. 'We could have bought a car. Two cars.' She reminded JD almost daily. He simply shrugged. His mother was happy, her mother was happy and that was all he cared about. The whole month of December, JD seemed to be absurdly nauseatingly happy while Rachael stressed about the event. He had invited her whole family: first, second and third relations she had not seen since early childhood including one aunt still living in Puerto Rica. McElroys seemed to ooze out of the river to attend to wedding.

"You gonna be there?" he asked when she complained about it again.

"Of course; don't be stupid."

"Then wha'do I care who else comin'?" He kissed her nose and headed back to his office.

Helen and Marcus were in charge of the bachelor/bachelorette parties, both planned for the 22nd. That morning, a line split down the family - all the women moved into the family home and the men were mostly at Marcus and Candice's house. Less that an hour after JD had been 'thrown out', the seamstress arrived for the final fittings and Rachael saw her full wedding party for the first time.

The color of the day was pale green - willow green - and everyone was in a shade near it. Rachael's long sleeve white dress was embroidered with pale green willow leaves around the collar, cuffs, waist and hem and the veil was pale green with white leaves around its edges. As maid of honor, Helen wore the same shade of green with white leaves embroidered. Gabriella, Lucille, Gracie, Beth and Joan were in progressively darker shades. Jean wore a tuxedo; she would walk in with her sister and 6-year-old Robert but would stand on JD's side with Alex, Peter, Edward, Charles and Marcus. Not traditional, but not much at this wedding was. Rachael felt like she was either crying or giggling all day.

After the fitting, Hanna, Stacy, Candice, Elizabeth, April, Momma McElroy, Momma Sullivan - as she had become known - and Tanta Nilda joined them for lunch. The sixteen of them squeezed around the dining room table and talked about family and marriage and Rachael cried again. She could not seem to help her self and every little thing overwhelmed her. Her sisters agreeing that the dresses were pretty. Helen actually showing up for a wedding. All the hugging. And above all, that JD still wanted to marry her.

After lunch, she was sent to her room for a nap, which she resisted in principal, but she felt much better when she awoke several hours later. Hanging on her door was a garment bag with a "wear this" note taped to it. Inside was a white sheaf - barely more than a slip really - a pair of long white gloves, white lace stockings and a veil.

"Good grief!" Rachael thought and opened the door to set Helen straight only to find Hanna sitting there waiting.

"Helen said if-n you thinkin' uh wearin' somethin' else, you'd best think again. Even in Reedville, we kin throw a bachelorette party. Now go on an' git dressed; e'body waitin' on you."

"Why did I let Helen plan this?" Rachael lamented as she searched for bra and panties that would not leave badly visible lines. It took her nearly a half hour to dress and do her hair but when she was finished, she had to admit she looked good. "I'll have to wear this for JD next week, I think." She did not what she was packing, in all honesty. JD planned the honeymoon and but would not tell her where they were going. She stepped out of the room and froze. Just down the hall, Hanna had changed clothes and now wore a surprisingly tight short skirt. Stacy was helping her adjust her stockings and had a hand much higher under Hanna's skirt than the operation could need. Rachael heard Hanna groan then sigh and Stacy giggle. Rachael turned her back quickly and shut her door loudly. Behind her, she heard them gasp in surprise.

"Damn!" Hanna burst, "No wonder Uncle Julius look sa happy these days."

"Oh, yeah," Stacy agreed, "An' George say they a couple uh bunnies in the office."

"We are not." Rachael blushed at the comment. Neither woman looked guilty and Rachael did not want to ask about what she saw, "Come on." Stacy wore a pair of painted on jeans and a sequined halter-top. Similarly attired in the living room were Helen, Elizabeth, April, Gabriella and Lucille.

"Aunt Candice took the girls to a movie." April said, "Gracie is hot because she's going with them not with us."

Stacy shrugged, "She'll get over it. That one's gonna find herself in trouble, if she's not more careful."

"Like mother, like daughter?" April offered.

Stacy got a little indignant, "George an' me were different. We were in love."

Elizabeth snorted and April laughed.

There was a knock on the front door and Helen jumped up expectantly. Rachael looked around. There were already eight of them. She could not imagine whom else Helen invited.

It was a limo driver. "Thank Marcus." Helen said as they all piled into the far too spacious vehicle. "He seemed to think we'd indulge in a bit of spirits this evening and didn't want any one driving drunk. I didn't argue since…" She opened a bottle of champagne and began pouring carefully. They finished that bottle and a second toasting the bride, the groom, the driver and anything else they could think of during the two-hour drive to Richmond.

True to form, the evening started with dinner at a very nice strip club. Helen informed every employee that Rachael was a bride-to-be and provided pens for anyone who wanted to sign her dress with a name and phone number. By the time they left, Rachael was suitably mortified and the others in the group had collected a few numbers of their own. They worked their way through two more clubs before Helen accosted Rachael on the dance floor, away from the rest of the group.

Wrapped around her from behind, Helen nuzzled Rachael's hair then whispered in her ear, "One last time?"

"Oh, god." Rachael groaned, realizing that she had had far too much to drink to have any resistance to that. JD understood about Helen, he said. Hell, JD probably wanted Helen himself. Helen kissed her neck and she shivered. She started to turn around but stopped when Hanna danced in front of her and sandwiched Rachael between them. "Oh, god." Rachael groaned again; they were pushing all the right buttons and she would not see JD again until the wedding.

Helen and Hanna both took a step back as the others joined them. Hanna whispered something to Stacy and her eyes darted from Rachael to Helen and back to her sister-in-law. They both giggled giddily as Lucille slid up to Rachael and pulled her aside.

"Isn't she a little, you know, touchy-feely?"

"Who, Helen?"

"Yeah. I saw her and the other one you were dancing with…"

"Hanna."

"Yeah, they were in the bathroom and they were not shy."

"Oh." Rachael frowned and danced over to Helen, "You promised, hands off the McElroys."

"I promised hands off the married McElroy men."

"So?"

"Hanna's not 'men'. Or married. " Helen smiled, wickedly, "Come to think of it, neither is JD. Yet."

Rachael had time to roll her eyes before Gabriella and Elizabeth pulled her over to a table of guys having a bachelor party to get her dress signed. By this time, there were signatures on her gloves and stockings as well. Before she left the table, the DJ made an announcement about Rachael's signature dress. Rachael saw April wave from the booth just before a crowd of signers blocked her view. Someone handed Rachael another drink, and eventually, steered her back on to the dance floor - where she stayed until the club turned on the lights and all but swept the eight of them out at 2:30am.

Helen called the limo and Rachael stole a moment to dial JD's cell.

He answered on the second ring, "Ain't you 'posed ta be off fornicatin' wit yo' friend?"

"Same to you. You're not supposed to answer my call." she laughed, "I wanted to leave you a dirty message."

"Oh, well, then. Here, le'see if-n this young'un wants ta do that fo' me." He moved the phone aside and she could hear bad rock and loud voices in the background, "Honey, com'er an' talk ta mah wife." Rachael heard both Charles and Marcus react to that but the phone changed hands and a very young voice said, "Hello?"

"Oh my god!" Rachael laughed then noticed her group waiting for her, "JD is so drunk!" she thought for a moment then spoke to the girl on the phone, "Ok, here's what I want you to do: Blow him - right there in front of everybody - trust me, under those conditions, it won't take long. Then when you're done, tell him that Helen said she'd see him later." She hung up the phone and got in the limo.

Gabriella stared at her, "Did you just tell another woman to suck off JD? And what was the 'Helen' thing?"

"Oh it's all in good fun." Rachael laughed and took yet another glass of champagne, "He's probably too drunk to notice. Or remember. Hell, I'm probably too drunk to remember."

"Gabby, relax!" Lucille handed her sister a glass and took a sip from her own, "Ok, ok! Truth or Dare?"

The whole group chimed in and calls of "Bride first" rang out.

"Ok, ok, ok, ok, ok, ok." Rachael finished the wine and gestured for a refill. "Truth."

"Straight or Bi?" Hanna shouted out.

Gabriella was visibly appalled but Stacy slapped Hanna's thigh sharply. "She's just being bitchy because she thinks we're playing family rules."

"What's that?" Lucille asked.

Elizabeth answered, "Basically, ya'll can't refuse uh challenge an' e'eryone answahs all questions." She shrugged, "We spend a whole lotta time tagethuh so it ain't like we got uh lotta secrets 'round here."

"Very straight." Gabriella stated flatly.

"Very clear." Hanna replied smiling, "But the bride was 'posed ta answah firs'"

"Bi" Rachael admitted, "but Helen already told you that, I'm sure."

"Really?" Lucille was mildly shocked, "Since when?"

"About six years ago." She stared at Helen, "I met this evil woman and…"

Lucille put up her hands, "I don't want to know! I'm a good catholic girl!"

Gabriella snorted, "Oh, please!"

"So I'm guessin' that's straight fo' you?" Elizabeth laughed, "So much for mah dreams uh seduction." Then she looked a little embarrassed, "I mean I guess I'm straight too 'cept I've thought 'bout it."

"Bi-curious?" Hanna asked.

"Yeah, I guess."

Stacy jumped in, "Well, I'm Bi. Decidedly." She sipped her wine, "And before you ask, yes, George knows."

"And I'm sure he doesn't mind a bit." April teased. When the laughed died down, she added, "I'm straight but I always wished I were, I don't know, more adventurous? Ed wouldn't mind if I brought a friend home."

"I saw your Ed," Helen leered, "Let me know when you want a volunteer."

"Helen!" Hanna and Rachael both reproved her with a laugh.

"Oh, please, like you didn't know I'm a slut!" she laughed, "It's not as if I'm subtle."

"Or shy." Hanna added, "I'm neither."

"Neither?" April sounded confused.

"Not straight, not bi so…?" Hanna gave her a few seconds then started humming the "Jeopardy" theme song.

"Oh!" April said with a start when the obvious answer struck her. "Does your father know?"

"I'm still breathin', ain't I? No. An' I ain't fixin' ta tell him anytime soon."

"He's pretty cool about Mike and Paul." Rachael offered.

"Ain't neither uh them his 'li'l angel'. Hell, he still sees me off when I work the boats so he kin threaten' whoevah on deck."

"You work on the boats?" Lucille asked, incredulous.

"We all have." Elizabeth answered, "At least once. McElroy tradition. E'body work the rivah. Yo' baby sistah nearly got swallowed up by it. But it ain't scare her none. Daddy 'bout lost it."

"Was he really that worried?" Helen looked dubious, "He's always so reserved."

"Twice I seen Daddy undone. Once was when he tol me 'bout…" she hesitated "…'bout why ya'll broke up. I thought he done had uh heart attack. An' the uhtuh was when Midday went missin'." She looked at Lucille and Gabriella, "If-n we got radio contact, we don' even worry but Midday was in the 'lantic in uh sudden storm, gone seven, eight hours with no word. First time I seen April break uh sweat too."

April smiled weakly, "Ed's Midday's captain so I'm kinda used to him being late in bad weather. But that was bad." She took a deep breath, "I never did thank you, Rachael. Ed says you saved his life."

"Yeah, well, if JD finds out I was on deck instead of below, he'll never let me go out again."

There was an awkward moment of silence. Then Stacy peered out the window. "Hey! Where is this idiot going? We're on 95!"

"Oh," Helen opened another bottle, "DC. We're going to take a breakfast cruise back to Reedville."

Squeals of delight filled the air as everyone's glass was refilled.

"OK! No more sad talk!" Gabriella announced, "Next question!"

"Easy," April shouted, "First time. Who and where?"

Rachael had to think for a moment, "Oh my god, I can't believe I almost forgot him. Jorge Cordova in the back seat of his father's Pontiac."

"Slut!" Lucille teased.

"You're just as bad!" Gabriella shot back, "She did it at the rec center with that guy who looks like John Leguizamo's ugly brother."

"Carlos Aquino." Rachael supplied.

"He said he loved me." Lucille countered, "and any way, we didn't, you know, finish. So it doesn't count."

"Oh yeah it does!" Stacy laughed, "If he broke the seal, he's first." She blushed, "Actually, it was Charles for me." Everyone but Elizabeth gaped.

"'Charles' Charles?" Hanna nearly choked.

"Long 'fore he started datin' me," Elizabeth laughed, "so relax." She shrugged, "Me, I don't know."

"Oh, come on!" Lucille prodded.

"Yeah, out with it." Rachel added.

"No really. I was fourteen an' at uh party an' totally trashed an' I think it was one uh the guys onna football team but I really don't know."

"Oh." Gabriella was genuinely shocked and the car got quiet again.

"Oh lighten up!" Elizabeth laughed, "Two weeks later, I did the whole team anyway. That's how I hooked up with Charles."

Gabriella's eyes virtually popped from her head, "Wait - you meet your husband during a gang bang?"

"OK, let me fix this for you." Elizabeth's smile faded, "I done half the men in this county an' ain't but one McElroy boy livin' I ain't had yet. I ain't 'xactly proud uh all that but I ain't shamed neither."

"Hey, hey, guys," Rachael tried to move between them, "This supposed to be fun, remember?"

"Look, I don't mean to be a prude, right? But I've, you know, never, 'cause I've always dated guys I met in church so when I said no, they always stopped. I mean you love him so what do I know. Maybe your way's better."

Elizabeth took another drink, "Not better, just mine."

There was a little more tense silence then April cleared her throat. "With Ed."

"Well, duh!" Elizabeth laughed.

April blushed, "On the Pride. Under charter."

Stacy gasped, "With passengers aboard? Oh you dirty, dirty girl."

"It's worse," she said, "Granddad was captain."

Elizabeth laughed loudly, "Well, that's bolder than anythin' I done! Ya'll nevah meet Marcus an' Julius' Daddy but he was a holy terruh!"

Stacy and April nodded, "Candice hated that man. He scared damn near everyone." Stacy shivered.

"That kind always have secret vices." Helen mused, "I wonder what his was."

"Don't know, an' don't want ta. Anybody else still wanna play?"

"No." Rachael said firmly, "Actually I'm fading fast. I figure I'm gonna crash until we get to DC."

"I put the bride to sleep!" Helen gasped in mock disgust, "Well this party's a bust. Here." She handed Rachael a packet of aspirin and a bottle of water. After insisting she take them, Helen passed the same out to everyone else, "Guaranteed hangover cure. Trust me on this one." She buzzed the driver and told him to stop at the next rest stop. By the time they got there, they all ran to pee and giggled like children.

They climbed back in the car, still giggling. "Ok, I got one" Lucille said still laughing, "Peeing. Have you ever, you know…"

"Eeewww!" April and Gabriella harmonized and laughed together.

Rachael squirmed, "I went out with this guy who was into it, so I tried it. And …. eeewww."

"I've done it a couple times but mostly with some B/D people I know," Helen said, "Trust me, under the right circumstance, it can be pretty hot."

"I heard the urine whitens teeth." Elizabeth thought, "Granddad had awful bright smile."

This time the whole car groaned.

"Oh ick ick ick!" Hanna suddenly shouted shaking her head and hands.

"What?"

"I just got a mental picture of Grandmomma and Granddad peeing on each other. Oh, that's so wrong."

"Yes it is." Stacy punched her shoulder, "Thank you so much for sharing it, bitch!"

"I got a question," Helen cooed as the groaning faded, "There are six McElroy men. Of the one's you guys haven't done, which would you do if you could. Hanna you are obviously immune to that one."

"Thanks. I could answer about the McElroy women…?" Hanna chuckled slyly.

"Oh, we already know that answer - all of them." Helen teased and Hanna stuck out her tongue.

She bit her lip. As much fun as all this was, these were the wives of the boys. That question could turn into bad blood quickly.

Elizabeth jumped in, "Well, I know it's bride first but for me, this is easy. This don't leave the car, right? 'Cause I only got one left. An' aftah hearin' 'bout you two fo' the last couple months, hell yeah, I'd do Julius if-n I could. I only call him 'daddy'; he ain't no kin ta me."

"George." April said firmly, looking away from Stacy.

"Really?" Stacy asked and April nodded, "Maybe we'll get them drunk and swap." April jumped then looked out the window and nodded again.

"'Cause I'd defiantly put Edward on the short list." Stacy finished.

"Definitely worth it." Elizabeth offered.

"Elizabeth!" April covered her face.

"Not just the tallest of the boys," she went on "but also the 'tallest' by far."

"Oh, yeah?" Helen purred.

"Oh, yeah." Elizabeth chuckled, "Edward, Wilton, Marcus, um, George then Charles."

"Well that put Edward on my list." Rachael quipped.

"Oh God!" April rolled her eyes, "I'll have to rent him out with the boat."

"Sounds like you'd make a profit." Lucille put in, "I haven't met the one, Wilton? But Charles is hot. I mean how small, I mean, you know…"

"Family swap night!" Helen suggested.

"Sick!" April laughed, "You guys are just sick!"

"Sleep!" Lucille said with a laugh, "You guys are just asleep."

Stacy and Gabriella were dozing, leaning against each other. Hanna snuggled in next to Stacy and yawned. Lucille leaned against Rachael. Helen put her head on April's shoulder and patted her lap for Elizabeth to lie down. Helen whispered something to her then after a quick glance to see who was watching, kissed Elizabeth on the lips. Elizabeth giggled and Helen leaned her head back on April's shoulder.

Rachael did not remember fading to sleep but woke with a start to the driver's voice announcing their arrival. They were at the DC waterfront in SW, and after they all woke and got their bearings, Helen paid the driver and they all thanked him with a kiss. Helen then led the way to a charter boat where they were greeted with mimosas and smoked salmon. They watched the sunrise over the Potomac River as they ate eggs benedict and homemade sausage.

"Helen, this was the best." Rachael gushed, "Just the best. Thank you so much."

"Oh," Helen actually blushed and waved the comments off, "I couldn't do what I really wanted."

"What was that?" Stacy asked between bites.

"I'm a member of this club and I wanted to rent the place but it was already booked. I'm missing the club's Christmas party even as we speak."

"They're having the party at 8:30 in the morning?"

"They've been having it since 5:00 last night." When everyone looked confused, "They're not singing carols."

"Ohh." Elizabeth leered at Helen, "Ima come up ta DC an' you an' me gonna have a long talk."

"I don't think we'll do much talking. You think Charles will mind?"

"Not if-n I bring him with me."

"Don't either of you think of anything but sex?" April grumbled.

"No." They said in unison. And laughed; everybody laughed.

It was a cold day but bright and clear. A lovely day to marry a lovely girl JD thought as he tried in vain to straighten his tie. Behind him, Charles and Edward chatted quietly as they dressed. They men folk had been banished to a tent to dress and prepare for the day. The wedding started in another two hours. Until then, they had time to kill in the cold - the heat lamps helped, but did not stop the winter air from creeping in through every crack. JD looked in the mirror at the reflection of his sons. Two out of three ain't bad, he thought, and they were good sons - good men, strong fathers and fine husbands. Better sons than he deserved.

"I wanna thank you two," He said still watching them through the mirror, "No man could ask for a finah pair uh boys than you."

They looked at him and smiled. "We had a good role model." Edward said.

The moment was cut short. Alex ran in breathless, "Uncle Julius! Granddad says you better come up ta'da house."

"He say why?"

The boy shook his head, "Gran-gran's awful upset an' Uncle Wilton wearin' handcuffs an'…"

"Wilton?" Charles was on his feet but Edward was nearly out the door already. JD followed them both to the front yard. April and Elizabeth held a weeping Claudia, Marcus was trying to pull Momma away from a handcuffed Wilton. Behind them, leaning against a state patrol car, was Parker Boson, in uniform. JD walked over to him.

"You wanna tell me what's goin' on here?"

"Takin' the boy to the county lockup, he wants ta stay fo' the weddin'. Miss Rachael said yes, but I ain't taken the cuff off him. Boy's been enough trouble."

JD nodded then stopped, "Miss Rachael said yes? She wants the boy to stay?"

Parker shrugged.

Voiced were raised again and JD looked over in time to see Marcus and Charles pull Edward away from Wilton. Parker yelled out and they both stepped over to the fight.

"Lizzie!" JD snapped, "Take Momma an' Claudia in the house." He turned back to the fiasco, "Edward! Settle yo'self down boy! What's got in ta you?"

Edward pushed Marcus away and turned his back.

JD took a deep breath, "Wilton, what the hell you doin' here, boy?"

He shrugged, "You mah Daddy. I ain't gotta like the woman ta wanna see you happy. You gonna marry her, I wanna be here."

JD closed his eyes. He wanted nothing more than for the whole family united today. But there was too much bad blood - Edward made that clear - for Wilton to stay.

"I mean, I ain't always happy 'round here but," Wilton went on, "ya'll mah family. I love ya'll."

"Oh, Father." JD whispered.

"You sit in the back with yo' Momma, Boy." Marcus growled, "You so much as raise yo' voice an' Ima let Edward take you out fishin' an' I don't think you be comin' back soon."

"Yes, sir." Wilton said softly.

"Charles, go-n get yo' brother. We gonna settle this now."

"Yes, sir." Charles voice faded as him moved off.

Someone put a hand on JD's shoulder, "You ok, Julius?" Parker asked quietly.

"Son…" He stopped and looked at him. The boy had his mother's height and JD's eyes. More than the other two, Wilton was a blend of their features. He had been, JD thought, the culmination of his marriage with Claudia. Now, looking at him made JD wonder about the sense of marrying again. "Son…just - just be good, hear?"

"Yes, sir."

JD looked at the cuffs and sighed, "So whadidya do, son?"

"Nothin'."

"Check fraud." Parker supplied.

"Check fraud?" Edward exploded behind JD, "The som'bitch got more money than he need an' he gets caught passin' bad checks?"

"Easy, Edward, now come on." Marcus took him in hand and JD looked at Wilton again.

"You hurt me, boy. An' ya hurt a good woman who ain't done no harm by you."

"She took you from Momma."

"Yo' Momma took herseff from me when -" JD caught himself. The boys did not know how long their mother had been with Parker and this was not the time to tell them, "Miss Rachael weren't part uh that, boy. You wanna know what happened 'tween yo momma an' me, you go on an' ask her. Meantime, I don't want no one here who fixin' to ruin her day."

Wilton's brow knit, "It's yor day too. How come ain't nobody care if-n you happy too?"

From Wilton, it made perfect twisted logic. Make the family happy, damn anyone who got in the way.

"It's my day too, son. Thank you. Come on. We just about ta say a prayer 'fore this all starts then you can come back out here an' sit with yo' Momma an' Parker through the service." JD turned and headed back to the men's tent. 'Steady, boy, steady.' he though to himself - if he found all this an emotional weight, he would never get through the wedding. He went in and checked his tie in the mirror more to allow whoever followed him in that to fix the damn blasted tie. He closed his eyes and counted to ten. Behind him, Marcus cleared his throat.

"We ready when you is, Julius."

He turned around. They had left a space for him between Marcus and Wilton. The circle included Charles, George, Alex, Peter and Edward. Little Robert stood in front of his father's legs. Edward glared at Wilton for a moment then looked at the ground. JD took his place and held his son's hand for the first time in a long time.

"Heavenly Father…" he began then paused, "I know this is hard for you boys, but I cannot tell you how much this means to me to have you all here." He heard a whispering shuffle as Parker joined the circle. "Father, we come before you as humble men." He thought of all the things he wished for his family and the future and said them. He asked for unity and forgiveness. "And strength, Lord, 'cause that woman's gonna need all you can give me. I don't know why ya sent her, Father, but I'm awful glad you did. In Jesus name we pray," Everyone joined the "Amen."

JD turned and hugged Wilton. "I'm glad you here, boy."

"I'm glad I'm here, too, Daddy." When they let go, Charles stepped over and hugged Wilton too. JD felt tears in his eyes. George hugged Wilton but when Wilton turned to Edward, the room turned cold.

"I can't. I'm sorry. I can't." He looked away from JD and stared hard at Wilton, "Stay away from April. And stay the hell away from Joan-n-Jean." He stalked out of the tent and JD turned to follow him.

Marcus stopped him, "Let him be, Julius. Ain't gonna fix that one today."

Parker put a hand on JD's shoulder, "Julius, congratulations. I'm gonna go get this one settled in. I'll make we see you before we leave."

"Thank you, Parker." JD looked at Wilton again and swallowed hard, "I expect ta you see 'fore you leave, boy."

"Yes, sir." he and Parker left the tent.

JD looked at Marcus. "Am I uh damned fool?"

"Yeah." Marcus smiled, "But you always been the smart one in the family, so what do that make me?"

"We ain't always been good to each other."

"An' we ain't like ta start. But you my brother an' Ima always love you." It was like being crushed by a bear when Marcus hugged him. JD closed his eyes and fought back the tears.

Edward interrupted them, "Daddy, they ready for us."

JD pulled away from Marcus and checked himself in the mirror again. Top hats and gloves - he should have had them all wear hats and gloves but it was too late for that now. He tried to straighten his tie again and Edward untied it with a laugh.

"Here, Dad, let me." He retied the knot and got it to lie straight. "Look about earlier. I'm sorry but…"

"Don't." JD stopped him, "Don't ever apologize fo' protectin' them. I'm proud of you, Edward. You a good man. I'm glad you by my side today."

"Me too." They walked together to the main tent and took their places in line under the willow tree. The family reverend was Candice's elder brother, James, and JD embraced him warmly.

"Thought you retired, Rev."

"I manage to get on my feet once or twice a year." The man smiled, "I'm glad I could be here for you."

They spoke for another minute then JD turned and saw them all standing together. Black suits and light green vests. The McElroy men, all polished, made a fine looking bunch. He could not help smiling. He glanced around and found his mother. He kissed her cheek. Then he said a word or gave a kiss to his daughters-in-law and his nieces. When the music started, he had to hurry back to his proper place in line.

Joan, Jean and Robert were the first ones down the aisle, looking just as cute as possible. Mid way down, Robert began to cry and the girls had to nearly drag him. JD was closer than either of the boy's parents, so he picked the child up and carried him the rest of the way with the girls. The girls parted ways with him, each kissing a cheek.

"Thanks, Granddad." "Congratulations, Granddad." Their voices blended and he wasn't sure which said what. He handed Robert to Charles and saw Edward give Jean and affectionate squeeze.

Beth was nearly down the aisle and Gracie was already following behind her. JD meet them both with a compliment and a kiss. They were followed by Lucille and Gabriella, JD hugged them both. When Helen reached him, JD smiled and whispered in her ear, "You gonna get yors later, I understand." She answered back with a smile that was not demure. He resisted swatting her butt as she went by.

Then everyone stood and JD heard the response before he saw Rachael. He had expected grace and beauty - she was an elegant woman. He had expected her to be lovely. But when she turned down the aisle and came toward him she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. She handed her bouquet to Helen and reached for JD's hand.

He was paralyzed, "Christ almighty." He breathed.

"Junior!" Marcus hissed behind him, "Come on, boy."

He snapped out of it and gave his brother a lopsided grin before taking Rachael's hand and walking before Rev James.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here…."

She was radiant. She could not have been lovelier. And she was there for him. To marry him. As they said all the traditional words, he could see in her eyes how intently she meant them. He hoped she knew how deeply he meant them as well. Then Rev James asked about the ring and JD smiled. The first of a few surprises he had planned for the day.

"Marcus…" he reached back and took the box offered him. Reaching for her hand, he said, "Close yo eyes, Willow."

"JD?"

"Hush up, now, woman, an' close yo' eyes."

She closed them and put out her hand. He slipped the ring on her finger. It was not the simple gold band they used in the rehearsal - he wanted her to have something more, something, well, something as glorious as she. "With this ring, I thee wed."

She opened her eyes and gasped. "Oh my god." Twenty-six diamonds - one for each year of her life. Rev. James asked if Rachael had JD's ring and she stammered through her part of the ceremony. If anyone knew why they should not join, everyone held their peace. When he was finally given permission to kiss her, JD hesitated.

"What, you done become shy now?" Charles snickered.

JD shot him a look over his shoulder but lifted Rachael's veil slowly. He took her hands in his own and their lips meet softly. He longed to really kiss her - bend her backwards over the roots of this old tree and put grass stains all over that lovely white dress - but he knew there was much hand shaking and dancing before they were going to be able to exit with any good grace. "Later." He whispered and pulled away. When they walked down the aisle together hand in hand, there was much applause.

Then chaos reigned as the organized flow of the traditional ceremony dissolved into the reception. The caterers brought in tables and quickly converted the neat rows of audience to dining and dancing space. Peter's voice came over a speaker system.

"Testing, testing. Hi. Everyone. We're gonna start the music shortly but me-n-Alex-n-Gracie got our gift to Granddad and Miss Rachael. Grandma Rachael, I mean, I guess. Boy, that's weird." He hadn't meant to say it into the mike and flushed slightly when laughter drifted throughout the room. "Any way, uh, congratulations and uh, we hope you enjoy this." Alex and Gracie joined Peter under the willow tree and the three consulted each other. Then Alex began playing a guitar and Gracie announced, "Uh, Let it be me. The Everlys? I think."

JD hugged Rachael tightly and moved closer to the performance. When they finished, everyone cheered and Rachael smiled through tears.

"I don't care what else we get, that was the best gift of the day!" she gushed hugging them.

After that, there was food and wine. Marcus made a toast that was half prayer and half commentary on JD's stamina. Rachael threw her bouquet which Helen caught and JD had a great deal of fun pulling Rachael's garter belt off and tossing it neatly into the hands of one of the deckhands. They cut the wedding cake without smashing it into anyone's face. Finally, someone announced the first official dance of Mr. and Mrs. Julius Davidson McElroy.

He took Rachael's hand, "That would be us." And led her on to the dance floor. 'You Are Everything' played as held her tightly and whispered, "Willow, Ima 'bout done wit' these folk."

"Oh, really?" she whispered back. "And what were you thinking that we just sneak down to the gazebo without anyone noticing?"

"Now that is an idea." He considered it for a moment, "Naw, they'd likely notice the bride an' groom gone missin'."

"You think."

"I figure we just throw 'em all out and head on in ta the house."

"JD we can not just throw out 200 people."

"We can try."

"You wanted the wedding," She laughed kissing him lightly, "You just have to wait."

"I'm an old man, Willow, I ain't got time ta wait."

She laughed at him and he held her closer. They danced for a few more songs before Marcus cut in and JD danced with Candice for a while. By the end of the night, JD figured he must have danced twice with every walking woman in the room. He was dancing with Claudia when Parker nodded to him from the doorway. "I want you ta know, Claudia, that I'm right happy for you an' Parker."

"Thank you, Julius. I hope this works out for you an' Miss Rachael. I truly do."

"You did a fine job raising our boys. I know I wasn't much help to ya."

"You did the best you could, Julius. The boys love you."

"Wilton…"

"Was a willful child. Born hard headed. Wasn't nothing either of us coulda done. Only one who ever got through to him was your daddy and Parker."

He looked at Claudia for a moment. He almost asked her if there was a reason for that. She had known Parker for a long time. But he stopped himself. It did not matter. "You a good woman, Claudia Boson. Come on." He lead her gently out to see Wilton off. Rachael followed them out but waited a few feet behind.

They shook hands, father and son. "Take care uh yo'self, son. I expect to see you home again at some point."

Wilton shrugged. "I ain't do nothin'. I be home soon."

"Get in the car, boy." Parker sounded disgusted as he closed the car door behind Wilton and pull JD aside, "They got him on video, Julius. Damn fool wrote the bad check while in line at the bank to cash it."

JD groaned, "Can't even be a smart criminal."

"Anyway, they like ta throw the book at the boy this time. He got an attorney on retainer - Charles won't touch him - but he's gonna serve some jail time, no two ways about it."

"Threaten' ta tell you is what kept him in line fo' a couple uh years. Then, well, after Claudia and I made it official, he just can't seem to stay straight. I'm sorry, Julius, I truly am. We just kept hoping…."

"Don't blame yo'self. I'm the boy's father; I shoulda been more attentive." He took a deep breath and put his hand out, "You got a long drive ahead uh you."

Parker shook his head, "Short drive, long night." He glanced at Claudia, "She trying ta act like she ain't upset by all this but…" He paused, "You think one of the boys would mind takin' her straight home and sitting with her til I get back?"

"I'll get Charles to run'er out."

Parker nodded, gave Claudia a brief goodbye and left. JD put his arm around Claudia and walked her back to the tent. As he passed Rachael, he put the other arm around her. "Now, I don't want ta see no more sad faces, hear? This here's a happy day. Edward," He waved the man over, "Dance with this young woman." He handed Claudia over and circled both arms around Rachael, "Can I throw 'em all out, now?"

"No." she giggled, "You need to learn patience."

"I have another gift fo' ya. Can't show you 'til we alone. So anytime you wanna know what in that fancy red box on that gift table, you just let me know." He kissed her then let her go and wandered back to the buffet. The problem of being the guest of honor was that you never got to eat at these things. He got a bite or two down before Joan and Jean found him and claimed another dance. Half an hour later, he noticed that there were considerably fewer guests around and that the caterers were cleaning up.

He found Rachael saying goodbye to several family members and he shook hands warmly with them. When they took their leave, she nibbled his ear, "What's in the box, JD?"

"You'll find eventually, I suppose."

Twenty minutes later, it was down to just the immediate family. Charles and Lizzie were taking Claudia home; Edward and April were taking Momma with them so that JD and Rachael could have the house to themselves for the night. Rachael said goodbye then slipped back to the gift table. A minute later she was back, "Where's my red box, Julius?"

"Why don't you run on upstairs an' see if-n you can find it." Helen should have most of it unpacked by now, he thought. He looked at the rest of him family, "I love you all, but I'm gonna have to ask you all ta leave now. I see ya all 'round noon tomorrow fo' Christmas dinner."

Marcus groused, "Ain't like half uh Northern Neck ain't heard the two uh you goin' at it. Throwin' us out on Christmas eve, no less." Candice kissed JD's cheek as she prodded her husband out.

"You two have fun, Julius. Congratulations."

"Thank, you darlin'."

Julius waited for everyone to pull off, waving good night from the front porch. Then he locked the doors and turned out all the first floor lights. He made his way upstairs and into the bathroom where he showered and brushed his teeth. Finally, he put on his robe and made his way to the bedroom he shared with his new wife.

He found her just as he expected - naked, blindfolded, gagged, tied eagle spread to the mattress, with Helen between her legs teasing her lightly.

"Well, you took your sweet time." Helen pouted.

"Were you bored, Miss Helen?"

"Oh, no." She rubbed her fingers through Rachael's pussy, "and I don't think I have ever seen a happier bride."

JD took Helen's hand and gently sucked Rachael's juices off her fingers, then kissed her lips and found Rachael's taste there as well. "Mmmmm. You have been keepin' busy, haven't ya?"

He leaned over Rachael and kissed her lips softly, "You alright, Willow?" she nodded and moaned, "Good, good. I'm not gonna make you wait long, I promise. But I wanna thank Miss Helen fo' all she done fo' us. An' I won'ed you ta have som'thin' new outta it." He looked over her squirming body. He could smell her sex strongly in the air. Not jumping on her and eating through her was making him almost as crazy as being tied down was making her. He could not resist sucking her nipples briefly and smiled as he heard her groan against the gag. "You ain't nevah done nothin' like this, have ya?" She shook her head. "Good, good. You jus' relax an' enjoy, now, Willow. Ima take care uh Miss Helen and then Ima take care uh you. Then you an' yo' friend kin do as ya please with me. You like that idea, doncha now?" She moaned and nodded her head. JD smiled, kissed her again then turned his attention to Helen, who was still dressed and sitting between Rachael's legs.

"Miss Bogud, I owe you uh debt uh gratitude for which I can nevah fully repay you. You are always welcome in this home, ya hear?"

"Why thank you JD. But I really haven't done much."

"To me, you've given me everything. When you convinced her ta tell me how she felt about me, you gave me the love uh my life. An' when I was stupid enough to turn her out, you gave the kick in the pants I needed ta go an' get her back. Ms. Helen," he paused and stroked her cheek softly, "I can't thank you enough."

"JD, I didn't do a thing but get eaten by a couple friends. Everything else was on you guys."

"Nevertheless, I for one, am grateful. So I'd like ta show you my appreciation." He took her hand and pulled her into his arms, "Have I told you what uh beautiful woman you are?"

"Why, no JD, you haven't."

"You are." He kissed her neck. Helen was an inch or two shorter so it was easy to run his lips along her collarbone while unzipping her dress. "Miss Bogud, were you aware that you are not wearin' uh bra?" He asked as he slid her dress off her shoulders.

"Oh, I gave that to the gentleman with the garter belt. Very talented seamen you have there."

"Men? That's the plural form, my dear." He kissed down her spine and slipped his hands around her breasts, "Not that you are not amply endowed enough to satisfy any number of men."

"Oooh, that's nice." she cooed, "Some of his crewmates joined us."

"You are insatiable, Miss Helen." He moved around front and began sucking her nipples.

"Oh, Rachael, this feels so good. He's so good with his tongue." She moaned, running her fingers through his hair.

JD kept his hands busy pulling her dress all the way off while letting his lips wander across her chest. He nipped her gently, biting occasionally just to hear Helen gasp. He caresses her naked form and steered her wordlessly to the head of the bed. He helped her straddle Rachael's face and lay down next to his squirming wife. He kissed Helen's belly softly and let his kisses work downward slowly. By the time his tongue touched Helen's slit, both women were mewing softly. He ate Helen, periodically touching his lips to Rachael's nose or lip. Rachael shook under him while Helen writhed above him. He made the tactical error of sliding one hand around Helen's butt so he could lick her more deeply and she took the advantage and held his face in place. He could hear her crying out loudly as she came, rubbing her sex into his beard and mustache. He heard himself moaning as well. She let him go eventually and they both collapsed against Rachael.

"JD, you know what I want now?" Helen panted.

"Yo' wish is mah command, darlin'." JD hoped his heart lasted long enough for that.

Helen crawled, doggie-style, on top of Rachael, "Fuck me."

A leer played across JD face, "I think I can manage that." He moved behind her and reached underneath her to tickle Rachael's slit, "Jus' wan'ed ta make sure she payin' attention." Helen moaned in response and JD realized that her mouth was full with Rachael's tit.

He skipped any preamble and slid his aching erection into Helen dripping slit. "Oh Lord, our savior!" He gasped as Helen's pulsing slit seemed to tighten around him. He tried to hold her still as he marveled in the sensation. After a few minutes of bliss, he marshaled his reserves and began slowly moving in and out of her. He kept a slow pace, enjoying the surprisingly tight feel of Helen's slit and the feeling of Rachael's wet snatch rubbing against his balls.

It had been almost two years since the last time the three of them had been together. That night, JD had barely had the energy satisfy Rachael. He had been working on his endurance for tonight, though. Tonight, if never again, both of these women would wake up smiling. It was hard to keep a steady pace with Rachael and Helen both writhing beneath him. The two would be enough to keep a young man busy; he was hard put to maintain the slow strokes that Miss Helen was bucking against. He only stopped once - when he felt her kegels clamp down around him.

Finally, she apparently reached her limit, "JD!" she hissed, all but breathless with frustration, "If you don't fuck me right now, I swear…"

He didn't let her finish the threat, he just took a tight hold of her hips and banged her for all he was worth. Helen cried out with every in stroke and this time, when her kegels clamped down again, JD let himself go and a few strokes later, came himself. "Ooh my God!" He slumped against Helen's back, "You one hellova woman, Helen."

"Oh God." Rachael gasped. JD smiled; Helen must have taken the gag off. "I've never been so hot in my life! Please fuck me - one of you - I don't care who." He rolled next to Helen with a deep sigh.

"See if-n you kin keep her quiet. I got somethin' fo' her."

"I could gag her again." Helen purred, "Of course, then it will be me making all the noise."

"You do that." He sat up and reached into Rachael's nightstand drawer. He used her favorite vibrator inside her slit as he licked and sucked the rest of her pussy. If she hadn't been tied down, he doubted she could have stayed as still as she was. Helen sat on her face and moaned constantly as JD ate Rachael through at least two orgasms, pausing periodically to steal kisses from Helen.

When he was hard again, he untied Rachael's legs, tossed the vibrator aside and lifted her hips to slide into her. He buried his face in Helen cleavage and tried to hold on to both women. He tried to hold out for as long as he could but listening to both women cry out in tandem with the overwhelming scent of sex in the air was too much for him and much sooner than he wanted, JD was swearing and jerking as his second climax overtook him.

He leaned against Helen, sweating and panting, "Oh, my sweet Lord. Oh Jesus. I swear you two gonna be the death uh me." Helen climbed off Rachael and together Helen and JD untied Rachael from the bed and removed the remaining bindings. JD kissed both women soundly, "Thank you. Thank you both." The three lay together for a few minutes to catch their breaths.

Just as JD was beginning to drift off to sleep, he heard Helen whisper in a sing-song voice, "Rachael, did you show JD his new toy yet?"

"Mmmm, no." Rachael answered. She sat up with renewed energy, "I almost forgot it. Come on, Methuselah."

"You an evil woman, you know that?" he yawned, stretched and allowed himself to be tied eagle spread where Rachael was earlier. Helen blindfolded him but when she reached for the gag, Rachael stopped her.

"It's better if I can hear him. He says the most amazing things."

He was reasonably comfortable and although he usually preferred to be unbound, he had to admit that sometimes, letting Rachael have her way with his body, had been astoundingly erotic. Right now, he could feel two pairs of hands caressing his body, occasionally pinching his nipples causing him to gasp, or stroke his cock, which made him groan. He felt a pair of soft lips brush past his balls and he moaned knowing that it was unlikely that he'd be able to sustain another erection tonight. "That's mighty nice, but you tryin' ta wake the dead 'bout now." After some concentrated attention from both women, JD found that he indeed had some untapped strength. They played with him, keeping him erect but not really doing more than that.

Then someone's tongue slithered into his anus.

"Sweet holy Christ!" JD jumped as his nerves fired at once. He could feel both mouths kissing his ass and tonguing him. "Oh good heavens! Oh my lord!" He didn't know why anal play made him so verbal, but it did and he was incapable of stopping it. Something small slipped into his ass and he squirmed a bit. He hollered a bit when it began vibrating. "Glory, Jesus Hallelujah! Oh my God, woman!" He panted trying to catch his breath and adjust to the waves of ecstatic pleasure flowing through him. He gave up when the vibrations increased. He was almost weeping when the vibrations went up yet another notch and a warm wet mouth slide down over his cock. "Mercy, mercy!" He groaned. He tried to reach down and found his arms still securely tied. "Oh God!"

He didn't remember cumming. Or falling asleep. Just waking to feeling horribly, wonderfully abused, with Rachael on one side of him and Helen on the other. Christmas morning.

'Life' he thought, 'is a gift.'