"Hey, look," Miguel shouted, "they have palm trees down here."

Thomas and Miguel were both jumping back and forth across the bus and gawking out the windows on both sides as the Sea of Cortez came into sight. The huge expanse of blue water reached away to the horizon and San Carlos lay before them, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra de Bacochibampo.

The pleasant little cove was filled with sailboats and motor yachts. Quite the retirement zone, CJ thought. He pulled the bus into the parking lot of the Plaza Las Glorias Hotel and found a nice spot to park on a hill overlooking the docks that stretched out into the bay.

"This is a nice place; look at the coconuts on that palm. Hey Miguel, ever climb a palm tree?" Matt asked.

"What, are you kidding? There aren't any palm trees in Wisconsin."

"I tried it in Florida once when I was younger, it's a bitch," Thomas said.

"Well don't try and climb any of these, the hotel might get pissed," CJ said. "Matt, let's go check in and see where we can leave the bus. You boys go down to the marina and see if we can rent a boat for a tour of the coast around here. That might be fun."

"Aye Aye, Captain," Thomas replied with a salute, "do you want a sixty or seventy foot yacht?"

"Wise guy, how about a whaler or runabout. Just go see what's available."

They checked in at the reception desk and discovered that the travel agent had booked two fine adjoining rooms overlooking the water. When he inquired about renting a Jeep the manager didn't quite know what to tell him, maybe they would have to get one in Guaymas up the coast. A cute young porter brought their luggage up to the rooms and after tipping the boy they both stood on the long balcony overlooking the bay.

"Hey, I could retire here," Matt said.

"Don't think it hasn't crossed my mind. Imagine a life of luxury, surrounded by young men who cater to your every whim, warm sunshine in the winter, fishing off our own yacht, blonde surfer boys hanging out on deck in lounge chairs waiting for an invitation to go to bed..."

"Yeah, sounds a little too easygoing for me though," Matt admitted, "I'm not ready to settle down that far just yet."

"Yup, same here, we both need to get a life first. I think we should hang out here for a day or two, do the beach and the boating, maybe go fishing. But I do need to find a four wheel drive since I promised to take Thomas up the coast," CJ said.

"You mean like that one?" Matt said.

He pointed over the rail at a tan colored Jeep. On close inspection it wasn't tan, just covered in dust but it had racks on the outside with extra fuel and water cans attached.

"Yeah, looks like he just came in from the desert too, that's what we need. Maybe I can find the driver and see where he got it," CJ said.

"Here come the boys," Matt replied.

They watched as the two lads made their way up the grassy slope from the marina, a fine looking pair of boys.

"Maybe we do have a life after all, Matt."

"Let's hope the meeting with Miguel's dad goes well, I could lose my boy real fast if it doesn't," Matt said.

"I suppose we had better find out how to get in touch with him today, maybe we can just ask the manager downstairs," CJ said.

The boys had found themselves a rental boat, a sixteen foot runabout, complete with fishing gear if necessary. As they all separated to change into some proper attire CJ was able to have a short talk with Thomas.

"So you know why we came to San Carlos, has Miguel mentioned anything to you about his feelings towards finding his father?"

"Yes, he's nervous," Thomas said. "I think he's worried that this might in some way end his relationship with us. If his father has any suspicions, this could be a bad thing. You know, I believe he really loves Matt."

"He sure has a strange way of showing it sometimes," CJ replied.

"Damn, listen to me. Here I am defending the relationship between a gay man and his lover. I find that strange, a week ago I probably would have been putting them down."

"Why Thomas, we all grow up sometime, you just needed a good look at the real world."

"I had a good guide, CJ."

The boy was changing into his bathing suit he stood naked for a moment and the sight of the boy's beautiful body made CJ smile. Such a wonderful lad, good thing I met Blake first. He hurried them all down to the lobby for another chat with the manager.

"I suppose you are acquainted with Carlos Alvarez?" CJ asked the man.

"Oh, yes. He is a fine man, has a big house out by the country club where he and his family raise horses. His office is downtown, off the Guaymas-San Carlos Highway; it's a very modern building. You can't miss it."

CJ thanked him for the information and they went out looking for a taxi. Miguel had never considered that the man might have re-married and possibly had other children. A step mother and step brothers or sisters? His head was swimming as they caught a cab towards town. It seemed that the office was the logical place to find him in the middle of the day.

The building was somewhat modern in appearance, but it still looked like a police station. Matt and Miguel secretly held hands during the cab ride but now it was time to part. CJ was going to walk the boy in and do all the talking. Matt and Thomas walked across the street to a small restaurant as CJ and Miguel entered the building

The officer at the desk smiled at them believing them to be tourists seeking information. Miguel inquired in his best schoolboy Spanish after Mr. Alvarez. Oh, the commissioner was just finishing up a meeting down the street and was due back any minute, would they care to wait?

They had been sitting on the bench in the lobby for only a short time, Miguel's heart racing and CJ working out the various angles of approach he might take, when Mr. Alvarez arrived.

A handsome gentleman, in his early forties, came through the door wearing a sharp business suit and escorted by several other assistant types. One look told CJ that this was the long sought Carlos Alvarez. He looked all business and no bullshit, would this be tough? Alvarez hurried down the hall and CJ approached the desk again. Miguel sat with tears in his eyes, his whole body trembling with fear. CJ asked the officer if they could please see the Commissioner, it was very important. The officer picked up a phone and spoke to someone. He smiled as he put down the phone and said the Commissioner's secretary would see them down the hall.

CJ put his arm on Miguel's shoulder and squeezed hard as they walked down the hall.

"Get a grip, my friend. Daddy awaits us, why he's almost as handsome as you."

Miguel tried a brave smile, but still trembled as they reached the office door. The secretary was a nice young woman who asked the nature of their business, the commissioner had a busy schedule today.

"You might tell the Commissioner I have brought his son all the way from the United States," CJ said.

Her eyes got wide and she smiled as she picked up the phone to the inner office. Within seconds the door was flung wide and Mr. Alvarez rushed out.

"Hello, Papa," Miguel said in Spanish.

"Miguel, is it really you?"

It was better than he expected, CJ thought, as the two rediscovered each other. The hug they shared was genuine and there were tears all around, including the secretary who just seemed embarrassed to be witnessing the little family reunion. Miguel began to tell his father the story of how he had come to arrive like this but Mr. Alvarez hustled them into the office and sat down on the couch with his son.

CJ quickly introduced himself and then sat silently by as the story unfolded. After a few sentences, Miguel looked over at CJ and switched back to English. Mr. Alvarez replied in kind, his English seemed almost flawless.

This will take some time, CJ thought. I suppose that Matt will have to hang tough until Miguel works out where and what he wants to do now. CJ's thoughts were broken by the sudden turn of attention in his direction.

"Mr. James, how ever can I thank you?" Alvarez said. "I am so happy that you have been the instrument of my great joy this day. Miguel told me briefly of your meeting and I am grateful that you have safely delivered him to me. You are a kind man and shall always be a great friend to my family. Since Miguel tells me you have traveled here for vacation in San Carlos, please, anything I can do to help you during your stay....just ask."

"You are most kind, Commissioner. You have a fine young man for a son and it has been my pleasure to meet up with him. I see now that all my concerns are over. I give you joy for your reunited family, sir."

"Yes, thank you. Now, please, you must come to my house for dinner this evening. I understand that you have several others in your party, Miguel calls them friends and you are all welcome into my home," Alvarez said.

"Please, tell Matt and Thomas that Papa and I will see them later," Miguel said. "We have much to discuss about the future. Oh, and tell Matt we'll take that boat ride tomorrow if that's ok? I think I had better meet the family today and ...I'll have some answers tomorrow."

Alvarez spoke to his secretary, and it sounded like he was canceling the rest of his work day. He gave CJ a smile and told him to come by for dinner and drinks about eight, he would send his driver to pick them up at the hotel. They shook hands, and as they left Miguel gave him a wink and a smile. So far so good.

CJ walked across the street to his companions, less one now. Matt was dying to know what had happened and as CJ told of the meeting he felt Thomas' hand slide into his own under the table.

"So it went well, oh Thank God," Matt said.

"Matt was sure Mr. Alvarez would see right through Miguel's story and we'd all be arrested for being queer," Thomas said.

"I thought you were straight?" CJ said.

Thomas blushed and just about tore his hand off.

"You know what I mean," the boy replied.

"Does Miguel seem alright with his father? You know I have a million questions," Matt said.

"They seemed to hit it off right from the start," CJ said. "I suppose this will give Miguel a lot to think about and I don't want you to worry either. I think his father realizes he has a young adult on his hands. He certainly didn't treat him as a child. Miguel promises to go boating with you tomorrow, we'll all find out about what he's thinking then. Tonight we put on good face and have a real Mexican family dinner, whatever that brings, ok?"

They returned to the hotel and with six hours to kill before the dinner at the Alvarez ranch, they decided to go boating. CJ inquired at the desk about the Jeep in the parking lot, did they know of the owner's whereabouts? Yes, also a gentleman from the United States, another guest at the hotel. He was not in his room at the moment.

They decided to walk down to the marina and admire the boats. Thomas seemed to be doing his best to take Matt's mind off of his troubles. CJ was grateful for the help, what a thoughtful boy. They talked about the various boats as they walked the piers with CJ lagging behind in thought.

He sat on a bench as the guys walked down a particularly long pier. There was a neat little sailboat docked in front of him and he watched as the two deckhands washed her down, clad only in very revealing cutoff shorts. Handsome lads these locals, and then he noticed, with a start the boat's name written on the stern. She was the Lucky Lambda of Venice Beach, CA, and yes, it could only mean one thing.

CJ was now much more interested in the boat and its shirtless washers. Out from the cabin appeared a tall man, handsome good looks, probably about thirty-five CJ guessed. The guy spoke in Spanish to the lads on deck and they all laughed. He gave CJ a nod and a smile and hopped onto the pier just as Matt and Thomas were returning from their walk. CJ could not help but notice the man almost fell off the pier when he saw Thomas. Affects me the same way, he thought. The man nodded at the new arrivals and CJ decided to test the waters.

"Nice boat, Skipper, you from up north?"

"Yeah, Glen Hendricks," he replied, putting out a friendly hand.

"Glad to meet you, Glen, I'm CJ and this is Matt and a young friend of mine, Thomas."

They all shook hands now and it was obvious that Glen just couldn't keep his eyes off Thomas.

"Well, I must say," Glen chuckled, "you have good taste in friends. You guys in town for vacation?"

"Yes, thought we'd take in the sights and do a little boating ourselves," Matt replied.

CJ gave Matt a nod towards the stern of the boat and smiled when his friend caught the significance of the name painted there.

"So what brings you down from Venice? The muscle boys run the gays off the beach again?" CJ asked.

"No, nothing like that," Glen laughed, "Just escape, pure and simple."

"About the same here. Are you staying at the hotel?" CJ asked.

"Yes, nice place, I keep a room there. The owner and I have been friends for several years. We've been out doing some desert crawling too the past couple of days," Glen said.

"Oh, is that your dusty Jeep up there?" CJ asked.

"Sure is, she needs a bath real bad."

So, CJ had found the Jeep's owner and he was gay to boot. This was sounding better all the time. The four of them walked to the small cantina at the end of the pier and Glen introduced them to the local beer which wasn't half bad. Thomas went wandering off down the pier and three heads watched his lithe body as he moved away. CJ smiled.

"I caught the name on your boat otherwise I might have just passed on by. This looks like paradise for the gay crowd, how come we never hear about it?"

"What? Think we ought to give away all the best hideouts?" Glen said.

"Guess we won't find any gay beaches or Queen Streets here?" Matt asked.

"You got that right. But I do have to ask CJ, where did you ever find an Adonis like that? He's quite a looker, you lucky devil," Glen said.

"He's a real sweet boy, smart as they come too. As for finding him, I think he found me. All my best relationships seem to happen that way. We were just planning to do a drive up the coast since I have permission to look for native artifacts from the Mexican government," CJ offered.

"You do? Wow, that's a hard thing to come by," Glen said.

CJ explained his meeting with the Inspector in Nogales and the Director of the museum in Hermosillo. Glen seemed impressed and volunteered that he was a doctor, and had been a damn good internist with a large city hospital in LA.

"I grew up down here though, spent the summers fishing and just knew I'd spend the rest of my life on a boat. Let me tell you guys, living in the big city just ain't what it's cracked up to be. Between the gangs and drugs, my work was just getting me down something awful, I had to leave. Last year I just said the hell with it and packed up."

"How about the gay issue?" CJ asked. "Do the people here have a hard time with that?"

"Oh sure, the locals are still rednecks. But there are almost a hundred gay men and women living here, some year round. We have a quiet little community and keep it to ourselves. We're far from the mainstream, almost like being pioneers. Slowly I think we've managed to win over the respect of the business owners here. Many of the new shops and restaurants you'll patronize are owned by members of the family."

CJ explained about Miguel and Glen listened with rapt attention. He smiled at Matt and laid a friendly hand on his shoulder.

"Don't worry, your friend will find his way back to you. He sounds like a keeper and his father is a well respected city official, a genuinely good man. I have those two boys on the boat, Juan and Stephen. Good Catholic boys you know, go to church on Sunday and crew for me on short trips. They fight over who gets to sleep in my bed, it's an ego boost like you wouldn't believe," Glen said.

"How did you find any gay locals?" Matt asked.

"Oh, that's a great story. I caught them on the beach about six months ago. Put myself ashore in the dinghy late one night after anchoring up the coast a ways. Quiet beach, deserted too, or so I thought. It was the kind of moonlit night I just love to build a fire and swim naked. I went looking in the dunes for some firewood and caught these two boys having a rollicking good fuck with each other. Quite a shock for all of us, they begged me not to tell and I didn't, just joined the party. They're such good boys too. I think they feel protected working for me."

"So I'm not the only lucky devil in town, but look, we have to get ourselves ready for the big dinner tonight. Any customs we should be aware of?" CJ asked.

"Naw, just be yourself. But be prepared to drink a lot of liquids, the food can be hot as hell so you might need something to wash it down."

With plans made to meet for breakfast, they said their farewells and CJ went looking for Thomas. He was down the street in a gift shop talking with a native girl and her mother. Spread on the counter before them were several pottery pieces that looked ancient.

"Hey guy, what have you got here?" CJ asked.

"They found these wonderful pot shards up the coast, many of the locals probably pick through the ruins for artifacts, but they want a fortune for them," Thomas said.

"The question is actually, are these something you want?" CJ said in reply.

"Oh no, CJ, don't spend your money."

"What did I tell you about money? How much?"

"About two hundred dollars," Thomas said.

CJ turned to the woman and offered her sixty bucks, she shook her head and they finally settled on eighty, CJ gave her a hundred dollar bill.

"Don't give in to their first offer; you have to haggle in this society. Come on, we need to clean up and get ready for dinner."

Thomas scooped up his purchases and they returned to the room. In three hours they would be sitting at the table with Miguel's new family, what did one wear? CJ chose his best blue blazer and Princeton tie. Thomas was deciding between the blue shirt that matched his eyes or the white shirt to go with his new blazer. CJ was trimming a fingernail when he felt the boy's hands on his shoulders. Looking up he saw that winning smile and accepted the kiss that came his way.

"What was that for?"

"I just decided that you deserved a kiss. I don't kiss just any guy, you understand, but you're special," Thomas said.

CJ turned and pulled the boy down onto his lap.

"What am I going to do with you? In just two days, I've grown very fond of you, did you know that?"

"I care about you too, CJ ....I..."

"No don't say it," CJ said. "You have to understand my feelings about us first. I know you've been looking for a father figure, ever since your own died and left you with an empty spot in your heart, that's very normal. Along comes this guy and treats you kindly and cares about you so very much and you respond. You're vulnerable to me, Thomas. I don't think this a bad thing because I think you have a strong head on your shoulders and hopefully you will think hard about what you and I together means.

"Remember, I am a gay man in life, not just in bed. So I know where this is going and it shouldn't get there too fast, you have to give it time before you make any pronouncements that may affect the rest of your life…and mine."

"I....yes, I know you're right. The gay thing matters less all the time, ya know. I look at you differently now. Maybe, as you say, I'm vulnerable...but I want to be, I feel safe in your arms. Oh...damn, CJ...I really think I love you."

"Yes, my beautiful boy, I think you do. It's the most wonderful feeling in the world to love someone."

"Do you love me back?" Thomas asked.

"From the minute I laid eyes on you I knew that you were something very special. When I saw Glen staring at you today, I could almost see you through his eyes and knew that you were someone I truly loved. Remember, Thomas, we still have so much to learn about each other."

"Yes, I know," Thomas said.

CJ had very mixed emotions at this moment. He could love this kid deeply but he knew his heart belonged to Blake. After all this time, why had life presented him with such a quandary?

"I suppose we ought to get ready," CJ said, but neither of them moved.

"CJ...do you want to have sex with me?" Thomas said quietly.

CJ smiled and placed a hand gently on the boy's cheek. "Of course I do, but I am committed to another. I would love to introduce you to the wonderful gay world of sex, but you know I can't."

"I suppose..."Thomas replied. He looked so sad after saying that.

"If I had met you before committing myself to Blake anything would have been possible. I am just as committed to you, but in a different way. I know you want to experiment...to learn what it means to be gay, but it can't be with me. It hurts me to disappoint you. I want you to understand that. I never want you to get hurt."

"But I do hurt...why do I feel this way?"

"Because all of a sudden you feel something so deeply it takes over, I understand that completely. We're both in pain at the moment so why don't we just try and console each other. Let's make our friendship...our love...be the solution to that pain. Sex isn't on the table, but everything else sure is, that ought solve a bit of the problem."

Thomas hugged him and CJ knew they would get past this. Maybe the boy had been harboring gay feelings all along; he should have seen the signs. But he was pleased at his own reactions. It was a confirmation of how good his life would be with Blake.

"I'd wear the white shirt with that blue blazer, looks good with your hair and eyes," CJ said. Thomas still held him tightly but he felt the boy relax.

"Thought I would do a pony tail tonight, it's what I do when I dine with my folks. Mom always hated my hair long, said it made me look like a girl. Maybe she meant a sissy."

"Whoa there, don't be hard on yourself. Can't please everybody you know and parents are the hardest audience of all," CJ said.

"CJ," Thomas said, "would you mind being introduced to my mother as my gay friend?"

"I'm not sure why that would be necessary just yet, but no, I wouldn't mind. Don't you think it would be more than a little provocative?"

"Oh, yeah. I was just wondering how my family would take the news if told I was in a gay relationship."

"You'd have to be prepared for how they would react to the announcement, it may not be what you might expect, sometimes it goes down pretty hard," CJ cautioned.

"I know, just wondering," the boy replied.

"Well you don't have to climb that mountain quite yet so don't let it worry you."

Thomas stood up and then blushed. "You gave me an erection," he laughed.

"Oh no, I think you gave it to yourself."

"Well it won't go away unless I do something about it. Is there some hand lotion in the bathroom?"

"Yes, I believe so."

"You want to watch?" Thomas laughed.

CJ laughed in return, "Maybe next time, ok? There's always a next time, isn't there?"

"Ok, then I'll go practice for that performance."

CJ smiled as the boy shut the bathroom door. Yes it hurt, but at least he could laugh through the pain.

Matt was waiting for them in the lobby, guitar case in hand.

"Well, don't we all look grand? Hell guys, I'm nervous as a cat."

"Steady, my friend" CJ said. "Let's not forecast disaster, I rather think we'll enjoy this evening."

"There's a big car in the drive, maybe that's for us," Thomas suggested.

"I figured Miguel won't be happy unless he has this," Matt said, raising the guitar case.

"Good move. I want to hear him play again," CJ said.

The Cadillac was waiting for them and the driver held the door as they got in. From the hotel, they drove through town and turned north, following the signs for the country club. They passed some very posh homes, large sprawling residences with fenced land and horses. It was down a long driveway towards one of these houses that they now turned. The Alvarez home was spectacular with carefully planted flowers and trees in the front lawn, he must be a wealthy man, CJ thought. As they pulled up to the entrance the front doors opened and a large group of people came out to greet them, including Miguel and his father.

"Welcome, my new friends, this is my family," Alvarez said," my wife, Roberta and this is Luis and Elena, Miguel's new brother and sister."

The younger kids were about ten and twelve and the woman looked like she was in her early thirties, very slender and well dressed. They all spoke at once and Miguel seemed to favor his little sister, Matt could see she hung on his every word. Miguel accepted the guitar case and shared a secret smile with Matt. Yeah, everything was all right here.

The home was even nicer inside, all traditional Spanish décor with high ceilings and great expanses of wood and tile. CJ commented on their lovely home and Mrs. Alvarez promised him a tour after dinner.

They walked through the long house to a large cool porch at the rear. Down the sloping yard before them was a large barn and stables, horses could be seen grazing in the pastures beyond.

Matt looked longingly at Miguel and the boy broke the tension by offering Thomas and Matt a tour of the stable. As they walked away from the house, CJ and Mr. Alvarez, now introduced as Carlos, strode to the bar setup and ordered from the waiting bartender. CJ noticed several servants about the place, must be nice. A thought crossed his mind that maybe Miguel would be seduced into the lifestyle of the wealthy set here in San Carlos. He countered this with a picture of Miguel in Matt's arms….Naw, never happen.

"Carlos, I want to tell you I am most impressed with your city. I took a tour of the marina and shops by the hotel this afternoon, what a great place to vacation."

"Good, good….we have been working hard to attract the right kind of tourists here. The town has really been built up only in the past five years and as you can see development has been exploding in our little community."

"How long have you been an official of the State here, if you don't mind my asking?" CJ said.

"I was appointed about four years ago and I hope to serve the people for at least another term before I retire. At least I think my boss in Hermosillo is happy with the way things are going. May I ask what type of business you are in?"

"Nothing at the moment, Carlos. I left a successful investment firm last year after deluding myself that I had a goal in life and was on the right path to success. I suppose I needed this trip to find myself again and instead we found your son wandering the highway heading here. Now that Miguel has found what he's been looking for I think it's time for me to get back to my own personal search."

"Yes, I too hope all goes well for you. Forgive me, we received a communication from Nogales this afternoon and I spoke with Inspector Juarez also, he made a most favorable report on you."

"I guess I shouldn't be surprised, but you seem to have been busy this afternoon and all about me. I figured that the Inspector was a military man, intelligence or something like that?"

"Something like that," Carlos chuckled. "I should not tell you but he is our lead man in Sonora, fighting the drug traffickers. He was concerned that you might get yourself involved accidentally. There have been some kidnappings and a large vehicle such as yours would be an ideal tool for the smugglers. I am so sorry for the intrusion but we are hard pressed to destroy the drug traffic into your country."

"I am not at all offended," CJ said," you have a difficult job to perform. I guess I'm only glad that I have you two gentlemen to vouch for us."

"Would you like another drink?" Carlos asked as he signaled the bartender to refill their glasses. Carlos gave a sigh and continued.

"Miguel and I have been deep in conversation all day as you might have guessed. We celebrate his homecoming but I can tell, he will not stay with us for long. I left behind a young boy and you have returned me a man with his own mind and purpose in life.

"I walked out on my poor, departed wife and child, the worst offence I feel a man could commit and this I regret deeply. I don't think Miguel wants to stay here, he is a citizen of your country and although he would be welcome…it is not his wish. Having been out of his life for so long, I feel I do not have the right to judge what he must do."

"Has he discussed a future? We never broached the subject, his main focus was on finding you," CJ said.

"Yes, he wants to go to university, maybe in California or even a fine eastern university like your Princeton. I would gladly pay any amount to secure his future."

"He's a bright boy, and a diploma at seventeen is quite an achievement. I do hope he will stay here long enough to make himself a real part of your wonderful family," CJ said.

"Thank you, we discussed that also. He has great affection for both you and your friend,

Matthew. I would be honored if you both would assist me in seeking admission to the best school for his talents. As for his stay with us, he must decide this himself. It is too soon for his answer now. He will always be welcome in this home."

"He plays the guitar like a master, have you heard him?" CJ asked.

"Not yet, he promised us a concert this evening after dinner, it is to be a surprise for the children. Did you see the way that Elena watches his every move, she is thrilled by the thought of an older brother," Carlos said.

"He could very much choose his own school if he seeks a degree in music, Carlos."

"Then we should both encourage him, and thank you again."

The boys and Matt walked back from the stables, CJ could tell that Miguel had given pretty much the same information to his friend and Matt was all smiles. They sat on the porch and watched the beautiful sunset over the distant hillside. Mrs. Alvarez spoke quietly with Matt while CJ and Thomas amused the children with stories about wild animals. Carlos sat in his large chair and smiled at the wonder this day had brought him and the new friends who had delivered such joy upon his doorstep.

A waiter appeared and informed them that dinner was ready. What a feast they expected too, CJ's stomach had been growling for a while, unused to the late supper arrangements in this hot climate. The meal was traditional Mexican and Spanish cuisine, done with great style. The hot seasonings CJ had come to expect were all there but so were the cooling salads and fresh vegetables he loved. They drank many different wines at the meal while two white coated waiters whisked the plates on and off the table in silent efficiency.

The children were silent at table, unless asked questions by their new brother. Carlos regaled them with stories of Sonora's history, bandits and foreign invaders. Upon discovering Thomas' interest in native peoples, Carlos turned the conversation to his own discoveries on trips into the desert. They chatted about anthropology and CJ could tell that Carlos was impressed with the boy's knowledge. Matt sat across from Miguel and CJ just knew they were playing footsie under the table. Their glances gave them away and he hoped Mrs. Alvarez wouldn't notice.

With dinner finished they retired to the huge sitting room for coffee. The elegant room had a high ceiling with a large stone fireplace at one end. A beautifully carved grand piano occupied one corner. To everyone's surprise, Miguel and Elena played a short duet on the keyboard. Carlos whispered that they had been practicing before the arrival of their guests. The applause was followed by bows and calls for more music. Miguel fetched his guitar from its case and with his siblings at his feet, he began to play.

Carlos and his wife sat enchanted beside each other on the enormous leather couch while the boy did himself proud. A look of rapture was evident on Elena's face and young Luis sat quietly bobbing his head in time with the many tunes Miguel had chosen, mostly with the younger ones in mind. Miguel finished his kiddies program and played the beautiful Spanish guitar piece they had first heard those many nights ago on the bus. CJ could see tears in his father's eyes and knew the boy had scored all the points he would ever need in this man's life. Matt and Thomas clapped loudest at the end as Miguel took his bows.

The children were hustled off to bed by their mother, it was after midnight and they had stayed up especially for the performance. The hugs and kisses went around the room as they left and Miguel and Thomas settled at the piano to share some tunes. Matt, CJ and Carlos walked outside into the cool night air.

"This has been the best of evenings, thank you both for coming into my home," Carlos said.

"It is us that should be thanking you, Carlos, what a lovely dinner," Matt said.

"Yes Carlos, you are a most gracious host," CJ added.

"How long will you be staying with us in San Carlos?"

"Thomas and I are heading up the coast, probably day after tomorrow. I suppose we'll be gone about three or four days," CJ said.

"And I'm off to Los Angeles to visit an old friend. I'll be back in about a week," Matt said.

"Please, when you return let me know, we could ride in the hills or play a round of golf if you wish. I have enjoyed your company and would wish to do this again," Carlos said.

The driver was waiting outside to deliver them back to the hotel. After hugs all around, Miguel promised to meet them late in the morning down at the boat dock. He and Thomas gave each other a great embrace. Matt and Miguel hugged and CJ saw the boy sneak a quick nibble on the man's ear, what a tease. Carlos and his wife waved good bye as the car pulled away, Miguel stood between them, the complete family unit.

Matt was exhausted by the days events and said his good nights quickly. Needs a little alone time, CJ thought. Thomas yawned and stripped off his clothes carelessly, throwing them on a chair before shuffling off to the bathroom to brush his teeth. The boy crawled in bed and was nearly asleep when CJ returned from his turn in the bathroom, but he woke up and smiled.

"Did you have a good time, Thomas?"

"Yes, I'm really happy for Miguel. It's as if a great wall has come down and he feels able to express himself more clearly. We had a long talk down at the stables, about the future, and then I left him and Matt alone for a while."

"And what about that future, did he say?"

"He won't stay here," Thomas said," it's just enough to know he has a place, a family to come home to whenever he has the need. He wants to be near Matt and you for that matter. He sees you as his defender, I like that."

"And what about your future? Have you wondered about that?"

"Oh Lord…I knew you were going to ask me that. It's all so complicated, isn't it?"

"You don't have to answer now, we still have plenty of time to make any decisions we want, dear boy."

Thomas got out of bed and came over to kiss him, sharing the taste of his toothpaste.

"Did I say I love you today?" Thomas asked.

"Yes, twice in fact."

"Good, I don't want anything to push you out of my life. Do you speak French?

"Not since high school, why?" CJ asked.

"Some of the best expressions of love are written in French, I'll have to get you a book of French poetry. I've studied the language for years, mom speaks it fluently and we use it as our means of private conversation around the house," Thomas said.

"I may be too old a dog to teach a new language."

"Can I sleep with you tonight?"

"Will you be a good boy?"

"I'm always a good boy," Thomas smiled. CJ lifted the sheets and the boy slid in beside him. Thomas laid his head on CJ's chest and sighed. Seconds later he was fast asleep and CJ smiled.

One more member of the family had been added and how many more were there to go? Miguel is finally secure, but what will Thomas face at home? A great college is what he really needs to challenge his inquisitive mind. Paris maybe, or London.

He's so young, CJ thought, and so is Blake. Do I love them both? Yes, but who wouldn't? Thomas might be better off with a peer relationship, someone like Blake? Oh what a cruel joke that would be. But peers would likely be even crueler over that little cock. So why don't I see it as a flaw?

Thomas moaned slightly and rolled over. CJ moved against his back, careful not to awaken the boy. The warmth made him relax and Thomas' snores made him happy. That's it, he makes me happy to be alive, they both do and how can I resist? I can't…and that's why I love him. Oh God, I do love Blake ... and now Thomas.


On to Chapter Thirteen

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