The Farmer and Dale Chapter 10

THE FARMER AND DALE

Chapter 10

The night before the trip to New York, Gerald emerged from the bathroom after a long, soothing shower. He paused in the doorway between bath and bedroom, taking in the familiar and oh so beloved vision of his wife.

Irene stood before the mirror, brush in hand, giving her dark, lustrous hair a last few strokes before going to bed. Gerald often teased her about the futility of having such well groomed hair before bed, knowing that it would end up mussed and tangled, many times the result of his handiwork. Their lovemaking was often, and oft times vigorous. Irene had proved to be no shrinking violet in bed or out, something that Gerald had felt blessed with over the years.

In all their years together, she'd never used sex as a weapon. Irene was a fighter, up front and straight on the attack. If something bothered her, they had it out, cleared the air and many were the times they sealed the deal with a powerfully potent bout of lovemaking. The fact that Gerald had been true to her all these years was not only the result of his promise and integrity, but due also to the fact that she never left him wanting. They fulfilled each other absolutely.

He leaned in the doorway, breathing in the familiar scent of her. She wasn't one for fancy soaps, perfumes or lotions. The scent was female, his woman, sweet and arousing. Gerald felt himself stiffen in anticipation.

He moved across the room and reached for her brush, laying it aside as his arms wrapped around her. He pressed himself against the soft yet firm buttocks that had cradled him many times. Irene was more than willing to be adventurous, and anal play was a big part of their ‘routine.'

He stared at their reflection in the mirror, his inverted gaze meeting hers. "Did I ever tell you that you were the most beautiful woman in Illinois?" He dipped down to nuzzle the side of her neck.

She tilted her head, giving him easy and welcome access. "I believe you may have mentioned it a time or two, but I'm not adverse to hearing it again." She sighed with pleasure. "I'm so glad you're going with Rick tomorrow. The two of you need some time together."

"Rene, you can still come, it's not too late."

Irene turned in his arms, her smile was soft, her eyes filled with love. "You know the one thing I've always admired about you? Your honesty. When you tell me I'm beautiful, I have to believe, because I know you'd never lie to me. When you tell me I have nothing to fear from Steven, I believe that too. You've proved it time and again the past thirty five years. You go, speak with your friend, and enjoy the time with your son. I'll be here when you get home."

Gerald felt the tears prickling his eyes as he gathered his wife close in his arms. "I'm the luckiest man on the face of the earth," he whispered.

Irene slipped an arm between them. Her hand found the opening in his towel, sliding in and wrapping around the firm throbbing length of his cock. At her touch, it swelled, thickening, the blood pulsing under the skin. She slowly stroked him.

"Come to bed," she murmured. "You're about to get even luckier."

Gerald chuckled, a warm, husky sound, filled with love and arousal. Slipping the robe from his wife's still firm body, he walked with her to the bed.

***

"Like this, baby?" Dale panted as he continued the long slow thrusts that filled his lover with each forward motion.

"Ah, yeah! Yeah, babe. Don't stop! God, don't stop!" Rick chanted. He groaned under the continued sensual assault. Dale's thick, swollen length slid freely in the tight clasp of his velvet-skinned sheath.

Dale's body was on autopilot, his senses filled with the smell and taste of his lover. His gaze wandered the planes of Rick's face, watched as his plump, kiss-swollen lips parted, a moaning whimper of pleasure issuing from between them. His eyes were closed, his expression one of deep concentration. Another slide of Dale's cock within, and Rick's shoulders bunched, the muscles in his arms bulging as his hands tightened on the rumpled sheet beneath their laboring bodies.

His torso was bent, his legs resting over Dale's shoulders. Rick's cock was at full mast, the skin stretched taut, the round, plump head weeping. Dale kept it sandwiched between their damp, sweat-slicked bodies. Rick's precum coated their skin as his cock throbbed against their bellies.

With each long glide, into the dark, wet and welcoming heat, Dale could feel the convulsive clasp of Rick's channel as it grew increasingly tight around him. The rapturous peak was mere moments away.

"Rick," he gasped softly.

Rick's eyes opened, distant, lost. They slowly focused, blue-green melding with mossy green. The pleasure arrowed between them.

"Come with me," Dale ordered.

His hips rocked faster. Long glides, became short, hard punches that pummeled the hard knot of Rick's prostate. Dale reveled in the roar of Rick's release. As climax twisted his gut, his cock spewed its hot load deep into his lover, giving in to the hard milking spasms of the tight sheath that held him. He filled it with the tribute it demanded. Rick's cock erupted between them, milky cum, warm and wet, coating them, mixing with their sweat.

Dale collapsed, shuddered and went limp. He sank down onto Rick and felt his arms move up to encircle him. He lay against his lover as his pounding heart slowed. With his ear pressed to Rick's chest, he could hear the steady, slowing thump of Rick's heart. It was comforting, reassuring. Dale sighed and eased out of Rick's arms, rolling to his side. Rick followed, spooning Dale. Neither made mention of the fragrant seed that decorated their bodies. It was as though those intimate fluids anointed and joined them.

"I really am going to miss you," Rick whispered. His breath was a warm mist against the back of Dale's neck.

Dale shivered and felt tears well in his eyes. He fought to keep his emotions under control, fought to keep his voice steady. He pushed back into Rick's arms, needing the warmth and comfort of his lover.

"I'll miss you too," he admitted, his voice breaking up as he lost the struggle.

"Dale?"

"Mmm?"

"Turn over, look at me," Rick ordered softly

Dale hesitated, blinking his lids to rid his eyes of their sheen of moisture. As Rick moved back to give him room, he rolled and came to rest on his other side facing Rick who looked deep into his eyes.

"Are you all right, baby?" he questioned softly.

Dale nodded, not trusting his voice to remain normal past the lump in his throat.

Rick's arms wrapped around him and pulled them tightly together. His warm, musky scent filled Dale's nostrils. Dale breathed it in, wanting to hold every bit of Rick he could for as long as he could.

"I love you so much," Rick murmured softly. "The next couple of days are going to seem like forever." Rick hesitated, then continued. "There's one thing I discovered about what happens when two people who love each other part, even if it's only for a little while."

"What's that? Dale whispered.

"It's always hardest for the one who gets left behind," Rick answered.

Tears flooded Dale's eyes and he couldn't stop the sudden small sob that caught in his throat. Rick's arms tightened around him.

"This is stupid," Dale choked out. "You're only going to be gone a couple of days."

"It's not stupid," Rick assured him. "I'd feel the same way if I was the one staying home. Even though I'll miss you, I've got the distraction of going somewhere and doing something different, while you'll just be here, in our home, by yourself. It makes a difference, Dale."

Dale nodded, his cheek rubbing in the soft curling hair on Rick's chest.

"What you have to remember is that I love you, that I'll be thinking of you, and that I'll be counting the hours until I can be home with you. Does that help?" Rick asked hopefully.

Dale smiled. "It helps," he admitted. "I love you too."

"Good, now get some sleep. I'm going to make love to you in the morning before I go. Dream about how good it's going to be, baby."

Dale yawned, even as he felt a tightening tingle in his loins. "No fair, now I'll be horny all night."

He felt the vibration of Rick's chuckle under his cheek and quickly slipped into sleep.

* * *

"Dad?" Rick felt compelled to ask the question that had been bothering him ever since their trip began. They were ensconced in the comfortable luxury of first class. Gerald, who'd been idly scanning a magazine, looked up expectantly.

Rick, as promised, had started his morning by making love to Dale. He'd left him warm, sated and sleeping in their bed. Just the thought of Dale lying there looking so sweetly innocent, his hair tousled, his breathing soft and slow, made Rick glow with love. He'd insisted that Dale go back to sleep as he got ready to leave. He didn't want Dale feeling increasing melancholy as he prepared for the journey only to have it reach a peak as he walked out the door. He couldn't bear the thought of leaving Dale in that state.

Before driving away to pick up his dad, he'd picked a bouquet of flowers from those that grew around the house. He put them in a vase and left them on the bedside table with a note. A simple ‘I Love You.’ Those three words expressed his feelings with more authority than a thousands other could have. He'd resisted the urge to caress that beloved face once more and left quickly, feeling a wrench at the parting.

He'd gone to his parents house to say good-bye to his mom. She was all smiles and excited for him. She bade the two of them a good time and to enjoy the trip. Rick drove. The trip had taken about an hour. They chatted or rode in comfortable silence as the flat farmland vistas had rolled by out their windows. He and his dad had made it to the airport in good time and were now in the air, the trip more than half done. Rick couldn't keep his agitation at bay any longer.

"Yes, Son." Gerald answered.

"Do you feel guilty, not telling mom about Steven?"

Gerald chuckled. "I wondered what was bothering you. I thought maybe you were just missing Dale." Gerald sobered. "I would have felt guilty, if I hadn't told her."

Rick's eyes widened, "You told her and she let you go?"

Gerald smiled indulgently. "Your mother trusts me, Rick. You'll find that if you always act honorably and keep your word, people learn they can trust you, especially those closest to you. That's one of the rewards of being an honest man. Have you ever felt you couldn't believe anything I’ve said or done?"

Rick automatically shook his head. He didn't even need to think the question over. "Never."

Gerald's smile brightened. "I always wanted you kids to know I was there for you. That you could always trust and depend on me. Your mom feels the same way."

"We know, Dad," Rick told him. "Each one of us knows how lucky we are to have you and Mom."

"That's good to know, Rick. So, you say Steve knows I'm coming?"

"Yes, sir. Dale and I thought it would be a good idea to let him know in advance. If for no other reason than to make sure he was there when we arrive. I didn't want you to come all this way and then not see him," Rick explained.

Gerald nodded. "Good. It will be good to see him. I'm anxious to meet his partner too."

"You'll like James. He's a nice guy."

"Knowing Steve, I would expect nothing less," Gerald answered.

At that moment the, "Fasten Seatbelt", sign came on and the flight attendant announced their arrival. Rick and Gerald both took a deep breath, each preparing to face new and potentially troubling experiences.

* * *

Not long after the flight landed, they were checked into their hotel and on their way to Eddington's Publishing. Gerald and Rick marveled at the sights the city afforded. Though he'd been here before, one trip had hardly been enough for Rick to become jaded at the sights provided.

When they arrived at the building that housed the publishing company, they entered the lobby and Rick guided his dad to the waiting bank of elevators. He selected the button for the reception area and they took the ride. Both silent, each was immersed in his own thoughts and fears while the music from the recessed speaker system flowed over them.

At the publishing houses reception area, Rick was cordially greeted and they were shown straight to Steven's office where Steven and James were waiting for them.

Gerald felt his insides churn in a way he'd not felt in ages. He was nervous and yet anxious to see his old lover. When they entered the office he felt tears prick at his eyes. Steven had aged, just as he had, but he could still see the young man he'd fallen in love with all those years ago. As though the years had fallen away, they strode to each other and hugged their arms tight around each other. There was silence as the two of them silently communed, their affection for each other flooding back. Finally they broke their embrace and stood face to face, teary eyed, until smiles turned to laughter.

"My God, it's so good to see you," Steven told him. "I couldn't believe it when Rick showed up here with Dale. It was like seeing a picture from the past."

"I've always told him how lucky he was to take after his handsome old man." Gerald laughed.

"Hmmm... I see you still have the old conceit." Steven teased before turning to Rick. "Your dad always did think he was the cock of walk."

Rick and James laughed appreciatively.

"Gerald, I'd like you to meet my partner, James Duncan. James. My old friend, Gerald Hunter."

Gerald walked to James and took the hand he held out, shaking it firmly. "I can't tell you how pleased I am to meet you. When the boys told me they'd met Steven and that he was well and happily settled, I... well, it's what I'd always hoped." Gerald could see the flair of pleasure and relief that lit James’ eyes.

"Thank you. It’s very nice of you to say so. I'm truly pleased to meet you, Gerald. I'm delighted that you and Steven have this chance to renew your friendship and connect again. I know how much it means to you, to both of you." He and Steven shared a fond look. "In fact, Rick, if you'll come with me, I'll take you down to get those contracts signed and we'll give your dad and Steven a little time to catch up in private."

"That's fine with me." Rick turned to his dad and teased. "No hanky panky now."

"Get along with you, youngster, before I put you over my knee." Gerald gave Rick a mock frown.

Steven and James laughed. Steven gave James a peck on the cheek. "Thank you, love."

"My pleasure, and you owe me one." James teased.

"Then it'll be my pleasure to give you one," Steven returned archly.

James actually blushed. "Damn, I left myself open for that one didn't I? And no, don't say another word." James was apparently well versed in Steven’s ability deliver a quip.

Everyone chuckled. Rick and James made their exit, leaving Gerald and Steven to reminisce. Steven ushered Gerald across the lushly carpeted floor, to the section of his office that had been decorated and furnished with relaxation in mind. There were comfortably padded chairs with convenient tables for holding drinks or snacks and a sofa that was large enough for a man wanting a nap to stretch out on with ease. A well stocked bar held the makings for any kind of
drink wanted. Behind the bar was a sink and a fully stocked refrigerator.

"You still have that razor sharp wit, I see," Gerald remarked as they settled on the tapestry fabric of the sofa.

Steven grinned, "One has to stay sharp in this business." His grin faded and he faced Gerald, a soft smile on his face. "Now tell me, how have you been? Is everything all right with you?"

Gerald returned Steven's smile. "I've been well. It wasn't easy at first, I love Irene, but I missed you so much."

Tears filled both men's eyes as they recalled what might have been had fate not stepped in and changed the course of their lives.

Steven raised his hand and lightly caressed Gerald's cheek. "I missed you too."

Tears spilled down both their cheeks and they embraced, offering each other comfort, mourning their lost love and, though it was now different, muted, they celebrated the renewal of the love that lingered between them. Holding each other, feeling the warmth that settled between them even after so many years, felt completely natural. It was like coming home. Finally they parted and drying their eyes, began sharing with each other the lives that had taken such divergent paths.

When Rick and James returned, Gerald and Steven were laughing at a tale Gerald was relating about how his children played baseball in the fields and how a very young Rick was tricked into believing that a seemingly solid cow patty was home base. Rick discovered just how not solid it was when, encouraged by his elder siblings, he slid into home.

Rick frowned at his dad. "Did you have bring that up?"

Gerald chuckled. "It's a classic Hunter tale, son."

"Great," Rick intoned sarcastically, much to the delight of the others.

The four of them sat chatting for awhile until interrupted by Steven's assistant. "Excuse me, sir, but there's a phone call for Mr. Rick Hunter. It's Mr. Vaden, on line two.

Rick frowned. A chill of apprehension swept him as he walked to the phone. He picked it up and punched the button for line two. "Dale? Are you all right?"

When Dale's voice came over the line, Rick could hear the tension and barely restrained tears in his voice. "Rick, you and Gerald have to come home. Now. It's Irene. There's been an accident, Rick. She's in the hospital."

Rick had been gazing at the three men seated across the room. At those words, his vision blurred. "Is she all right? How bad is it?" Rick questioned. He felt himself sway and quickly sat down in Steven's chair.

"It's bad, Rick, very bad. Hurry, you have to hurry." Dale's voice caught on a sob.

"All right, Dale. We're leaving now. Hang on, baby. We're coming. I love you." Rick strove to keep his voice even.

"I love you too."

Rick looked up to see his dad hovering over him. "What is it? What's happened?"

"It's Mom. Dale says there's been an accident. She's in the hospital. We have to get home, Dad. Now, without delay." Rick could hear the break in his voice even as fear made the blood seem to slow in his veins. He felt as though the air had suddenly become thick and hard to breathe.

Gerald's face went sheet white. "Dear God," he whispered, "Rene."

Rick immediately rose and took his dad's arm. He'd never seen such an expression on his father's face. He took a deep breath and knew he had to stay strong. His dad needed him.

Steven and James, who had been listening from across the room went into action. James was on the phone calling the airport. His firm kept a small private jet and he ordered it made ready. He arranged for Steven's assistant to go to Rick and Gerald's hotel to retrieve their luggage and check them out. The car would pick them up and deliver them to the airport. They could be on their way within the hour.

Steven steered Gerald and Rick back to the sofa and gave them each a brandy, seeing to it that they sipped it slowly. He could see the color returning to Gerald's face. Rick roused from his daze and took his dad's hand.

"She'll be all right." Even as he said the words he silently prayed that it would be so.

Gerald nodded. "I know, I just need to be with her, Son."

The phone rang. "The car's here," James announced.

They all went to the elevator and rode down to the lobby. Steven and James accompanied them out to the car.

"Let us know if there's anything else we can do," Steven told them as he hugged first Rick then Gerald.

"I can't thank you enough as it is," Gerald told him, returning the hug. He turned and shook James' hand.

"Our prayers are with you and your wife," James told him.

"Thank you." With a final look at them both, Gerald entered the car.

"Rick, keep us informed, will you?" Steven asked. He laid a comforting hand on Rick's shoulder.

"I will," Rick promised. "Thank you for everything."

He quickly followed his dad into the car. Steven and James watched them pull away to be swallowed by the busy afternoon traffic.

* * *


Hours later, the Hunter family and Dale were gathered at the hospital. Each of the children had been allowed to see their mother. Dale had accompanied Rick. Rick held it together until leaving her room when he broke down. Dale held him, rocking him like the lost child he was, knowing that his mother would not be returning home.

In the waiting room, Paul, Sharon, Karen, Rick and their spouses were huddled together talking quietly. The atmosphere was stunned disbelief. This was an event none of them had thought to face for many years yet and certainly not with this wrenching finality. It was a shocking reminder of how fragile the human existence is and how the simplest of actions can have the most devastating results.

Irene had made a late afternoon run to the grocery store. On her return the sun had been setting. Just as she turned on her headlights, a deer had appeared from out of a corn field and run in front of her car. She'd jerked the wheel sharply to avoid hitting it and the car flipped, landing in the ditch by the side of the road. Another car had come along soon after and alerted the paramedics and sheriff, who rushed to the scene. Irene had been quickly taken to the hospital but her injuries, including internal damage to several major organs, were too extensive and too severe to be repaired. She was clinging to life. Just as her husband was clinging desperately to her hand.

She'd been unconscious when they arrived. As Gerald gazed at her beloved face, her lids fluttered and opened. A small smile played at her lips as she beheld the man she loved.

"Hi," she murmured huskily.

"Hi, baby," Gerald returned. He bent and kissed her gently. He laid his cheek against hers, breathing in her scent and warmth, feeling the familiar satin softness of her skin. He could not accept that these would be their last moments together.

"Are the kids all right?" she asked.

"They're fine, honey. They're out in the waiting room, just waiting for you to wake up."

"I'm so sleepy. Did I hit the deer?"

Gerald held back his tears. It was just like Irene to worry about an innocent animal. Despite her effort not to hit it, the car had clipped the deer. The sheriff had had to shoot it. He wasn't about to tell her the truth.

"No, baby, you didn't hit it," he managed. He kept a firm hold on one of her hands, his thumb rubbing over her knuckles, soothing, comforting.

"Good. I love you, Gerald." She frowned slightly. "Everything's all right, isn't it?" Drugged, she felt no pain, but something in Gerald's expression must have set off an inner alarm.

Gerald lightly smoothed the hair back from her face. "Everything's fine, sweetheart. Rest. I love you, Rene." He kissed her again.

Comforted and reassured, always trusting her husband's word, Irene smiled, her eyes closed softly as she slid gently away.

"Oh God, Rene," Gerald choked out. "I lied baby, I lied. Nothing will ever be right again."

He lay his head on his wife's shoulder and sobbed out his pain and grief as her doctor and several nurses came in and as unobtrusively as possible, disconnected the wailing machines that announced her passing.

* * *

Three months later, Rick was on the phone talking to Steven. He sat cross-legged on the floor in the living room. Dale sat on the sofa behind him. Rick rested back against Dale's legs as Dale slowly and firmly massaged the tension from his shoulders. Rick studied the pattern in the carpet, the tone of his voice clearly showing his concern for his dad.

"No, he's not improving. Paul, the girls, and I make sure he eats at least one good meal a day, but he's losing weight. He tries to make us think he's okay but he's not. Dale and I have tried to persuade him to move in with us but he won't consider it. After that first week, he was bound and determined to go home." Rick hated to confess it, but he knew Steven needed to know. "He gets angry if we fuss over him too much." He swallowed the lump in his throat. "He never used to get angry so easily. He's not himself, Steven."

"James and I have been discussing it, Rick. We think it would do Gerald good to get away for awhile. With that in mind, we've come up with a plan." Steven had been calling regularly for updates on Gerald's condition. He too was very concerned at his slow decline.

"I'm all for anything that will help," Rick said. "Dad's hurting, Steven. Hell, we all are, but it's worse for him. Even though he has us, he's still essentially alone. However much we want to, we can't fill that empty place in Dad's heart.

Steven sympathized. "I know Rick, it's a desperately hard thing to face, losing a loved one. I've lost both my parents, I know how you feel. I can only begin to imagine Gerald's pain at losing Irene.”

"So what's your plan?" Rick asked. Dale had leaned forward to rest his chin on Rick's shoulder. He reached back to lightly touch Dale's cheek.

"I have a nice place in Florida, near Ft. Lauderdale," Steven explained. "James and I thought we'd take your father there. He could swim, get some sun. There are nice places to eat and shop. We could take in movies and possibly a play or musical programs of some kind. There are a multitude of things to keep him busy. It's very different from Illinois. The change in scenery is bound to do him good."

"It sounds great," Rick enthused. "Are you sure you want to do this? What about your other responsibilities?"

"Things run like clockwork around here. James and I can easily take a few weeks off. If we're needed, well, we're just a phone call away. Please say you'll help us do this, Rick. Gerald means so much to me. We truly reconnected that day the two of you came to see us. I want to help him if I can."

"What about James?" Rick inquired softly. Rick was concerned that Steven and James' relationship might be affected by Steven's insistent need to help his former lover.

"James is every bit as enthusiastic as I am, Rick. He saw Gerald for the good man he is. He knows our own relationship is solid. He's right here with me now shaking his head in agreement."

Rick could hear the sincerity in Steven's voice. "All right. But the next thing is to persuade Dad. I don't know how easy that's going to be."

"Leave that to us. James and I will be there tomorrow afternoon. We'll see you soon."

"All right, Steven. Have a safe trip." Rick disconnected the call and turned to Dale. "Did you get the gist of that?"

Dale shook his head. "Not all of it. Tell me."

Rick recounted the conversation and Dale agreed it was a good idea. They just hoped that Steven and James could persuade Gerald. They both knew, without having to say it aloud, that Gerald needed help and soon.

To be continued....