DJ Pt. 11

"Dad," DJ asked, "what is 'Bread'?"

"They were a very popular soft rock band, out of the 70's, their songs are mellow, and, in my opinion, very listenable. Give it a listen." DJ started the CD playing and returned to the table.

Jamie commented, "That music is so much different than today's, you can actually hear and understand the words."

The strains of 'Make it With You' played, and Jamie stood up, reached for DJ's hand and dragged him into the den. They wrapped their arms around each other and started to sway, getting lost in the sounds and words of the song. The song brought back memories, as I could remember dancing to this song, so many years ago.

A few songs later, Bread sang 'Baby I'ma Want You' triggering Jamie's remembrance of DJ saying, 'Baby I want you' earlier that morning, but that was in reference to Jamie's penis. Both boys were captivated, by the words of that song.

Jamie spoke, tears in his eyes, "DJ, that song is so—us. I love the words."

A few minutes later, Joe arrived, while Bread was singing 'Yours For Life'. Joe stopped in his tracks, listening.

Joe blurted, "Bread, I haven't heard them in years. That song was one of my favorites and I had forgotten all about it. Doug, if I didn't want to be yours for life, I would not have proposed to you. DJ, please play it again?"

DJ repeated the song, and it seemed to strike a nerve in all of us. Jamie and DJ were hugging and kissing, and so were Joe and I. The song ended for the second time.

Joe, looking at the still unopened subs, "You guys haven't eaten yet?"

DJ suggested we wait for you, Joe, and we could eat as a family, " I said.

Joe, eyes a little wet, and smiling, "In about 7 more weeks we will be a family, a big happy gay family! Until then, we're still family."

DJ brought out some Pepsi's from the fridge, we all enjoyed the subs together. It's such a wonderful feeling, the love we all share together. I doubt any straight family around could match the love we all share. It's after 12:30 AM and we will need to be up by around 8:00 AM to make it to Denny's at 10:00 for our 'Thanksgiving Breakfast', and we all soon went to bed.

Joe and I briefly thought about making up for lost time, and decided to pass for tonight. We'll have lots of nights to make love and sleep together from now on. Joe removed his weapons, and locked them up in the safe. We both stripped and cuddled up in bed. I love sleeping with Joe.

DJ, cuddling up with Jamie, "I'll be so happy to see them get married."

"Me too, baby, I can't help but think we may have had a hand in it, Goodnight, Cupid." DJ giggled a little and they drifted off.

It's Thursday morning, November 23rd and Thanksgiving Day. Doug and Joe both rose up after hearing the alarm. Doug slipped to the kitchen and made coffee while Joe grabbed a quick shower. When Joe had dried off, he opened the door and walked into the boy's room, stepped to their bed, and gently shook their shoulders to wake them up. Jamie was on the outside, and was a little startled, seeing Joe's somewhat larger cock only about a foot in front of his face, and jerked a little.

Jamie looking up, "Oh, Hi Joe, I didn't realize you were so—big!"

(Joe has about 6½" soft and about 8" erect)

Joe, chuckling, "Not all of us are blessed with cute little wieners like you and your boyfriend have. I guess I can tell you're not a size queen, or you'd probably have mine down your throat by now! We're taking you guys out for Thanksgiving Breakfast this morning, and we have a table reserved for 10:00 so you guys need to get up and get ready, it's almost 8:30. DJ, coffee is ready, and your Dad's in the shower now."

Joe, DJ and Jamie all headed to the kitchen, DJ poured a mug for Joe and himself, and Jamie got a glass of juice.

Joe, sipping his coffee and smiling, "Jamie, I hope I didn't make you feel uncomfortable or embarrassed. You two may be a tad undersized, compared to average, and I am likely about an inch and a half over average. I've seen a picture of both of you, erected, and you both have very attractive penises. I'm sure you've heard, it's not the size of the boat that matters, it's the motion of the ocean. For what it's worth, your Dad likes my instrument, and he is the one I need to please!"

Joe said, "You guys need to shower and get dressed, we need to leave in half an hour."

Joe had purchased a sheet carrot cake, and had it decorated, and dropped it off at Denny's while he was on duty Wednesday afternoon. I'm still trying to figure out how to get the two cards, from me and Clay, into Denny's without DJ seeing them. I think I can maybe hide them inside my shirt. I had written a note on the back of the photo of DJ's Tracker that said 'We pick up tomorrow'. I'm glad that Annie will be able to get pictures, as I would not know how to smuggle my camera in there.

About 9:45 we all entered Joe's car, Joe driving, with me in the passenger seat and the boys taking the back seat. We arrived at Denny's at exactly 10:00 AM. Joe told the hostess we had a reservation for the Kendall family for 10:00 AM.

The Hostess, grinning, "Right this way, gentlemen." We all followed her.

Suddenly, 8 people stood up, and we all yelled "SURPRISE!!" It was almost too much for the poor boy to handle, his knees gave out, and Jamie held him up until we could get a chair under his butt. Then the floodgates opened, and DJ was sobbing, like none of us had ever seen anyone sob before. Annie and Karen were trying to mop up the tears with napkins, and Jamie was holding him tightly and lovingly.

DJ's reaction caused everyone there to start losing tears, it was phenomenal, and I don't think anyone was quite prepared for the emotional display. After about 5 minutes of intense sobbing, we started to see a smile starting to form on DJ's face, even though some tears were still falling from his eyes. DJ was completely overwhelmed, even more so than at his adoption party. The whole staff of Denny's came to the table and helped us sing 'Happy Birthday' to our dear, albeit overwhelmed, DJ! This is only the beginning, wait till he sees the gifts!

Our waitress came over to refill coffee cups, and was prepared to start taking orders. She asked if we preferred separate tickets and Joe said 'it's all on one ticket'.

"You're first," the waitress said, "Birthday boy!"

DJ, still recovering, "Jamie, I can't think straight, please order for me!"

Jamie responded, "Steak and eggs, steak medium, eggs over easy, hash browns with onions, English muffins, times two, for him and me." Then he added, "Baby, I hope you never think straight!" Everyone laughed, including the waitress.

She went around the table and got everyone's order.

Joe spoke, "DJ, you were warned, we promised you, when we had your adoption party, that your Birthday would never be neglected again!"

There was a pile of presents, stacked on the seat of the booth behind where the party was seated, and DJ had not even noticed they were there. The waitress served all of our breakfasts, kept coffee's filled, and checked back frequently. When everyone had finished eating, she picked up all the dirty dishes, and asked Joe if he wanted to do the cake now, and he said we could do that after DJ opens his gifts.

Matt spoke, "I think we should get a speech from the Birthday Boy!" Everyone started to say yes, Speech, Let's hear it.

"Stand up, son, so we can all hear you." I said.

DJ, standing, "I'm not into long winded speeches, so this is going to be short, today has been the second most happy day of my life, the happiest day is still the day that judge said that Douglas Joseph Kendall is the legal son of Douglas Ryan Kendall. I cannot believe you guys pulled this off, and I never had a clue, until it happened."

"I know, that most of you know, this is the first time in my life that my birthday has been honored, and I am honored to have gained so many fantastic friends in the short time I've known you. It's a simply incredible feeling, to know that there are people that care about me. Thank you, all."

I walked around to where DJ stood, and put my arm around his shoulders.

"Folks," I said, "About 8 months ago, when a certain young man wanted to cut my grass for $25, I never could have imagined where it would lead. I think we have as strong a Father and Son relationship as any father and son could possibly have. I love you DJ, unconditionally. Now folks, DJ thinks this party is about over, but it's not. There are gifts. Jamie, would you do us a favor, and start bringing up those packages and envelopes?"

Jamie started to carry the gifts, one at a time, to where DJ was sitting, and all eyes were on DJ. DJ opened the first large package, which was from Carl and Karen Seldon. As DJ removed the colored giftwrap:

"Oh my god!" DJ blurted, "It's a PS3 play station! Jamie, we'll be able to play at my house too! Everybody, this is from my other parents, Jamie's Mom and Dad." He ran over to where they were sitting and hugged them.

Opening the next large package, uncovered a new bookshelf stereo CD System, from Annie and Matt.

"This beautiful CD System is from my best friend, Matt, and his mother, Mrs. Gill, our bedroom needs some sound! Thank you so much!" He ran over and gave both Matt and Annie Gill a warm hug and Thank you.

The next package was a little smaller, and soft. DJ opened it carefully, and pulled out not one, not two, but three pairs of Levi skinny jeans, one blue, one tan, and one white.

"I guess some people know my habits, or at least how much I like my skinny jeans. These three pair are from my awesome manager, Justin, and Sherry." He ran over and gave them both a big hug and thank you.

Now the fun one, Jamie handed him a fairly large package from Jamie. DJ started to open it, uncovering a smaller box, opening that unveiled a still smaller box, and then finally a tiny box, inside that the size 10 rainbow Pride ring. DJ's mouth fell open.

"Jamie, you found one!" DJ opened the little plastic bag, and slipped it onto his ring finger, and it fit perfectly, "I love it, baby!"

Jamie spoke, "I found two!" as Jamie opened an identical package he had in his pocket, and slipped in on his own ring finger. "For some of you that may not be aware, these are called Pride rings, and members of the LGBT community are quite aware of the significance. It works better than Gaydar, to identify other members of the community. When both of us wear these identical rings, on the same finger, it lets others know that I am his, and he is mine! I love you, DJ!" The two shared a quick, but loving kiss and hug, the group of guests applauded. They held their hands up together, showing their rings.

There was one last package, also from Jamie. DJ was almost afraid to open it, wondering what else Jamie might come up with. It contained two new PS-3 games, that neither of them had played before. DJ held them up.

"Also from my awesome boyfriend, these will level the playing field on the play station as he won't have the advantage of experience on me!"

Now the greeting cards, there are four, all with a simple DJ on the envelope. I told Jamie to give him the largest envelope first, and he did. DJ pulled the card out of the envelope and looked at the front, which read 'Happy Birthday to my Very Precious Son.' The wording itself brought tears to DJ's eyes. He then slowly opened up the card, and found the photo of the Tracker. For just a minute, DJ was speechless, then...

"DAD! YOU DIDN'T!" DJ ran over and jumped on my lap, like a little boy, he hugged me and kissed me. "Dad is that for real?"

"Son, you might want to read the note on the back of the photo."

DJ went back to where he had laid the card on the table, picked up the photo and read the note, 'We pick it up tomorrow' then looked at the photo again.

"Dad, it's beautiful! Are you pulling my leg? Is this a joke?"

"DJ, if you want to call the loan manager at my bank, you'll find that it is no joke! Jamie helped me to select it." Jamie nodded, smiling.

Jamie reminded DJ that there are still three more cards, and handed DJ one. DJ opened it, it was a Happy Birthday to an outstanding young man, and was a money envelope. Inside was a crisp, new $100 bill, and was from Anthony and Maria. DJ held it up and announced the gift from Anthony and Maria, then walked over, gave them both a hug and a thank you.

"DJ," Anthony said, "that's not for general funds, use it for something special that you want, something you can call a birthday gift, from us, and you're welcome. We love you."

Jamie handed the next envelope to DJ, and he opened that one. It contained a $200 gift card for Advance Auto, and was from Joe. DJ held it up and announced the gift. Then He asked Joe what he needed it for.

Joe, smiling, "DJ, you're now the owner of an automobile, and cars are always in need of things, oil, spark plugs, wax, replacement parts. I'm sure you will have uses for it, sooner or later, it doesn't need to be spent today."

"Thanks, Joe, I guess that's a rather practical gift, and I appreciate it."

Jamie, playing game show host, "And now ladies and gentlemen, the final envelope. We'll give it to our contestant, DJ, and see what he has won!"

DJ is grinning at Jamie's antics as he opens the envelope, pulling out a Birthday card with a signature of Clay Hodges. Out falls a business card for a dealership he has never heard of. He looks at the business card, confused.

"Who the hell is Clay Hodges?" DJ asked.

"He is half owner of the dealership where we bought the Tracker," I answered, "Check the back side of the business card."

DJ read:

Happy 20th Birthday to

Douglas Joseph Kendall

Present this card to receive

Four 100,000 mile tires for

your Tracker, when needed

Signed, Clay Hodges

DJ smiled, he loves to see his name printed out.

"Why," DJ asked, "didn't he just put them on before I get the vehicle?"

"Because the tires on it are still good for probably 8,000 or 10,000 miles," I answered, "no need to replace them prematurely. You'll like Clay, and you'll meet him tomorrow when we pick it up. He want's to meet you."

Joe flagged the waitress, and quietly told her it was cake time.

About 5 minutes later she returned with the cake, sporting 20 lit birthday candles, and another waitress carrying 12 plates and a handful of forks, and a spatula for cutting and serving the cake. She set the cake down in front of DJ, and he was beaming. Annie came over and took a snapshot of the cake.

"DJ," I said, "I know this is new to you, do you know what to do?"

"Not really, maybe you better tell me?"

"There are 20 candles on the cake, representing 20 years of life. You need to make a wish, take a deep breath and blow out all the candles, with one breath. If you succeed, your wish will come true, if you don't it won't, and you can't tell anyone what you wished, or that will jinx it."

"OK, I'll try," DJ had a serious look on his face, then took a deep breath and blew out all 20 of the flames, in one breath. Everyone clapped. The cake was a carrot cake, with cream cheese frosting, and the lettering on the cake was red, DJ's favorite color. DJ read the lettering and smiled.

The lettering read:

Happy Birthday!

Douglas Joseph Kendall

* * * * * * * *

Author's Note: DJ can't tell anyone what he wished, as it might jinx his wish, but I have inside information, and I will tell you. You have to love DJ's heart. He simply wished that no harm ever comes to Serena's little brother, Fernando. Let's hope his wish comes true.

* * * * * * * *

The waitress picked out the remnants of the candles and took them away.

Karen asked Jamie to get a carryout box for Carl's and her cake, as she wanted to get home and start the Turkey roasting. Karen kissed DJ a motherly kiss on the lips, and she and Carl left. The Seldon's would see Joe and I and the boys later for Thanksgiving dinner.

Using the spatula, DJ cut half the cake into about 2½" squares, 12 servings. He placed a corner slice (more icing) on a plate and reserved it for himself and served 9 pieces on the plates for everyone else with 2 pieces in a carryout box to take to Karen and Carl. He would be able to get more cake later as he would have half the cake to take home.

The waitress came back with the check, and Joe held out his hand to receive it. He paid the $120 bill with his debit card, and added a $30 tip for the waitress. Everyone had left except Joe, the boys, and myself. Jamie, Joe and I helped cart DJ's stuff to Joe's car and put it all in the trunk, except for the cake, which was carried on Jamie's lap until we got home.

It was about 2:00 PM when we all got home from Denny's. I unlocked the door and Jamie brought in the cake and set it on the table. I rearranged a couple things in the fridge to make room for the cake. DJ said he wanted another piece, and I told him he might want to hold off, as we were to go to Seldon's for dinner in a couple of hours, and he wouldn't be ready for the meal. I won.

DJ brought in the CD player and took it straight to their room, and Jamie carried in the PS-3, temporarily setting it on the couch in the den.

"Dad," Jamie said, "I may have been a little presumptuous. The play station needs a TV to operate, and DJ doesn't have one. I had hoped, since you don't often watch it, that we could borrow yours, until DJ can get one."

"Jamie, would connecting the game machine still allow the TV to operate normally?"

"Yeah, Dad, and it can also play DVD's." Jamie and I entered the den.

I said, pointing, "Can the play station sit down there, under the TV?"

"Easily, Dad, it's not that big."

"I'd really rather not have you guys taking the TV to your room, but you know you're welcome to play your games in the den. I don't often watch TV, and I'm not sure if Joe does either. Joe did tell me he has a smaller TV to put on the wall in our bedroom, so we can watch it from our bed."

Joe, when DJ returned, "Doug, did you tell the boys about the new rules?"

"Which new rules?" I asked.

"You know, Doug," Joe stated, a smirk on his face, "Since DJ is now an adult, and Jamie is still a teenager, we can't allow them to sleep together."

A look of disbelief overcame DJ's face, but Jamie saw the twinkle in Joe's eyes.

"Joe!" DJ exclaimed, "you can't be serious."

"He's not, baby," Jamie grinned, "he's just fuckin' with you."

We all laughed, DJ now had a grin on his face, and Jamie kissed him.

"So DJ," Joe asked, "How does it feel to not be a kid anymore?"

"I don't know," DJ replied, "I don't think I was ever a kid.

DJ's innocent and truthful reply stung, like a yellow jacket. I felt my tear ducts open, flooding my eyes. Glancing at Joe and Jamie, they too were wiping tears from their faces. That bit of truth really hurt.

"DJ," I spoke softly, holding him, "we can't undo the past, but we'll make damn sure your future is worth remembering. We wish you nothing but a bright future, filled with happiness and success, and we all love you!"

"Dad, a year ago love was like a foreign word. Nobody loved me, and I didn't love anyone, even myself. You showed me love, for the first time in my memory. Ever since we met, I've been collecting that love you so willingly shared with me, in my heart. Now, if and when the need arises, I have love in my heart, that I can share. Thanks, Dad."

"Guys," I commented, "Carl told me Karen is planning dinner for between 5:00 and 6:00, and asked us to come out earlier and watch the game with him. So I guess we could go out anytime."

"Dad," Jamie said, "Why don't you and Joe go on out now. We want to try and get this Play Station hooked up and checked out, and we'll come on out about 4:30. We're not much into football, anyway."

Joe and I took their suggestion, and headed out to the Seldon's. Jamie and DJ got the play station connected, to the TV. They put one of the new games that Jamie had given to DJ in and started it up. They both decided this was going to work nicely, as my TV was about a 50" screen, and the one in Jamie's room was only a 32". They decided against learning to play the new game right now, and shut it down.