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monaboyd Jun. 22nd, 2006 05:05 pm)
sassywitch.livejournal.com posting in monaboyd Jun. 22nd, 2006 05:05 pm)
Title: Western Lovers: Cowboys and Archaeologists Epilogue
Author:
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sassywitch Pairing: BB/DM
Rating: NC-17, to be on the safe side.
Summary: Be careful what you wish for.
Feedback: Feedback is my writers crack, which is not to be confused at all with plumbers crack.
Disclaimer: Not at all true in reality. These men whilst adorable and perfectly happy to slash themselves, their actual relationship is something that they only know. This story is adapted from a series of books that I adored when I was younger written by Elizabeth Lowell.
Word Count: 8390
Header Art: Courtesy of the incredibly talented
loki_girlPrevious Chapters:
Chapter 1|Chapter 2|Chapter 3|Chapter 4|Chapter 5|Chapter 6|Chapter 7|Chapter 8|Chapter 9|Chapter 10|Chapter 11|Chapter 12|Chapter 13|Chapter 14|Chapter 15|Chapter 16|Chapter 17|Chapter 18|Chapter 19|Chapter 20|Chapter 21|Chapter 22|Chapter 23|Chapter 24|Chapter 25|Chapter 26|Chapter 27|Chapter 28|Chapter 29|Chapter 30|Chapter 31|Chapter 32|Chapter 33|
A/N 1: A huge thank you to
dylan_dufresne for the inspiration, the prodding and the beta. She really deserves far more credit than just beta, she should get co-author credit, she poured as much blood sweat and tears into Western Lovers as I did, maybe even more. This fic wouldn't be what it is without her labour of love. She neglected her own ceations to make mine the best it could be and because my grammar sucks really, really badly she had to sufferit so nobody else had to. When I was stuck (including the closing lines), she found the way for me and she'll never know how much I appreciate it.A/N 2: Western Lovers: Cowboys & Biologists (affectionately known as the Ordaisy story) is currently under construction, you should see it in late July.
A/N 3: Since this is the end of the first book of the series, I'd just like to say thank you to anybody who read and enjoyed this. It was my first attempt at a long series and you all made it a joy to create.
"It's a good day to make a real family of us, isn't it gorgeous?"
Pulling the frothy pink dress over his daughter's head, Billy slipped her little arms into the sleeves and chuckled as she bunched the fabric in her tiny hands. Face alight with wonder at the texture of the stiff, cotton lace in her fingers, the little girl looked up to Billy for explanation, her eyes wide in fascination. Standing her on the floor in front of him, Billy hunkered down, his fingers tracing the fabric.
"Billy?" Daisy-May's quiet voice was filled with questions her mind didn't know how to ask. Her face scrunched up in confusion as her inquisitive fingers plucked at the unfamiliar fabric.
"It's lace, Sugarplum." Billy smiled and tweaked her sweet nose with two, small fingertips. "It's what little girls wear." Watching as Daisy-May's head tilted slowly, trying to understand Billy's words, Billy nodded in encouragement.
Gently straightening Daisy-May's lopsided, riotously curling pigtails, Billy kissed her forehead and lifted her to sit on the change table before he gently slipped white lacy socks, and pink, patent leather shoes on her tiny feet. Lifting the little girl into his arms, Billy cradled her against his body, and lifting her higher in his arms, he rubbed his cheek against her belly, bringing a bright, wide smile to her little face.
"Ready?" Dom asked as he poked his head into Daisy-May's bedroom.
"DomDaddy!" Daisy-May squealed, extending her arms to the younger man.
"Aye," Billy murmured, leaning in to kiss his lover tenderly and passing their daughter to him.
"Shouldn't one of us not be looking?" Dom asked with a cheeky grin.
"Depends on which of us is the bride," Billy replied with a chuckle.
"My guess is you, since you're the one in the skirt and all." Dom ducked away from the playful punch Billy shot at him.
"It's a kilt, you silly git," Billy laughed. "And, I didn't see you laughing at it the first time you saw me in one." Small fingers traced lightly across Dom's cheekbone as he spoke. "How did I get to be the one in the skirt? You’re the one wearing the make up?
"It lets me see your incredibly sexy knees, and besides, that one was black leather." Dom leaned in and caught Billy's chin with one hand, kissing him deeply. "And I thought you liked the eyeliner," Dom teased breathily. "Should I take it off?"
"Don't you dare," Billy murmured, waiting for their kiss.
Pressing their foreheads together, their breath uneven, their kisses fanned the flames that constantly sparked between them. Impatient with her parent’s affections, Daisy-May's little hands batted at Billy's chest, impatient to be let down, babbling in the limited vocabulary that was growing by the day.
"When you first came here, did you think you'd ever be doing this?" Billy asked softly.
"What? Getting married? Having a beautiful daughter and a pair of our own babies on the way? A job that I love almost as much as I love you? A beautiful home? Jesus, Billy. I couldn't even dream of one of those things, and now I have them all. What do you think?"
"That I'm the luckiest man alive," Billy sighed as he leaned in to kiss Dom again.
"Boys?" Liv's voice drifted in from the front of the house. "Are you decent?"
"Depends on your definition of decent, Livvie," Dom called, bending to kiss Billy again, even as his long fingers cupped their daughter's curly head.
"I've got a guest that insisted on seeing you before the ceremony," Liv said warmly as her head appeared around the edge of the bedroom door. "And I thought you might like me to take Miss Daisy-May back with me." Extending her hands out to the little girl, Liv eagerly scooped her up from Dom’s arms. "I swear, Milo is pining for his little co-conspirator."
"What guest?" Billy asked, frowning as they followed Liv towards out of their bedroom.
"No one special," Liv called noncommittally over her shoulder. Fingers tickling Daisy-May's belly as she spoke, Liv walked quickly towards the door, on her way to back to the preparations. "Just…"
"Craig!" Billy exclaimed, stepping quickly around Dom and flinging himself into his brother's arms.
Giving them a few moments, Dom stood in their bedroom doorway, watching Billy's reunion with his youngest sibling. Dom's face was creased with a broad smile, as Billy's joy in seeing his baby brother was infectious. While Billy's arms wrapped around Craig's waist and they embraced tightly, unashamed of the intimate affection, tears welled in Dom's eyes as he realized how happy Craig's surprise visit had made Billy. Months ago, Dom and David had decided to conspire together to surprise Billy with a family reunion at their commitment ceremony, and when Craig had called to offer his dismay at being unable to attend the celebration, Billy had been heartbroken. It had been all Dom could do, not to confess the secret to Billy, but now, Dom was overjoyed that he'd been strong, and stayed silent.
Stepping forward, Dom waited patiently for the brother's embrace to end before he extended a hand in greeting. Dom started to speak, but was cut off when he was hauled into a tight, full body hug.
"You're Dom. I'd know you anywhere," Craig said welcomingly, hugging the smaller man tightly. "I've said it before, but thank you from making my big brother happy."
"Hey, he makes me happy." Dom hugged Craig tightly as he replied with a grin. "It's a fair trade."
Watching his lover and his brother, Billy couldn’t help but notice Dom's obvious comfort with Craig, and the huge change, compared to how Dom was at their first meeting. It had been at least two years since Billy had seen his sibling, and he drank in Craig's appearance hungrily. In that time, Craig had lost his soft edges, was now tall and lean, his shoulders broadly muscled inside his formal suit jacket. Hair dark blonde and close cropped in military style, his skin was deeply tanned, and his sky blue eyes were smiling. Billy smiled as he realized for the first time that Craig was wearing a kilt in the family tartan. Eyes narrowing in greater scrutiny, Billy realized that Craig was dressed identically to how they had planned for David, his best man, to be dressed.
"I've been had, haven't I?" Billy asked softly, unable to be annoyed at the subterfuge.
"Maybe," Dom replied quietly. "We all wanted to surprise you. I'm sorry if we hurt you." Moving to Billy's side, Dom embraced him gently.
"Is the coast clear?" David called from the doorway. Standing in the open doorway, David smiled at his siblings happily, then frowned as they turned and laughed at him.
Framed by afternoon sunlight, standing in the doorway, David was dressed in the same red and green tartan kilt that both his brothers wore, along with the knee-high stockings and shiny leather gillie shoes, laced around his ankles. Topped with a pristine, white shirt and black, formal jacket, David's formal attire was completed by a sporran at his waist and thistle on his lapel, but that wasn't what his family found amusing. David had trimmed his beard neatly, but was wearing his favorite battered, white straw cowboy hat, and what could only be described as black, reflective, Terminator sunglasses. The incongruity of his accessories brought hearty laughter to the room.
"I'm losing the hat, alright?" David offered with a grin as he stepped into the room.
"It's a good thing, Dais," Craig chuckled. "I don't think I could pull off quite the same Brokeback meets Braveheart look."
Striding across the room, David pulled Craig into his arms for a tight, affectionate hug.
"I've missed you," Craig whispered against David's shoulder.
"You need to come home, Craig," Billy stated gently, watching as his brother's stepped apart, then dragged him into their combined embrace.
"Soon," Craig replied, lips pressed to Billy's hair. "I'm not sure if I can yet."
Dom frowned in confusion as he watched Billy and David nod their silent understanding.
As Dom gazed at them, the three men clung together tightly, each drawing comfort from their siblings. Tears welled in Dom's eyes, the bond shared by the three brothers an almost tangible force around them. Slipping one arm free, David murmured softly and gestured to Dom. Looking up, his eyes glistening, Billy extended a hand to his lover, and watched as Dom slowly walked closer.
Lacing his fingers with Billy's, Dom stepped into their open arms. Leaning his head against Billy's, one long arm wrapped around his waist, Dom's breath was warm on Billy's cheek.
"Happy?" Dom whispered, his free hand lifting to trail across Billy's face.
"Couldn't be any happier," Billy murmured, lifting his arm from around Craig's waist to cup Dom's face with trembling fingers. "Thank you."
"My pleasure." Dom sighed, tilting his head so that their lips met in a long, lingering kiss.
"Hey," David rumbled as he stepped back from the embrace, pulling a grinning Craig with him. "Break it up, you two."
"Why?" Billy murmured against Dom's lips as he closed his arms around Dom's waist and pulled their bodies together firmly.
"Because there's about a hundred people at the main house waiting to see you committed," David answered.
"Just when I thought we were the only sane ones," Dom said with a laugh. Drawing slightly away from Billy's lips, Dom rested his forehead against Billy's as he caught his breath.
"Are they always like this?" Craig asked, shielding his mouth in a mock stage whisper.
"Only when they're breathing," David replied, chuckling.
"Don't you two have someplace else to be?" Billy muttered, looking pointedly at his siblings.
"Yeah," David laughed. "But we're not going anywhere without you. I know what happens when we leave you two alone."
"Just give us five minutes?" Dom requested, smiling and fluttering his lashes at David.
"Five." David nodded in agreement. "But just five. If you're not on your way by then, I'll come looking."
"Yes, Dad." Dom laughed, pulling Billy back into a kiss.
Throwing his arm around Craig's shoulder, David lead him out of the old ranch house.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Mingling with the crowd, waiting for the appearance of the happy couple, Craig wandered around the corner of the main house. Striding up the stairs onto the verandah, he was surprised to find a large, muscular man seated in a rocking chair, gazing out at the gorgeous view of the ranch. Walking closer, a broad smile creased Craig's face as he noticed the baby ensconced in the man's arms.
"Yours?" Craig asked quietly, leaning in to look at the infant cradled in the crook of his elbow.
"Nope," Sean answered. "My niece." Sean's long index finger tickled the baby's cheek, smiling as she gurgled and kicked in his embrace.
"Pity. She suits you," Craig replied with a smile as he watched the loving interaction. "She's a lucky little girl."
"She is indeed," Sean agreed, snuggling the baby, he extended a hand to Craig in greeting. "Sean Bean, and this is Rosie Mortensen." He gestured at the baby.
Sliding his hand against Sean's warm, calloused fingers, Craig smiled broadly. "Craig Parker," he offered. "I'm Billy's youngest brother." Craig paused and watched Sean closely. "Bean, you say? Liv's brother?"
"The one and only." Sean smiled. "You have something against ranching or is there some other reason you've been hiding?"
"I'm in the military. I've still got a little bit of time left on my tour," Craig answered with a shrug.
"Have you got any plans for life after the military?" Sean asked.
"Not so far," Craig replied. "Billy wants me to come and settle here. I miss my brothers, but I'm not sure I'm ready to cowboy up right away."
"Liv's exactly the same. Go with the flow." Sean nodded in understanding, "Don't let them rush you. Do what I do. Go wherever the work leads you, and just remember that there is a home here."
"What do you do?" Craig questioned, intrigued by the older man.
"I'm a geologist. When I'm in the country, I live here in the bunkhouse, but I've been in South America a lot lately."
"Me too. Been in South America, that is. I'm not a Geologist, but you already knew that," Craig added, his words running together with a nervous smile. "We'll have to compare notes sometime."
Sean gestured towards the path between the two houses. "Looks like you're on duty. The lovebirds are coming."
Moving to the edge of the verandah, Craig watched Billy and Dom walk hand in hand along the path towards the garden pavilion, where their guests waited.
"Will you be here after the ceremony?" Craig asked tentatively.
"Sure will," Sean replied quickly. "I'm looking forward to a beer with you."
"It's a date then," Craig acknowledged, and moved quickly down the stairs to join David as he strode across the short distance to Billy and Dom.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Gripping Dom's hand tightly, Billy walked beside him proudly, feeling the slight tremor of nerves as Dom noticed the crowd of their friends watching them approach. Pulling Dom to a stop beside him, Billy reached up stroke his lover's face with silent adoration. Leaning in to kiss Dom tenderly, Billy let his thumb brush across Dom's cheek before he pulled back just enough to speak to him.
"Nervous?" Billy asked quietly.
"A little," Dom murmured. "But it's good nerves."
"There's only one thing you need to remember." Billy leaned in to kiss Dom as he spoke.
"What's that?" Dom inquired distractedly.
"I love you," Billy whispered against his lips.
Taking a deep breath, Billy extended his fingers, ruffling them through Dom's disheveled hair as he did. Lacing his fingers with Dom's again, they walked the remaining distance to join their guests.
As Billy and Dom stepped into the airy garden pavilion, their friends applauded them, and the gentle strains of a small string ensemble beginning to play. They paused for a moment to greet Daisy-May and her gleefully waving hands before they stepped up to shake hands with the celebrant who waited patiently for their arrival.
Standing in front of the celebrant, their hands clasped tightly, the couple listened intently to the words being said. It wasn't really a wedding, but a public declaration of their intentions and their love, but that didn't make his attitude any less professional. Dressed in a sharp black suit and crisp white shirt, thick salt and pepper hair slicked back tidily, he smiled warmly at the two men who stood before him as he spoke.
Months ago Billy and Dom had sat down with the celebrant and decided on the simple words that would be spoken at their ceremony, and now standing here listening, Billy turned his head to look at his young lover, memories drawing him back almost eighteen months. The moment when Dom had stepped from his car into the golden sunlight had changed both of their lives forever. Even dealing with the cruelty of a ranch hand and his own blind fury at the pain and suffering the man's ignorance had created, Billy hadn't failed to notice Dom. With a honey-blonde halo of hair, concern outweighing the fear in his smoky blue eyes, Dom's too slender body was shielded from inquisitive eyes, thanks to clothes far too big for his body. Despite all his efforts to the contrary, Dom was captivating. Getting to know the man who hid inside the timid exterior had only made him more attractive in Billy's eyes.
Watching Dom, the celebrants words faded, and Billy's concentration was completely focused on his young lover. The wounded young man, hidden in a cocoon of self protection when he arrived, had disappeared. As the cocoon had opened and Dom had unfurled his wings, a beautiful butterfly had emerged. Shaking his head minutely to clear his thoughts, Billy realized that butterfly wasn't strictly correct; his Honey was more like a moth. Whilst not technically beautiful at first glance, their struggle to survive helped to reveal their true beauty. Moths were stronger, with so much more resilience than their beautiful, delicate counterparts. Yes, he thought, his Honey was a moth. Strong, healthy and filled with a newfound self-assurance, he had grown into the man Billy had known he could be when he first saw him, but still shrouded by the gentle, emotional delicacy that was so much a part of Dom's soul. A father, a lover, a teacher, and a partner in all aspects of Billy's life, he couldn't imagine a world without Dom in it, and wondered how he had managed to survive so long without him.
Billy's thumb traced Dom's palm as he watched, and Dom's tongue darted out to moisten his lips, his hand squeezing Billy's tightly, his touch soothing Billy's sudden nerves. Startled by music suddenly accompanying his musings, Billy's eyes widened as Dom tugged gently on their joined hands and took a step closer, his free hand rising to cup Billy's chin and turn their faces together.
"Paying attention, Bills?" Dom murmured, his thumb caressing Billy's lower lip, knowing full well that Billy's thoughts had been far from their ceremony.
"Sorry, I'll watch the highlights later," Billy promised his lover, lifting a hand to brush a fingertip against the lips he'd been watching hungrily.
Accepting the ring that his youngest brother held out to him, Billy slid it on to Dom's finger, and lifting Dom's hand to his lips, Billy kissed the knuckles gently before releasing his hand.
Watching Billy, eyes never leaving his face, the soft, gentle smile that was reserved completely for Billy curled up the corners of Dom's lips, as he extended a hand to Billy's other brother. David's fingers brushed his palm as he surrendered Billy's ring into Dom's keeping. Lifting the platinum band to his lips, Dom kissed it before taking Billy's hand in his own and slid the ring onto Billy's small finger. Kissing Billy's knuckle softly, Dom turned Billy's hand over and pressed a wet, open mouthed kiss in Billy's palm.
Eyes fixed on each others faces, they barely registered the celebrants final words before he declared that they could seal their intentions with a kiss. Stepping closer, each tenderly clasped the others face, and their lips met in a gentle kiss, filled with love and devotion. As they drew apart, hands sliding together and fingers laced, their guests stepped forward to congratulate them.
Clad in a simple but elegant black dress, Liv cradled her baby daughter Rosie in one arm, and hugged Billy tightly with the other.
"I was beginning to think this day would never come," Liv stated as she released him.
"We couldn't do this until Daisy-May's new passport was settled," Billy answered with a shrug. "But we're here now, and that's all that matters."
"Unhand my woman!" Viggo growled as he approached. Dressed in a traditional, western cut suit, a bolo tie and a black felt cowboy hat, he held the pink, lacy, Daisy-May in one arm and Milo, in a tiny suit matching his daddy's, in the other. The stern edge to Viggo's voice dissolved as Daisy-May, excited by the sparkling, silver balloons that surrounded them, attached her little fingers to his scruffy beard and pulled sharply. Daisy-May bouncing in Viggo's tight grip excited Milo as well, and he struggled to be put down on the ground, his fingers wrapping around his father's string tie and pulling it.
"Having fun, Vig?" Dom asked as he moved to slide his arm around Billy's waist, kissing his cheek affectionately.
"Absolutely." Viggo nodded, letting Daisy-May's fingers pull at his lip as he replied, all the while juggling his son on his other hip. "You two absolutely sure you want to take your daughter on your honeymoon?"
"Are you volunteering?" Billy inquired, quirking one eyebrow at Viggo as he struggled not to laugh. Milo and Daisy-May had silently decided to join forces, and struggling to climb higher up Viggo's body, they each fought to catch hold of the brim of his hat.
"You know we'd keep her here. She's a joy, and besides, Milo is going to miss her," Viggo explained, sighing as his hat was knocked off his head and landed on the dusty ground behind him.
"We thought about it," Dom said with a laugh. "But we don't know how long it will take to coax mum over for a visit."
"Besides, we're a family." Billy slipped his arm around Dom's waist as he spoke. "It wouldn't be the same, leaving part of our family behind."
When Daisy-May leaned out, her little arms waving for her daddy, Billy stepped forward and took their giggling cherub into his embrace before kissing her cheek with a loud, smacking noise, causing her giggles to increase. Billy looked up with a grin into the smiling face of his former employer, and after passing Daisy-May to Dom, Billy opened his arms to the statuesque blonde. A moment later, Cate and Billy embraced tightly.
"Should I be jealous?" Dom asked with a smile as they drew apart. Extending his free hand, he waited to greet his partner's old friend. He’d already noticed the beautiful, ethereal blonde standing slightly to the rear of their friends, observing, but not interacting. Her smile was friendly, but her demeanor did little to invite interaction.
"Absolutely not," Cate laughed, rubbing Billy's shoulder affectionately. "I knew a long time ago what direction my favorite employees needs took. I’m Cate, you must be Dom. I'm glad he finally found you."
"Me too," Dom answered sincerely. "If you'll excuse me," he said and then leaned in to press a kiss against Billy's cheek. "I'll be back in a minute. I'm just taking Sugarplum here back to her Uncle Viggo."
"Don't be long." Billy sighed, pressing a warm, lingering kiss to Dom's lips, his fingers brushing across Daisy-May's cheek before Dom walked away
"It's good to see you happy," Cate said with a fond smile, drawing Billy into a second embrace.
"It's good to finally be happy," Billy answered warily. "I've missed you."
"He's beautiful, Billy," Cate commented. "And he loves you desperately."
"That's why we fit; I love him just as desperately," Billy answered absently as he watched Dom walking away. Turning back to Cate, he frowned. "How did you know about my preferences? We've never talked about it."
"Give me some credit, Billy," Cate replied dryly, her eyes rolling in consternation. "I've known about all three of you since not long after you signed on with me. I don't care who you want to shag, that's your business. It's got nothing to do with me. I'm just glad to see you happy."
"There's not much I miss about working with you," Billy admitted, changing the subject, a frown crossing his face briefly. "But I do miss you. We had some good times, didn't we?"
"Yeah, we did. Not a day goes by that I don't miss our late night scotch and philosophy," Cate replied, her brow furrowing in thought. "It's okay, Billy. I'm not looking to take either of you back into the team."
"You know better than to ask me," Billy stated quickly. "And I'd fight you tooth and nail before I'd let you take David."
"Calm down, Billy." Cate smoothed her fingers across his brow as she spoke. "I wouldn't let Craig miss today, but we're on our way to a hotspot, so I thought I'd tag along."
"It was good to see you, Cate," Billy replied, hugging her again.
"You know I'll look after him, Billy," Cate murmured into Billy's hair as they embraced. "You're all practically family. I swear I'll do my best to keep him safe."
"Thank you," Billy whispered, releasing the breath he hadn't been aware of holding.
"I hate to do this, Billy, but I need to take him away," Cate said regretfully. "I have to go and find him."
"Just give me a minute to say goodbye," Billy requested, and watched as she walked towards the house.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Scanning the crowd of guests and family carefully, David's eyes narrowed as he found his baby brother. From his vantage point at the outdoor bar, it didn’t take him long to find his brother, once again on the long verandah that surrounded the main house, talking to Sean.
Sean was leaning against the railing beside Craig, their heads inclined towards each other, feet crossed at the ankles, and long neck beer bottles in their hands as they spoke softly to each other. Their open and intimate posture as they talked quietly spoke volumes to David.
Since they had parted prior to the ceremony, Sean's hungry gaze had been following Craig, and it hadn't escaped David's attention. Glancing at his brother, David quickly decided the attraction was obviously mutual, because Craig practically glowed with every word and every glance he exchanged with the rugged geologist. Watching them, David struggled to push thoughts of Orlando from his own mind. The expression on Craig's face reminded David of the way the delicate Brit had looked at him in the streets of Helm's Deep all those months ago. Seeing himself in Sean, David's lips pressed together in consternation, because he knew exactly what Sean's intentions were, and they were far from honorable.
Snagging a beer from a passing waiter, David made his way across the dusty ground towards his sibling. Climbing the stairs quickly, he smiled warmly at Craig, nodding in greeting, before turning his attention to his companion. His smile now more of a grimace, David extended his hand to Sean.
"Bean," David stated as they shook hands firmly. "When did you get back?"
"Early this morning," Sean answered, frowning slightly.
"Where are the lovebirds?" Craig inquired, smiling warmly at his brother.
"They're looking for you, actually. Cate's getting ready to go," David replied. "I told her I'd come and find you."
Craig turned his attention to Sean, and smiling broadly, he reached out to touch the other man's hand where it lay on the railing. "Will I see you again before I leave?" Craig asked, his fingers tracing Sean's knuckles gently.
"Not going anywhere," Sean answered.
"Won't be long," Craig said before pushing off the railing and hugging David tightly. Smiling broadly at Sean and David, he then bounded down the stairs, heading towards Billy and Dom.
Waiting only long enough for Craig to be out of earshot, Sean turned his attention to David. "I'll bite. What's eating you?" Sean asked mildly.
"You," David growled, standing up straight and pressing his hands to his hips.
"What the fuck have I done?" Sean wondered aloud, utterly confused.
"Leave him alone." David stepped closer. "He's been hurt enough. He doesn't need you screwing with his head."
Sean rose from his leaning position against the railing, his expression hardening as he spoke. "You take a lot on yourself, don't you?"
"He's my baby brother. I know what you want, and you're not getting it from him. Leave him the fuck alone. I won't let you hurt him," David shot back firmly.
"I've known him for a couple of hours, David. Give me a break," Sean replied in disbelief. "Jesus, man. He's an adult. Try giving him some credit."
"I see the way you're looking at him," David accused.
"Have you seen your brother?" Sean asked incredulously. "He's an attractive man, David. Very attractive. Pardon me for thinking he's sexy."
"I won't let you use him." David jabbed his finger at Sean's chest as he spoke heatedly.
Eyes flashing, Sean slapped David's hand away. "For fucks sake, David. Have you listened to yourself? What's your problem? Are you worried that I'm going to treat your brother the way you've treated someone else? Besides, how the hell do you know I'm going to do anything, let alone use him?" Growling his displeasure, Sean walked off the verandah and away from David before he could answer.
David stood watching Sean's retreat, his mind filled with images of a chocolate eyed biologist with tousled curls that had haunted his dreams for months. David couldn't help his anger, because Sean was looking at Craig exactly the same way he had looked at Orlando almost a year ago. When Craig returned, David knew that Sean wouldn't hesitate to act on the mutual attraction that burned between them, while David, however, had turned and walked away from the intense heat that burned between himself and the biologist who had innocently threatened to melt the glacial wall around his heart.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Arms looped around Billy's waist, Dom rested his chin on Billy's shoulder, eyes glistening as they spoke to the mother of their children. Heavily pregnant, Miranda sat on a comfortable chair that had been carried from the house for her to sit on during the ceremony, and she raised a hand to clasp Billy's.
"Are you sure you're alright?" Billy asked, his hand folding around Miranda's warmly, lips brushing against her knuckles.
"Billy, I'm pregnant, not sick," Miranda replied, grinning up at him.
"He's a mother hen," Dom murmured against Billy's throat, understanding Billy's almost obsessive need to assure himself. "He can't help himself."
"I know." Nodding, a broad smile split her face and suddenly, Miranda dragged Billy's hand down to press it against her swollen belly.
Beckoning Dom with her other hand, she waited as he released his hold on Billy and laid his hand in hers. Both men knelt in front of Miranda, their hands on her belly, feeling the kicks and movements of their tiny offspring. It wasn't the first time they had felt the life they had created beneath their fingertips, but feeling the tiny, fluttering movements never ceased to amaze them. Despite the raised eyebrows at the clinic, both men accompanied Miranda to each doctor's appointment, and the ultrasound pictures of their much anticipated babies decorated first the front of their fridge, and later, the special baby books that were slowly being created.
"You're sure that doesn't hurt?" Dom looked up at Miranda, his eyes glistening, free hand reaching for and grasping Billy's tightly.
"I'm sure," Miranda whispered quietly. "I'm so honored to be able to do this for you two."
"Jesus, Randy," Dom said, in awe of the movements under his hand. "I don't know how we'll ever repay you for doing this for us."
"Just love your babies," Miranda replied quickly. "That's all I need."
"We already do," Billy murmured distractedly, his small hand following the movements of the baby's kicking under Miranda's cloth covered belly. “Are you sure it’s okay for us to go?”
“Of course I’m sure. It’s only two weeks,” Miranda assured him. “Besides you know as well as I do that you couldn’t have done this any earlier. You two wouldn’t have gone anywhere without Daisy-May.”
“It seemed to take forever to get her passport sorted.” Dom complained, once again distracted by the movement under his palm.
When the tips of their fingers touched on Miranda's belly, Dom turned to gaze at Billy. It was heartbreaking for Dom, seeing the anticipation in Billy's eyes as he watched the cowboy's small fingers following their babies movements. It seemed like only yesterday that Dom had held his lover in his arms and listened to Billy's child rearing concerns. To see Billy awestruck by the life they had created was all that Dom could wish for. Especially when the pregnancy almost didn't happen.
Soon after they had made their decision, Miranda, Billy and himself had trekked to the only fertility clinic close enough to be a viable option. And had been refused. Heartbroken, they had taken several days to absorb the rejection, both he and Billy had lavished all their love on each other and the tiny cherub, who it seemed, would be their only child.
Miranda, bless her heart, had been unperturbed by the setback and had arrived at the old ranch house with a new plan. One door closes, another one opens, she had said, and explained her new idea to them. Dom's fingers moved to slide over Billy's hand on Miranda's belly, remembering Billy's reluctant nerves on the day they had conceived their babies.
With her own smiling husband in tow, Miranda had arrived and announced that it was time. Dispatching Daisy-May to Aunt Liv for the morning, and sending Dom and Billy to the privacy of their own room before installing herself in the guest room, Miranda had given them a sterile cup and a wink. Dom had needed to restrain the giggle that had lodged in his throat when Billy had looked at her, utterly confused. Miranda had merely quirked an eyebrow at him before a crimson blush had stained Billy's cheeks, realization of what the cup was for, finally occurring to him.
Erotic thoughts were pushed far from Billy's mind as Dom had closed the door behind them, and Dom had gently caressed his lover, his lips coaxing Billy's gaze away from the small cup he had placed on the bedside table. Embarrassment slowly fading, Dom's hands caressing and touching, he had sank to his knees in front of Billy, lips and fingertips arousing Billy, his hips lifting off the bed, thrusting into Dom's mouth. Feeling Billy's body tightening under his, Dom reached blindly for the cup, collecting the glittering fluid that spurted from his lover as Billy fell back against their mattress. Climbing onto the bed, Dom had snuggled into Billy's side, his throbbing arousal rubbing against Billy's hip.
As he caught his breath, Billy rolled towards Dom, trembling fingers sliding across Dom's bare chest and down his belly, and then his small hand wrapped around Dom's arousal, stroking him slowly. Billy's love and desire had finally overruled any awkwardness he may have felt, and kissing Dom, mouths sliding across each others tenderly, Billy's fingers moved over Dom's arousal. When orgasm burned through Dom's lithe body, both of them grabbed for the cup, barely managing to get it in place in time. Sealing the lid with nervous, trembling fingers, forgotten it lay on the bed behind them as they kissed and caressed each other tenderly. Breath eventually slowing and heart rates easing, Billy's eyes fluttered closed as a smile turned up the corners of Dom's mouth when he realized that his fondest wish had transpired that day. Both of them had played an equal part in their child's conception, and that child had been created in the love that they shared.
Smiling up at Miranda, Dom moved to wrap an arm around Billy's waist, resting his head on Billy's shoulder. These babies were meant to be. Sliding off the bed, Dom had kissed Billy gently and slipped a pair of yoga pants on, a deep blush coloring his cheeks as he had taken the cup down the hall. Knocking on the guest room door, Dom had handed the cup to Peter, Miranda's husband, and upon returning to Billy, they snuggled in bed, knowing exactly what was happening just down the corridor, nervous, yet somehow perversely calm.
As if having her husband impregnate her for someone else was something she did every day, Miranda had emerged from the guest room some time later, putting Billy and Dom completely at ease in what they thought would've been an awkward moment. Three weeks later, she had arrived on their doorstep shortly after sunrise, a wide, beaming smile on her face, and a pregnancy test kit in her hand. Dom grinned as he remembered. He hadn't needed the test, as Dom knew that their first attempt had been successful. The test had been a formality, merely to confirm what they already knew in their hearts. The bottle of non-alcoholic champagne Billy had put in the fridge for the possibility had been opened, and Miranda's health toasted before she had left them alone.
"Pip?" Craig murmured, his voice interrupting Dom's reminiscences as he walked towards them, speaking to his brother. Waving a warm greeting to Miranda, Craig watched as Billy rose, pressing a kiss against Randy's forehead as he did.
"What's up, Craig?" Billy asked and then looked up into his brother's face, realizing why Craig's mood was so sombre. "It's time to go, isn't it?"
"I'm sorry," Craig said regretfully.
"Not your fault," Billy replied.
"Good to see you again, Randy." Craig leaned down to press a gentle kiss against Miranda's forehead. "How goes the baking?" he asked, gesturing at her belly.
"Nearly done," Miranda said with a laugh. "When are you coming home?"
"Soon," Craig answered noncommittally. "Mind if I take Billy away for a little bit?"
"Sure," Miranda answered before starting to push herself up from the chair, and then she instantly had three men helping her to her feet. "I need to go find the little girls room anyway."
"You okay?" Dom asked solicitously.
"I'm fine, and Peter's just over there." Miranda gestured towards her husband. "You three go say goodbye."
Dom watched Miranda slowly walking away, then turned back towards his brother-in-law. Moving closer, Dom folded his arms around Craig, enclosing him in a tight hug, and he smiled as Craig's arms closed around him as well.
"Be safe," Dom murmured against Craig's chest.
"Only if you keep Pip happy," Craig replied with a smile.
"It's a deal," Dom assured him. Stepping back, Dom leaned in to press a gentle kiss to Billy's cheek. "I'm going to get us a drink," he murmured.
Slipping his arm around Dom's waist, Billy pulled him close for a quick hug. "Don't be long," Billy murmured. "I'll miss you."
"Me too," Dom sighed, snuggling into Billy's side, his long fingers smoothing across Billy's tartan covered buttocks briefly.
Billy's eyes followed Dom as he walked towards the house, and Craig smiled, because the naked emotion in Billy' eyes was something he had always wanted to see in his big brother. With everybody but himself and David, Billy had always been polite and impersonal, yet now Billy seemed to have blossomed emotionally. Not for the first time, Craig was sorry he had missed it.
"What are you looking at?" Billy asked.
"Not sure," Craig said with a grin, reverting to the bantering responses they had used in their childhood. "Doesn't have a label."
"Wanker." Billy laughed and pulled Craig into a tight embrace. "Glad you came?"
"Absolutely," Craig replied as he nodded and then released Billy. "I like him." He gestured towards Dom. "I know we've talked on the phone a lot, but actually seeing the two of you together is different. You're like two halves of the one whole. You belong together, any idiot could see that. And I'm glad that I got to be here for such a special day," Craig added before drawing Billy back into a hug.
"I'm sorry we didn't get more time together," Billy apologized.
"Don't stress, Billy. I got to be here, that was the important thing. And I'll be back soon." Craig pulled back and looked at his brother. "Got a question for you."
"Didn't we have the birds and bees talk years ago." Billy teased with a chuckle as they walked towards Cate's rental car.
"Wanker," Craig retorted, laughing briefly. "What do you know about Liv's brother?"
"Sean?" Billy raised an eyebrow in question. "Nice guy, don't know him that well. Why?"
"Just curious," Craig answered, his eyes scanning the wedding guests as they walked.
"See something we like, did we?" Billy asked with a grin.
"Maybe." Craig shrugged indifferently.
"Just be careful, Craig," Billy advised sagely.
"Yes, Dad." Craig reached out to ruffle Billy's hair as they reached the side of Cate's car.
"I'm going to miss you," Billy offered as he opened his arms for one final embrace.
"I know. I'll be back soon, I swear," Craig vowed, squeezing Billy tightly.
"Don't do anything stupid," Billy urged him, his voice muffled against Craig's chest.
A moment later, both men were enfolded in David's strong arms. Slightly out of breath from running, David tightened his hold on his brothers, wanting the three of them to be together as they bid Craig farewell.
"Don't forget to call us," David reminded his baby brother.
"I won't. Look after him?" Craig gestured with a nod of his head to David as he watched Billy.
At Billy's nod, Craig disentangled himself from his brothers and with a final loving glance, slid into the car. Watching the vehicle drive away, David wrapped his arm around Billy's shoulders.
"He'll be back soon."
"I know. I just can't help but worry about him," Billy replied with a heavy sigh.
"Isn't it time that you took your gorgeous man away for the night?" a sultry voice called softly. Turning, David and Billy watched Liv, Dom and Viggo, still carrying Milo and Daisy-May, approach them.
"Are you trying to get rid of us, Liv?" Billy asked, opening his arms to hug her, and then as he released Liv, he extended a hand to Dom.
Taking Daisy-May from Viggo's arms, David snuggled into her playfully, grinning at the giggles that bubbled from her rosebud lips.
"No, but you're only going to have one night to be alone together before you take your daughter on your honeymoon to spend time with your mother-in-law. I thought you might like the privacy," Liv explained with a wink.
Extending his arms to take Daisy-May into his embrace, Billy kissed the little girl wetly on the cheek, passing her to Dom when he stretched his hands out for her.
"She's fine with us." Dom snuggled into Daisy-May's belly, delighting in her gleeful giggles.
"No." David leaned in to lift the little girl from Dom's arms. "We insist. Go shag yourselves senseless or something. Have fun. Be newlyweds. She's fine with us."
Scowling, Liv took Daisy-May from David's arms as she spoke. "Poor little darling will have a vocabulary like a farmhand before she's even making sentences."
Leaning in to kiss Billy and then Dom, Liv blew a raspberry against Daisy-May's cheek, gesturing for her to wave to her daddies. "We're going away for some girl time." Liv smiled, and linking her hand in Viggo's, she turned, and they walked towards the main house. Waving and clapping over Liv's shoulder, Daisy-May mimicked her DomDaddy, and blew kisses at him.
"I think that may be our cue to go home," Dom whispered against Billy's neck.
Saying their goodbyes to their extended family, hand in hand they slowly walked to their home. Holding the door open for Dom, Billy waited until he was inside, then slipped his jacket off his shoulders, hanging it on the coat rack just inside the door. Looking up, he saw Dom watching him.
"What?" he asked.
"I love you," Dom whispered.
"C'mere," Billy murmured, stepping closer to Dom and sliding his arms around Dom's waist under his jacket, nuzzling his face into Dom's chest. "Happy?"
"Are you?" Dom breathed against the top of Billy's head, his long fingered hands stroking Billy's back gently.
Looking up into Dom's face, Billy's eyes glistened wetly. "You don't know how much it meant to me to see Craig, especially today," he murmured as he pressed his lips to Dom's. "Thank you."
"I felt like such a wanker, keeping that secret," Dom confessed. "I almost told you, so many times."
"I'm glad you didn't. The surprise made today even more perfect," Billy whispered, nuzzling against Dom's neck.
Sliding his hands up Dom's lithe body, Billy slid the jacket from Dom's shoulders, letting it drop to the floor. Small, nimble fingers made short work of Dom's tie, sliding the silky fabric from around his neck and flicking open the top button of his shirt.
"Frisky, are we?" Dom quirked an eyebrow at Billy.
"Am I breathing?" Billy laughed, borrowing David's comment from earlier in the day.
"I've got something for you," Dom said with a chuckle, and after kissing Billy gently, he led the way into the living room, waiting for Billy to realize the difference.
Looking up, the first thing Billy saw were the three, new, identical gilt edged frames hanging over the fireplace.
"When did you have time to do this?" Billy breathed, walking closer to the mantelpiece to get a better look.
Looking past the myriad of framed photos of their family on the mantelpiece, one by one, Billy looked at the new additions to the wall. Billy knew Dom's artistic handiwork when he saw it, but what amazed him was the depth and detail of the drawings. The one in the center was of their family, and Billy remembered the day a similar photo had been taken. Daisy-May had sat in front of Billy on a horse, Dom standing beside them, his arms extended to the smiling cherub.
In the drawing on the left, David leaned against a fence rail, his profile turned towards the horizon, obviously thinking happy thoughts as a rare, relaxed grin curved his lips. In the drawing on the right, Craig sat on the bottom step of a flight of stairs, obviously in military uniform, a shy smile tugging up the corners of his mouth as he gazed at something unseen by anyone else. Billy remembered the photo the drawing had been copied from. It had been taken after Craig's first mission, and David had taken his photo for posterity while Craig had been embarrassed, and pleaded with Billy to stop David.
"While I was out at Arwen Canyon with the last couple of classes of grads," Dom replied, sliding his arms around Billy's waist. "I'm sorry about the drawing of Craig. I only had photos as reference."
"Don't be sorry, it's perfect. They all are." Billy turned in Dom's arms as he spoke. "I have something for you."
"I told you I didn't want anything," Dom admonished.
"Aye." Billy looked pointedly at the drawings. "So did I." Walking into their workroom, Billy lifted a large gift box from his desk drawer, and brought it back to Dom. Dom looked from the box to Billy, and taking a deep breath, he lifted the lid. As he scanned the contents of the box, tears welled in Dom's eyes. The deeds for Arwen Canyon, now bearing his name, sat framed in the box.
"I can't accept this, Billy." Dom looked up into Billy's face as the tears escaped from his eyes, and rolled down his cheeks.
Taking the box from Dom's hand and setting it down on the sofa, Billy folded Dom into his arms and held him close, one hand stroking Dom's back.
"Why not, Dom? I want you to have it. Arwen Canyon brought you to me, it should be yours," Billy explained.
"That's the very reason why it should be ours. Not mine. Ours," Dom whispered, his lips finding Billy's neck.
"I wanted you to have it, Dom. The Anasazi are in your blood, Honey. It's only right."
"Can I suggest something?" Dom asked softly.
"Anything," Billy murmured, his fingers carding through Dom's silky hair.
"Put your name back on there, and it will be even more perfect," Dom breathed against Billy's lips, kissing him gently.
"Would that make you happy?" Billy asked.
Dom nodded before pressing his lips against Billy's for a long, lingering kiss. "I have something else for you," Dom stated when they finally parted.
"We left here together, Honey," Billy said, looking at the drawings again. "How did you get them hung?"
"Your brothers were quite keen to help out." Dom pulled Billy by the hand into their bedroom as he spoke.
Upon entering the room, Dom stepped to the side to reveal his surprise. The drapes had been drawn and the room dimmed, only to be lit by dozens of tea light candles as the gentle scent of Dom's favorite essential oils filled the air. A smile curled Billy's lips as he imagined his brothers creating this setting to Dom's instructions. Their soft, feather- filled comforter was covered with the tiny wildflowers that grew in abundance around the old ranch house.
Finally, Billy's eyes moved to the new artwork that hung on the wall above the bed, where two framed pictures hung. The first one was very familiar to Billy, the picture that Sean had brought to him after his visit with Dom in Boulder. It was the drawing that had precipitated their reunion, dark and solemn. The picture was the perfect reflection of his life before Dom had let the sunshine back into Billy's wounded soul.
The new picture stole his breath, and Billy recognized the setting immediately. He even knew when Dom had found the inspiration. It had been their last visit to Arwen Canyon before they had full-time custody of Daisy-May, and Billy had been bathing in their rock pool. Dom's painting had captured the moment that Billy, standing naked in the warm water, had heard Dom's approach and turned, extending a hand, inviting his lover to join him.
Billy recognized the difference in himself between the pictures, as he had changed the moment he met Dom, even though he hadn't really realized it until this moment. The life Billy had considered fulfilling eighteen months ago had actually been dark, as he watched life pass him by. But Dom had opened his eyes and his heart, and now Billy knew what it was to embrace life the same way Dom did. Turning, eyes glistening with the realization of the fulfilled life he had never even allowed himself to dream of, that it was really his, Billy opened his arms to his lover.
"C'mere, Honey." Billy's voice was gruff and filled with choking emotion as he spoke.
Stepping into Billy's open arms and cuddling him closely, Dom nervously murmured, "So you like it?"
"Of course I like it. I love it," Billy whispered as he clasped Dom's face in his hands and kissed him gently. "I've never thanked you, Honey, have I?"
"For what?" Dom asked, leaning back to look into Billy's eyes, thumbs catching the tears that had begun to trickle down Billy's cheeks.
"For giving me the life I'd never dared to even dream of," Billy murmured, small hands stroking Dom's back slowly. "I love you."
"That's what love is, Bills," Dom breathed against Billy's lips. "We make each other whole."
"Two broken halves to make the perfect whole," Billy agrees with a joyful smile. "The cowboy and the archaeologist."
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Awwwwwwwwww! And they're married and having babies and ohmygod it's all so good. (It's three in the morning here, so sorry if this isn't completely coherent...)
Thank you SO much for this beautiful series. I'm so happy to hear there will be an Ordaisy book as well. Your writing takes my breath away.
*hugs*
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fucking best line eveh!
"Are they always like this?" Craig asked, shielding his mouth in a mock stage whisper.
"Only when they're breathing," David replied, chuckling.
ok, so this little passage might get to share honors of best line. It's just so beautiful.
I love how protective Daivd is. Also, Dom's name on the deed? Perfect. You tied up every lose thread into a pretty bow.
I can't wait for Orli/David.
kerry
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I've got nothing but love love love for this whole story. I cant wait for Biologists.
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Thanks so much for this! What a perfectly quaint little family they have now! I just want to smoosh them, in a good way. lol
I really really enjoyed this so very much. They only regret I have now is not being able to look forward to reading the next part each day, :(. But still lovely ending to a lovely story! Props to you. Mad Props. XD!
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This part:
"C'mere, Honey." Billy's voice was gruff and filled with choking emotion as he spoke.
Stepping into Billy's open arms and cuddling him closely, Dom nervously murmured, "So you like it?"
"Of course I like it. I love it," Billy whispered as he clasped Dom's face in his hands and kissed him gently. "I've never thanked you, Honey, have I?"
"For what?" Dom asked, leaning back to look into Billy's eyes, thumbs catching the tears that had begun to trickle down Billy's cheeks.
"For giving me the life I'd never dared to even dream of," Billy murmured, small hands stroking Dom's back slowly. "I love you."
"That's what love is, Bills," Dom breathed against Billy's lips. "We make each other whole."
"Two broken halves to make the perfect whole," Billy agrees with a joyful smile. "The cowboy and the archaeologist."
Very Lowellian (yes, I made up a word).
So, where's the ordaisy? Waits patiently... Is it done yet? Waits more... What about now? Okay, I'll be good and stop asking. I'm just excited to see the next installment! Who knows. Maybe by the time that it posts, I will have unpacked my books and can reread the original again. I like to contrast and compare. I will say one final time that I think that you have surpassed the original novel here and that, assuming Elizabeth Lowell liked slash, she would thoroughly enjoy this story and be flattered by it. Possibly even a little jealous.
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You have Miss Dylan to thank for the poetry of the ending, she really put it together for me.
Aren't Craig and Sean adorable? I think you're really going to love their book.
The Ordaisy book takes a huge departure from the original fic, if only because I needed to find a way to get Craig home that is conducive to his story - and the Craig/Sean story is completely removed because I don't think we eer got Utah's story did we?
I know I've had it before hon, but I don't have your email on my laptop account, could you email me at magickister@gmail.com, I've got a couple of questions for you.
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