This story contains descriptions of graphic sex between males. If that kind of thing does not appeal to you, stop reading now.
This story is pure fiction. If this resembles something that happened to you, it must have been an incredible experience. But it's simply a coincidence.
All comments are welcome: djwarner1984@hotmail.com Please donate to Nifty: https://donate.nifty.org/
-DJ
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The Inheritance Clause - 39
Adam stood next to the pilot's seat, looking at Dawson. He put his hands out in front of him to settle Dawson down.
"Babe..." Adam said, "It's ok... Nothing's wrong..."
Dawson put the notebook on the seat next to him and got up. He held onto the frame of the canopy with one hand.
"What's going on?" Dawson asked with concern still on his face.
Adam sighed. He stepped around Colby and came toward Dawson. Colby watched him, panting, and then followed him. Adam came up to Dawson and took both of Dawson's hands into his. They looked at each other. Colby came up next to them, panting and looking at them.
"I just wanted to do something to put a period on everything we've gone through," Adam said, "Do something to symbolize that we're done with the drama."
Adam's face softened as he spoke.
"Make a clean start for our new life," Adam concluded, "But also... take care of something we need to do."
Dawson tilted his head at Adam as he listened.
"What have you got in mind?" Dawson asked.
Adam pulled his hands back. He reached into his back pocket. He held up the extra packet that his granddad put in the clause D boxes so Dawson could see it. He lowered it between the two of them and pulled the flaps of the packet open. Dawson looked into the packet and saw some mangled pieces of metal and plastic. He looked at Adam with confusion.
"It's the thumb drive with my granddad's video," Adam said, "I smashed it with a rock this morning."
Realization came over Dawson's face. He smiled at Adam.
"I thought we could scatter the pieces into the lake," Adam said, "together..."
"I love that idea," Dawson said as he reached for Adam's bicep.
The boys turned toward the side of the boat. Adam cupped his hand and dumped the pieces of the thumb drive into it. He put the empty packet down on the seat. Then he held out his hand to Dawson. Colby sniffed at the seat where Adam put the packet. Dawson took some of the pieces from Adam.
"One... two... three..." Adam said.
Dawson tossed them underhanded. The pieces of the thumb drive spread out from the boat and sprinkled into the lake. Adam extended his arm over the side of the boat. He flipped his hand and the pieces fell into the water. They both brushed their hands over the side of the boat to remove any remaining pieces. They turned to each other and embraced. Colby nuzzled up to them.
"Let's go home," Adam said.
The boys parted. Dawson brushed Adam's arm gently as he pulled away and headed back to the pilot's chair. Colby watched Dawson pick up the empty packet. He folded it in half and slipped it into his pocket. Dawson sat down and began to pet Colby with one hand as he watched the back of Adam's head. The boat started and Adam gradually gave more gas as they continued their trek.
As they approached the lake house, the boys could see Krantz waiting for them at the edge of the garden. Adam tooted the boat's horn. Adam and Dawson waved. Suddenly, Niven and Adam's mother popped up on the terrace. A moment later, Cassie appeared in the doorway of her balcony. Everyone waved at the boys as they waved back. Adam took a deep breath and exhaled with satisfaction.
The boys were mooring the boat as Krantz approached the dock. Dawson opened the gate to get off so he could tie off the pontoon boat. Colby came off the boat and scampered toward Krantz, sniffing and wagging his tail. He momentarily sniffed near Krantz then wandered toward the garden.
"Good afternoon, sirs," Krantz said with his usual stoicism.
Dawson finished tying the boat off and then retrieved the notebook. Adam came onto the dock. He paused and looked at Krantz for a moment. Then Adam came toward Krantz with a quick gait. When he reached Krantz, Adam embraced him. Krantz was a bit surprised and didn't know what to do. Dawson stood and watched as Krantz made eye contact with him over Adam's shoulder. Dawson hugged the notebook against his chest and looked at Krantz sympathetically. Krantz slowly brought his arms up and hugged Adam. He closed his eyes as Adam spoke to him.
"We will help you with whatever you need..." Adam said softly.
"Thank you sir, but..." Krantz said before Adam cut him off.
"Krantz," Adam said as he pulled back and grabbed Krantz by his biceps, "I won't hear any arguments about this... Don't make me give you a direct order..."
Krantz clenched his jaw and sighed softly through his nose. Dawson approached them.
"You're like family to me, Krantz," Adam said, "Let us take care of you."
Krantz nodded as he looked toward the ground and swallowed with emotion.
"Yes, sir," Krantz said, "Thank you, sir."
"Now..." Adam said, "There's something I need you to know..."
Krantz cleared his throat and stood up taller as he looked at Adam.
"We're engaged," Adam said with a smile.
"Oh... sirs..." Krantz looked back and forth between the boys with a slight smile, "Congratulations!"
Krantz started to put out his hand to congratulate Dawson, but Dawson brushed by it as he went in to hug him.
"Well..." Krantz said, momentarily startled with the affectionate gesture.
Adam wrapped his arms around both of them. Krantz looked uncomfortable, but he stoically endured until the boys stopped holding him.
"There's one other thing, Krantz," Dawson said as he looked at Adam.
"We're holding the ceremony here, at the lake house..." Adam chimed in, "and we're planning to do it in June."
"Oh," Krantz said, "So soon..."
Krantz then realized they were holding the wedding in two months because of his terminal diagnosis. He was about to protest.
"Krantz," Adam said softly before he could say anything, "I want you to be a part of our wedding... I mean... would you be my best man?"
Adam smiled at Krantz who looked stunned. Dawson was surprised. He didn't know Adam was going to do that. But Dawson immediately knew that it felt right. Krantz looked at Dawson and then at Adam.
"You don't have to do that..." Krantz said.
"I know I don't," Adam said, "I want to."
Krantz looked back and forth between the boys. He took a deep breath and straightened his vest.
"I'll do it on one condition," Krantz said, "I oversee the wedding and have full authority over the decision-making."
"We're going to hire a wedding planner," Adam said, trying to divert Krantz away from his demand.
"Then I will oversee the wedding planner," Krantz rebutted, "I've run this house for 26 years. I'll be damned if someone is going to come in here and tell me how to conduct a wedding."
Dawson half chuckled. Adam smiled.
"Ok, Krantz," Adam said, "Ok."
Krantz nodded once in acknowledgement. He turned toward the house and the three of them started walking into the garden.
"Is there anything I can get for you, sirs?" Krantz said.
"No, Krantz," Adam said, looking at Dawson, "Right now, I think we both want to take a long shower."
"Understood," Krantz acknowledged.
Krantz paused in his walking and then turned to look at Adam. The boys stopped.
"I'm sorry to dampen what should be a joyous time with your engagement, sir," Krantz said, "But you should know...There is news about your father."
Adam didn't seem to react with any emotion.
"It was determined during his psychiatric evaluation that he is not competent to understand the charges against him. And it was also determined that he is a risk to harm himself or others," Krantz said, "So he is being held under armed guard in a hospital until his charging hearing on Tuesday."
"Do we need to be there?" Adam said, "As witnesses, I mean?"
"No," Krantz said, "I shouldn't think so."
"Good," Adam said.
He looked at Dawson and clenched his jaw in a forced smile. Dawson nodded at Adam. They started walking again. Adam turned toward Dawson.
"Babe..." Adam said, "I know we said we'd wait until everyone was together. But I'm excited. I want to tell my mother now."
Dawson smiled.
"Then let's tell her now," Dawson said.
Adam smiled as he took Dawson's hand. They passed from the garden to the patio and went up the stairs to the terrace. They could see Niven and Joan talking at one of the round tables. Niven was facing the boys, so she saw them first. She started to stand. Joan turned around and smiled.
"Oh, honey," Joan exclaimed.
Joan came over and hugged Adam. She pulled away and immediately hugged Dawson. Krantz moved to stand near Niven. Niven turned expectantly, looking for some sign from Krantz indicating the boys were engaged. Krantz nodded with a grin. Niven was so excited that she pursed her lips and smiled at the same time, causing her face to look like she just sucked on a lemon.
"Mom," Adam said when she pulled out of her hug with Dawson, "We're engaged."
Adam was smiling. He wasn't sure how his mother would react.
"What?!?!" Joan said as she clasped her hands together and pulled them into her chest.
She looked back and forth between the boys.
"Congratulations, honey," Joan said as she smiled and grabbed Adam's face.
She turned toward Dawson and smiled.
"Oh! How does this work? Is there a ring?" Joan gasped as she looked at Adam's then Dawson's ring fingers.
"We have matching bracelets," Adam said as he nodded toward Dawson's hand.
Dawson held up his wrist. Joan leaned over the bracelet as she took Dawson's hand into hers. She touched the bracelet and ran her finger over the intricate floral pattern as she looked at it.
"Oh my," Joan said, "It's beautiful..."
Joan looked up at Dawson and smiled. She turned to Adam.
"Oh, honey," Joan said, "We should plan the ceremony for fall of next year..."
The boys looked at each other, then at Joan.
"No, mom," Adam said, "We want to get married right away... It's going to be in June..."
"June? In two months?!?!?" Joan said with surprise, "Oh, honey, you need at least a year... Why don't you wait, we can plan it all out and..."
"Mom..." Adam interrupted her, "It's decided. We're getting married in June of this year."
"But why the rush?" Joan said with confusion.
Dawson glanced at Krantz.
"We love each other..." Adam said, "We have big plans to continue granddad's legacy and we want to do it together... as a married couple."
Joan looked back and forth between the boys and realized they were determined.
"Ok... I understand..." Joan said.
Just then, Colby appeared on the terrace. He came up between Adam and Dawson.
"Oh! We also got a new dog..." Adam said.
Adam crouched down and began to pet Colby.
"Is that the dog from before?" Joan said.
As Adam and his mother talked, Dawson slipped by Joan. He went up to Krantz and Niven. He glanced back to confirm Adam couldn't hear.
"How did it go?" Dawson whispered to the two of them as he leaned in, "Is it done?"
Niven nodded as she pursed her lips.
"It's beautiful," Krantz said under his breath, "They really did a great job."
"Everything is exactly as you wanted it," Niven said quietly as she looked toward Adam.
Niven reached into her apron.
"Oh, here..." Niven whispered, "just as you asked..."
She pulled out a rolled-up piece of cloth. She watched Adam as she subtly handed it to Dawson. Dawson looked down in recognition. He took it and put it into his pocket as Adam stood up. He started coming over to them, with Colby trailing behind him.
"Congratulations, sir," Niven said rather loudly.
Dawson realized that she was speaking louder because Adam was coming over. He finished stuffing the cloth into his pocket and pulled his hand out.
"Thank you," Dawson said, "It was quite a surprise. I wasn't expecting it."
"Congratulations," Niven repeated to Adam as he approached with Colby.
"What are we congratulating?" Cassie said as she appeared in the doorway.
"Cass..." Dawson said as he went to her.
They hugged and then Dawson held out his wrist.
"Look what Adam gave me..." Dawson said as she looked at it, "It's an engagement bracelet."
Dawson was beaming as he looked at Cassie. She was looking at the bracelet when Dawson's words clicked. Her head popped up to look at him.
"Engagement?" Cassie said as a smile started to form on her face, "You're getting married?"
She looked back and forth between the boys who were nodding at her.
"Oh my god! Dawson!" Cassie said as she threw herself at Dawson and they hugged.
She pulled Adam into the hug.
"I'm so happy for the two of you!" Cassie said, not able to contain her excitement.
She kept on hugging them. Colby got all excited and tried to get in on the hug, with his tail wagging furiously. Cassie looked down.
"Isn't this the dog from the other day?" Cassie said as they began to separate, "I thought he went to a new home..."
"He did," Dawson said with a smile, "Our home."
"Really?" Cassie said as she bent over to pet Colby.
When she stood up, Dawson touched her elbow.
"Um..." Dawson said to Cassie, "Do you mind if Adam and I have a quick word with you?"
Adam tilted his head in confusion. He didn't know what Dawson wanted to talk about.
"Sure," Cassie said.
Colby continued to nuzzle against their legs.
"I'll take him and give him some water so you can talk in private," Niven said, "Colby. Come."
Colby looked at Niven.
"Go on, boy," Dawson said as he gestured toward Niven.
Colby slowly walked toward her and then followed her into the house. Joan went inside with Niven and Colby.
"If you need anything, I'll be getting ready for the arrival of our guests," Krantz said.
"Oh, right," Dawson said, "When are they here?"
"Five o'clock. You have a few hours, sir," Krantz said.
"Thank you, Krantz," Adam said.
Krant went inside. The boys were alone with Cassie on the terrace.
"Cass," Dawson said with some nervousness in his voice, "I want you next to me when we take our vows. I don't know what we'll call it... Best woman? Cousin of honor? You can decide... but will you stand up for me at my wedding?"
Cassie didn't react. She simply looked at Dawson with a blank expression. Then she spoke.
"Cousin of honor..." Cassie said as a smile broke out across her face, "I like the sound of that..."
The boys smiled and all three of them embraced. When they separated, Dawson spoke.
"The wedding will be in June," Dawson said, "We're getting a wedding planner to help."
"Wow, ok..." Cassie said, "That's quick..."
"Well," Dawson said, trying to avoid telling her the real reason, "We don't want to wait."
Cassie nodded and put her hand on Adam's shoulder.
"Now, just so we're clear," Cassie said to Adam, "Once you say your vows... From that moment on... He's your problem."
Adam and Dawson started laughing. When they finished, Cassie crossed her arms.
"Hey," Cassie said, "Did you guys figure everything out while you were away? I mean... Do you have a plan? We're going to have to talk to the media soon. They're chomping at the bit."
"Yeah," Dawson said, "We're just about ready."
Dawson couldn't shake the thought that there was something missing, but he felt they could still move forward.
"We'll walk you through everything when everyone gets here," Adam said.
"Good," Cassie said.
She looked sympathetically at Adam.
"Um..." Cassie said, hesitating, "There's been some developments with your father... so we'll need to figure out what we want to do about that."
Adam forced a grin at Cassie.
"Krantz has already updated us," Adam said and then paused, "We should handle anything to do with my father separately... How about the three of us and my mom talk after dinner?"
Dawson nodded with concern.
"Ok," Cassie said.
"I'll let her know," Adam said.
"Anything else you need from us?" Dawson said.
"No," Cassie said, "No, that's it for now."
"We're going up to take showers," Dawson said, "We'll see you when everyone else gets here."
Cassie smiled and clasped her hands together.
"Congratulations again," Cassie said, "I'm really happy for you."
The boys smiled at her.
"Thanks," Adam said.
Cassie glanced at Dawson with a grin one final time before she headed into the house. Dawson turned to Adam. He put his hand on Adam's waist.
"I love you, babe," Dawson said.
"Mmm," Adam said as he leaned into Dawson and hugged him. "I love you," he whispered.
The boys embraced for a while. Finally, they broke their embrace and held hands. They went into the house and started up the stairs. When they reached the second floor, Adam started to turn to the east wing, toward their rooms.
"Wait..." Dawson said as he stopped walking and strengthened his hold on Adam's hand, preventing him from going further, "There's something we need to do. I have a surprise for you."
Dawson dropped the notebook onto the floor. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the piece of cloth Niven had given him. He pinched the end of it in one hand. It started to unroll when he flicked his wrist. It unfurled to reveal it was a bandana.
"I need you to wear this blindfold," Dawson said.
"Why? What are we doing?" Adam said with a slight chuckle.
"You'll see..." Dawson said with a grin.
Dawson folded the bandana so it would cover Adam's eyes.
"C'mon," Adam said half chuckling, but nervous, "Do I really need to be blindfolded?"
"Yes," Dawson said as he held up the bandana by both ends, "Just trust your fiance. I promise you will be happy when I remove the blindfold."
Adam sighed and looked at Dawson with resignation.
"Ok," Adam said as he closed his eyes.
Dawson got behind Adam and placed the blindfold over his eyes. He tied it off in the back and then went around to Adam's front. He adjusted it and confirmed that Adam couldn't see. Dawson took Adam by the shoulders and moved him a bit.
"Take one step forward," Dawson said as he moved out of Adam's way.
Adam sighed and took a step forward so he wasn't as close to the stairs. Dawson then took Adam by the shoulders and started to slowly spin him.
"What are you doing?" Adam asked.
Dawson didn't respond. He spun Adam a few more times, then he stopped him by grabbing his shoulders. Dawson picked up the notebook. With his free hand, he took Adam's hand and walked him. He headed down the west wing hallway. The boys passed Cassie's rooms. Dawson kept going, walking past Clayton's office until they were in front of the door to the master bedroom. Dawson reached for the door knob. He turned it and opened the door.
"No peeking," Dawson said as he led Adam into the room.
"I'm not," Adam said as he tightened his grip on Dawson's hand, "Where are we?"
"At the lake house..." Dawson joked.
"Ha ha..." Adam said.
Dawson led Adam into the room and brought him to the center. Dawson tossed the notebook onto the hope chest at the foot of the bed. He began untying the bandana.
"Keep your eyes closed until I tell you," Dawson said.
He removed the bandana and came around in front of Adam.
"Ok, open," Dawson said.
Adam opened his eyes. His jaw dropped. His head turned as he looked around the room.
"What the..." Adam said in shock.
Adam slowly turned himself around as he soaked in everything he could see. Dawson stepped back and put his hands on his hips. Adam didn't say anything. He just kept looking around with his mouth open, a stunned look on his face. He could feel his eyes start to water.
"What do you think?" Dawson said as he spread his arms.
Adam turned to face Dawson.
"How did you..." Adam started to say and then words escaped him.
"Do you like it?" Dawson asked.
Adam scanned the room again from where he stood. The master bedroom was completely transformed. There was a Caribbean style four poster bed, with a canopy. An antique hope chest with a padded cover for sitting was at the foot of the bed. The knotted rug and Clayton's furniture Adam and Dawson had arranged were all updated. The rug was somehow restored and renewed. All of the furniture was refinished to look fresh, giving it new life. The hardwood floor was refinished, giving it a shiny glow.
The colors in the room were the ocean blue theme Adam had imagined. A nuanced wall paper pattern covered the walls below the white chair rail that spanned around the room. And above the chair rail, the walls were painted a faint blue. Topping it off, the canopy over the bed blended in with its subtle color pattern. Even the handles of the dressers and vanities were the brass color he told Judge Lynch he wanted.
Under the windows facing the front of the house, there was a window bench framed by book shelves. Its color scheme blended with the ocean theme. The old sliding glass doors were replaced with doors that had built-in blinds, matching the color scheme of the room. And all of the art work was chosen to align with the ocean theme.
"Like it?!?!" Adam finally said, "I love it!"
Dawson smiled as he looked around the room. It was his first time seeing the room done over. Adam was still a bit shocked as he wandered around and started touching things in the room, absorbing what he was seeing. Adam stopped and turned to Dawson.
"But how did you do this?" Adam asked with confusion on his face.
"I called Judge Lynch," Dawson said, "When I told her I wanted to surprise you by renovating the master bedroom to look just as you wanted it, she didn't hesitate. She got her mother to come and remodel it using your designs. The judge filled in anything missing, based on what you two talked about when she was here."
Adam grinned as he started to move around the room again.
"How did they manage to get it done so quickly?" Adam said with amazement still written on his face.
"Krantz and Niven organized it," Dawson said, "Right after we left for Rosemary's Point, Judge Lynch, her mother, and a work crew arrived and started working."
Dawson went to the walk-in closet and opened the doors. The closet was refurbished. And all of the boys' clothing and accessories were neatly put away inside. Dawson put the bandana down onto the bureau as he came back into the bedroom.
"I can't believe it," Adam said as he looked around the room again, "This is exactly how I imagined it."
Dawson made his way to the bathroom. He opened the door and turned on the lights. That room was transformed as well.
"Oh wow," Adam said as he came into the bathroom with an astonished look on his face.
To the left, there were side by side sinks with a generous counter and expansive cabinet space underneath. It was configured similar to the shared bathroom they had down the hall, only more spacious and grander. The shower was in the middle of the room and it was huge. It was at least 15 feet across and 10 feet wide, with frosted glass all around it. Inside the shower were several fixed and handheld shower sprays, with shelves and a built-in bench. The boys' toiletries were in place, as if they had lived in that space for a while. A sectioned off room was on the right side of the shower on the opposite side of the room from the sinks. In its enclosure was a standard toilet, a bidet, and a sink. In the back of the bathroom, beyond the toilet room, shower and sinks was a sitting area. It had a couch and two chairs with racks and cabinets for towels and storage. The back wall was a floor to ceiling mirror.
The boys exited the bathroom. Dawson stood and looked around. Adam went toward the closet to look in. Adam suddenly stopped and looked at Dawson.
"Do you like it?" Adam said with some concern on his face.
Dawson smiled.
"Of course," Dawson said, "Our bedroom was designed by my fiance."
Adam tilted his head as he heard Dawson's response.
"Our bedroom..." Adam echoed Dawson's words as he smiled, "I like the sound of that."
Dawson smiled. Adam came toward Dawson until he was standing right in front of him. He moved in and kissed Dawson. The boys embraced as they kissed passionately. Adam began to push Dawson backward as they continued to kiss. Dawson stepped back slowly, trying not to fall over. When the backs of his legs met the edge of the hope chest, their kiss was broken and Dawson fell back onto it. Adam stood there, looking down at Dawson. Dawson's butt was sitting on the hope chest. The rest of his body was leaning onto the foot of the bed as he propped himself up on his elbows.
Adam slipped off his shoes, came around one of the posts and flung himself up on the bed. Dawson slipped his shoes off, too, and crawled over next to Adam so they were lying next to each other. Adam snuggled against Dawson, facing him so they could look at each other. Adam reached his arm over, resting his elbow on Dawson's pec as he slid his hand behind his head. Adam began running his hand through Dawson's hair as he stared into his eyes. Dawson looked back and smiled. He reached for Adam's face as he watched him. Dawson's thumb traced Adam's chin, lingering an extra moment on his dimple as his hand cupped Adam's cheek. Adam reached for Dawson's hand and kissed it. He then held it against his own chest.
"Thank you, babe," Adam said softly, "I love that you did this for me."
Dawson formed a kiss on his lips and blew it toward Adam. Adam leaned in and the boys embraced. Adam's head rested against Dawson's chest. The boys lay there together for a few minutes simply enjoying the quiet. Eventually, Dawson spoke.
"I know he put us in a tough spot with his demands," Dawson said, "But do you think it was a good idea putting Krantz in charge of the wedding? I thought we were going to try to lighten his work load..."
Adam lifted his head and pulled back slightly so he could look at Dawson. Adam smiled at Dawson.
"Think about it..." Adam said, "The wedding planner is going to do all the work. Plus, it will be easier for us to tell him to let Larkin take over everything else while he's focusing on the wedding."
Dawson sighed.
"You are so smart," Dawson said as he grinned.
Adam smiled back and patted Dawson's chest.
"Take a shower with me?" Adam said, "I just want to be near you."
"Mmm," Dawson said, "Ok."
Adam moved to sit up first. Dawson followed. They got off the bed and undressed. Adam started to walk toward the bathroom when Dawson came up next to him and gently cupped Adam's naked butt cheek. He gave it a gentle squeeze. Adam giggled. Dawson removed his hand as Adam paused in the bathroom to look around.
"Wow," Adam said, "I can't get over how much this looks like what I imagined."
Adam grabbed two towels and placed them on the towel warmer outside of the shower door. Dawson went into the shower and played with the controls until he figured them out. Adam joined him. The boys spent some time under the spray, enjoying a hot shower, which they hadn't had in a few days. After cleaning themselves with soap and wash cloths, Dawson cleaned Adam's back with a loofah. He spent extra time caressing Adam's plump butt cheeks while Adam laughed and teased Dawson about his obsession with his ass. Adam then used a loofah on Dawson's back. When he was done, Dawson turned and took the loofah from Adam. He placed it on the shelf and moved in close to Adam. The boys embraced as they stood under one of the shower heads. There was no arousal on either boy's part, they just simply enjoyed being present with each other. After a couple more minutes, Adam lifted his head and kissed Dawson on the shoulder. They separated and Dawson showed Adam how to use the controls to shut off the shower.
The boys dried themselves and got dressed. Dawson was done first. He sat down on the hope chest and picked up the notebook. He was paging through the notes when Adam, fully dressed, came up behind him. He began to gently massage Dawson's neck with his hands.
"Did you figure out what's missing?" Adam asked.
"No," Dawson said quietly.
He leaned his head back and sighed as he enjoyed Adam's massage.
"That feels good," Dawson said.
Adam massaged him for a while longer. Eventually, he slipped his hands forward and hugged Dawson. He brought his cheek next to Dawson's and leaned into him.
"Mmm," Adam hummed, "I'm gonna find Krantz and see what the plan is for tonight. I thought we could make a cocktail and sit out on the terrace until everyone gets here."
"Ok," Dawson said, still a bit distracted by what was missing from their plan.
Adam let go of Dawson and he stood up holding the notebook. The boys made their way downstairs and headed for the living room bar to make cocktails. Joan was behind the bar leaning over the counter when the boys walked in.
"Mom..." Adam said, surprised to see her.
"Oh, hi," Joan said as she popped her head up.
"Are you making a drink?" Adam asked.
"No," Joan said, "I was just getting things ready for later."
Adam didn't know what his mother could possibly need to prepare for later, but before he could ask, she continued talking.
"Dawson," Joan said, "I have to tell you... Your grandmother... your Ab-u-el-i-ta..." she said slowly so she pronounced it correctly, "She is a delight. We got to know each other a little better after you boys left for the cabin... She is so proud of you for the way you stood up to your parents."
Dawson smiled at Joan.
"Thank you," Dawson replied.
The boys stood there awkwardly.
"Oh," Joan said, "Did you come in to make a drink?"
"Yes," Adam said, "We were going to have a cocktail out on the terrace before everyone gets here."
"Oh, perfect," Joan said as she surveyed the countertop to confirm she had everything she could possibly need, "What are you having? I'll make it for you."
"Thanks," Dawson said, "I was thinking I'd have an old fashioned."
"Mmm," Adam said, "Me, too."
"Got it," Joan said.
She started to make clinking noises as she started mixing their drinks. Dawson noticed that Krantz or Niven had returned the photo albums back to the table against the wall. He wandered over to the table. Adam moved toward the sliding door to look outside.
"Honey?" Joan said, "Did Krantz tell you about your father?"
"Yeah," Adam said with his back to his mother, "Did you go see him?"
"Me?" Joan said, "No. I have no desire to see that man again, unless it's to give testimony to put him away."
Adam didn't say anything. He still had his back to her, looking out the window.
"Are you ok, honey?" Joan said as she put the finished drinks up on the front of the bar.
"Yeah," Adam said.
"Here, you go..." Joan said.
The boys both turned to look at Joan. They could see the drinks sitting on the bar. They had a murky green coloring to them.
"Happy St. Patrick's day!" Joan announced as she put her hands out toward the drinks.
"St. Patrick's Day?" Dawson asked.
"What is that?" Adam said at the same time while pointing at the drinks.
"Today is St. Patrick's day!" Joan announced, "I had Niven get some food coloring. I thought it would be fun for us to have green cocktails before dinner."
Dawson grinned, trying to hold back a laugh as he looked at the green, sludge-colored drink.
"Mom," Adam said, "It looks disgusting."
"Well, maybe I put too much in," Joan said as she looked at the glasses, "It shouldn't matter, though, it's supposed to be odorless and tasteless. Try it."
Adam hesitated. Dawson moved in and picked up one of the glasses. He tasted it.
"Mmm," Dawson said, "It's actually really good."
"See?" Joan said as she looked at Adam.
Adam sighed and came over to the bar. He picked up the drink.
"Thank you, mom," Adam said as he avoided looking at the dark green concoction in his hand.
Adam took a sip.
"Do you know where Krantz is?" Adam asked after he swallowed.
"I think he's in the theater," Joan said.
"Ok," Adam said as he started toward the door.
Dawson followed.
"Thank you for the drinks, mom," Dawson said.
Joan had asked him to call her mom but it still sounded kind of awkward when he said it. The boys went down the hall. Adam waited until they were near the front stairs before he started giggling softly.
"This looks so gross," Adam said as he held up the glass.
"I know," Dawson said chuckling softly, trying to keep his voice down, "But it does taste good."
The boys entered the theater and saw Krantz at the end of a row of seats standing with his hands on his hips. He was scanning the seats. He looked up when he heard the boys come in.
"I thought we would meet in here when you boys tell us your plans," Krantz said, "Everyone will be able to sit comfortably and still see and hear you,"
"Ah, good idea," Adam said.
"Will you need to upload anything to project on the screen?" Krantz asked.
"No," Dawson said as he held up the notebook, "We're just going to talk."
"Very good, sir," Krantz said.
He kept glancing at the boys' drinks as they talked.
"Forgive me, sir," Krantz said, "What is that?"
Krantz gestured toward Dawson's drink.
"It's an old fashioned," Adam said, "My mom put green food coloring in it for St. Patrick's day."
"Ah," Krantz said as his face didn't show any reaction.
Dawson chuckled.
"We're going outside," Adam said, "Let us know when everyone arrives."
"Very good, sir," Krantz said.
The boys left Krantz and made their way to the terrace. When they got there, Dawson spoke.
"Mind if we go sit in the garden?" Dawson asked.
"No," Adam said.
They made their way down to the patio and then into the garden. Without realizing it, the boys went to the same loungers they sat in on the day of the will reading, their first day together at the lake house. Adam put his drink on the small table between them. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes.
Dawson sat forward with the notebook in his lap. He held his drink in one hand and held one of the pages in his other. He pored over the notes, obsessed with trying to figure out what was missing.
After fifteen minutes or so, Dawson noticed Adam's breathing had slowed and he hadn't moved in a while. Dawson grinned to himself when he realized Adam was asleep. Eventually, Colby came wandering into the garden. He approached Dawson from his left. He came up to Dawson's lounger and Dawson reached out to him.
"Hey, boy," Dawson whispered as he pet Colby's head, "You enjoying your new home?"
Colby's tail was wagging as he dipped his head to get more petting from Dawson. Colby stayed next to him as Dawson kept looking at the notes while he pet him. Colby started sniffing at the notebook and then started wandering. He went around Dawson's lounger toward Adam.
"Let him sleep, Colby," Dawson whispered.
Colby moved toward Adam's legs and began sniffing at the lounger. He made his way toward Adam's torso and kept sniffing around. Adam roused from his nap and realized Colby was next to him. He brought his hand up and began petting Colby.
"Hey, boy," Adam said softly.
Dawson looked over.
"Colby..." Dawson said, "I told you to let him sleep."
"It's ok," Adam said as he leaned forward and began petting his face and head with both hands.
Adam sat up and Colby came closer to him. Adam kept petting him.
"Mmm, Colby..." Adam said to him, "I don't know why others wouldn't take you... You're so awesome... Do you like your new family? I think you've finally found your place."
Dawson's head popped up. He turned toward Adam. He looked at Adam petting Colby. A smile spread immediately across his face.
"Oh my god..." Dawson said excitedly, "Adam, you're a genius. That's what's missing from our plan!"
"What?" Adam said as he turned to Dawson, "What did I say?"
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The Inheritance Clause - 39
If you like this story, tell me: djwarner1984@hotmail.com And then donate to Nifty: https://donate.nifty.org/
-DJ