Employment Opportunities

Co-written by: Mel and LJ


Hayden’s hands were aching. He’d been polishing silverware for the last hour. He could hear the sounds of Todd working in the kitchen, preparing a feast fit for a king. He wondered once again why they had to go to all this fuss when they were having their son and his partner to dinner. However, it made his beloved happy and what were aching hands in comparison to that? Besides, Hayden understood that they were the first dinner guests to come to their new home and Todd did love to entertain. Although he distinctly recalled Zack telling his papa not to go to a big deal for a family dinner and Todd promising not to.

Finally, the last piece of cutlery was made spotless and he hoped it met his husband’s high standards. He laid the gleaming sliver on the polished dining table and headed into the kitchen. “How’s it coming?” he asked as he walked through the swinging door. Todd was laying final bits of pastry on an artfully decorated Beef Wellington. Beside him lay neatly tied bundles of asparagus tips and perfectly round Parisian potatoes sat in a small pan of water. “It certainly smells wonderful in here.”

Todd placed the pastry wrapped meat in the oven and turned a beaming smile on his husband. “I would hope so, darling. I’ve worked hard getting it all under control. I even have my Almond Praline Cheesecake in the fridge. Next, I have to get the table set.” He quickly gathered up the last of the items he had been using and put them in the dishwasher. Then he cleaned his hands, untied the apron from around his waist and headed into the dining room, reaching up do deposit a kiss on Hayden’s cheek as he passed by.

“Ooh,” he squealed, picking up a spoon and looking at his reflection. “What a marvelous job you’ve done of these, my love. Thank you for helping me make our first time entertaining in our new home perfect.” Todd was like a small whirlwind as he rushed back and forth getting the place settings arranged to his fastidious specifications. He stopped and frowned when he noticed something missing. “Hayden, has the florist dropped off the centerpiece I ordered?”

“Yes, love. I left it on the table in the hall until you were ready for it. I’ll bring it in for you now.” Hayden retrieved the beautiful arrangement and placed it in the centre of the table.

He could hear Todd back in the kitchen, so he decided to corral him for a blood sugar reading. Todd was supposed to test his blood twice a day and keep an accurate record. However, he was less than enthusiastic in his handling of it and Hayden had become his personal watchdog in this area. He wanted to get it done before Zack and Rene were due to arrive, so Todd couldn’t use them as an excuse to delay.

Hayden was not impressed with what he saw as he walked into the kitchen. Todd was turned away from him. His Brat had a glass of red wine in his hand and was obviously in the midst of taking a sizable mouthful. He noted the bottle on the counter was more than half gone and he knew for a fact that only a small portion had gone into the cooking.

Hayden leaned against the counter and cleared his throat. “Ahem...and just how many of those have you had?” he askedsardonically.

Todd sputtered and spit the liquid in his month back into the glass, dribbling wine on the front of his shirt in the process. He dumped the rest in the sink and turned to glare at his husband.

“How many times have I told you not to sneak up on me like that?” Todd demanded as he whisked off his shirt and ran cold water over the small red stains on the front on it. “I had one glass earlier and this was my second. I always drink wine when preparing a meal that includes it in the recipe. I would think you’d know that by now.”

He huffed and rolled his eyes in exasperation as he held up the shirt. “There, got it all out,” he muttered. “Good thing too, or I would have been rather annoyed with you, Hayden. This is one of my favourite shirts.”

Hayden took the damp shirt from his Todd’s hands, tossed it on the counter and took his spluttering husband by the arm and led him towards the kitchen table. “Sit,” he commanded. He then went to the drawer where the ‘dreaded’ supplies were kept and retrieved the glucometer. He placed it on the table in front of Todd. “Now, and not one word from you until it’s done!”

Hayden waited patiently; easily surviving the pointed glare sent his way. Todd didn’t move for a few seconds; then he sighed and proceeded with the test. Moments later the meter beeped out the results and fortunately the number was within the acceptable range.

“Before you say anything, I want you to listen to me carefully. I am well aware of the fact that the consumption a moderate amount of dry red wine is acceptable in your diet. However, you and I discussed this subject very carefully and you agreed to drink only when we are together with my consent. I do not consider downing almost half a bottle by yourself in the kitchen as fulfilling that agreement.”

He paused to see what effect this talk was having on Todd. Seeing a look of guilt on his partner’s face, he went on. “I have half a mind to give your backside a reminder of this. However, our son and his partner will be here shortly and I will not have this evening start on a sour note. So this is what is going to happen. Tonight, while the rest of us are enjoying our wine, your glass will be filled with sugar-free ginger ale. And tomorrow, ‘Doctor’ Pierce, you will research and write a one thousand word paper on the effects of alcohol consumption on the type two diabetic.

Now march that tight little butt of yours upstairs, get a clean shirt on and return down here with a pleasant attitude. I want Rene to see for himself, the incredible host that the man I love can be.” He pulled Todd to his feet, gave him a deep kiss and then turned him around to plant a swat on his husband’s bottom and send him on his way.

“It wasn’t half a bottle, Hayden. I’ve only had one glass. I threw the second down the drain, remember? You certainly have a nerve to suggest I exaggerate as it appears that I am not the only one,” Todd tossed over his shoulder as he left the room. He loved to complain, particularly when he got in the last word. He was honest enough to admit he had got off lightly.

Todd was downstairs again in a matter of minutes and humming merrily in anticipation of the upcoming evening. He went directly to the kitchen to put the vegetables on to cook. Next, he gave the dining room a final inspection and went to join his husband in the living room, where he dropped down on Hayden’s lap and wrapped his arms around the bigger man’s neck.

“I’m sorry for drinking without asking first, Darling, but you can rest assured it is a good wine and worthy of serving our guests this evening.” He kissed his lover and made to move off Hayden’s knees.

Hayden was pleased with the improvement in Todd’s mood. He wrapped his arms tightly around the younger man’s waist, refusing let him rise. “Stay here. You know how much I love the feel of you sitting on my lap.” He drew his husband into a kiss. “If the boys weren’t due any time, I’d take you upstairs and have my way with you,” he whispered hungrily.

Todd was more than happy to snuggle closer. “Hmm, don’t I wish,” he quipped. “And as much as I’d like to stay here longer, I have to check on dinner. I wouldn’t want all my hard work to be ruined.” He reluctantly got to his feet and held out a hand to his lover. “Come join me, love,” he invited.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Rene fidgeted, pushing against the restraining confines of the seatbelt. He was nervous about the announcement of his and Zack’s engagement. He was worried Zack’s dads wouldn’t approve or would think it was too soon. They had only known each other a few months. Perhaps they were rushing?

The young artist ran a shaky hand down the front of the blue cashmere sweater Zack had bought him while they were in Vancouver; he had never felt anything so soft. He was still in shock at the amount of money it had cost, but Zack wouldn’t consider his argument against the expenditure, replying only that is matched Rene’s eyes and he wanted him to have it.

Rene watched out the window and realized they would be at Zack’s dads’ place in couple of minutes. He began to fret more, tugging at the belt that held him in.

Zack reached over and squeezed Rene’s knee. “Relax, sweetheart. There is nothing to be nervous about. My dads are going to be more than happy with our news. In fact, Papa will want to sit down and start making plans immediately.”

Turning into the driveway of his parents’ home, Zack shut off the motor and smiled at his partner. “I love you, Rene. You’re no longer alone. We’re doing this together,” he assured the antsy young man sitting beside him.

Rene looked into Zack’s loving eyes and drew strength from them. “I love you too, Zack. I know your dads are great. I just hope they’ll be as happy about this as you say they will. As happy as I am.”

Looking at the house, he added, “I guess we should go. Your Papa wouldn’t be happy if we’re late.”

Todd heard the car door slam as he pulled the Beef Wellington out of the oven and set it on the counter. “Our piglets are here!” he shouted out to his husband. He shut off the stove, quickly drained the vegetables and made it into the hallway just as Hayden open the front door to greet Zack and Rene.

“You’re right on time, my boy,” Todd enthused as he gave his son a hug. He turned a beaming smile on Rene and hugged him as well. Seeing the large gaily-wrapped package Hayden was holding, he glanced from one young man to the other and softly scolded. “You certainly didn’t have to arrive bearing gifts, you know. Not that I don’t appreciate your thoughtfulness.”

“It is just a little ‘Welcome to Jade Heights’ basket that Rene and I put together, Papa; containing valuable information about the various businesses along main street. It also has some introductory samples of the different items available in town for you both make use of and enjoy.”

Zack winked at Rene. Neither of them intended to let on that the basket contained numerous gift certificates.

Hayden placed the package on the hall table. “Boys, I believe that Papa has dinner ready and he’s worked very hard on this, so let’s go to the dining room and partake of his spectacular cooking. If you don’t mind, we’ll open the package with our after-dinner drinks.”

He led the way into the dining room and indicated seats for Zack and Rene. “I’ll help Papa bring the dinner through. I hope you’re both hungry as I believe he has made enough food for three times the people present.”

Rene looked to Zack when Hayden left the room. “When are you going to tell them?”

“I thought we’d tell them after they open the gift we brought them; kind of make it a second gift,” Zack smiled at the idea. He knew they were both getting anxious to share their news, for slightly different reasons. “Do you mind waiting a while longer, sweetheart?” he asked as he pulled out a chair and indicated Rene sit down in it. Then he walked around to the other side of the table, took a seat and shook out the linen napkin that had been placed next to his plate.

Hayden came into the dining room carrying bowls of steaming vegetables and directly behind him, Todd carried in the Beef Wellington; its’ golden pastry a work of art. When Todd placed it on the table, Hayden looked on with pride.

“Have you ever seen a nicer looking thing? It’s a shame to carve it up. Well... almost,” he added with a laugh as he took the sharp carving knife and began to cut perfect slices for all.

He poured wine for Zack, Rene and himself. If either Zack or Rene noticed that Todd wasn’t drinking, they made no remarks. They ate and raved over the meal to a beaming Todd until they had all eaten their fill. It was decided that dessert would be served a little later, allowing them to digest the main course a bit before indulging in the rich cheese cake.

They retired to the living room with coffee in hand. Hayden placed the package in Todd’s lap, knowing how much his husband enjoyed opening gifts.

Todd looked around at the three men watching him expectantly. ‘Family,’ he thought, a lump rising in his throat. ‘It doesn’t get any better than this’. He opened and read the card, handing it to Hayden for him to peruse and place on the mantle. Next, he carefully untied the ribbon and pushed aside the paper to peer into the basket. Each item was then removed, ooed and awed over and returned to its’ niche in the basket. Lastly, Todd glanced through the envelops containing coupons and gift certificates.

“This one is definitely mine,” he declared with a chuckle, holding up one in particular. “I trust they do exceptional manicures and pedicures at this place. Hmm let’s see, ‘Essentials’, right?”

“That is what most my employees tell me, Papa,” Zack informed his father. “I’ve also spoken to Dr. Patrick Dean and he is willing to take you both on as patients. We have an excellent medical facility here in Jade Heights and we’re all well cared for.”

“Thank you for doing that for us, Zack. I’ve arranged with Dr. Thompson in Vancouver to have all our records ready to send onto Jade Heights as soon as we send him the name and number of our new physician.” Hayden was looking through the things in the basket as Todd finished with them. “This is a wonderful house warming gift, boys; a great idea for the two of us. Thank you both so much.”

“We were only too happy to do it, Dad. Weren’t we, love?” Zack turned to his partner who enthusiastically nodded his agreement. “Now how about that dessert you mentioned, Papa? Can you use a hand bringing it out here?”

It didn’t take long with everyone pitching in, before the four men were back in the living room enjoying second cups of coffee and the decadent dessert Todd had created. Even Todd had been permitted a small sliver of the treat.

Zack smiled at Rene and give him a slight nod. His smile widened as he glanced expectantly between his two fathers. “Rene and I have another surprise for you. We feel this is the perfect time to share our news. We want to legally commit ourselves to each other and have decided to get married.” He took Rene’s hand in his and waited for his parents’ reaction.

“Really?” Todd squealed, clutching onto his husband’s arm. “When? Where? Have you thought up a theme? What can we do to help? Did you hear, Hayden? Isn’t this marvellous?” He dabbed at his eyes with his napkin. “Oh my, this is so exciting. I am so happy for you both. Oh my, I hardly know what to say.”

Hayden smiled broadly. “Yes, it is marvelous. Zack, son, I’m very pleased and proud.” He turned to look at his future son-in-law. “Rene, I think I can speak for both Todd and I when I say that we couldn’t be happier. It’s more than obvious that you have made our son very happy and we will be very proud to welcome you into our little family."

He and Todd stood and pulled the two younger men into hugs. “This calls for some champagne!” Hayden went to the kitchen and returned minutes later with a tray. He popped the cork and poured out four glasses of the bubbly liquid. He handed one each to Zack and Rene then he gave Todd a smile while handing the third glass over. Some occasions called for the breaking of a rule.

He raised his glass. “To Zack and Rene, may you be as happy together as Papa and I.”

Rene couldn’t believe how much fuss Zack’s dads were making of the news. They really seemed genuinely happy he and Zack were going to marry. As they sat back down to enjoy the dessert, he wanted to tell them how he was feeling. “Thank you both so much for all this. You’ve made me feel very welcomed. I can’t think of a nicer family to marry into.”

He took a bite of the rich cheesecake and was savouring the wonderful flavour when he felt a sudden pain in his tooth. “Ow,” he mumbled, rubbing the side of his face.

“What’s wrong, sweetheart?” Zack softly asked, stepping up to his partner.

Todd immediately went into ‘dentist’ mode. “How long has that been bothering you, Rene?”

Rene had been bothered by the sensitive tooth off and on for some months. However, he didn’t want to make anything of the occasional irritation. “It’s nothing,” he lied. “I just react to cold things once in a while.”

Zack frowned. ‘Now what is he hiding?’ he thought, easily picking up on his Brat withholding information. Deciding now was not the time to enter into a discussion that Rene was obviously trying to avoid, Zack opted for letting the dentist in the family pursue the matter.

“If you really feel it can wait, I’d still like to have a look at it sometime within the next day or two, Rene,” Todd insisted. Turning to his son, he inquired, “There is a dental clinic in Jades Heights, is there not?”

“Yes, Papa, there is. We didn’t include Dr. Kennedy’s card in the basket for obvious reasons.” Zack grinned. “I knew you’d be rather adamant about remaining our dentist even though you’re retired.”

“Well, I think I will drop around to visit Dr. Kennedy in the morning and look into the possibly of him extending the professional courtesy of allowing me the occasional use of his facilities. If I can make arrangements to do so, I will let Rene know when to be available.” Todd looked pointedly at the young man in question. “In the meantime, are you sure you don’t want a painkiller or something, honey?” he asked Rene, his concern apparent.

Rene squirmed. Zack had said ‘our dentist’ as if it were to include him. He disliked dentists after some bad experiences and though he liked Todd personally, he wasn’t exactly comfortable seeing him professionally. But how could he get out of this; especially with Zack right beside him?

“I really am fine and my teeth are fine too, thank you. You don’t need to go to any bother, really.”

Hayden found himself of very mixed feelings at this moment. He had been the one to insist upon retirement; Todd’s in order to safeguard his husband’s health. However, he could see that his future son-in-law was attempting to avoid a dental exam which of course spelled trouble in Hayden’s Top book.

Well, he had suspected all along that Todd would try and keep his thumb in things when it came to his family’s dental health, so perhaps this would work out all right. Besides, at this point it would all fall in the lap of the local dentist being willing to allow Todd the use of his facilities for the occasional family need.

Hoping to assist in making Rene comfortable, Hayden spoke up. “Papa is an excellent dentist, Rene. Prior to retiring, he had one of the most successful practices in Vancouver. He has cared for Zack’s teeth all his life and mine for all the years we’ve been together. Not only would it be no bother to him, I’d venture to say it would be his pleasure to have a look at your teeth.”

He noted the face-set of his son. If Zack were half as good a Top as Hayden suspected, Rene would be having his teeth examined post-haste, whether the boy liked it or not.

Zack sat back on the sofa and drew Rene down beside him. “We’ll discuss this further at home, love.” He knew his Brat was getting uncomfortable and thought a return to a happier topic may be in order. The dental issue would be taken care of in due time.

Catching his father’s eye, Zack gave him a crooked smile as an unspoken message passed between them. “Would you and Papa be interested in talking more about our upcoming wedding, Dad?”

Picking up in Zack’s meaning, Hayden responded enthusiastically. “Of course, we’d love to hear more about the wedding. Have you boys picked a date yet?”

“Nothing cast in stone yet,” Zack answered. “Although we are seriously leaning towards a day between Christmas and New Years; which will give us a little over three months to make arrangements. We plan to keep it small and were wondering about the chances of holding the ceremony here in your home.”

Rene was glad of the change in topic, but was concerned about Zack’s saying they would talk about the dental check-up later. He knew they’d had recently covered the keeping secrets issue, but it hadn’t occurred to him that dentists would come up.

Well now that the wedding was back on the table, he was going to forget about dentists. “We thought a wedding during Christmas season would be so nice,” Rene added.“Ooh, yes!”

Todd clapped his hands excitedly. “That is a perfect time of year for a wedding. And of course, you can hold your special event right here. You must let me come up with a theme.”

Zack chuckled before suggesting in a gently admonishing tone. “As long as you promise not to go to as much trouble as you did for your own wedding, Papa.” He turned to Rene. “Dad and Papa had a summer wedding and Papa planned an actual Hawaiian luau, complete with hula dancers. He even had special leaves flown in from Hawaii to pit-roast a pig. We all had a grand time. Well, maybe Dad had a bit of a bad time the eve of his wedding,” Zack teased, laughing at the memories. “You see, Rene, Papa forgot to tell Dad about the pit and Dad only discovered its’ existence when he fell into it. Fortunately, he wasn’t hurt as a result of the mishap.”

Hayden rolled his eyes at the story then looked pointedly towards Rene as if letting him in on a secret. “I do not know why it is that every time we discuss our wedding, that tale has to be told. However, I do want to it to be known that a) it was dark out and I was only in the yard because Papa thought he heard someone back there and b) I was so hurt. I got a mouth full of dirt which Papa had to clean from my teeth and I skinned my knee.”

Much to Hayden chagrin, Todd laughed along with their son. Although both men had been concerned at the time, they did find it funny as time passed. “We love teasing you about it, my love.” Having a selective memory, Todd chose to forget the subsequent trip to his punishment room for failing to inform Hayden about the pit in the first place.

“But in regards to this wedding, I promise not to get carried away and go over the top,” Todd tried to assure all present. “I won’t!” He insisted when he saw the expressions of disbelief on his husband and son’s faces. Changing the subject slightly, he asked, “Are you thinking of having a religious service or civil?” He swallowed the last of his champagne and began piling up the dirty glassware, dishes and cutlery.

“We’re kind of favouring a civil one,” Zack replied, relaxing back with his arm around Rene’s shoulders. “There is a choice of three clergy in town, but there is not a single soul in Jade Heights licensed to perform civil marriages. We will have to acquire the services of a Marriage Commissioner from either Kelowna or Kamloops. Mind you, it would be nice if we had someone in town but such is not the case.” He shrugged his resignation over the fact. “I don’t see us having too much trouble though, if we give him or her plenty of notice.”

Glancing at Rene, Zack smiled and reminded him, “We still have to choose a Best man each, don’t we, love?”

“Yeah, but I don’t know who I’ll pick yet. I don’t know a lot of people in Jade Heights. My best friend from University is living in Toronto now, so I don’t know if he can come. Up until now, I never thought I’d be getting married, so this isn’t something I’ve thought of before.” He looked to Zack, eyes wide with admiration. “But now I’m the luckiest guy in the world. As for picking a best man, well I guess that shouldn’t be too hard.”

Zack gave his Brat a hug. “We have time yet, sweetheart; there’s no rush. But as wonderful as the evening has been, I think it’s time we headed home. We both have work in the morning.”

Getting to his feet and helping his partner up, Zack turned to his parents. “Thank for everything, Dad, and you too, Papa. The meal was delicious as always. We’ll be seeing you before the week’s out.”

“No, thank you for coming and bringing us that lovely gift,” Todd exclaimed, hugging first Zack and the Rene. Todd smiled to himself when he noticed that his future son-in-law appeared to be getting used to him being demonstrative.

After seeing their son and now soon to be son-in-law out to their car, Hayden and Todd made their way back into the house to do the remainder of the clean up. They soon had the last of the dishes in the dishwasher and everything else cleaned up and put away.

Hayden had been thinking about what Zack had said regarding Jade Heights needing its’ own Marriage Commissioner. Marriage Commissioners were licensed by the provincial government and they were very often retired officers of the court or others who has worked within the legal community. It would be a perfect part-time position for a man such as himself, and the idea of being able to perform Zack and Rene’s ceremony was very appealing. He’d look into what was involved before talking to Todd about it.

Todd was in the living room fussing over the cushions and pillows. “Let’s get to bed, my sweet,” Hayden suggested. “We’ve had a busy day and I for one am tired. Have you taken your meds?”

“I was just about to, Darling. Bet you thought I’d forgotten, huh?” Todd rolled his eyes in mild exasperation. He headed back out to the kitchen, got the small vial out of the cabinet and poured himself a glass of water. After downing the pills, he placed the glass on the counter, grabbed Hayden’s hand and dragged him from the room, snapping off the light on the way out. “I’m in need of a good night’s sleep as I have a lot to do tomorrow. I have dealings involving my dental trade to take care of.” He chuckled gleefully at the thought as he led the way upstairs and into the master bedroom.

Hayden finished up in the bathroom and stood watching as Todd performed his ritual dental hygiene routine. The meticulous flossing, gum stimulation, brushing and rinsing were done three times each day with not a single variance. Hayden knew you could set your watch by exactly how long the process took. If there was one thing his husband could never be challenged on, it was his dedication to practicing what he preached in the area of complete oral health.

Hayden, of course, had long since succumbed to the pressure to follow a similar routine though his was not quite so precise. Zack too had learned well at the hands of his papa, though they had gone through a rebellious stage when their son at age ten, decided he was never going to brush again. Hayden chuckled at the remembrance of that time. Zack had been embarrassed when Todd had hugged and kissed him in front of his school, so the boy had thought he’d take revenge by letting his teeth get dirty, a thing which he believed his papa would find embarrassing. Of course the application of a sore bottom had quickly changed their son’s tune.

Once they were settled into bed, Hayden drew Todd into his arms and kissed him gently. “I love you so much. You did a marvelous job of entertaining today and made the evening our son announced his engagement even more special with your loving ways. I’m so pleased as well for Zack. He’s found a very special partner in Rene, almost as special as the one I found for myself.”

Todd lovingly returned the kiss and sighed contentedly as he snuggled against his husband’s side. “I love you too, Hayden, with all my heart. I am so thankful to have you by my side. And I am sure the piglets are going to be very happy.”

Yawning loudly, Todd turned over so Hayden could spoon around him and fell asleep to dream of Christmas weddings.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The next morning dawned bright and full of expectations. Breakfast was not even on the table before Todd was on the phone calling the Jade Heights Dental Clinic.

Replacing the receiver in its’ cradle, Todd accepted a cup of coffee from his lover and smiled up at him. “I have an appointment with Dr. Kennedy at ten o’clock this morning, Hayden. He seemed almost anxious to see me. It’s a sign, you know. Yes, this was meant to be.” He nodded his head slowly and blew on the hot liquid before taking a mouthful.

“So, my darling, what are your plans for the day?” he asked, getting bread out and popping a couple of slices in the toaster.

Hayden looked thoughtfully at his husband. “I’m not sure if my plans shouldn’t include going with you to this ‘appointment’’ Remember, Todd, you are retired and you are going to see Dr. Kennedy about a professional courtesy use of his facility so that you may continue caring for your family’s teeth and to maintain your license. You are not going there looking to start a practice, is that clear?”

“Hayden,” Todd snapped, looking cross and standing with his hands on his hips. “You’ve done a marvelous job of making your stand on the issue of me working, perfectly clear. I don’t know why you have to go on and on about it. And if you think for one minute that I’d put up with you accompanying me to the clinic, you are sadly mistaken.”

Todd grumbled about his morning being ruined as he angrily set about making breakfast. Cracking eggs into a bowl, he took out his ire by fiercely whipping them into a frothy yellow liquid. “You can butter that toast when it pops up, please. Would you like sausage or bacon?”

He blinked when he caught Hayden staring at him. “Whaaat?” he asked, innocently.

Hayden walked over to his husband, took the bowl from Todd’s hands and placed it on the counter. He then placed a single firm smack on the other man’s backside. “You can watch the tone you use to speak with me, my love, unless of course you’d like a further reminder of who is in charge around here. As far as accompanying you, if I should choose to do so, you would not only put up with it, you would accept it happily, understood?”

Hayden didn’t wait for an answer. He just gave Todd a kiss and returned the bowl to his hand. “I’ll just have the eggs and toast this morning. I don’t need the calories of bacon or sausage after that wonderful meal last evening, thank you.”

Todd huffed and rubbed dramatically at his injured ‘pride’, but at the same time he settled down and once again relinquished control to his husband. Of course, being complimented on his efforts went a long way, as did the kiss.

He soon had breakfast on the table and was sitting across from Hayden. He then politely inquired for the second time, “What plans to do you have for the day, my love muffin?” He drank down his freshly squeezed orange juice and waited; honestly interested in his lover’s day.

Hayden put on a feigned look of wounded pride. “Love muffin?” he asked sadly. “There was a time when I was your stud muffin. I guess this old body is beyond stud status.”

He sighed deeply. “To answer your question, this old love muffin is going to spend some time surfing the internet this morning and paying some bills. Speaking of which, I haven’t seen the Visa statement this month; it should be due on the twenty-eighth. Do you have it somewhere? I certainly don’t want to be late paying it.”

Todd put his elbow on the table, rested his chin in the opened palm and grinned broadly at the handsome man sitting across from him. “Ooh, never doubt, my love. You are definitely still a stud and you’re all mine. Besides, neither of us is anywhere near being old and when I get back from my interview, I’ll give you ample opportunity to corroborate that fact.” His eyes shone with love and admiration as well as an abundance of anticipation.

Taking a bite of toast, Todd chewed thoughtfully and frowned. He rarely involved himself with paying the bills and as a result had a rather blasé approach to their family finances. Besides, he knew without even looking at the statement that he had spent more than the amount Hayden had allotted him last month after the fiasco that comprised of him giving away a lot of their furniture.

“Hmm, the Visa bill huh? I am sure if I saw it I would have put it on your desk, Hayden. Maybe it accidently got misplaced. Oh well, there will be another one next month.”

After thirty-five years together, Hayden easily recognized when his husband was telling a lie. “We do not wait for next month’s statement, my love. Paying our bills late is very damaging to our credit rating. However, there is no need to worry about where it got ‘accidentally misplaced’ as I’ll simply check it on line. One of the joys of the computer age is that you can check every detail about your bills and statements on line.”

Hayden looked purposely at his watch. “Look, it is quite early yet. You have more than enough time before your appointment. Come and I’ll show you how it works. We can read the statement together.” The tone of Hayden’s voice was one that Todd would know very well. It brokered no argument. But to be sure he was obeyed, when Hayden stood from the table, he walk around to his husband and took hold of his arm.

Todd grimaced and reluctantly walked with his husband into the study. He stood next to the desk as Hayden took a seat and switched on the computer.

“You needn’t bother with that, Hayden,” Todd muttered as he lifted the big blotter and pulled out the still-sealed envelope lying underneath it. “Here’s the statement.” He sighed his frustration and handed it over. “I didn’t want you to see it because by my calculations, I overspent by about two hundred dollars. You have no idea how much it costs to properly dress a window these days. There were so many to do and I sure wasn’t going to settle for tacky.”

Todd squirmed somewhat uncomfortably and chewed his lower lip, wondering just how angry Hayden would be and how much trouble he’d brought upon himself.

“Todd, have I ever asked you to settle for tacky? Have I ever been cheap with you or suggested in anyway that our home was unimportant to me? If you would have come to me with the quotes for the window coverings, do you really think I would have said that an extra two hundred dollars was unreasonable? Frankly, I’m a bit disappointed in you thinking so little of me.” Hayden shook his head.

Todd expression was one of hurt and confusion. He was shocked at the spin his husband had put on what was actually a matter of his uncertainty. “I didn’t realize I was over until all the work was done, Hayden. You have never been cheap or unreasonable and a few months ago, I know it would not have been a big deal at all. But things are no longer what they used to be. My pension is nowhere near what my salary was when I was working. I am trying my best to adjust to how things are now; only I’m not sure just where that is.”

He sat down on Hayden’s lap, wrapped his arms around his lover’s shoulders and hid his face against the side of Hayden’s. “I guess I still haven’t quite come to grips with all the changes, Hayden. I’m sorry,” he murmured, trying to hold back the tears threatening to escape.

Hayden suddenly realized that he had been negligent in talking with Todd about their financial situation. “Sweetheart, you have never shown the slightest interest or concern in our financial situation so I didn’t do what I should have done when I first insisted on our retirement. I should have sat down with you and explained exactly where we stood and I’m going to correct that situation this afternoon when you get back from your appointment. I want you to see the investments and income levels we have so you can feel better. The other thing we will do when you get home is discuss you lying to me about the Visa statement and keeping your concerns over it to yourself.”

Todd hugged Hayden tighter, feeling better already just knowing his husband understood after all and would be taking care of things. The older man was correct; Todd had never been overly interested in finances. He’d relied on the same trustworthy accountant to keep the books for his dental practice, who Hayden had engaged for his law firm. And of course, Hayden had always managed their personal assets.

“All right, my love, you’re in charge and that is what has always worked best for us.” Todd lifted his head and gave his husband a watery smile. Gently kissing Hayden’s lips, Todd pushed himself up and walked towards the door. “I need to get ready to go now. I promise to pay attention this afternoon when you’re taking about our money matters, my darling, however boring it gets,” he lightly teased. He saw Hayden make a move as if to come after him and squealed, turning on his heel and running from the room.

Twenty minutes later, he was back downstairs dressed in a dark gray suit, light gray shirt and a pink silk tie; his shoes polished to a mirror shine.

“I’m off now, Hayden. Wish me luck,” he requested, soundly kissing the love of his life. Todd took a few steps, turned back and kissed his husband again. “Hmm, seconds are sooo good.” He winked and laughingly left the house. At the bottom of the porch steps, he picked a pink rose off the bush growing there and stuck it in his lapel. He waved to Hayden, got in his car and carefully backed out of the driveway.

Seeing Todd dressed like that, it was all Hayden could do to let him leave. His husband could arouse him dressed in an old sweat suit but dressed as he was today, he was a knockout.

Hayden returned to his study and sat at the computer. He looked up the British Columbia Vital Statistics Agency and found the information he was seeking. A Marriage Commissioner was indeed being sought for Kelowna and the surrounding area. With his background and retired status, he knew he’d have little trouble securing the position. It would mean part-time work performing wedding ceremonies for people in the area seeking out non-religious services with a more personal touch than those performed in court houses. A check into the training showed that with his status as an attorney, he’d have only to do some at home study and write an exam.

He completed the on-line application and then followed it up with a phone call to an old friend of his who worked for Vital Statistics. By the end of the hour, he’d been given an informal confirmation that the job was his for the asking. Hayden was excited as he could now offer to officiate at Zack and Rene’s upcoming wedding, as well as have some part-time work which would provide him with the stimulation he needed without taking much time from his family.

Just as he finished up paying the bills, he heard the sound of Todd’s car in the driveway.

Todd entered the house through the back door and placed his packages on the kitchen table. “Hayden, I’m home!” he called out at he walked towards the study. His face lit up when his husband came to greet him.

“I’ve got so much to tell you,” Todd exclaimed excitedly. “I hardly know where to start.” He threw his arms around Hayden’s neck and kissed him enthusiastically. Stepping back, he took his husband’s hand and began tugging him up the stairs. “Tell you what, how about you telling me about your morning while I’m getting changed and then I’ll tell you all about mine while I’m getting lunch on the table. Is that a good plan or what?”

Hayden was a little concerned by Todd’s excitement over his morning. He hoped his husband hadn’t bitten off more than Hayden was prepared to allow him to chew. He sat on the side of the bed as Todd changed.

“I got the bills paid and in order, then I did some investigating into what Zack was commenting on, that this area lacked a Marriage Commissioner. It seems the Department of Vital Statistics has been looking for someone to fill the role here for quite some time. So after doing some research, I applied for the job on at least a temporary basis. I spoke to a friend at the D.V.S. and was practically promised the job if I want it. I’ll be able to offer to officiate at Zack and Rene’s wedding now.”

“What? A Marriage Commissioner?” Todd asked; his eyes widening as a grin spread across his face. He had one foot on the floor and the other poised to slide into his pant leg, but he dropped the jeans on the floor and almost tripped over them in his hurry to get over to his husband and embrace him. “What a marvelous idea!” He feigned an angry glare at Hayden and lightly slapped his arm. “You’re getting rather crafty of late, my love; keeping such a plan a secret from me.”

He kissed Hayden’s lips and went back to what he had been doing. “Now we will both have part-time employment. Dr. Kennedy was very much in favour of my using his facilities in exchange for me helping out now and again when he is particularly over-burdened or in need of time off.” Todd tucked his shirt into his pants and turned sparkling blue eyes up to his lover. “Of course, I let him know I was interested in helping him out as much as possible.”

Not letting Hayden get a word in, Todd took his husband’s hand and once again began tugging him along; this time downstairs to the kitchen. “I made several stops on the way home. I picked up some rye bread at the bakery and smoked meat at the deli. Are you hungry, darling?”

Hayden allowed himself to be led downstairs while he digested Todd’s news. “I am hungry, sweetheart, so let’s get lunch on the table and then we can talk while we eat.”

Todd made up sandwiches while Hayden set the table and got some cold drinks; an ice tea for himself and a diet pop for Todd. Once they were seated, Hayden brought up the dental work.

“My love, I have no problem with you doing a bit of work at Dr. Kennedy’s clinic. However, you knew long before you went to see him that I would not approve of you taking on many hours. We are retired for a specific reason and you taking on too many hours totally defeats that. So I will tell you what I will permit. You may work no more than eight hours per week on a regular basis. On occasion if you get prior approval and your blood pressure and blood sugar have been good, I will agree to a few more limited hours if Dr. Kennedy is in need.

I will probably be doing a similar number of hours working as a Marriage Commissioner so we’ll still have plenty of time for each other. Oh, and as for your comment earlier about me keeping my plans with regards to the Marriage Commissioner a secret from you, I only considered it for the first time when Zack brought it up last night and even then had to do some investigating before knowing if it was appropriate.”

“Ah-ha, but the thought did occur to you last night,” Todd teased then he took a bite of his sandwich. “Like I said, I think it is a wonderful idea and support you one hundred percent. As far as the clinic is concerned, I let Dr. Kennedy know I had retired for health reasons and therefore would not be at his beck and call; that I had a husband to consider.”

He grinned across the table at Hayden. “Now that should definitely earn me some brownie points. Hmm, maybe I should keep a chart,” he mused. “What do you think, my love?”

“Thank you for handling that so well; you give me hope yet that you actually listen to me once in a while,” Hayden teased back.

They finished off the sandwiches and quickly got the kitchen tidied up. “Let’s go to the study and have a look at our retirement portfolio. I think you'll find it more than adequate to our needs.”

They sat side by side at the computer and reviewed all their finances. Hayden was pleased with the interest Todd showed in the investments and the informed questions he asked. Though in the end, Todd did make it clear that he was quite willing to allow Hayden to continue managing things.

“Now, my love, we have two remaining items to be dealt with. One, you have a paper to write for me about the effect of alcohol consumption on a diabetic. Given you’re excellent dealings with Dr. Kennedy today and the other issue we have to deal with, I will cut you a break in this and say that you can have until Sunday evening to finish that. However," he paused, “we still have to deal with the lie about the Visa statement and the hiding of it. Never in the past, nor will I ever in the future, accept you lying to me. You are as well aware of the consequences of that as I am, so let’s get that taken care of now.”

He stood and guided his husband to the butter soft leather chesterfield that Todd had been so insistent on having. The sad look on the normally animated face was difficult for Hayden to see; however, he forced himself to continue with the punishment. Todd never went further than to undo his trousers before a spanking, Hayden always completed the job of pulling them down and guiding his husband over his lap. He made a thorough enough job of the spanking without taking too long. He was soon holding a softly weeping Todd in his arms and giving gentle reassuring kisses to the tear-stained face.

Todd snuggled into Hayden’s strong arms and let his husband’s words sooth him. He had no plans to move from this safe haven any time soon. It fleetingly crossed his mind to mention his visit with Zack regarding an appointment for Rene, but that could wait. “I love you, Hayden,” he whispered his heartfelt declaration.

The End