Free OF DREAMS AND CEREMONIES by Julie Bozza Page A

by Robin, and Charlie told a Dreamtime story that had all the kids enraptured - and the adults, too.
    Dave thought the whole thing was hilarious. "I never thought I'd be over-indulging in ice cream on my buck's night!" But it was also completely perfect. "Best night ever," he quietly commented as he accompanied Nicholas carrying a sleepy Robin up to his bedroom once all the other kids had finally been reclaimed by their parents.
    "Best ever …" Robin echoed. "Love you, Nic'las."
    "Love you, too, my darling boy."
    And Robin clung on with his arms around Nicholas's neck, and had to be gently prised off before at last he curled up on his own in his bed and fell heavily into sleep.
    Dave knew just how the young fellow felt - though he realised now that unlike Robin he'd never once declared himself. He'd never used the L word to Nicholas. Though perhaps at this point he didn't really need to. Dave figured maybe it was understood.
    It seemed that no decision relating to the wedding could possibly be straightforward. There was probably some kind of law about it. The current topic was cars. As there were only five people attending the actual ceremony - Nicholas and Dave, Robert and Denise, and Richard - Robert's idea was that they would all just go in one car and he would drive. Richard, however, thought that Nicholas and Dave should have a little time alone together after the ceremony, and therefore they should travel home separately, and Simon could drive them. Robert seemed to find this a bit unnecessary, though he didn't seem to have any particular reason why. Nicholas seemed to like the idea, but was concerned about Simon already having enough to do that day with organising the reception and helping Penelope to welcome the guests.
    Robert and Richard were amicably arguing the matter back and forth between them when Dave noticed that Robin had sidled up to Nicholas and was whispering in his ear. When Nicholas pulled back a little to consider him, Dave could see that Robin was upset about something.
    Nicholas made up his mind and settled the dispute. "It'll have to be two cars," he announced, "because Robin's coming, too." On which Robin clung to him, and Nicholas hauled the young fellow up onto his lap for a cuddle.
    "Would there be room for Charlie as well, then?" Dave asked.
    Robert still seemed a bit disgruntled over something, but everyone agreed that yes, there'd certainly be room for Charlie. And so that, at least, was finally sorted.

six

    Early on the morning of the thirty-first of October, Dave woke nestled deep in the bed, with Nicholas curled around him pressing sleepy kisses to his nape. "Good morning, husband," Nicholas murmured with his lips brushing against Dave's skin.
    Dave shivered in delight - and snorted. "Not yet, I'm not!"
    "Mmm … Our last chance for a bit of illicit fornication …"
    "You don't want to save yourself … ?"
    "At least a decade too late for that!"
    "Tart!"
    "And you can't resist a fine tasty tart."
    "That's true."
    So they made love, just as they were, still warm and blurred with sleep, Nicholas thrusting gently against Dave's rear and each with a hand overlapping on Dave's cock echoing the same sweet rhythm. They spilled over with sighs, and still wrapped up close they snoozed again for a few minutes, before at last the alarm went off.
    "Good morning, husband," Nicholas said again.
    Dave chuckled. "Come on, then. Let's make that happen!"
    They each had a quick shower and dragged on the nearest casual clothes, then headed down to join the rest of the family for breakfast. The general mood was cheerful yet busy. Everyone made a point of greeting Dave and Nicholas, and wishing them well.
    Dave found that he wasn't very hungry, so after he'd drunk his coffee he made his excuses and wandered outside for some fresh air. He must have been looking pensive, for when Simon popped his head out of the front door to find Dave pacing back and forth on the driveway, he asked, "The not unexpected