Making New Memories
Thank you, Gentle Reader, for opening this story, a series about a man who confronts his past to find a new future. Dave, Jim, and the rest of the cast of characters are fictional, and do not represent any person living or dead. The story is fantasy and exists in that realm.
Elements in this story include sex between men, some racier elements might include some kinky sex, but for the most part just good old-fashioned cocksucking and fucking. If you enjoy this story, and others like it, please consider making a donation to keep the Nifty archive free and accessible! http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html
This chapter is dedicated to someone who reached out to me, having read the first eleven chapters. He has a terminal disease, and he gently reminded me that we cannot all afford the luxury of not rushing, not acting quickly when it comes to love. Sometimes we need to go for it, or face living with regrets. In the spirit of moving at the speed of love, I offer this next chapter.
Chapter Twelve
The next Monday, I dressed for work and went into the office. Dan was already there, coffee in hand, walking around small talking with everyone. The first day back was usually pretty laid back - no meetings, and no client meetings. Lots of emails to catch up on, but also lots of stories to be told.
Our office was still a small size, fifty or so employees, and we all knew each other well. We shared lots of stories about our holidays, and greeted each other for the new year. Lunch was brought in, and, then, as was our tradition, most people brought a plate of whatever Christmas goodies were left in the house. I brought in some of Jim's neighbor's fudge that I had managed to leave with. Over sweets and stories, we wasted another couple of hours of our first afternoon back.
We worked hard when we had to, but also took the opportunity to be friendly when we could. This atmosphere was Dan's special sauce - his employees stayed through the rocky times because the work-life balance was maintained, and he genuinely cared about everyone. As the afternoon turned into the evening and the West Coast sun sank early, people started to leave. I stayed behind, and so did Dan. We both knew there was a conversation to have.
I had been thinking about this since Jim dropped me off at the airport. All the way home and for the past couple of days I had been weighing the options. Saying yes would mean a commitment to staying here with the company that Dan had built. It was a commitment I would eagerly take on. Leading this company into its future would be exciting, the opportunity I had always wanted, and, frankly, my best option for work at this point in my career. I could do this for a few years and then, as Dan did, sail into retirement before sixty, enjoying my life.
But, then, there was my heart. Being away from Jim, even for these few days, was already painful. There were some reasons to leave this job, rent out my place in San Francisco for passive income, and find something meaningful to do in Michigan. I had never lived in the country, though. Could I really handle it for more than a time-limited period? Vacation was one thing, but having to travel an hour to get a good grocery store was a wholesale change to my lifestyle.
Even today, as I came into the office and interacted with my coworkers, the debate was raging in my head. Dan could see it, too, he had eyed me up early, and saw I was in thought. He had given me space, only clapping me on the back and laughing as we shared our stories with the rest of the crew.
After the last person left, I pushed myself up from my chair and wandered over to Jim's office. He was looking at his laptop but stopped when he saw me at his door. "Got any of that good whiskey?" I asked, settling into the comfortable chair in his office, overlooking the City.
I heard him pour some glasses and he came over to join me on the other chair. "Happy New Year," he raised his glass. We clinked and sipped. He always had great taste in bourbon.
"How was Michigan?" he asked. A simple start, allowing me to go anywhere I wanted with the conversation.
"You know, I have a complicated relationship with that place!" I started, chuckling. I had told Dan about meeting Jim, `the mysterious bear contractor' over the summer, and he had known about the Thanksgiving trip, and I had told him when I made my plans to go to Michigan for Christmas that I was doing so, just in case he had needed anything of me. "It was a really great trip. We barely did anything except lounge around, eat too much, shovel snow," I summarized.
"And how about the guy?" Dan asked.
"We fell in love," I answered simply.
Dan sighed. "That is really good to hear, buddy. You've been a solitary soldier for a long time. I am glad you've met someone who dings your dong."
"That's sexual harassment, boss," then I added, " I'll show you how to ding a dong any day," I laughed.
Dan laughed back. There were no boundaries or filters between us after twenty years of working and drinking and laughing together.
"We had a great time, too. It was good to see everyone, have a full house again. Puts things in perspective," Dan stated. "Speaking of perspective, have you given some thought about next steps here, and what you want to do?"
Here was the moment. Decision time. My stomach was in knots, I felt my heart flutter. I took a deep stuttering breath, and began, "I have had some time to think about it. And I keep mulling it over in my head. Actually, it's my head and my heart. One says yes, the other says, no. I have been trying to discern my best path." I was using a lot of words, usual when I was nervous. "A friend of mine who recently had a serious medical diagnosis reminded me that taking too much time, or being too cautious in love, might lead to missing the opportunity." Dan had built this company from nothing, and, true, I'd been there for most all of it, but it was his baby. He wanted to leave it in good hands, and I did not want to dismiss all the work and sacrifices he had put into it.
"Let me stop you before you get too much further down the road," Dan cut in, "and, if it helps, let me tell you about my own discernment." I was glad for the pause, and nodded my head for him to continue.
"Well, last week, I was contacted by Hal," he paused.
"Hal at the big place?" I asked.
"Yep. That's the one," he confirmed. "Anyway, he's reached out before, but this time he was more insistent. Also, this time, I am ready to leave," Dan continued.
"Wait," I interjected, "He wants to buy us?"
"He does," Dan confirmed. "And, I was wanting to talk with you about it. Dave, we've built a great team and a great business. We're profitable and have a great client list, which is why someone, even as big as they are, would want us. But we also have a great family here, and it could be yours," Dan was building up. "If you want the company, the CEO title, it's yours. Just say yes, we'll draw up a contract, and the board will approve it. If you don't, then we'll sell, and we all stand to make some good money."
Dan was right there. He had built the company with equity at every level. All employees were owners in a way, and had shares and stakes. He felt it made for more commitment to the cause. A buy-out would treat everyone commensurate with their share, and would not leave anyone redundant unless they wanted to leave. From the assistants to the vice-presidents, everyone had a stake.
I sat back and let out a big breath. "Three weeks ago, I was a yes for CEO. Now, I have tasted a different fruit, and I want a different path. I was worried about disappointing you. You have been so good to me," I was emotional.
"We've been good to each other, and good to the business," Dan stated, plainly. "So, we sell?"
I raised my glass. "To the sale." And we clinked.
After another week, Dan and I met back in his office, things had progressed, an offer had been made, and Dan wanted to present the idea to the board on next Monday evening. If the board approved, we'd let the rest of the staff know. Dan and I agreed to working over the weekend on the offer to staff, so that going into the meeting we could present everyone with a summary of their share and what that would mean for them in equity.
On Sunday night, I called Jim at our usual time, and FaceTime connected. It was so nice to see his handsome face on my screen. I smiled, and he smiled back broadly.
"I missed you this week, and I am so happy to see you," I gushed.
"I missed you too, babe. You look happy," Jim observed.
"I am!" I had been filling Jim in on the happenings, but, as I did not have many details, I was vague. "But tell me about you! How's your week been, my love?"
"Well, the plumber was here for most of this week getting everything in place. The bathrooms and kitchens are done in both places. The heated floor in the boathouse as well, is ready to go, and he installed the boiler for that on Saturday morning. The electrician came by, too, and everything is wired. Now we wait for the inspection before we can put up the drywall. No use covering up what they might want to inspect," Jim stated.
"Aww, that is so great. I am really excited, and looking forward to seeing it."
"I'm looking forward to fucking you in that gigantic shower we put in!" Jim laughed, waggling his eyebrows.
"Ooof, I am on a trigger here, it's been so busy I haven't even jacked off this week," I confessed.
"Well tell me about what's been keeping you busy. Did you get the numbers together?" He knew that we'd been working on figures all weekend.
"Yep, Dan and I met on Zoom this morning and looked over everything again and confirmed what everyone's package could be. Of course, they can stay on as employees, but they're getting a payout when the deal goes through."
Jim stayed silent for a moment. And then couldn't help himself, "And what's your share, babe?" He smirked, because he saw my big grin.
"It's a lot, man. More than I expected, but then the offer is really big. I just hadn't ever bothered to calculate it, but with the years of service, and the multipliers, and my level ... it's going to be about eighteen and a half million."
Jim sputtered, and then let out a low whistle. "Dinner's on you, Daddy," he laughed, and then got serious. "That's really good news! How do you feel?"
"Well, I feel great, obviously, this is amazing. And I also feel shocked," I admitted.
"What comes next?" JIm inquired.
"The board tomorrow, then the staff, then we figure out the plan. Dan and I think that we'll be working pretty hard to get everything in a place to be able to deliver it by March," I offered. "April at the very latest, but I think we all want it to happen this quarter."
Jim and I ended our call a bit later, and I spent a restless night. I was excited and nervous about the future.
The next week was a blur. Of course the board approved it, with the hefty payout they would be getting, and the next day the staff cheered. There were also tears as people realized that change would be coming to our little group. Dan and I threw a party after lunch, and the beer and wine flowed as people celebrated. Of course, the following day, with headaches and hangovers, we started the tough work of putting everything in a place where it could be handed over.
I talked with my team, and most all of them were planning on staying on.
"What is your plan?" one of my team leads asked.
I had avoided this question so far, because while many were sticking around, I did not want to be seen as the guy who was taking his money and running. I felt that my team deserved a bit more of the story. "Well, circumstances have changed somewhat for me. I went and fell in love with a guy in Michigan, and now I have the chance to go be with him, so that's what I am going to do." My team took it in stride, and congratulated me. The truth was, everyone was making off so well that no one blamed anyone for the decisions they made. We'd worked hard for this, and the prize was ours to take.
Things rushed toward the end of March, as we targeted March 20 to hand over the keys to the kingdom and the data to the new owners. Their analysts were already in the office mostly meeting with finance, but also in operations to make sure that our clients were true, and that our numbers matched. The final offer was contingent upon verification of our data sets, our client list, and our sales and revenue figures. There were late nights, long weekends, reports about reports, and every person rolled up their sleeves and put in the work required.
On March 20, Dan and I had rented out a local restaurant with a view of the Bay Bridge known for its excellent steaks and seafood. An open bar, a dj, and a four course banquet began sharply at five, and everyone came, bringing their dates or spouses. Speeches, some drunken, some not; stories, some raunchy, some not; tears, laughs, and well wishes. It was a fun evening, and a great celebration. They brought everyone who was exiting the company up for a special champagne toast, and cards and gifts were exchanged.
When I poured myself into an uber to head home, my heart was full, my head was spinning, my belly was stuffed. I showered and fell into bed, and did not awaken again until Jim's ringtone cut through my fuzzy head. I grabbed the phone and thumbed the green button. "Hi babe."
"Who is answering your phone?" Jim asked.
"What? It's me?" I said, disoriented and confused.
I heard Jim's deep rumbling chuckle. "I saw all those pics and vids from last night. I waited until ten to call you," he laughed.
"Oh my God, it's ten?" I squinted at the clock. "I haven't slept this late since college."
"I'll bet you haven't drunk as much since college, either?" Jim was making fun of me. I reached for my glass of water, hoping it would clear out my throat and perhaps start on my head.
"I need coffee. And Ibuprofen."
"So, it went well?" Jim asked.
"It did. It's done. I am going in to clean out of my office tomorrow, and then Dan and I meet with the new team on Monday. After they sign off, cha-ching." I said, mimicking a cash register. "But enough about me," I remembered my manners. "How are things going with you?"
"Oh, same old here. The band got together last night for our first rehearsal in a while. We have some gigs lined up for May, and then the summer season again like last year," Jim lit a cigarette. "And in house news, the drywall is up, the paint went up, and touch-up will happen next week, then it's floors and fixtures. We're gonna be ready for final inspection and then clean-up and landscaping real soon. Just in time, too, the last of the snow is finally melting."
"I saw all those pics you sent. It looks amazing. I can't believe it's the same place. And that boathouse is really a showplace, Jim," I enthused. "You feel up for a visitor in a couple of weeks? I'd love to check on my investment, and on his work project," I said with a giggle.
"Hah hah. Yes, I'd love that. Tell me when, and I'll even change the sheets for you."
Jim and I chatted for another few minutes, and then I said, "Ok, babe, I need to piss, drink coffee, take some painkillers, and shower." I felt like hell.
"I'm proud of you, babe," Jim said, quietly. And I couldn't have felt better in my life - having his affirmation was so important.
"Thanks, honey. I feel really good about this. I love you." We thumbed off the call, and I slowly sat up to make my way into the morning.
The following week, when I looked at my bank balance, I almost fell out of my chair. I had never seen so many decimal places in my own accounts before. The truth is, that I was doing alright before last year. My job had been steady, I owned my house outright, and was just paying upkeep and taxes, both of which were covered by the money I was making on renting the two units out. Add to that my retirement savings, and the money from the sale of my parents' home and the recent windfall, and I was in good shape. If I managed this right, I did not really have to work anymore. Although perhaps taking a consulting role here or there might be interesting.
Jim and I made plans for the second week in April, and soon I was back in the air, on my way to Traverse City, Michigan. Seeing Jim at the end of a long day was the best feeling. I sank into his arms, and we waited for my bag to come around.
"Let's get you into a shower," Jim said as we got into his house. We shed our clothing, fondling each other and kissing as we ran to the shower, and turned on the water. We made out while we waited for it to warm. "It's been too damn long!" Jim husked, as he kissed my shoulders. In the shower, soaped up and clean, Jim squatted down and took my dick into his mouth. I placed my hands on his head and guided him deep onto my cock. Fuck, it felt good to be back with Jim.
His blowjob was so good, instantly I felt tingly and weak in the knees as he tugged on my balls and kissed the crown of my cock. His head bobbed up and down, as his throat opened to take me all in.
"You're gonna make me cum. It's been so long!" I said, warning him.
Jim sucked harder, milking my cock with his lips and his throat, playing with my balls, rubbing my ass. It did not take much longer and with a shout I was unloading into his mouth. He drank it all down, spurt after spurt, backing off so he could taste it on his tongue. Eventually, with my last pulse, he pulled off me and licked his lips.
"Damn, you came a ton!" he laughed, standing up to hug me.
"More for you," I giggled.
Jim shut off the water, and we dried each other off, taking every opportunity to caress, fondle, kiss, nibble. It was our way of getting reacquainted with each other. Every touch contained a zing of electricity.
Eventually, cleaned and dried, we tumbled onto Jim's bed, kissing and caressing. Jim rolled me over so that he was on top of me, and I felt the full force of his kiss, and his hard on both pressing into me.
"I have been thinking about being inside you. I need it," Jim husked.
"Take what's yours, big man. I am so ready for you right now," I answered.
"Gonna make you mine. Fill you. Pound your ass," he continued. He scooted between my legs, and knelt there, lifting my calves onto his shoulders. "Open up for me, babe. I can't wait another second."
I arched my back, exposing my rosebud to his steel-hard cock, and with one thrust we were united again. A shudder moved through my body as I responded to the welcomed fullness, and our eyes communicated love and need.
Jim slid back, slowly, deliberately, inching his cock from my tight ass, and then just before the tip popped out he plunged it slowly back in. I knew his instinct must be telling him to go more quickly, but he was very purposefully going slowly. With each thrust the tension built between us.
I whined and begged and cursed as he drove on, keeping his painstaking momentum. He used one strong hand to push me back down on the bed when I tried to speed it up by meeting his thrust. I whined, denied. Jim was in control, and this ride was going to last as long as he wanted it to.
"I can't ever go this long again without you," Jim said, the words coming out breathlessly as he got lost in the pleasure. "I need you, need to be in you, need to be with you," his emotions were right on the surface. He reached down and started slowly stroking my cock in rhythm to his fucking, slowly, methodically, running the rough work-worn palm of his hand against the sensitive head of my leaking cock.
"I missed touching you, tasting you, smelling you. I missed the feeling of being yours," I agreed, my eyes rolling in the back of my head with bliss as he teased my prostate and my cock.
Gradually he picked up the pace, almost indiscernibly at first, pushing us both toward the edge. I reached up and began stroking his chest, tweaking his nipples. His open mouth said no words, just sighed and grunted and moaned as we were lost and found within each other.
I felt my orgasm approach, the tingle that starts in my cock, but then spreads through my whole body, my nervous system relaying the pleasure it is about to receive, preparing every muscle and tissue and receptor to get ready for the joy. I felt Jim's too, his deliberate thrusts were losing their steadiness, he was fucking more rapidly, snapping his hips against my pelvis as he bottomed out inside me.
"Oh, Ungh! Man, I can't hold back!" I shouted. "Fuck, I am there, I am right there, Jim, fuck me! Oh yeah, fuck me!" I shouted and cursed into the evening as Jim pushed me over the edge, and I spiraled down the cliff face of a mindblowing orgasm.
"Dave, babe, Dave, I am gonna, Oh Fuck! I am coming now! NOW!" Jim yelled, the force of his orgasm slamming into him. My cock exploded onto our chests as he emptied himself inside me. "Oh Dave, Dave, my Dave, I love you," he babbled.
We murmured and caressed and our bodies trembled with aftershocks as our movement gradually slowed down. We were covered in cum and sweat, and we were so happy. Jim let himself down, and we held each other, our bodies gliding against each other. This was our homecoming. I was home.
After another shower and a quick bite of dinner, we spent the rest of the evening in front of the fire. The spring was still chilly in Northern Michigan, and it felt nice. When we finally went to sleep, it was a luxurious, delicious sleep.
Jim was still sleeping, his deep breathing steady. I extracted myself from the big spoon position I was in, and padded to the washroom, and then downstairs to make a pot of coffee. I found some flour and butter and baking powder and milk and whipped up dough for some biscuits. Sure enough, when the coffee was halfway through, I heard Jim's footsteps, a toilet flush, and then he was in the kitchen.
"Good morning, love," he said, his voice still groggy with sleep.
"G'mornin, babe. Coffee will be ready in a few," I answered.
Jim lit up a cigarette and sat at the breakfast bar as I slid the tray of biscuits into the oven. We did not say much, both of us still waking up and enjoying the day. In short order, we had mugs of coffee and a plate of biscuits and a crock of cherry butter, a Northern Michigan specialty.
"Mmmm. Your biscuits are the best. How do you get them so fluffy?"
I mimicked turning a lock on my lips and throwing away the key. "I gotta keep some things a secret so that you keep me around," I said, coyly. We both chuckled.
"I'm itching to show you the lake house," Jim exclaimed, and I knew he was really excited to see my reaction to it.
"I can't wait! Let's go over this morning," I suggested.
As we ate, I was looking out at the lake. "I love how quiet Thayer Lake is," I observed. "With no motors, it's just as it should be on a lake."
"Yeah, most people overlook these little lakes up here, in favor of Torch, or Intermediate, or Charlevoix, or Elk, but these little lakes with their quiet shores are beautiful. It's why I love this place so much. On Torch Lake, as beautiful as the water is, there is always a speed boat zipping by," he commented, stroking his beard.
"Do you have a canoe? Or a rowboat?" I had never asked.
"Yep, to both."
"Awww, let's go out on Thayer later. I'd love to paddle," I replied. "Before things went bad with my dad, he and I used to canoe a lot. Rivers and lakes. I haven't canoed on a river in years."
"Well, we'll fix that. I'd love to put in on the Jordan and canoe down to the weir," Jim suggested.
"Mmm, those are the kinds of plans I want to make!" I laughed.
We talked a lot about the sale of the company, and how the last few weeks had been. I was mostly still in shock at how quickly things had moved since January, but I was gladly coming to terms with it.
Eventually, we showered and hopped in the truck and went down to the lake house. Pulling into the driveway, I could not believe what I was seeing. The house looked beautiful, updated, cared-for. I jumped out of the car as soon as it came to a stop, and rushed up the steps to the porch.
The wood had been replaced and the railings were fixed. Everything with a cheerful, fresh coat of paint. There were even new lights flanking a new door. Jim came up behind me and handed me the key. "This is yours," he said with a twinkle in his eyes.
Entering, it was a totally different place than the one I had left. Seeing it a few months ago roughed out had given me an idea of how it might look but seeing it completed was so much better. Every detail had been thought through, all the finishes, the colors. The most prominent feature, the stone fireplace extended up the entire length of the two-story wall, giving drama and beauty to it. The wood floors had been sanded and refinished, and shone with a golden luster.
"Everything passed inspection the day before you arrived, so we're good on all fronts."
We walked, hand in hand, from room to room, looking at each detail. Jim would tell me about his choices of fixtures and finishes. Really, it could not have been more perfect. The kitchen was perfect for preparing a simple vacation meal or an elaborate dinner party. The bedrooms had been redone and both bathrooms given a much-needed upgrade. When our grand tour was finished, we moved to the boat house. Jim had put pavers down into the grass to make a pathway to the waterfront.
The boathouse was out of this world. The light coming into the space, and the wide open views of the lake were breathtaking. Again, every detail had been thought through, and I could not believe that this was something I owned.
"It really looks like HGTV should be showing this, babe. It is perfect. You designed this whole space and it came out wonderfully!" I gushed.
"Pretty good for a handyman, eh?" Jim said, humbly.
I turned into him and kissed him. "You are a genius," I countered, and Jim blushed.
"I ran into Connie the other day, who was asking about the renovations, of course. I took the liberty of inviting her over tomorrow for a walk-through, if you wanted to have the property appraised."
I nodded, my head lost in thought.
I tugged at Jim, and we went out the sliding glass onto the verandah. It commanded a perfect view of the lake, then we walked down the stairs to the dock, and I began to take off my shoes and socks and roll up my cuffs. "First foot soak of the year," I offered.
"It's gonna be an icy one. The lake just thawed a few weeks ago!" Jim warned.
But I plunged my feet in anyway, and Jim joined me, shaking his head. He lit a cigarette and we sat for a moment in silence. A motorboat puttered by, and the boaters waved to us. "Nice boathouse!"
"Thanks!" we both shouted back. We looked at each other and smiled. We both thought of it as ours.
As the boat sped off, a thought entered my mind, and the more I looked at the lake and the disappearing boat, the more solid that thought became.
We kissed sweetly as our feet froze in the chilly water. "Let's go back inside," I suggested, and we went back up the stairs onto the deck and back into the boathouse. With its panoramic view of the lake, the floor to ceiling windows peaked in the style of a swiss chalet gave me a new perspective. Standing, I reached out for Jim's hand and we held hands, looking out at the blue water and the trees just starting to bud. We were silent for a few minutes.
"Hey, Jim," I asked, getting his attention.
"What's up?" he turned toward me.
I put my arms around his neck, and pressed against his belly, and took a deep, grounding breath, steadying myself and committing myself to what I was about to say. "I'd like to stay in Michigan, and build a new life here with you, with us." That was as plain and as obvious as I could make it.
Jim gasped, and I felt his arms encircle me. "You want to come back here?" He tested his understanding.
"I do. With you," I affirmed.
"Whew. I thought you were going to ask me to move to San Francisco ... which I would have done!"
I laughed. "No, you've taken this City boy and turned him into a rural man." I tilted my head up slightly to claim Jim's lips in a kiss. "I love this house, and what you've done to it," I started. "When I look at it, or walk through it, I don't see or feel the bitterness or the bad memories. It's all new, and I am so grateful for that."
"Yeah, it's amazing what a coat of paint can do," Jim replied, not exactly certain where I was going.
"It's more than the paint, Jim. You put love into this. I left here because of bitterness, anger, bigotry, betrayal. You reintroduced love into this plot of land and the buildings that occupy it."
Jim sniffled, and I looked over at him, and he had a tear rolling down his cheek. I smiled at him. "Shut up, tough guys can cry," he said, with a sob that turned into a laugh.
I laughed. "Of course they can, big guy," and I wiped the tear away.
"But I don't want us to sell it," I stated.
Jim looked confused, but didn't speak, letting me go on.
"And I don't want to live in it, for now. We can rent it out."
Jim cocked an eyebrow, now really confused.
"If you'll have me, I'd like to live on your lake. In your house. With you," I leaned my head onto his chest.
"In our house on our lake," Jim corrected, his voice soft with deep emotion.
"In our house on our lake," I agreed. "No power boats. Tall trees. Just us."
"And the loons," Jim added, smiling.
"And the loons," I agreed.
After another week, I headed back to California, this time with Jim in tow. We were going to spend a couple of weeks cleaning up my flat, and removing some of the personal items. We'd drive back to Michigan in my truck, and so I was only taking what would easily fit.
On the third night, Mark called me, and congratulated me on the news of my move. We met him for a beer out at a local cafe and he told us about his new job and how things were going for him. His lease would be coming to an end soon, and so I asked him, "Hey, for a break on the rent, would you consider renting my place and managing the property for me? The two tenants in the two rental units are pretty solid, but you know, they need things from time to time."
He quickly agreed and we settled on a monthly rent and the duties, which we put into an email so that we'd have a record of it. Within two more weeks it was time for us to leave San Francisco.
I was driving the first leg of our trip, and as we made it through Donner Pass and crested the summit, we left California. "Goodbye California!" I said, wistfully.
Jim reached out his hand to find mine, and held it firmly. "Let's go make some new memories."
-End-
Thank you all for reading and for the many supportive emails and comments you've made. Your edits, suggestions, and ideas make me a better writer. I've had a few requests asking me to continue this story and make a saga. I think, however, I am going to let Jim and Dave live their quiet life on Thayer Lake with the loons and the trees, to create new traditions and memories. There are other stories I want to tell, so, until next time, be kind to each other, create beauty around you, and share the best moments of your life with others.