Title: Here With Me 33/?
Author: Anorien and Sairalinde
Type: RPS
Pairing: Craig/David
Rating: NC-17
Warning: None this chapter.
Beta: Ourselves
Disclaimer: This never happened. This was written in fun that's all.
Feedback: Yes please send to sairalinde @ hornofgondor.com
or thechroniclesofosgiliath @ yahoo.com
Archiving: OEAM, Mirrormere, The Chronicles of Osgiliath, Saira's Library, CxD Archive, other's ask.
Summary: A.U. Two University Professors try to overcome their pasts and find love and healing.
A/N: This is A.U. and it is the world we wish really did exist.

// Indicates thoughts
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// Indicates Thoughts
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David looked down at his hands where he twisted his wedding band around his finger again. //WEDDING BAND!// No more than twelve hours ago he had married the most incredible man in the world who, upon glancing over looked almost as nervous as he did. Pulling through the gates at his parent’s driveway set off a new round of butterflies in his stomach and his hands started shaking again. He always shook when he was really nervous...and this was one of those times. He and Craig were about to tell his parents that they had gotten married last night...right next door to the very church they were at for Midnight Mass in fact. David knew if the Judge or his wife had said anything he'd have already gotten phone calls, so they obviously didn't know yet. "Craig? Maybe...maybe we should just tell them over the phone? From the Inn?" David asked softly knowing it had been HIS decision to go through with this but now at the last minute he was so nervous he wasn't sure he COULD go through with it. Reaching over he grabbed Craig's hand and squeezed. "Sorry...I'm just...really nervous...this is the best way. Mother would kill me if we didn't do this in person." He seemed to be reasoning out loud with himself.

Craig squeezed David’s fingers tightly and took a deep breath as they pulled to a stop in front of the Wenham estate, reaching across the steering wheel with his left hand to put the car in park, rather than release David’s hand. He was nervous himself – he *knew* David’s father didn’t like him. They’d barely spoken since Craig had had his…….*conversation* with Richard, and had practically begged John to fire him afterward in his rush to get back to David. He seriously doubted that the whole incident had changed John’s opinion of him in the least. Turning toward David with a smile, Craig leaned in and placed a tender kiss on his lips. “It’ll be fine, sweetheart,” he said softly, trying to hide his nervousness behind a brave façade as he rested his forehead against David’s. “We’ll tell them, then be on our way to our honeymoon. I know you’re worried more about your father than anything, but there’s nothing he can do now. We’re married. You’re my husband, and I’m yours, and he’ll just have to learn to deal with that fact.”

David nodded, "I know...I know," he whispered softly. He still loved hearing Craig say the words "you're my husband' - he didn’t' think he'd ever tire of that phrase. "Well...now that we're here..." he said softly and gave Craig a tender kiss. "We'd best just get it over with." Craig was right - he was worried about his father's reaction after what he'd said to Craig the last time they were here, and after what he'd said to David that day in his office after Craig's surgery. His mother he thought...well, hoped, would be thrilled. Giving Craig another soft kiss he turned and opened his door, and waited for Craig to circle around. Taking his husband's hand they started up the steps.

When they reached the top step, Craig turned toward David and held on to both of his hands tightly. “Well,” he smiled, hoping David wouldn’t notice how fast his heart was pounding, “here we are. Are you ok? Honestly?”

"Honestly? I've never been so nervous in my life...at least I'm not stammering," David joked. He was too nervous even for *that*. Approaching the door he knocked and looked over at Craig, taking a deep breath. His mother opened the door and practically dragged both men through it with a hug before they knew what was happening. "Merry Christmas!" she said cheerfully smiling at both of them. Both who looked incredibly nervous. Susan raised an eyebrow but said nothing else.

"Merry Christmas, mother," David said softly.

Craig was unable to keep the smile from his face at Mrs. Wenham’s hug. He studied her for a moment, sensing she knew *something* was up already, in a way that only mothers can do. “Merry Christmas, Mrs. Wenham,” he smiled, forcing himself to pull away from her embrace. “Thank you for inviting me back after….my last visit.”

"Oh nonsense Craig, I told you that you are always welcome, John's just...well John," she said making a face. "Well come on in, it's so cold out here," she said practically pulling them inside. "Here lemme take your coats. So...how are both of you?" she said hanging the coats on the coat rack by the door and wondering when the two of them were going to say whatever it was that had them so nervous.

Craig recaptured David’s hand as soon as Susan took their jackets away and noticed that his palm was a little less sweaty than it had been moments before. Susan was unknowingly calming his nerves just a bit, with her friendly banter and soft smiles, and, thankfully didn’t seem to hold their last meeting against him. Deciding to try and focus on that, instead of the inevitable scene to come when they told Dr. Noble, he waited for David to answer. Seeing that his husband was still nervous and clutching his hand, Craig cleared his throat and smiled. “I’ve never been better in my life, Mrs. Wenham,” he said, meaning it with all his heart. “It’s been the best Christmas I’ve ever been blessed enough to wake up to.”

Susan turned from hanging their coats and smiled brightly, "Well that is wonderful to hear...hate it when people are all depressed about the holidays," she teased. "So what's your story David? You look like a cat caught in a room full of rocking chairs, sweetie," she teased.

"I'm fine, mother...just like Craig," he said smiling, "Best Christmas I can ever remember." He squeezed Craig's hand gently and Susan looked at the two of them.

"Why is it I get the feeling..." she began but got interrupted as John called her from the living room. Rolling her eyes she waved for them to follow her, "He's in a very good mood...stop looking so worried," she said softly as she led them to the living room.

Craig followed David’s mother, feeling sick to his stomach, and knowing that he’d suddenly grown markedly paler. He lifted his free hand to his forehead and wiped the beads of sweat away, wondering why they had the living room so terribly hot. He wasn’t sure exactly what he was expecting, but he had the distinct impression that Dr. Noble’s ‘very good mood’ wouldn’t last much longer. He even wondered if he knew that Craig was coming today.

Looking over at David, Craig saw that he still looked ready to jump out of his skin. //Be strong for him. Don’t let him see how scared you are. There is *nothing* Dr. Noble can do to either of you.// As they entered the room, Craig tugged gently on his hand and whispered, “love you,” before David’s father had a chance to see them.

As his mother led them to the living room David felt even more nervous than before, but Craig's hand in his seemed to be his anchor - the only thing keeping him from bolting back out the front door. Entering the living room David saw his father standing with his back to them by the fireplace and felt his stomach flip but then Craig tugged on his hand and whispered "love you" and it seemed to make it all just a little bit easier. "Love you too," he whispered softly noticing that his mother had seen them and smiled happily as she sat down in a chair.

"Have a seat," Susan offered.

Craig’s nervousness dissipated just a bit when he saw John. He remembered the harsh words the older man had directed at David on their last visit, and his anger toward the man overrode his nerves for the moment. Sitting down on the edge of the couch, Craig smiled as David sat beside him, and released his hand long enough place his other hand over David’s. His free arm slid behind his husband and rubbed slow circles over the rigid muscles of his back, trying to coax him to relax. Susan still hadn’t noticed their wedding bands…which was probably a good thing at this point. He only hoped that *she’d* be happy for them at least. Without waiting for David’s father to turn, Craig took a deep breath and smiled. “Good afternoon, Dr. Noble,” he said in a loud, clear voice. “Merry Christmas.”

John turned and nodded, "Merry Christmas," he said cheerfully enough to keep Susan from glaring at him. He'd sworn to her that he would be nice and he intended to keep that promise. Besides Craig had defended David, John had seen David's arm several days after and it was still badly bruised then, he couldn't fault the young man for that. He didn't have to like him, but he did respect him.

David looked up and gave a small smile, "Merry Christmas, father," he said softly.

John nodded...David had gotten more and more timid after starting to date Richard and after what Craig had told him and thinking back now he knew why. David had always been the weaker of the two boys...and someone like that leech Richard preyed on the weak because they wouldn't fight back. John sat down across from them and looked over at Susan. "So...how is everyone?" he asked still trying to make small talk which he knew he was absolutely horrible at.

//Well, at least he’s going to try to be friendly.// Craig kept the smile pasted on his face and continued to run his fingers lightly over David’s back, just letting him know that he was there. He looked at his husband for a moment, silently pleading with his eyes. //Let’s just get this over with and start our new lives together, David, please.//

Looking back at David’s father, Craig kept his voice pleasant as he realized the older man was staring at him pointedly. “I’m fine, sir,” he said calmly, though his heart was still beating uncomfortably fast. He couldn’t help but wonder what John was thinking, hoping that his opinion of Craig had changed from what it had been the last time Craig had stepped foot in this house, but sincerely doubting that it had. //Well, like it or not, I’m your son-in-law now. And that’s never going to change. // “Thank you for allowing me to share the holiday with you and your family.”

"Certainly," John said pleasantly. "David, I saw your car last night in front of Father Michael’s but I didn't see either of you at mass...sorry we missed you," he said somewhat proud of himself for keeping the conversation light. He knew Susan was grinning at him - he didn't even have to look to know that. Get through one Christmas since losing Jonas without sticking his foot in his mouth and sending his son home crying would be a nice change. He really wanted to *try* with David but the two of them could never get on the same page about anything. The one thing he could agree with them both about was Richard. He'd never been so happy to fire anyone in his life. He was a horrible teacher, he wasn't going to give him tenure but after finding out what he did to David, and then talking to a few other's who suspected the abuse, he wrote him a horrible letter of recommendation. He'd never teach again. Least not at a prestigious University.

David looked up wide eyed at his father's comment about his car and looked at Craig worriedly.

Craig moved a little closer to his husband and smiled at him encouragingly. It was now or never. John *did*, thankfully, seem to be in a good mood, and trying to make the effort to keep things light and friendly. And *surely* after the incident with Richard, he knew how much Craig loved David. Their brief meeting afterward had been a revelation to Craig…he realized that David’s father did care for him deeply, even though he obviously couldn’t show it and honestly had no idea what had really been happening to his son during David’s years with Richard. It didn’t come close to making up for John’s treatment of his son, but he needed to realize that things were different now, and he couldn’t keep hurting David. There was no way in hell Craig was going to simply stand by and let that happen, even if it did meant he’d be banned from this house for the rest of his life. Craig squeezed David’s hand and nodded. //Here we go, love.//

David swallowed hard and looked back at his parents, his mouth felt terribly dry, but he *had* to tell them this himself...before they read it in the papers. "Um, well...actually...the reason my car was there...we um...you see last night...CraigaskedmetomarryhimandIsaidyesandwedecidednottowaitsowegotmarriedlastnightjustbeforemidnight." David said quickly running all the words together. He barely had the words 'before midnight' out before his mother squealed and nearly knocked everything off the coffee table hugging and kissing both men. First David who she hugged and kissed on both cheeks smiling happily before doing the same to Craig. John however just sat in his chair blinking, not quite able to say anything. "Congratulations!" Susan said happily, "Oh my goodness...welcome to the family, Craig!" This time it wasn't a rumor. The boys had come in person to tell them. She had never been happier for David.

Craig grinned from ear to ear. “Thank you, Mrs. Wenham,” he laughed. Holding out their entwined hands toward her, he bent their fingers to show her the rings. “Your son made me the happiest, luckiest, and most blessed man in the world last night.” He kept smiling at her, but felt his eyes drift toward David’s father, not even realizing he was holding his breath.

John was still stunned...married? //They got married?! For real this time? Oh for God's sake!//Looking at his son who was smiling the brightest he ever remembered David smiling since Jonas died, he didn't have the heart to say what he wanted to. Everything that was prickling in the back of his mind. He gripped the chair arms tightly and bit out the word "Congratulations." He promised Susan but there was no way she could have anticipated *this*. Taking a deep breath he tried not to say all of the things that came to mind, especially when she turned smiling at him obviously thrilled. John decided to bide his time and ask to speak with Craig...alone. He had some things he wanted to ask him. After what he did to Richard...broke his nose and his fingers, and was still itching for more, John worried would he be just like him? Would he do the same to David? Was he right all along that Craig wanted his money? He wanted to TRY and give the benefit of doubt...but they hardly knew each other...then again he hardly knew Sue but...but that was different.

"Thank you," David said smiling happily at his mother and looking over at Craig beside him. "I've never been this happy."

"I can tell," she said smiling.

David looked up at his father when he said a tense "Congratulations," which he knew wasn't easy for him. "Thank you, father," he said meaning it. He knew it couldn't have been easy for him *just* to say that.

Craig released his breath and relaxed the slightest bit. “Thank you, Dr. Noble,” he nodded, leaning forward shake John’s hand. “I love your son very much. I hope you both realize that. I promise I’ll never give him reason to regret marrying me. I apologize for the lack of….notice, but neither of us could wait.”

"I see," John said unable to think of anything else. "If...if you don't mind before you and David leave today...I'd like to have a word with you, Craig." John said as patiently as he could. If by any chance he was like Richard he didn't want to make it worse for David...his son looked happy, but he *needed* a few answers. It just...seemed awfully fast, and...entirely too suspicious to him. He just *needed* to know...he couldn't change things, but...but Susan could. She cried for days after finding out what Richard had done, especially when she found out Diana knew and never told her.

Craig sat up straighter and locked his gaze with Dr. Noble’s. “I’d be more than happy to speak with you, sir,” he said evenly. “Shall we talk now? We…..honestly, we have to be on the road in a while if we want to make it to Mayfield in time to check in at the Inn.”

David looked from Craig to his father worriedly but didn't interrupt though he desperately wanted to. His mother squeezed his knee encouragingly and he smiled slightly at her.

"Well I'm sure you both would like to get started on your honeymoon...won't take a few minutes. Just a father-in-law to new son-in-law sort of thing," John said trying not to cringe as he said their new titles. Standing up he led the way to his study without looking back for Craig, simply expecting him to follow him. David looked over at Craig worriedly, "Do you want me to go with you?" he asked softly.

Craig *did* want David there. And he didn’t. Whether David knew it or not, he was Craig’s strength, and having him by his side made Craig feel that things would work out, no matter what. But, he also knew this most likely wouldn’t be a pleasant meeting and he wanted to spare his new husband from his father’s words. “I’ll only be a minute, love,” he whispered as he stood up, having no intention of following Dr. Noble simply because he seemed to think Craig *should* be following close on his heels. Leaning down to place a soft kiss on the corner of David’s mouth, he smiled and stared into beautiful blue eyes shining with love and worry. “Why don’t you catch up with your mother, and I’ll be right out?”

David looked into Craig's eyes and nodded, "All right...I love you," he whispered softly blushing when he realized his mother was sitting right next to him smiling from ear to ear.

"Don't worry so much," she whispered patting David's knee though she wondered just what her husband was going to say to Craig. "We will catch up," she smiled reassuringly at Craig. It was all she could do.

Craig gently slid the back of his curved index finger along the side of David’s face. “I love you too, my gorgeous husband,” he smiled. “Your mother’s right…there’s nothing to worry about.” Dragging his eyes reluctantly away, he nodded at David’s mother, giving her a smile of gratitude. “Thanks,” he said softly, before turning to give his husband one more soft kiss. He took a deep breath and headed through the door to meet with his new father-in-law, having no idea what to expect.

John stood next to his desk waiting for Craig to come in and close the door. As the young man walked in he cleared his throat, "Have a seat?" he asked as politely as possible. He had some questions to ask, and Craig could deny it all and he could do nothing, but he hoped based on the young man's answers he could tell if he was telling him the truth.

“Certainly,” Craig said, sitting in the plush leather chair in front of Dr. Noble’s desk, crossing his legs and trying to look at ease. He made an effort to stay calm, determined not to let this discussion with David’s father end like the first one they’d had in this very house. “I’m sure you have a lot of questions for me.”

John nearly laughed, "I do have a few," he said sitting on the edge of his desk. "My first one has to do with Richard. You broke his nose and his fingers...and honestly if I hadn't gotten there and dragged you out of his office, you could have done a lot more and wanted to. I can understand your anger based on things I don't know about. Things...that I don't want to know about to be honest. I saw the bruises on David when he came back to work, and knew about the concussion of course. So no doubt you had every right to be angry since you say you care about David. My concern is...David obviously has a history of people taking advantage of his weak nature. This isn't so much a question, but a warning. If I ever find out you harm a hair on my son's head you'll pray for me to kill you. Do you understand that?" John asked sternly. "I wasn't paying attention before, but I certainly am now."

Craig nodded, studying the Chancellor for a moment before speaking. “First of all, I’d like to make one thing clear, Dr. Noble,” he said in a perfectly friendly voice. “You are mistaken in thinking your son has a weak nature. He has….overcome… more than you can imagine, and he’s one of the strongest people I’ve ever had the privilege to know.” Leaning forward, he looked directly in his father-in-law’s eyes. “And second of all, I understand your concern, and can promise you without the slightest hesitation that there will *never* be a hair on your son’s head harmed by myself or anyone else. You’re not the only one paying attention. What happened with that piece of ….with Richard was necessary. I’ve never so much as raised my hand to another human being in my life before that day. But, walking in to find David…….” Craig closed his eyes and ran a hand over his face before continuing. “…to find David hurt and scared…It was the first time I’ve ever lost my temper like that. I admit I was……furious. Beyond furious that he would dare harm David. Between that, and knowing the hell he put your son through when they were together…..I…….Sir, if you had seen David that afternoon, had *heard* him, I have no doubt in my mind that you would have sought that bastard out and done the same thing I did. I would give my life to protect your son, Dr. Noble. I love him beyond all thought and reason.”

John listened as Craig spoke, his tone of voice, body language, everything *seemed* genuine. Thinking about what he said about David overcoming more than he could imagine made him wonder just exactly *had* happened with Richard but then he remembered the broken arm and the black eyes, and his own harsh words toward David over the years that couldn't have helped the situation and nodded. "I accept that, but also stand by my word. Now...that first night you had dinner here I accused you of wanting his money. You argued against me on that point...but now you propose to him after knowing him what three months give or take a few days and marry him immediately? That doesn't exactly look good. I'm...I'm trying really hard Craig not to get angry, lose my temper, and make accusations...I promised Susan I wouldn't do anything to upset David today, and I'm really trying but I didn't anticipate *this*. I have...concerns, that you will take advantage of the situation, he is...he is a very rich young man who has sometimes very little concept of how rich."

Craig knew this was coming, and couldn’t blame David’s father one bit for feeling this way. He’d have felt the same way if their positions had been reversed. And he could tell that the older man was trying his damnedest to stay calm. Craig wanted to tell him about the prenup he’d had drawn up, but, knowing how John treated his son made Craig think he’d be angry at David for not signing it before they’d married and take his anger out on his son when they went back in the living room. “How can I convince you, Dr. Noble?” he said softly. “I can wait and let you see that I’m still by his side in 50 years, but, frankly, I don’t think it’s fair to you. You tell me what I can do to make you realize that I want nothing….*NOTHING* from him but his love, and I’ll do it here and now.”

"I honestly am not sure what would set my mind at ease at this point," John said looking down at his hands for a moment. "And even if you do mean it now...marriages fall apart all the time, even if you are being honest now, how do I know that won't change five years from now? What if David changes his mind? How can I know for sure that you aren't hoping for that...or wanting to make a name for yourself?" John asked cautiously.

Craig worried his bottom lip for a moment before answering. “Well, Sir,” he began, leaning forward and resting his hands on his knees, “I can assure you I’m not wanting to make a name for myself. David took my last name, I didn’t take his. I’m proud to be married to your husband, but not because of his name – I’m proud for the world to know I’m lucky enough to have him want to be with me. And, yes, marriages *do* fall apart. But ours won’t. David is the one thing that’s been missing my whole life, and nothing will change that. I honestly believe he feels the same way about me. Our marriage is forever. I wish I could make you believe that. I wish I knew how…..wait. May I borrow a pen and piece of paper?”

John was shocked to hear that David had taken Craig's last name. That did say something. When Craig asked for a piece of paper and a pen he looked at him oddly then reached across his desk for a piece of stationary and a pen. "Here," he said handing it to Craig with a book to write against. "What exactly are you doing?" he asked curiously as Craig began to write.

“One moment, please, Sir” Craig said, writing furiously. Several minutes later, he signed the bottom of the paper, dated it, then pushed it across the desk to his father in law.

//++I, Dr. Craig Parker, do hereby swear by the following statements. Having married one Dr. David Wenham on December 24, 2004 under the license of Judge J.R. Deaton of St. Anthony’s Rectory in Leigh, New Hampshire, hereby forfeit any and all claims to any monies, valuables, or properties that were owned by Dr. Wenham before our marriage in the event of our divorce. In the unlikely event of this situation, I will leave the marriage with nothing more than I bought in to it, including any and all holdings obtained during the course of the marriage. This is a legal and binding contract, signed by me and witnessed by Dr. John Noble on the 25th day of December, 2004. ++//

“I propose you take this to your lawyer or keep it in a safe place,” Craig said quietly. “That’s the only way I can think of to make you believe me. We can get your wife and son in here to witness it if you like.”

John read the paper and looked up at Craig satisfied that he really did mean it. "Most times I might take something like this to my lawyer...but...not this time," John said tearing the paper in half and tossing the remains into the fireplace. "Welcome to our family, Craig. I know I'm not the easiest person in the world to get along with, and I figure you and I will bump heads more than once, but you are family, always know if you need any of us, we will be here," John said standing up and shaking Craig's hand. He wasn't completely satisfied, but enough for now.

Craig’s mouth dropped open as David’s father threw the contract into the fireplace. Looking back up at the other man, Craig stood and reached out to shake his hand. “I…..thank you, Sir,” he said, unable to keep the shock from his voice. “I…I will keep that in mind, and will do my damnedest to keep the head butting at the bare minimum.” He looked toward the fire and turned back toward John. “I will never give you reason to doubt me, Dr. Noble, but if you ever find yourself considering the possibility, I swear to you I will sign whatever you want me to sign. You can get a more formal one drawn up, or write it yourself, but I will sign it with no questions asked. I love your son, and I will do everything in my power to make sure he’s happy and safe and loved unconditionally for the rest of our lives.”

"Do that. Merry Christmas, Craig...now go enjoy your honeymoon," John said still slightly uncomfortable with the idea but realizing it was the fact that he just realized his son was an adult, and what he'd be doing on that honeymoon. Swallowing hard he sighed. //Christ, I'm getting old.// He wasn't happy but he wasn't angry...Craig seemed like a good man. He said he loved David, he hoped that he did. He hoped tearing that paper up had been the right choice. Only time would tell.

“Thank you, Sir,” Craig grinned, finding himself unable to stand still. “I…..Just thank you. I’ll take care of your son, I swear.” He waited as politely as he could for Dr. Noble to walk toward the door, his arms already aching to hold David, and his heart feeling a thousand times lighter than it did when he’d first began this little conversation.

As they walked out the door, Craig crossed the room and practically threw himself into David’s arms, kissing him soundly before wrapping him in an embrace. “I think….I think your father doesn’t hate me…….at least not quite as much as he did,” he said softly against David’s ear, unable to stop smiling.

David sighed in relief as Craig embraced him and whispered *that*. He looked over at his father truly surprised. "So? Everyone's happy?" David asked uncertainly and somewhat curious what his mother had done to his father.

"Yes, I think so. I think you have a honeymoon to go to," John said still trying not to cringe, "I suppose your mother can just leave your gifts at your house...when she goes over to go riding," John said smiling at David, still glad to see him happy for once.

"Oh yes...I'll feed the dog for you if you want, I'll have Diana come with me. Will you be gone until school starts again?" Susan asked.

"Yes, we will...and thank you...both," David said softly.

He didn't often get to say that. Thank you to both his parents. Whatever his father and Craig had discussed...it had gone far better than he hoped it ever would.

Craig left one arm around his husband as his free hand reached out to shake John’s hand once again. “Yes, thank you,” he repeated, before turning and gently taking Mrs. Wenham’s hand in his own. He squeezed it lightly and brought it to his lips. “As I told your husband, Mrs. Wenham, I will take the utmost care of David. You will never, ever have to worry about him again. Thank you….for everything.”

"Oh, I never had a doubt at all Craig, not a one. I'm so happy for the both of you," Susan said smiling brightly. "I'll walk you to the door. I can't believe you're married!" she said slipping her arm around David's waist as they walked.

"I love you," she whispered as they stopped at the door and she handed them their coats. "Be careful...and enjoy your honeymoon," she said cheerfully.

"I love you too, mother," David said hugging her and then glancing down the hall toward his father. "I love you too, father," he said softly. Words he hadn't said aloud in a long, long time.

John nodded, "Love you too, son," he said quickly ducking back into his study.

David certainly hadn't expected this...but would certainly be happy with it. Tangling his fingers with Craig's they opened the door and went down the front steps as his mother watched from the door. He couldn't believe his father hadn't blown up at them both. What the hell had mother done to him? What did Craig say?

As they got in the car, Craig slid behind the driver’s seat and wrapped his arm around his husband, pulling him close and giving him a soft kiss. He couldn’t help but wonder when the last time David and his father had said they loved each other, and the smile on his husband’s face made Craig’s heart swell with happiness. “There,” he said softly, “that wasn’t as bad as either of us expected, now was it?”

"No," David said still unable to stop smiling, though his shock was evident. "What...what *did* you and my father talk about?" David asked curiously as he snuggled against Craig a bit as the car warmed up.

“We talked about you, and came to an understanding,” Craig said, gently curling his fingers through the ends of David’s hair. “We both decided that we’d kill anyone who ever hurt you again, and…..and…well, I wrote out a contract saying I didn’t want your money.” Before David could say a word, Craig kissed him. “Before you fuss, though, let me say that he tore it up and threw it in the fire. It was the only way I could make him see that I truly love you. I didn’t know what else to do.”

David’s protest was muffled by Craig's kiss and then when Craig explained he was shocked. "He tore it up?" David asked surprised yet again. He was starting to wonder if aliens had abducted his father and he didn't even believe in all that stuff.

“He tore it up,” Craig whispered. “And he was…..concerned about my little burst of temper toward……your ex. Afraid that I was like him, that I would hurt you. I told him the truth….that I would die before I would hurt you, or let any harm come to you. He was worried about you, and I don’t blame him in the least.”

"Worried? That you'd...oh, no you'd never hurt me - I know that… but he thought..." David trailed off remembering hearing rumors of just how badly Richard had been beaten up and grinned. "My father was worried about me?" He began to wonder if he should pinch himself. Marrying Craig and finding out his father actually did care about him all in the same 24 hour period was just amazing.

Craig leaned over and kissed the tip of David’s nose. “You have no idea how very loved you are, sweetheart,” he said, moving his arm from around his husband long enough to put the car into drive.

As they pulled out of the driveway, Craig had trouble keeping his eyes on the road. David’s smile looked so beautiful, it was hard for him to concentrate. “We’re off on our honeymoon, my love,” he said softly, pulling his husband close again.

David scooted closer and rested his head against Craig's shoulder, "Our honeymoon...I've never had a happier Christmas than this one," he said softly. "I still can't believe how well that went. So once we get to the Inn...let's curl up by the fire and see what we can come up with from there?" David teased.

Craig rested his cheek on the top of David’s head and grinned. “I’m sure we can come up with all kinds of things, you sexy beast, you. I’m not even sure I can make it all the way to the Inn with you looking like that.”

"Sexy beast?" David laughed shaking his head. They laughed and talked as Craig drove and David simply knew that marrying Craig was the best thing he'd ever done in his life. The absolute best.

TBC