Finding Home Pt. 20

Both men smiled, and then both got very emotional. "It's an honor Drew," said Juliette for both men. "You know they accept."

"Last thing, I promise," said Andy. "If young Mr. Ross and Power Man are nearby, we'd be glad to make our double date a group affair. It's not Chef Eric Ripert and Le Bernadin, but Chinese Takeout did get a good review on Urban Spoon."

"HayLo and Sid the Sloth are bringing their Manwich's too, Dreamy," announced Kail. "But if that's OK, Power Girl approves. Hell yes!"

He looked at Ellen and Christopher. "You can ride with us still, if that's OK?"

Ellen hugged her brother and kissed him on the cheek. "Absolutely."

She whispered in his ear, "I'm so happy for you, Droobie."

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The Chinese takeout from Chinese Takeout was -- yet again - quite good, and Andy passed on the spicy pork dumplings, which got an approving nod from Sara. Kail, Miles, Eden, and Ethan rode in Eden's car. Sydney, Cooper, Haylee, and Jacob rode in Jacob's. And the Groton/Boston crew plus Grace rode in the O'Leary's SUV. A grinning Andy had a one-shot lead going into the 18^th hole of their putt-putt match, only to watch in disbelief as Sara made a hole-in-one -- which also got her a free round of putt-putt on their next visit. As he carded a 3, she grinned, pranced around, and then kissed him as she celebrated. As they were loading up to leave to head to Andy's tattoo appointment, Sara huddled with Juliette, and the two chatted conspiratorially in French. Andy chuckled when he saw Dre turn bright red during their conversation. The other cars would meet them at the cabin.

Andy's tattoo appointment went quickly, and they made arrangements at a local ice arena for the Colton team to get some ice time on a weekly basis. All this done, they pulled into the driveway of the cabin half an hour before they were scheduled to play. They looked at one another with puzzled looks; all their friends and family were out on the lawn.

"You fumigating the house?" quipped Andy as he rolled the truck window down.

Gina laughed, and let him know that the band was practicing inside, so they'd been kindly asked to step outside. Ethan had been allowed inside, and they had arrived just in time to run through their songs. Christopher gave a knowing grin, and Andy saw it in the rearview mirror.

"OK, Hughes. Spill it. You know what's up -- so start talking," said Andy.

"Andy, Tommy knows everybody. I mean, everybody. He went to the music store, and ran into a guitar player who teaches lessons there. It grew from there. Tommy literally went to Portland this afternoon and found a band."

"So has the playlist changed?"

"Nope. Well, ours hasn't. Ethan's doing an old Kenny Loggins tune -- so I guess we could sing backup if we wanted to. And your guitar is ready to go. B-T-Dubs, I heard them doing the song you're singing for Sara, and it sounds amazing."

Sara hugged and kissed him, before walking off to join the family and friends out on the lawn. They went inside, and Andy caught Christopher's grin turn into a mega-wat smile. He moved quickly across the room to greet the band, and Andy laughed when he saw the furniture moved to form a kind of amphitheater. The band was on the seaside deck with the two sets of French Doors propped open, and three stools and microphones were just in front of the doors.

Ethan had just finished, and was grinning like crazy as well. Andy put his arm around Ellen's shoulder, and the two went to be introduced. The drummer and guitar player played in a blues band most Saturday nights. The piano player was a professor of music at Southern Maine. Andy would play rhythm guitar on his acoustic, Christopher would man the Roland electronic piano, and Tommy was the band leader and bass player.

The trio practiced "Dancing Away with My Heart." Tommy asked them to turn around to face the band while they ran through the song. Andy then played through his surprise to Sara with Tommy and the drummer. By the time they were done, Andy was grinning as well. At 9 PM, Helen stuck her head in the great room.

Andy and Ellen went to the door to wave folks in and greet them. Andy was both shocked and relieved to see John Moses, Marty, and Jen Land. He got a hug and kiss from Gloria Adams and a firm handshake from Sean.

"I had no idea you guys were coming," protested Andy.

"Well, we heard all about your and Ethan's performance this morning. Eden sent me the video," she smirked at him. "It was quite sweet, and very well done. No way we'd miss our godchildren putting on a show," she said sweetly.

The biggest surprise of the evening, however, was when Miles and Kail came in with CeCe and her husband, Marcus. Kail handled the introductions with great skill and grace, and Andy smiled as he got a hug and kiss on the cheek from both his friend, and CeCe.

"Welcome CeCe, it's great to have you."

She grinned at him. "I've heard all about this from Kail," she confessed. "Andy, that is one hilarious and stunning young woman. Now I know why Miles is so smitten with her. She's just lovely."

Andy smiled and nodded, and seeing that everyone was in the house, he went to the microphone.

"Thanks everyone for coming. Ellen and I grew up singing together, and then Christopher came along and our duets became a trio. When Sara and I got engaged, I met Tommy -- and well -- that's how the core of this ragamuffin band got formed," he paused and smiled. "So, before we begin, I'd like Tommy to introduce the band."

Tommy smiled and introduced the musicians. And when he was done, they started into "Dancing Away with My Heart."

Andy loved singing with his sister. She was in especially good voice this evening, and he was grinning like mad throughout the entire song. He took a kind of weird pride in seeing the shocked faces of Jen Land, Haylee, Sydney, and CeCe Givens-Price. Jacob Glass was smirking like a mad man -- so much so Andy had to work hard at not laughing. His grandparents were standing in the back, and Andy saw the love and pride in their faces. He was, he had to admit, quite sad when the opening number ended.

He smiled when he saw Owen Kresnik and his parents, accompanied by Molly Bird and another one of the 8's crew make a late appearance. Helen, of course, greeted them warmly and put them at ease immediately. He noted the shocked look on the Judge's face when Molly hugged him and bussed him on the cheek.

Once the raucous applause died down, Ellen and Andy moved back-to-back and did their 'Blank Space/Style' mashup. Andy could see the faces of the other musicians as they sang. Game recognizes game; he could not miss their appreciation.

Andy moved back with the other guitar player as they played, and Andy sang back up for Ethan's cover of "Heart to Heart." He blew through it with wonderful control and stunning power. That dude could absolutely sing. He watched Eden's face closely, as well as his godparent's. Andy saw the growing affection Eden had for Ethan, and realized that he was strangely comforted by this new reality.

Andy moved back to the microphone as Ellen and Christopher did a moving and beautiful cover of Johnnyswim's "Take the World." Ellen's control was stunning. She did not try to overpower the song, but she did cut lose at the end. Andy knew there were tears in his eyes when they finished, and he looked up to see Sara's similar reaction. His grandparents were both proud, weepy messes as they stood with a never-waning decorum at the back of the room. He gladly received the loving nod from his grandfather as the song concluded.

Andy was removing the barre chord from his guitar, and grabbing a drink of water, so he did not notice Tommy stepping forward to introduce the final song of the night. He vaguely registered the kind things Tommy was saying about his family, their hospitality, and the sense of privilege he and Gina felt about being so warmly welcomed into the Carlson/DeGroat/Fedorov/Hughes clan. When the song began, Andy could not help but notice the tears streaming down the faces of his four roommates.

I'm driving a big lazy car rushin' up the highway in the dark

I got one hand steady on the wheel and one hand's tremblin' over my heart

It's pounding baby like it's gonna bust right on through

And it ain't gonna stop till I'm alone again with you

A friend of mine became a father last night

When we spoke in his voice I could hear the light

Of the skies and the rivers the timber wolf in the pines

And that great jukebox out on Route 39

They say he travels fastest who travels alone

But tonight I miss my girl mister tonight I miss my home

Andy had been taught -- actually, it had been drilled into him -- to never close his eyes while he sang. However, one glance at Sara's face, and he had to do so. His love for her was so live to him, such a tangible, breathing thing; that he had to close his eyes. He was in the zone, as musicians like to say, and the bluesy power of his voice was on full display. He was not conscious that on the fourth and final verse, the drummer and Tommy had stopped playing. Stunned silence met the conclusion of this song.

Andy opened his eyes, and he saw Sara's beaming face. He smiled, before a wave of applause met him. This part of performing made him quite uncomfortable; he played and sang for the love of the music, and now, because it made Sara happy. The audience was always an afterthought for him. Sara came to him and the two kissed passionately -- which only brought on more applause.

"Get a room!" yelled Kail and Sydney. "Encore!" yelled Juliette and Priya. The band had taken a bow, and they were getting ready to greet folks and be done for the evening. Tommy huddled with the band, and they pulled out an additional piece of music. Andy smiled when it flashed on his iPad. He got everyone's attention, and then called Ethan back up. After a few words of introduction, Andy invited those so inclined to do so to feel free to dance.

This band was rock solid, and the power of Thomas Rhett's songwriting, as well as the harmonies provided by Ellen and Christopher all conspired to create a transcendent experience. This was the power of live music in an intimate setting. The band could not miss the smiles on the faces of their audience, and he was not at all surprised when Gina, Sara, and Eden got up to dance. He was, however, quite surprised when CeCe and Marcus got up and joined them. Priya loved to dance, so she joined the growing group. Before the song was over, pretty much everyone was moving to the music in some way, shape, or form.

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It was 11 PM by the time Andy and Sara made it to the boathouse. They had enjoyed the time of interaction with their family and friends, and both particularly appreciated the loving words of Ralph and Helen as they congratulated them on moving their wedding date up. Andy laughed when Sydney informed him that she'd recorded the whole evening, and this would be the soundtrack to she and Cooper's future evenings of lovemaking.

Molly Bird just about tackled him, and Owen Kresnik shook his hand vigorously. "Man, I saw you guys do 'The Greatest Showman,'" he confessed. "That was amazing -- but this is way better, I think," he smiled. He also inquired, more or less discreetly, if Molly had a boyfriend.

Andy grinned. "I have no idea; you should ask her."

Owen turned red, and went in search of Cooper or Jacob. One of them could give him the information he craved.

Andy made his way to CeCe, Helen, and Ellen. The trio was deep in conversation, so Andy knew to tread lightly. He stood back a bit as hugs were shared among the women. Unbeknownst to him, a new working relationship had been born that night. CeCe appreciated soul, and Ellen -- and her designs -- had soul aplenty. Andy moved discreetly alongside his sister and slipped his arm around her. She patted his arm, and leaned into his shoulder.

CeCe turned to Andy, "I'm not sure where the Beacon Hill elite got all that soul, but color me impressed," she grinned. "That was a hell of a show, and I was just explaining to your sister and grandmother that tonight has given me new insights into Ellen and her work. Andy, we owe you and Sara and apology. We're used to the business of fashion. I'm afraid we forgot about the soulful and profoundly personal side of great fashion design. Your very talented sister puts her soul into her work, and we were so busy thinking of ways to monetize that, that we missed the love so clearly evident in her offerings. DK has given me the greenlight to run with this as I see fit, and this will look unlike anything we've ever done. I think you and Sara will have a very different experience."

Andy nodded. "CeCe, when we met, we had a conversation about how important this is to Ellen. I guess we both failed to recognize there are things more important to her than her career in the fashion industry," he smiled. "I look forward to tomorrow."

"Speaking of which," CeCe continued. "Any chance our people could be a part of this tomorrow night? I know some of them can be a pain in the ass," she said candidly, "but I'd like to use this experience to re-imagine certain aspects of our work. The fashion industry is about to go through a massive shake-up. DK and I have talked about it, and our conversation this morning with these ladies has accelerated and helped to crystalize where we think we can go from here. Working with real people, not stick figures, and thinking about the affection and care evident in Ellen's work would be a great first step for us," she said earnestly.

"Tommy's the band leader," confessed Andy. "Ellen and I are just the ear candy. He's the man you want to talk with. If he and Ellen are good with it, your people are more than welcome."

Andy paused, "By the way, a 6'4" little bird tells me you can really sing, as well," he grinned. Andy saw CeCe blush and then break into a wide smile.

"I'm not gonna lie. Hearing that band, and the four of you singing, did make me miss it. That's how Marcus and I met. He was a bouncer at a club in Harlem I used to sing at," her smile grew even wider. "But that was a long time ago."

"Well, please know the Judge pulled an amazing cover of a song he used to hum to himself in Vietnam. There are no free lunches here, CeCe," he grinned.

She nodded her head. "Right -- I'll go talk to Tommy. I may have a few ideas," she smiled, and excused herself to go find the band leader.

Ellen hugged her brother. "Thanks, Droobie. Christopher and I both really needed that. It's probably our second favorite way to let off some steam," she smiled wickedly.

Andy saw the feigned disapproval on his grandmother's face -- quickly replaced by a wry smile. "It was wonderful to have such exquisite music in the house again. I feel quite like Captain von Trapp in The Sound of Music. I shall have to thank Sara and her lovely family again."

"And Andrew," she continued. "I want to thank you and Sara again for being so reasonable regarding moving your wedding date up. The sooner the two of you are married, the better."

"You're very welcome. I just don't want to steal any of Smellen's thunder. She did turn a gay guy straight, after all," he joked.

Ellen punched him in the arm, hard. Andy winced and then protested, but not very vigorously.

"I love you, Ells," he said.

She hugged him again, and kissed his arm where she had punched him. "I love you too, Droobie. I totally see why Jess and Alex did not want to go back to DC. This is awesome."

_________________________________________________________

Andy and Sara kissed passionately once they had gotten upstairs in the boat house. She smiled alluringly as she broke the kiss, and went to retrieve the box that Juliette had discreetly given her.

"My bromance wives sent us a gift," she smiled. Sara opened the box to reveal a length of velvet rope, as well as a pair of padded handcuffs. "I'm going to go get in the shower. Can you please configure how you'd like me to tie you up?" she said seductively.

Andy could only grunt and nod in assent.

10 minutes later, Andy was gently secured on their bed. Sara kissed him, and then surprised him by blindfolding him. He grinned broadly, and felt himself going rock hard as she whispered to him. "Baby, Gracie, and I spent an hour watching some very hot videos on oral sex techniques. You and your good friend Jake the Jet are getting your minds, and your dicks, blown tonight by your women. I am your woman, Andy. I'm going to tease the shit out of you before I fuck you senseless. Baby, I love you so much and I'm going to take such good care of my husband," she nibbled on his ear, and Andy groaned.

Andy felt her get off the bed and he heard her delightful giggle. He heard the music begin softly, and then sucked his breath in as Sara put her warm, oiled hands on his manhood. She began to stroke his length slowly, gradually increasing the pressure and rapidity of her ministrations. Andy just about came when she began lightly tonguing his balls. He moaned loudly.

"Damn Sara, that feels amazing," he said through gritted teeth.

She giggled. "Please tell me when you're getting close," she said softly. "I want that lovely cream of yours in my mouth."

He hissed in pleasure at her words. Sara continued her stroking and began to lightly suck his balls.

Through clenched teeth, Andy let her know he was close. She quickly moved her hands, and put her thumb on the base of the head of his manhood, applying firm pressure. He felt the bubbling cauldron in his groin dissipate slowly. Sara felt his body relax, though his prodigious cock was harder than ever.

She released his manhood, and came near his head. "Andy, that big cock of yours is so beautiful. I love it when it's in my mouth, or in my pussy. I love the way you plow me with your big, fat dick. It makes your woman so wet. You give it to me so good, baby," she whispered. She kissed him passionately, and then Andy felt her leave the bed.

Andy heard a cabinet door open, and after what seemed like an eternity, Sara returned to the bed. He felt a liquid being poured on his chest and down his abs. He squirmed when some of the liquid was rubbed onto his manhood. Andy smelled the bourbon. Mingled with the smell of Sara's wanton need, he was almost overcome by his desire for her.

Starting at his collar bone, Sara began slowly licking the gathered pools of bourbon off his body. When she finally, torturously, got to his manhood, she engulfed half of him in her mouth. Andy groaned again, and mumbled his warning to his lover. Once again, she placed her thumb firmly under the mushroom head of his penis and applied pressure. He squirmed in pleasure and frustration.

"Damn you, woman," he growled. "You're killing me here, you know that?"

She giggled. "Welcome to my world. Two will play at this game from now on, my love. You will cum when I'm good and ready for you to do so -- but not until then."

She moved her body atop his, and ground her womanhood atop his erection, which was maddeningly pinned to his body, while kissing him passionately.

"Baby, I'm so close. You're so beautiful and hard for me. I'm going to fuck you in a bit, but momma needs some relief. Just rubbing my pussy on that beautiful dick of yours gets me off."

He felt her shudder, and then the telltale warm liquid flowing from her molten center onto his groin.

"Seriously?" he asked. "You get off, but you leave me hanging? This is some dirty pool, Bellissima," he chuckled. "Just remember, payback's a bitch."

She kissed him again, and giggled. "Andy, you give me such good loving. It's my turn."

Andy felt her turn on his body and gently position his legs. His right leg was raised a bit, and she slid her right leg underneath his. While sitting upright and facing the foot of the bed. Sara impaled herself with his iron bar. She was straddling his left leg, and she raised that leg towards her. He felt the friction of her clit with his leg, and he helpfully pressed back into her.