TBD
Chapter One: What's in a Name?
by Zarek Dragon
Kash was in court, standing before Judge Nick Zeigler; Judge Zeigler looked at the boy, "Young man, it has been six months today, since you stood before me and I offered to make your adoption permanent. Would you like to explain what happened during that time and whether you would still like to do so?"
"That day, your honor, Dad asked me if I had a license and wanted to drive home. That word, home, sounds so sweet. Anyway, I told him that I did not have my license yet, so he threw the keys to Chase and said, 'Take us to the DMV so I can start teaching my son how to drive.' Chase was all smiles and did as Dad suggested. Dad was a good instructor but he also signed me up for a Driver's Ed course, since California law requires it at my age. It took a few weeks to get through the course, and Dad showed a lot of patience while teaching me, but I now have my license."
"Go on," the judge requested. "I know a young man getting his license is awesome, but that can't be the only reason you want to be adopted."
"No sir, when I first went to stay with Dad and Chase, I didn't have much. Dad and Chase made sure all my needs were met and then without spoiling me or making it look like they were trying to buy my love, they got me some things that I wanted, as well. And Chase spent time with me, teaching me how to do martial arts. He insisted that I use it only for defense, either of myself, others or our property. I was never to use it to initiate an attack."
"That is a good philosophy and I commend him for teaching you that. You do seem happier than when you left here last time. I didn't think that was possible. Is there anything else that you would like to add?"
Kash thought back to Chase's birthday. All three of them ran around the mansion in their birthday suits, acting as if it was perfectly normal. In their minds, it was. Kash didn't think the judge should hear about that, though.
Then he recalled when Chase went to pick up his new car. He asked Kash to go with him and let him drive the Camaro home. Kash admired the Mclaren 720s; it was just as Chase had described. The one side of the yin-yang symbol seemed to blend in with the car, but Chase assured him, it was fine. He didn't think Chase would want him to tell about that. He just looked at the judge and said, "All I have to add, Your Honor, is that Dad and Chase make sure I know they love me unconditionally. And they make me happy."
"That is the key ingredient, right there. Let me ask you one more thing; do you and either of them have sex?"
Kash replied, "Honestly, Chase and I have started talking about dating, but so far, we are still just friends. As for sex, Chase wants to wait. He said that he plans to have sex with only one guy in his life, and he wants that to be whomever he marries. Do I hope that is me? At this time, yeah, I do, and I doubt that will change. If you asked, had I ever thought about sex, yes, I have, all the time, but I care too much about him, so I can wait. Then if you would have asked if we've ever kissed passionately, we have, which I hope means we may move beyond just friendship."
"I'm glad to hear you say that. You could have simply said, 'no' and I would have never known but might have been suspicious. And again, I find that admirable of Mr. Hampton; you rarely find a young person willing to wait. Trust me son, waiting makes it that much more special. Unless anyone objects, I see no reason in delaying this any further." The judge looked directly at all parties involved.
"I have no objections," Mr. Douglas stated. "I miss having Kash at the Home, but I am happy for him."
"Then, by the power vested in me, I hereby declare this adoption final. Would you like to retain the last name of Gamin, or change it to Williams?"
Kash looked at Lenny. Lenny simply answered, "It's your call. If you would like to retain your parents' last name, I understand."
Kash looked at the judge, "I never knew my parents. I was dropped off at the home on Christmas Eve. No one even saw who dropped me off, so I was of unknown origins and given the last name. And they thought I looked like a newborn, so we celebrate my birthday on Christmas Eve. I would like to change it to Williams, sir."
"So be it, Kash Williams, if you would like to approach the bench and receive your new paperwork, I hereby grant the finalization of your adoption by Leonard Williams."
"Good timing, sir. In nine days, it will be Dad's birthday."
Once they were back home, Lenny told the boys that he was going to make something special for supper while the boys went to the dojo in the basement.
After they were in their gis, Kash asked, "Ever since your birthday, we've been running around the house naked, why do we wear gis down here?"
"We will be wearing them outside, that is, if you decide to join me, so we practice with them. I would hate to get used to a move working great while naked only to be tripped up by wearing clothes. Besides that, these gis were made from a special thread made at the temple. Swords cannot cut them, only something as small as a needle or with a lot of thrust can penetrate them. Small caliber bullets will deflect off them, but a higher caliber may go through."
"I guess it makes sense to wear them then, and yeah, I am leaning more toward going with you, so I can help keep you safe."
"I love you Kash, and I would like you by my side," Chase stated with love in his eyes. Then he got more serious, "Before I went to Japan, I had contacted a group who offered to train me in their forms of martial arts. They picked me up at the airport, put a hood over my head and took me back to their temple. They have no phones, no cell service, not even a computer. Everything they ate, they either grew or raised. What I am about to teach you, you can't share with just anybody. I had to promise, I would only share it with students I held the highest regards for. At the time, I wasn't planning to take on any students."
"Dad told me that he lost contact with you while you were in Japan. I guess that is why."
"Yeah, and all that I could tell him was that I had no way of contacting him until I got home. In fact, they didn't even return my cell until I was at the front door."
Kash looked down, "That had to be rough on you. I know Dad said that he was worried for you."
"I was never so happy as the day I wrapped my arms around him. Ever since Dad and Pop were killed, Uncle Lenny has reared me. Then when I met you, I felt just as happy."
Kash smiled and moved in for a kiss. Chase didn't stop him. When they parted, Kash asked, "Do you think we could go out on a date tomorrow night? Dad gives me fifty dollars a week out of the money you give him, so I'll pay."
"You want to go out with me on Friday the thirteenth? Some may be superstitious, but I think if I am with you, I am already lucky. I would like that very much, Kash. I was just thinking we should move to that stage of our relationship and was planning to ask you out."
"Okay, then let's get to my training so I can help you."
"Just training you IS helping me."
Chase had started Kash's training that day they came home from court in January, but since his adoption was final, he wanted to amp it up. He handed Kash a blue wooden practice sword. "This is a boken, during training, you will use it instead of a shinobito."
"What's a shinobito?"
Chase walked over to the rack with various swords on it. He looked like he didn't see what he was looking for, so he walked over to a single sword standing by itself. He picked it up and walked back over to Kash.
Handing the sword to Kash, he said, "This is my shinobito, also called it a ninjato or ninja sword."
Kash grinned, "I suspected that was what it was, but I enjoyed watching you bend to pick it up."
"Do you need a cold shower before we continue?" Kash just laughed at Chase's comment.
The boys worked hard, and Kash gained a few bruises, but he never quit trying. Chase told him a few times that he was making progress. They were just putting the equipment away when Lenny called down, "Supper will be ready in thirty minutes. I expect you to shower before coming back up here."
"Thanks, Uncle Lenny," "Thanks, Dad," the boys called out at the same time.
In the shower, Chase offered to wash Kash's back and Kash returned the favor. Chase was admiring Kash's body as he washed him. After both were clean, they kissed under the cascading water. Chase stared into Kash brown eyes, "I don't know if I can wait until we get married."
"You can because I care too much about you," Kash chirped. "I'll help you wait."
Chase smiled, gave Kash a quick kiss and said, "I want to make you officially my boyfriend."
"I'd like that. Let's go see what Dad's prepared to celebrate my adoption being final."
Not even taking time to get dressed, the boys raced upstairs. Lenny was setting plates on the table and they offered to finish setting it while he brought out the dish he had prepared. They couldn't wait to taste whatever it was he had fixed as they loved his cooking.
With the table set, Lenny brought out a deep pan and placed it in the middle. "Oh, lasagna," Kash cooed, "I love lasagna."
"Not just lasagna," Lenny explained, "this is chicken parmesan lasagna."
"That sounds even better. I couldn't have asked for a better meal to celebrate with."
"I'm glad you approve," Lenny grinned.
Kash grinned, "So far, I've approved of everything you've made."
"So, I've noticed."
"Hey, Chase keeps working me hard and I have to keep my strength up. Besides, is it MY fault that you are such an excellent cook?"
"Just pulling your leg, Kash." Chase was just laughing as he watched the two. He could tell that Lenny really cared about Kash as his son and Kash loved having Lenny as his father. Sure, Lenny originally adopted Kash for Chase, but he really loves having him as a son, his son.
Chase thought he would let Uncle Lenny know what he and Kash had planned, "So Uncle Lenny, do you have plans for tomorrow? If not, we would like to use the Camaro."
"We? You have a hot date planned for tomorrow night?"
"I don't know what Kash has planned, but he asked me out."
"So, you wanna date my son? Before I can agree to let you, I need to speak with your parents or guardians."
Chase looked down, surprised that Uncle Lenny said that. He took a gulp before speaking, "Well, you know my dads were murdered, but if you would like to speak with my guardian, you need to look in the mirror."
Lenny felt bad, "I'm sorry Chase. In my head, it sounded funny, and might have been had I not brought up Daniel and Derek. I didn't even think about them being gone when I said it."
"I understand, and I love you too much not to forgive you. I really miss Dad and Pop, but I am thankful that since I couldn't have them, I have you."
"I miss them, too. And even though you weren't their biological son, you lived with them long enough to pick up some of their quirks, what made them who they were. You remind me so much of them. I love you, Chase."
"Thanks, I keep them alive in my heart; I'm glad that they shine through, even after all this time."
"Well, you did live with them for almost ten years. Daniel was so happy when he brought you home as a baby. You may not recall everything, but you'd be surprised by some of the things your actions show you remember."
"Thank you." Chase had a tear run down his cheek. It was obvious that he really missed his parents. He loved Lenny like an uncle and was grateful to have him, but it just wasn't the same, and Lenny understood.
"So, you asked my plans for tomorrow night… I think I will wash and wax the Camaro while the two of you are training tomorrow. Then, I will reheat some leftover lasagna for me and dine while thinking of the two great boys I have had under my care being on a date. I do appreciate you asking about my plans instead of just letting me know you needed the car."
"With that in mind, what do you think of getting a second 'everyday' car? Just in case."
"Three of us here that can drive so it might be a good idea, maybe something like an SUV."
"An SUV would be good, especially if we decide to go camping."
"Just be careful about spending, while you have quite a bit and it could last you for the rest of your life, making large purchases will deplete it faster. You should invest some; I recommend at least about half."
Chase smiled, "Too bad I can't speak to Trevor in Priorities about investing."
"Yeah, if you could, you'd never run out."
"I wonder if the author, TrueFan knows anything about investing."
"He might, but he's probably busy, so it might take some time before he replies. You know, those authors don't get paid to write, so he's probably working forty plus hours a week."
Chase started looking through some of the papers Daniel had filed away. He yelled, "Uncle Lenny!!! Did you know that Dad inherited $10,000,000 in shares of stock in Google, or at least that was what it was worth in 2004?"
"No, I was not aware of it. I don't know if anyone was aware of that. That was when Google offered shares to the public for the first time. Your dad and pop had talked about getting some for you, but everyone thought people were crazy for buying it. Let me see what it's worth today." Lenny did some typing on the computer, "According to this site, that amount of stock was worth over $185M two years ago…" after he turned to another site, he almost crapped himself. "Holy shit, according to this site…" Lenny gulped, "that stock is worth $1.78 billion today. Just the interest alone could keep you financed."
"I guess I have some investment," Chase paused, looked upward and added, "Thanks Dad, for doing that family tree."
Chase took Kash with him to look at SUVs. Kash had done some research and according to J.D. Power, the Chevy Traverse was the most popular large SUV on the market. As they pulled into the Chevy dealership, there at the front, as if saying "buy me," was a blue 2018 Chevy Traverse.
Chase pulled into a parking spot and the boys got out of the Camaro. An associate approached them, "If you boys are looking for the 'previously owned' car lot, it's across the street."
"No, I want to look at new SUVs."
"Are your parents planning to show up?"
Chase looked angry, "My parents were murdered over eight years ago."
"Sorry, I didn't know. I'm not sure that you will be able to get financing without a co-signer, so let me give you to Bill. He doesn't mind showing the vehicles to just anyone."
As the man walked away, Chase looked at Kash, "That man reminds me of Art from the Priorities-Still Another Chance crossover." Kash nodded his head as a young associate approached.
"Hi, I’m Bill, Bill Venedores; I understand that you wish to look at SUVs. Do you have one in mind?"
"I am interested in a blue 2018 Chevy Traverse, fully loaded," Chase shook Bill's hand.
"Fully loaded?" Bill looked nervous, "I hope I don't offend you boys with what I am about to say, if I do, please let me explain. See, whenever someone comes in just wanting to look, they seem to get placed with me. I've sold a few cars that way, but not many. If I don't sell another car soon, I may be looking for a new job."
"Relax, Bill," Chase assured, "I want to buy a fully loaded Traverse."
"Okay, we don't have a blue High Country Traverse here, but I can order one for you, or we do have a black one. If I order one, it is a $60K car, and I would need half down."
"Order one for me, please, and can I put the full amount down? I have that in cash."
"You do?" Bill perked up.
"Yes, Kash, my boyfriend, had been doing research, and he told me that is what it would cost."
Instead of looking at any vehicle, Bill took the boys to his office. He wrote up the order and asked Chase to verify it was exactly what he wanted. After Chase did, Bill offered to give him a discount. Chase stopped him, "That cuts into your commission if you give me a discount. I inherited more money than most people will ever see, so you needn't do that."
Bill placed the order and then hugged Chase, thanking him. As the boys walked out, they overheard the first salesman, "I didn't see you show them any vehicles. Were they upset?"
"No, that young man knew exactly what he wanted, so I ordered it for him."
"Ordered it? What did he order?"
"A 2018 blue High Country Traverse, fully loaded."
"You did get at least half the money down, and his credit was good enough to finance the rest?"
"He gave me cash for the entire purchase, no financing needed. He said that he inherited it, wouldn't even let me give him a discount."
"That's a… a… a…" the salesman stammered.
"Yup, thanks for sending them my way."
Chase chuckled and thought, 'That will teach him.' Driving home Chase said, "I was kinda hoping to get the vehicle today, but four weeks isn't that long. With ordering, I was expecting longer."
"Having everything will be nice, but we could have been happy with the blue one there."
"I'm sure we would have, but then Bill would have gotten a smaller commission."
"You really care about helping others, don't you?"
"I'm willing to help out anyone as long as they aren't assholes or criminals."
"You know, not all criminals are necessarily bad people. Some commit crimes because they need to survive."
"I understand what you are saying, but that is just an excuse; there are better ways. Perhaps if we find such people, we can help them find that better way."
"I love you, Chase."
"I love you, too. I want to marry you, but in California, we would need Uncle Lenny's consent and the consent of the State until you hit eighteen."
"I believe Dad would consent, other than us sharing a bedroom and having sex, nothing would really change. But could we get a judge to approve?"
"Maybe Judge Zeigler, he seems cool."
Chase pulled into the drive and Lenny came out of the house. "You didn't get an SUV?"
"We ordered the one I want. Bill said that it would take about four weeks."
"Okay, you boys go get changed. I want to wash the car and make it nice for your date." Lenny grabbed the hose and started spraying the Camaro.
Chase went to his room, stripped and went to his shower. Kash did the same, but in his own room. When they came out, Kash was wearing a nice pair of Levi khaki cargo pants and a red polo shirt. Chase was still naked. Kash started laughing, "I think you need to get dressed. I like seeing you like this, but…"
"I know, I know, but you asked me out, so I wanted to see what you had planned. I guess casual will work." Chase seemed nervous, which caused Kash to laugh even more.
Chase finally came out of his room wearing a pair of Levi 501 jeans and a sapphire colored polo shirt. He gave Kash a kiss and asked, "How do I look?"
"More appropriate, what would you like to do on our date?"
"You asked me, so you choose."
"I was thinking we could go to Sur Restaurant and Lounge on Robertson Boulevard in West Hollywood, have a nice meal and then go to the movies."
"Which movie?"
"Doesn't matter to me, I will be too distracted by your handsomeness to pay attention."
Chase chuckled. "Pacific Theatre is on Robertson, also. It's only five blocks away from Sur. They have multiple screens, so we can select any movie."
"That sounds good to me. I don't care where we go or what we do as long as I am with you."
"I feel the same way. We could sit out in the driveway, if that is what you wanted."
Kash shook his head, "Not the same, if that is all we plan, we might as well go out back and watch the stars come out. Don't get me wrong, I would like that, but I want to go someplace."
"I hear you. Let's go to Sur Restaurant and then the cinema."
Chase let Kash drive since he was the one who asked him out. Kash parked the car and they went into the restaurant. When he saw the prices on the menu, his eyes bugged out. Chase was concerned, "What's wrong?"
"I should have looked at prices before choosing this place. I have the money, but I wasn't expecting these prices."
"Can I give you something that will help?"
"No, I asked you out, so I am paying."
"Dad always told me, when you are married, what is yours becomes theirs, and what is theirs becomes yours. While we aren't officially married, in my heart, you are my husband; I added you to my bank account. I have a card for you."
"Thanks, Chase. I feel the same way, but still, I want to wait until we are officially married before I accept the card."
"Okay, but if you ever change your mind, just let me know. I can pay here if you want to handle the movie."
"I asked you out, and I chose this place. I will pay here, but since you suggested the theatre, I will let you pay there."
"Whatever you want. I just want to make you happy."
Chase chose the $23 meatloaf as it was the lowest priced item on the menu; Kash followed suit.
After they ate, they were walking back to their car when five guys surrounded them… "Looky here boys, I believe we have found a couple of fags."
"Yes, we are gay, but you might want to get out of our way. I don't want to hurt you," Chase advised.
"A scrawny fag like you… hurt me?"
"Trust me, you make a move, you will not complete it. I know The Blue Dragon."
"The who? I ain't never heard of no blue dragon, but I bet you have a nice pink one."
"Last chance, if you don't leave right now, The Blue Dragon will make you wish that you did."
"Strip them, boys... I wanna fuck this one, and then his boyfriend. Then we can cut off their 'dragons'."
As the four other guys went to grab Chase and Kash, the two acted. All five guys were down and out before they knew what had happened. They didn't know what had hit them. Chase dropped one of his cards by them.
"What does the card say?" Kash inquired. He was nervous that it might have told who they were. Chase handed him one.
Once they were at the car, Chase called 9-1-1. He said that he and his boyfriend were accosted, but a couple of ninja appeared out of nowhere and defended them. He said that one of the ninjas left a card at the scene and then left as fast as he appeared.
Police arrived, took Chase's statement and then Kash's. the five guys were still unconscious, so they called an ambulance. The detective, picked up the card with a gloved hand.
No longer in the mood for a movie, the boys went home. As they walked in, Kash kept saying, "I chose West Hollywood because I thought we'd be safe there."
"Boys, what happened?" Lenny moved over to check Kash out. Chase explained about the guys, what they had planned and then what he and Kash did. He told him about calling the police.
After he was sure that the boys were alright, Lenny turned on the TV. The news reporter said, "Breaking News in West Hollywood, tonight. A group of guys attacked two young men, but they got served on a silver platter. When the attackers finally woke up, all they could mumble was 'The Blue Dragon attacked us.' Who is this Blue Dragon? Where did he come from? Is he a vigilante or a criminal? Is there a difference between the two? As we discover details about him, we will share them right here. According to one of the young men attacked, there were two ninjas. We believe that one of them is The Blue Dragon."
Lenny looked concerned, "You boys need to be very careful. Now that your secret identities are out there, people will be watching for you."
"We know, Uncle Lenny, that is why I told them it wasn't us that did it." Kash went up to his room, but Chase stayed downstairs. "Uncle Lenny, what would you say if I asked you if I could marry Kash?"
"I know how much he means to you, and he told me that you stole his heart and he hopes to marry you eventually. I wouldn't stand in your way."
"Do you know that we can get married, but…"
"I am, and I will give my consent. If you can get a judge to sign off on it, we can start planning a wedding. Tomorrow is Saturday, so you won't be able to do anything until Monday."
Going to his room, Chase thought that he heard crying coming from Kash's. He knocked on the door and Kash called out the usual, "Come in."
"Are you alright?"
"No, I wanted to have a special date with you and those guys ruined it."
"No, Kash, they didn't ruin anything. I had a great time just being with you and they can't take that away from me."
"You're not upset with how it turned out?"
"Hell no. I am disappointed that we called it early, but I can never be upset as long as I am with you."
"Thanks, Chase. I guess I needed to hear that. I wanted it to be perfect for you. For me, being with you was perfect."
"All it takes to be perfect for me… is being with you. Uncle Lenny said that if we can get a judge to agree, he would consent to us getting married."
"Can I sleep in your bed tonight? No sex, I just want to fall asleep with you holding me."
"I'll be honest, no sex won't be easy, but I will gladly hold you as you fall asleep."
"No sex was your rule, and I respect you too much, so no sex." Kash admonished.
"Well, if it was MY rule, can't I dismiss it?"
"No sex, Chase, not until we are married."
"I love you Kash; if you insist on no sex, then so be it."
"To be honest, I want to do so much with you, too, but I respect you too much to let either of us break your rule."
"And I respect you enough to abide by it."
That night, they never undressed and Kash went to sleep with Chase's right arm under him, holding him. Being right handed, Chase couldn't do much other than sleep, himself.
In the morning, Kash woke up staring into Chase's deep blue eyes. He whispered, "I could get used to this."
Kash got up and headed for the bathroom. Chase started moving his "sleeping" arm as he watched. He thought to himself, 'I really love that boy.'
They went down to the basement and switched into their gis. Kash asked, "What are we going to practice today?"
"Grab your hood, I think we are going for a ride."
"Seriously, can I drive?"
Chase threw the keys to the McLaren to Kash. Kash couldn't believe that Chase was going to let him drive a $500K car and didn't bat an eyelash. Chase threw a few weapons into the trunk and then sat in the passenger seat. Kash got in and started the car. "Should we put on our hoods?"
"Not yet, I don't want to call any undue attention to us. We are just going to drive around and if we see anything needing action, then we'll put our hoods on."
As Kash drove, Chase kept watching for anything. It didn't take long before Chase asked Kash to pull over. He donned his hood while Kash parked the car, then he advised Kash to stay in it.
Chase no sooner got out of the car and sent a shuriken flying. It hit the gun of a guy trying to hold up an elderly lady, then the weighted end of a kusarigama wrapped around the gunman's hand and pulled him towards Chase. Chase just punched the guy and knocked him out. The elderly lady was shaking, "Are you gonna rob me, now?"
"No, ma'am, I am the Blue Dragon; I am here to help." Then using zip ties, he secured the would-be mugger and left one of his cards. He advised the lady to call the police and took off. He and Kash headed home, not wanting to risk too much exposure.
Sure enough, the incident was on the news right away… "Another spotting of the Blue Dragon. This time he was solo and took out a guy attempting to mug an elderly lady. The lady claims that he said he is here to help. Only time will tell."
Lenny turned off the TV, "That lady is skeptical as hell, isn't she?"
Kash was sitting there pondering, "If you are the Blue Dragon, what's my name?"
"My gi is dark blue, and yours is a dark gray, almost black. What do you think of Black Dragon?"
"I like it, but that makes me curious. Why isn't mine black?"
"Black shows up against the night sky too easy. Ninjas generally wear either a dark blue or dark gray, unless the terrain requires something different, like in snow or woods."
"I can see that."
Over the remainder of the weekend, the boys went out a few more times, but without incident. Monday morning, they went to the courthouse to find Judge Zeigler. They approached his secretary and asked if he was available. She took their names and picked up the phone. After she hung up, she told the boys to go on in.
Being polite, Chase knocked on the door as he entered. "Come in, boys. What can I do for you?"
"Your Honor…"
"Please, no need to be so formal here; call me Nick."
"Nick, I love Kash very much, and…"
"I love Chase just as much. He asked me to marry him, but unless a judge gives consent, we have to wait until I turn eighteen."
"I see. How soon do you plan to get married?"
"This may seem crazy, especially in Southern California, but I would like a winter wedding, maybe the ninth of January to honor the day we first met."
"I will be seventeen, so it would only be a year early."
Judge Zeigler started stroking his chin. "So, it's not just so you can have sex, and the date does sound romantic. Do you have someplace lined up?"
"It will be a small wedding, Uncle Lenny, Mr. Douglas, Kash's school instructor, and then we are hoping you would officiate. With so few people, I was thinking my backyard."
Judge Zeigler looked at Kash, "Has your father consented?"
"He told Chase when he asked, if we can get a judge to consent, he won't stand in our way."
"I will call him to verify that. I'm sure that it is true, but I would be remiss in my job if I didn't verify. When he gives me the answer I expect, I will consent. Less than a year before you turn eighteen, and you're allowing yourselves time to know for sure that is what you want, I believe you two are handling this very maturely."
"Thank you, sir."
The boys raced home to tell Lenny, but he was on the phone when they arrived. They sat, waiting for him to hang up. "Yes, Nick, I do believe they love each other very much, and I have consented on the grounds they found a judge who would… … Yes, that does sound mature of them and I agree that date does sound romantic. Thank you for calling."
As he hung up, the boys were ecstatic. "We have a wedding to plan."
"Do you remember what that date is besides the anniversary of when you met?"
"It's Pop's birthday," Chase whispered. "And wasn't it Grandma Hampton's birthday?"
"Yes, it was Derek's birthday, and that was what actually drew Daniel and Derek together. Derek shared his birthday with Daniel's mom."
"What happened to her? I don't recall ever visiting her after Dad and Pop were killed."
"A few months after Daniel was murdered, she died of a broken heart. She really loved your dad. I thought you were too young to attend the funeral."
Chase spoke reverently, "Dad loved her, too. I remember Dad saying, she showed early signs of dementia and he told her that when she needed assistance, she could live with us. It would have broken his heart if he ever had to put her in a home."
"Enough sad talk, we have a wedding to plan. Judge Zeigler said that it'll be a small wedding in our back yard. How would you like it decorated?"
Chase and Kash threw out a few ideas, and they discussed which ones would be easier to pull off. Then discussed wardrobe, color schemes and who was doing what. Before all retired to their bedrooms, they were happy with the plans that were made.