The Travelers- Samuel

by Gerald Lopez

  “Thank you,” Rory said. “It seems I have good genes—at least on Kaelin’s side.”

  “He is one gorgeous man,” Veronique said. She reached down and hugged Aileen. “Oh, it’s going to be fun to have a little girl around to spoil. I did bring her a gift or two from France.”

  Rory smiled and wondered what Samuel and Kaelin were talking about.

  KAELIN LOOKED AROUND the pecan grove while he rocked a fussy Lochlan in his arms. Amadeus stood between Kaelin and Samuel.

  “You’ve got two strong boys here, Samuel. They’ll be a lot of help to you.”

  “It feels good to have a family of my own for the first time. Having children to raise and a partner who’s chosen to stay with me forever… it’s nice.”

  “Yes. Why haven’t you and I met earlier?”

  “I never made it to your neck of the woods, Kaelin. Believe it or not, I’ve never visited Ireland.”

  “If you had I would’ve felt your presence. You have a strong, warm soul.”

  “Yours feels very similar,” Samuel said. “Did you know my people—the ones who first came here?”

  “It was a young grandson of mine who came here. He was strong and looked a lot like me… and you. The boy had a longing for adventure and a desire to own a substantial piece of land to call his own. You’re like him. You enjoy being a traveler. Why did you skip Ireland in your travels?”

  “I’m not really sure. I traveled around the states a lot in the beginning, then went to Italy and Greece with friends for a few years. I missed the states and my home and came back. Ireland never seemed to make it on my list of places to visit.”

  “You’ll have to change that and come visit me next year—you and your family.”

  “I’ll do that… and bring the family with me. Does it bother you at all that Rory and I are together?”

  “Homosexuals have been around since the beginning of time. Even I’ve had a dalliance or two with men. They were enjoyable, and I have fond memories of them, but in truth I prefer women.”

  “I guess what I really meant to ask was if it bothers you that Rory and I are from the same family tree?”

  “Well, not that directly. He’s very far removed from you, even from your brother. You’re just a very distant uncle. So, no it doesn’t bother me. In my day it was common for first cousins to marry and have children.”

  “Speaking of children,” Samuel said, “what should our children call you?”

  “Daddo would be the shorter Irish name for grandfather, as opposed to seanathair, but that’s too close to dada. How’s about Granda as the kid’s back home call me?”

  “That works for me, Granda.”

  LATER THAT EVENING, Monty, Celia, Gerard, and Deegan came by to visit, have some macaroons, and see the presents Veronique had brought for Aileen. They’d gathered in the living room and brought chairs from the dining room and kitchen to sit on. Kaelin was holding Lochlan on the fainting couch while Samuel sat beside him and held Sean.

  Celia emerged from the back bedroom and addressed the men in the living room.

  “Veronique and Aileen are about to make their grand entrance wearing their new Parisian couture.”

  Veronique entered the living room holding Aileen’s hand. Both were dressed in matching, full-length couture gowns covered in embroidered flowers, beads and sequins. The two also wore identical crystal tiaras. Deegan gasped at the sight as Veronique twirled around the room with Aileen.

  “Now that is over the top,” Rory said.

  “Check out those tiaras,” Deegan said.

  “I’m not buying you one,” Gerard said.

  “Nooo,” Deegan said. “I want a little girl of our own to dress up, even if it does mean having to change poopy diapers.”

  Everyone laughed.

  “Oh that’s just where it all starts, Deegan my boy,” Monty said. “Take it from someone who’s been there. You’ll be dealing with your kid’s shit—pardon my French—for your whole life.”

  Eventually the kids were put to bed, and Veronique changed into a more comfortable dress. The adults were relaxed and catching up on things.

  “Did you spend all your savings on those dresses, Veronique,” Samuel said. “You won’t have to go back to work in your old profession, will you?” He smiled.

  “Ha, ha,” Veronique said. “Kaelin bought the dresses. He liked them.”

  “I’m allowed to spoil my woman and my granddaughter,” Kaelin said. “They’re a couple of real beauties.”

  “That they are,” Rory said.

  “Veronique, what are your plans for the future,” Celia said. “You haven’t mentioned any new career plans lately.”

  “The franchises I own stock in are doing well, so are most of my investments, as well as the goldmines, etcetera in Australia.”

  “You should write a book one day,” Deegan said. “Fictional of course, but you’ve lived, girl. Folks would find your tales interesting.”

  “To say the least,” Gerard said. “Those ‘tales’ wouldn’t exactly be children’s books.”

  “I’d need a ghostwriter,” Veronique said. “But it’s an idea. Anyone here ever written a book?”

  “A few,” Rory said. “When I retired I did it just to see if I could get something published.”

  “I’ve read one or two of his books,” Gerard said. “He’s damn good! You should let him write about your time in the old west with Kaelin, cowboy Elijah, and preacher man.”

  “Oh, that would be a good place to start,” Veronique said. “And cowboy Elijah is a wild one for having such a Biblical name. He was raised by priests and nuns in an orphanage and still he’s too wild to be tamed.”

  “There’s definitely a story there,” Rory said. “I’m game to tackle it if you are to tell it, Veronique.”

  “Why not?” Veronique said. “Let’s have a go at it.”

  THE NEXT MORNING, Kaelin and Veronique went for a walk with the kids, which gave Samuel and Rory some alone time in the porch swing.

  “I like sitting out here with you a lot,” Rory said and cuddled against Samuel. He heard Amadeus whine for attention next to his feet so he petted him with his foot. “Just how long have you had Amadeus.”

  “Since right after the Civil War,” Samuel said. “I raised him from the time he was a pup and turned him with Cesare’s help. He’s been my constant companion.”

  “He still is,” Rory said. “I don’t think he minds sharing you with me.”

  “I’m pretty sure Amadeus already thinks the kids and you are his just as much as I’m his,” Samuel said. “He seems content about that. I know my life feels pretty perfect right now.” He hugged Rory then bent down and petted Amadeus’ head. “Veronique had some wild times in the old west. Do you really think you can help her capture it all in book form?”

  “I’m not a bad writer, you know. You’ll have to read one of my books.”

  “I will definitely do that now that I know you’ve written some. I’ve dealt with Elijah before—we aren’t the best of friends.”

  “Oops,” Rory said. “Why not?”

  “We tend to be competitive at times. We’ve had more in common than just having Biblical names. There was a guy we both liked in the twenties and another in the seventies.”

  “I bet you won out both times,” Rory said.

  “You’d lose that bet,” Samuel said.

  “Well, you never have to worry about losing me,” Rory said. “I’ll keep you safe from that mean ole cowboy.”

  “I’m glad you say that because if he ever finds out you and Veronique are writing a book about him, he’s liable to show up here. l told you before most vampires are travelers. Elijah may decide it’s time to put on his walking boots and head our way.”

  “It doesn’t matter if he does decide to come our way,” Rory said. “I’m yours forever.”

  “And I’m yours,” Samuel said.

  The two kissed and the only thoughts in their minds were of their happy home and family. />
  Contact the author

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  Gerald loves to hear from his readers, and may be contacted by e-mail at

  GeraldLopez@Comcast.Net

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  About the Author

  Gerald was called to write at various times in his life. When he was young, the writing consisted of plays and short stories. Then he explored the fine arts and literature, earning a bachelor’s degree in the latter while minoring in art history. In his studies he was fascinated by and enjoyed analyzing characters, their personalities and motivations. To him it’s always been the characters who make a story special. Once again writing has taken hold of him. In the past it was just an amusement, but now—for him—writing is a passion to live, eat, and breathe.

  Other Books by Gerald Lopez

  Dueling Divas (an Avondale Story)

  Murder, mayhem, and love all find their way into The Next Club Superstar singing contest.

  Dead Men Tell Tales (a New Eden Tale)

  A contemporary tale of murder, ghosts, and romance set out West.

  Blue Light By Night (a Layton Shayne Mystery)

  A supernatural mystery set in a small town in Louisiana. Also, first book in a series.

  For Love Of: Tangi

  A heartwarming and often funny story of a young man’s coming-out and finding true love.

  Green Eyes Cry, You Die (a Layton Shayne Mystery)

  More supernatural suspense. This time, Layton Shayne must locate a green-eyed statue that has the power to create zombies

  Miss Lucy and the Pussy Brigade (Miss Lucy Case Files #1)

  First spin-off from the Layton Shayne Mysteries. Hilarious read involving the supernatural, crazy agents, and a bunch of cats.

  All Queers Must Die

  In a world where no one is who they seem to be and everybody has secrets… how do you find the truth? Bart Farrow is a man determined to get to the truth of what is going on in Maynard Shores.

  Lost Bitches: an Abel Kane Mystery

  Private detective Abel Kane is on the case. And he is willing and able to do what it takes to get the job done. What starts off as a seemingly simple dognapping case turns into much more when the mob, a pretty female call girl, and several hunky men get involved.

  For Love of: Colt

  Colt and Tangi are in love and they’ve survived being crowned homecoming kings. But if they’re expecting the craziness in their lives to settle down—they couldn’t be more wrong. Even though members of Colt’s football team, the cheerleaders, and the entire high school become involved in the couple’s romance, Tangi and Colt persevere. And Tangi stands strong when the time is called for him to do so. All… for love of Colt.

  Black Hearts Dance

  Detective Layton Shayne and his partner Alex are back, and working on a new case. While out with friends, the two catch the eye of a mysterious older woman who hires Layton to investigate the hauntings on her estate, Carson Court. Not only is Layton intrigued… he also feels compelled to take the job. New surprises greet him and Alex at every corner as they meet the hunks and mysterious citizens living in and around Carson Court. Layton knows to listen to his instincts, but this time could that lead to trouble of a supernatural nature in a house with a dark past and secrets desperate to come out?

  Gray Days and Wicked Ways

  They were supposed to be on vacation but how could Layton not take the case—it was to help a Marine’s kid. But the case gets complicated. Someone is out for blood and no one is safe. Things hit home further when fellow Marines get involved and old familiar faces turn up with hidden agendas. When Forrest Hanson pays a visit things heat up in an all together different way for Alex and Layton. And what would Layton’s life be without some supernatural elements thrown in for fun.

  A Grande Romance (a Grande Mystery)

  Life was just grand for Julian Grande. His dream of opening a bookstore had come true. He loved the town he was living in and had his best friend Noreen working for him. And the sexy fireman Jaxon Reed had entered his life. But then things take a turn for the worse. Lives may hang in the balance unless Julian and his friends can get to the truth of things. They need to solve a puzzling mystery that has the whole town in its grip.