Kyle
It was several months before I heard how well the new book was doing. The publisher held my sales report until they were prepared to issue the check, which arrived with a copy attached. My publisher wouldn't issue the reports until they had a figure for returns, which unfortunately for a variety of reasons is a reality for all writers.
When the envelope arrived, I was almost too excited to wait until I got back in the house. Sitting down at my desk, I opened the envelope and pulled out the sales report with the attached check.
The article from the New York Times had apparently stimulated sales more than I'd ever dreamed. My trip to New York had been a whirlwind tour of bookstores with several stops each day. Sales of the new novel had skyrocketed. My first month's sales had exceeded my wildest dreams. The check I was looking at would cover our expenses for a good long time.
At the same time, Preston and Dexter graduated from medical school and were about to start their residency. They each received a stipend which allowed them to pitch in if necessary.
Jake and Robert had become our little family's best friends. We also spent time with a couple of the other polyamorous families I knew from the bar. We often shared BBQ's or evenings out. They all came to Preston and Dexter's graduation party. It's nice when friends have a lot in common. Since none of us were surprised when someone was dominant or submissive; the atmosphere was much more comfortable.
I had other novels out. Glenn, my agent, said that sales from the other novels were way up, too. He said that usually when one novel gets a big write up in a paper like the Times, other novels' sales pick up as well. I hoped it would continue.
With the added income, I was considering selling the house. I thought we'd all be more comfortable in something larger and newer. I hadn't discussed my plans with the boys yet. This was one of those things I was going to need everyone's agreement on.
I'd invited Jake and Robert for dinner. I had an announcement to make and I wanted to celebrate another very important occasion. Before the boys came home, I went out to the car and removed a package I'd hidden in the trunk the day before. Inside were three collars. Two of them were thinner than the first. They were all black leather with flat stainless-steel studs.
I headed into the dining room and placed all three collars in a drawer in the old built-in China cabinet. I still had a little time, so I sat down to write for a while. It wasn't long before Dexter came in. I'd been hoping that he'd show up first. Part of my plans involved him, but first he was going to have to make a decision.
"Dexter, come here. I need to talk with you." Without a word Dexter was front and center.
"Yes, Sir?"
"You've been here for some time now, long enough to know how well this arrangement works for you. I want to ask you something. Are you happy here?"
"Yes, I've never imagined something like this could make me this happy."
"Do you want this to continue always?"
A smile began to crease Dexter's face. "I've dreamed that this could last forever. I can't imagine ever leaving here. I know if I did… I'd never be happy again."
"I love you, Dexter. You know that right?"
"Yes, Sir, I love you too. I love you both."
"I think it's time we cemented our dedication to one another. Kneel, Dexter."
Not sure where this was going, Dexter dropped into position as he always had whenever I demanded it. Placing his hands behind his back and looking down at the floor, he readied himself for whatever might come.
"Look up at me," I said.
"Yes, Sir," Dexter slowly raised his head, looking up into my eyes and for the first time he saw me holding a collar. It was the wider of the three. I took his head between my hands, holding Dexter's gaze. "When I buckle this collar around your neck, you will belong to me. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir."
"I showed you this collar today in private for a reason. I would like to present these collars tonight with our friends as witnesses, but I needed to talk to you first. You see I purchased two more collars.
Looking puzzled Dexter had to ask. "Two? Why Two?"
"They're thinner and they fit together to make a single collar that looks just like yours. The combined collar has two rows of studs. One of the collars is for me to collar Preston and the other one is for you. They signify who Preston belongs to. I will give him the collar that will sit on top. You will give him the collar that fits under mine. I had to talk to you first because I need to know the level of your commitment to Preston and me as a family. I don't want to persuade you to do something you don't want to do. If there is any hesitation, we'll wait. I can put your collar away and we'll wait to see when that day comes."
"You don't have to wait. Please let's do this. It sounds wonderful. Preston will be so happy."
"Yes, Preston will. What about you?"
"I'm more than happy, Sir."
"I have another big surprise, but I'll leave that for later."