A/N: Characters in this story include, Shawn Michaels, Edge, Christian, Wade Barrett, Bret Hart, Vince McMahon, The Shield, The Wyatt's and many, many more of your favorite WWE Superstars of yesterday and today. What follows is a short summary of the story... but there is more drama and excitement inside, so please, sit back, relax and enjoy this tale of the Wild West!
Shawn McMahon is an abused spouse. His two sons, Jason and Adam, plead with their poppa to runaway. Adam is forced by his father, Vince, to accept a proposal of marriage to a deposed Spanish Prince. Then after one particularly brutal beating with a tragic ending, his sons insist on getting away. Shawn has finally had enough. They work out a plot to escape... but will they? And where will they go? Vince will do anything to get his family back, no matter the cost of money or life.
The story contains adult situations and language. It is male slash and in this story boys CAN have babies, as it is MPREG. If this is not what you like to read, just don't read it. Thank you. Forgive the LONG set of notes, but I want to get a few things out of the way:
First of all I own nothing but the story plot and a few random OC's. The only profit I make from using Vince and his WWE Superstars is the joy and happiness I get from writing the story. Hopefully your reviews and readership will add to that joyful profit.
Secondly, the nicknames of Billy Jay (for Jason) and Addy Joe (for Adam) are used by special permission from the creator of those nicknames, Rhiannamator. Thank you, Rhi for giving me permission to use them. I also want to THANK Rhi very much for being the BETA reader for this story! I owe her a lot for this, and I hope her efforts pay off. THANK YOU RHI!
All menus and descriptions of the running of the McMahon household, including the staff, are taken from Mrs. Beeton's Household Management. It was first printed in 1861 as a single bound volume. The book is considered an important social document, providing an invaluable insight into the day-to-day workings of a Victorian household. Many of things in the book are still useful in today's world. I nearly wore the poor book out doing research, lol. (There is a further footnote on this subject at the end of this chapter.)
Also, the term Indian was used in those times instead of the now more correct term, Native American. I will be as true to 1888 language as possible, and I hope by doing so, offend no one.
I will let you get on with the story now, further Author's Notes may be added as needed. THANK YOU! I hope you enjoy the story, I sure enjoyed writing it for you! Have a great day! LDB
The McMahon family lived in a stately three-story Victorian style mansion located at 847 Beacon Street, Boston, Massachusetts. The house stood on the corner of Beacon and F airfield streets, it took nearly half the block. People who passed by the beautiful house, with the perfectly kept yard and lavish flower gardens, assumed the family that lived inside had no cares or worries in the world.
The owner of the house was Vincent Kennedy McMahon, one of Boston's wealthiest men. He was highly respected by all who knew him. McMahon owned the United Bank of Boston. UBB was used by the richest and most influential families in town. McMahon opened the bank not long after the Civil War ended. At the time, Vincent was twenty-seven years old, and a veteran of the war. The bank began as a land investment loan house, the first loan came out of his own pocket and grew into what it now was, one of the city's largest banks.
Vincent was married to Michael Shawn Hickenbottom, the son of a Boston socialite who died when Shawn was twenty. Shawn's father had died a month before he was born in a tragic accident. Shawn's father was the owner of a fleet of crab boats. He'd gone out with one of his boats, and was accidentally thrown overboard during a gale and drowned. Everything had been left to Shawn's mother, then when she died, it went to Shawn. He met Vince through business at the bank. Even though Vince was fifteen years older than Shawn, they fell in love and got married.
Not long after, the McMahon's welcomed William Jason to the family. Two years later, Shawn gave birth to a second son, Adam Joseph. The boys were Shawn's pride and joy.
In the beginning, Vince was kind and loving. He spoiled Shawn with trips, jewelry and fine clothes. Shawn had given Vince the best of himself in return. Shawn hosted perfect parties, gave Vince two beautiful children, and kept their home in immaculate condition. He was the perfect "trophy" spouse to Vince. He made Vince shine at all the elite parties and other social events they attended or hosted.
Over the years, Vince's need to control the McMahon household took a dark turn. Divorce was not an option for Shawn, for two reasons. One, Vince had control of his inheritance and the crab business, and two, Shawn was deeply devout in his religious faith and divorce was a sin. Shawn learned how to mask his bruises and hold his head high. No one outside the McMahon house knew the hell Shawn went through on a nearly daily basis.
When Jason and Adam were younger, Shawn managed to keep his secret from them. He made sure his boys never became a target for their father's anger and abuse. Shawn's sons had the best of everything including education, music lessons and social lives. They wore the best clothes and had excellent manners and dispositions. Vince demanded perfection from his sons and to protect them, Shawn made sure they towed the line.
About five years ago, Shawn found out another of Vince's secrets. Shawn had taken Jason out to Cape Cod for the summer. Vince brought Adam a week later, as Adam had been sick. Vince would go back to the city and come back for weekends, when Shawn would host lavish parties for Vince and the social elite who also spent summers on the Cape.
When Adam's summer cold suddenly took another turn for the worse, they came home earlier than Vince had expected. Shawn found Vince in their bed with his secretary from the bank, a young man named Eric Bischoff. Vince sent Eric away and gave Shawn one of the worst physical beatings ever.
Jason found his sweet poppa lying in a corner, bloody and bruised. Shawn told his teenaged son the truth about his father. Jason hated Vince after that, but he agreed, Adam must never find out what their father was really like.
After he recovered, Shawn decided to confront Eric. He asked the young man to come for tea. It was then that Shawn found out Vince had two young children with Eric, a boy, Shane and a brand new baby girl, Stephanie. Eric made it clear that his children would have their share of Vince's inheritance.
After that, any remaining affection Shawn had for Vince died. He bravely confronted Vince about Eric. Shawn told Vince he would not bring the scandal of a divorce on the family, ever. Vince said that was good because he didn't want a divorce. He told Shawn to behave, do what he was told, and to be the perfect trophy. Something beautiful to be brought out and shown off, something to make Vince look good.
It was April 1, 1888. Many parts of the East Coast were still thawing out from "The Great White Hurricane" as it was called in the newspapers. On March 11, light snow had begun to fall, by March 14, as much as sixty inches of snow had fallen in some places. The storm began in earnest about midnight on March 12, and continued, unabated for a full day and half. Drifts of thirty to forty feet covered houses. Twenty to sixty inches of snow fell over New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts.
In the northern and shady parts of the lawn of 847 Beacon Street, snow still lay. Some of Shawn's beautiful flowers were starting to bloom, like the bright yellow jonquils, others like the iris were waiting for the last remnants of the storm to melt.
Adam Joseph McMahon as walking down Fairfield Street, headed towards his house on the corner. He was walking slowly because he was reading as he moved.
Adam was on his way home after a day of classes at the nearby college. He wanted to be a school teacher, because he loved children, and that eager look they got in their eyes when they grasped on to the knowledge of learning. He was doing very well and was at the head of his class, of course his father expected it. Demanded it.
Adam was a true beauty. At eighteen, he had his father's height and build. He was lanky, but held the potential to be muscular as he grew older, and otherwise he had his poppa's look. His long blond hair fell below his shoulders, but he kept it pulled into a neat, low pony tail. His eyes were a clear hazel green. He had a strong jaw with a very close, well-trimmed beard.
"Adam! Wait! Hey Addy Joe!" a voice called out from further down Fairfield Street. It was William Jason McMahon, the oldest son of Vince and Shawn. While Adam was pretty, Jason was rugged. He was handsome, but differently from his younger brother. Jay was more like Shawn in stature, he was six-foot to Adam's six-foot four. Jason was wiry but strong. He kept his sandy colored hair short and his face clean-shaven.
Jason was also in college, but he was undertaking the study of business. Jason wanted to own his own hotel one day, and he had to know how to run it.
Adam stopped, he never looked up from the book he was reading. He read until his brother caught up to him. "Hello, Billy Jay. Poppa has told you, don't shout on the street like a barker," Adam spoke softly, but in a scolding tone. When the brothers wanted to tease each other, they used Addy Joe and Billy Jay, two names only they called one another.
Jason stood next to Adam, he panted slightly from running. "Sorry. Do we have to go to this dinner tonight?" The older brother's blue eyes looked questioningly at Adam. While older, Jason depended on Adam. Adam was calm, steady and reliable, while Jason was a bit wilder, as he was just more naturally exuberant. He also tended to be late for dinner, or arrive at the table with his hair uncombed or his shirt untucked.
Adam began to walk again, tucking the book under his arm with the others he carried. "Yes, we do. Poppa asked us to be there and you know how Father is," he said with a sigh. He would rather study, himself.
Jason knew all too well how his father could be. A vision of his poppa's bleeding lip flashed in his head. "Yes, I do. Alright, for Poppa. Did school go well today?" Jason asked curiously as they walked together. Adam was spending a week at the schoolhouse further down Fairfield Street. He was filling in for the regular teacher who had broken his leg during the storm slipping on some ice as he carried firewood.
Adam smiled, the smile he had whenever he spoke of children. "Yes, Johnny Greene lit up when he finally understood a fraction in math. Oh, Billy Jay, there is no other feeling like it; seeing a child learn something they didn't understand before." His eyes were like green fire as he spoke.
Jason smiled. He loved Adam so much; he just prayed he stayed innocent to the horrors of their home. "Good. You're going to make a wonderful teacher. You still want a dozen babies?"
Adam laughed. "I'll settle for six, three of each. I just hope I meet someone nice." His tone was almost dreamy. His ideal man was tall, dark and handsome.
"You will, Adam."Jason paused, he took his brother by the shoulders. His blue eyes bore into Adam's, his lips set in a grim line. When he had his brother's full attention, Jason continued, his voice had a serious, almost frightened edge to it. "Adam? Promise me something. Before you fall in love, please, learn about them. Know you can trust him with your life. Listen with this, not this," Jason said as he pointed first to his brother's head, then his heart.
Adam looked at his brother, seeing how unusually serious Jason was. "I will, Jay. Is something wrong? Why so serious?"
Jason smiled, his blue eyes filled with a sudden, almost playful like sparkle. "Because I want my nieces and nephews to be pretty and handsome, and you need a good husband for that," he said, his tone now teasing. They started walking again.
"Oh. I hate these political dinners, at least the business ones are fun. The politicians are so, well, like snake oil salesmen without the snakes," Adam said with a bit of a laugh.
Jason laughed. "I know what you mean. The business men at least laugh, the politicians are too busy trying to out orate each other." The brothers reached the iron gate that opened up to the walkway that lead to their home.
In silence, the brothers walked up the long brick path, and up the six steps to the big front door. The dark walnut door had a large piece of oval glass frosted with a design of iris flowers. It had been specially made by a company called Tiffany's in New York City. Shawn was very proud of the door.
Before either brother could reach for the knob, the beautiful door opened. A very tall, light-brown headed man opened the door. He was dressed in a tuxedo. "Welcome home, young Masters," the man spoke with a proper English accent. He was the McMahon family butler, his name was William Regal.
"Thank you, Regal. Is Poppa home?" Jay asked as the butler took his hat and coat.
"Yes, Master Jason. He is upstairs and would like to see both of you," Regal replied politely. He turned to take Adam's hat and coat.
"Thank you, Regal. I'll take my books," Adam said softly. The butler had put the brothers' books on the table by the door. With a nod, Regal handed Adam his books, then gave Jason his. With a cocked brow and knowing sneer on his lips, he watched as the boys went up the grand stair case to the second floor.
William Regal had been hired by Vince before he'd married Shawn. The butler had come with high recommendations from one of the banks best clients. Because of this, William was extremely loyal to Vince. He also knew all the family secrets, even the dark and dirty ones. Vince knew this, he kept the Englishman well paid, and very well cared for.
Shawn smiled and looked up when his two sons walked into his bedroom. It had a large sitting area in front of a large fireplace, and a door that connected to Vince's master bedroom. As usual the door was closed, and probably locked. Adam and Jason came in to the room, kissed their poppa on the cheek, then sat down to join Shawn for their afternoon tea.
While the boys filled Shawn in on how their day had gone, Adam couldn't help but notice his poppa looked... different. His face was a bit pale, yet he seemed to have an almost ethereal glow in his eyes. Shawn was smiling softly and gave his abdomen an occasional rub.
"Poppa, are you alright? You look tired," Adam asked in a worried tone. As he'd watched his poppa he did think Shawn looked tired, maybe even ill.
"No, Addy. I'm fine, quite fine. I'll just be glad when I can go tend my garden. You know I wilt unless I get outside. I want you boys on your best behavior later. Let's keep your father happy. This dinner is important to him," Shawn spoke in a loving but firm tone. He did want the dinner to go well.
For the last month, Vince had been a different man. He'd been kind, gentle and affectionate towards Shawn, like when they were first married, and truly in love. Shawn prayed the change was permanent. This was the Vince McMahon he'd fallen in love with.
"We will Poppa, don't worry. Isn't one of the guests royalty or something?" Jason said in a reassuring tone. He too had noticed his father's good behavior. The problem was, he did not trust Vince and wished his poppa wouldn't either. However, his parents marital business wasn't really his.
"Yes, from Spain. He was a Prince, then there was a coup dé tat within the family. I don't understand it all, but the young man has some property in Upstate New York, near the Canadian border. Your father thinks it would make a nice winter park or something," Shawn said with a laugh. If the business wasn't about crab catching, he didn't really care about it. That was Vince's job.
"Well, at least it won't be all politics. I just hope Esquire Cole keeps his hands to himself. I know he's father's lawyer, but he keeps getting in my area," Adam said with a sigh. Lawyer Cole was always trying to get Adam alone, and Adam hated it.
"He has been invited. Jason, stay close to your brother. I don't like Esquire Cole either. Alright boys, go bathe and dress, your father will be home soon. I must go down and see to Mrs. Wilson," Shawn said with a kiss to each of his son's cheeks. His eyes sparkled with adoration, his boys were his world.
While the brothers went to prepare for the evening, Shawn went downstairs to make sure everything was being done properly. He knew it would be, Regal ran a tight ship, but as the "Mistress" of the house it was Shawn's ultimate duty, and one he did not ever shirk.
Shawn went to the dining room. Regal was watching as Beth, the parlor maid, was putting the last name card in its silver stand on the dining table.
The large rectangular table was set for eight. All the crystal glass and stemware sparkled and the silverware gleamed. White Damask silk covered the table and the napkins matched properly. A centerpiece of flowers and candles adorned the middle of the table. As always, Regal and the staff had set a perfect table, all to Shawn's expert eye and instruction.
"I moved Esquire Cole as instructed, Sir. I hope Mister McMahon will understand," Regal said politely with the barest hint of a sneer.
"It will be fine. I already discussed the matter. Beth, you did a beautiful job. Go have your tea and rest before service starts. I'm going to the kitchen. Well, done, William, thank you," Shawn said with a nod to the butler and a smile to the maid.
Shawn left the dining room and went to the back part of the grand house. The kitchen, laundry were there and servants lived and worked in the back rooms.
In the kitchen, Shawn found the cook and her kitchen maid hard at work. Pots simmered on the large stove, food roasted in the ovens. It smelled wonderful, but it made Shawn's stomach roll. It was too much. After a quick chat with Mrs. Wilson, Shawn retreated back to his room to get dressed.
Adam and Jason had been assisted in their bathing and dressing by the young footman/valet who went by the name of Morrison. He had been hired by Regal, and was excellent at his work. One day, Morrison wanted to be a butler in a grand house like this one.
Shawn and his sons were all dressed in their finest tuxes. They always dressed for dinner, but because the occasion tonight, they were fully formal. They were in Shawn's sitting room when they heard a carriage pull up to the house. Vincent Kennedy McMahon was home. It wasn't long before the sound of someone coming up the stairs echoed in the hallway. The door to Shawn's room was open. Vince saw his family, he entered the room.
"Hello, beautiful," Vince said as he leaned down and kissed Shawn sweetly on the lips. He then turned to his sons, "Hello boys," he said with a smile.
"Hello, dear. Did you have a good day?" Shawn asked as he stood to help Vince if needed.
"Yes, I did. You look nice. Boys, you too. I'm going to dress, our guests will be here soon. Adam, wear your hair down," Vince said with a smile to Shawn and fatherly glance at Adam.
This request made Jason wary. Why ask Adam to do that? His brother never wore his hair loose, especially at dinner. "Yes, father," Adam spoke obediently.
The boys went to Adam's room, while Shawn went to help Vince dress for dinner. The McMahon family was ready by the time their dinner guests arrived.
Regal led the guests into the formal parlor. It was Shawn's favorite and the most beautiful room in the house. The focal point was an exquisite crystal chandelier. It was made of over two hundred sparkling crystals, and was lit by fifty candles. It was only lit on special occasions. The house was normally lit by modern gas lights, but Shawn refused to convert the chandelier. He stated nothing would make the crystals sparkle like candlelight.
Regal was serving champagne to the four guests who had arrived. They all turned to the door when, led by Vince, the family entered the room.
"Prince Del Rio, I would like you to meet my family. My husband, Shawn, our eldest, William, and this... this is our Adam," Vince said with pride as he gently pushed Adam forward. He had a handsome family and he knew it. Adam blushed a bit as Vince urged him towards their guest of honor, it was if the picture of Prince Charming in his book of fairy tales had come to life and stood in front of him.
The Prince was a handsome man. He had the blackest hair, short and very neatly styled. His eyes were so dark brown they were almost black, and his skin was smooth, the color of a deep suntan. When he smiled, he had two small dimples, one on each cheek.
The Spaniard shook hands with Shawn and Jason, but when he got to Adam, he kissed the back of the pretty blond's hand and gave him a sly wink. It made Adam blush, he felt a funny flutter in his belly, one that he had never felt before and wasn't sure of. His green eyes lowered, shyly.
Vince next introduced Michael Cole, his lawyer, whom the family already knew. They also knew the other guests, John Bradshaw Layfield, the man who was in charge of security at the bank, and Zebadiah Colter, owner and publisher of the Boston Globe, the most widely read newspaper in town.
Layfield, Cole and Colter were frequent guests of the McMahon's and the family knew them well. It was going to be the stuffy political dinner Adam had feared.
As the McMahon's greeted their guests, Regal handed out more champagne. Only Shawn and Adam refused, as neither of them liked alcohol of any kind.
Jason didn't like any of the people standing in the parlor, except his poppa and brother of course. He decided to stay next to Adam's side. He didn't like the way the Prince and Cole leered at his brother, and he had promised Shawn to watch over him.
Promptly at eight pm, Regal rang a small Chinese gong that sat on a table just inside the parlor, "Dinner is served," he said in his proper and formal English accent. The dining party left the parlor in pairs. Vince walked with Layfield, Shawn with Colter, Jason was escorted by Cole, and Adam walked with the Prince.
Everyone found their place at the lovely table. Shawn was at the head, Vince at the foot. It was common for the "Mistress" of the house to sit at the head. It fell on Shawn's shoulders to lead the conversation and keep everything flowing smoothly, while all Vince had to do was enjoy himself and his guests.
Layfield sat on the left side of the table, closest to Shawn. Adam sat next to him in the middle chair, with Prince Del Rio on his left. On Shawn's right, sat Colter, Jason and Cole. Adam was glad his brother was across the table from him, and that Cole was seated far away. The last time Cole was there for a dinner party, he'd been seated next to Adam, and the lawyer kept rubbing his leg against his. Adam found it embarrassing and uncomfortable.
While Regal, Beth and Morrison carried trays of prepared food into the dining room, the guests read and commented on the menu. In his copperplate handwriting, Shawn had written the evening's meal on eight ivory menu cards. Everyone looked pleased as they read about the evenings offerings.
Vince was very pleased; his trophy husband had put together the perfect menu. He knew Eric would never have the refined social graces that Shawn possessed. On the other hand, Shawn would never do the low and nasty things Eric did in the bed. As far as he was concerned, his life was perfect. A beautiful and perfect public family, and a pretty boy in his bed.
McMahon only had one... well, two regrets. Shane and baby Stephanie. He'd been unhappy when Eric had gotten pregnant with Shane, then furious when Eric said he was pregnant again. However, when Vince saw Stephanie, she melted his heart. Baby Stephanie was the one person Vince truly loved. He couldn't acknowledge Eric's children in public, but he promised they would never want for anything. He swore to find a good husband for his little princess when she was of age to marry.
As far as the public knew, Eric was married to a fisherman. It was the only way to explain him being pregnant. Vince even bought Eric a wedding band to wear at work. Then, just before Stephanie was born, Vince called in a favor from Zeb Colter.
Vince had written an article to be published in the newspaper. It told about the death of a local fisherman, John Bischoff, who, while working for a French fishing firm, had fallen overboard during a storm and drowned. It told how he had left behind his widower, Eric, their small son Shane, and an unborn baby.
The article did its job. It protected Vince and saved the reputations of his bastard children. It was decided that Vince would be "Uncle" to his own children. In the eyes of society, where reputation was all, Vince was praised for taking care of the poor Bischoff family. The problem was, Shawn knew the truth. Vince had threatened to kill him if Shawn ever told, and Shawn knew Vince would do it.
The servants served the soups of the first course. "This is delicious, my dear. My compliments to you and Mrs. Wilson," Vince said as he tasted his Oxtail soup
"Thank you, dear. So, your Highness, how do you like America?" Shawn did his duty by politely starting the evening's conversation.
"Please, Señor McMahon, call me Alberto. I'm only royal on paper, thanks to my Tio Juan. He took everything from my dear Padre. Lo Siento, I'm sorry. I still get... bitter," Del Rio said in an apologetic tone. After all, he wanted Shawn to like him. If Vince's plan worked, he would be around a lot. Vince had made him a wonderful offer on the land he owned, and he was pleased with the main part of the deal.
"Call me Shawn, please. I'm sorry, Alberto, I'm sure it was all very unpleasant. I'm sure you shall make a good life here. I'm just glad we survived the storm last month," Shawn said quickly and artfully changed the subject; weather was always good, and usually safe.
"America is a wonderful place. I would like to travel to the west, perhaps California. I like to travel, do you like to travel?" Del Rio had turned to Adam, his smile making him dashingly handsome.
"No, I don't. I like being at home, with my books. I travel with my mind. Oh, I suppose I would like to go to Washington to see the Capitol; learn more about it, to help me become a better teacher," Adam spoke quietly and his tone was polite, just like Shawn had taught him. Adam's manners were impeccable.
"Our Adam wants to be a teacher, Alberto. He is at the top of his class. He is already working as a substitute at the schoolhouse down the street," Shawn explained with pride.
Jason watched the exchange between his brother and Del Rio. He also watched his father. Something was going on. Vince and Del Rio kept exchanging what Jason could only call "knowing looks."
"That is a very noble calling. They need teachers in the west too, I'm sure," Alberto said with his charming smile.
Colter added, "Yes, they do. We get requests to post advertisements for teaching positions in the western territories quite often. They don't offer much pay, but most include room and board." It sounded as if the subject had been rehearsed, at least to Jason. What was going on?
Adam looked thoughtful. "Yes, the college gets the same requests. It's good for those with a sense of adventure. I want to teach at the schoolhouse down the block. The Dean said he'd speak to Superintendent Chalmers. It could be that the teacher at Fairfield is going to leave soon. I can test for my full teaching certificate anytime," Adam explained. He'd love to teach just a few blocks from home, and he already knew the children. They all liked each other.
"That would be wonderful Adam, but don't forget our idea," Jason spoke before anyone else could, even if it meant he was still chewing his food. He flushed a bit when Shawn gently cleared his throat. Jason knew his manners needed work. A lot of work.
Adam used his napkin as wiped his mouth with a subtle gesture, then spoke, "I haven't, Jason." Adam then took a small bite of his roast turkey. The staff had continued to silently serve the rest of the meal. They were well into the second course.
Vince looked sternly from Adam to Jason, "What kind of plot have you planned now, William?" Vincent always called his oldest son William when he was unhappy with him, which was a lot.
"When I open my hotel out on the Cape, I thought it would be a good draw for families to say we had a qualified teacher on the premises. Adam could also do things like history walks and nature talks," Jason explained in a rather superior tone. He was proud of his idea.
Vince put down his dinner knife with a loud clatter, "William, that is a ridiculous idea. Children don't want anything to do with school when they are on holiday. What am I paying for? It certainly isn't business schooling," he nearly growled out his words. Bradshaw squirmed in his chair, while Cole turned his attention raptly to the roast hare on his plate as the guests at the table tried not to show they were embarrassed by a family argument.
As much as Shawn was frightened to do so, he spoke up. "My dear, this is better saved for after dinner. Care for more roast hare, Mister Cole?" Shawn spoke softly as he turned the conversation.
"Sorry dear, you are right. We'll discuss this later, son." Vince's tone had softened. He smiled at both Shawn and Jason, then continued to eat his meal.
Jason seethed in silence. His professor had told him the idea was a good one, fresh and new. It would encourage children to learn and that was always good. Adam gave his brother a supportive smile; he knew Jason's teacher liked the idea. As much as Jason protected Adam, Adam often did the same.
The meal continued in pleasant fashion. Shawn had done his job and kept the conversation flowing smoothly. Alberto's favorite topic was traveling west. It was if he was trying to get Adam to see how wonderful it would be. Shawn knew Adam was like himself, never wanting to wander further from home than an occasional trip out to the Cape, or a sail in the ocean's shallows. Jason would probably be the one to wander.
All the dinner plates and food were removed. All that remained to be eaten was the peach tart and vanilla ice cream. Mrs. Wilson had outdone herself and Morrison had spent nearly an hour churning up the frozen treat. Coffee was served with dessert.
Adam's good manners went out of the window. Ice cream was one of his most favorite things and he attacked his dish with gusto. "I love ice cream," Adam said as he licked his spoon, rather rudely. As his tongue flicked out and licked the frozen cream, both Cole and Del Rio shifted in their chairs. They both secretly wondered what else he could do with that tongue.
"I know you do, son. But, let's not be so vigorously obvious about it, shall we?" Shawn spoke in a parental tone. It wasn't for the sake of manners he spoke, it was because he could see the way Cole and Del Rio watched his baby boy, like dirty lechers.
"Yes, Poppa. Please excuse my bad manners. I just forget myself when it comes to some things," Adam said with a flush as he properly finished his dessert.
"What else excites you, Adam?" Del Rio asked. He wanted to learn all he could; it would be important to know these things soon.
That was an easy question to answer. "Watching a child's eyes when they understand something that they had tried to learn. My little scholars are so precious. I love children, I want at least six of my own," the youngest McMahon said with his special smile.
Del Rio perked. "I love children as well. I too would love to have a large family some day. Children are the legacy you leave behind," the deposed Royal spoke warmly. He honestly did love children, and he did want a large family.
"That's good. Large families are good," Cole said awkwardly as he tried to agree with Adam. While he knew what Vince had planned, he still lusted after the blond beauty.
The company finished their dessert. With the last dish cleared away, Vince stood. "Let's go into the parlor for cigars and brandy."
Everyone followed their host, and Adam turned to go up to his room. He hated the smell of cigars; they burned his eyes. When he did smoke socially, he much preferred a good cigarette. Vince stopped him, and told Adam to come to the parlor as well.
In the parlor, the chandelier bathed the room in a warm, golden glow. A gaslight on each wall was on, but their flames were low. A fire blazed in the large fireplace.
Colter and Layfield sat on the two blue velvet chairs that faced the large, matching blue velvet sofa, where Shawn sat with Cole on his right, then Adam and Jason on his left. Vince sat to next to the fireplace with Alberto.
The chat was inconsequential as Regal, assisted by Morrison, served the costly brandy, the one that was served only on very special occasions. Shawn and Adam both took a drink in hand, but only to be polite. Vince then gave each of his guests a fine, hand rolled cigar. They came from a faraway tropical island called Cuba. They were considered the finest cigars in the world. Shawn and Adam both refused. Jason was careful to puff the smoke away from his brother.
"Now that we are all dined and sated, I'll tell you the reason for this little gathering. Adam, son, if you would please join us," Vince said with a grin as he indicated for his son to stand between him and Del Rio.
He was a bit confused, but Adam went to stand where his father indicated. Shawn had a sudden and horrible thought. Surely Vince wasn't about to do what flashed in his mind. Jason felt his poppa stiffen. Something was wrong. His brother was in danger.
"Adam, I am proud to say, Alberto has asked for your hand in marriage and I have agreed. Congratulations son, I wish you all the happiness in your upcoming marriage," Vince clapped Adam on the shoulder as Del Rio placed a diamond ring on Adam's left ring finger.
Adam stood, frozen in place, too stunned to speak. However, Shawn and Jason were not. Both poppa and son stood up quickly, both men shouting "NO!" at the same time. Vince's face turned to one reddened with rage and anger. Something horrible was about to happen.
Footnote: This is the full menu for the evening. I thought some of you mind find it interesting. It is taken directly from an 1888 Victorian Dinner according to Mrs. Beeton's Household Management.
MENU FOR THE EVENING
First Course
Carrot Soup á la Crécy
Ox tail soup
Turbot and Lobster Sauce
Fried Smelts with Dutch Sauce
Entrées
Mutton Cutlets, with Soubise Sauce
Sweetbreads
Oyster Patties
Fillets of Rabbit
Second Course
Stewed Rump of Beef á la Jardinière
Roast Turkey
Boiled Ham, garnished with Brussel Sprouts
Third Course
Roast Hare
Teal
Eggs à la Neige Vol-au-vent of Preserved Fruit, Jelly and Cream
Potatoes á la Maître de' Hôtel
Grilled Mushrooms
Dessert and Ice
Peach Tart
Vanilla Ice Cream