Disclaimer: This
story is a work of pure fiction created by my imagination. Certain parts of
this story will contain sex between consenting adult male partners. This
story is homosexual in nature and should only be viewed by those over the
required age in your area. If you are reading this story and are not of that
age then I do not want to know so please don't tell me.
Author's Note: Well
well, my baby has made it to chapter 14 already. And today is the blessed
event. I am starting to write this one about 10 days before the actual
wedding date so hopefully I can have it edited and posted before it comes. I
don't know how long this chapter Is going to be but I am hoping that it will
be longer than the other chapters because there is more that has to happen in
it that in the others. I am aiming for around 25 pages but who knows maybe it
will be longer. I guess I could use the trick that I use when writing my
papers for classes and change the font to something larger but that is
cheating. Ok I will stop rambling now and start writing. Hope you enjoy.
Chapter 14: Just
Breathe...
**Scott's POV**
Ok so it is less
than a week until the wedding and everything is going quite nicely. After my
mini breakdown a few weeks ago I calmed down considerably. Michelle has been
a god send and I don't think that I would have been able to get all of this
stuff done in time. True to her word I had complete control over all aspects
of the wedding and all she did was get it done. It was like being on of these
really famous people with their personal assistants.
We had started two
days after my mini breakdown and I had come to learn that she is an incredible
individual. She also told me that if I ever decided to leave the medical field
that she would have a position open for me. I had thought at one point in my
life that I would enjoy being a wedding planner but after the headache I have
been through the past couple of months I can honestly say that I would rather
work in retail or fast food than plan weddings. Especially after we had
talked about all the bitching brides you have to deal with. When Josh had
walked in on that part of the conversation he just had to make a smart
remark.
"I don't know why
you are laughing baby you are probably at the top of that list," he said
wrapping his arms around my waist.
"Very funny," I said
while looking over towards Michelle who was trying to stifle a laugh, "Ohh
sure encourage him".
"Well I'm laughing
because it couldn't be farther from the truth." She said smiling.
"Well I try," I said
then turned to stick my tongue out at my laughing fiance.
"I'm serious," she
said, "I have never met anyone like you two, I have managed to get a great
many people married and I have never saw two people more in love than the two
of you. When you've planned as many weddings as I have you develop a sort of
sixth sense about certain things. Like in the movie The Wedding Planner, She
says that she can predict down to the week when a couple is going to get
divorced. Well you can and I can honestly say that I cannot see the day when
you two will not want to be together."
I didn't know what
to say. I had known from that first night that Josh spent in my bed snuggled
up to me that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him and that feeling
was only intensified when he proposed on our trip to Jamaica. But I had never
thought that other people could tell that is how we felt about one another.
I have dated a few
guys but I can say that I couldn't picture my life with them. With Josh I can
envision us as two old geezers sitting on our front porch watching grandkids
playing in the yard. It is an amazing feeling and if I could put it in a
bottle I could put the liquor industry out business in a hot minute.
At that exact moment
my cell phone began to ring loudly and shattered my daydream.
"Hello," I said.
"Hey there little
brother," my sister Kathleen said.
"Hey sis, What's
goin on?" I asked while trying to wrestle a cigarette out of the pack. Josh
was laughing.
"Well I called to
see how things are going with the wedding and to see what you guys needed I'm
having trouble finding a suitable wedding gift." She said.
"I have already told
everyone else in the family that we don't need anything just get your ass on
that plane and get down here." I said almost frustrated.
"You know I'm not
gonna do that now tell me something to get for you two. Or should I just find
something to get you." She said slyly.
I knew that tone all
to well. When she said something in that tone it always meant that she had
something up her sleeve.
"Just surprise me,"
I said smiling and winked at Josh and Michelle, "Just no sex toys, we've got
too many already.
I laughed when she
dropped the phone. I looked over at Josh and saw his eyes twinkling with
laughter. Michelle was red as a beet and trying not to look at both of us.
"Damn, you nearly
gave me a coronary," she said still laughing, "and you ruined my only idea for
a gift."
"Well I'm sorry but
I am sure you can come up with something," I said, "Just remember that I love
little gorgeous things.
"Okay," then I
suppose I'll see you in a couple of days?" she said.
"Yep, I can't wait
either." I said grinning.
"Are you sure that
you don't mind us staying with you?" she asked.
"No we insist,
besides you've never been to my house I have to show it off a little bit. " I
said.
"Okay, but I still
don't feel right about it, or about you guys paying for the plane tickets."
She said.
"And I already said
that we took care of everyone's because we had that extra money from Josh's
house." I said, "So stop bitchin about it and go pack your bags."
"Ok ok, I'll see ya
Wednesday," she said, "Love you".
"Love you too, bye
Kat." I said.
"Bye Scott." She
said then hung up.
I placed the phone
in my pocket and then walked over to where Josh and Michelle were sitting and
poured myself a glass of tea. It was about 7:30 Monday morning and Josh was
waiting on me to finish my phone call before he went to get ready for work. I
sat down in the chair next to him and wrapped my fingers around his hand that
was lying on the table. He pulled it up to his lips and kissed it lightly
while continuing to listen to Michelle.
"... so I think that
the only thing that really has to be done is the food. The flowers and
everything will be here Monday morning along with the people that are going to
set up the flowers. The band is coming at about 2 so they can get set up.
The guests aren't set to arrive until about 3:30 so that should be
everything. While the ceremony is taking place the reception area will be set
up around the pool and about 15 minutes into the ceremony they will bring out
the food and the cake comes out last. The DJ will be set up over there and
the tent for the food will be over there by the fence." She said.
I was just sitting
there thinking that she would probably kept right on talking even if we
weren't there. It was more like she was thinking out loud. My thought
process was interrupted by Michelle again.
"So now there are
only a couple of things left to take care of. We know how the main parts of
the ceremony are going to work, but you are writing your own vows correct?"
she said.
"Well I already have
mine written I can't speak for my other half." I said then looked over at
Josh.
"What?? When did you
have the time to write your vows babe?" he asked puzzled.
"The night we had
our huge fight and then made up. I wrote them after you fell asleep which
wasn't easy considering that you were like an octopus that night. I hid them
the next morning." I said.
"Ohh I see how it
is. Being deceitful again." He said.
"Avoiding the
question are we??" I asked smugly.
"What question," he
asked feigning stupidity.
"You know very well
what question." I said enjoying this.
"Alright if you must
know then I haven't managed to write my vows. I have tried about a thousand
times but they never seem to be what I want to say." He finally admitted
sadly.
"It's ok baby you'll
get it." I said rubbing his hand in mine.
"I don't know
Scott," he said softly, "How am I going to ever be able to say what you mean
to me. To tell everyone how important you are to me. How your smile makes me
feel like I am 16 again, how when I hear your laugh I want to run and scoop
you up and play in the rain. How when I see you cry my chest feels like it is
empty and all I want to do is hold you and protect you for the rest of our
lives."
"I think you just
did," I heard Michelle say.
"Huh?" Josh asked.
"I think you just
did," she said dabbing at her eyes with a tissue, "I thought that was as close
to perfect as you could get."
"I think she's right
baby," I said smiling, "Just now you spoke from your heart. And my guess is
that all this time you been trying to write your vows you have been speaking
from your head. What you just told me makes me want to marry you even more.
I love you so much Joshua."
"Ohh baby," he said
leaning in to kiss me.
Once our lips
touched nothing else mattered, everything else in the world seemed trivial.
That is until Michelle started clearing her throat loudly.
I broke the kiss and
then turned to look at her, "Something we can do for you Michelle?" I asked
innocently.
"Funny," she said,
"and as much as I love seeing you two so in love, we have things to do. "
"Yeah she's right,"
Josh said looking at his watch, "Ohh shit if I don't hurry I am gonna be
late."
"Oops, sorry if I am
holding up progress." I said with a Cheshire cat grin.
"S'ok baby, feel
free to delay me anytime." He said moving in for another kiss.
"Hold it Romeo,"
Michelle said, "You go get your ass in the shower."
I laughed as he
pecked me on the cheek and started in the house.
"And I don't know
what you are laughing at Juliet," Michelle said, "We got things to do today
too."
I grumbled as I
heard Josh laughing in the kitchen.
"Shower NOW!!"
Michelle yelled.
Michelle was a nice
person but she occasionally went into business mode. This was obviously one
of those times. I didn't dare laugh as I heard Josh running up the stairs.
Over the next couple
of hours Michelle and I managed to get everything else hammered down and it
seemed as if the entire thing was set in stone. I knew when everyone was
arriving and Josh and I were going to meet them at the airport to try to ferry
everyone to where they needed to be for their visit. Which had taken some
planning on our part. We, meaning mostly I, had decided that the immediate
family which meant my brothers and sisters and my mom were going to stay at my
house, as well as my brother' and sister's mother Betty. We had the spare
room and everyone could have a room except for Betty, but we had decided that
she could sleep in the office because when Josh had gone on his redecorating
kick he had put in a queen sleeper sofa. The more distant family was going to
stay at a hotel where we had gotten a group rate and most of them on the same
floor.
Michelle and I had
spent the better part of the last hour just chatting and I cringed when my
cell phone rang.
"Hello," I said
almost knowing what was going to be asked.
"Hey Scott," I heard
Janine say, "What's up?"
"Nothing much just
going over a few of the last minute details with Michelle." I said casually.
"Well that's good,"
she said cautiously, "I have something to ..."
"I'll be right
there," I said cutting her off.
"Thanks Scott," she
said gratefully, "I really appreciate it we are swamped."
"I'll be there in
half an hour," I said then hung up.
"Well I guess you've
gotta get ready huh?" Michelle asked starting to get up.
"Well I guess so," I
said standing, "they are always needing something and I swear I think they are
gonna fall apart when I am not there for 2-1/2 weeks."
"I know how that
is," she said as we walked through the kitchen.
"Yeah," I said
stopping to write a note on the dry erase board we had on the fridge.
"I wish I had
someone that did that," I heard Michelle say.
"What?" I asked
continuing.
"Leave me little
notes around the house," she said.
"Well I can pretty
much guarantee that there are two or three upstairs somewhere and another
somewhere down here." I said laughing as I led her through the house.
"Why are all the
good men gay?" she asked throwing her hands up in the air.
"I don't know I
guess it's just luck for me." I said grinning.
"Yeah and you gotta
rub it in too don't ya?" she said laughing.
"Every chance I
get." I said opening the front door for her.
"Well I guess I'll
see ya later Scott," she said walking out the door.
"Ok Michelle, be
careful," I said, "and don't forget about coming over for dinner when my
family gets here.
"Ok I wont," she
said over her shoulder, "Bye Scott."
"Bye Michelle," I
said shutting the door.
I went up to our
bedroom and found a pair of scrubs and hastily put them on. After checking my
hair and brushing my teeth I grabbed my keys, wallet, cell phone, and lab coat
and ran downstairs. After checking all the doors and turning off the lights I
cut through the garage and to my car.
Twenty minutes later
found me clocking in and heading towards the lab. I decided that I wasn't
ready to go in there yet so I took the long way around through the ER and past
the nurse's station. Fifteen minutes and about a thousand conversations later
I was breezing towards my office.
"Hey Janine," I
yelled not being able to see her.
"Yeah," I heard from
the direction of her office.
"How bad is it?" I
asked throwing my cell down on my desk along with my car keys and cigarettes.
"Two MVAs and two
MIs along with all of the lunch chem. work and outpatient labs." She said
rushing past me with a hand full of tubes and forms.
"How much is
chemistry backed up?" I asked slipping on my coat and finding a pair of
gloves.
"Over an hour!" she
said exasperatedly.
"What's the
problem?" I asked washing my hands them slipping on the gloves.
"There was a glitch
in the power for a second and it reset all the machines. Everything was fine
until Alan went to recalibrate and he still hasn't got the levels in for
everything." She said starting the centrifuge and hurrying off.
"Now I see why you
called me." I said.
"Right," she said
from somewhere in the outpatient lab. "Not to mention that a phlebotomist
called in sick and so did two techs."
"Ohh shit" I said
louder than I meant to.
"Yeah," she said,
"Now get to work in chemistry and when you get done thee then try to get some
hematology done and there is a type and cross for whomever gets to it first."
"Okay," I said then
went off to help Alan.
After seeing the
disarray that the chem lab was in I knew this wasn't going to be easy.
"Okay Alan, what's
goin on?" I asked.
"Well Mr. Williams,
the machines won't calibrate and I am swamped." He said sighing.
"Well first off I
want you to call me Scott I am just a tech like you and like I've told you
before that day I went off on you was not a good one for me." I said.
"Okay sorry," he
said a little shyly.
"No I'm the one who
should still be apologizing for that incident." I said.
"Nah it's cool I
understand," he said lowering his head.
"Something on your
mind?" I asked looking over the machines to see any signs of mechanical
damage.
"Well I was kind of
wondering..." He started them trailed off.
"Yeah," I prodded,
"go on."
"Well I was kind of
wondering if you would like to go out sometime." He asked hurriedly.
"I beg your pardon?"
I said turning to face him.
"Well you are a nice
guy when you aren't being a dick." He said sheepishly.
"And cute too..." he
said and the words hung in the air.
Now over the many
years my gaydar had never failed me. Except for this time.
"You mean..." I
asked.
"Uh huh," he said.
"Well I'll be
damned," I said, "I never would have guessed."
"Well it's true," he
said avoiding my gaze, "so would you?"
"Would I what?" I
asked still dumbfounded.
"Like to go out with
me." He said.
"Well Alan I am
flattered but..." I started.
"You're not
interested." He cut me off.
"It's not that
Alan," I said, "You're a really cute guy and all but ya see..."
I pulled off my
glove and held out my left hand.
"Ohh my god you're
straight," he started freaking out, "I just hit on a straight guy."
"Not hardly," I said
then dissolved in laughter, "I am getting married to my fiance Josh in less
than a week."
"Oh thank god," he
said with a relieved sigh, "I mean that you are gay not that..."
"It's ok Alan," I
said still laughing, "I understand."
We stood there in an
uncomfortable silence for a few minutes. Alan was the first to break it.
"So what's it like?"
he asked.
"What's that?" I
said moving to check on the machines.
"Being engaged?" he
said looking through the patient samples attempting to get organized.
"The most amazing
and the most terrifying thing that I have ever experienced." I said.
"Sounds weird." He
said.
"Well Alan, it is
sometimes," I said, "but in a good way, like I can't believe this is happening
to me."
"Well I have never
experienced anything close to that." He said sadly.
"What have you
experienced?" I asked, "If you don't mind my asking?"
"Not much outside of
sex," he said truthfully, "I've been with a couple of guys but there was no
emotion just lust and gratification."
"I know how that
is," I said sadly, "But it will get better,"
"I hope so," he
said.
"Well I went through
a really bad time in my life, a really really bad time that lasted for what
seemed like a century. But now I am with the best man in the world and if I
had to do it all over again to be with him, I'd do it in a heart beat." I said
starting to think about Josh.
"Well he must be
something," he said.
I pulled out my
wallet and showed him that picture of Josh and I kissing on the swing at the
family reunion. My sister had given us both wallets but nothing else which I
thought was shitty but I haven't really had time to think about it.
"Damn, he's hot," he
said.
"Hands off boy he's
all mine," I said snatching the picture back.
"Okay, okay party
pooper." He said going over to the printer check on the calibration.
At that time the
phone rang and I picked up the cordless and answered it.
"Laboratory this is
Scott," I said.
"Hey sexy," I heard
Josh say, "What's up?"
"Tryin to work
baby," I said melting at hearing his voice, "speaking of what are you doing
home so early?"
"One of the perks of
being a V.P.," he said, "I didn't feel like being there so I left to come home
to spend time with you but you weren't here."
"Well I'm sorry baby
you know I'd rather be home with you than here but duty calls," I said going
over to look at the computer screen on the machine.
"Well I know," he
said, "Just tell Janine that because you weren't here I was forced to take
matters into my own hands."
"What's that
supposed to mean hun," I said working on the machine.
"I think you know
sexy." He said with a hint of lust in his voice.
"JOSHUA ALLEN you
didn't," I said loudly.
"Twice actually," he
said laughing.
"Oh my god," I said
feeling the heat wash over my face.
"See what you missed
out on by being at work," he said.
"With incentive like
that I am thinking about quitting." I said jokingly.
"Well just remember
what is waiting at home for ya baby," he said.
"It's what keeps me
going love." I said.
"I love you boo," he
said, "I'll be waiting upstairs when you get home."
"I love you too
baby," I said, "see ya tonight."
"Ok boo," he said,
"Bye."
"Bye angel," I said
then hung up.
I looked over to see
Alan looking at me funny.
"Problems?" I asked
looking at him.
"Nope, but that was
an interesting conversation." He said.
"You have no idea,"
I said going red again.
"Must've been
something," he said shaking his head.
"Yeah," I said. "Now
we got work to do."
"Well the
calibration was pretty much useless because almost half of them are out of
range." He said.
"Well how is the
reagent stock?" I asked not remembering the inventory report.
"We had a shipment
yesterday so we are fully stocked." He said.
"Okay then," I said,
"we are going to replace all of the reagents on all machines, perform monthly
maintenance, calibrate, and run controls."
"Won't that take a
while?" he asked.
"Well only about two
hours if we really hurry." I said.
"Can we wait that
long?" he asked.
"Well Alan I guess
we will have to won't we?" I heard Janine say from the door.
"Ma'am?" he
questioned.
"Well it's like
this," she began, "Scott is the chemistry guru and knows all these machines
like the back of his hand. What he says over here is pretty much gospel. And
he has never led us wrong before.
"Thanks Janine," I
said, "now will you do me a favor and call the ER and tell them what's up.
Alan why don't you start getting the reagents replaced and logged in while I
try to go clear out the hematology work. Did you ever get to that type and
cross Janine?"
"That is done and
ready to give but hematology is backed up out the ass." She said sighing.
"Well I'll take care
of that if you can make those calls for me and tell them to hold off on all
non critical labs till we get back on our feet." I said.
"Sure thing boss,"
she joked.
"Alright people
let's move." I said going over to the hematology side.
Janine wasn't lying
when she said that it was backed up. It took me almost twenty minutes to get
everything programmed into the system. Once I had everything set to run I
went to check on Alan. He seemed to be doing well although he was trying to
do too many things at one time.
"Alan," I said.
"Yeah," he
answered.
"Calm down," I said,
"If you do one thing at a time you'll get done quicker."
"Sorry, I'm just in
a hurry." He said.
"Well let me help
where are you at?" I said moving over in front of the computer screen.
"Well everything is
logged in and ready to put on." He said, "'Where do you want to start."
"Well let's get all
these reagents on first. Get the controls and calibrators out of the fridge
so we can get them going asap. When you get that done than I'll start putting
them on the lx cause that is our main machine the back up can wait till we get
this one calibrating." I said getting everything lined up to put on the
machine.
"Right." He said
moving off to get the things from the fridge.
I was standing there
throwing the old reagents away and putting the new ones on.. logging them in
and confirming lot numbers and all that jazz. It was fun trying to get all
that done quickly. Thank god for barcode scanners.
"Damn you are good,"
Alan said from beside me, "I've never seen you work in the lab before."
"Well it pays to be
quick," I said laughing then went back to the task at hand.
Within twenty
minutes I had everything on the machines and the calibrators and controls
running. The patients were programmed to run right after that. Alan and I
had moved over to hematology and were busy confirming the reports that had
printed in that time. Everything checked out thank god and after I called in
a couple of critical values all we had to do was wait.
"Well I don't know
about you Alan but I could sure as hell use a smoke," I said.
"Does sound nice,"
he said.
"Well let me tell
Janine and we'll be off." I said.
About five minutes
later we were standing outside lighting cigarettes. I noticed that the sky
was looking a little dark so I pulled out my cell phone and dialed my home
number.
"Hey baby," Josh
answered.
"Hey love," I said.
"How's it going?" he
asked.
"Well not too badly
but it could be a lot better." I said tiredly.
"K," he said, "you
know when you'll be home yet?"
"Not yet baby," I
said, "I hope soon, but the reason I called is to tell you that the windows in
the guest rooms are open and it looks like rain so you might want to close
them."
"K," he said, "Why
were they open anyway?"
"Well we have
company coming and I wanted to air them out, ohh and there is a load of sheets
in the washer and one in the dryer. Could you put them in the rooms and start
another load. I'll make the beds tomorrow morning." I said.
"Sure thing love,"
he said.
"You sound sleepy,"
I said.
"Well I just woke up
from a nap." He said yawning.
"Well I'll let you
go do what you gotta do and I'll see ya tonight." I said.
"Okay baby," he said
stifling another yawn, "Love ya."
"Love you too babe,"
I said, "Bye."
"Bye," he said then
hung up.
"Damn," Alan said.
"What?" I asked
putting out the cigarette and lighting another one.
"I'm jealous," he
said.
"Of what?" I asked.
"You and Josh," he
said, "you seem like you've been together forever."
"Well not forever
but almost a year." I said.
"Well I am still
jealous." He said.
"I know," I said
grinning.
"Ass," he said.
I knew after that we
were going to become closer friends even though we may have gotten off to a
rough start.
After we finished
our cigarettes we went back into the lab and found that there had been another
MVA and it was a big one.
I went over to the
chem side and saw that the machines were about 75% finished so I knew that by
the time the patients arrived that everything would be nearly caught up. I
could always stop the machines and run the critical patients as stat. With
that thought I left the chem lab to Alan and went to my office to catch up on
paperwork.
It was dark in the
house when I finally made it home. I could faintly hear the TV upstairs but I
figured that Josh had fallen asleep with it on again. I went through the
kitchen and saw a plate of food in the fridge with a note that said "Eat Me
Now." I laughed and popped it in the microwave.
I had finished the
food that Josh had made and after checking all the doors and setting the air
conditioning to a slightly higher temperature I went upstairs.
I looked at my angel
asleep on the bed with his glasses falling down his face. It was so cute. I
kicked off my shoes and crawled up the bed and removed his glasses from his
face and placed them on the nightstand. Then I moved in closer and kissed his
soft lips. He started stirring eventually awoke enough to return the kiss.
"mmmmm" I heard him
moaning.
"Hey love," I said.
"Hey baby," he
mumbled, "shower."
I kissed him again
then went to take a shower like he suggested. He always told me that I
smelled like a hospital when I came home. I was immune to the smell so I
never noticed.
After taking a nice
cool shower I went to curl up with my angel and sleep. He immediately wrapped
his arms around me and before I drifted off to sleep I glanced at the clock
which read 2:58.
Well here we stood
at the airport watching the countless people milling around trying to make it
to their flights on time and others trying to get outside to get their
cigarettes and cabs. I was nervous about seeing my family but also extremely
excited.
I knew that this was
going to be an event to remember for a long time because to my knowledge it
has been a while since thee has been a wedding in the family. Not to mention
the fact that it was MY WEDDING.
I was jarred out of
my daydream by that annoying announcer.
"Ladies and
gentlemen flight 5576 direct from Atlanta is now arriving on gate 5."
"That's them baby,"
Josh said grabbing my hand and pulling me towards the gate.
"I know," I said as
I was basically dragged along behind him.
"Well look at the
pretty little queer," I heard a voice in front of me and felt Josh go rigid
beside me.
I looked up then
replied.
"Bitch," I said.
"Whore," they said.
I ran up to the
woman and wrapped my arms around her.
"It's so good to see
ya Kat," I said to my sister.
"Ohh you too Scott,"
she said, "I've missed you."
"You too," I said.
Kat hadn't been able
to make it to the reunion nor had my sister Anna so after I made the
appropriate introductions I had to gather up everyone.
"Okay people listen
up" I said speaking to the large crowd of my family, "Here's how it is going
to work, the immediate family is going to my house to unpack and rest and all
that stuff. The rest of you are going to the Marriot where you can get
checked in under the William's party. Most of you are on the same floor and
they'll handle the room assignments that I worked out earlier in the week. If
there is a problem with anything then call me and we'll fix it. So the ones
of you who aren't going to the marriot are going to my house in mine and
Josh's cars if you'll fit if not then you can catch a cab there. The others
can take the shuttle to the hotel and you should all fit in one trip if not
then there are two shuttles that run 10 minutes apart so you can wait for the
next one. Tonight we are all having pool party at my house so if you don't
have anything to swim in then get something in the hotel gift shop. We are
gonna be eating about six so if you get hungry before then just call room
service and it'll be put on the room bill. You all have ine and Josh's number
at the house as well as our cells so are there any questions?"
"Ok then go get your
luggage and get back here so we can get out of here," I said after no one said
anything.
*
* * * * * *
* * * * *
It was five thirty
and I had just moved the large amount of food outside for Josh to place on the
grill. I heard the doorbell echoing through the house and leaned in for a
kiss while picking Josh's wallet out of his pocket to pay the family's cab
fare.
When I opened the
door I was surprised to see Michelle standing there.
"Hey Michelle," I
said.
"Hi Scott," she
replied, "Am I too early?"
"Nope, right on
time," I said moving to allow her to enter, "I had actually forgotten you were
coming. It's been a hectic couple of days."
"I understand. Where
should I put this?" She said gesturing to the large bowl she held in her
arms.
"Depends on what it
is," I said.
"Potato Salad," she
said, "my momma told me to never show up to a party empty handed."
"Ahh a true
southerner," I said peaking into the bowl, "with some real home cooked food
too."
"Cooked fresh this
morning by my mom," she laughed, "you don't want to let me in the kitchen."
We laughed and moved
out to the back yard and she set the potato salad down on the table.
"Well if it isn't
the wedding planner and my little thief." Josh said noticing us.
"Sorry love I
thought it was the family and I needed to pay their fare." I said kissing him
quickly.
"What about using
your wallet?" he asked playfully.
"I have no cash only
a debit card," I said defensively, "and the drivers have no place to swipe
it."
"I better not catch
you swiping nothing with the cab drivers." Josh laughed.
"I'm savin that all
for you baby," I said as the doorbell rang again.
I turned to go and
as I did Josh pinched my ass and I yelped and ran through the kitchen.
A while later we
were all sitting around my back yard enjoying Josh's cooking. I have to admit
that he isn't much in the kitchen but he can grill like hell. Everyone was
talking and just generally enjoying themselves. Some were swimming and others
decided to get in the hot tub. It felt good to have everyone there but weird
at the same time. I can't explain it but it was just ... well...weird.
It was late that
night when everyone left and Josh and I finally got to curl up in bed. I was
tired as hell and almost started crying when my cell phone rang a little past
midnight. I looked at the display and sighed.
"I'm on my way," I
answered the phone.
"Thanks Scott," I
heard Alicia say before I hung up.
I slipped out of bed
and went to my closet and pulled out a pair of scrubs and went to the bathroom
to get ready. Fifteen minutes and a shower later I was walking through the
house trying not to wake anyone. I detoured through the kitchen and left a
note on the fridge then went out the door to the garage then off to the
hospital.
**Josh's POV**
When I awoke at
around seven Scott wasn't in bed with me. I wondered if he had woken up early
and gone downstairs to try to make breakfast for the large crowd of people
that were currently sharing our house. I managed to stumble over to the
closet and pulled on a pair of Scott's scrub pants and a wife beater and
headed downstairs to find him.
As I walked through
the house I could smell coffee and that led me to believe that he was in fact
preparing to make breakfast. As I rounded the corner to the kitchen I was
surprised to find it mostly dark save for the light filtering in through the
windows and the red light on the automatic coffee maker.
I walked over and
poured myself a cup and went to the fridge for the milk when I saw the note.
Hey Angel,
Sorry I'm not here but Alicia called and they needed
me to work tonight. I don't know what time I'll be home but try to look after
the family till I get back. I know you don't have to work today so just take
it easy and relax. I promise that this is the last time I am working for a
long time. I might swing by the hotel to check on everyone if it isn't too
early.
Love you,
Scott
P.S. Don't try to cook. Leave that to the family.
I smiled as I opened
the door and pulled out the milk.
"Holy shit," I said
when I shut the door and Scott's brother Wade was standing there behind it.
"What?" he asked
scratching his head looking as if he had just rolled out of bed.
"You scared the shit
outta me," I said adding the milk to my coffee.
"Sorry," he said
sitting down at the bar, "didn't mean to."
"S'ok," I said,
"Coffee?"
"Sure," he said.
I pulled another cup
out of the cabinet and poured coffee in it. When he started drinking it
immediately I took it that he didn't want any cream so I put the milk back in
the fridge.
"Mmm," he said,
"good coffee."
"Well Scott made it
but I'll tell him," I said taking a small drink from my cup.
"That brat always
could make a mean cup of coffee." He said laughing.
"That's not all he
can do," I said under my breath thinking that he couldn't hear me.
"Damn," he said
nearly getting strangled on his coffee.
"Sorry," I said
blushing furiously.
"I guess we're even
now." He said smiling.
"Yeah," I said
idly.
"Where is Scott
anyway?" he asked taking another drink.
"He is at work," I
said switching on the radio by the stove.
"Damn this early?"
he asked.
"Well he must have
gotten called out last night after we went to bed," I replied, "He didn't wake
me before he left."
"Damn, must suck
when that happens," he said.
"Yeah, but it
doesn't happen that often at night, just far too often on his days off." I
said.
"That's rough," he
said.
"Yeah," I said, "I
tell him that he works too hard but he never listens."
"He has always
worked hard at everything, I doubt that has changed any." He said.
"Nope," I said
taking a long drink from my coffee.
"Must suck for you,"
he said.
"Not really," I said
truthfully, "No matter how much he works he always manages to make time for
us. I don't know how though."
"If there's a way
he'll find it, believe me," he said laughing.
"Ohh so you know
about his stubborn streak?" I said grinning.
"It's a family
trait," he said smiling innocently.
"Ohh great, and now
I have all of you here in this house, what fun." I said sarcastically.
"You don't know the
half of it," he said.
It was at that time
that the rest of the family was waking up and one by one they all drifted
towards the kitchen. Pretty soon we were all sitting around the bar and table
talking. We were laughing and talking about nothing in particular. No one
had mentioned Scott's whereabouts until Kat brought it up.
"So Josh, what have
you done with my brother?" she asked.
"He got called out
to work last night sometime and left me here to deal with you guys." I said.
"Awww how nice of
him," she said laughing, "What time did he leave?"
"I don't know he
didn't wake me up," I said, "He just left that note on the fridge."
She walked over to
examine it and then laughed out loud.
"So my little bro
doesn't allow you to cook in his kitchen?" she asked which got the rest of the
family laughing as well.
"No, I've been
banished from here." I said, "he does all the cooking."
"But you cooked last
night," Scott's other brother Thomas said.
"I'm allowed to cook
outside on the grill." I said sheepishly.
"Ohh," Kat said,
"Why?"
"Cause I'm pretty
good at it," I said
"And..." she prodded.
"And the last time I
tried to cook in here there was a small incident with a grease fire." I said
finally.
That made everyone
laugh and I felt about two feet tall.
"Well what the hell
is so funny this early in the morning," I heard from behind me.
"We're just making
fun of Josh's professional cooking skills." Kat said.
"Well leave my baby
alone," Scott said wrapping his arms around my waist and kissing my neck.
"It's not his fault we have to keep 911 on stand by when he is in the
kitchen."
"Hey!" I said
slapping his shoulder, "you're supposed to defend me."
"Baby it doesn't
matter to me if you can't boil water," he said turning me around, "I love you
just the way you are."
I stuck my tongue
out at everyone else then leaned in for a kiss. He laughed when I scrunched
up my nose.
"What?" he asked.
"You smell like
hospital," I said laughing, "go bathe"
"Well fine be that
way," but made no effort to move so I turned around with my back to him and we
continued talking with his family.
"Soo Josh," Betty
was asking, "When is your family getting here?"
"Ummm umm umm," I
managed to stammer out before Scott held me tighter and took over.
"They aren't." he
said simply.
"Why not?" Kat
asked.
"Well," he said,
"It's complicated."
"Basically, they
don't approve." I began, "When I first came out to them they practically
disowned me. We talk infrequently but not like you guys do. When we sent
them an invitation it came back with a note that said they didn't approve and
wouldn't be here. I don't think I'll be talking to them again."
It was tense in the
room and I could tell that Betty regretted asking the question. Kat's
expression wasn't readable but I soon enough found out what she was thinking.
"Bastards," she said
flatly and drained her coffee cup.
"How anyone could do
that I'll never know," Anna said.
"Well no matter
Josh," Kat said coming over to me, "You've got us now, you're a part of our
family.
After saying that
she pulled me away from Scott and into her arms and soon enough I was
enveloped in a William's family hug.
After complaining
that I couldn't breathe I turned to find Scott beaming at me from a stool. I
went over and sat down on his lap while the conversation resumed.
"Well I don't know
about you guys but I'm damn hungry," Kat said bluntly.
After everyone
chorused their agreement they set about pulling out pots and pans and food
from the fridge.
"Scott where do you
keep your potaos?" Anna asked.
"The bottom cabinet
on the right of the stove." He replied from behind me.
I felt Scott moving
behind me and then seconds later I was aggravating him as usual.
"One of these days
you are gonna set me on fire doing that," I said as I heard his lighter
striking dangerously close to my ear.
"Well maybe you'd be
cute bald baby," he retorted.
"Well let's not find
out that way." I said.
"Party pooper," he
said then stuck his tongue out at me.
"Yeah yeah yeah, go
bathe please," I said grinning.
"You sayin I stink?"
he asked.
"Basically, yeah," I
said dodging his attempt at swatting my ass.
"Fine I'll go
bathe," he said standing to go upstairs, "but you're feeding me when I get
back."
"Deal," I said,
"Kiss?"
He leaned in for a
quick kiss the trotted out of the kitchen.
"Don't let him cook
Kat," I heard him yell on his way through the living room.
She laughed when she
heard that and I took off upstairs after him.
*
* * * * * *
* * * * *
**Scott's POV**
Time had flown by
and here we are approximately twenty four hours before the wedding. It was
about 3 p.m. Sunday afternoon and we were all getting set for the rehearsal.
Everything was set up save for the flowers and the reception area. The food
was in my refrigerator and the one I kept in the garage. Our tuxes were
hanging in our closet and everything was right on schedule.
I stood over to one
side talking with Michelle about the vows and the minister joined us to
discuss some changes to the ceremony she thought would make it work better.
After about hour and a half we were ready for the rehearsal.
We were standing
down on the beach that was behind the house and the rows of chairs were set up
on the sand which had taken some work to get level. There were three groups
of chairs that were set up for the guests. Setting them up this way allowed
for the two aisles that Josh and I would walk down during the ceremony.
The chairs were set
up in a fence like enclosure. The chairs were somewhat roped off with stakes
that were strung with a silk like fabric that Michelle called toile and Josh
called cheesecloth. It was draped in swags along the stakes along the
perimeter of the chairs. The altar area was basically an archway draped with
more toile and it was stretched to meet the stakes on each corner.
In the morning the
finishing touched would be put on which included bouquets orchids being placed
on each stake and attached to the archway along with vines of flowers draped
along the archway and along the toile. In the center of the archway is where
we will be standing along with the minister. I would be walking down the
right aisle with Josh walking down the left. On the right side I would meet
Rick whom I had asked to be my best man and Josh would meet Jamie whom he had
asked not long after he and Rick had started dating. Their major function was
to look good in a tux and give us our rings.
My family would take
up the first three rows of chairs in all three sections and the rest would be
filled with friends and other guests. The minister would be in the center of
the arch and my mom and sister Sue would be in the front row center, with my
other siblings on either side followed by nieces and nephews, aunts and
uncles, cousins and so on. And on and on and on...
Josh had joked when
he saw the diagram for the ceremony area that it was too white like a damn
hospital but I just laughed. Later on he told me how beautiful it looked.
But that was in private. Rick, Jamie, Josh, and I would all be wearing black
tuxes with baby blue cumber bunds.
My wedding band was
the same ring Josh had given me when he proposed. He had been adamant that he
wanted to buy a different one but in the end my stubbornness won so I had
simply went out and bought an exact replica for him. I would be taking my
ring off before the ceremony and give it to Jamie for Josh to put back on
during the ceremony. Josh's ring would be held by Rick until the appropriate
time. I had vowed to Josh when we planned this part of the ceremony that this
day before he put it back on my finger would be the only time that ring would
be missing from my finger. So far it had never been off since that night in
Jamaica when he placed it there.
Being there on the
beach that evening gave everyone present a sneak preview of what the
atmosphere would be like tomorrow. The sun had lost nearly all of its
strength and just remained powerful enough to illuminate the entire area with
it's remaining rays I had saw this view many times but with all of the
decorations for the wedding it made my breath catch in my throat when I looked
up from talking with the minister.
"Beautiful isn't
it?" Michelle asked from beside me.
"I've never saw it
look like this," I said.
"And you probably
never will again after tomorrow." She said thoughtfully.
"I can't believe I'm
actually here, and it's actually going to happen. I said.
"Well believe it
because it is. By this time tomorrow you will be a married man," she said
leaving me with that thought while she gathered everyone up.
By 6 p.m. we were
all sitting on my patio laughing and talking about anything and everything. I
was sitting there watching Josh in the pool. He looked so beautiful. His
body gliding effortlessly through the water. I watched the water cascading
off his tanned skin with every stroke he made. I was utterly mesmerized by
this heavenly sight. Until Kat broke my concentration.
"Hey lil bro," she
said loudly, "You mind joining us for some conversation rather than staring at
Josh?"
I looked at her and
pretended to look her up and down then said, "No thanks, I'll pass." Then I
went back to watching my angel.
It was about fifteen
after ten and I was sleepy and I had noticed that Josh had started yawning
beside me some time ago so we decided to call it a night. After saying our
good nights to everyone we excused ourselves upstairs and left them to their
own devices. After we both showered we crawled into bed and were asleep
within minutes.
*
* * * * * *
* * * * * *
**Scott's POV**
I have heard people
describe a feeling of peace and tranquility on their wedding day. When I
awoke at 6:30 I felt that same feeling. I looked at the angel sleeping in my
arms and everything seemed right.
I brushed some stray
hairs from his face and he just snuggled closer to me. I could have spent the
entire day right there. I laid back on the pillows and was beginning to drift
back to sleep when the realization of what was going to happen today finally
hit me.
"Shit!!" I said
aloud to myself.
I kissed Josh's
forehead and quickly got out of bed and grabbed his robe on the back of our
bedroom door. I was trying to slide my arms through it while nearly running
down the stairs.
As I walked into the
kitchen I was greeted with the sight of my family all sitting around the table
sipping coffee and talking quietly. I ignored their good mornings as I walked
to the coffee maker and poured myself a cup. As I walked over to the fridge
to retrieve the cream I grabbed the cordless phone and dialed a now familiar
number.
"Hello?" a chipper
voice greeted me.
"Hey Michelle," I
said into the phone while trying to add the cream to my coffee.
"Hey Scott," she
said stifling a yawn, "How's the groom this morning?"
"A nervous wreck is
how," I said crossing back to the fridge, "how is everything with you?"
"Fine Scott," she
said, "And don't be nervous everything is going to be perfect."
"Tell that to my
nerves," I replied, "Is there anything I should know?"
"Nope all taken care
of," she said sound far too happy, "I'm coming over in a few minutes is
everyone up and ready to go?"
"Everyone but Josh,"
I said, "I decided to let him sleep a little longer before waking him up."
"Okay," she said,
"I'll round up the crew and be over before 7:30."
"Okay Michelle," I
said, "See ya then,"
"Bye Scott," she
replied and hung up.
As soon as she
disconnected I took a long drink from my coffee and then turned to my family.
"Morning guys," I
said.
"Well he can speak,"
Kat replied sarcastically.
"Yeah yeah yeah," I
said waving my hand at her, "Anyone have a smoke?"
After I had bummed a
cigarette off my brother I lit it and inhaled deeply. Feeling the relaxation
wash over me I felt a little more ready to face this day.
"Feel better?" Kat
asked.
"Much." I
responded.
We spent the next
half an hour talking in the kitchen and laughing it up about old times. I
knew what their plan was; they were trying to take my mind off of the ceremony
later on in the day. I had to thank them for the effort and it was working
until the doorbell rang.
I walked quickly
through the house and greeted Michelle and her crew and we all went back out
to the kitchen. She showed all of her assistants where to start out in the
back yard and then we sat there and talked some more about nothing in
particular. I was telling a story about Josh and I when Kat interrupted.
"Morning
sleepyhead," she directed over my shoulder.
I looked back and
saw Josh standing there with my robe on. He looked as if he had basically
rolled all the way downstairs and wasn't awake until he hit the kitchen. I
walked over to him and wrapped my arms around his waist. He nuzzled my neck
and closed his eyes. We stood there for a few moments not saying anything. I
was giving Josh the time he usually required to wake up enough to form a
coherent sentence.
"Josh baby?" I
asked.
"Mmmm," he replied
sleepily.
"You know what today
is right?" I asked playfully.
"Mmmm," was his
response once again.
"Today is the day we
get married baby," I said to him.
"The next thing I
knew he had tightened his grip on me and was spinning me around the kitchen.
"Now how could I
forget that boo," he said leaning in for a kiss.
"I love you," I said
after breaking the kiss.
"And I love you," he
said leaning his head against mine.
I was impressed that
my family had remained silent as long as they had. I was beginning to wonder
if they were still in the room. I turned to look at them and nearly laughed.
They were all sitting around staring at their coffee cups and pictures on the
wall.
"What, no smart
remarks?" I asked jokingly.
"Not on your wedding
day," Kat said.
"Well that is
sweet," I said turning to Josh.
I wrapped my arms
around his waist and pressed my lips to his. I began pushing him backward
until I felt him come into contact with the refrigerator. I ran my hands up
his sides and eventually came up to his neck. I continued to kiss him and
allowed my tongue to snake its way into his mouth. I could have remained that
way for much longer than I did but when I felt "little Josh" start to wake up
I decided enough is enough.
I broke the kiss and
then looked at him and grinned. I glanced over at my family and saw several
of them blushing and the rest had their mouths hanging open.
"What??" I asked.
"That was some
kiss," Kat finally managed to say.
"Well I figured
since I was free from smart remarks today I would take full advantage of it."
I said.
"Well you certainly
did that," Kat said going back to her forgotten conversation with Michelle.
We sat and talked
until roughly 8:30 and then I told Josh that I was going for a swim before
Michelle's assistants began decorating the pool.
I went upstairs and
discovered that my swim trunks were in the laundry so I opted for the black
speedo that was tucked in the back of my underwear drawer. After I slipped on
the form fitting fabric I put Josh's black silk robe back on and grabbed a
towel from our bathroom.
As I walked back
downstairs I noticed that there was less noise coming from the kitchen and as
I entered it I saw why. They had decided to move their little BS session out
onto the patio. I walked by Josh and he winked at me while trying to talk
about something with Wade.
I made my way to one
of the few chaise lounge chairs remaining on the patio and placed my towel on
it. I turned toward the pool and slipped the silk robe from around me. I
walked over to the edge of the water and after a brief pause I dove smoothly
into the water.
I swam up to the
edge of the pool as I was finishing my 5th and final lap. After
the water had drained from my ears I noticed that all conversation around the
patio had stopped. There wasn't a peep from anyone including Michelle's
crew.
I glanced around and
it was as if god had stopped time for everyone but me. I shrugged and climbed
out of the water and began drying off. Still no one said anything so after I
had tied the robe I decided to find out what their problem was.
"WHAT?" I said
loudly.
I didn't get an
answer but I did get a slight gurgling noise from Josh's direction. It was
quite cute so I let it go and went over and stole a cigarette from my
brother's pack and after lighting it Kat finally managed to speak.
"That's a nice
bathing suit Scott." She said
"Thanks," I said
nonchalantly.
"Yeah..." Josh
agreed.
"Makes my ass look
good don't it baby," I said causing Josh to go red and my mother to nearly
choke on coffee.
"Yeah," he responded
lowly.
"Well I sure hope
you enjoyed the view," I said speaking to everyone currently on the patio.
"You couldn't have
picked something a little less revealing?" Kat asked.
"It was the only
thing clean," I replied.
"Ohh," she said,
"The reason I asked was that when you took off the robe conversation with Josh
became impossible and half of Michelle's crew stopped working."
"Really?" I asked,
"You enjoy the view baby?"
"Immensely," he said
finally getting over the embarrassment.
"Well you know I aim
to please," I said to him.
"Ohh yes I know," he
said grinning like a fool.
"Okay too much
information," Anna chimed in.
"Sorry," Josh
mumbled.
"Well I'm going to
take a shower now," I said laughing.
"You stay put
mister, we don't have time." I said to Josh as he started to rise from his
seat.
I know he blushed
furiously because I heard everyone laughing loudly as I turned to go. I
decided to get them back because Josh had been blushing enough this morning.
"Well, maybe if
we're quick," I said turning my head to look over my shoulder.
The next thing I saw
was a white blur going past me as Josh ran in the house and I looked back to
see my family with their vacant expressions for like the third time this
morning. Mission Accomplished.
Josh and I finished
our shower without major incident. It had turned out to be a more relaxing
experience than a sexual one, which was fine by me. We had managed to waste
the better part of the morning and the clock was quickly headed toward noon.
After we had dressed
casually we went back downstairs to see if there was anything to be done. I
was greeted with the sight of my family milling around the kitchen making last
minute preparations to the food that we had cooked for the reception.
Michelle insisted that everything was under control so Josh and I went back
out to the patio to attempt to not freak out before the ceremony.
We hadn't been
outside for more than 10 minutes before my brother's Wade and Tom came out.
"Ok Josh, one more
kiss then you are coming with us." Wade said.
"What the hell for?"
I asked.
"Tradition," he said
simply.
"You're not supposed
to see one another before your wedding," Tom finished, "So kissey kissey and
bye bye."
"Damn," I said
aloud, "I was hoping you'd forget,"
"Well we were going
to come steal one of you out of bed but we figured that'd be a bit much so at
least we let you have up until now." Wade said grinning.
I leaned over and
kissed Josh briefly.
"I love you baby," I
said slowly.
"I love you Scott,"
he said.
"I'll see you
later," I said.
"Count on it," he
said then leaned in for another kiss before being dragged off by Wade and
Tom.
I didn't know where
they were going to take him to keep him away from me but I didn't care because
I knew that in less than 4 hours I would see him again and we would be married
in front my family and everyone that I held dear to me.
*
* * * * * *
* *
"Why do they make
these things so damn hard to tie?" I asked while trying to tie the bowtie.
"To make life
difficult for people like you," Rick said coming over to help me.
"Things are hard
enough," I said laughing.
"So tell me Scott,"
Rick said working on the tie, "on a scale of 1 to 10 how nervous are you?"
"About 27," I said
truthfully.
"Why?" he asked.
"I don't know," I
said flatly, "I guess I am worried that something is going to go wrong at the
last minute."
"Or you are afraid
he still might back out." Rick said. He always had a knack for cutting to the
chase.
"Maybe," I said
sadly.
"Scott, look at me,"
he said.
"What?" I asked
looking him in the eyes.
"Josh isn't going
anywhere," he said, "he is going to be here for a long time. He loves you so
much Scott. I don't think either of you realize how palpable that is to
everyone around you. I can feel the love between the two of you when I am
around you guys. I can see that this is what the both of you have been
waiting for your entire lives. And don't you worry about him leaving you
because I truly believe that if god himself tried to keep you two apart, Josh
would find a way to get to you."
By the time he was
finished I was crying and so was he. He was right of course. I knew in my
very bones that if by some miracle god tried to separate us that I would fight
till the death just to get my angel for one more second. After that
realization my nerves settled and for the first time in hours I felt like
myself. I was feeling a little lightheaded but I felt that was because in
less than 20 minutes I would be walking down the aisle to meet Josh at the
other end and there we would be forever joined as one.
Rick and I finished
getting ready and then after we stopped in the kitchen for me to have a
cigarette we went down to the beach where Michelle was waiting for us.
"Ready?" she asked.
"For this day?" I
said, "Born ready."
"Good, about 10
minutes till show time." She said then walked over to where I assumed Josh was
standing.
The finishing
touches of the structure had been put on this morning and were Josh and I were
to stand was enclosed by layers of toile which prevented us from seeing one
another. As I had been walking toward my little tent I noticed that everyone
was seated, and the band was playing soft background music. Well it wasn't
technically a band just a string quartet which would provide the music for the
ceremony.
I was beginning to
get antsy when I heard Michelle telling her assistant to ready the band. This
was it. I could feel my heart pounding all the way down to my toes and that
lightheaded feeling intensified. As I stood there waiting for Michelle to
give Rick and Jamie the signal I flashed back over all the times Josh and I
had together. It comforted me and allowed my heart rate to return to normal
until I heard the opening strings of Bach's "Air on the G String", then I knew
it was time.
When her assistant
got the signal they pulled back the toile and allowed Rick to exit. I walked
up to the opening and waited. I knew that the next time it was opened it was
my turn. I took a deep breath and thought "Just breathe.."
The tent opened and
I stepped out. I looked out over the crowd and the atmosphere which the time
of day had created. Although I had saw it the day before I never imagined it
would look like this. It had to be the most serene scene I had ever saw. I
looked out over the crowd as I walked slowly down the aisle and thought that
this was the one memory I would never forget. It was as if time had rested
while I made my way slowly towards the front. The ocean's waves were near
silent and even the birds had gone quiet as I walked.
I reached the front
of the aisle and turned to walk toward the center. When I did my eyes locked
with Josh's and we both smiled. We closed the distance between us as the
quartet held the final note before going silent. Then the minister spoke.
"We are gathered
here today in the presence of god to unite these two souls as one. Marriage
is a sacred bond and should only be undertaken with the purest of intentions,
and absolute trust. Do both of you join us here today of your own free will?"
she said.
"We Do," we answered
in unison.
"Who gives these two
to be joined?" she asked the crowd.
"We Do," my entire
family answered in unison. I turned to see them all smiling and my mom was
crying already.
"Marriage is the
joining of two souls as one. From this point forward you promise to love one
another, care for one another, in both happiness and sorrow, sickness and
health, the good times and the bad, and keep only unto one another until
parted in death. Do you make this promise to one another?" she continued.
"I promise," I
said.
"I promise," Josh
said, "With all that I am."
"May I have the
rings please." She said speaking to Rick and Jamie.
"These rings are a
symbol of your for one another. A continuous circle; which like your love is
never ending. These rings are a symbol to the world of the promise you are
making here today. Scott will you take Josh's ring and place it on his finger
and repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed." she said handing me Josh's
ring.
"With this ring, I
thee wed," I repeated as I slid the ring onto his finger.
"Josh will you take
Scott's ring and place it on his finger and repeat after me. With this ring,
I thee wed." she said giving Josh my ring.
"With this ring, I
thee wed," he said slipping the ring on my finger while looking deep into my
eyes.
"Josh you may now
recite your vows," she said.
"Scott.
When I met you I
never thought in a million years that you would love someone like me. You are
the most special person I have ever met and since I have been with you my life
has been filled with happiness. I cannot imagine a single day without you in
my life. Your smile, the sound of your voice, the touch of your hand. Those
are the things I need to survive. When you first loved me, I knew life for
the first time. I knew what life should truly be. I promise to love you
Scott, in this life and whatever comes after. As your husband, your lover,
your friend, and your soul mate. All that I am, is yours. " he said slowly.
"Scott, you may now
recite your vows," she said with emotion thick in her voice.
"Josh,
In my entire life I
never imagined feeling the way I feel when I'm with you. To feel complete,
whole, and no longer alone. Since that first night I saw you and got to know
you, I knew if I was ever going to marry someone, it had to be you. You are
the most amazing man I have ever had the privilege of knowing, and someone I
an honored to call my husband, and best friend. When I was young I used to
dream of being married to someone who makes me feel complete. I realized on
that same night, that it's you. You complete me Joshua, make me feel so
completely loved and safe. As I stand here before the people that I care for
most I see all of my hopes and dreams fulfilled just by looking into your
eyes. And I promise to honor you, love you, hold you, and be there for you
forever. I was born to love you Josh, and I always will." I stated with tears
streaming down my face.
The minister
continued on, her voice wavering slightly with emotion.
"Scott and Josh if
you would please join hands," she said taking a white silk ribbon in her
hands, "Here in the presence of god and these witness you have sworn your vows
to one another, With this ribbon I bind you to those vows."
While saying that
she took the ribbon and wrapped it around our joined hands and tied it in a
loose bow.
The minister
continued this time speaking to the guests, "Ladies and gentlemen these two
men have pledged their love to one another, I will ask at this time if anyone
has just cause why these two should not be joined to speak now or remain
forever silent."
I held my breath
while she waited for someone to speak.
"Very well, Josh and
Scott, By the power invested in me by god and the state of Georgia I now
pronounce you eternally bound as one. You may kiss one another."
Josh and I stood
facing one another.
"Heart to thee
Body to thee
Always and forever
So let it be,"
we recited in
perfect unison and then leaned toward one another. At the precise moment our
lips met the sun had dipped below the horizon bathing the entire sky in liquid
gold. The ocean was calm and not a sound could be heard except the gentle
lapping of the waves against the sand. After our brief kiss ended the
minister spoke one last time.
"Ladies and
Gentlemen it is my great pleasure to present to you Joshua Allen and Scott
Matthew Williams, What god has joined together this day, let no man tear a
sunder."
That being said we
turned to face the guests and they stood and applauded. I couldn't stop
smiling at that instant even if I tried. We stood there briefly until the
quartet began playing again at which point we began our recessional down the
aisle followed by Jamie and Rick.
Once we were out
side of the perimeter of the chairs we stopped and faced one another.
"We did it baby,"
Josh said to me.
"I know angel," I
said, "I love you."
"I love you too
baby," Josh said.
We kissed briefly
then continued on our way back up to the back patio where the reception would
be held.
When I reached the
back patio I was once again astounded. It didn't even resemble my back yard.
There were yards of toile draped across everything that would hold it and the
pool had candles and magnolia blossoms floating in it. The DJ had begun
playing something soft as background music and everyone that Michelle had
brought with her that morning was now dressed in a black tux with baby blue
vests.
"The silver punch
fountain gleamed in the dim light and the three tiered wedding cake set on a
long table at the end of the pool where Josh and I would be seated. An ice
sculpture sat in the place my patio table was previously and two long banquet
tables ran along each side of the pool which is where the guests would be
sitting.
The pool had been
virtually roped off with toile that had been delicately draped from the white
poles running along the perimeter of the pool. I glanced over towards the
other side of Josh's and my table and saw a tower of champagne glasses that
was illuminated by tea lights that were sitting around the edge of the
glasses. I watched as one of the assistants walked over to them and popped
the top on a bottle of champagne.
He glanced over
towards us and grinned as he started pouring it in the top glass which over
flowed all the way down to the bottom glass. He repeated the process until
every glass was filled.
I noticed that when
the sun completely set there were large globe lights strung above the fence
and discretely hidden behind bushes and lights I could see citronella candles
burning to keep the bugs away. Michelle had thought of everything.
The food was lined
up on one large table near the kitchen door and it appeared that everything
was set. At that moment Michelle came up behind us and began speaking.
"Let me be the first
to congratulate you two," she said dabbing at her eyes with a lace
handkerchief. "Those were the best vows I have ever heard."
"Thank you
Michelle," Josh said leaning in for a quick hug.
"Yes Michelle I
couldn't have done it without you," I said kissing her cheek, "And this place
looks great."
"Well thank you,"
she said, "but it was all your idea."
"I never thought it
would look this good," I said.
"Congratulations
Sirs," I heard an assistant say, "Care for some champagne?"
We both took a glass
and thanked him them; then began milling about as the guests started filtering
in. I noticed that everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves so far and most
of them had opted for either champagne or punch. There were other beverages
there but I had decided against having any type of bar so it was either: iced
tea, punch, champagne, or soft drinks.
Josh and I had our
hands intertwined as we moved about talking with the guests and neither of
noticed that the ribbon that was placed on our hands during the ceremony was
still there till Kat brought it up. I had no desire to leave his side, nor he
mine.
We were laughing and
talking and the guests were helping themselves to the food and everything so
Josh and I excused ourselves to get something to eat.
We had just finished
feeding one another when Rick began speaking into the microphone.
"Hello everyone," he
stated to get everyone's attention.
"Well this has been
some day hasn't it?" he continued once they were quiet. "I got to be the best
man at my best friend's wedding. It was something I never thought I'd get to
do since I am an only child but luckily Scott didn't want to start a fight
between Tom and Wade so I guess I won by default." He said getting a chuckle
out of the crowd
"But seriously folks
it has been an honor to stand beside my best friend as he married the man that
has made him happier than I have ever seen him. I consider it a privilege to
call them my friends and wish that everyone here tonight can be as happy as
the two of you make each other. Salud." He said raising his glass to us.
After the crowd
joined him in the toast he continued, "and since I have the microphone I get
to give you my wedding gift first."
That got a laugh
from everyone.
"I've been trying to
think of something to get you two for weeks, and came up blank. But on
Saturday it occurred to me that you two had not mentioned a honeymoon and when
I asked Josh about it he said that you were spending it here just relaxing. I
decided that you couldn't spend your honeymoon at home so in the morning you
leave for two weeks in Paris. All of the arrangements have been made and I
took the liberty of packing your bags, so you have no choice now." He said
laughing, "but seriously you guys I wish you all the best and couldn't be
happier for you. Congratulations."
I was floored by
Rick's gift. I knew he would get us something but I never thought he would
pay for our honeymoon. But I had to admit he had damn good taste.
After we had made
everyone had made their toasts and we had cut the cake we were greeted by
Michelle taking the mic, who had missed out on the toasts earlier.
"Hello everyone,"
she said softly into the mic, "I'm Michelle, the wedding planner."
"I just wanted to
seize this opportunity to wish the happy couple all the best and tell everyone
here how meeting them has truly touched me. In the years that I have been
doing this I have never met anyone wanting to plan their own wedding as much
as Scott. Most people just want to say yes or no to an idea of mine which can
be frustrating sometimes. But when I met Scott he wasn't having a good day
and to be quite honest Scott, That day I thought you were the biggest ass I
had ever met." She stated drawing laughter from everyone including me.
"But when I met you
the second time I couldn't believe it was the same person. And you wanted to
get down to business right away because your wedding had to be perfect. Well
we didn't waste any time and you knew exactly what you wanted and all I had to
do was make it happen which wasn't that hard considering how specific you
were. So folks everything you've seen today in regards to the wedding and the
reception, was entirely Scott's creation."
I noticed a couple
of impressed glances from the crowd which made me blush slightly.
"I have never had a
wedding experience quite like this before and doubt I will again but I must
say it has been my privilege to work with someone as creative as you Scott.
Not to mention stubborn." She said which caused my mom to laugh loudly.
"As I've told you
two before I've never saw two people so in love before. That tells me that
this marriage is not a temporary thing. It's timeless. Seeing you two has
restored my faith in love and I thank you for that. You are two amazing
people whom I am honored to call my friends." She said raising her glass to
us. Everyone joined in and then she spoke again.
"With that being
said, it's time for your first dance." She said replacing the mic on the
stand.
I stood with Josh at
my side and we walked over to the area of the patio being used as the dance
floor for the evening. The lights around the patio dimmed and a soft spot
light came down on us from the direction of our bedroom balcony. Then the
music started. I smiled as I heard the song and I put my head on Josh's
shoulder as we danced.
When winter comes in summer
When there's no more forever
Yeah, that's when I'll stop loving you
That's when I'll stop loving you
I'm sure you've heard these words before
And I know it's hard for you to trust them once more
You're afraid it all might end
And a broken heart is scared of breaking again
But you've gotta believe me
I'll never leave you
You'll never cry long as I am there
And I will always be there
You will never be without love
When winter comes in summer
When there's no more forever
When lies become the truth
Oh you know then baby,
That's when I'll stop lovin'
That's when I'll stop loving you
That's when I'll stop loving you yeah
As long as sunlight lights the sky
Light of love will be found in these eyes of mine (these eyes of mine)
And I will shine that light for you
You're the only one, I'll ever give this heart to
What I'm trying to say is, nothing will change this (ahh..)
There'll be no time you won't find me there (find me there)
Cause I will always be there
You will always have all my love
When winter comes in summer
When there's no more forever (yeah)
When lies become the truth (ohhhh)
Well you know then baby,
That's when I'll stop lovin'
That's when I'll stop loving you
That's when I'll stop loving you
And when this world doesn't turn anymore
When the stars all decide to stop shining
Til then I'm gonna to be by your side
Gonna be loving you forever
Every day of my life
Ohh..baby..
Well you know then baby
That's when I'll stop lovin'
That's when I'll stop lovin'
That's when I'll stop loving you
When winter comes in summer
When there's no more forever
When lies become the truth (truth... yeah)
Well you know then baby,
That's when I'll stop lovin'
That's when I'll stop loving you (ohh..)
When winter comes in summer (yeah)
When there's no more forever
When lies become the truth
That's when I'll stop loving (well you know then baby)
That's when I'll stop loving you
That's when I'll stop babe
I'll stop babe
Loving you
After the last beats
of the song faded into the night Josh and I kissed and everyone applauded.
Then the dance floor was opened to everyone and the DJ started playing more up
tempo songs.
Josh and I danced
for a couple of them and for a couple of the slow songs he played then decided
to sit the rest of them out. As the party started winding down Michelle came
over to us.
"Hi guys," she said
sounding a little tired, "How's it going?"
"Perfect," I replied
contentedly.
"Couldn't be
better," Josh said.
"Well I just wanted
to say that anytime you guys wanna go to bed you can, it seems to be winding
down and we can handle everything from here." She said.
"Thanks Michelle," I
said, "We appreciate everything you've done."
"It has been my
pleasure." She said sincerely.
"Well I guess we
should get some sleep then baby," Josh said tiredly, "We've got an early
flight."
"Yeah I guess you're
right," I said.
"Well I'll let you
guys go and we can meet after you get back to talk about pictures and videos
and all that stuff." Michelle said.
"Ok," I said, "Ohh
and Michelle don't worry with the food, if you or your crew want any feel free
to take some but otherwise just toss it, unless some of my family wants some,
the only thing I want is the cake top."
"It's sealed and in
your freezer," she said.
"Okay, well thanks
again." I said moving in to hug her and Josh joined me.
"My pleasure," she
said, "Congratulations again, now you two go and rest, you've had a big day."
"Okay, goodnight
Michelle," Josh answered for the both of us.
We walked through
the house saying our goodnights to whomever we ran into then walked up the
stairs to our bedroom. We walked in and saw rose petals scattered all over
the bed and around the room and vanilla candles were burning in the breeze
that was coming from the open doors. The noise from the remaining guest was
barely audible so I opted to leave the door open.
Josh and I proceeded
to take off out tuxes and hung them carefully back on the hangers so they
could be returned to the rental shop tomorrow. After putting on our silk
pajama shorts we brushed our teeth and slid between the cool satin sheets.
I glanced over at
the dresser and saw the ribbon that had been used during the ceremony tied in
a neat bow resting next to one of the invitations we had saved.
"So did have a good
day today babe?" Josh asked.
"This has been the
most perfect day of my life baby," I said as we lay cuddling in the flickering
candlelight.
"I'm glad babe," he
said, "I wanted today to be perfect for you."
"I married you today
angel, how could it have been less than perfect." I said softly.
"I love you so much
boo," he said.
"And I love you more
than I can tell you Mr. Williams," I said.
"I love hearing
that," he said happily.
"Me too," I said
kissing the top of his head.
"Goodnight boo," he
said.
"Goodnight my
angel." I said.
After that we
drifted off into a peaceful sleep snuggled deep in the satin sheets.
To Be Continued...
Well Halleluiah I
did it. I hope it lived up to your expectations, I certainly enjoyed writing
it. I appreciate all feedback and try to overlook any typos you noticed cause
I was in a hurry to get it on the website and didn't proofread as well as I
normally do.
Songs Used:
Johann Sebastian
Bach; "Air on a G String"
N'Sync; "That's
When I'll Stop Lovin You"