Wedding Bell Blues
Chapter 20
June 16, 2007
6:00 AM
"Hey, is that the alarm?" Justin asked Brian in a sleep raspy voice.
"Unfortunately, it is, Sunshine. It's D-day and I want to get an early start."
"M'kay. Should I start breakfast?"
"No, stay here. I'm leaving you in charge of my brother."
"Aw, come on, Brian. How am I to keep him here? He's bigger than me."
"Just use the same tactics you use on me when you want me to do something for my own good."
"Brian, think a minute. What are those tactics that I use?"
"On second thought, you better not. I guess I could leave Theodore to babysit. He could bore my brother into submission."
"Go. Now. You're getting silly. I'll think of something. Just get back here in time to walk up the aisle." Justin kissed his man then snuggled into the bed holding Brian's pillow close. When this day was over he and Brian would be flying away on their own 'honeymoon.' Justin couldn't wait. Two whole weeks alone with Brian. What more could Justin ask for?
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7:00 AM
"Why, Miss Claire, don't you look bright and cheerful this morning. One would think you're a goin' to a weddin'."
"Well, I thank ye, Mr. Brian, and I am, a goin' to a weddin'. As soon as we finish making this clearing into a chapel. Brian, I know we have plenty of time but I don't know where to begin," Claire declared nervously.
"Claire, don't. Don't you queen out on me. I don't think I could take it. Look, before Emmett's trannies trample the place with the benches, I suggest you pick your flowers. Then we'll take them back to arrange. The trannies will be here to set up the benches. Then we come back and arrange the balloons and flowers. How's that sound?"
"Sounds like a plan to me. And thank you, Brian."
"What for?"
"For doing this, for being here for John and Bobby. For all your help. For giving me a small piece of Jack. I know he wasn't a good father to you but when I knew him, he was a good man. Not unlike John. If you and Justin hadn't found us maybe John would have turned out like the Jack you knew. Now my Jackie has a chance at a good life with the person he loves. Not forced into something because society and convention told him to do it. And none of this would be possible without you and Justin."
Claire and Brian hugged, each forcing away the tears in their eyes.
"Claire, I … Claire, you and John are the closest thing to a real family that I'll ever have, except for Justin. My own mother rejected me and with your help I got back my sister. I'll never forget that. Shit, I think I caught Justin's allergies."
"Me too. And Brian, we are your real family. Now let's a get a pickin' and arrangin'."
"Yes, Maw."
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8:00 AM
"Hunter, why can't I go outside and help?" Bobby whined as he sat at the breakfast table.
"You know, whining like that is so unattractive. Now, you heard what Emmett said. You stay in here until the ceremony and relax. Now, start relaxing! That's an order."
Hunter handed Bobby a plate of eggs and ham then gave Bobby his best Brian Kinney 'not fooling around' glare. Bobby took the hint and began his breakfast.
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"Okay, troops, have no fear Auntie Em is here!" Emmett announced to the yard as he jumped off the bus with a dozen gender questionable people.
"Ladies! Ladies! I need you to split up into two groups. One group to finish with the tables and chairs, the other to start bringing the benches to the clearing. I suspect the table and chair group will finish quicker so then you help the bench group. Let's go people; we have a wedding to do!"
Emmett swished his way with the group heading for the clearing to supervise the arranging of the benches. He wanted that done as quickly as possible so that Claire would have some quiet time to do her thing with the wild flowers. The formal flower arrangements would be under the tent and on all the tables that were to be arranged around the tent. The seating plan called for the mature members of the family to be under the tent away from the heat. The younger members would be outside. Emmett suspected that once the reception was in full swing, the guests would sit wherever they damned well felt like and that was okay. After the formalities of the toast to the happy couple, Emmett hoped the party would be a more subdued version of a swinging Babylon night. With the amount of queers that would be gracing the yard, it would be.
Emmett's troops were in high gear. With help from Teddy, Brian and Claire the yard and clearing were done. Claire and Hunter began to bring the arranged wild flowers to the clearing as Emmett, Ted and Brian began to line the path with bunches of balloons. The gentle breeze seemed to sway the balloons in the direction of the clearing. Brian smiled; it was a sign from the gods that this day was going to be perfect.
The caterers showed up as well as the delivery truck from the Honey Bear with all the canapes and hors d'oeuvres. They immediately started to set up their trays. The wedding preparations were right on schedule.
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11:45 AM
"John, it's me."
"Oh, Baby, I miss you. How did you get your babysitter to allow you to use the phone?"
"I promised I'd behave so Hunter let me use the study. You?"
"I guess I behaved myself and batted my eyes at Justin, a lot. I wonder if that's how Brian gets Justin to do what he wants him to do."
"I doubt it. I think Brian uses his other assets."
"Baby, I love you. I had a hell of a time getting to sleep last night. I never want to sleep without you again."
"Me too. And I have so much pent up energy. I want to help outside but they won't let me. Every time I get close to the door Hunter growls at me. He's worse than Beau."
"I know what you mean. I can hear them at the stream. I wish I could go out there. But Justin would have a cow. I guess we have to wait."
"Yeah. But hey, it's almost noon, we can start to get ready and in about an hour we'll be married or as close as we can get to being married."
"I can't wait. I love you, Bobby."
"I love you too, John. See you soon. Later."
"Later."
"John? You feel better now?"
"Yeah, thanks, Justin. And thank you for all your help. It means the world to me."
"You're welcome. Now let's get you dressed. Brian wants you to look perfect."
"Why?"
"Because he uses you as a benchmark."
"What the fuck are you talking about? A benchmark? What kind of benchmark?"
"The age benchmark. If you look good then he knows he'll look good when he gets to be your age." Justin said in all sincerity then cracked up in a fit of giggles.
Justin's laughter being infectious, John soon joined him. They were still laughing as Justin began handing John his tuxedo.
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12:00 Noon
The family and friends had all arrived, their cars lined the lane in front of the main house and the cottage. They all were enjoying the scrumptious delicacies that had been prepared with so much love. Debbie had fun introducing their special guest to the family and somehow kept Edna away from Bobby's curious eyes. Brian really wanted Edna's presence to be a surprise.
At the appointed time the guests followed the path to the clearing. The benches with the ribbons indicated where the family was going to sit. Those were arranged closest to the big rock which would be used as a makeshift altar. The rest of the benches were situated so that everyone had an unobstructed view of the ceremony. Emmett was truly a party planning genius. Somewhere soft music began to play and Gus was the first to walk down the aisle holding the pillow with the gleaming wedding rings in their box sitting securely upon it. He stood next to the minister, waiting for his signal to give the minister the rings.
Next came Justin, looking radiant, smiling his full high wattage smile. Bobby was escorted by his parents. He took his place near the rock as his parents sat on one of the nearby benches, Justin by his side. Bobby scanned the guests and smiled his own sunny smile as he saw Edna beaming proudly next to Debbie.
Then it was Brian's turn to saunter down the aisle, looking just as radiant and extremely sexy. Every fag in the clearing began fanning themselves. He took his place opposite Justin and close to Gus. The music changed and everyone turned to see John and Claire walk up the aisle.
Claire was glowing with pride as she escorted her son, her tears of joy flowing freely. When they arrived at the altar, Claire kissed her son and then let him go. She joined Steve on the other bench.
The music lowered to barely a whisper and the minister began to address the congregation.
"Dear friends and family of Bobby and John, I welcome you." The congregation cheered and clapped. "We are gathered here today in the sight of God and of Mother Earth to bear witness to the commitment that Bobby and John wish to make to each other. So without further ado I ask you...
"If there are any objections to why these two men should not marry, speak now or forever remain silent," the minister asked the gathered family and friends.
"I have an objection."
"Brian!" Justin cried out in horror.
"What the fuck are you objecting too?" John growled at his brother.
"I object to having my new Prada boots slimed by that fucking frog!" Brian scowled as a big bad bullfrog hopped out of a bush and jumped onto Brian's new boots. With Beau's help, Justin rid the banks of the stream of the intruder and the commitment ceremony continued.
"Thank you, Justin." Looking sheepishly around at the crowd, Brian gave the thumbs up to the minister. "Um, you may proceed."
"Thank you. Many couples like to say a few words during their ceremony, John and Bobby have opted to be a bit more traditional. Bobby, will you take John's hand and repeat after me."
Taking his lover's hand, Bobby repeated his vow.
"I Bobby, take you John to be my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live.
"In the presence of God and these our friends I take thee to be my partner, promising with Divine assistance to be unto thee a loving and faithful husband so long as we both shall live."
Turning to John, the minister asked John to take Bobby's hand and put forth his vow.
"I John, take you Bobby to be my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live.
"In the presence of God and these our friends I take thee to be my partner, promising with Divine assistance to be unto thee a loving and faithful husband so long as we both shall live."
As John and Bobby made their vows, exchanging rings in front of their friends and family, Brian took Justin's hand. Looking into Justin's eyes, Brian silently mouthed the same words to Justin. Understanding the implications and the declaration of Brian's gesture, tears of joy began to stream down Justin's face. When the minister declared John and Bobby life partners, Justin flew into Brian's arms, kissing the man senseless.
"You'd think Sunshine just got married." Debbie said out loud as John and Bobby burst into laughter and then kissed, sealing their own vows. It was several minutes before the family could pry the four men off each other's lips.
Claire hugged both men finally having the wedding she had been deprived of so many years before. She couldn't stop the tears of joy that cascaded down her cheeks.
"The flowers looked so wonderful, mother," John whispered as he hugged her once more. "Thank you for doing that, and for giving me away to the man I love, and … for always being there."
"Thank you for saying that, son. Make Bobby the happiest man alive."
"I intend to."
Claire released her son and gave Bobby another hug. Then it was the Morrisons turn coming up to hug both men and express their good wishes. Emmett tried to break up the love fest so the newly married men would lead the way back to the reception area. After some time they finally started moving in that direction waving to people they recognized.
Suddenly Bobby stopped. "John," he said, "did you see who's here?"
"Who?" John asked not sure who Bobby was referring to.
"Edna! Edna from Panama. Where is she?"
They both looked around until John, being taller spotted her still waiting at the benches for people to move by. "There she is," John said moving off in Edna's direction much to Emmett's dismay. John quickly reached the elderly lady, promptly picked her up and spun her around before kissing her with a resounding smack on her cheek.
"Oh my!" Edna gasped fanning herself as John set her gently down. "That was worth the flight. Thank you, John. I'm so happy for you and Bobby."
"How did you get here?" John asked as Bobby proceeded to hug and kiss Edna.
"A very handsome gentleman talked me into it, and paid my way."
"Brian!" both John and Bobby exclaimed.
"Exactly," Edna giggled. "But you two better get back to that reception line so Emmett doesn't have a major panic attack."
"Yes, ma'am, but we both want to talk to you later."
"I'll be looking forward to that." Edna was beaming, so pleased that the boys were happy to have her there.
With Emmett's prodding the men began walking back to the tent. Justin and Brian were close behind each holding one of Gus' hands. The little boy was looking around for bullfrogs and tried to pull away when he saw a couple of them.
"No, Sonny Boy," Brian said. "You have to stay clean until the reception is over. Maybe then your mommies will let you come down here and play."
"Okay," Gus finally agreed making note of where the frogs seemed to be hopping to.
Next on the agenda was the obligatory reception line with everyone wishing John and Bobby the best and then finding their seats at the various tables.
Hunter wandered over to the table where Michael and Ben had already sat down. His name was on the card at the next seat.
"Hey, Hunter," Ben said getting up and giving Hunter a hug. "You look great! That suit is spectacular."
"Thanks," Hunter said somewhat sheepishly. He looked at Michael who remained seated with his arms crossed. "Hi Michael."
"How can you afford an expensive suit like that?" Michael demanded.
"I can't."
"Then where did it come from?"
"Um … Brian,"
"I should have fucking known it would be him. We would have got you a suit."
"Well, you weren't fucking here, and you hardly call me. I thought I was going to have to attend the wedding in blue jeans until Brian saved the day."
"The great Mr. Fixit!" Michael pouted.
"What are you looking so sour about?" Brian demanded coming up behind Hunter. "Great suit!" Hunter beamed.
Michael glared at Brian. "Why don't you keep your fucking nose out of my family's business?"
"I will when you start showing some fatherly love."
"Go back to the fucking reception line and leave us alone."
"No thanks. Been there, done that. I'll go talk to Edna."
Brian walked away leaving Michael glowering at him and Ben and Hunter ignoring Michael while they got caught up on how Hunter's school year had ended.
Moving over to Debbie's table, Brian saw that Edna and Carl and Jennifer were all seated there.
"Howdy, people. Great day for a wedding!" Brian smirked.
"It's an absolutely perfect day," Jennifer replied. "It was so beautiful down by the stream. Did Claire do all the flowers?"
"With a little help from yours truly," Brian replied sticking his tongue in his cheek.
"I didn't know you had taken up flower arranging, Brian," Carl laughed.
"I'm a man of many talents."
"Don't we just know," Debbie laughed. "Everything is just perfect. It has that fucking Kinney touch written all over it."
Brian grinned pleased that people thought everything was wonderful. Just then one of the trannie waitresses came by with another tray of hors d'oeuvres. She was followed by another waitress with a large bottle of champagne. She began filling the glasses at Debbie's table.
"Shouldn't that be gin?" Brian asked with a smirk. "I have it on good authority that gin is the pre-eminent drink to have with hors d'oeuvres."
All three women at the table groaned at the memory of their little indiscretion.
"Any kind of alcohol is good," Edna said downing her glass of champagne. "Oh, young lady, a refill, please." Edna held her glass out waiting to have it filled anew.
"You are a lady after my own heart, Edna," Brian laughed.
"That's why we get along so well, you handsome devil."
"Save me a dance for later," Brian said kissing her cheek. "And save some of that for toasts."
"Yes, sir," Edna laughed promptly drinking the whole glass as Brian walked away.
"We're going to have to keep an eye on her," Jennifer said to Debbie.
"Hell, she can drink both of us under the table. We should get her to drive us home," Debbie chuckled.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Emmett called into the microphone that had been set up near the head table. "Thank you for your attention. Since the commitment ceremony was early we thought we would serve you champagne and hors d'oeuvres while we do the speech thing. You know it's compulsory at weddings, so no groaning." Emmett laughed nervously. "Then we will have dinner followed by dancing into the wee hours of the night for those of you who care to stay."
A round of applause followed Emmett's announcement. He grinned and took a quick bow.
"So, may I present one of the best men and brother of the groom, Brian Kinney."