Wedding Bell Blues

Chapter 1

"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 stream bank 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.

******************************************************************

Love was meant to share

with family and friends

we,

Bobby and John

have found love in each other

and invite you to share in our joy

as we celebrate our union

on Saturday June 16th, 2007

December 2006

"Brian, do you think that's too sappy?" John asked his brother as he perused the dozens of the sample wedding invitations Emmett gave him.

"How the fuck should I know?" Brian fired back. It was the week in between Christmas and New Year's. Brian and Justin chose to spend that time up at the farm. Hunter was preparing for the Spring semester and begrudgingly sought out Justin's advice. Bobby had formally accepted John's proposal, as witnessed by Brian and Justin on Thanksgiving night. Both John and Bobby were very organized men, not leaving anything to the last minute; they wanted to get an early start on the wedding preparations. But John was beginning to have reservations about Brian's willingness to get involved. John heard about Brian's objections when Ben and Michael wanted to marry. As much as John loved Brian, he wouldn't let Brian's marriage phobia mar his and Bobby's plan.

John was surprised when Brian suggested Emmett to plan the wedding. John knew Brian trusted the tall skinny queen, but after seeing some of the outfits Emmett preferred to wear, John was fearful that his wedding would look like a Pride parade. Bobby and John's tastes leaned more toward the traditional. Aside from a few bright pink invitations that somehow crept into the stack, for the most part, the invitations were tame and tasteful. They finally settled on a simple verse printed on a white card trimmed with a deep purple border.

"What are you laughing at?"

"Nothing, really. You look so cute."

"I don't do cute, little bro."

"Normally, I'd agree, but in this case, big bro, you do look cute. You're forty-one and you look as giddy as a girl planning her wedding."

"I'm still forty and I am not giddy. I just want this to be perfect."

"Excuse me, forty, for five more months and you do look cute. And it will be perfect. You and Bobby are anally organized. Your wedding will be perfect. As long as it doesn't rain."

"I have a back up plan if the weather turns against us."

"A church? The Honey Bear?"

"The barn."

"I was afraid you'd say that."

"Well, Bobby and I have shared a lot of good memories and good times in that barn. Still do. It's only fitting that the wedding takes place there if necessary. Although I'd rather it happen in the clearing by the stream."

"Whom do you intend to invite?"

"Well, you and Justin, of course."

"Of course."

"And half of Pittsburgh, specifically the Liberty Avenue half. Bobby's family. Steve and Bill, Bill's partner and the people who work for me. After they got over the shock, they were very supportive. Bobby'd like to invite some of his associates from his office and I guess some people from the Honey Bear and from the town. It'll be about a hundred people, more or less."

"In that case you may need to install another bathroom in your house. Speaking of the house, you and Bobby going to keep living here?"

"I've been thinking about that too. I'd like to have a little more privacy but I don't want my mother to be alone."

"Hunter's here."

"True, but for how long?"

"At least two more years if he keeps to the two-year schedule at Harrisburg, more if he transfers to Penn or another four-year school. Where were you thinking of moving to?"

"Not far, the cottage. It's perfect for the two of us and I can be close by if mom needs something."

"Your mother can take care of herself. She's only eighteen years older than you."

"I know but I can't help it. I wish she and Steve would stop putzing around and admit that they care about each other. Now that she knows Jack is gone, there's nothing to stand in their way."

"Maybe you need to remind her and Steve of that. Do you think Steve loves her?"

"Yes, I do."

"Then big bro, give them a little push, before something else gets in the way."

"Maybe I will. Now do you think we should stand under a canopy?"

"John, please don't start sounding like a fucking lesbian!"

******************************************************************

Up in Hunter's room, Hunter was showing Justin the list of books he was going to need. Hunter had finally saved up enough money to buy himself a decent laptop and as a Christmas gift, John and Bobby gave him enough software to keep a new college student happy.

"Justin, look at the prices of these books! Shit, I didn't know it was going to cost so much."

"Tell me about it. Just one of my art history books set me back two hundred bucks."

"Fuck! How do you do it?"

"I still pull shifts at the diner and I've been selling more of my work through Sidney Bloom. I've been using some of the money I made from Rage but it's going really fast."

"Doesn't Brian help you out?"

"Yeah, but I hate taking it. I know he doesn't care about the money but I don't like taking it. I do some stuff for Kinnetik when I can and he pays me for it. The rest, well, I've kept every receipt. I intend to pay him back."

"I bet he can take it out in trade," Hunter said with a smirk.

"Fuck off."

"I'm only kidding. Brian's loaded, he won't miss it."

"That's not the point. We're partners; I don't want to be a burden."

"I'm sure he doesn't see it that way. Probably does his little studly heart good, helping his Sunshine."

Justin glared at Hunter then turned his attention to the computer searching for websites that sold the books Hunter would need, cheaper than the college bookstore.

Several hours later, four hungry men joined Bobby and Claire in the kitchen for dinner.

"Brian, will you and Justin be staying through New Year's?"

"I hadn't thought about it, Claire. Have we overstayed our welcome?"

"No, of course not, dear. But Bridgeton isn't Pittsburgh. We celebrate a little quieter up here."

"Brian, while the Honey Bear in no way compares to Babylon, it does throw a mean New Year's party. And I happen to know the owner."

"You should, Bobby, you've worked there long enough," John chimed in. "Brian, did you know that Bobby Morrison, attorney at law, just became a silent partner of the Honey Bear?"

"How did that happen?" Justin eagerly asked.

"The owner, George and his wife, wanted to retire," Bobby started to explain.

"Wait, the owner of a gay bar is straight?" Justin queried.

"As an arrow," Bobby answered back. "But his son, George Jr., is not. I've known George Jr. all my life." John raised an eyebrow at Bobby's remark. Brian caught it and snickered. Bobby stuck his tongue out at Brian then further explained. "Not in that way. We grew up together. Anyway, George Sr. wanted my advice on the transfer of ownership to his son. George is a fantastic bartender but he doesn't have his father's business sense. At the end of the meeting, George and his wife were making arrangements to fly to Florida, George Jr. got 51% of the Honey Bear and I got 49%. I love that place. And as much as I respect George, he'd run it into the ground. It's the only place for miles around that gays can feel safe and have fun. I felt it was my duty as a member of our community."

"But won't it take up a lot of your time?" Justin questioned.

"Justin, how many jobs do you have, besides looking after me?" Brian spoke up before Bobby could. "School, the diner, Kinnetik and Rage, artist at large. I'm sure Bobby can handle it. So, do we need a reservation for this mean party and where can I buy something fabulous to wear around here?"

Three days before New Year's, Emmett showed up at Claire's front door. Knocking, Emmett waited until Hunter let him in.

"Why hello, Hunter, and how is our newest college student doing?" Emmett gave the teen a hug and a kiss then he swished his way into Claire's dining room plopping his planning books on the table.

"I'm fine and getting more broke by the minute. I didn't realize how expensive all this college stuff was going to be," Hunter said while taking Emmett's coat and hanging it in the closet.

"Aren't Michael and Ben going to help?" Emmett asked as he gratefully accepted a mug of hot cocoa from Claire who came from the kitchen. "Thank you, Claire, and you're getting foxier every time I come up here."

"Flatterer. Hunter's parents are going to help but it's still expensive," Claire explained.

"Have you checked out if there are any scholarships and grants you may qualify for? I know you may not want to hear this but your positive status may work to your advantage in this case. I've done some volunteer work at the Vic Grassi home and learned a thing or two. While I'm here we can check some things out online. Now, Claire where is that handsome son of yours and his beautiful partner. We have a wedding to plan!"

******************************************************************

"Hellooo!"

"Sunshine, did you hear something?"

"I thought I heard Emmett's voice at the door but that can't be right. What would Emmett be doing outside the cottage?"

"Freezing my balls off if you don't let me in!" Emmett screamed at the cottage door.

Justin jumped up from in front of the fireplace to open the door and let the frozen queen inside.

"Emmett, to what do I owe this displeasure?" Brian snarled as he looked up from his own spot on the rug near the fireplace.

"John and Bobby wanted to get an early start on the wedding plans. It was boring back in the Pitts without the royal couple to lead the New Year's festivities at Babylon. Debbie's doing her usual summoning of the family to watch the ball drop but with Teddy visiting his mother I wasn't in the mood to watch balls dropping alone, so I decided to drive up here."

"Emmett, you're not going to watch any balls dropping here either," Brian growled. He and Justin were staying at the cottage while they were visiting the Andersons and were very happy to be alone and cozy in front of the fire.

"Hunter offered to share his room with me but that seemed icky. I thought about the couch but I like sleeping in the nude."

"So you thought you'd room with us?" Justin asked, his eyes getting big.

"You do have a spare room. Come on, it's only for a few days. Bobby said you're all going to the Honey Bear New Year's Eve. We can have fun!" Emmett bubbled back at the forlorn looking blond.

"Emmett, look around. What do you see?" Brian growled back.

"Um, a roaring fire, romantic candles, wine, a half naked stud with a half naked blond. Did I interrupt something?"

"Yes!" Brian and Justin fired back.

Emmett yawned loudly and stretched his arms. "Well, it was a long drive up here and I'm tired. I think I'll hit the hay. Night, ya'll." With that Emmett swished his way into the spare room and shut the door leaving the blond to his stud, both of them shaking their heads.

"Come here, Sunshine." Brian beckoned to his disappointed boy. Justin took his place within Brian's arms on the soft rug. "We can still have a romantic evening."

"Since when does Brian Kinney do romance?" Justin whispered as he snuggled next to his man.

"Since he has a partner who insists on an occasional romantic gesture every once in a while. And barring anyone else who decides to visit, I intend to make the best of it."

"Even with Emmett in the next room?"

"Wouldn't be the first time he's heard us."

"But Brian..."

"Shh." Brian captured his blond's lips in his own and all thoughts of the southern queen rapidly vanished.

******************************************************************

New Year's Eve

"Justin, stop looking at me that way. We'll never leave."

"I can't help it, Brian, you look so gorgeous. The way those pants fit, the shirt, it shows just enough of your chest. I want you," Justin lustfully whispered.

"Justin, I always want you. But look at the time, John and Bobby already left with Emmett and Hunter. Don't you want to show me off?" Brian snarked with his tongue in his cheek.

"Let's go, asshole."

Brian and Justin pulled into the parking lot of the Honey Bear. The party was in full swing, the thumpa thumpa music pounding away. Since this was by reservation only, the joint was jumping but everyone was guaranteed a comfortable seat. As Brian checked their coats, Justin scanned the crowd. Brian was easily one of the most attractive men in the club.

Brian was dressed in tight black jeans that accentuated every line, every curve of his tight ass and long hard cock. His shirt was of pure white gauze with billowing sleeves and tight cuffs. It had no buttons, loosely laced up the front leaving Brian's chest slightly bared. As always, Brian exuded sex. Justin wore deep navy pants, cut low, that hugged the curve of his round pert butt. His sweater was sleeveless in shades of blue that made his blue eyes appear almost cobalt. Justin nervously twitched.

As they were about to enter the main room, Justin abruptly stopped and turned to face Brian. Raising his hand, Justin placed it in the middle of Brian's chest. Hesitating, Justin was unable to ask the question. Brian took Justin's hand in his then moved it over his heart. Justin could feel every beat of Brian's heart. Bending, Brian whispered into the blond's delicate ear, "I'm with you."

Brian kissed Justin's temple and then the palm of his hand. Justin's smile lit up the room as he understood. Brian turned the blond, facing the crowd. He slung his arm around Justin's shoulder, a clear warning to all that Justin belonged to him. Justin snaked his arm possessively around Brian's slim hips. No one would separate them. Brian searched the crowd, finding his brother. Brian led Justin to their table.

"It's about time you two showed up," Hunter snarked. "Blondie finally spit your dick out of his mouth?"

"No, I finally spit out his," Brian snarled back. "Come on, Sunshine, time to show me off," Brian said as he grabbed Justin's hand and led him to the dance floor. The Honey Bear was about to be treated to a New Year's Brian and Justin show.

Return to Wedding Bell Blues