The Gus Diaries

Part 73

Wedding II
 

It was hard to believe but Valentine’s Day finally arrived, and we were still going to have a wedding. Pop kept running around after Uncle Emmett to make sure everything was in order for the big day, and Dad kept grumbling something about all the shit people go through to tie themselves to one another when a pair of handcuffs would do the trick. Fortunately, Pop and Uncle Emmett ignored Dad and I think everyone was better off because of it.

Grandma Jen and Aunt Molly arrived at the house first thing in the morning, in a white stretch limousine. Her dress was in the guest room closet since she planned to get dressed at Britin. Tucker and Jeff were due about an hour before the wedding to get dressed with Dad, Uncle Michael and me.

Dad insisted on taking charge of all the tuxes to insure that no one would get wrinkles. Sometimes he can go overboard with his clothing issues, but I guess on the day people get married it’s not so crazy.

I hadn’t heard much about Pop’s father and the shit he was trying to pull, but I do know that on Monday morning Dad, Pop and Aunt Molly were going together to a board meeting at Taylor Electronics. Apparently they were armed with a signed and witnessed proxy from Grandma Jen assigning all her shares, for voting purposes, to Pop while she would be away on her honeymoon. It really was sad that Pop’s father didn’t want to be a part of his life just because he’s gay. I think I’d freak if Dad didn’t want me in his life.

I keep thinking about how great it’ll be to see Grandma Jen finally get married to a nice guy, and even better to see my fathers get married again in front of all their friends and family. I know Dad’s really doing this for Pop, but I couldn’t think of a better reason.

Aunt Claire is also going to try to come if she doesn’t feel too weak. My cousin, Peter, and his girlfriend will be bringing her so she doesn’t have to drive herself.

While everyone was moving around the house, Uncle Michael and Uncle Ben showed up. Since no one else was around, I let them in and showed them to the kitchen where a huge pot of coffee was ready for anyone who wanted or needed something to kick off their day.

Uncle Michael gave me a hug. “So, where’s your Dad? Shouldn’t you be on best man duty?”

Uncle Ben brought over cups of coffee for all of us as we sat at the table. “I’m trying to lay low. He’s growling at everyone, but I think he’s just nervous.”

“I’m sure he’d never admit that.” Uncle Michael rolled his eyes as his sipped his coffee.

“He kind of did to Pop a couple of weeks ago.”

“You know, Michael, he might be nervous about more than one thing.”

I wondered how Uncle Ben knew about the board meeting but then Uncle Michael chimed in, “You’re right -- he has that doctor’s appointment at the end of the week before they leave on their vacation.”

Shit! I’d forgotten all about that. It never occurred to me that Dad would expect anything but a clean bill of health.

“Do you think Aunt Claire getting sick may have caused Dad to think he couldn’t get away with ten years cancer-free?”

“That’s very perceptive of you, Gus.” I love how Uncle Ben always talks to me like an adult. “I wouldn’t be surprised if that gave your Dad a reason to pause and count his blessings...”

“And then you know Brian, he wouldn’t think he deserved to have it so good so he’ll expect the worst.”

I looked at Uncle Michael. Although his words sounded a bit harsh, I think he really knew exactly how Dad would piece things together.

“Well, let’s just hope that all the events of the day will keep his mind on the positive aspects of his life.”

I smiled at Uncle Ben. “Yeah, one day at a time.”

Uncle Michael looked tenderly at me. “And be grateful for what you have at this moment.” The two of them held each other’s hand, and I could see something special pass between them.

How the hell did Uncle Michael ever think he wanted to get together with Dad when they were younger -- they’re so different? Not to mention, they both found men who they really love and love them back.

“Uncle Michael, maybe we should go find Dad. Jeff and Tucker will be here soon, and I’d like to start getting ready.”

“Sure, Gus, let’s get a move on. Ben, why don’t you relax in the media room.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

Uncle Michael and I kept looking for Dad but couldn’t find him anywhere around the house. The grounds were covered in newly fallen snow, and there were no footprints outside. We finally decided to go upstairs and pull out our tuxes to start getting ourselves ready.

Only, boy were we surprised when we walked into the master bedroom. The tuxes were all lined up neatly on the bed, and the shower was running... only it wasn’t a very quiet shower.

I looked at Uncle Michael as we heard, “Fuck, yeah -- right there... oh, shit, more... I’m gonna... “

We backed out of the room quickly and closed the bedroom door.

He started laughing really hard, “Don’t they lock the door?”

“Usually.” I didn’t know what to say. I’d just heard my dads getting it on in the shower and... blech! That was way more than I ever wanted to hear.

“I guess they both needed to get washed up AND de-stress.”

“Uncle Michael, can we just not talk about this? Maybe pretend we didn’t find them, yet?”

“Okay, Gus, but they’d better get out soon, or the entire family will be here waiting for them.”

I knew he was exaggerating, but just as he spoke I heard Uncle Ben opening the door for Jeff and Tucker.

We went downstairs to greet them and less than a minute or two later, Dad and Pop started walking down the steps in their robes. “Why, hello, fellow groom. Don’t you think it’s about time we all got ready for the big celebration to confirm our loss of freedom?”

Tucker looked at Dad and smirked. “I prefer to think of it as my personal guarantee of a life with an amazing, and might I add hot, woman.”

Pop wrinkled up his nose. “I so did not need to hear that about my mother.” I could totally empathize with how he felt after what I’d heard just a few minutes earlier.

“Well, let’s ascend to the bedroom. I have everyone’s attire waiting to be donned for this grand event. Not a wrinkle can be found on any of your garments, and it had better stay that way until after the I do’s.”

We went upstairs and changed. I have to admit we all looked pretty fabulous. (I wouldn’t use that word out loud. Dad already thinks Uncle Emmett’s been having too big an influence on me.)

Dad and Pop couldn’t take their eyes off each other. Dad whispered something about beautiful into Pop’s ear and Jeff... he looked incredible. It made me want to... well, I’m not exactly sure what I wanted to do more -- dance with him, fuck him or marry him -- none of which were appropriate options at that moment.

It wasn’t long until we started hearing Uncle Emmett letting people in the house and showing them to the front living room. All the furniture had been moved to other parts of Britin, and it had been set up as a miniature wedding chapel.

Shortly before we were to start the proceedings, Dad pulled out a box that had the boutonnieres inside. Tucker, Jeff, Michael and I wore white roses, but Dad and Pop wore a different flower.

When Dad handed Pop his, Pop started to tear up. I remembered Dad’s conversation with Uncle Emmett about a golden gardenia. I couldn’t imagine what was so special but obviously it meant something to them.

“Brian, I can’t believe you remembered.”

“I didn’t at first. I had to be reminded by a good friend. I hope it makes you happy.” Then the two of them started kissing and weren’t coming up for air.

“Ahem. Save it for the end of the ceremony. You’re supposed to get married before you kiss.”

“Mikey, lest you forget, we already are married. We’re just renewing our vows.”

Tucker jumped in, “Well, wait for your renewal notice, I'm ready to get married.”

We all laughed and Pop nodded as he wiped his eyes. “It’s about time you made an honest woman of my mother.”

Uncle Emmett knocked on the master bedroom door. “Let’s go gentlemen, the music is starting.”

The ceremony was pretty typical, if anything could be considered typical in a double wedding/renewal of vows setting with a straight and a gay couple.

Grandma Jen and Tucker said their vows first. They weren’t out of the ordinary but they were from the heart, and it was obvious that they loved each other. It was great to see Jeff standing at Tucker’s side. Jeff had found a stable home with them and he looked up to Tucker. They had really become like father and son.

Then it was Pop and Dad’s turn to recite the vows they’d written. I was really worried that Dad wouldn’t be able to come through, considering all the anxiety he’d had about this moment.

Pop was up first. He took Dad’s hands in his as the Justice of the Peace instructed them to do.

Brian, our journey has been long and we’ve had a few more bumps than either of us would have chosen, but the result was worth every detour in the road. I am never happier than when I’m with you, never more elated than when we celebrate something together and never more satisfied than when we make love. You’ve taught me to follow my dreams and how to become the best homosexual I could possibly be -- little did either one of us know that those words and that advice would lead me to spending the rest of my life, and thereafter, loving you.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the room. I think I could hear Debbie blowing her nose, and Uncle Emmett had to leave the room for a moment to regain some element of composure.

Then it was Dad’s turn and I could see him briefly tense up, but when he held Pop’s hands, it was like a strange calm took over his entire being.

Justin, Sunshine, you’ve brought a light into my life that never existed there before. No one but you could do that. I find it incredible and unbelievable that out of all the men who you could have in your life you chose to be with me. The fact that I somehow was able to sell myself to you as husband material is amazing and makes me wonder if I could sell condoms to a lesbian. There were a few chuckles at that, but Dad quickly continued. A dear friend once told me that we know we’re alive by the ones around us who show us we’re needed and loved. Ironically, she and I both share Gus as one of those who shows us we’re alive -- but for me, your unconditional love for us, never ceases to tell me that I’m alive and valued in this world. I love you, Justin, and will love you for the rest of my life and thereafter.

No one said a word. Everyone, including Michael, me and even the other couple under the canopy, was choked up and blubbering.

Pop leaned in to kiss Dad, but the JP made a coughing noise. “Wait until I give the signal, gentlemen.” She then looked at Grandma Jen and Tucker, “By the power vested in me by the States of Pennsylvania and West Virginia, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss.” And boy did they ever -- ewwww, that was my grandmother sucking face!

Then she looked at Dad and Pop. “By the power vested in me by the States of Pennsylvania and West Virginia, I pronounce your wedding vows and your commitment to one another renewed. You may...”

But she was too late, they were already kissing and Uncle Michael and I hugged as we laughed and cried together.

Somewhere in the background I heard Grandma Debbie, “Now I can die knowing I’ve seen everything without hell fucking freezing over! Let’s party!”

The cheers could be heard resonating throughout the house, and the champagne flowed like water. I even got a glass or two in with Jeff while no one was paying attention. Dancing with him, and a little drunk, all I could think of was how I wanted something this beautiful for us someday. But I kept my mouth shut and just enjoyed twirling around in his arms knowing we’d have an amazing night together after everyone left.

In just a few days my fathers would leave for their second honeymoon, heading to Ibiza, although I’m not sure why that destination was so important. All I know was that it would be right after Dad’s test results would be in and they could have a blast.

In the meantime, this was certainly a Valentine’s Day I would remember forever!
 

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