North Meets South

Story: North Meets South: When World's Collide

Chapter: 6 Wedding Plans

Author: Eric McQueen (mcqueen.richarderic@gmail.com)

Mature Readers only due to sexual situations and graphic sexual content

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Mitch and Tony make plans for the upcoming wedding...with the help of family members.

Wedding Plans

I had barely gotten in the door when my phone rang on the desk. I smiled seeing Alan Belosik's name on the ID.

"I just got in!" I said without bothering to say hello.

"I had to know," Alan said. "Did it go well? Did they like you? Did you like them?"

I chuckled hearing his questions. "Yes to all those questions."

"What did you do there?" Alan asked. "Did you go to the Phantom of the Opera?"

"Yes, we did," I answered. "I'll tell you in more detail on Tuesday."

"But it's just Saturday!"

"I have to work," I said with a laugh. "I work for this tyrant, you see? I'll tell you when you come in."

"Spoilsport."

The thing was, that coming Wednesday was New Year's Day. I had a lot to do. My parents were coming for New Year's Eve. David and Sherry were coming on Monday. Nick agreed to go back to his apartment during that time as one of the bedrooms was a gym. He was attending his own New Year's Celebration with some buddies from school. That only left a few days!

I breezed in, kissed Tony quickly and headed to our utility room. We weren't messy, but this was a big place! There was dusting, vacuuming, sheets to change...I thought as I tried to prioritize in my head.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Tony grabbed my arm as I passed. "Slow down."

I shook my head. "I can't! Sherry and David are arriving on Monday! Mom and Dad the next day. This place needs a lot of work!" I started to go again.

"Stop!" Tony almost barked. Then pulled me back. "Simmer down, Skippy." He smiled. "I've got it covered. No problem."

I looked at him with wide eyes. "You have what covered?"

Tony smiled. "Don't look at me like I have seven eyes. I called. There's a service coming Monday morning."

"A service!?" I asked. "What service? Who?"

He chuckled. "I guess you don't read those memos from the Home Owners Association that carefully. Essex has a service. Maids that will come and clean if necessary. Well, it's necessary!"

"Aren't they expen...." Then I smiled when I saw his eyes say really? Are we going to go through this again? "I'm sorry, but I am what I am. They are expensive!"

Tony nodded. "They're expensive because they're good! They're bonded and I guarantee they won't steal a thing. Ever. This place will be spic and span. I promise you." He held his mock boy scout salute up.

I let out a sigh. "Fine." Then kissed Tony better. "Hi."

Tony wrapped his arms around me. "Hi, yourself." Then he looked at me. "As you don't have to run to clean the house now, I have the day off still and tomorrow. Is there something special you want for dinner? Any hankerings?"

I smiled grabbing his hand and pulling him toward the bedroom. "I do. You."

He followed readily. "I know I can serve that." He smiled as I pushed him back on the bed. "We'll be hungry afterward."

I shrugged kissing him. "You can make your famous pizza."

He chuckled as I pulled his shirt up. "I'd love to. When we get groceries. No dough."

"Use bread," I suggested.

"All stale."

"Damn it," I sat up. I grinned down at him. "What'd you do all day?"

Tony sat up, propping on his elbows trying to look offended. "I work, too, you know? I just didn't go to the office. Computer? Remember? In there?" He pointed to the room we had it hooked up. "I'll go grocery shopping tomorrow."

I smiled. "Too bad they don't deliver like in New York."

His eyebrows rose as he smiled slyly. "Seeing the advantage to that now, are we?"

I nodded. "I could get used to it." Then I ran my fingers over his chest to let those chest hairs I love to tickle my fingers. "In the meantime, I'll have Italian."

He smiled more. "We're not talking about food, are we?" He knew what I was saying.

"Food later," I lowered myself over him, kissing him in our hungry kisses. He growled as he rolled us over, his hands coming up my chest. Then he unbuttoned my shirt, slipping it off me.

Tony's eyes softened as he gazed at me. "You are so beautiful." He smiled running his hands over my chest. "I see you. You're so beautiful. I see your eyes when you look at me. No one has ever looked at me like you do. You love me. I see it."

I smiled. "I do. Very much. I'll never leave you, Tony. I'll never betray the love and trust I see in you. We're going to say that before God and family. Know that."

He smiled. "I believe you. I won't do that to you. Ever."

"I know," Putting him below me again. "Now, to enjoy each other." I lowered to kiss him deeply. Sliding down his chest, enjoying the hint of his fragrance. His scent. Teasing my brain knowing there was more and I knew where to get it. He knew what I liked and I knew what he liked, we moved so we could do that. I inhaled at his armpit, sticking my tongue there making him inhale a bit harder. My fingers running over his nipples, then unfastening his pants. Slipping them off I tossed them aside. His boxers were teasing me as they were askew. I could see his black pubic hair above the waistband that was low, but not low enough yet. Here the smell was deeper, richer, and pleasantly pungent as my nose ran through them. Causing my cock to become erect even more. Hardening more until it almost hurt. I'd heard if a watch isn't broke, don't fix it. Tony and I knew what worked. His arousal was poking straight up in the air now as I pushed the boxers away. I engulfed that part of his anatomy designed to give part of himself to another human being, I took it slowly, he let out a moan as my moist heat covered his cock. His hand came up to caress my head and pulling me even closer. His cock straining as he built and I slowly, rhythmically took him in and out with learned ease. Then I heard him groan, a slow, long groan as he was building to cum.

"I adore you, Mitch," Tony said in a hoarse whisper and I tasted the warm, slightly salty flavor as he came in a slick burst. It was a taste I had grown accustomed to, but never tired of getting. He brought me up so we were face to face as he kissed me. "Now, you."

It was late when we came up for air after nearly an hour or more in vigorous variations of lovemaking. We were lovers.

We ended by having Chinese takeout.

The next day came and went. Then Monday morning three women arrived carrying buckets, assorted sponges, and a mop. Cloths to dust with and varied cans of cleansers to dust, scrub and just clean! They even had their own vacuum cleaner. I had gotten things together to change the sheets in the second bedroom with its own bathroom. As the one bedroom was now a gym, we converted the daybed to just a regular bed for David. The last bedroom was for Sherry. When they finished a few hours later, the whole place just smelled clean. It was clean! It was just after midday when David arrived. He'd been here once before and knew the place. Two hours later Sherry arrived, a bypass on her way to the University in Georgia. Her eyes bulged when I let her in.

"You have so much room!" Sherry gasped as she looked around.

I nodded. "We have a big family," I said logically.

I spent the day with my cousins and the next day I had to work again. Alan, my boss cornered me that morning to hear what I had promised to say about my time in Manhattan on Saturday. He listened as I told him the rated G version. He wanted more, at least an R rated version, it was too much for him to get the X rated version. Never did I even considered the triple X which he'd love to have, with 3D video if available or just plain witness the whole thing.

I got home at about 6 pm that evening to see my parents had arrived while I had been at work. It was my mother that came to me first, smiling.

"Hello, son," She greeted with a hug and kiss.

Then Dad came over hugging me as much as a straight man feels comfortable showing affection to another man he expected to show to one he was related to. Whatever rules were obeyed, rules only he knew. Those damned rules! "You boys are living pretty well." He glanced back at our condo. The condo was elegantly decorated for Christmas and just plain nicely decorated.

I nodded. "We are." I sensed he was feeling odd about being here. It wasn't something anyone said, it just was...I knew him. "Is this too much?" I laughed. "It was for me at first, but when we were looking for a place, I had to come to a point where I realized Tony had to have a place to live, even if there never became an us. Since he was including me in the decision, I gave my approval." I looked around. "Speaking of Tony, where is he?"

"He and Sherry went out to get some things for tonight." Mom told me. "David's upstairs talking with Michael. For the second time." She smiled.

I grinned at that and shrugged. "Well, they started life as one cell. The separation for those twins is going to be tough for both of them."

Dad nodded. "I hope Tony's not buying booze."

I frowned. "Tony's not Baptist, Dad. He does drink and he is an adult." I reminded. "Since I've known him, I've never seen him drunk." I could see his opinion on his face. I knew him. "It's not a sin to drink."

Dad nodded. "I wish he wouldn't, though."

"Baptist have put a label on drinking that doesn't fit. I know what the Bible says about drinking. In fact, it only said be not drunk with wine. Baptist made it a rule not to drink before they made it a sin, according to some of them. You can't become a drunk if you never drink. I agree, but it is no sin. Jesus' first miracle even recorded is when he turned water into wine. Tony's living his life by rules he grew up with."

It was then I heard the front door open and the animated chatter between Tony and Sherry. Then David came down from his talk with his physical other half. I smiled at Tony who was looking very happy.

"The stores are packed!" Sherry smiled like she was tired as put the groceries on the counter. "We got some hor' d'oeurves. He had to get some Champagne before the liquor stores closed."

Tony shrugged. "I've never entered a new year as the old one ends without a Champagne toast, and I'm not doing it now." Then he looked at us. "I got some good sparkling grape juice for those here that don't care for a glass of Champagne. You need something." He said logically.

I smiled at Dad. "I will be having Champagne with Tony. We're not welcome in any Baptist church, and I'm not Baptist anymore. End of any discussion."

Mom looked at my father warily. Then smiled. "So, tell me about New York!" She demanded of me, effectively changing the subject.

I told them how well we were welcomed into the Delveccio family. How I enjoyed visiting. "Then he gave me this." I held up my left hand.

"Oh, my GOD!!" Sherry's eyes widened as she saw the ring. Like Melissa had reacted as she almost took my hand off to see it closer!

"I'm still attached to that hand." I chuckled.

"I didn't know they made engagement rings for guys," David said when he got to see the ring.

Tony nodded. "They can make a ring for anything."

Dad was trying. I'll give him that. He was still having trouble getting his mind around it. "You won't be married."

"Dad," I said patiently. "We aren't getting married legally because it's illegal for us to do so. We can't. We are married now. If anything happens to either Tony or me. We will be the ones asked what to do. I'm legally his power of attorney and he's mine. Our lives are integrated. If this nation allows us to marry, we will. Until then, this is it." Then I looked at Tony who was listening quietly. "Which brings up a question. Tony and I are having a Commitment Ceremony. We are declaring to the world that he and I have committed to each other. I'd like to do it in Morgan's Branch. There will be a lot of people that will want to come, even internationally. All of the Delveccios have said they will be attending. There are plenty of McKenzies that will also be coming. There are two here now that can attest to that. I was born in those mountains. I'd like to marry there. How would you feel if we did commit at home?"

Dad's face scowled. "How many do you think will come?"

Tony shrugged. "A dozen or more Delveccios from Queens and Montreal."

"About as many from the McKenzies. I know Mary, Rhonda, Chuck and Pam, Michael and his fiancé, Sherry, David, their mother and father, Aunt Hilda will come, probably not Earl. Chuck's mother and father, Uncle JC..."

"My brother Earl and Pat, Tammy and Dana..." my mother added. "But they live there." Then she laughed. "Mary will probably not since you dethroned her."

I chuckled knowing my aunt.

"Who dethroned her?" Tony asked puzzled. "What are you talking about?"

Mom smiled at Tony. "Until you showed up, Mary was the person who'd done the best, as far as she was concerned. My daughter and nieces fed that perception for Mary. She was the bachelorette that lived an exciting life in Atlanta. She had the best sports car, the best life, wore the best clothes and through her marriages, had the most money. Now Mitch has sort of taken that spotlight from her. Mary's hurting a little now."

Tony shook his head. "We didn't do anything."

I smiled at him. "We did. We showed her up." Then I looked at my parents. "I know the church in Morgan's Branch will not even be considered. I'm not certain there will be many that want to walk out in the fields. I was considering either The Grove Park Inn, or Biltmore."

"Biltmore?" Tony asked.

"It's an estate built by George Washington Vanderbilt back in the nineteenth century. I believe it's the largest privately owned residence in the world, even though it's a tourist attraction now."

"They've used it in many movies over the years." Mom nodded. "They even have a hotel there."

That's when my phone rang. I was on call as manager.

"I've got to take this," I said looking at my phone.

Tony smiled. "That's why you're the manager."

I spent the next few minutes dealing with a problem at the hotel, but it was dealt with.

I returned to my family as my father reached some sort of acceptance. "Son, I don't claim to understand the life you and Tony have. You know what I think. Whether you do this there or anywhere else is your choice. We'll be there. I don't like being laughed at."

I frowned. "There will be some laughter," I said sadly. "Many around this nation will share your view on what we're doing. I promise to keep it as quiet as possible."

He shrugged sighing. "Then that's that."

The New Year in Times Square was in full force. There was a crowd as there was every year to see that ball drop. Tony poured himself and my glass of Champagne. Then Sherry said she wanted one. She saw Dad's face.

"Uncle Richard," She smiled. "I'm not Baptist either. I'm Methodist. There will be plenty of Baptists out there doing this and more right now. Lighten up."

Tony gave the sparkling grape juice to David, Mom, and Dad. The final countdown began. Then ten, nine, eight...as we watched 2002 coming to an end. Then one! It was 2003!

Tony clicked his glass to David, Sherry, Mom, Dad and then me. "Happy New Year, Sweetie. We're going to begin this year off right."

I nodded. "We are." We drank our Champagne and juice. I smiled as Tony's lips met mine. "Happy New Year."

The year had begun and things went to that comfortable rhythm. I worked, Tony worked and we loved being together. My renewed passport arrived and then plans were being made for the Commitment Ceremony. Tony and I contacted both Grove Park Inn and Biltmore. We decided a ceremony at Biltmore was the best route to take. There would be rooms available in the Biltmore Inn. Tony said he and I would be leaving for our honeymoon afterward, so we only needed a place to change clothes, but we had a group of rooms put aside. Kathleen and Mom had gotten in contact with each other, but there was more input by the Delveccios than just Kathleen. Louise and Kathy got involved after that contact was made.

Tony and I got on a conference call with my mother, Kathleen, Louise, and Kathy. I shook my head as the call went on and on. "Wait!" I said loudly into the phone. "All these ideas will be weighed, but you're all forgetting one thing. It's Tony's and my wedding!"

"There are going to be traditions from both our cultures." Tony rubbed his face in frustration. "My Italian traditions and Mitch's Scottish traditions."

I grinned at Tony. "Which I'm still learning," I whispered to Tony, "But it can work!" I said to all of them.

"Who is doing the ceremony?" Kathleen asked. "Is there a priest?"

"Mama, you know there can't be," Tony said as patiently as he could. "We have two ministers that will be doing it. Rev. Pat and Pastor Terry. We felt it best to have them both. This isn't approved by the government or any church!"

"It's a pity," Kathleen said sourly.

"It doesn't matter, Mama," Louise's voice said.

"It will happen," Kathy stated.

"I don't know if Erin will be able to come," Louise said sadly.

I nodded. "She will be close to term," I said as she would be in her third trimester of pregnancy.

"She would want this to happen," Kathy stated again. "It will be close, but she might show up. I worked up to the day I delivered Melissa."

"Yes, but I would need to be there if she goes into labor." Louise hoped her sister would see that. "I don't want to miss either events!"

"Why worry about what's not even happened yet?" I asked.

Tony chuckled. "That's the Italian in them. They can't help it."

I shook my head. "Is there anything you want to tell me about Italian men? Any unique qualities I need to look for?"

Tony smiled at me. "You know there has to be." He shrugged. "I just don't know what they all are right now."

I smiled and kissed him quickly. "This is a project in the works. We'll email and call again."

"There's so much to do!" Louise said almost mournful, but she sounded happier than stressing over the task. "My baby brother is getting married!" Then she let out a squeal as we ended the call.

Tony let one eyebrow rise otherwise he didn't move as he sat beside me on the couch with an arm across the back behind me. I grinned at him as I sat back against him.

"She's excited," I said to Tony.

He nodded then leaned in a kissed me. "I am, too." He pulled my hand and placed it on his crotch where I felt the hardened bulge. "Can you tell?"

I chuckled. "That's horny."

He shrugged. "You want to do something about it?"

"Have you ever heard me say no?" I asked pulling him down with me on the couch.

With this great thing started, we also had to plan trips. Not just our honeymoon, there was the arrangements with Biltmore and we had to plan a menu! Tony insisted on a wedding cake. Of course, the only people he trusted were in New York. Naturally. Since there was really no traditional wedding clothing from his culture for him to wear that he wanted, he insisted while we were New York he'd get his tuxedo from there as well. Yeah! Another trip to Manhattan! And Wicked!! Okay, we might not have time for Wicked, but there was a chance! Yeah, I'd been hooked.

I had a weekend off and we flew to Asheville. We could have driven, I told Tony and he just smiled at me. He rented a car and we drove to Mom's and Dad's early in the evening. We were greeted warmly, but I was stunned when I took him to my room for what would be the first time he'd seen it. Nothing had been changed! It had been cleaned, sure, but it was just as I left it after high school and college!

Tony was smiling a bit too big as he looked around. There was my double bed, and just a double, not our king back home or even a queen-sized bed. I was country so the bedspread was a simple patchwork quilt. I had the things most teenagers had once, only mine were still there. The stereo and speakers, the various posters on the wall. Interesting they didn't see I was gay. All the posters were male actors or superheroes or both! Nothing like a man in tights!

Tony gazed about as he looked at everything. "So, this is where little Mitch grew up."

I grinned. "Don't make a big deal about it."

"No, this is a snapshot of your past." He went to the shelf where I had some trophies. "You were a jock!"

I nodded. "Track and field, yes." I went to my closet and there were all the clothes I had left behind. I pulled out my high school jacket. "I even lettered." I held the maroon jacket up.

This just fascinated Tony as he looked at the jacket. Then he went and locked my door. "Take everything off and put that on." Then he held his hands up. "Do you think there are your old jock straps here?" Then he bounced. "I've always wanted to fuck a jock in a jock."

"We've been doing that almost eight months!" I smiled at him.

He nodded quickly. "It's a fantasy, come on." He begged. "You can sniff me from head to toe!"

I chuckled. "I do that anyway! What's my incentive?"

He motioned for me to do it. "We'll think of something. Please?"

I gave him a look. Of course, I'd do it. "You strip, too."

Tony grinned and kicked his shoes off. Pulling his socks off.

"You'll be starting as you will be jerking off." I grinned.

"Sure." Tony nodded. "I probably would have anyway." Then he grinned at me. "But I can touch you."

"No, Tony. After nearly eight months, I'm cutting you off."

He smiled as he pulled his pants off. "Just checking." He finally stood up completely naked. His cock bouncing hard already.

"Damn man, you're almost always hard." I grinned as I pulled on my jock strap. "You're making it harder for me to get in this."

Tony gave me a leer. "I'm always hard because I'm always with you." He waved to me. "You can do it." Then started fondling himself harder.

The jacket and jockstrap on. I modeled as I held the jacket open, then turned around a spread my legs as I bent over.

"Just like that." He said panting as he jerked off. "You are so hot!!" Then he rushed to our bags and tore through them until he found our lube. Then was back. "Let's see that ass."

I smiled. "You can do more than look."

Tony smiled. "I plan to."

It was just a few minutes until he could no longer wait and rushed me. Normally, we made love face to face, but every now and then...like now, I was pushed down and he mounted me from behind. Nothing wrong with that! His arms wrapped around me and me pulling his arms tighter. Then as he pumped, I heard his breathing change and then he shot in me again and again. Then he stood up, to which I flung him down on the bed on his back, raised his legs, pulled my cock out of my jock, and plowed into him making him make a small yelp, but not from pain. Not exactly. But as I pumped, and knowing his body and how he reacted, he was soon groaning that long grunt of his. As his sensation increased, I had to cover his mouth to keep him quiet. His sweet spot was easy for me now. At the right angle, I hit his prostate, again and again, making him hard again and he was...well...it was good. It was very, very good! Then I came in a mighty gush but didn't stop until I saw him orgasm again.

"So do I make the team, coach?" I grinned at him as he caught his breath. He nodded and kissed me passionately.

If was evening when we arrived, so after making love we just crawled into bed. It was during the night when I heard Tony let out a frustrated groan.

He was spooned up behind me, so I turned to see in the moonlit room. "What's wrong?"

"It's too quiet here." Tony griped. "I hear nothing!"

I chuckled. "It is quiet in Morgan's Branch. Especially on our farms."

Tony muttered to himself. "No street sounds, no boats coming in....my ears are straining to hear something. Anything."

"That won't happen." I grinned. "Unless Joe is disturbed by something, we won't even hear him bark. There were times in the Spring or Summer I'd sleep with the windows open. You could hear him moving through the grass."

"It's not natural."

I shrugged. "There's nothing we can do about it." I settled back down pulling his arm around me tighter. "Just relax."

In the morning we came down as Mom was fixing breakfast. She smiled at us.

"I hope you two slept well." She said.

"Miserably," Tony groused. "There were no sounds! At all!!"

I kissed Mom on the cheek. "Take it easy on him. He is a city boy."

"You better believe it." Tony zeroed in on a smell he knew. "Oooh, Kawfee!!"

"That's Yankese for coffee," I said to Mom who just chuckled.

"I made plenty, Tony," Mom said pointing. "There's sugar over there and cream in the refrigerator."

I patted his back as he poured. "I'll even introduce you to the cow the cream came from if you like."

It was a few minutes later when Dad came in from his morning chores. He carried some eggs he'd gotten from the coop. "Fresh eggs!" He announced handing the basket to Mom. He chuckled. "Some are still warm!"

I grinned back. "You did check them, didn't you?"

"I think we're okay," Dad smiled as Tony was looked at us puzzled.

"Check them? What do you need to check them for?" Tony asked.

I smiled. "Do you want to know?"

Tony looked from me to Dad. "I don't know. Do I?"

Mom shook her head. "These chickens lay fertilized eggs unless the rooster didn't get to them. Meaning some of them have begun to form embryos. Some of the chicks will partially form before they're laid. Occasionally, we miss one and the hen will sit on it to hatch the chick. You crack the egg and there's a partially formed baby chicken inside."

Tony's lip curled. "That is gross."

I chuckled. "Should I tell you the chicken you loved so much last time was happily clucking away the morning before she cooked it?" I watched his eyes widen. "Never saw a refrigerator or freezer. The bacon is smoked here, but it did see a freezer, but only a few weeks' worth. The ham was cured here. The steaks and...."

"I got it!" Tony frowned holding his hand up to stop me.

Dad sat at the table. "You boys are really doing this?"

I looked at my father puzzled. "Doing what? The wedding? Of course."

Dad was still struggling with things in his mind. "You're telling a bunch of people..." he shook his head because he wasn't comfortable saying the words. "Do others need to know that you're having sex?"

I sat by him at the table. "Of course, they'll know." Then I took his left hand. "You walk around telling people you're having sex." I twisted his gold wedding ring. "Every man and woman knows you're having sex because of this. You had a wedding to tell everyone you planned to have sex."

"I married your mother to start a family," Dad said quietly.

I nodded. "You didn't know she would have children. She could have been unable to. Would that have made a difference?"

He shook his head. "We'd tried. We became a family."

"That's what Mitch and I are. A family." Tony sat down beside me. "The wedding for us is the same as yours. You stood there in front of the guests while you put the ring on Mom's finger, telling them all there, she belonged to you."

I nodded. "She put this ring on you, saying to everyone that you belonged to her. Now, I want to put a ring on Tony, telling people he belongs to me."

Tony smiled. "And Mitch belongs to me. I love your son, Mr. McKenzie. Doing this I'm telling everyone he's mine."

I shrugged. "As I said before....like it or don't. Approve or don't. It won't matter. We're doing this. I'd like you to be there as we commit to each other."

"We aren't just having sex." Tony corrected. "We love each other."

"You tried very hard to condition me where I wouldn't," I said softly. "I even married a girl because I was told that was what I was supposed to do. I ruined a nice girl's life and nearly ended my own. I'm telling you. This time, I'm marrying, for me. Tony's what I want."

We drove to Biltmore Inn, it was...as far as I was concerned...ritzy hotel in the mountains. Entering the lobby, we were instructed to wait. A young woman came over to us smiling. In her mid-thirties and short blonde hair holding a clipboard.

"Which of you is Mitch?" She asked.

I raised my hand. "I am. This is my fiancé, Tony Delveccio." I looked at her directly. "Will this be a problem? Having a gay Commitment Ceremony?"

She shook her head. "We've done it a few times before. There will be no problem."

No problem. Gay men would pay as did any other couple. Our money is just as green.

Maybe I'm not gay enough. Talking about having the wedding at Biltmore Inn and reception, I was beginning to tire of talking about it. They were catering the food being served, but we had to decide on the menu. Then there were decisions to make about what the food would be. Were there allergies some of our guests might have? Were there vegetarians?

Then there were the banquet facilities. There was a garden attached where the wedding would be if it wasn't raining. The ceremony was a crap shot of dice. Most likely it wouldn't, but plans were made if it did rain. Did we have the florist arrangements made? If not, Biltmore Estate had their own gardens and would be happy to do it. Was there a coordinator to keep things on schedule? Musicians would be hired after we listened to examples of their playing. Did we want a live band or a disk jockey? I'd be happy getting married in the field of our farm, a pack of nabs and a guy playing a harmonica. Listening to Tony ask questions and hearing what he said back. He wanted to make a good impression on his family as possible. Were we having a bar? Would it be top shelf booze or a cash bar? That I left to Tony. The only booze I knew anything about was Granddad's "no-no water." That's moonshine for those that don't understand. Granddad and grandma claimed they had it for medicinal purposes. Even when little I didn't understand that. There was a drug store down the mountain. It was a few miles that had medicines, so was it just for medicinal reasons? I don't think so.

In the root cellar were these mason jars, which I knew had the "no-no water." It looked like water! One sniff at the contents, which would clear sinuses, you knew it wasn't water.

It was getting late when we finally finished with Ms. Murray. The invitations were being printed, complete with RSVP cards and a preference card for the sit-down dinner choices. Who was coming, how many and their preferences?

During our long conversations with Mom, Kathleen, Louise, and Kathy we had gotten the names and addresses for those we were inviting. I was amazed by the number of people we were inviting. Now we needed to know how many were really coming. How do women to this!? I was feeling a little overwhelmed when we finally made it back to Mom's and Dad's.

The next day was Sunday and we went for lunch at my grandparents, then flew back to Charleston. Tony looked a little warily at the chicken that was served during lunch that day.

Then the week went forward and we needed to fly to New York. This time I had to take a day off. Flying up on Friday, it was best to do that early or the day before. We flew up that Thursday night and stayed at a great hotel in downtown Manhattan. Friday we went to this baker Tony knew to get our cake designed. Design? And of course, the head guy, baker, whatever was gay. He attended the MCCNY! He made cakes for gay couples enough to have a business that did just that. He had some samples of his cakes for us to try. I can make a cake, but some of these samples were like speaking to me in Japanese! I heard him but was making little sense. Nut this, mocha that...then I just pointed.

"I like that one the best!" I said frowning. "Don't ask me what flavor it was, I don't know. It's good."

Gilbert was the man's name and he was a queen. To say he was prissy wasn't a word adequate to describe his mannerisms. I was okay with him being a queen, but it wasn't me. He was in his sixties. It broke my heart to think no one loved him. No partner or even a boyfriend. That was sad. He was not ugly, but he couldn't be compared to Tony. Apparently, he had a crush on Tony. Not that I blamed Gilbert for that. Gilbert had his fun in the past. Not much hair any more, but he'd lived his life on his terms. Now that Tony was here having a cake designed for our Commitment, Gilbert cried.

"Aw, come on, Gilbert," Tony begged his friend who was almost inconsolable. "You're the best-damned baker in the world! You're one of the reasons I flew to Manhattan! I wanted you to make the cake. No one could dream of doing a job that would compare to what you make."

The man nodded. "I appreciate it." He sniffed. Then he fixed a look on me. "But right now, I hate you."

"What!?" I asked surprised.

Gilbert shook his head and waved me off. "I'll get over it. I don't hate you, per se, but I'd hate anyone that married my Tony."

Tony looked at me and smiled, shaking his head. "It's just Gilbert." He said as if that explained everything. "He's very sensitive." Then he patted Gilbert on the back. "But you're going to do it, right?"

Gilbert nodded. "I'd trust no one else." Then he stood up. "For the icing, I was thinking just a buttercream." Then he grinned. "I thought the cake itself might have the LGBT rainbow colors." He shrugged. "You two are gay." He waved the question about to come from Tony. "You know I can do it. The batter isn't dark, food coloring won't change the taste. It will look normal on the outside. The cascading leaves on the outside will also be rainbow colored. I promise it will be elegant." He sniffed.

"The gay rainbow colors," I nodded. "Imagine Dad seeing that," I said to Tony who just chuckled. "I will have to explain the colors to him."

"He may think it'll turn him gay." Tony laughed.

I shrugged. "After nearly sixty years, it would be a change for him."

"Now, if you do a topper, I have a few set aside for you two." Gilbert wiped his tear-streaked face. "I have a few for you to look at. Tony said you planned to wear your family's pattern. A kilt was what he said."

"I am." I nodded.

These things on top of the cake were always boring to me before, but now they made me smile. Two grooms standing beside each other. Some were merely male in tuxes. One where a man was crawling up the side of the cake as the other looked down as the climbing man tried to get to the other one. One had the other thrown across his shoulder. These were the humorous ones. Then two caught my eye.

"Look at this one." I smiled at Tony.

It was one in a black tux and the other was a Scotsman in a kilt. The humorous part was the man in black had his hand up the Scotsman's kilt on the Scotsman's ass.

Tony chuckled. "Your father would kill me if he saw this."

"And who says I wouldn't be the one to put my hand on your ass?"

"You would," Tony smiled. Then he looked at Gilbert. "You don't have one where they're touching each other's ass?"

"Tony," I smiled but shook my head. "As funny as I think that would be, we have a lot of straights coming. They won't necessarily like being shown we touch each other's' ass."

Tony nodded. "Not to mention other things we do there." Then he shrugged. "They are coming to a gay wedding. The ones from your family are gay-friendly." He thought.

"Do you have any like these that aren't..." I moved my hands around it. "...touching."

Gilbert nodded and showed us where there were two grooms, but one was in a kilt.

"We'll take them both." Tony grinned. "We'll keep the one with the hand on his husband's ass for when we celebrate our first anniversary."

I shook my head. "Then we won't need these two, you can do it yourself!"

Tony grinned. "We'll take both."

"And you can deliver it to Asheville?" I asked.

"Honey, I've delivered to Australia!" Gilbert said proudly. "Only this time, I'm coming with it. There are some final things I may need to do."

Tony smiled at him. "Of course, you're invited. All my friends at MCCNY are invited."

"And Luke?" Gilbert asked. I don't know what that was about, maybe testing to see if I knew about Tony's past.

"He's welcome to come," I said for Tony. "If just to see that it could be him marrying Tony, but of his stupidity, I am." I smiled. "How could he even think of cheating!?"

Gilbert smiled. "I'm beginning to like you again." Then his eye narrowed. "But if you hurt Tony, I'll scratch your eyes out!"

"Gilbert, he was a cop," Tony said laughing. "He could take me; he'd have no problem taking you down."

"A cop!" Gilbert smiled. "I love cops!" Then he was off as his hands clasped together in glee. "The uniforms, those shiny badges." Then he turned. "You're young, so I assume you were a uniformed cop?"

I nodded. "I was."

He brightened. "Any pictures?"

Tony grabbed Gilbert's collar. "Stop hitting on my husband, Gilbert!"

"He's so pretty, Tony!" Gilbert begged. "Please?"

That was funny. Gilbert went from friendly, to jealous and to friendly again.

Then Tony looked at me as we walked down the sidewalk with his arm thrown over my shoulder as we normally traveled. "Did you bring your suit?"

Did I dare think? "For church..."

"Its good thing we're going to have me measured for the tux, we'll get something for you there. I have tickets to Cats."

My eyes widened. "You know I want to see Wicked."

Tony nodded. "Yes, but it won't be opening until April, so we're a couple of months too early. I promise we'll go."

"You just want to have sex with me." I grinned.

Tony's eyes glistened. "It works. So, what's this about Wicked?"

I grinned. "I loved the book. The story about Dorothy and Oz was cute, but I loved reading about Elphaba, The Wicked Witch of the West. She was an outcast from the moment she was born. Galinda, who becomes Glinda, the Good Witch was really a sort of bubble-head. The Wicked Witch was made by events others caused to her to make her become wicked. She truly had more depth than all the other characters."

Tony nodded. "I guess we'd know about being outcasts." He chuckled. "You're okay with Cats, right?"

I grinned and broke into song. "Memories, all alone in the moonlight...."

Tony grinned. "Are there others you know?"

I thought a split second. "Everything's coming up roses for me..." I sang from Gypsy.

Tony shook his head. "At last, I found it." He grinned at me.

I looked at him not understanding. "Found what?"

"Your tell!" Tony declared. "You say my tell is my closet of clothes. Yours is show tunes!"

I chuckled. "I guess this morning with you wasn't enough to confirm that I am gay?"

"This is your outward tell," Tony said. "Not your private one." Then he looked up. "Ah, here we are."

"Here we are where?" I asked.

Tony pulled me in the store. "We're picking out our wedding rings." He shrugged. "If we don't find it here, we have time. We're meeting Mama, Kathy, and Melissa for lunch, then picking out my tux."

As I've said before. I'm not a shopper, but there were times a man has to do it. I'd deal with it. The decision about the wedding rings was easy, though I never thought I'd get a wedding ring that was black. It was black gold. I never knew gold came in other colors! I knew there was white gold, but not black. They were both masculine, wide, and looked good on.

Then we arrived at the place to have lunch. I'm never late. I arrive half an hour early for work. If you're to be at work at eight, you don't arrive at eight, you start working at eight. Meaning, you're doing the job, not getting ready to work. That I got from Dad.

We had a reservation and were seated, waiting for the Delveccio women to arrive.

Tony sat at the big table beside me. "Don't be surprised if they're late."

I grinned. "Well, they aren't." I pointed as the three walked in. The host pointed to us for them.

Melissa hurried over as we stood for them, body slamming both of us. "My two favorite uncles!" She hugged tightly.

"Air," Tony gasped. "We need air."

"It's good to see you," I said as we hugged all of them.

"This is so exciting!" Melissa said as we sat. "I've been to a fitting for wedding dresses with Erin, but never with two guys. No dress!"

Kathy chuckled. "It's for Tony."

Melissa looked puzzled. "What are you wearing, Uncle Mitch?"

"He'll be wearing the closest thing to a dress," Tony said, which I really hit him in the shoulder. "Ow!" But he was chuckling.

"It's not a dress!" I stated firmly. "I have never, nor will I ever put on a dress."

"He's wearing his family's kilt and all the things that make him Scottish." Tony grinned.

Melissa smiled. "A kilt?" Then she grinned at me. "Does that mean you won't be wearing anything underneath as I hear?"

I shook my head. "There's only one other person who will know that besides me is Tony."

The trip was good. I enjoyed Cats, but too soon it was time to go back to Charleston. I was promised I'd see Wicked. Next time?

I was waiting for something I had ordered for Tony to arrive. It was going to be fun to see him react. Valentine's Day was approaching. No, it wasn't anything romantic, but I thought it was funny. I knew he would. I made dinner for the two of us. Dimmed the lights and waited for him to come home.

When he arrived, I saw the roses and shook my head. "You send me a rose every week."

He shrugged. "I didn't know what to get you. You're getting me in two months."

I kissed him as I smiled at him. "This isn't romantic, but..." I handed him the wrapped present wrapped in red with hearts on it. "I think you'll like it."

He grinned. "What is it?"

I rolled my eyes. "You're supposed to unwrap it to find out, genius."

"Okay," He nodded and began to unwrap the box. Once he got it open, he burst out laughing at the contents. "Where in the world..." He took out the leather case with the badge about the size of a wallet. It was the same sort of thing you saw police detective flash badges on TV. The badge read Fashion Police. It was a real badge, as in it was heavy, not some flimsy tin thing easily bent. It looked official. Underneath it was a booklet of tickets he could write for violations of color clashes, inappropriate attire for the occasion and unruly hair. It also looked very official like a real ticket you get when speeding or something. "This is great! And I know who I'll write the first ticket on..."

Then we said it together. "Bruce!"

Tony shook his head. "He's a great guy, but a ponytail? Really? He's a nice looking man, but that thing is a few feet long. I'd love to sneak up behind him with a pair of scissors."

"I hate long hair on a man." I shrugged. "Just my preference. I like men that look like men to me. Long hair isn't the look. I would prefer bald to long hair."

Tony chuckled. "And men with male pattern baldness, but ponytails in the back." He and I both shuttered. "Eww."

"And you have to wonder if Bruce owns a pair of shoes." I agreed.

"Every day it's sandals. Even in Winter." Tony nodded. "And those ever worn shorts!"

"I love you, Tony."

He smiled at me. "I know you do. You know I love you."

We had another great night. The dinner wasn't bad either.

I felt sorry for Dad. He was getting used to the idea that I loved Tony, but there were others in his family that weren't getting it at all. They were giving Dad a hard time. Since we weren't going to be there in June for the reunion, Tony and I went up another weekend with my parents while Uncle Bernie and Aunt Judy were there visiting with the ones that lived near Derby.

Tony and I once again checked in to the Ellerbe Springs Bed and Breakfast. We got the Eleanor Roosevelt Suite again. It was while my Dad and his brothers were talking together, not knowing I was walking by when I heard.

"....but it must bother you." My Uncle Thomas said. "Knowing what they're doing together."

"All that touching." Uncle Calvin said in disgust. "Knowing where they're putting what on the other."

"Leave Richard alone." Uncle Bernie said firmly defending his brother. "It's0 no one's business what they do if they decide to."

"He's going through with this..." Uncle JC said, "...farce of a wedding. I don't care that Mitch loves Tony, but a wedding? That I don't get. It's not legal."

"What else can I do?" Dad asked. "He's my son. I tried to get him to change, but I can't! Say what you will, but he and Tony really love each other. I've seen it. Anyone can see it."

"I don't know what I'd do if Brian told me he was gay," Thomas said about his son.

I smiled as I came around the doorway, but my anger was starting. "And that's the issue, isn't it?" I asked. "What would you do? Kill him? At the very least, quit loving him. He'd no longer be your son." Then I laughed. "But wait, you can say it, but he'd still be your son. You can't change that."

Their eyes looked startled to see me standing there. Dad stood looking more embarrassed about his brothers' words I had heard. Bernie shook his head also embarrassed.

"They don't understand," Bernie said sadly.

I nodded. "I know that. There are things about your children I could tell you that would shock you, but I respect my cousins' secrets about your sons and daughters. There must be something in the water here." I pondered. "For those that are having the most problems with Tony and me marrying are still living here. Those like Aunt Faye, Uncle Bernie and Dad have gotten out and see things a little differently."

"It's just wrong!" Uncle Thomas insisted.

"By whose viewpoint?" I asked. "Based on what authority? It's everywhere! I was raised on a farm; I've seen it in animals. How do you know it's wrong? Different, yes, but not wrong. We're not just following instinct. Then again, maybe we are." I waved my hands. "To add more imagines to what you have in your minds already, yes, we do have sex. A lot. I mean he does it to me and I do it to him." I was getting angrier. "Meaning more graphically, I put my dick in his ass as often as he does it to me."

"Mitch!" Dad moaned as his other brothers gasped.

"These images need verifying if they're to be accurate. There's also a lot of cock sucking, me him and he me." I said. "Have any of you had your cocks sucked? By anyone? Have any of you sucked a cock? Ever have anything put up your ass? Even the straight world knows there's more than just waste elimination there."

"Enough!" Dad said turning red, but he wasn't angry at me about what I said, but how freely I'd said it.

"Dad," I said softly knowing his limitations. "Sex isn't a bad thing. It's wondrous. It's a means for two humans to connect on a deeper level. This family won't even acknowledge they even know what it is and probably only do it in the dark at night, never knowing it for its wonderful potential. This house was full of children at one time. Dad, you had four brothers that lived in your room. You and Uncle Bernie shared a bed for eighteen years! You two went through puberty at the same time. Did Granddad even talk to you about what was happening to your bodies?" I saw how embarrassed they all were. "He was a fire and brimstone preacher, but he certainly was one thing else he was passionate about, that was sex. He did it very well. Poor grandma, he made her pregnant all of her adult life! Her poor body! She delivered all her children with no deaths or miscarriages we know of. With Bernie, she'd barely given birth to him and here comes Dad! But granddad was a lousy father. You've all said it yourselves. I've heard from you. He told you nothing. Not the family's history or about life. We come from a proud people he never told you about. I did the research. I found out about our Scottish Heritage and Clan and our colors. Come to find out there were a few other of my cousins that also had begun to do research. This family is dying. I'm proud to be a McKenzie, though that seems foolish since I had no part in becoming one other than being born and even that I had to choice about. I'm glad Mom got you out of here, Dad. Uncle Bernie, you should be thankful you got out. But Dad, the fact that you are coming means a lot to me. You've said you don't like it. You've said you don't understand, but you've seen us together. You know it's real. Don't let your brothers that are still here drag you back."

Dad shook his head. "They won't. They can't." Then he rose and hugged me. "I have seen it. It is real." He smiled and grasped my shoulder. "I promise you this, I won't lose you again."

I smiled at him as Bernie stood. "Your Aunt Judy and I will be there. So will your Uncle Charles and Aunt Faye and a whole bunch of cousins."

I chuckled. "I know that from the RSVPs I've gotten." I looked at my few scowling uncles. "I've heard ignorance is bliss, so why are you always so unhappy? I guess ignorance doesn't always mean bliss. Here's a news flash, the Earth isn't flat, it's round! There's no excuse for ignorance!"

"Let's go find Tony," Dad said and walked me down the hall.

I felt sorry for Dad. "I'm sorry, Dad." I regretted how I'd told his brothers things in front of Dad. "I didn't mean to cause you embarrassment."

He nodded. "I know." He said softly. "You're right. The embarrassment is because of them, not necessarily you. This family is severely repressed. My father wasn't there for any of us growing up. You know that. Like him, most of my family are sure they're right."

"About what?" I asked.

He shrugged. "Everything." He chuckled. "Your mother straightened me out on quite a few things. Including the fact that I wasn't right about everything. She only agreed to marry me if I moved away from here."

I chuckled back. "Smart woman."

"Scary at times, too." Dad grinned. Then he sighed. "I still don't get how you're attracted to men..." he held up a hand as I was about to object. "It's the old thinking I still have to deal with. I'm getting there. I'm still uncomfortable talking about...certain things."

I smiled. "Like sex?"

His eye narrowed. "You are just determined to push my buttons, aren't you, boy?"

Even as he said it, I saw humor in his eyes. "Aw, come on, Dad. I know what you've got between your legs, you know what I've got. We both use them for more than going to the bathroom. I was made by you. If we can't talk about it..."

Dad nodded but raised his hands to me to stop me quickly. "I know!!"

I smiled at him; he was trying so hard. "It's okay, I'm sorry, Dad." I put my hand on his shoulder. "I love you for trying."

Then Dad looked up to heaven. "Why is it so hard?" That's when Tony came around the corner with David and Michael when Dad practically shouted. "Dick!! Cock! Pecker!" Causing Tony to freeze in shock. David and Michael looked at each other and smiled.

"Mr. McKenzie?" Tony asked quietly. "Is everything okay?"

"No! It's not!" Dad shook his head. "Why is it so hard for me to say? It's a body part, why should it be so uncomfortable to say to my son?"

I looked deeper in my father's eyes. "Easy, or you'll rupture something."

David walked over. "It's okay. Dad had a very hard time explaining the birds and bees to Michael and me."

Dad frowned. "But he did it, right?" He waved to me. "I never did to Mitch!"

I smiled. "I figured it out."

That's when Bernie came into the hall. "How could we talk about it?" Bernie chuckled. "We weren't even allowed to say armpit."

My eyes widened. "No."

Dad shook his head. "Your...." He hesitated. "...butt was a seat. Dad would threaten to spank our seats."

"You know Dad had a learning disability?" Bernie said slowly, looking at my father warily.

Dad nodded. "I figured that out when I saw him struggle with the Bible."

That was surprising. "He went to school, didn't he?" I asked.

Dad nodded. "Until the sixth grade, then he dropped out. They couldn't diagnose learning disabilities then, not out here. I watched him struggle with the King James Bible."

Bernie nodded. "I think that's why he kept us all at arm's length. Afraid to look stupid to us."

"We were being educated and he thought he couldn't be." Dad nodded. "But he'd memorized so much of the Bible, it made sense to become a preacher."

I shrugged. "I guess so." Then I smiled. "So, who told you about deodorant?"

Dad smiled. "He did." He pointed to Bernie.

"I got it from Thomas." Bernie smiled. He shrugged. "He was putting it on discretely, but I asked him. He was so embarrassed."

Tony shook his head. "Five guys in one bedroom, you had to see things that you were curious about." He reasoned. "Like a brother's erection?"

Bernie chuckled. "Yes, we did see them, but never talked about it."

"To any of the others." Dad grinned at his brother.

I smiled at Dad. "Meaning you and Bernie did talk."

Dad shrugged. "We were often the only ones we had. There were other brothers, but he and I were closer, but it was like the blind leading the blind."

Bernie nodded coming up next to Dad. "We were friends."

"We were both about the same age, developing at roughly the same time knowing nothing, but we compared what we found out." Dad shrugged.

I nodded. "I'm glad you had someone to talk to."

Dad smiled sadly. "I've apologized before, but know that I'm very sorry for how I reacted to your telling me..." he hesitated on words again but plunged on. "...about who you are. I say again, I knew you were in for a tough life if you were....gay and with AIDS just having come to the surface, I was sure you were going to die if I didn't..."

I put a hand on his arm. "I know." I smiled. "You've almost come one hundred and eighty degrees."

He nodded and threw his head in the direction of his other brothers. "There are still some other things hidden in this family. Including Thomas' sexual indiscretion."

"Indiscretion, you mean he had sex before he was supposed to?" I balked. "When?"

Bernie nodded sadly. "When he was sixteen." Then he looked away. "With Phyllis."

"Phyllis!?" My eyes widened. "You mean Aunt Phyllis!?" My mind was not accepting this.

Dad nodded. "He claimed it only happened twice. They were both young. She was only fourteen." He reported sadly. "We had no neighbors really, and no one ever talked to us about sex and what should..."

I shook my head. "That is his sister!?"

Bernie nodded. "It's one of the darkest secrets in this family. We're just lucky there was no pregnancy."

Even Tony was gulping at that news. "Imagine me and Kathy..." he shuddered. "Or Louise!?"

"Please don't let on we told you," Dad begged. "He's very ashamed of what they did."

"With good reason," I added, then smiled. "It helps to deal with his stance about myself and Tony."

"Our father was not stupid," Bernie said firmly. "In fact, he was a brilliant man. He could hide his inability to read by looking like he was reading. He could quote the Bible easily as if reading it. He was raised by his sisters after his father died. His mother had died in childbirth. He had no guidance toward manhood and really, his sisters were a little...." He looked for a word.

"Unstable?" I asked.

"To say the least." Dad nodded with a smile. "Something they passed to Marjorie."

I had to admit, Aunt Marjorie was unstable. Borderline on sanity and frequently just nuts. I looked at Tony. "Are you sure you want to join this family?"

Tony grinned and nodded. "There are times I often question your sanity, but so far it's been pretty good. It's not like the Delveccios are all sane either." He came up putting his arm around me. "Besides, calling it off now....there are invitations to get back and people to call to say it's off, plans canceled at Biltmore...it would be wasted time done these few months."

"Pragmatic to the end."