"And speaking of things you like to do, our wedding is coming up pretty quick. We have that to think about. What do you think we should wear?"

"What? Do you think one of us should be in a wedding gown?"

"Right," said Jon. You'd look real good to me in a wedding dress. I'd kill you."

Their wedding date was approaching and both of them were looking forward to being united.

THE INN -- Chapter 24

Sunday morning the five friends decided to have brunch together at The Inn. They got there just after noon and ordered a pitcher of Bloody Marys. Cathy noticed Joe eyeing the buffet table.

"Go ahead, Joe. You're probably famished by now."

"No, I'm just checking it out, planning my strategy."

"You have a strategy?" asked Paul. "I thought you just devoured whatever was in front of you."

Jon said, "Hey, you guys have to come over and meet our son. He's a real cutie--all black and I think he's going to have green eyes."

"Gee, that was fast," quipped Cathy. "I didn't even realize you were pregnant."

"Luke rescued this tiny kitten at work. He easily fits in the palm of your hand. But he's a tough little guy and he absolutely loves Luke. I think he's plotting how to eliminate me so he can have Luke to himself."

"He'll have to learn to share," said Cathy. "What's his name?"

"Rocky," said Luke. "I know it's kinda dumb for a cat, but it suits him. Stop by later if you want. He likes the attention."

Joe asked, "What are you going to wear for your wedding? Do we need to rent tuxes?"

"Jon and I talked about that, and we're just going to wear suits. We don't want it to be a foo-foo affair. We're both pretty casual when it comes to clothes. Don't get me wrong, it's a big thing for us, but we feel we'll be more comfortable that way. If I had my way, we'd be in cut-offs and T-shirts."

Joe said, "Gee, I have a couple suits, but I haven't tried them on for a while. I don't know if I still fit into them. But I'm sure I can find or borrow something that looks good."

Luke smiled at Joe. "As long as you're there, Joe, that's all that matters. You'll look good in anything."

"Don't worry," said Cathy. "I'll take care of the details with Joe. He'll be stunning."

Jon laughed. "Not too stunning, I hope. I don't want him outshining the grooms."

"I'll see what I can do, but Joe's hard not to notice."

After they had finished their brunch and cocktails, Jon once again asked if they'd like to stop by. They all agreed, and Luke volunteered to stop and get beer on the way. When the others got to Luke's condo they settled in and Jon brought drinks. He was glad Luke had thought to get more beer, since they were almost tapped out. When he heard all the noise, Rocky came bounding out of the bedroom.

"Oh, he's adorable!" exclaimed Cathy. "Come here, little one."

Rocky looked at all the strange faces and he walked up to each person and sniffed at their feet. He looked around the room and meowed a couple of times--apparently he was looking for Luke. Paul picked him up and placed him on his lap.

"He really is little. How old is he, Jon?"

"I thought about five weeks, and the vet agreed. He should still be with his mother, but he seems to be doing okay."

Rocky made his way over to Jon and rested his front paws on Jon's thigh. He must have thought this was as close to Luke as he was going to get right now. He looked up at Jon and meowed. Jon scratched his ears.

"He sure seems like he's fond of you, Jon," said Cathy.

"I'm a distant second choice as far as he's concerned. Wait until Luke gets here."

A few minutes later Luke walked in with two 12-packs. Rocky scrambled from Jon's lap and didn't hesitate before jumping off the couch. He did an unintentional somersault and ran up to Luke. Luke put the beer down and picked him up.

"Hey, buddy, how are you?" asked Luke as he cradled the kitten in his arm. "Are you being a good host?"

Rocky reached up and stroked Luke's chin, purring happily. Now that Luke was home, he seemed to be more assured. Luke set him down so he could put the beer in the fridge. Rocky was more at ease and sociable and started checking everyone out again. When Luke sat next to Jon, Rocky struggled onto Luke's lap.

"You weren't kidding," said Cathy. "He really is into Luke."

Luke laughed. "If I knew how much fun cats are, I'd have had one a long time ago. He's a character."

Joe snapped his fingers. "Rocky, want a toy?" Joe pulled a ping-pong ball out of his pocket and put in on the carpet, then tapped his finger next to it. Rocky looked and his curiosity got the better of him. He clambered from Luke's lap and trotted over to Joe. Joe flicked the ball a couple of feet and Rocky pounced on it. Everyone was entertained as Rocky batted and tackled the ball, occasionally losing it under some furniture. Someone always retrieved it for him, and he was a bundle of energy. After he had lost the ball for the umpteenth time he went back to Joe and looked up at him.

"Hey," said Joe, "that's all I have. You have to take care of your toys." Joe picked Rocky up and held him for a moment before putting him on his chest. Rocky settled against him and Luke noticed. He felt just a twinge of jealousy; Luke knew it was silly, but up to now Rocky had paid attention only to him. Within a few minutes the kitten had dozed off, worn out from all his running around chasing the ball.

Luke laughed. "Looks like you have a buddy there, Uncle Joe."

"I like cats," replied Joe, "and they always seem to respond to me. I'd get one, but I'd feel guilty leaving it alone when I'm at work."

"I was wondering about that," said Luke. "I guess we'll just see how it goes. I don't know what else we can do."

"Rocky'll get used to the routine," said Jon. "Cats are very adaptable. Before you know it, this will be his place and he might let us stay here."

Luke was looking over the reports and plans the next morning at work. Things were going on schedule and it looked like his day would be routine. One of the men from another crew walked up to him.

"How's your pussy, Luke?"

Luke looked up. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Your pussy. The cat you took home. Probably the only one you got lately."

"Don't you have anything to do, Chet? I'm busy."

"He's a quick little fucker. I'm surprised he got away."

"What are you talking about?"

"When I was dumping gravel the other day. There was a whole nest of 'em. That one got out of the way."

"And you couldn't take five minutes to get the others out of the way? What kind of asshole are you?"

"I'm just trying to stay on schedule. Anyway, I hope you're getting some pussy. You could use it. Unless that's not what you're into."

Luke was furious. "Get the fuck out of my face, Chet."

"Dude, what's the problem?"

"You're the problem. You're an asshole and I'm glad you're not working with me. Now get back where you belong."

"Whoa, guy. You're not my boss. Where do you get off?"

"I'm the boss around here, and you're supposed to be somewhere else. Get out of here before I kick you out."

Chet took an offensive stance and drew back to take a punch at Luke. Luke deflected it and landed a solid blow to Chet's jaw. Chet staggered back and glared at Luke.

"This isn't over," said Chet. "We'll settle this one of these days."

When Luke got home he made Rocky's food and sat on the couch. When Rocky came up to him, he cradled him in his arms. Rocky settled himself against Luke and purred contentedly. Jon arrived about twenty minutes later.

"You two look comfortable. What's for dinner?"

"I haven't even thought about it. I'll see what we have."

Jon was a little surprised, and he sensed something out of the ordinary. Jon suggested they go out to dinner and Luke agreed, but he didn't seem that enthusiastic. They went to a local Greek restaurant and were seated at a secluded booth.

"Is something wrong, Luke? You seem like something's bothering you."

"Just a rough day at work. It's nothing."

They ate their dinners, but Jon noticed Luke didn't seem to be too interested. After they had finished they ordered coffee.

"What happened to your hand? Your knuckles are red."

"I brushed against a cinder-block wall. It's nothing."

"You sure had a lot of nothing going on today. Are you sure you're all right?"

"Jon, let's just go home."

Luke and Jon got home and watched TV for a while, then decided to go to bed. Rocky was soon attempting to climb the comforter. Luke picked him up.

"How long until he can jump up on the bed?" asked Luke. "I don't know how much more of this the bedspread can take."

Jon laughed. "Not too long, I don't think. Luke, I can tell something happened today with you. What is it?"

"It's not that big a deal. I don't want to get into it now, but don't worry about it."

"Who are you telling not to worry? I wrote the book!"

"I know, but it's really not a big deal. I just need to think things through. I'm not keeping anything from you, I just need to sort out my thoughts."

Luke was thinking of what had happened at work. It was bad enough about Rocky's brood, and the fact that Chet apparently was aware of Luke's sexuality was unnerving. Luke had always thought no one knew. Maybe they still didn't, but it bothered him. He decided he didn't care. He was sick and tired of worrying about the idiots he worked with and constantly having to be on his guard.

"Jon, remember that T-shirt I bought a while ago? The one that has the outline of Illinois on the breast with the rainbow flag colors in it."

"Yeah, it's a nice shirt."

"I think I'll wear it to work Friday. Sunday is National Coming Out Day."

"I don't know, Luke. Why would you do that--are you looking for trouble?"

"Maybe I am. I'm just fed up. Some of the guys I work with are real low-lifes, and I don't even want to associate with them. At this point in my life I don't give a damn anymore. If it gets to be that big a deal, then I'll walk. I hate to seem like I'm running from it, but I don't care what they think. The only thing is, I might be out of a job."

"Don't worry about that, we'll be fine. But I'm not so sure you should do it. Wearing a shirt like that at a construction site is just asking for it. Look what happened to you when you were just walking down the street minding your own business, and here you're being in everyone's face about it. You should think about it more--I'm not at all sure it's a good idea."

"I know it's sort of passive-aggressive, but I want to do it. I want to find out where I stand. Once we get married and I'm wearing my wedding band, there are going to be questions and I'm not going to make up stories about some woman I married. That wouldn't be fair to either of us."

Jon looked at Luke. "I wish we could go back to when all I had to worry about was the weather--now I'm thinking some guy named Bruno is going to attack you with a monkey wrench."

"Don't worry, I don't think there are any Brunos at the site."

"Still, Luke, give it some thought. I don't like the whole idea, and you don't need to take the risk to make a point. If you want to leave, just leave--you don't need to make a statement."

On Tuesday Jon got a call from the couple that had been looking at his condo and they had decided they would rent it. Jon was glad they wanted to move in a week from Saturday; it would give him some time to get his belongings out. He was just a little reluctant to give up his space, but it made sense. He could count on one hand the number of times he'd been there in the past month, and he hadn't spent a night there since Luke was in the hospital. And if Luke did decide to quit his job, the extra money would come in handy. He didn't need the income, but it would be a nice cushion. Jon decided he'd start getting some of his things tomorrow after work when Luke was flying, and that would give him all week to get the rest of it done.

On Friday, Luke arrived home and fed Rocky, then walked to The Inn. Joe was already there, so Luke got a beer and sat with him. Joe took a sip of his beer, then looked at Luke.

"You didn't wear that shirt to work, did you?"

"Yeah, I did. I'm sick of hiding who I am and I don't care anymore what they think at work. I found out just what kind of assholes I'm working with the other day. A guy told me Rock's litter and mother were buried--Rocky was the only one to get away. What kind of bastard would do something like that? By the way, I didn't tell Jon. He'll go insane if he finds out."

"That's disgusting. You should report that son-of-a-bitch to the SPCA."

"Too late now, but he'll get what's coming to him. I believe 'what goes around, comes around.'"

"Did you get any flack about that shirt? I'll say this, it takes brass ones to wear something like that in a place like where you work."

"No one said anything. Maybe they're too ignorant to realize what it means. I was almost disappointed--I was kinda expecting a little guff and I was ready for it."

"I'm just amazed you did it. A year ago you'd never have done anything like this."

"A year ago I wouldn't have owned a shirt like this. But a lot has changed in the past year. When I stop to think about it, I can't believe all the changes I've gone through. I'm glad, though. I'm finally comfortable with myself."

"That's good, Luke. When I first met you, I knew you were a nice guy. I didn't know you had so much you were hiding, and I'm glad you don't have to anymore. Cathy and I were talking about that. It's nice to know you consider me a good enough friend that you can confide in me."

Luke smiled. "Hey, if you can't trust your best man, who can you trust?"

Jon walked up and sat next to Luke. "Well, it doesn't look like anyone tried to beat you up over that shirt."

"No, I don't even know if anyone picked up on it. You're home earlier than I expected."

"I want to spend some time with you. We have a lot going on, getting ready for the wedding, and I have a lot more stuff to get out of my condo than I thought. How are you, Joe?"

"I'm fine. I did find a nice suit to wear for the wedding. One of the guys I know from the gym loaned it to me and it's a perfect fit. It's charcoal-grey with pinstripes. Even Cathy approved--she said it's an expensive suit. I wouldn't know, but it does look good."

"I was thinking of canceling my flying lesson tomorrow. We have a lot of stuff we need to take care of."

"Don't do that," said Jon. "You look forward to it, and you'll only be gone a couple of hours."

Jon and Luke stayed in bed a little longer than usual on Saturday, enjoying the quiet and each other. Rocky woke up and was getting impatient for his breakfast. He started licking Luke's cheek and when that didn't get a response, he turned his attention to Jon.

"Oh, now you notice me, huh? You little whore," laughed Jon. He picked up the kitten and headed for the kitchen to mix his breakfast. Having been raised in a rural area, Jon had a respect for animals and had developed an empathetic relationship with almost any four-legged creature. After about five minutes Rocky headed back to the bedroom and Jon followed him, boosting him into the bed so he could lie with Luke. Luke was still asleep, but he pulled Rocky against his side and they both seemed content. Jon chuckled as he looked at them. There was no doubt there was something special between the two. Whatever it was, Jon was glad Rocky had come into their lives. He felt Rocky was a calming influence on Luke and he knew Luke loved him.

Luke eventually got out of bed and asked, "What's for breakfast? Wanna go out?"

"Nah, I'll make something."

"We're going to the Pantry for the paper. You need anything?"

"I don't think so. What do you mean, 'we'?"

"I thought I'd take Rocky. He can use the exercise and fresh air."

"Luke, cats aren't like dogs. You can't just put them on a leash."

"I wasn't going to. He'll stay close to me."

Jon raised his eyebrows and looked at Luke. "If you think so, but watch out for him."

About thirty minutes later Luke returned. He had Rocky nestled inside his windbreaker.

"Well, he made it to the Pantry, but he was pooped by then. I think he's still asleep."

"Did you have to keep chasing him? Was he running all over?"

"No, he pretty much stayed with me except when he had to protect me by attacking a wild leaf a few times. If he got too far away, I just called him and he came right back."

"I'm going to start calling you the Cat Whisperer. I'm amazed at how he listens and responds to you."

"Aren't all cats like that?"

"He's the first that I know of."

Luke arranged a blanket in the corner of the couch and placed Rocky on it. Rocky looked at him, yawned, and curled up. Jon and Luke ate breakfast, and then read the paper for a while.

"I think I'll head out to the airport. What are you going to do today?"

"Get some more of my stuff. Give me the key to your storage space--I think I'll put a lot of it there. I have a lot of clothes I won't need until spring, and we don't need two computers. I think I'll leave most the kitchen stuff, you're well-equipped in that department."

"Okay." Luke handed him the key. "Just think...a week from tonight, we'll be married."

Monday afternoon George walked up to Luke and seemed agitated. "Luke, you have a problem."

Luke turned and looked at him. "What kind of problem?"

George pulled him aside and said, "You have two flat tires. Chet did it."

"God damn it! How do you know it was Chet?"

"I was walking around, having a smoke. I saw him near your car, but I didn't think too much about it. Then I saw him bend down and it was obvious he slashed your rear tire. He stood and looked around, but he didn't see me and he started walking to the front. I pulled out my cell phone and turned on the camera, and I was able to get a fairly good video clip of him bending down and slashing the front tire. At that point I made a little noise and started walking toward him. He saw me and walked off."

"That's it for that bastard. George, are you sure the video is clear that it's him?"

"Oh, yeah. There's no question. Here--take a look."

After watching the short clip, Luke was livid. "Where is that son-of-a-bitch? I'm gonna beat the shit out of him."

"No, Luke, don't do that. The guy's a nut case and God only knows what he's capable of. If you try to handle this yourself, I won't give you the video. This was a crime committed on company territory, and the company should handle it. Let's take it to Donny."

Luke knew George was right. "Okay, but we'd better do it now before I completely lose it."

George and Luke walked into the office and found Donny reading the newspaper.

"Hi, guys," said Donny. "Just catching up on the news. I have more time to do that with your new reporting system, Luke. What's up?"

"Donny," said Luke, "Chet slashed the tires on my car a while ago."

"Why the hell'd he do that?"

"I'm not sure, but we got into it last week when I found out he buried a mother cat and her kittens. He took a swing at me, but missed. I didn't."

"He intentionally did that to helpless animals?"

"Apparently," said Luke. "He almost seemed pleased with himself."

Donny had two cats and three dogs, all of which he'd rescued from one fate or another over the years. He had no patience with people who had such a lack of respect for life.

"And you're sure Chet did this?"

George spoke up. "I saw him doing it, and I got it on my cell phone camera. Here, look."

After watching the clip, Donny sat back in his chair and thought for a few minutes. "Luke, do you want to press charges? It's a clear-cut case."

"That would take forever. I'd rather just beat the shit out of him myself."

"I know, but it wouldn't replace your tires." Donny grabbed his walkie-talkie and called Chet's supervisor. "Tell Chet to get his ass in here ASAP. And don't count on him being here tomorrow."

About five minutes later Chet sauntered into the trailer. "What's up, Chief?"

Chet then noticed Luke and George; he sneered at Luke.

"Chet," said Donny, "apparently you've been doing some extracurricular work."

"I don't know what you mean."

"You don't? Luke's car was vandalized this afternoon. Are you sure you don't know anything about that?"

"No. I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Let's cut to the chase. You slashed Luke's tires."

"You can't prove that. I wasn't even near his car."

"Get with the times, Chet. You're never far from a video camera. You know you did it, I know you did it, and now we have to decide how we're going to handle this." Chet was stunned and couldn't think of anything he could say.

"Now as I see it," continued Donny, "you had it in for Luke because he was pissed about the way you mistreated some animals. Is that correct?" Chet didn't say anything.

"So, I think the first order of business is for you to buy four new tires for Luke's car."

"Two tires!" shouted Chet.

"Oh, my mistake. And how would you know that?" Again Chet had nothing to say.

"Four tires," repeated Donny. "And for all the inconvenience to Luke and the time we've spent here on the clock, I don't think an additional $1000 in damages is out of line."

"Bullshit!" shouted Chet. "You can't make me do that."

Donny glared at him. "It's your choice. We can call in the cops and give them the video. It doesn't leave much to the imagination. You can hire a lawyer. After posting your bail and paying the lawyer, plus fines and compensation, I'd say you're getting off easy."

"You won't get away with this."

"Oh, I think we will. Everything is going into your personnel file, and I'm making a statement to the police. If you so much as give a funny look to anyone who works for this company, you'll find yourself with charges up the wazoo. And in case you're too stupid to realize it, Chet, you're fired. You might want to think about moving--you won't find work with any companies around here."

Chet stormed out of the office, slamming the door. Luke and George looked at Donny.

George said, "You never even showed him the clip."

"I didn't want to get you any more involved if I didn't have to. He doesn't know who made the video, it coulda been a security camera. In any case, it doesn't matter. But can you make a copy of that video? I wouldn't want anything to happen to it."

George smiled. "Yeah, I'll do that when I get home."

"Okay, good. Now Luke, you go and get four of the best tires they make. Send the bill to the company, I'll make sure it gets taken care of."

"It'll be my pleasure--that prick deserves it. And I think I'll donate the other money to the SPCA in Rocky's name. That's the kitten I found--the sole survivor of Chet's carnage."

Luke and George walked to the area where their cars were parked. Luke called a towing company he knew and asked them to tow the car to the Michelin dealer. Luke leaned against his car.

"I'll drive you home, Luke. I'm not doing anything tonight."

"That's okay, I can call Jon."

"Let me take you home. That way we can go now, and you won't have to stand here waiting around."

"Okay, thanks." Luke took his car keys off his key ring and put them in the ashtray, then the two headed to Luke's. Luke told George to park in his space and they went inside. Rocky met them at the door, checked out George and pawed at Luke's legs.

"Come on in the kitchen," said Luke. "I have to feed him, then we can have a beer."

After Luke had made Rocky's dinner he got two beers and tossed one to George. They went into the living room and sat on the couch. George looked around the condo.

"This is a nice place, Luke. My place is a shack."

"So was mine when I was your age. My furniture consisted of cinder blocks and closet doors. It won't be long before you move up. It takes time, but it happens before you know it."

"I'm sorry about what happened today. If I had been there a little sooner maybe I could have stopped Chet."

"You did more than enough. I don't know how you had the presence of mind to get it on video."

"I don't know, either. I've never really used the camera, it just came to me. So do you and Jon live here together?"

"Yeah, we do now. Jon has a condo close by, but he's going to rent it out. We're getting married this coming weekend."

"What kind of work does Jon do?"

"He makes planes and rockets for the military."

"Really? Wow!"

"Well, he doesn't exactly make them, he makes components they use in that kind of stuff. I don't know that much about it, but it keeps him busy. He should be here soon, but don't say anything about today. I'll tell him about it, but let me do it."

"Sure. Gee, are you nervous and excited about getting married?"

"I'm excited about it--I can hardly wait. We're having the ceremony and reception on a yacht on the Mississippi. I think it'll be a nice time."

"How did you know Jon's the guy you want to marry?"

"I think I knew it the first time I saw him. Maybe not literally, but it wasn't too long after that. He felt the same way. It took some time, but we finally got together."

"That's cool. I don't know any guys I can really talk to, I didn't think there were guys like me around here. Except you--it's cool I can talk to you like this."

"There are lots of guys all over. You need to broaden your horizons and look around. Why don't you come to our wedding? It will be a mixed crowd, probably about 50-50 as far as gay-straight. You won't feel out of place, and who knows? You might meet someone."

"You're inviting me to your wedding? I've never been to one. I wouldn't know what to wear or what to do."

"Do you have a sport jacket and a pair of nice pants?"

"Yeah. But wouldn't it seem funny if I come alone?"

"Not at all."

Jon walked into the condo and was relieved to see Luke. He had noticed a strange car in his space and wondered what that was about. Luke gave him a hug and a quick kiss, then introduced George and went to the kitchen to get a drink for Jon. George could hardly take his eyes off Jon.

"Luke has mentioned you a couple of times, George. He says you're a good guy."

George blushed. "I try to be. Luke is a good guy to work with."

Luke handed Jon his drink. "George gave me a ride home. I had a flat tire."

Jon looked at him. "Why didn't you just change it?"

"Because, well, because I had two flat tires."

Jon could tell Luke was holding something back. George was interested in the dynamic going on--he knew Luke was never one to beat around the bush about anything, but here he was, hesitant to tell Jon what had happened.

"Two flat tires," mused Jon. "Did you have incredibly bad luck today?"

"I guess so. I asked George to come to our wedding, I think he'd enjoy it and maybe meet some people."

"Good," said Jon. He knew Luke was changing the subject. "Are you going to be able to come, George?"

"I'd like to, but I'm a little nervous about it."

"You?" laughed Jon. "How do you think we feel?"

"Yeah, I suppose all eyes are going to be on you guys. It was nice of Luke to ask me, I'm honored."

"And don't worry about a wedding gift--we have everything we need, and we'll be happy you're there."

"Thanks, you guys. I'll be there."

George finished his beer and stood to leave. "I'm glad I got to meet you, Jon."

"Me, too. I'll see you at the wedding."

As George drove home he thought about Luke and Jon. The fact that two guys like that were getting married and seemed so good together made him happy. Maybe there was hope after all.

Jon and Luke sat back down on the couch with their arms over each other's shoulders.

"I'm glad I met George. He really is a little stud!"

"I know," said Luke.

"So what's the story with your car?"

"Someone at work was pissed at me, and he slashed the tires. George saw him do it. It's not that big a deal, I was going to get new tires soon anyway."

"Oh yeah, right. I'm sure the guy looked at your tires and figured good old Luke needs a new set. Why the hell would someone do something like that to you?"

"I got into it with a guy at work last week. But they fired him today and he has to buy me new tires and come up with a grand on top of it. I think I'll donate that to the SP...to some charity."

"What charity? What aren't you telling me?"

Luke sighed. "There's a little more to Rocky's past, but I didn't know until later." Rocky looked at Luke when he heard his name and got on his lap. Jon wondered how much of a "past" Rocky could possibly have. Luke related what had happened as delicately as he could for Jon.

Jon stroked Rocky's head. "It's not like I'm a stranger to people like that. I grew up on a farm, and I'll never forget Mr. Rao. He was an old guy, and he used to plow with horses years ago. When the horses would get sores from the harnesses, he'd go into town and get moleskin and padding to make it better for them. They had to work, but he did whatever he could. One time he told me about his neighbor. The guy had two draft horses he'd worked with every day for 20 years. When they got too old to work, he sent them to the glue factory. Mr. Rao never forgave the guy for that. He felt the horses deserved to be turned out to pasture, and he could never figure out how someone could do something like that. I always respected Mr. Rao for the way he took care of his animals."

Luke looked at Jon. "So now you know what's been bothering me. I just couldn't tell you before. I didn't even want to think about it. Maybe we shouldn't be talking about this in front of you-know-who."

"I don't think he's listening."

"What are we going to do with him when we're at the wedding?"

Jon thought for a moment. "We can't ask anyone to watch him, everyone we know is going to be there. I guess I'll call the vet and see if they'll take him for a few days."

"I'd like to take him with us, but I suppose that's unrealistic. See what the vet says."

Jon called the veterinarian the next day and she agreed to take Rocky for a few days. Normally they didn't board animals, but because Rocky was so young, she felt he'd be better off than in a kennel.

Thursday after work Jon and Luke had a light dinner, then began packing their clothes. Rocky thought this was a great game, and they had to keep removing him from the suitcase. When they had finished they collapsed on the couch.

Jon said, "Luke, you take Rocky to the clinic tomorrow--I want you to meet the vet and get to know her."

"I thought you'd do it. I don't want him to think I'm the bad guy." Jon gave him a look. "Okay, I'll do it. I hope he doesn't hold it against me."

"Don't worry," said Jon. "I thought we'd leave around noon so we'll have time to get our rings. I can't wait to see them, and I can't wait until we're both wearing them."

"When we try them on, let's not put them on at the same time. I want to save that until we're married."

Jon smiled and kissed Luke. "Where have you been hiding all that sentimentality?"

"Once we're married, that ring is on my finger for keeps. I'll never take it off."

Jon kissed him again. "Neither will I."

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