Jonathan's Promise

by Hans M Hirschi

  “Seems he loves you very much.”

  “That he does. I don’t really deserve him. He deserves someone else, someone better, younger, more virile, stronger.”

  “Grandpa, I think you’re missing the point. Our bodies don’t define us, it’s who we are at heart, our soul. That’s what’s important, and you have a young spirit. Marc sees that.”

  “Who knows, son? You may be right.”

  They completed their shopping, only saying a few more words about which fruit to buy, and what vegetables would best complement the steak dinner they had planned. It was to be their farewell dinner: Jonathan and Marc were leaving for the Grand Canyon in the morning.

  That night, the four men sat out on the back patio again, enjoying the warm New Mexican night, to the sound of the cicadas in the nearby desert. The dinner was delicious, and the beer had them all dulled into a comfortable sense of contentment. They sat mostly silent, but at some point, Jonathan asked the question of whether he and Marc should go ahead and plan for the Bora Bora wedding.

  “Really, boys, if you’re ready, we can plan it for Christmas. We’ll fly the entire family out. I’ll charter a plane, we’ll get Mary to join us. Cody, your family is welcome—your friends, whoever you want—just send us the list of names, we’ll make it happen.”

  Cody took Parker’s hand. “What do you think? Shall we take the plunge into marital bliss?”

  Parker got up and knelt before Cody. “Now I know this is cheesy, and I know we’ve already proposed to each other, thrice actually, but I want to do this properly.” He swallowed and continued. “Cody, love of my life. We’ve been through heaven and hell already. We’ve seen ‘for better or worse,’ mostly worse. Now all I want to do is to live happily ever after, with you. Will you marry me? On Bora Bora this Christmas?”

  Cody’s eyes were glistening with tears as he nodded and pulled Parker to his feet, to hug him, and kiss.

  Jonathan smiled. “I guess that settles it, then. Marc, we have our work cut out for us. I’m just glad we put in that reservation a couple of months ago…”

  Parker ran into the house to get a bottle of champagne he’d bought that afternoon, when he was shopping with Jonathan, and four glasses. He returned to the patio, where Marc took the bottle and opened it, pouring the precious bubbly yellow liquid into the glasses. He passed a glass each to Cody, Parker and Jonathan and took the last one for himself.

  Jonathan proposed a toast. “To Cody and Parker! May your love last forever, and may you see nothing but happiness from now on! Cheers!” The others cheered and took a sip from their glasses.

  “What’s in your glass, Grandpa?” Parker asked.

  Jonathan looked into his glass, bemused. “I’m not wearing my glasses. I can’t see.” He took another sip and felt something touch his lips. Frowning, he fished the small object from the glass using his fingertips. It was a ring. “What’s the meaning of this?”

  Marc was visibly shaking as he got on his knees. “Jonathan, love, I know we haven’t discussed it, but all this talk of the boys getting married has had me thinking, so I took a drive to a jewelry shop today. You have brought sunshine into my life, you’ve provided me with love, a family, and a home. For the first time in my life, I’ve felt completely happy and content. And I want the world to know that I’m yours, for the rest of our days. Jonathan Jackson, would you do me the honor of becoming my husband?”

  * * * * *

  Chapter 24 - Bora Bora

  “Happy wedding day, my love!” Marc kissed Jonathan’s neck and put his arm around his lover. “Good morning. Did you sleep well?”

  Jonathan yawned and turned on his back. “Good morning, Marc. I did. How could I not? This place is so beautiful, so calm, so serene. Jet lag helps, but still, this is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to. What about you?”

  “I slept like a baby. Now, what do you want for your morning gift?” Marc’s hand slowly moved down Jonathan’s chest toward his crotch.

  “You’ve got to be kidding me,” Jonathan teased. “We’ve made love every day since we arrived, and you still can’t get enough. Besides, isn’t the morning gift supposed to be given after the wedding night?”

  “You have that effect on me!” Marc began to tease Jonathan, nibbling his earlobe. “Besides, we’ve already consummated our marriage a hundred times over…”

  ***

  Meanwhile, in a bungalow not too far away, Parker and Cody had been engaging in a very similar ritual.

  “God, Park, I’m exhausted. That’s not how I’m supposed to start my wedding day.”

  Parker just laughed, and rolled over on his back, sweaty. “Hey, you weren’t complaining a second ago, when you spent yourself inside me.” He jumped out of bed, and strutted into the bathroom. “Shower?”

  “Coming…”

  “Again?”

  “Huh, you’re funny today. Keep it up, and you’re in for a surprise later…”

  ***

  By five p.m., all the wedding guests were assembled on the beach for the double ceremony. First, Jonathan and Marc would say their vows, followed by Parker and Cody. Jonathan had convinced the captain of the Diamond to fly in and perform the ceremony, just as they had originally planned, getting special compensation from the local government to perform the ceremony, despite his ship being somewhere else entirely.

  About fifty people had been flown in, from the immediate family with kids, grandkids and Jonathan’s great-granddaughter Jessica, Mary from Maine, who Jonathan had to almost arm-wrestle into coming: “Bora Bora? Are you seriously expecting me to leave Maine during the holidays for a hot, humid place on the other side of the planet?”

  Cody’s side was represented by his mother and grandmother, along with his aunt, her husband, and their two kids. He and Parker had also invited several of their old university friends to join them, and they had made sure to include the closest people who were involved in Cody’s rehab.

  Jonathan had indeed been wise to put in an early reservation for the hotel; it was their busiest season, and they were completely sold out. Dozens of hotel guests were watching from a polite distance, as the ceremony got underway.

  The two couples walked onto the beach together, first Marc and Jonathan, both dressed in long, white linen trousers and matching long-sleeved white linen shirts. Behind them were Cody and Parker, dressed in white shorts and short-sleeved linen shirts. All four outfits had been made for this specific purpose, to match and tie the two couples together, yet set them apart. As they arrived at the front of the rows of chairs where the guests were sitting, they were greeted by Captain Sverre, dressed in his white captain’s uniform.

  He gestured the attending crowd to sit down.

  “Dear guests, welcome. We were supposed to be gathered here nine months ago, but then an accident ruined those plans, and I was afraid I might never see any of you again. When Jonathan contacted me a few weeks ago, to ask if I would conduct the ceremony, I didn’t hesitate. To marry two people is one of the privileges of being captain, an ancient tradition, still practiced today. Now we may not be on board of my ship, but with a bit of magic, anything is possible.

  “I stand before you today, to join two couples in marriage: Jonathan and Marc, as well as Parker and Cody.” The captain turned to Jonathan and Marc. “Let us begin with you. Jonathan. I still remember the day we met, the sort of kinship I felt with you, your humility, how uncomfortable you felt with the strict protocol aboard, and I’ll never forget the day when you came to me, again, after having met Marc, and the lengths you went to, in order to be together, defying silly human resource regulations. Nobody is happier than I am to see that you have arrived here today, to be joined as husbands. I understand you have each prepared vows to be read? Marc, would you like to go first?”

  Marc nodded, and swallowed hard. His hands were visibly shaking, as he pulled a piece of paper from his trousers, unfolded it and began to read. “Jonathan, you are my love, you are my life. I may have met you in the
autumn of your days, but you have brought spring and summer to my life.

  “I will never forget the first time our eyes met, seeing the kindness of your heart, the purity of your soul, the fire of your life force. I’m not naïve; I know we may not have decades, but I promise to be your steadfast soldier until that beautiful and kind heart of yours stops beating.” He folded the paper and put it away, wiping a tear from his eye.

  “Thank you, Marc.” Captain Sverre turned to Jonathan. “Your turn.”

  Jonathan simply spoke from the heart. “Marc, I had written down words, thrown them away, then I wrote some more, and threw those away, too. Quite frankly, I don’t have words to express adequately how I feel about you. I have loved before, and the result of that love is sitting all around us—my family, my children, my grandkids, and Jessica, my great-granddaughter. I loved Dan so much and never thought anyone could replace him. And I finally came to the realization that no one will.

  “You are not a replacement. That would be to deny who you are. You are a unique human being, unlike anyone I’ve met before. You seem to thrive on helping others, not just me. You’re like a catalyst of happiness, and I’d be a fool not to hold on to you, for as long as I breathe, and to love you back, grateful for having you in my life, making me a better man, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.”

  “Thank you, Jonathan.“ Captain Sverre turned to their guests. “There is no need to explain the meaning of love and the sanctity of marriage to these men. So let us get to the point. Jonathan Jackson, do you take Marc Duchesne to be your husband, to love and to hold, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?”

  Jonathan’s voice almost cracked. “I do!” Parker handed him a simple golden wedding band, which he gently placed on Marc’s hand.

  The Captain continued. “Marc Duchesne, do you take Jonathan Jackson to be your husband, to love and to hold, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?”

  “I do!” Cody handed Marc the matching wedding band, which he slipped onto Jonathan’s left ring finger.

  “By the power vested in me by the local French Polynesian government, and witnessed by your families and loved ones, I now pronounce you husbands. Feel free to seal your bond with a kiss.”

  Behind them, applause erupted, as Jonathan and Marc’s lips met for a kiss. After the applause had subsided, the captain once again began to speak.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, families and friends, we’re only halfway through, and it’s my joy and privilege to turn to the younger generation. Parker, Cody, I was shocked and heartbroken when I learned of your accident in Honolulu, and for the past nine months, my thoughts have constantly returned to that fateful day, hoping I might someday see you again and know you are better. To join you here today, nine months after your original wedding plans, is a dream come true, and I’m thankful to have been given this opportunity. Like Jonathan and Marc, I know you have prepared your vows. Cody? Would you like to start?”

  Cody took a piece of paper from his shorts, unfolded it slowly, and began to read, tracing with his index finger over the Braille symbols.

  “Parker Dunn, you are a stubborn mule!” A murmur rushed through the crowd as they heard those words. Cody continued, “And for as long as I live, for every minute that I’ve been standing here next to you, I am grateful for that quality.” Behind Cody, people exhaled. “I thought my life had ended in Honolulu. I wanted to run, but couldn’t, so I hid, from you, from the world, from my life. I was exhausted, tired, done with life. All I had left was hope, hope for a miracle. A miracle that would allow me to walk again, live again, be happy again.

  “I got that miracle, that morning when you walked into my hospital room, and I will hold on to you until the day I die. I love you more than words could ever express, but I will try to live up to my promise with my everyday actions.”

  “Thank you Cody,” the captain said, and turned to Parker, who already held a slip of paper in his shaking hands.

  Parker took a deep breath and began. “We’ve heard so many beautiful words today. Of love, devotion, dedication. I doubt I can add anything that hasn’t been said already. Cody, you see things in me no one else sees, maybe because you see without your eyes, and I see things in you, you cannot perceive, or dare not perceive. When we met, I gave you my heart, and when you disappeared, I had no choice but to find you again. I needed you, to live. I’m glad I found my heart, and I’m happy that it is in such good hands. I promise to look after you, to stand by you, no matter what, because it is what brings me joy and happiness. I love you.”

  The captain then performed the wedding ceremony, marrying Parker and Cody, and they exchanged rings, given to them by Jonathan and Marc. Once they had kissed, the families, friends and guests joined them to congratulate them, hug them and share tears of joy.

  Out over the ocean, the sun was baking the water in hues of yellow, orange and red, before slowly and majestically disappearing behind the horizon. On the beach and on the large lawn in front of the hotel, lanterns had been lit, lighting the way to the reception, and the dinner tables.

  It was a glorious party. The food was incredible, the wine was of a fine vintage, and wherever Jonathan looked, he saw joy and happiness, Parker, Cody, Marc, they were all smiling happily. He looked over to Jeanette and Paul, sitting nearby with their kids, madly in love, even after all those years of marriage, just as Rick and Rachel were.

  Dennis seemed to have finally settled down with a really nice young lady, and he was oozing with love. Jonathan Jr. and his wife Emilie were happy parents as they watched their young daughter playing the sand. Mary who was sitting next to Jonathan, was quiet, but she, too, seemed happy.

  “Thank you, Jonathan, for making me come out here. It may not be Maine, but this is a beautiful part of God’s creation, and to witness the ceremony today is a memory I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.”

  “It’s been my pleasure, Mary. Remember, you’re a part of this family. Even once I’m gone.”

  “Oh, Jonathan!” She slapped his hand, “I know that, but don’t you talk such nonsense. You’ll be with us for a long time. You better be, you’re a newlywed, and I’m sure that handsome husband of yours is looking forward to his wedding night.” She chuckled and blushed.

  “I’m sure he is…”

  Jonathan looked over to the other side of the family, from Denise’s proud smile as she watched her newly married son with his husband, to Marc’s parents, his in-laws. They had finally given in to their son’s nagging earlier in the fall in Liege and had acquiesced and joined them for the wedding. Marc’s mom was beaming with pride. Jonathan’s heart was filled with warmth. His family was okay, everyone was happy, his promise to Dan fulfilled.

  He stood up and hugged Marc from behind, kissing him on the cheek. “Listen, I need to go to the little boy’s room. Can you keep an eye on things here? I’ll be back in a bit.”

  “Are you okay?” Marc looked up, his eyes filled with love.

  “Yes, I am, absolutely. I’m very happy. It’s been the best day in a very, very long time. And you made it all happen. I love you very much. Just wait here, okay? I’d hate for both of us to leave the table at this point already.” Jonathan winked at his husband and kissed him, then turned toward the hotel complex.

  ***

  “Park, let’s go for a walk, shall we?”

  “Sure, are you all right?”

  “Oh yeah, I’m fine. I just want five minutes alone with my husband. Is that too much to ask? A quick stroll along the beach?”

  “Something on your mind?”

  “No, just hold my hand and walk with me, okay? I’m so happy right now, I just want to draw it all in, enjoy it, savor the moment.”

  “I love you, too.” Parker swung around in front of Cody and kissed him. “Thank you for being mine!”

  They walked out to the jetty which was used for the speed boats, the fishing boats and the scuba-diving vessels, and sat for a while, in silence, just holding hands, lookin
g at the sky, the few white clouds, the stars, the moon, and their light reflecting off the surface of the calm sea.

  “It’s so beautiful out here. I’m so thankful to Grandpa that he let us do this.”

  “Yeah, me, too, and I’m so glad that he and Marc joined us.”

  “Let’s go say thank you.”

  “Sure, I think Grandpa went for a stroll a while ago. He’s probably sitting somewhere, regretting how much this has cost him.”

  “Oh, Park, shame on you. You know Jonathan would never even think that way…”

  They returned to the beach and turned left, the direction Parker had seen his grandpa take earlier. Turning a corner, they saw him, sitting on the beach, looking out to the ocean, quietly, peacefully.

  “Grandpa?” Parker called from a distance. “We wanted to say thank you.”

  Cody grabbed a hold of Parker.

  “What is it Cody?”

  “Something’s wrong… I can feel it.”

  Parker let go of Cody and ran ahead, reaching Jonathan in just a few steps. “Grandpa, Grandpa?

  “Maaaaaarc…”

  ***

  Jonathan looked around. The place seemed oddly familiar…then he remembered. He was outside the cabin, Dan’s cabin, their cabin. It was late fall, as it was all those years ago. But he wasn’t freezing this time. He looked down at himself, studied his hands, young hands, clean hands, unaffected by the ten days alone in the forest. He touched his face, and it was a young face, stubbly after not having shaved for a day or two, but without the blemishes, cuts and bruises he remembered. He was young again, his body was firm and healthy, and he was wearing those same sneakers he’d worn all those years ago, but they were whole, and dry.

  And he was wearing the same pants he had been wearing back then. They, too, were whole and dry, as was his thin jacket, and his shirt. It was just like as it had been the first time he’d been here, yet different. But how was this possible? Was this a dream?