by Jake Biondi
While the wedding ceremony continued on the terrace, Michael and the two police officers took Camille down the elevator to the first floor of the building. They escorted her to their police car and helped her into the back seat as she continued to loudly object to being arrested. The two officers got into the front of the car and pulled away as Michael watched from the curb.
Behind Michael, Rachel Carson stepped out from behind one of the stone columns that supported the canopy over the building’s driveway.
Inside the car, Camille turned and saw Rachel. “You did this! You bitch! You bitch!”
Rachel could not hear Camille; she just observed her lips moving from behind the glass of the police car window. Watching as the car drove Camille off to prison, Rachel smiled widely.
Once the car pulled away, Michael went back into the building and headed up to the penthouse to join the other guests at the ceremony. Entering the terrace from the rear, Michael quietly took the empty seat next to Keith.
“Everything okay?” Keith whispered to him.
“Better than okay,” Michael whispered back, quickly kissing Keith.
At the front of the terrace, Emmett addressed Cole, who was holding hands with Derek.
“Cole, please repeat after me: I, Cole, take you, Derek, to be my husband.”
Cole smiled, his eyes filling with tears. “I, Cole, take you, Derek, to be my husband.”
Emmett continued to lead Cole through his vows and then led Derek through his version of them as well.
Next, Emmett turned to Justin and Gino, asking them to join hands. They did so and Emmett continued. “Justin, repeat after me: Today, I take you, Gino, to be my husband.”
Justin smiled as he looked at Gino. “Today, I take you, Gino, to be my husband.”
Emmett continued to lead Justin through his vows and then turned to Gino to begin his.
“Okay, here goes: Today, I take you, Justin, to be my husband.”
Gino stood still, saying nothing. He looked at the guests and then back at Justin, who gave him a curious look.
“Are you okay, babe?” Justin whispered to Gino, seemingly waking him from a daydream.
“Sorry,” he said. “Just nerves.”
Emmett reassured him. “It’s okay. Let’s do it again: Today, I take you, Justin, to be my husband.”
This time Gino repeated the vow. “Today, I take you, Justin, to be my husband.”
Emmett led Gino through the remainder of his vows and then looked to Jesse and David for the rings. They held them out on their open palms.
“These rings represent your unending and unwavering love for each other. They are a constant reminder to you and those who see them of your eternal commitment to one another. Let’s start with Cole and Justin. Please place your rings on your grooms’ fingers and say, ‘With this ring, I thee wed.’”
Cole and Justin did as Emmett instructed, placing their rings on Derek’s and Gino’s fingers while saying their vows. Then Emmett told Derek and Gino to do the same for Cole and Justin, and they did.
“Now for the fun part,” Emmett said, excited. “By the power vested in me by the State of Illinois, I now pronounce you married. You may kiss your husbands.”
The terrace erupted with applause as Cole and Derek kissed and Justin and Gino kissed.
“Congratulations to you all,” Emmett said. “And thank you to everyone here for celebrating the love of these four men with all of us today. We invite you to join the happy couple inside for cocktails, dinner, and a lot more celebrating.”
As guests began to rise, Brian and Chadwick performed the recessional song. Emmett hugged his brothers and then Cole and Gino, to whom he said, “Welcome to the family.”
“Thank you so much,” Cole replied. “You did an amazing job.”
“Well, we haven’t survived the toasts yet, so let’s see how they go,” Emmett joked.
From across the terrace, Rob watched Cole speaking to Emmett. Then he realized that he needed to begin distributing champagne and appetizers with the other servers and immediately got to work so as not to call attention to himself.
While guests headed back inside, Keith confronted Michael. “What was that all about?”
“We arrested her.”
“Camille? For what, being a bitch?”
Michael smiled. “You do have a way with words, Stormy. No, we have evidence that suggests she killed Ben and was responsible for the plane crash.”
“Unbelievable,” Keith replied. “Although I guess she did benefit quite a bit from Carlo’s and Marco’s deaths.”
“She did indeed. But let’s not talk about that now. Weddings always put me in a good mood. They give me hope.”
Keith turned to face Michael. “For us?”
“Absolutely,” Michael replied before kissing Keith. “I do love you.”
“I love you, too. I am so grateful for you giving us a second chance.”
“I couldn’t imagine my life without you.”
“Not to worry,” Keith said.
“Then let’s get a drink and celebrate us,” Michael suggested and they headed for the bar.
While Michael and Keith got a drink, David and Adam welcomed Danielle and Meredith of Whiskey & Cherries. They were setting up their microphones in the corner of the great room beside the piano where Brian was getting situated.
“So glad you’re here,” David said, hugging Meredith and Danielle. “It’s great to see you both again.”
Meredith smiled. “We’re excited to be here. We caught the end of the ceremony. It was perfect.”
“Emmett did a great job,” Adam said.
“You all did,” Danielle added.
“Is there anything we can get you?”
“I think we are good,” Brian stated.
“Perfect. You have about 45 minutes until dinner is served and then we’ll switch over to just piano during the meal.”
Chadwick walked over as he came in from the terrace.
“You were great,” David told him, giving him a warm hug.
“Thanks,” Chadwick said with a smile. “Now my work here is done.”
David laughed. “That’s right. Now it’s party time.”
“Let’s get you a drink,” Adam said, escorting Chadwick to the bar as Whiskey & Cherries began singing their first song.
On their way to the bar, they passed Justin and Gino, who were standing off to the side of the room on their own.
“Is everything okay?” Justin asked Gino, who forced a smile.
“Of course,” he said. “Just perfect.”
Justin kissed him. “Okay, babe. You just seem a little ‘off’ for some reason.”
“The stress of the day, I guess. But I’m fine and enjoying our amazing day.”
“I love you.”
“Thanks,” Gino replied. “Looks like they’re getting ready to serve dinner. Let’s get seated.”
Gino headed toward the front of the room as Emmett approached Justin.
“Is he okay?” Emmett asked.
“I’m not sure,” Justin replied. “He said he’s just stressed out by the day, but I think it’s something else. He’s just not acting like himself.”
“Is he sick?”
Justin put his arm around Emmett. “I’m not sure. Come on, let’s see when Adam wants us to get seated.”
Out on the terrace, Hugo and Jensen talked against the backdrop of the setting sun.
“So your father isn’t coming at all?”
“I don’t think so.”
“Damn,” Jensen said. “I’m so sorry that all this is happening.”
“I know.”
“What are you going to tell the university? You can’t keep avoiding their calls. And the reporters downstairs? It’s crazy.”
Hugo hugged Jensen. “It’ll be okay, handsome. As long as I have you, things will be okay.”
“I hate Rachel for doing this to you, even more than I hated her before.”
“Don’t let her ruin to
day for us. We can deal with everything else tomorrow.”
“She needs to pay for what she has done, not just to you, but to all of us.”
“Her day will come,” Hugo said. “Just not today.”
Hugo kissed Jensen and embraced him tightly.
With everyone seated for dinner, servers circulated through the tables making sure that everyone had a full glass of champagne for the toasts.
In the pantry, Rob carefully filled his tray of champagne glasses. After making sure that no one else was around, he took a small brown bottle from his jacket and poured its contents into one of the glasses. He set that particular glass off to the side of the tray, slightly away from the others. Then he lifted the tray and headed out into the dining area.
As people began eating their first course, David and Jesse stood up from their seats at the head table and walked over to the nearby microphone.
“Good evening, everyone. Before we get too far into dinner, we wanted to say a few words. After all, Emmett got to talk about Justin and Derek during the ceremony so we only think it’s fair that we get to say a few words about Gino and Cole.”
Jesse took the microphone from David. “While I could stand up here and tell a bunch of embarrassing stories about Cole, I promised I’d keep it short and classy. Plus, his mother is here.”
While Jesse gave his toast, Rob arrived at the table where Keith, Michael, Max, Logan, Adam, Patrick, Hugo, and Jensen were seated. He placed a fresh glass of champagne at everyone’s place, making sure to place the drugged glass in front of Michael. He received a hand signal from Logan not to place a glass in front of him or Max, so Rob skipped over them. Then he gathered a few empty glasses from the table and walked away.
“...I knew from the moment he first told me about Derek that they were going to end up together and here we are on their wedding day. Cole, you are my friend and my brother and I have always wanted what’s best for you. Today, I’m happy to say that you have achieved that. Together, Derek and you are inspirations to us all and a reminder what true love and devotion can achieve. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness. Cheers.”
Jesse raised his champagne glass and then drank from it, as did most of the guests, including Michael.
Next, David took the microphone. “As most of you know, I only recently found out that I am a Ciancio and a Mancini, too. No one has been kinder in welcoming me to those families than Gino. He has jumped right into the ‘big brother’ role and made me feel like I belong. Gino, I will never be able to truly thank you or accurately communicate to you how much you mean to me.”
Justin put his arm around Gino as they both continued to listen to David.
“There is a line from a song in Les Miserables that says, ‘To love another person is to see the face of God.’ Justin and Gino, your love and commitment that we all witnessed here today is a manifestation of God among us. You have overcome great odds to be together and you have worked to heal the pain that existed historically between your two families. Your love inspires us all -- and I hope that I will one day find love with someone like the love that you two share with each other. Congratulations and all the very best. Cent’Anni!”
Again, most guests, including Michael, raised their glasses and drank their champagne in honor of the husbands at the front of the room.
As dinner proceeded, Jesse left the head table and walked over to Logan’s table. He gestured for Logan to stand up for a moment and he did.
“What’s up?”
“I just got a text from my mother. She’s here in town but not feeling well, so she’s not coming over here. I feel like I should run over to the hotel and check on her.”
“Absolutely,” Logan said. “Please give her my best.”
“You’ll be okay staying?”
Logan kissed Jesse. “Of course, I’ll wait for you here. If you take longer than a little while and I want to head home, I’ll text you.”
“Perfect,” Jesse said. “I’ll see you soon.”
“I hope she’s okay.”
“I’m sure she’s fine,” Jesse said, kissing Logan again and heading toward the door.
As Logan sat back down, Patrick stood up and walked over to the head table to talk to Emmett.
“How are things at your table?” Emmett asked him.
“Great, although I think Max has been over-served.”
“Ugh,” Emmett said. “I’ll check on him in a bit.”
“Logan is keeping an eye on him,” Patrick said. “I need to run out for a moment, but I’ll be back. Hospital emergency.”
“Oh, okay,” Emmett said.
“I shouldn’t be long, but wanted you to know.”
“Thanks. See you in a bit.”
Patrick smiled and headed toward the elevator.
Patrick and Jesse each headed separately to the Excelsior hotel. Upon arriving, Jesse took the elevator to her mother’s floor to check on her. Patrick took the elevator to a different floor and made his way down the hallway towards one of the rooms. He knocked on the door and then pushed it open and entered.
“I got your message,” he said, closing the door behind him.
Standing at the window was Franco Armani, this time not wearing his cardinal robes. Instead, he was wearing a white Henley unbuttoned to the middle of his large chest and jeans. He turned to face Patrick.
“I didn’t like how we left things yesterday.”
“So you summoned me here in the middle of a wedding I was attending?”
“It’s important,” Franco explained. “The wedding isn’t.”
“What’s so important?”
Franco walked over to Patrick, stopping dangerously close to him. “I’m wondering if it was a mistake granting your sabbatical.”
“Why? I told you how great it’s been. I’ve made some great connections with people here.”
Franco put his hands on Patrick’s chest. “But you’ve lost some of your connection to God. And to me. We need to rectify that.”
Patrick stepped back, causing Franco’s arms to fall back to his sides. “I have been praying multiple times each day for guidance and strength, just as you instructed. I told you, I’m struggling.”
“There should be no struggle. You belong with the Church…and with me.” Franco wrapped his arms around Patrick’s waist and pulled him close. Then he kissed Patrick.
Initially, Patrick resisted the kiss, but gradually he accepted it. He folded his arms around Franco’s body as the kiss grew more and more passionate. Patrick ran his hands over Franco’s chest, fingering the opening on his Henley.
With a sudden burst of energy, Patrick pulled the Henley off Franco and buried his face in Franco’s chest. He kissed his chest, nipples, and abs, winding up on his knees in front of Franco.
Franco put his hands on the back of Patrick’s head and pushed him into his crotch. Massaging Patrick’s shoulders through his tuxedo jacket, Franco pushed the bulge in his jeans into Patrick’s face.
“I’ve missed you,” Patrick whispered.
Franco helped Patrick up from his knees. Kissing him deeply, Franco opened Patrick’s bowtie and shirt. Running his hands over Patrick’s chest, Franco continued to kiss him aggressively.
After a moment, however, Patrick stepped back.
“What’s the matter?”
“I can’t do this,” Patrick said. “You’re confusing me.”
“There is no confusion. You are mine. Not the Church’s, not God’s, mine.”
“I can’t do this anymore.” Patrick pleaded, “Please give me more time, Franco.”
“You can’t get me out of your head or your heart. We are one together.” Franco made a fist and held his large, gold ring with the red gem up to Patrick’s face. “And as long as I wear this ring and hold my title, you must obey me.” Franco kissed Patrick again
“I have to get back to the wedding.”
“Your sabbatical has been terminated. You’re coming back home with me.”
“I…I need mor
e time,” Patrick said, rushing out of the room and closing the door as he arrived into the hotel hallway. He paused outside the door and tried to catch his breath. He turned back toward the door and then turned away and headed down the hallway toward the elevator.
Upon arriving in the hotel lobby, Patrick walked quickly toward the revolving doors, not noticing Jesse standing at the reception desk.
“I came to visit my other in 1515, but she’s not answering the door,” Jesse told the clerk. “I hope nothing’s wrong. She said she wasn’t feeling well.”
The clerk checked his computer. “Jacqueline Morgan?”
“Yes, that’s my mother.”
“I’m sorry, but Ms. Morgan checked out of the hotel about half an hour ago.”
“Checked out? But she told me she was staying here.”
“I’m sorry, but it appears she’s already left the hotel.”
Upon arriving back at the wedding reception, Patrick found the party in full swing. People were dancing and talking while Amy Armstrong sang from the performance area. Emmett spotted Patrick and walked right over to him.
“Everything okay?”
Patrick didn’t respond, he just hugged Emmett.
“Your hearts racing. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” Patrick said. “Everything will be fine.”
Rob walked by Patrick and Emmett who stopped him and removed two glasses of champagne from his tray. Then Rob continued through the crowd to where Keith and Michael were talking. He handed Keith a glass and then handed Michael another glass containing the liquid he had been putting into Michael’s drinks throughout the event.
“Thank you,” Michael told Rob as he drank from his glass.
Rob nodded and continued on his way.
“Having fun, Stormy?”
“It’s been a great event,” Keith said. “But we could be having even more fun if we were alone.”
Michael smiled. “I was thinking the same thing. How about we head back to my place and get out of these penguin outfits?”
“As far as I’m concerned, we can’t get there fast enough.”
Both Keith and Michael chugged their champagne, put the glasses down on a nearby table and headed out of the penthouse.
