Personal Challenges

by K. C. Wells

  Franco held up both hands. “Whoa, leave me out of this. I know better than to come between a soon-to-be-married couple.” He pulled a notepad from his jacket pocket. “Now, can we talk about the ceremony?” He grinned. “That is why I’m here, right?”

  Angelo closed the laptop and sat next to Franco on the couch. “Quite right.”

  “Do we need to have a civil ceremony first?” Rick asked. “Before you bless the marriage, I mean?”

  “I wish you could take the whole ceremony,” Angelo said quietly. “But we know that’s not possible. We’ve already explained to my mum that the Catholic Church wouldn’t recognize our marriage.”

  Franco regarded him in silence for a moment, before putting his notepad on the floor and then sitting back. “I suppose I need to be honest with you.”

  Rick straightened, the hairs on his arms standing on end for some inexplicable reason.

  Franco clasped his hands together and stared at them. “What I told you is true. I’m a chaplain at HMP Belmarsh. What I neglected to tell you is that I’m not the Catholic chaplain.”

  Angelo blinked. “What?”

  “I’m no longer a Catholic priest. The Church and I parted company six months ago. I still preach, but for the Unitarian church.”

  Angelo appeared stunned. “When we last talked, you seemed perfectly happy. What happened?”

  Franco shrugged. “I supposed it came down to a difference in ideology. I wasn’t prepared to preach something that I didn’t believe was right, so I made the decision to leave the church.” He sighed. “It wasn’t an easy decision, by any means. But I’m happy in my new position. And today, when you talked about me not looking like a priest, I thought I could… bluff it out, say nothing. I couldn’t.”

  “Sounds like it had to be something pretty huge for you to take this course of action.” Rick observed him keenly. Franco said nothing, and Rick realized whatever had brought about this change, he was not about to share it.

  “Does this mean you can conduct the ceremony?” Angelo asked, his expression brightening.

  Franco sighed. “I’m what is referred to as an Authorised Person, meaning that the ceremony would be legal, but that applies only if it’s conducted in the Unitarian chapel. And I should point out here that my status there is a fairly recent thing. As yet, I haven’t conducted any weddings. For your wedding, you’d still need an authorized person from the General Registrar’s office present to hear those all-important two sentences that make it legal.”

  “Two?” Rick was intrigued. “You mean, the whole wedding could take a couple of minutes? Have you any idea how many boring weddings I’ve had to sit through, that felt like they went on for hours?”

  Angelo snorted. “Try a Catholic wedding. It’s like a wedding and a Mass, all rolled into one.” He tapped Franco’s thigh. “But you’ve got me thinking. Which two sentences?”

  “The one where you declare that there’s nothing lawful to stop you getting married, and the other where you say you take your partner as your lawful wedded whatever.” He grinned. “You two would be my first same-sex marriage ceremony.” Franco seemed to relax for the first time since his confession. “So, what do I need to know about you two to make this a more personal service?” He waggled his eyebrows. “I’m sure you both have things to share about your relationship during the past ten years.”

  Rick coughed and Angelo snickered. “Some things are definitely not for sharing, especially with my family.”

  Franco grinned. “Gotcha.” He reached down to pick up his notepad. “Let’s start then.”

  Chapter Eight

  March 21st

  “Come in.” Ed glanced up from his desk and smiled at the sight of his PA. “Oh, Mandy, I love ya.”

  She chuckled as she placed the large mug of coffee in front of him. “Yeah, yeah. Heard it all before. And we both know it’s the coffee you love.”

  Ed laughed. “Well, duh.” He often joked that Mandy had only been given the job because she made good coffee. “You only ’ave one strike against ya.”

  Mandy grinned. “We’ve discussed this. It’s not my fault your sister named her little girl Mandy, okay? My parents got there first.”

  “Yeah, okay.” Ed sniffed the rich aroma. “’Ow did you know I was ready for a coffee?”

  She guffawed. “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe because there’s a y in the day?”

  Ed frowned. “Eh? All days end with a—” He broke off and gave her a stern look. “Oh, very funny. Out.”

  Still laughing, Mandy exited his office, closing the door behind her. Ed ignored the siren call of the coffee and stared at his monitor. Blake was due any minute for their monthly meeting, and Ed wanted to have all the facts at his fingertips. Not that he was concerned: the company was doing fine, amazing though that was in the present climate.

  Well, it was doin’ fine, until last night. He knew Blake would want to talk about the news that had rocked the publishing world the previous evening.

  He gazed at the framed photos on his desk. One was of him and Colin, taken in the restaurant the night Colin had proposed. Colin’s face bore bruises, the result of an incident at the end of a football match, one which had ended up with Ed spending a few hours in a police cell. Another was one of Colin that Ed had taken the previous summer, his face lit up by the sun, his expression relaxed and happy. It was Ed’s favourite photo, not only because Colin looked wonderful, but also because of the memories it brought back to him. They’d spent a week on the south coast, when Colin had roped Blake in to make sure Ed took a holiday.

  It had been his New Year’s resolution to spend less time at the office, and it was already beginning to look like an epic fail.

  His intercom buzzed. “Ed? Blake’s here. And he’s not alone.”

  Mandy’s delighted tone told him instantly who else had accompanied Blake. He got up from his desk and walked to the door. He could already hear the coos and ahhs from some of his female staff.

  “Are you distractin’ my staff again, Mr. Davis?” he said loudly with a grin as he strode along the hallway to the reception area. Sure enough, Blake and Will stood in front of Karen’s desk, Nathan wrapped up and held against Will’s chest in a grey sort of sling. Ed shook his head. “My, aren’t we trendy?” Beth, Karen and Mandy were gazing at the baby and making cute noises, not that Nathan noticed—he was fast asleep.

  Will lifted his chin and smiled. “These carriers are all the rage. It’s actually pretty comfortable.”

  Ed snorted. “Babies went around in carry-cots in my day.”

  Karen stared at him. “Yes, but that was back when the earth was cooling.” Her eyes twinkled with amusement.

  Blake laughed. “I see nothing changes around here. Still the same respectful working relationships that I remember so fondly.” He met Ed’s gaze. “How about we leave Will with Nathan’s fan club, while you and I go into your office?”

  Ed nodded, pleased. It was good to know Blake was still the same efficient businessman he’d always been. “Mandy, can you bring through some coffee for Mr. Davis?” He grinned.

  “No problem.”

  Blake followed him along the hallway, the noises behind them not dimming in the slightest. Blake closed the door. “I take it you’ve spoken with Lizzie?”

  “Yeah.” Ed’s good mood submerged beneath a fleeting dark cloud. “Don’t get me wrong. I’m really ’appy for ’er, but I’d only just got ’er to work part-time. We’ll ’ave to see if Thomas can come back an’ work for us again full-time. At least he’s familiar with the set-up ’ere.” Thomas had run the translation department once Lizzie had become a full-time mum.

  “Good idea.” Blake sat in the chair facing Ed’s desk. “You saw the news yesterday?”

  Ed had known it wouldn’t take long. “You mean that Real Romance went tits up?” he scowled. “Angel sent me an e-mail last night. A heads-up would’ve been nice. The site goes dark in less than two days.” The online site sold e-books and had sent out a shock announ
cement that it was folding. “I’m puttin’ out notices to tell readers that if they’ve bought our titles via the site an’ subsequently lost ’em, they can just send us a copy of their receipt an’ we’ll replace the books. Least we can do.” He hadn’t begun to calculate the effect it would have on the writers’ royalties.

  Blake sighed. “Time to look for alternative sites, I think. That was top of my list for discussion this morning. It’s bound to affect business. Our job now is keep our heads and keep the company going.” He pulled his tablet from his briefcase. “Okay. Let’s see what we can do with this mess.”

  Ed nodded. It was times like these that he was glad Blake was around.

  Their meeting lasted an hour, and by the time they were done, Ed’s head ached. It was probably the most testing time he’d experienced since taking over the running of the company, but he knew Blake wouldn’t have entrusted him with the task if he hadn’t felt Ed was up to it.

  Blake got up and stretched. “And now I’d better go see what my husband is up to,” he said with a wink.

  “Are things settlin’ down at ’ome?”

  Blake paused at the doorway. “Nathan is nothing like Sophie was as a baby. She was forever gurgling, making those cute little noises, remember? Nathan is so quiet in comparison. He’s such a placid baby.”

  Ed snorted. “For Gawd’s sake, don’t say it like it’s a bad thing! Enjoy the peace while it lasts. Because the time will come when you’re complainin’ about ’ow much noise ’im an’ all ’is mates are makin’ in his room.”

  Blake laughed, but then his face straightened. “Don’t even joke. I think about Sophie and how the past four years have flown by. Let me hold on to Nathan as a baby for as long as I can.”

  They left the office together and walked through the hallway in search of Will and Nathan. They found Will in Rick’s office, the pair of them deep in conversation. From the sound of it, the topic under discussion was the wedding, not that that was any surprise. Nathan was lying on a pile of cushions that Ed recognized immediately.

  “Excuse me? Those are from my couch!” he said, pointing at them.

  Rick frowned at him. “Shh, not so loud. You’ll wake Nathan. And are you saying you begrudge that sweet little baby a few measly cushions?” His eyes sparkled with mischief.

  Ed narrowed his gaze. “You can be a right pain in the arse sometimes.” He gave Nathan a glance, but the baby was still sleeping soundly. “Gawd, that kid can sleep through anythin’.”

  Will quirked his eyebrows. “Don’t let this blissful state fool you. We always know when he’s hungry or tired, and of course, when it’s time for Blake to change his nappy.” His gaze went to Blake, and Ed bit back a chuckle. Will loved to bait his husband.

  “Still keepin’ you up nights?” Ed asked them both.

  “Less now, I guess.” Will gave Blake an inquiring glance. “Are you done?”

  Blake nodded. “Time to get this young man home before he wakes up to tell us very loudly that it’s time for his lunch.”

  Ed couldn’t resist. “Do you still ’ave to ’ide the pots of chocolate puddin’ from Will?” It had been a standing joke around the office when Sophie was very small that Will was addicted to baby chocolate pudding.

  Blake snorted. “Oh, we’ve moved on. Now it’s the Rusks. I keep finding them on his desk, hidden where he thinks I can’t see them.”

  Will glared. “They’re good to nibble while I’m writing.” It was noticeable, however, that there was no trace of malice when Blake helped him to wind the grey sling around Nathan’s sleeping form, securing it over Will’s shoulders and around his back while Will held their little boy against his body. Ed never tired of watching his friends together, of seeing the love they shared.

  “Did you mention next weekend to Ed?” Will inquired, his arms supporting Nathan. “Rick says he’s in, and that Angelo will be by the time Rick’s finished working on him.” His eyes sparkled.

  “What about next weekend?” Ed gave Blake a keen glance. “Something you’ve forgotten to mention?”

  “We wondered if you’d like to come and stay with us for the weekend. We’re having a… garden party.”

  Ed arched his eyebrows. “I know today’s the first day of spring, but a garden party? It’ll be bleedin’ freezin’!”

  Rick snorted. “It’s not that sort of a party. For one thing, you’d need to bring a pair of wellies and a warm jacket.”

  Ed stared at Blake, who gave a quick shrug. “We decided it was time to start work on the garden. We haven’t done a thing since we moved in, and there’s a lot that needs clearing. So—”

  “So you thought you’d use your friends as cheap labour,” Ed interjected, grinning.

  “That was the first thing I said when he came up with it,” Will piped up.

  Blake gave him a hard stare before returning his attention to Ed. “We’d value your opinions as to what we do with it. And you’d be well fed, I can guarantee that. Mostly we thought it would be nice to spend the weekend with you four.”

  Ed liked the sound of that. “Lemme talk to Colin, see what he thinks, before I commit meself.”

  “Of course. Just let us know either way.” Blake leaned over and kissed Will’s cheek. “Come on, let’s get you home.” He turned back to Ed. “And you are doing a great job. I know things aren’t easy right now.”

  Ed waved a hand. “Pfft. We’ll manage. It’s good to know you’re there if we need ya.”

  “Always.” Blake’s intense blue eyes focused on him. “You only have to ask.”

  “Glad things are finally looking up on the wedding front,” Will said to Rick with a smile. “I’ll go online and check out this venue when we get home.” When Blake’s jaw dropped, Will grinned. “No, Blake Davis, you are not going to ask him questions now. I’ll tell you all about it on the way home. I know what you’re like when you get talking. You can be such a gasbag sometimes.” He exited Rick’s office, chuckling quietly.

  “He likes livin’ dangerously, doesn’t he?” Ed commented to Blake with a nod of his head toward the door Will had just taken.

  Blake gave him an evil grin. “We’ll see how mouthy he is when I’ve put Nathan to bed after I’ve fed him.” He followed Will.

  Ed shook his head. He caught Rick’s gaze. “I wouldn’t wanna be Will tonight.”

  Rick waggled his eyebrows. “Ha. I have no sympathy. If you ask me, Will knows exactly what he’s doing.”

  Ed had to admit, Rick had a point.

  He went back into his office and shut the door after him. He pulled his phone from his pocket, debating whether or not to call Colin during his lunch break. It had been a week since he’d received Ray’s e-mail, and although he hadn’t mentioned it, Ed knew it had to have been on Colin’s mind. Colin had been quieter, more thoughtful, and even though Ed was doing his damnedest to be patient, he was dying to say something—anything—that might help.

  When his phone vibrated, startling him out of his reverie, he wasn’t surprised to see Colin’s name flash up. It was a common occurrence, almost as if they could read each other’s minds.

  “Hi. You on yer lunch break?”

  “Yes, thank God. It’s been quite busy here this morning. I’ve told Marion absolutely no calls.”

  “Then I’m ’onoured.” Ed waited, but Colin didn’t respond. “You okay, Col?”

  “I’ve been thinking.”

  “Oh, careful. Your brains will over’eat.” When no laughter, not even a chuckle ensued, he gave a sigh. “Let me guess. Ray?”

  “Yes.”

  “Do you still want to see him?”

  Colin’s breathing hitched. “Why—do you think I shouldn’t?”

  “I think,” Ed said carefully, “that you need to do what you believe is right. Ray’s e-mail was askin’ ya to forgive ’im. Do you need to see him to do that?”

  “It’s like you said. Unfinished business.”

  “An’ maybe you want to see ’im for one last time. You were close onc
e.” Ed got that. “So what next? Are you gonna call ’im?”

  “I think so. Then we’ll see what happens.” Colin sounded so deflated, it tore at Ed’s heart.

  “Listen, I’ve got an idea. ’Ow about I stop off on me way ’ome an’ get us a takeaway from our favourite Indian? No need to cook, an’ after we’ve eaten, we can cuddle up on the couch an’ watch a film.”

  “Right now that sounds absolutely wonderful.” A note of genuine pleasure had crept into Colin’s voice, and it did Ed good to hear it.

  “In that case, I’ll get off the dog ‘n’ bone an’ make sure I don’t finish too late tonight.”

  Colin chuckled. “And there was I, thinking I’d weaned you off all those Cockneyisms.”

  Ed snorted. “You what? I’m an ‘ackney lad, born ‘n’ bred. You can take a man out of the East End, but—”

  “—but you can never take the East End out of the man, yeah, yeah, I know,” Colin finished for him. “And I wouldn’t have you any other way, my little Cockney sparrow.” Another chuckle.

  “Hey! Who you callin’ little?” In that moment Ed felt light, almost giddy with relief. “Now get off this phone, before I decide to paddle your arse later for that last remark.”

  “You and whose army?” Colin joked. “I’ll see you tonight.” He disconnected the call.

  Ed placed his phone on the desk and stared at it, unseeing. At least I made him laugh.

  Something that had been in short supply lately.

  * * * * * *

  Colin came back to his desk with a fresh cup of coffee. He pulled up Ray’s e-mail on his phone and sent a short reply.

  Can we talk? I don’t have your phone number.

  Then he leaned back and drank his coffee. When thirty minutes had passed with no reply, he began coming up with reasons why Ray hadn’t come back to him immediately.

  He’s not got access to his e-mails.

  He’s busy.

  He tried to ignore the one reason that made his chest tighten. He doesn’t want to talk to me.