by K. C. Wells
“Goodbye,” he whispered, before brushing his lips over Ray’s. He straightened and walked away from the bed, toward the door beyond which Ed waited.
* * * * * *
“It’s a nice little flat,” Ed commented, glancing around at the living area. “I can see why Ray loved livin’ ’ere.”
Colin smiled. “The reason Ray loved this place is down there,” he said, pointing toward the window. “His walks along the river bank were important to him.” He’d wanted to see it one more time, because in all likelihood, he’d hire someone to pack up all Ray’s belongings prior to passing it into the hands of an estate agent.
“Are you gonna choose something like Ray said?”
Colin had been thinking about that. For the life of him, he couldn’t think of anything.
“Tell you what,” Ed said at last. “Why don’t I put the kettle on, while you ’ave a look around?”
“Would you understand if I said it feels weird to be going through his things? That it still feels like he’ll walk through that door any minute?”
Ed sighed. “More than you’d think. I remember when me dad passed on. I kept thinkin’ it was a joke, that he wasn’t really dead, just hidin’ in a cupboard somewhere, waitin’ to jump out an’ scare the shit out of us all.”
“Yes,” Colin breathed. “Exactly.”
“An’ it’s not like you’re rootin’ through ’is stuff to find the bleedin’ Crown Jewels, right?” Ed cocked his head to one side. “Did you wanna stay here tonight?”
Colin shook his head. “I couldn’t. Can’t really explain why.”
Ed’s smile was kind. “No problem. I’ll call that ’otel we stayed in last time, see if they’ve got a room.”
“Actually….” Colin gazed at the small flat, his chest tightening. “Can we go? Let’s do this tomorrow, before we go to the airport.”
Ed nodded. “Let’s get out of ’ere. You’re right. It’s too close to ’im goin’.”
His words mirrored Colin’s thoughts precisely. Ray’s scent permeated the flat, but beneath it was a faint medicinal odour that brought back recent events.
“We don’t ’ave to do this tomorrow, even.” Ed leaned against the kitchen work top and regarded Colin keenly. “Let’s wait until we hear from Ray’s solicitor. We can always come back another day, when everything’s less raw than it is right now.”
Colin shuddered out a breath. “I know it was my idea to come here, but you’re right. I can’t do this now.”
Ed beckoned him with a finger. “Come ’ere.” Colin walked over to him and Ed put his arms around him. “Just stop for a minute. Breathe.”
Colin leaned against him, his face buried in Ed’s neck.
“That’s it. Just take a moment to be still. You ’aven’t stopped since you left the office, ’ave ya? Dashin’ to the airport, makin’ it there with ten minutes to spare, runnin’ for the gate… You only stayed still on the bloody plane because you ’ad no choice. Then the taxi…” Ed held him close. “All over now. You got there in time, you said goodbye. An’ now you need to let it all go.”
Colin inhaled slowly, breathing Ed in. “How do you do this?” he asked softly.
“Do what?”
“Be exactly what I need, exactly when I need it.”
Ed chuckled. “Guess that’s part ‘n’ parcel of lovin’ someone. You’ve ’eld me together plenty of times. It’s my turn to ’old you. Only, you’re not comin’ apart, are ya? You’re ’angin’ on in there, ’cause you’re a strong man.” He rubbed firmly over Colin’s back. “An’ you know Ray’s not in any more pain, right?”
Colin nodded. That was the one thing that eased his heart.
“Then we’ll check there’s no nasties lurkin’ in the fridge, although I think we’d know by now if there were—the place would stink to high heaven. Someone must’ve cleaned it out before Ray went to the hospice. Maybe Kelly.”
“That’s possible.”
“An’ then we’ll be on our way.” Ed pulled his phone from his pocket and scrolled through.
Colin listened absently as Ed booked them a hotel room. Maybe a quiet dinner with Ed and an early night was just what he needed. Except he didn’t think it would be that simple.
He had a feeling it would be a while before the ache in his heart began to fade.
Chapter Twenty-Six
August 19th - the big day
“You’ve got the rings, right?”
Will gave Angelo a hard stare. “You’ve asked me three times already. Any more, and I shall walk off in a huff.” Then he grinned. “Relax, will you? Everything is perfect.”
Angelo groaned. “Oh, God, don’t say that. Now you’ve jinxed it for sure.”
Rick landed a quick swat on Angelo’s behind. “Only if you keep on saying stuff like that.” He was feeling remarkably calm, which was probably a good thing, judging by the state of Angelo’s nerves. Elena was just as bad, fretting over numerous things: the flowers, Angelo’s cousin Paula who was due to sing, but was experiencing a bit of a cough, whether there were enough chairs…
I seem to be the only sane one around here.
That wasn’t quite true. Will was pretty relaxed too. He, Blake and the children had arrived just after Rick, Angelo and Elena. Sophie kept twirling in her new dress, until she did it so much that she got dizzy, and then Blake made her sit on a chair and stay there. Nathan was securely fastened in his pushchair, dozing off now and then.
The chairs were beginning to fill, slowly but surely, even with an hour left until the ceremony. Franco had arrived, dressed in a black suit and tie. He too seemed calm, but every time Rick glimpsed him, he was engaged in conversation with Anthony.
Rick had to smile. Anthony had shown yet again what a godsend he was with Elena. He’d taken her under his wing—and out of their hair while he and Angelo got changed into their suits.
Blake walked toward him, followed by a tall, thin man who carried a briefcase. “Rick, this is Mr. Newton from the General Registrar’s office.”
Rick extended a hand. “Mr. Newton, the one who makes it all legal.”
Mr. Newton smiled and shook hands with him. “I have the licenses. I just need to check them before the ceremony.” He glanced around. “I’m guessing that table over there is for me?” Rick nodded. “Perfect. Then if you and Mr. Tarallo could join me in about five minutes, we can go over the paperwork.”
Rick glanced around. Angelo was talking to Will, who thankfully was having a calming influence on him. Thank God. Rick had enough to deal with.
“Are Ed and Colin here yet?” Blake joined Rick, scanning the assembled guests.
Rick shook his head. “No sign of them yet.” He wasn’t concerned, however. If there was a problem, one of them would have called.
Blake looked over his shoulder and smiled. “Lizzie and Dave just arrived.”
Rick turned, just as a small missile in the shape of Justin collided with him. “Whoa there!”
Justin peered up at him, grinning. “Uncle Rick! You’re getting married today.”
Rick crouched down. “That’s the plan. Don’t you look smart?”
Justin scowled and pulled at his shirt collar. “Dad made me wear this.”
Dave walked up behind him, holding Molly’s hand. He rolled his eyes. “I told Justin that you and Angelo wouldn’t really appreciate his Batman costume.”
Rick bit his lip. “Yeah, but imagine Angelo’s face if he had.”
“Justin is sulking,” Molly told him with an air of superiority.
Rick snorted. “And you, of course, have never sulked.”
Molly opened her eyes and mouth wide, but before she could speak, Dave leaned closer. “Remember what happens when you tell lies?”
Molly instantly covered her nose with both hands, and Rick guffawed. “I spy with my little eye, someone who’s been watching Pinocchio.”
Lizzie giggled. “Yesterday, in fact.”
He shook his head as Lizzie approached. “Do you want a
little help there?”
Lizzie glared at him. “I know, I know, I’m as big as a house, and I still have a few weeks to go.”
Rick took her arm and helped her toward a chair that she sank into with a sigh of relief. “This row is for you lot.” He peered closely at Lizzie. “Hey, are you okay?” She was a little flushed.
She huffed. “I just didn’t have a good night, that’s all.” Then she smiled. “But you have more pressing things to think about, like letting Angelo make an honest man of you.” She winked. Rick feigned indignation, but Lizzie laughed at him. “Yeah, like I buy that look anymore.”
He kissed her cheek. “Glad you’re here.” Rick left them to get settled.
“Rick!” Angelo pointed to behind him. “Your family has arrived.”
Rick turned and smiled to see his parents waving as they walked towards the loggia. He grinned at the sight of Maggie in a long, pale blue dress. “Wow. Don’t you scrub up nicely?”
Maggie scowled and his mum arched her eyebrows. “You’ve got her in a dress. Don’t push your luck.”
Rick snorted. Maggie was never one for dressing up. He hugged her and whispered in her ear, “You look beautiful, Mags.”
She tightened her arms around him. “I’ve never seen you look so handsome. Dark green really suits you.” Then she chuckled. “But oh my. Could Angelo look any more Italian?”
Rick released her and feasted his eyes on Angelo, resplendent in his pale suit. “I think he looks amazing.” He returned his gaze to Maggie and winked. “But then I am a little biased.”
Maggie stared at him, her eyes shining. “I love the way you look at him, like he’s—”
“The best thing that ever happened to me?” Rick finished for her. “Maybe that’s because he is.”
His dad gave him a brief firm hug. “You look very smart.”
“Doesn’t he?” Mum’s face glowed.
Rick wasn’t used to praise. “Come on, your seats are on the front row.” He led them to where they would be sitting.
Mum glanced across and waved at Elena. “I must go and say hello.”
“Rick!” Angelo was beckoning him.
“Sorry,” he apologized to his dad and sister.
Dad snickered. “It’s going to be a long, busy day for you.” He paused. “Can I give you a word of advice, son?”
Rick stilled. “Sure.” He wondered what was coming. Dad wasn’t one for man-to-man stuff.
“I know there’s going to be a lot happening, but this is a day you’ll want to remember. So, don’t think about what’s coming next, who’s doing what—stop every now and then, step back, and take a moment to breathe it all in, take in everything.” He smiled. “Your granddad said that to me on my wedding day, and it was good advice. I remember that day like it was yesterday.”
Rick’s throat tightened, and he hugged his dad fiercely. “Thank you.” He gave Angelo an apologetic glance. “And now I’d better see what my husband-to-be wants.”
He left them and walked over to Angelo. “What’s up?”
Angelo arched his eyebrows. “Only the small matter of the licenses. Mr. Newton, remember?”
Rick chuckled. “Oh, is that all?” He dodged Angelo’s hand as it made its way toward his backside. “Well, come on, then. Let’s go make sure it’s all going to be legal.”
He felt like a little kid on Christmas morning.
That’s not a bad way to be on your wedding day.
* * * * * *
“I’m sorry I made us late,” Colin whispered as they walked briskly toward the loggia. Laughter and chatter carried on the warm breeze, along with the strains of violins, weaving a beautiful harmony.
Ed’s hand clasped his. “It’s okay, we’re ’ere now.” It had taken the whole journey to the castle for him to calm down. When Colin had announced that he didn’t really feel up to attending the wedding, it had taken every ounce of effort on Ed’s part not to react. He’d played it cool, all the while knowing that this was exactly what Colin needed—a day with friends who loved him, a day when the past could be recalled, but the emphasis was on the future. Rick’s cheerful text, telling them how much he was looking forward to seeing them, had been the deciding factor.
I owe Rick for that. His timing couldn’t have been more opportune.
Colin gazed at their surroundings. “Wow. What a perfect spot for a wedding.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” Ed had seen the photos online, but they didn’t do it justice, in his opinion. “And thank Gawd the weather played nice for ’em.” It was a gloriously sunny day, and the way the stone columns of the loggia caught the light and reflected it was just beautiful.
They stepped into the cool shadows of the arches, and Angelo walked over to them. “We were beginning to think you weren’t coming.”
“Shouldn’t you be standin’ at the front, gettin’ ready?” Ed asked with a grin after hugging him.
Colin frowned. “Something’s going on.” Voices were raised in agitation.
Angelo left them and hurried over to where a crowd had gathered on one side of the arranged chairs.
“What’s goin’ on?”
Blake emerged from the crowd and strode over to them. “There’s been a hitch. The wedding may have to wait a little while.”
Ed looked past him to where Angelo and Dave were supporting Lizzie, their arms around her. “Oh Gawd,” he groaned. “Don’t tell me… ”
“Her waters broke about three minutes ago. Dave has called for an ambulance.” Blake motioned to Will, who rushed over to them. “Tell Dave we’ll look after Molly and Justin, okay?”
Will nodded. “Peter’s going with them. Anthony has given him the keys to the golf buggy he uses to get around the place.” He shook his head. “Talk about timing.”
Rick joined them, and they watched as Dave helped his wife into the waiting golf buggy, gripping her hand tightly. Lizzie’s face was strained, but when the buggy lurched off, she blew Rick and Angelo a kiss.
A tall man in a dark grey suit approached the grooms. “Gentlemen, if we can get all the guests in their chairs, we can start.”
“Thanks, Anthony.” Rick tugged at Angelo’s arm. “Lizzie will be fine, and Dave will keep us up to date with what’s happening.”
“You go stand where you’re supposed to be,” Ed told them. “I’ll round up the sheep.” He grinned.
Rick pointed to the two last chairs on the second row, both with reserved notices. “Those are for you.” His gaze met Ed’s. “You’ll have a bird’s eye view of the whole shindig. And never mind the sheep—Angelo’s brothers are acting as ushers. Let them do their jobs.”
Ed flicked his head toward the front, where a very handsome man in black was staring at them pointedly. “I think the hottie in black wants to talk to ya. Somethin’ about gettin’ married today?”
It was Angelo’s turn to tug Rick. “Come on. Everyone’s here.”
Rick smiled and walked side by side with Angelo to the front of the chairs where Will and Maria stood, watching them.
Ed sat with Colin, automatically taking his hand and lacing their fingers. “Weddings, eh?”
Colin gave a half smile. “To be honest, I haven’t been to that many weddings, and this is my first gay one. I don’t imagine it will be all that different.”
Ed snorted. “Knowin’ those two? Anything’s possible.” He leaned against Colin’s arm. “You all right, Col?”
When Colin didn’t respond immediately, Ed knew all wasn’t well.
“It wasn’t that I didn’t want to see them get married, you know,” Colin said quietly. “I was just feeling a little low, and I didn’t want to spoil their day.” He gazed at Rick and Angelo, standing with Franco, the three men talking in low voices. “But you were right. It feels good to be here.” When he smiled again, this time it reached his eyes. “And any day when you get to see two people in love commit to each other, has to be celebrated.”
Ed couldn’t have agreed more.
From somew
here off to their right, music filtered through the air, and it took Ed a moment to recognize it. He snickered. “Leave it to two gay guys to have Bette Midler singing Wind Beneath My Wings to kick off their wedding.”
Then he forgot all about the music as he watched Rick and Angelo face each other, their gazes locked on each other as they held hands.
Ed knew love when he saw it. It was the same love he saw every day in Colin’s eyes.
* * * * * *
Colin listened in rapt attention as Rick and Angelo made their vows.
“Thank you for literally being my hero,” Rick told him. “I will never forget how you rescued me, not just from someone’s unwanted attentions, but also from a life that was missing something vital. You.”
Colin’s chest tightened to hear the love in Rick’s voice as he promised to love and cherish Angelo for the rest of their lives together. In front of him, Rick’s mum and sister were already sniffing into white handkerchiefs. Beside him, Ed was seemingly lost in the whole experience, his hand wrapped around Colin’s.
Colin could understand that reaction. It was a perfect summer’s day, and the sound of birdsong filled the air, which also carried the sweet fragrance of flowers. The sunlight reflected off the warm-coloured stone arches, giving everything a soft glow. Rick and Angelo’s words were easily audible, their voices rebounding around the space.
Everyone fell silent as they exchanged rings, Will and Maria looking on as Angelo slipped the white gold band onto Rick’s finger, before lifting Rick’s hand to his lips to kiss it. Low aws filled the air when Rick repeated the action.
When Franco placed his hands on their heads and blessed them, Colin caught his breath. It was a fragile moment, beautiful and poignant. Then Franco whispered to them, and Rick and Angelo turned to face the rows of chairs filled with their friends and family.
