Date: Fri, 3 Oct 2014 16:37:42 -0400
From: mike88@twcny.rr.com
Subject: Feel, Dont' Think - Chapter 26 edit 2

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Chapter 26

Mom and Dad, Marcus and I loaded into his Lexus and headed for the first
tasting. According to Marcus, we could expect a southwestern flare from the
caterer. I wasn't really sure this was even close to the direction I wanted
to go, but I was trying to keep an open mind.

We arrived at what was definitely a BBQ place. Lots of wood and the sounds
of country music greeted us. This kind of food hadn't really entered my
thoughts as wedding food, but I had to admit the smells were
intoxicating. We met with Mindy, the owner, and her head chef, Paul. After
we introduced my parents, Mindy had us sit at a large table.

"What can I get you folks to drink? Everything is on the house today. I
know this is unusual food to think of for a wedding, but not all of our
dishes are smothered in BBQ sauce. Some of Paul's creations are very
sophisticated."

Everyone got a beer, except me, I was still avoiding alcohol. I settled on
water. I wasn't much of a drinker before the accident, and I really didn't
miss it.

Mindy and Paul brought out a few different items for us to try. Ribs,
brisket, and chicken were very good, but exactly what you would expect. The
first item that caught my attention was the loaded salt potatoes. Salt
potatoes are a big deal in this part of the country. Little potatoes boiled
in very salty water and then slathered in butter, they could be found at
every picnic, clambake, or BBQ. The loaded part of the dish was the
addition of cheddar cheese, pulled pork, bacon, chives, and sour cream to
the salt potatoes. They were really delicious.

I could tell Dad loved them too. Mom, on the other hand, was chowing down
on the corn bread. It had jalapenos baked into it. At that point, I was
still waiting for the sophistication. I found it in the lobster
bisque. Normally, I wasn't remotely a fan of soups or broths. The bisque,
though, was luscious. The subtle lobster and butter flavors were
wonderfully rich. In keeping with the Southwest theme, there was a little
bite to it. I wasn't sure of the spice, but it gave the bisque a real depth
of flavor and a serious edge.

And then Paul brought out his take on chicken cordon bleu or a form of
stuffed chicken. He made two major changes to the usual recipe. First,
instead of Swiss cheese he added a smoky pepper jack, and then replaced the
ham with apple-wood smoked bacon. Unbelievably flavorful, it was such a
surprise.

"I have to say I'm really enjoying the potatoes and the stuffed
chicken. How do you set the potatoes up for a wedding?"

"It becomes a do it yourself choice. All the ingredients are available, but
the guests can choose what to add to their potatoes. I have seen folks make
an entire meal out of the potatoes and fixings." Paul explained. "I also do
a stuffed haddock for folks that don't eat meat."

"Well, I can tell you when we started I couldn't really envision this as
food for my wedding. But frankly I'm stunned. The food is delicious and
would be really unusual. I know my father loved the potatoes too. Mom, I
saw you with the cornbread. Marcus, what did you think?"

"I love the food. I also love the fact most of our guests would not have
had this kind of food at a wedding."

Mom added, "I think this was amazing food. I really appreciate all your
efforts here today. If the boys don't choose you to do their reception, we
may decide to throw the rehearsal dinner here. What kind of seating do you
have for that kind of event?"

"We have an upstairs room that seats fifty very comfortably. Let me get the
price lists for you. Either way we would be thrilled to help you
celebrate."

"Mom, we don't expect you to throw a rehearsal dinner. We will do that. But
I think it's a great idea to pick one of the caterers we don't choose for
the wedding itself."

"Anthony Michael Wallace, we have been putting money aside to do a
rehearsal dinner for years now. Don't you dare take that away from us. We
have been planning for it for a very long time now."

Marcus began to argue, "But Betty and Sam, there is no need for you to
spend money like that?"

"Marcus, don't you start now. Betty is right. We have been planning this
since Tony hit junior high. So, there will be no discussion about it."

"Okay, if that's what you want. I should know better that to argue with a
Wallace."

All three of us shot him a look, and he burst out laughing. This was
turning into such an awesome experience.  We thanked Mindy and Paul and
left with price lists and menus for both the wedding and the rehearsal
dinner.

The next place was a restaurant owned by a lesbian couple. Marcus had known
Fran and Amy for many years. The restaurant was well known in the city for
its tapas, small snacks most often served as an appetizer. The women called
it Amy's Small Plates. I had never been in a place like this before. The
idea was to get a number of choices for the table and everyone tried a
little of everything. Marcus and Jon had apparently gone here on one of
their dates. Marcus said they tried about six different bites and both
really enjoyed the food.

Again, I tried to leave my bias at the door. I was intrigued by the idea of
small plates for a group of friends to enjoy a night out together or lunch,
but wasn't sure how it would work for a wedding.

Before we entered the restaurant, Marcus warned us that Fran was an over
the top person. She was a large woman with a matching personality. Amy, on
the other hand, was a very talented artist. Together they were real leaders
in the gay community. In fact, they held an annual anniversary party, which
raised money for a different charity every year. The previous year ten
thousand dollars had been given to the youth center.

"Marcus, darling, it has been far too long. Why haven't we seen you in
forever? What have you been doing with yourself? And most importantly, why
haven't we met this young man who has swept you off your feet?"

"Fran, this is Anthony Wallace and his parents Betty and Sam. Everyone,
this is Fran. Where have you hidden your wife?"

"Amy is getting your plates together. It is a pleasure to meet all of
you. I need hugs from everyone, especially you, Anthony. Aren't you just
the cutest thing ever? Just what kind of voodoo did you use to get this man
to fall in love with you? He was probably the most eligible bachelor in
town. You must have some kind of magical powers."

"I don't know about magical powers. I do know the fates definitely smiled
down on me." I reached for Marcus's hand.

"You have a really beautiful place here. And I've heard such great things
about you and your wife."

"Well, we've heard some amazing things about you too. You are the Anthony
that has the youth center all a buzz from your very generous gift. It was
an incredible thing to do, and from someone so young. Your parents must be
very proud."

Mom spoke up, "Well we are becoming very proud, indeed. The boys hadn't
told us about the donation Anthony made to the youth center. We just found
out this morning."

"Honestly, I'm glad to have done it. Right now however, I'm dying to see
what you have to offer us. If the food matches the word of mouth, we are in
for a treat."

"Modest and adorable too, Marcus I can see why you fell for this one. Why
don't we set up at the twelve top over here. That way we have plenty of
room for you all to try things. C'mon sugar, you are going to sit next to
me. Mom and Dad sit right across from us so Anthony can gauge your
reactions.

"While we wait on my sweetie, let me explain how we do a
wedding. Basically, we usually have the couple choose eight to ten bites
for their guests. We then add a couple complimentary bites and each table
gets to try all the offerings. We find it really encourages your guests to
get to know each other and spend more time conversing with the rest of the
table."

"Mom and Dad have you ever been to a place like this?"

Dad spoke up, "No, I know there is a place near the University back home,
but we never thought to try it."

Just then a petit blonde made her way to the table with a cart loaded with
plates. These two ladies couldn't have been more different physically or
personality wise. Amy was as demur as Fran was bold. Again, I was hit by
smells that went straight to my salivary glands.

Marcus walked around the table, gave Amy a hug, and then introduced all of
us.

"Amy Frazier, this is my fianc? Anthony Wallace and his parents Betty and
Sam. This is Amy. She had the misfortune to go to high school with Danni
and me. All the art on the walls is her work."

"It's very nice to meet you. Are you related to Marissa Frazier? We have a
ton of her work in the condo?"

"The pleasure is mine. Marissa is my older sister. She showed me the piece
she did for you for Christmas.  It was brilliant work. I tend to lean
toward oils and big bold pieces."

"Wait a minute; it's your work on the walls of the School of Education at
the University. Holy cow, those murals are flipping amazing. Wow, if your
food is as great as your art work this is going to be an incredible
treat. Wait, you are the Amy that keeps begging off invitations."

"Yeah, between the restaurant and my work, I don't have much time to be
social. It is a treat to finally meet the man who swept Marcus off his
feet. You must be very special. But let's get tasting."

The tasting was fascinating. Nothing was what I expected. Some of the
plates were really unique. I particularly liked the Greek pizza with feta
cheese. Normally, feta cheese tasted off to me. But with the other flavors
on the pizza, including pepperocini and olives, the cheese didn't overpower
and added to the overall taste.

Mom seemed to be partial to the skewers of vegetables in a parmesan
marinade. Dad, on the other hand, couldn't get enough of the roasted
artichoke salad or the lobster macaroni and cheese. Marcus just smiled
through the whole thing. He nibbled at everything, but didn't seem to
linger on any plate. My mother insisted on the women joining us in the
tasting.

"Amy and Fran, you shouldn't just watch us eat. It would be helpful if you
tasted with us and described the plates so we could really appreciate the
flavors. I know this little phyllo dough has the most unique flavors, but I
can't seem to place them all."

"That's a new dish. The dough is filled with pistachios, walnuts,
cranberries, sharp cheddar cheese, and a little hazelnut-chocolate spread
on the bottom."

"Hazelnut? that is the taste I couldn't figure out. Well, they are
delicious. This whole idea is so creative. The next time we come to town I
insist we come here for dinner one night. I never expected to enjoy these
little bites so much. It's really amazing that the tastes are so different,
but complimentary."

People started to enter the restaurant. We had gotten so involved in the
tasting I forgot they still had a business to run.

Marcus called a timeout to our fun. "We really need to hit the last
place. Ladies, it has been a pleasure as always. We are throwing a bon
voyage party for Danni at the end of the month. I hope you can be there."

Amy suddenly burst, "Marcus, why don't you start the party here? We can
head to your condo after we feed everyone. Seriously, I really want to do
this for Danni. I know you and you want to throw the party yourself, but
the three of us have been friends forever and I want to do this. What do
you think?"

"I will agree on two conditions. First, you have to promise to let me pay
for at least part of the party. Second you have to join us at the condo
after we eat. You never make it to any celebrations. Don't get me wrong, I
totally understand the reasons why, but it would be great to have you there
to send him off to live his dream."

Fran put her arm around Amy. "She will be there if I have to hog tie her to
the roof of the car. Trust me. There are some things you just can't
miss. Folks it has been a pleasure. Marcus, you need to give us the date
for the party."

Dad spoke up before we left. "Ladies, this has been incredible. I will tell
you Tony's mother and I have decided to throw the rehearsal dinner at one
of the places they don't choose to cater the wedding. So please work up a
price list for both the reception and a dinner."

We started to drive across town to Luigi's. I was slightly irritated with
Marcus and let him know it.

"Marcus, I'm a little miffed at you right now. Why didn't you tell me you,
Amy, and Danni went to school together? It makes a huge difference to me to
give business to a friend. It makes this so hard not to choose Amy and
Fran."

"And there you have your answer. I want us to choose the best caterer for
us. I don't want to pick one based on friendship. Amy understands that at
the end of the day its business. Plus, you and I were friends for over
three years and now a couple for six months, and today was the first time
you've met Amy. She is very private, very creative, and very focused.  We
will always be friends, but life has conspired to make us less close than
we were in high school.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to mislead you. I would love to pick Amy and Fran
as our caterer, but only if they deserve it based on their food."

"I understand. I'm sorry. I should never have doubted your intentions. This
is going to be such a difficult decision. I'm already torn and we haven't
even tried Luigi's yet. This is going to be impossible."

"Babe, we might be blown away by Chef Stefano at Luigi's. You know how
incredible the meal his cousin prepared for us, plus we already love the
food at the restaurant.  I know you have been looking forward to this
tasting especially."

"Well don't forget boys, your father and I have every intention to pick one
of the caterers for the rehearsal dinner. So far, I'd have to say you
couldn't make a bad choice. Both places were exceptional, and knowing my
son this place will be incredible too. I think there is no doubt which ever
you choose will be exciting." Dad added.

Chef Stefano greeted us at the door. He escorted us back to a private table
in the corner of the restaurant.  One of the best waiters, Marco, brought
us waters and took drink orders from Marcus and my parents. It was finally
dinner time and the restaurant was buzzing.

"Marcus and Tony, let me start by saying my cousin couldn't stop talking
about you when he called. I was instructed to pull out all the stops. So in
addition to the special family lasagna recipe, I have prepared a few other
treats for you. Some of the items were on the menu previously, and a couple
dishes I hope to add in the near future.

"Marco will bring out a couple of dishes at a time. I'm hoping to be able
to chat with you while you taste, but the restaurant is very busy for a
Sunday evening. The first two offerings he will bring out are spinach and
sausage stuffed manicotti and a zucchini pie. After that the chicken and
spinach Alfredo lasagna and a meatball and tortellini bake will
arrive. Finally, steak pizzaiola and my take on stuffed flounder will be
the last items for you to try. I will be back after I make sure the kitchen
is keeping up with the crowd."

Each of the dishes was small enough for us to get a couple of bites. We
started with the zucchini pie. It must have been made with young squash as
there were hardly any seeds at all. Between the buttery crust, the tender
zucchini, and mozzarella I was amazed. Having had Marcus's macaroni and
cheese, I knew the subtle edge in the flavor was mustard powder. The
overall dish was out of this world. As a matter of fact, each and every
dish was incredible.

Chef Stefano had very little opportunity to join us. The dining room was
packed and apparently there was an issue with the staff in the kitchen. The
regular patrons didn't have a clue. The wait staff seamlessly worked to
keep the guests happy. If Marco hadn't apologized for his boss's absence we
would never have known either. Marco also told us the lasagna was one of
the specials for the night and had sold out in record time.

Eventually, we had tried all the offerings. I was completely stuffed. I was
also getting a slight headache. I didn't want to spoil the day, so I
excused myself to go to the bathroom and take meds. When I returned, Marcus
and my parents were laughing with Chef Stefano.

"Babe, Chef Stefano was just telling us about the fun he's been having in
the kitchen. Apparently, the wife of one of the sous chefs almost had her
baby in a car behind the restaurant. She went into labor, drove to get her
husband to go to hospital, and her water broke in the car. By the time the
ambulance got here, she had gone into heavy labor. But, mother, child, and
frazzled husband are all doing well."

"Wow, that's crazy."

"I do apologize for not being here for your tasting. I hope you found the
dishes to your liking. I have a catering menu here with some other choices
you might find enjoyable too."

At that point, Mom explained her rehearsal dinner idea and asked about
space for a party of that kind.

"We can easily separate a section of the restaurant to accommodate your
needs. It would be a pleasure to help you celebrate in any way. Thank you
for considering us for your event. I hope to see you two in here again
soon, and Betty and Sam it has been a pleasure but I must get back to the
kitchen. Have a great night folks."

I stood up and shook his hand. "Thank you for your hospitality. Your food
is amazing. My fianc? and I will be sure to ask after you the next time we
come for a meal."

"Please do. Good night."

We loaded back up into Marcus's car and headed back to the condo. We were
all quiet. I was thinking about how great each of the tasting had been and
how difficult a decision we had. My headache hadn't gone away yet either,
so I closed my eyes as we headed home.

"Are you okay, Babe?"

"I'm good, just completely stuffed. I'm glad there isn't another caterer
today because I couldn't eat another thing."

Dad chuckled from the back seat. "I totally agree. I was just thinking
about what a tough choice you boys have. Any one of those would be an
unusual pick for your wedding. I'm not sure how I would decide."

Marcus said, "I was thinking? We should all go back to the condo, right
down our order of preference for the caterers, and then talk it out. Almost
like a jury deliberates at a trial. Each of us would have the chance to
sway the others with our choices and then we could vote again."

"You are too cute, always the lawyer. I think it's a great idea. What do
you guys think?"

"Well boys, it's your wedding. I'm not sure we should be part of the jury."

"Mom, we really want to know what you both think. We wouldn't have asked
you to be a part of this if we didn't."

"Betty, he's absolutely right. We want to know your thoughts. Please it's
important to both of us."

"Okay, sounds like a great plan. That is if I don't fall asleep from having
eaten so much." Mom sighed.

I simply added, "Me too, but I really want to talk about it tonight so we
don't over think it. Just consider what you think would be the best
choice."

We arrived back at the condo at about eight. I still had a slight headache,
but it was easing. I grabbed four small pads and pens and we all got busy
making notes.

"The first vote should be just initial reactions. I want to see where we
all stand."

Marcus collected all our "votes" and proceeded to read through each
one. When he got done he burst out laughing and laid them out on the
table. Each one of us had exactly the same thought.

We had all chosen Chef Stefano and Luigi's as the main caterer, Amy's Small
Plates to do hors d'oerves for cocktail hour, and Mindy's for the rehearsal
dinner. It was completely unanimous.

"That was way easier than I expected. I can't believe every one of us
picked all three places. Here I was thinking I was being brilliant choosing
Amy and Fran to do cocktail hour as a way to work them in. I'm not feeling
so smart anymore." Marcus continued to chuckle.

Mom jumped in. "I think it is the perfect choice. The only concern I had
was the cost of using two different caterers for the reception. That's
going to throw an extra added expense to the celebration."

"Betty, I already told your son I'm not cutting corners for our
wedding. Even if between the two caterers it comes to thirty dollars a
person, we still figure on only a hundred people anyway. If I match the
twenty thousand Tony wanted put in the wedding pot, we still have over ten
grand for everything else. I think that's very easily done.

"I really love the plan. I think it's the absolute perfect idea. What do
you think Babe?"

I slumped into the chair.

"I didn't think about how much it would cost when I made my choice. In fact
I didn't think about the price when I thought about this at all. Are you
sure we can afford this? I mean maybe we need to get the guest list settled
before we decide on the caterers."

"Babe," Marcus got down and put his arms around me. "We made a promise to
each other. No cutting corners, but nothing that makes you
uncomfortable. It's your call. I think the plan we all came up with is
perfect, but I need you to be one hundred percent on board. No second
guessing. Do you want to sleep on it? Do you need time to think about it?"

I looked at Marcus. I wanted our wedding day to be perfect. I looked at my
parents; they were staring at the two of us. Mom nodded her head
slightly. I took a deep breath and smiled, then I gave Marcus a kiss and
left our foreheads touching.

"Hon, when do you want to call them?"

Marcus wrapped his arms around me and kissed me with such fervor I almost
fell over.

"I'm so happy. This is flipping amazing." He winked at me. "We can call
everyone tomorrow and firm up the date with them. We are going to need to
pick out menus now. I'm sure we have time to think about those. Betty and
Sam, thank you so much for helping us. I can't believe how excited I am
about the whole thing."

The four of us chatted about some of our favorites we wanted each caterer
to use. I felt my headache returning about eleven but it was too soon for
more meds. So I excused myself and went to lay down on the futon.  Marcus
joined me after a few minutes.

"Babe, are you okay? Did you take some meds?"

"It's too soon. I need to wait another hour or so. I think if I close my
eyes for a few minutes it will help, I hope."

"Did you take meds at the restaurant? Why didn't you let me know? I
wouldn't have kept going on and on tonight."

"Stop, I will be fine. It's just been a long day. I think I just need to be
quiet for a few minutes."

"Let's get ready for bed. We can talk in the morning. You are sleeping in
tomorrow before brunch with the 'rents."

We moved into my favorite position. My headache wasn't progressing, but it
wasn't easing either. Marcus started rubbing my back. He whispered softly
in my ear.

"I love you more than words. You are so wonderful. Never ever doubt you are
my whole life. Good night, Babe."

He kissed me on the top of my head. I sighed, and snuggled in closer. I
drifted off to sleep.

################################################

The next morning we checked the weather report before heading to brunch. A
nor'easter was flying up the coast. We were barely going to be on the edge
of the storm here. Unfortunately, there was no way my parents were driving
to New Hampshire. The forecast called for as much as two feet of snow in
parts of New England.

"Dad, you need to call school and let them know there is no possibility
you'll be at work until at least Thursday. It will be until Wednesday
before you can even think about driving home. I'm sorry. I can't believe
how quickly this storm blew up. On the other hand, I'm very excited you get
to hang out for a couple more days."

"Actually, I bet there won't be any school. It looks like home is going to
get the brunt of this one. I'm going to call Stan, the neighbor who plows
our driveway, to let him know we won't be around so the rest of the
neighbors don't worry. I'll also call school and tell them if they open I
won't be there.  Hey, it's the first snow day of the year, no big deal."

"Wow, what has gotten into you? You were never this cavalier before? Again
I need to ask? Who are you and what have you done with my father?"

Dad looked at my mother. She nodded her head and smiled.

"Well now is as good a time as any. Tony and Marcus, It's our turn to have
news. I have decided to retire at the end of the school year. I have thirty
years in so my pension is pretty much maxed out. It's a really good time
for me to make a change. I will be honest; your accident shook both of us
right to the core. Life is too short. Your mother and I have discussed it
and now is the perfect time."

I was stunned. I couldn't imagine my father walking away from teaching. I
just stood there trying to process the announcement. Marcus, however, had
no problem with the idea. He walked up to my father and grabbed Dad's hand
with both of his own.

"Congratulations Sam. This is incredible news. I'm so happy for you." He
gave my mother a hug and continued. "Betty, what are you going to do with
him under your feet all the time?"

Dad spoke up, "I think we are going to do some traveling. Little trips here
and there... Really just enjoy life."

Mom grinned, "Nothing too exciting, you know me? I'd just as soon stay at
home most days. But it might be nice to make a trip out here every now and
then? "

My brain had stopped working. I just stood there unable to believe what I
just heard. My father retiring?

"Tony, you need to pick your chin up off the floor."

"I'm sorry. I just never thought I'd see the day." Finally, I walked over
and gave my Dad a hug. "I'm thrilled for you. Frankly, I think it's about
time. This is just such a surprise though, but a really great
one. Congrats, this is amazing news."

I let go of my father and gave my mother a hug. She whispered in my ear,
"Now you need to figure out a way to make me a grandma soon." I looked at
her and she was beaming. I just smiled, shook my head, and gave her another
hug.

Marcus had grabbed our coats. "Let's go to brunch and celebrate.

"Gee Sam; think of the photos you might take now that you'll have extra
time on your hands. New places, new camera lens? man, you are going to be
hooked up."

Dad grinned. "Maybe the road to New York will be a well-traveled one so you
can help me sort them out? "

"That sounds perfect."

We chatted during brunch. I was still just a little shocked at the notion
of my father retiring. Marcus decided to order mimosas to toast my
parents. As we were drinking to the news, I paused for a second. My parents
looked so happy. Dad was very animated telling Marcus about the places he
wanted to visit, and Mom was beaming. Occasionally, they would rest a hand
on each others' arm. Every now and then a quick kiss was
exchanged. Honestly, they looked incredibly happy and so much in love with
each other. I couldn't help but smile.

Eventually we finished up and returned to the condo.

"Betty and Sam, now that you are stuck here for a couple extra days, would
you like to join my family for dinner this afternoon? It will be at Jamie
and Sarah's. I'm sure there is plenty of food."

Mom shook her head no. "Thank you, but we wouldn't want to intrude."

"Please, I'm sure everyone would be thrilled to see you again."

I chuckled for a second. "Plus, it might help me avoid getting cornered by
Marcus's mother. Marjorie still has something to talk to me about."

"Marcus, your mother doesn't get to see her family all that often. We
definitely don't want to interfere with her time." Dad added.

"Well you are my family now too, but, if you're sure about it? I think the
twins will be a little disappointed to have missed Grandma and Grandpa
Wallace."

"Well, maybe the boys could come over after school tomorrow. I'll make
meatloaf. You can get them right after school, and then their parents can
come for dinner and take them home after we eat."

"I'll check with Jamie, but it sounds like a fun plan. Babe, we need to get
to Jamie's in a few minutes. Let me pack up the crock pot of chili and we
need to book."

################################################

A few minutes later we were at Jamie and Sarah's cape. The boys and Mallory
gave us their usual greetings, practically knocking us over in the
process. The adults were all in the living room chatting away. Marjorie was
sitting on the love seat alone. My first thought when I looked at her, the
queen was on her throne. I chided myself instantly.

"Hello everyone, sorry we are a little late. My parents are staying for a
few extra days; the nor'easter has made travel back home impossible. Betty
and Sam told us to say hello to everyone."

George spoke up, "You should have brought them along. There's always plenty
of food."

"We invited them." Marcus explained. "But they didn't want to intrude. They
figured since Mom was here; they didn't want to take away from her family
time."

"How very thoughtful of them, please thank them for me." Marjorie
sighed. "Your parents seem like very down to earth people. It was a
pleasure to meet them, Anthony."

"Thank you, Mrs. Taylor. I'm sure they would say the same to you." I took a
deep breath. The syrupy tone in her voice made me feel like "down to earth"
was a little dig at them. I tried to convince myself to stop reading into
Marjorie's attitude, but it wasn't working.

"Anthony, why don't you sit here on the love seat with me?"

"Certainly, but first I need to use the facilities. Excuse me."

I went into the bathroom and closed the door. I looked into the mirror and
took a deep breath. I decided I was over reacting to Marjorie. She really
wasn't an evil queen looking to rip my heart out. She loved her son, but
she needed to know I did too. I steeled myself and went back out to the
living room. I sat down next to her. The rest of the family was busy
chatting away.

I spoke softly, "Mrs. Taylor, I know you wanted to have a chat with me, but
if you don't mind I have a few things to say first. I love Marcus. He is
the most amazing person I have ever met. For three years, he was my best
friend, the best friend I have ever had. Frankly, I'm not sure I could have
gotten through the events of the first year without him. He is
incredible. Even when it was ripping his heart out, he helped me navigate
the ups and downs of my life. I will never forget it.

"Now that I finally figured out the depth of my feelings for him, I have
never known such joy. I never expected to be so blessed.  I'm sorry I don't
fit into the vision you had for him. But I can promise you I will spend my
whole life loving him with every fiber of my being."

She stared at me. I took a deep breath and continued.

"I understand your beliefs condemn our relationship. That must be difficult
for you. I believe God is love. When you find love, you are fortunate. When
you find the kind of love your son and I have for each other, you are truly
blessed. I hope you will see your way clear to embrace us. Your son loves
you very much and it hurts him to think you are disappointed in him. I
truly hope you will be a part of our lives, a part of our celebration. It's
important to both of us."

She looked at me very intently. I smiled at her.

"Tony, I had a long conversation with my parish priest in Florida. He told
me our new Pope has different ideas than his predecessors about
homosexuality. He doesn't condemn it as strenuously. Father Tom suggested I
make my own decision about you and Marcus. He even thought I should attend
the wedding if I wanted. I can't say I agree with what's going on. I won't
tell you I approve. But I intend to get to know the two of you better. I
still think it's a mistake, but I'm going to try to understand.

"You are thoughtful and well-spoken young man. Marcus could do much
worse. I'll say it again; Marcus could have an incredible future with the
right woman. I really just want the best for him."

"I understand, Mrs. Taylor. I assure you, I will spend every moment trying
to make Marcus's life incredible. He already makes mine that way."



Huge thank you to the following:

My Husband Ray,

The Awesomest Editor David,

And to Fitz, who helped me start this incredible adventure