Date: Fri, 23 Mar 2007 16:53:52 -0700 (PDT)
From: Bobby <brokendreamboi@yahoo.com>
Subject: A Promise Kept ch.20

The following is a work of fiction. Any similarities are completely
coincidental. The story may contain profanity and references to gay sex.
If such content offends you leave now. The author maintains all rights to
the story. Do not copy or use without written consent from the author.
Write Bobby at brokendreamboi@yahoo.com with your comments.


A Promise Kept 20


"All the guests are starting to arrive. How are you doing?" dad asked
me. This was it. My wedding day. My husband is in a different room with
his best man and I'm in this room with my best man. Saying I am nervous
is an understatement at this point.

"I'm so nervous. How's the weather?" I asked, pacing back and forth.

Dad looked at me and smiled. "The weather is perfect. It is nice and
cool."

"Good, good. I was worried being on the beach would be too hot or too
windy." I sighed.

"Well, whenever you're ready son."

"Soon, dad. Very soon."

He walked out of the room, I'm guessing to go and talk to Jared. Today
was going perfect so far. We met with our wedding planner and everything
was going according to plan. The food was prepared and delivered and the
chairs were in order. The wedding would be on a large wooden platform,
but it was still on the beach and it was still very private. The
reception would be about three miles away in a large, covered outdoor
location that was very near the beach; it's sort of like a building. Our
two dressing rooms were inside a small building right behind the platform
so no one could see us before hand.

Ten minutes later dad walked back in my room and said Jared was ready
whenever I am. All the guests arrived and they were all seated. It was
all up to me now.

"All right, let's get married." I said nervously, but still very
happy.

"Great! I'll tell the pastor. Your mom is going to be escorting Jared
down then I'll escort you down and then^×"

"Dad," I said, cutting him off. "I know, we practiced remember?"

"Oh, right, sorry." he said, walking out of the room.

I heard the talking slowing ending and then I heard complete silence. A
few minutes later dad walked back in and then I heard music.

"Ready?"

"Yeah, let's do this."

He opened the door for me. I walked outside and the first thing I noticed
was indeed how nice it was outside. Dad stood next to me and winked. We
started to walk towards the aisle way. Within seconds we stood in front
of the aisle. Everyone turned their heads and stared. You know that adage
about having butterflies in your stomach? Well, I don't know what that
person was thinking when they came up with it because it didn't feel
like butterflies. Just like we practiced, we walked down the wooden
aisle. We made it to the podium; dad turned and went behind and to my
side. I looked into Jared's eyes and I could see the happiness, which
calmed me down big time. Then I turned and looked into the audience. I
saw everyone. My grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, friends, and
even some people I didn't know, but I'm guessing Jared did.

"Today we celebrate the joining of these two young men." the minister
began. "Marriage is an honorable act. Those who take the vows promise to
love and live together for the rest of their lives. I have seen many
people come and go, but I have seen none as in love as these two young
men here today. The world is filled with hate and violence, but these
young men prove that there are great aspects in loving anyone. Today they
will be wed and hopefully live happily ever after. Now, with all
witnesses and God watching, may these young men recite their own vows and
place the rings." The minister nodded to the both of us. "Please join
hands and recite your vows."

Jared started first. I had no idea what his vows would be like. But
already I was close to tears just from being in this moment. "I, Jared
Young, take you, Tyler Delfino, to be my husband, to have and to hold
from this day forward, to give up the remote control on Sunday nights,"
I laughed lightly from that remark. The audience did as well. "To know
when to hide when the beast is unleashed, to be financially responsible
for even when you want to buy expensive toys, for better or for worse,
for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health. To honor and to
cherish. Forsaking all others. Until death do us part." More laughter
came from the audience. I just smiled and blushed, getting watery-eyed as
he finished. Austin handed him a small box. Last week, Jared took back my
ring to put it on me today. He took my left hand and placed the ring on
my finger.

"Now, Tyler, recite your vows." the minister said.

"I, Tyler Delfino, take you, Jared Young, to be my husband. I promise to
learn how to cook your favorite meals even though it's you who needs the
lessons," Jared's not the only one with humor in his vows. The audience
got a kick out of that one; even Jared did, blushing and smiling like
mad. "And learn how to be more understanding. I promise to keep
everything in order except when Desperate Housewives is on, and after
that time I will give you full reign of the remote control. I vow to take
care of you for the rest of our lives. For this is my one true promise to
the one man I love, now and forever." More muffled laughter came from
the audience. I looked at Jared who was crying openly now. Dad reached
into his coat pocket and handed me a small box. When I opened it I heard
a slight gasp from Jared. I took his left hand and placed the ring on his
finger.

"If anyone has any objections please speak now or may you forever hold
your peace." the minister said firmly to the audience. Jared and I
slowly turned our heads and searched the audience. Suddenly, someone
slowly walked on the aisle. I immediately recognized who it was.

"That son of a bitch," I heard Jared say under his breath.

"This marriage is the most disgusting thing I've ever seen in my life.
This should be outlawed throughout the world!" Paul said.

"Hey, if there's one thing you should know by now it's to stay out of
my life!" Jared shouted angrily. His face began turning bright red.

"How could you disgrace the family like this?" Paul shouted back.

"Get out of here!"

"I offered you money to drop that little piece of shit! Money is
everything in this world! Quit putting on a faggot show and get some
help!"

I felt dad start to walk, but I put my hand up to stop him. The guests
were looking at Paul with hate. Many of the men stood up, but stayed in
place until needed.

"That's it Paul! Security!" Jared screamed. Four out of the seven
security guards Jared hired grabbed Paul forcefully and escorted him out
of the area.

"It's okay, Jared, he's gone." I said soothingly to him. He began to
return to normal color and ease up. He turned to me and smiled. Everyone
else calmed down and returned to sitting.

"Finish the ceremony, please." Jared said to the minister.

"Right, well, I now pronounce you man and man. Jared, Tyler, you may now
kiss each one another."

Jared and I looked at each other through our watery eyes and leaned in.
Our lips met in a passionate kiss, but we had to stop short so we didn't
put on a show for everyone else.

All the guests stood up and began applauding. Jared took my hand and we
walked down the aisle as people started throwing rice into the air over
us. Tradition. It's great. We made it to the limo and raced in. The
guests would be meeting us at the reception area after we signed our
marriage license.

"Jared we are finally married!" I excitedly said.

"I know! It's great and I love you so much!"

*        *        *        *        *        *        *        *
*        *        *        *

We pulled up to the reception area. It was magnificent. It was stunning.
It was perfect. All plans had been going according to, well, plan. The
scrap with my dad at the ceremony was not planned, however. Hopefully
he'll take the hint that I'm not leaving Tyler, ever. Officially we are
married. Our marriage licensed was signed five minutes ago and now we are
just sitting in the limo, waiting to get out and have a great reception.

As planned, the guests were sitting at their arranged seating charts. The
blue and violet flowers were in the center of each table encircled by
small candles and six wine glasses, one per person per table. The buffet
will open after we take our seats, our first dance, and everyone has said
what they need to.

"Ready?" I asked Tyler.

"More than ever." he smiled at me.

As we got out, we immediately heard clapping and began getting our
pictures taken. Some family and friends were taking pictures like crazy.
As we walked into the eating area everyone who was left stood up and
continued clapping; we were arm-in-arm. Our table was raised onto a
podium-like structure I guess. Either way, everyone knew we were the
couple.

It was about four o'clock. The day was still cool and beautiful.
Everyone looked extremely happy. I know I am extremely happy as well as
Tyler. This day couldn't get any better. Or could it?

"Ladies and gentlemen, I think it's time for Tyler and Jared to have
their first dance." Mike said into the microphone at the DJ's table.

Tyler looked at me and I took his hand and led him onto the dance floor.
The music began playing and we started moving. The song was familiar. It
was the second song that we ever danced to. It was "One More Time" by
Jim Verraros. We had practiced dancing several times so that our first
dance would be perfect, but we hadn't practiced to this song. It was a
surprise. Quite a few more pictures came as we moved to the music.

"I love you, Jared." Tyler whispered in my ear. He pressed closer
against my body and rested his head on my shoulder.

"I love you too, Tyler." I whispered back. The song ended then everyone
began clapping and cheering. Thinking it was funny, we took a bow then
went back to our table.

"A toast," Mr. Danforth stood up and said. "I have known these two
since the beginning of their senior year. Immediately, I knew they were
something special. Their interactions in class, their brains, their
attitude, they were just destined to become great some day. Who knew
they'd eventually be married? I'm just here to say I wish the best to
the new couple." He raised his glass higher and everyone said in unison,
"here here".

We both nodded to Mr. Danforth. A few of our friends then took turns
saying some words. Tyler and I sat mesmerized by everyone's kind
thoughts. The last two people to give their congrats were Tyler's
parents.

"Tyler and Jared, two happy people living in this world now married. May
many blessings and fortunes come to them in their life to come." Mike
said. He looked at both of us and stood silent for a moment. "Well,
enough of my words, I'm hungry! Let's get this reception started!"
Everyone laughed at Mike's selfishness. Of course, he was being funny
and completely not serious.

"Boys, you both look so happy. I am personally very happy to see you two
finally married. I can still remember your first date like it was
yesterday. It is amazing how fast time flies. Enjoy each others' company
while you can. Take these blessings and good wishes as a foundation for
your happiness." Lynette cried. She was very emotional throughout our
wedding. At the ceremony most everyone was crying, but Lynette was really
crying.

Everyone raised their glasses and then drank. We did as well. Wine was
only served to those eighteen and older. For the younger people we had
sparkling cider. And if the guests didn't like those they still had
plenty of options. And by younger people I mean a lot of Tyler's family
showed up with kids.

The buffet was opened and everyone went to dig in. Tyler and I had our
own special dinner that was served to us by the numerous waiters around
the area. As everyone began eating, I noticed how many people actually
did show up. Once everyone started to get full, it was time to cut the
cake.

Cameras are tools designed to capture images. But in truth, they can
capture so much more. They can uncover hidden longing of men who should
no longer care. They can reveal the extraordinary secrets of the most
ordinary marriages. Most amazing of all, cameras can quietly and clearly
reveal to us our dreams. Dreams we didn't even know we had.

*        *        *        *        *        *        *        *
*        *        *        *

"So, mom, I'm anxious to see the cake you bought." I said to her. She
was smiling widely as two men carried in a large platter with something
covering the cake so it was still a mystery.

"Okay, boys, take the cover off." mom ordered the two men. Everyone was
waiting for the revealing of the cake. As the men started to take it off,
I saw small glances of the cake.

"Mom!" I shouted with joy. Jared covered his mouth to prevent himself
from screaming. Everyone was in awe of the cake. It had six layers and
each was amazing. It was frosted with white and blue frosting with many
decorations on it. The sheer beauty of the cake was enough to captivate
anyone.

"You like it?" she asked us.

Jared and I looked at each other before replying in unison, "We love
it!" Then we both engulfed her in a huge hug. Everyone again started to
clap and I knew they all wanted a piece of this gorgeous cake.

"Well, here is your cutter." Mom handed Jared the cutting utensil that
was obviously a keepsake. It had engraving in it, but I couldn't quite
make it out.

"To Jared and Tyler, the newest happy couple. 2007." Jared read aloud.
We hugged my mom again before moving to the cake.

Jared handed me the cutter then placed his hand on top of mine. We stood
side by side and carefully we began to cut the first piece out of the
cake. Cheers came when we placed the piece on a plate. I blushed at the
sudden fame of just slicing a piece of cake. In fact, the pictures began
even before we cut the piece. They weren't that bad, but it was kind of
hard to concentrate on cutting.

We continued to cut pieces for our guests. Jared took over towards the
end because I was so full I couldn't stand the sight of food anymore. As
everyone got a rather large piece of cake they sat down and began to eat.
Much chatter was filling the air, and I was glad. This was the best day
of my life. But unknowingly to me, it was about to get even better.

"Attention everyone," Jared said into the microphone. "If you would
please turn your attention to the entrance I have a very, very special
guest and she is especially here for my new husband." I turned my head
towards him and gave him a questioning look.

He walked up to the table and pulled me to the front entrance. All of a
sudden, a very luxurious white limo pulled up. There were a few police
motorcycles following closely behind and in front of it.

The door opened and a man stepped out. I began to get excited and nervous
at the same time. He walked towards Jared and me and shook our hands.

"Is she here and ready?" Jared asked him.

"Absolutely my boy." he replied happily.

Then I saw her. I just couldn't believe it. My mouth immediately dropped
open and I continued to stare at the woman stepping out of the limo.

"C^ÅCeline Dion!?" I asked, astonished by who was walking towards us.
The guests began clicking the cameras.

"Yes, I booked her for one song and some autographs and pictures."
Jared said. Celine made it up to us and looked genuinely happy to be
here. I wanted to shake her hand and thank her, but I was still in
complete shock.

"Tyler Delfino?" she asked me.

"Y^Åyes, I'm Tyler. It is so wonderful to meet you. I am a huge fan." I
stuttered nervously, and then shook her hand gently.

"And Jared Young I presume?" she asked him.

"Yes, it is an honor to meet you." he said, also shaking her hand
gently.

"Well, where shall I be singing?"

"On this stage here, then autographs and pictures will be taken over
there." Jared said confidently.

"All right, well, let's get this show on the road."

Celine walked onto the small stage and began talking. "Hello everyone,
it is a privilege to be here today to celebrate these young men's
wedding. I hope you enjoy this song." she said with a smile that never
left her face. The DJ began the song and I again was taken aback.

"Jared, this is so great. I love you so much." I cried. He wiped away
tears that were falling from my eyes and lifted my chin up.

"Anything for you, Tyler." he said softly. "Will you dance with me?"

"Of course I will." All the guests were in awe by the sudden guest, but
managed to turn their attention towards us.

"Every night in my dreams I see you, I feel you. That is how I know you
go on. Far across the distance and spaces between us you have come to
show you go on. Near, far, wherever you are I believe that the heart does
go on. One more you open the door and you're here in my heart and my
heart will go on and on." Celine sang.

I was pressed closely to Jared and we swayed to the music. I was still
crying due to Jared's phenomenal surprise guest. I pulled away from him
suddenly and smiled at him. Then I walked to my mom and dad who were in
tears and pulled them onto the dance floor. I then returned to Jared's
arms. Everyone started to take the hint and began coming onto the dance
floor with their husband or wife or sister or brother or boyfriend or
girlfriend, anyone they could dance with.

"Love can touch just one time and last for a lifetime. And never let go
`till we're gone. Love was when I loved you. One true time I hold to.
In my life we'll always go on. Near, far, wherever you are I believe
that the heart does go on. Once more you open the door and you're here
in my heart and my heart will go on and on."

As the song slowed, before she started to sing again, Celine began
walking through the crowd of people beginning the higher notes.

"You're here, there's nothing I fear. And I know that my heart will go
on. We'll stay forever this way. You are safe in my heart and my heart
will go on and on."

As she passed by Jared and me, I mouthed a silent thank you to her. She
nodded to me then began to hum the final part of the song.

Everyone clapped and cheered for Celine. After the dance she moved to the
photo spot that was set up. Everyone eventually got a photo and an
autograph; after Jared and I got our private pictures, however.

"Jared and Tyler, I wish you the best and happiest marriage." Celine
said, before walking to her limo and waving goodbye.

"Jared, thank you so much. I can't believe you did this." I started to
cry again.

"I love you, Tyler. I'm glad you're happy. I'm happy too." he said,
pulling me into a hug.

*        *        *        *        *        *        *        *
*        *        *        *

The sun was beginning to set. All the guests were still thrilled about
Celine Dion being here, but probably not half as much as Tyler was. We
walked back to the DJ and he told the guests to enjoy themselves and
dance their hearts away. And indeed everyone was enjoying themselves.
Mike and Lynette were dancing along with Tyler and me. We simultaneously
switched partners and then danced like that, laughing nearly the entire
time.

As the night progressed, people began growing tired. Tyler and I decided
to begin bringing the wedding to an end. But I didn't want to end the
reception just because everyone was growing tired.

"Everyone," I began, "we are going to be leaving soon. We have a
flight to catch and I have one last surprise to give to Tyler." He
looked at me with a sort of pitiful face. I know he loved getting
surprises from me, but I also know how he hates how it costs me money.

A woman began walking onto the dance floor. Tyler was obviously wondering
who she was. What Tyler didn't know was that she had been here the
entire time. It's just that she has the ability to "disappear".

"Hello again, Jared." she said with elegance in her voice.

"Hi, Aunt Ellie," I said happily.

"Well, I have the package." she said, walking up to Tyler and handing
him an envelope. I then ushered him next to me on the DJ's small
platform.

"Open it," I said anxiously. He had this smile on that couldn't be
duplicated. It was very cute.

He slid his finger through the top of the envelope and dumped its content
into his palm. Tyler's eyes instantly grew wide and he quickly turned to
face me.

"Boys!" Ellie shouted. Two men were carrying a large poster board; it
was covered by a sheet. "Unveil the board, please." The men did as they
were told. The sheet was quickly pulled off and a gasp came from nearly
every member of the guests; including Tyler. Tears escaped his eyes and
then he threw his arms around me.

"Welcome to your new home, Mr. Delfino and Mr. Young. It has five
bedrooms and four bathrooms, two living rooms, a spacious dining room,
two offices, a full sized kitchen, a three car garage, a pool and
Jacuzzi, a magnificent front and back yard, and to finish it all off a
basement that has been specially made into a mini-movie theatre." Ellie
said quickly. She was used to giving details in a hurry.

"Babe, this is my Aunt Ellie. She's a real estate manager. Being we're
family I got an amazing deal on this house that went through foreclosure.
There are a few modifications you'll probably want to make, but other
than that it's your dream house. It's my dream house. It's our dream
house." I said gently. Tyler was burying his head in my shoulder still
in complete and utter awe of what has just happened.

"Jared^Å" he managed to say. "I love you so much. Thank you, thank
you!" Tyler moved back from me and planted a kiss on my lips. It felt so
warm and secure.

Everyone started to clap. His parents were completely taken aback. I
actually kept this surprise to myself. A song started to play and it
didn't take Tyler long to realize what it was. No words, just a
beautiful piano solo. "The Portrait" played by James Horner. I took his
hand and led him down onto the dance floor. I looked into his eyes and
couldn't help but smile.

*        *        *        *        *        *        *        *
*        *        *        *

Jared and I were dancing to the soft piano solo. I continued to sob while
looking at the beautiful man in front of me. He had just shown me my
latest surprise; a brand new house. He said there were some modifications
I'd want to make, but at this point I highly doubt it.

"We are going somewhere you've always wanted to go for our honeymoon.
Actually I've always wanted to go there too." Jared said tenderly.

"Where's that babe?" I smiled at him. Tears were still gently falling
from my eyes. His were starting to get glossy.

"Italy."

"Oh, Jared." I placed my head on his shoulder and sobbed gently. The
song was coming to an end. He pulled away from me and put his hands on my
shoulders. I couldn't look him in the eyes for a second. My gentle
sobbing became more regular. "Babe, I love you so much."

"I know you do. I love you, too." He came closer to my face and kissed
me. It felt so warm and full of love.

"Ladies and gentlemen I give you the newest happy couple: Jared and
Tyler Delfino Young." dad announced to everyone. According to Jared,
that was our cue to begin leaving. Everyone stood up and began clapping.
A white limo pulled up just as it had when it dropped us off. Jared and I
waved goodbye to everyone as we walked to the limo. This had been the
perfect day. The perfect wedding. It was now time to be driven to the
airport and fly to Italy. Our bags were packed and we were about to have
the most romantic week of our lives. Jared promised me his love. And I
believe that's a Promise he will Keep and a Promise he Kept.

The vow is simple, really. Those who take it promise to stay together for
better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health.
To honor and to cherish. Forsaking all others. Until death do us part.
Yes, the vow is simple. Finding someone worthy of such a promise is the
hard part. But if we can, that's when we begin to live happily ever
after.

                                    The End


*        *        *        *        *        *        *        *
*        *        *        *

"One More Time" by Jim Verraros. All rights reserved.

"My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion. All rights reserved.

"The Portrait" by James Horner. All rights reserved.


E-mails and comments appreciated. Join my group at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shades_of_Wisteria/. Thanks!

I started this story as a way to try and explain some of my feelings for
my ex-best friend. He was a lot of things to me. Sadly, due to a series
of unfortunate events we no longer speak. It was hard for me to continue
writing this story as a lot of the ideas were taken from our friendship.
But many people wrote me about how much they liked my story and that they
couldn't wait for more chapters. This thrilled me. I love hearing that
my work is appreciated. I can honestly tell you right now that it is hard
for me to end this story. I'm close to tears. This story means a lot to
me.

Inspiration came to me from every thing imaginable. Some family was
supportive such as my cousin who gave me one good idea. My best friend
who eventually found out I wrote stories. Desperate Housewives and Home
Improvement gave me outlines. And even other authors inspired me.

The characters are not real people in my life; rather people I see in my
life. Jared and Tyler are real people at my school. I tried identifying
them without revealing too much. Mike and Lynette are, as some of you may
already know, Desperate Housewives characters. Julie is also a Housewives
character, but not resembled from my life. Jared's parents are just
parents that don't understand the way love is meant to work, again not
real people in my life. The way that Tyler and Jared interact is exactly
how I'd want it too be. So this story is for everyone who wants that
seemingly perfect relationship. That one relationship that could last for
a lifetime.

I hope you continue to read my stories. Maybe even read this one over. I
have been thinking about trying to get this one published. I am starting
to work on my next story so expect the first chapter within about a
month. Thank you to all those who gave support to me and encouraged me to
write this story. So once again I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Brokendreamboi [Bobby]