“We’re good,” one of the guys said, and then the others nodded. Weston sat off to the side, his fellow groomsmen ignoring him. James was a little surprised he was still there, but that had been up to Howard, who had decided not to rock the boat, even though he was obviously upset with his most likely soon-to-be-former friend.
“I read him the riot act and told him if he so much as stepped out of line for a second, I’d personally kick his ass. I checked with the guys doing the readings, and they’re all set.” Howard checked his watch. “It’s just about time,” Howard explained quietly. James and the guys left the small room off the back of the church, where they paired off with their counterparts as they had in the rehearsal.
He was with Holly’s friend Janice, and he took her arm as the organ music began. James knew the second Lala stepped out into the sanctuary, standing front and center, not a single set of eyes able to look away. A light murmur went through the crowd and a few of the bridesmaids tittered before growing silent.
“Damn, I want that dress,” Janice whispered from next to him.
“Don’t we all,” Margot said from just behind them, and James relaxed. It was going to be all right. James and Janice followed right behind Weston and the matron of honor, slowly walking down the aisle toward the front of the church. He was unable to wipe the huge smile from his lips as he approached Daniel, a vision in red that James was never going to remove from his mind.
Once they had all taken their places, the music shifted, and everyone stood as Holly and their father came down the aisle. Holly was radiant, and Dad seemed as happy as James had ever seen him. Howard stepped out from the side, joining his bride right in front of Lala as the music drew to a close.
“Good afternoon,” Lala said clearly, voice ringing through the cavernous space made more intimate by sprays of flowers and the guests clustered toward the center. “We are here to celebrate love. The all-consuming love that takes many forms, and joins two hearts together in a lifelong dance. Holly and Howard each stand before us, ready to make this commitment with all of us as witnesses.” Lala stepped down and gently placed Holly’s hand in Howard’s. “When Holly and Howard asked me to step in as the officiant for this wedding, I asked them... ‘Are you nuts?’” A chuckle went through the congregation, and James felt himself releasing the breath he hadn’t known he’d been holding. The ice was broken. “They answered, ‘No, but we want you to do it anyway.’”
* * *
Holly was married. With all the events leading up to the wedding, and the problems that had required solving, it felt like James had run a marathon. “I’m not sure what I should wear,” Daniel said once they got back to the house. The after-service pictures were finished, and James had to give Holly a lot of credit. The photographer had been taking pictures throughout the ceremony, but he’d never gotten in the way, which was pretty rare as far as James had seen in his limited experience.
“Whatever you like,” James said as he collapsed onto the sofa. The rest of the wedding party was already on their way to the botanical gardens for the reception, but Daniel needed to return and change. “How long will you be?”
Water ran in the bathroom, and James wandered down. A pile of makeup-covered tissues rested next to the sink. Lala’s hair had already been packed away, and the dress lay across the bed. “I don’t want to take any of the attention away from Holly. I had planned to wear a plum cocktail dress to the reception, or at least that was my original plan.” Daniel finished washing his face, the last of the makeup gone.
James stepped up to Daniel, sliding his arms around his waist. “How do you want to go now?” Daniel was already adding a touch of liner to his eyes, and a small amount of lavender shadow.
“I have a deep purple shirt and a pair of slacks. I think I’ll wear those. I don’t want to take anything away from Holly, and while everyone seemed to accept Lala at the service, I don’t know how they’re going to feel about having dinner with me, or talking with me afterwards.” He set down the brush with a sigh. “Would you be angry if I stayed here?”
James was a little taken aback. “No, but I will be disappointed.” James hugged him closer, Daniel’s scent sending his senses into overdrive. “You dress as Daniel, whatever that is, whoever you want to be. I’ll wait for you in the living room, because if I stay, I’m going to tug off what you still have on and take you right here on the bathroom floor.” Daniel shivered, and James was so damned tempted to make good on his threat...his promise? He wasn’t sure which it was. He took a deep breath and backed away, returning to the living room.
Daniel joined him fifteen minutes later. He still wore the eye makeup and might have added a touch of color to his cheeks as well as some gloss to his lips. He wore flowing gray pants and a purple shirt that shimmered whenever he moved. “What do you think?”
“I think you look wonderful, and just so you know, your dance card is filled for the evening. If anyone asks, you’re all mine.” James tugged Daniel to him a little roughly, one hand around his waist, the other cupping his butt, taking his lips hard, desperately needing a taste of him.
“James...”
“I know. We have to go.” James reluctantly pulled away, wanting to stay in this perfect moment, but wondering how much longer this was going to last once they got back to Chicago.
* * *
Drinks were being served by the time they arrived at the reception. Waiters in tuxedos carried trays of appetizers through the atrium of the large glasshouse facility. It was like stepping into another world. Howard and Holly mingled with their guests, talking and smiling with everyone. “Oh god,” Holly called as she hurried over to Daniel. “Everyone is asking about you.” Holly hugged him like he was her long-lost brother. “You did an amazing job. People haven’t had that much fun at a wedding service in years.”
“How much have you had to drink?” James asked. Holly smacked him on the shoulder.
“Be nice...and not that much.” She stepped back, twirling once, the gown flowing beautifully around her. “I get to be happy. He saved my wedding and made me look like a princess.” She zeroed in on James. “You need to keep him, okay?”
James hugged Daniel right there in front of everyone. “I intend to.” He met Daniel’s gaze, daring him to argue.
“Go get a drink,” Holly instructed. “Dinner will be served in a little while, and then there will be dancing among all the flowers.” She hurried off to talk to other guests, and James grabbed two glasses of sparkling wine and handed one to Daniel.
“Young man!” James knew that voice and slowly turned to face his father, but he was intent on Daniel. “You did a great job today. Holly is happy and she’s married.” Dad was a little tipsy, but he didn’t seem to care, and James figured his dad had earned it over the last few days. “I think I lost your mother.”