Three Years Later
On a sunny afternoon in mid-October—when the sky was clear, autumnal blue, and crunchy leaves littered the ground—Aiden Kingsman got married.
Granted, he would have been fine going to a courthouse, and the big church ceremony was really for the benefit of their families. But it was still a momentous occasion.
Standing in one of the back rooms of St. Peter’s Chelsea, mere steps from where he’d soon stand before a priest and almost everyone he knew, Aiden studied himself in an antique full-length mirror. Light streamed through the white curtains undulating by the windows, bathing his features in a warm glow.
He looked good. Maybe a little pale, but there was excitement sparking in his eyes, and as he slid a blue silk tie around his neck, his fingers were steady. His three-piece tux was a navy affair that brought out the color of his eyes, and his curls had been tamed with product, courtesy of his mother.
There were times when he glanced in mirrors and couldn’t quite see himself. Sometimes, he saw flashes of Max instead, or he saw one of the younger versions of himself he’d left behind as childhood had melted into adulthood. But today, when he studied his reflection, he saw himself as he was right now. A man who was not just ready, but eager to take one of life’s biggest steps.
His phone buzzed in the pocket of his suit jacket, dragging him from his reverie. He pulled it out.
Nervous?
Aiden smiled at the message from his husband-to-be and typed back, Maybe a little. But that’s because of the crowd, not because of what we’re about to do.
It’s not too late for us to sneak out the back and elope. I hear Vegas is lovely this time of year.
Aiden snorted. All these years later, Oliver could still get a laugh out of him no matter what.
My mother would hold us down, and yours would murder us.
Touché. Can’t wait to see you out there, love. In a few short hours, you’re going to be stuck with me forever.
Aiden’s heart fluttered. Can’t wait.
He put his phone away, walked over to the heavy door, and pushed it open so he could peek out at the church. It was a lot fuller than it’d been ten minutes ago, when he’d last sneaked a look. Throngs of people were gathering at the pews, chatting and laughing. The dull cacophony rose all the way up to the large wooden ceiling beams.
A wave of nervousness hit him. He let the door fall shut and glanced back at the mirror, checking himself for flaws. His tie was straight, he had his father’s old, blue, and borrowed handkerchief folded neatly in his pocket, and a delicate white rose had been pinned to his lapel. Basically, all that was left for him to do was show up, stumble through his vows, and sign a piece of paper that would change his life forever.
For the better.
Even his nervousness couldn’t drown out the effusive excitement coursing through him.
The door creaked open. Aiden whirled around, hoping irrationally that it was Oliver, but Max’s head popped into view. He had on a blue tie, same as Aiden’s, but his suit was gray. Though they were identical, he pulled off the dove color and faint black pinstripe in a way Aiden never could.
“You ready, buddy?” Max grinned. “It’s showtime.”
Aiden blew out a breath and nodded. “I’m ready.”
Max slung an arm around Aiden’s shoulders and led him out. The church was bursting with white roses. Garlands of them lined the pews, and a huge arrangement had been placed on the altar. Dozens of lit candles adorned the alcoves. A rainbow of colored sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows. Everywhere Aiden looked, people were smiling.
Max led him to the start of the aisle, where their parents awaited them. As soon as he appeared, the string quartet in the corner kicked up the soft music they’d been playing. People turned to look. Familiar heat took up residence in Aiden’s face.
“I have to join the processional.” Max squeezed Aiden’s arm. “But when the time comes, I’ll be right by your side.”
“You memorized my vows, right?”
“Yup. I’m ready to feed them to you from the wings like an overeager understudy. Don’t worry, though. You’re going to do great.”
Aiden nodded, though as soon as Max released him, he clasped onto his parents for dear life. They took up spots on either side of him like sentinels.
“Don’t be nervous, honey,” Mom whispered to him. “You’re going to do great.”
“Could you ease up on your grip a bit, though?” Dad shifted his arm. “You’re gonna snap something.”
Aiden took a breath and tried to relax. To no one, he said again with confidence, “I’m ready.”
Mom and Dad walked him down the aisle while eighty guests looked on. Oliver’s side of the church was packed with family members—judging by the sea of dark hair and tan skin—but Aiden’s side was plenty full as well. He spotted distant family, old friends from college, and a dozen of his new coworkers. As it turned out, engineers loved to party, and when they’d heard quiet Aiden Kingsman was tying the knot, half his department had turned up for the occasion.
He made it to the end of the aisle without falling on his face, thanks to his parents’ literal support. But they had to let go eventually. They murmured some final words of encouragement before patting him on the back and taking the seats reserved for them in the first pew.
Breathing unsteadily, Aiden climbed the three steps up to the rose-adorned altar. The priest flashed him an encouraging smile as he stumbled into place. “You’re gonna do great. Love the suit.”
“Thanks.” At least everyone seems to know I’m nervous about public speaking, not getting married. I bet that’s Max’s doing, somehow.
To curtail his nerves, Aiden focused on the church itself. They’d selected a same-sex-friendly Episcopalian church. The towerlike exterior had all the regality expected of a wedding while the interior was warm and inviting. Through the decorative windows, Aiden caught glimpses of trees loaded with gold and red-brick buildings. It gave Aiden a sense of peace in the middle of the bustling city.
The music swelled again, gripping Aiden’s attention with viselike fingers. With a rustle of fabric, the guests stood and faced the back of the church. Aiden straightened his posture and reminded himself to breathe.
The processional was short: there were no bridesmaids or groomsmen. Instead, Aiden had chosen Max to be his best man—big surprise there—while Oliver had picked a college friend, a blond twentysomething named Adam who resembled a dog, from his shaggy hair to his playful energy.
Max and Adam marched down the aisle together, arm in arm. They wore nigh-identical big grins on their faces that made Aiden’s lips twitch in response. When they reached the end of the aisle, they split off to stand on their respective sides. Max paused long enough to touch Aiden’s shoulder and shoot him a wink before he took up his spot beside him.
The warmth of his hand lingered on Aiden’s shoulder, giving him an unexpected boost of confidence. The ring bearer appeared next: a cousin’s child who’d inherited the Kingsman curls and looked like an actual cherub. He giggled his way down the aisle while the audience oohed and aahed. The flower girl—another child of a cousin, but from Oliver’s side this time—appeared next in a white dress that offset her silky black hair.
And then finally . . . there was Oliver.
He appeared beneath the arch at the entrance to the church with his parents on either arm. Though Aiden had already seen him in his beautiful jet-black tux and green tie, there was no comparison to how he looked now. He wasn’t simply beaming. He was radiant as his eyes swept over the crowd before landing unerringly on Aiden. As soon as they did, he perked up like a sunflower who’d found its own personal sun.
A shiver danced up Aiden’s spine when their eyes locked, as it had a hundred times before on smaller occasions. Oliver started down the aisle—parents in tow—and Aiden prayed their photographers were getting him from all angles, because that was one for his work desk.
Oliver walked with confidence, gliding down the aisle like he’d done it a hundred times before. It was all in his gait, the set of his shoulders, and the relaxed smile on his face that said he was exactly where he wanted to be.
Aiden was mesmerized just watching him. As Oliver got closer, Aiden’s eyes prickled, and he started chanting a mantra in his head: don’t cry, don’t cry, don’t cry.
The flower girl walked too slowly, intent as she was on scattering rose petals with the tongue-between-teeth concentration of a six-year-old. Oliver’s party soon caught up with her.
Rather than ignore her or try to walk behind, Oliver released his parents and scooped her into his arms. He carried her the rest of the way down the aisle while she squealed with delight and the onlookers cooed. Aiden damn near joined them.
When Oliver reached the steps, he set the flower girl down again, kissed both of his parents on the cheek, and walked up to join Aiden. As the distance between them closed, Aiden felt like he was going to float into the air, he was filled with such incandescent happiness.
Oliver took his place before the priest, a step or two away from Aiden. His smile was brilliant in every sense of the word. “Hi.”
“Hi.” Aiden was barely audible.
The priest seemed like he was fighting a smile himself. “Are you ready, gentlemen?”
After a quick exchanged glance, they nodded in unison.
The priest looked out over the assembly. “Friends and family, we are gathered here today in the name of commitment and love, to join these men in matrimony . . .”
The ceremony passed in a blur. Before their gathered loved ones, they swore to be honest and supportive, and to love each other beyond their last breaths. The sound of Oliver’s earnest, “I do,” when the priest asked if he would take Aiden as his husband finally broke Aiden’s resolve not to cry.
Apparently, Aiden got through his vows just fine, but if he said a single word of English during the ceremony, it was news to him. They exchanged simple gold wedding bands, signed their marriage certificate with shaking hands, and shared their first kiss as a married couple.
The applause was deafening. Aiden had never guessed a small group of people could make so much noise. It only got louder when they strode hand in hand down the aisle. More people awaited them outside. When they appeared, they were showered with rose petals and cheers. Someone put a garland around Aiden’s neck with a sign that read Just while Oliver got Married.
Laughing, they jogged down the sunlit street, shouting for the people pouring out of the church to join them at the reception. It was a few blocks away, and they took it at a dead sprint, never letting go of each other’s hand. People on the street clapped and shouted congratulations as they passed, but Aiden could barely hear them over the sound of his own heart.
They didn’t stop running until they reached the riverside restaurant they’d chosen for the reception. It had a huge dance floor and an outdoor deck that led right up to the water. Inside, mahogany tables had been decorated with blue-and-green centerpieces, and a swing band was setting up on the makeshift stage. Candles crowded every available surface, bathing the restaurant in flickering light. When the sun set in a couple of hours, it was going to be magical.
As soon as they entered, the maître d’ greeted them and directed them to a back room where they would await their announcement.
Once there, Oliver squeezed his hand. “We did it, Mr. Kingsman. We’re married. That went by so fast.”
“I think so too, Mr. Kingsman.” He leaned his head on Oliver’s shoulder. “In a good way, though. Now we can get to the fun part.”
“The reception?”
“The rest of our lives together.”
Oliver kissed his brow. “Is there anything you would have done differently?”
“No. I could have been less nervous, but I wouldn’t change a thing. What about you? Any regrets? We can still hyphenate if you’ve changed your mind about taking my name.”
“Definitely not.” Oliver held up his hand, and the ring on his finger glinted. “I’m a Kingsman now. The name Jones belonged to my parents, and it meant fighting and divorce. I was ready to leave that name behind. Besides”—he winked—“I’ve wanted to become one of the Kingsman brothers since we were kids.”
Aiden reached around him and laced their fingers together so their rings lined up. “It seems we both got our wish.”
They only had a moment to enjoy the privacy before they heard the sound of their friends and family filing into the hall. Not long after that, the MC’s voice came over the speakers.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming the newlyweds for the first time: Mr. and Mr. Kingsman!”
“That’s us.” Oliver had a huge grin on his face. Aiden was about to ask what was so funny when Oliver repeated, “That’s us.”
With their arms around each other, they exited the back room and walked out onto the dance floor. The crowd had gathered around the edges and was cheering them on. They took up a spot in the center and fell into a familiar embrace: one hand on the other’s waist while they clasped their free hands together, like they’d practiced in rehearsal.
“And now,” the MC continued, “the grooms will enjoy their first dance as a married couple.”
The swing band struck up a slow but upbeat Frank Sinatra song. A handful of people waved at Aiden from the crowd, but he kept his attention on his husband.
“My face hurts from smiling so much,” Oliver said. He stretched his mouth like he was trying to stop, but his lips slid right back up into a grin.
“You know, I never liked dancing before I met you.” Aiden squeezed his waist. “It was those lessons you signed us up for that changed my mind. No matter how much I stumbled, you always caught me.”
“And you, my rock, you never gave up.” Oliver led him through an easy spin. “I expected you to go to one lesson to humor me. Imagine my surprise when you started waking me up on Sundays for dance class.”
Aiden glided through a series of steps and then led Oliver through his own spin. It was impossible to tell which of them was leading, just as they’d planned. “It was more fun than I’d expected, like everything you’ve introduced me to over the years.”
Oliver laughed. “That’s sweet, but let’s not forget about the oyster incident.”
Aiden made a face. “Okay, maybe not everything. But most things.”
The lead singer of the band—a beautiful blond woman with dark-brown skin—took to a Billie Holiday–style microphone and started singing.
Oliver pulled Aiden closer and sang the lyrics along with her softly, so only he could hear. His breath tickled Aiden’s ear, soft and sweet. Aiden was suddenly in danger of crying again. Luckily, at the MC’s behest, the rest of the wedding party joined them on the floor: both sets of parents and the best men, who brought the flower girl and ring bearer with them.
Max caught Aiden’s eye and mouthed, Nice moves.
Thanks, bro, Aiden mouthed back.
“Oh, hey, there’s the photographer.” Oliver whirled Aiden around. “Smile!”
The photographer snapped at least a dozen photos of them. Then Oliver dipped him, which prompted another round of furious camera clicks.
“You are so theatrical,” Aiden groaned when Oliver pulled him back up and the photographer drifted away.
“You’re the one who insisted we learn how to do dips.” Oliver nuzzled his cheek. “Did you really think I wouldn’t seize the opportunity?”
The wedding party danced together until the song ended and the singer signaled to the crowd. They spilled onto the floor as well, some breaking into pairs, some hovering near the grooms, clearly eager to speak with them.
The next song started, and Aiden’s mom decided hovering wasn’t good enough. She dragged Dad over and danced right next to them, smiling from ear to ear. “How are my boys?”
Oliver smiled back. “We’re wonderful, Kim.”
“It’s Mom now.” She winked. “I always had a funny feeling you’d be a part of our family someday. Though I will admit, I didn’t expect for Aiden to be the one to propose, and during Christmas dinner at our house.”
“Mom,” Aiden whined. “We know the story. We were there.”
“I know, but I’m your mother. It’s my job to embarrass you.”
“I like hearing the story,” Oliver said. “Especially the part where you were so panicked you fell over the second you got down on one knee.”
Aiden looked heavenward and groaned. “This is what I get for marrying a family friend. I’ll never be able to escape the embarrassing stories now.”
“Wait until you have kids of your own,” Dad said. “Then you’ll get to embarrass them instead.”
“Dad,” Aiden whined again. “We’ve been married for fifteen minutes. Can we save the kid talk for after the honeymoon?”
Mom laughed. “Fine, we can take a hint. But just so you know, I’ve done a lot of research on gay adoption laws in the state of New York, and I’m ready to—”
“Mom, I swear. I will die, right here, on my wedding day.”
“All right, sweetie. We’ll talk later.” She said that last part like it was a threat. “Congratulations again. Love you both.”
They danced off, leaving Aiden and Oliver alone. Aiden was frowning, but Oliver was trying and failing not to laugh.
Aiden glowered. “It’s not funny.”
“It really is, love.”
The song ended, and everyone applauded. The band struck up another one.
Oliver turned to him. “You want to keep dancing?”
“Yeah, but the crowd looks impatient.” It was no joke. People were eyeing them like they were choice cuts of meat. “We can’t put off greeting them forever.”
“You’re right.” Oliver took his hand and kissed it. “If we split up, we can cover them in half the time.”
Aiden paused before taking Oliver’s face in his hands and kissing him square on the lips. “This is one of the many reasons why I married you. Because you’re a genius.”
They parted ways, each posting up to one side of the dance floor. Immediately, throngs of people flocked to them. Anxiety spiked through Aiden, but anytime he needed to, he glanced across the room at Oliver. Seeing the ever-present smile on Oliver’s face was enough to quiet his nerves.
He mostly received Oliver’s guests, and there were a lot of them. Aiden had thought he’d met a good chunk of Oliver’s family over the years, but he was mistaken. They were a curious bunch too. They asked him everything from what he did for a living to his medical history.
What felt like fifty thousand handshakes later, the band announced that dinner was about to be served, and the crowd finally thinned.
Oliver appeared by his side as if by magic. “How was it?”
“Your family is . . . interesting.” He paused. “I mean that in a positive way. They’re very direct. And fast. I can handle embarrassing conversation, so long as it doesn’t last. I think I’m going to get on with them just fine.”
“Good. Your family was polite and charming, like you.”
“Thank you. I think we handled that well, considering neither of us are extroverted. You ready to eat?”
“Hell yeah.” Oliver held out his arm.
Aiden linked their elbows, and they made their way to a long table that was set up at the head of the room. They were facing the dance floor with their backs to the view of the water. Max had already taken his seat next to Oliver’s place and was talking to Mom.
When they arrived, the MC announced it was time for the toasts. The guests quickly found their tables and quieted down. The waiters began handing out flutes of champagne.
As soon as everyone had one, Max stood up and clinked his glass with a knife. A hush fell over the assembly.
Max waited until all eyes were on him before flashing a wide grin. His voice carried easily over the crowd. “When Aiden asked me to be his best man, I knew I needed to write one hell of a speech. It was suggested to me that I start by saying how I know the grooms. Well, in Aiden’s case, that much should be obvious.”
The crowd laughed right on cue. Max waited for them to quiet again before he continued. “As for Oliver, I’ve known him since childhood, and it’s been a pleasure watching him become the man he is today. Loving, kind, and willing to put others first, even at his own expense. Over the years, we’ve been through a lot, and now I have the privilege of calling him one of my closest friends. I couldn’t imagine trusting Aiden’s happiness to anyone else. Words can’t describe how thrilled I am to welcome my new brother into the family.”
There was awwing and scattered applause.
Max waited for silence once more. “Aiden and Oliver are a phenomenal couple for more reasons than I can name. They’ve known each other most of their lives. They complement each other. And they’re the only two people I know who have strong opinions about the Oxford comma. But the main reason they work is this: when tough times inevitably come, they have a solid foundation of friendship to help them weather the storm.
“As some of you may know, they were in a long-distance relationship for a year during college. Hard as it was at times for them to be separated, they always found their way home. Every time classes let out for any length of time, I could expect to find Oliver waiting at our house. Eating our food, if I recall correctly.”
More laughter. Max had the audience enraptured.
“When graduation rolled around, I had no idea what to do with my life, but these two had it all planned out. They got an apartment together in the city and settled down as if they’d been ready to spend their lives together from day one. I remember visiting their dinky place in Brooklyn and listening to Oliver talk about their new dishes while Aiden went on and on about the throw pillows they’d picked out. It was like they were talking about baby names.
“I’d never seen two people so thrilled to do mundane things, so long as they did them together. That was the first time I thought to myself, ‘Not only are these guys going to get married, but they’re going to be so happy.’ I believe that with everything I have. Whether they have countless adventures or a quiet life together, they’ll be happy.”
The crowd applauded, and this time Aiden joined in. He peeked at Oliver for his reaction: he was dabbing his eyes with a napkin.
Aiden was about to stand up and hug his brother, when he realized Max hadn’t raised his glass. His speech must not be over yet.
Sure enough, Max reached into his suit jacket and pulled out a crumbled piece of paper. It looked old, and it’d been folded and refolded so many times it was practically falling apart.
Max held it up for everyone to see. “A million years ago, my brother wrote these vows. This is authentic Aiden Kingsman crayon work right here.” He pointed to the sloppy scrawl on the page while everyone laughed.
Aiden gasped and leaned toward Oliver. “Is that . . . Are those the vows I wrote for when we used to play marriage?”
Oliver grinned. “They sure are. Your brother asked me if I still had them when he started writing his speech.”
“You really kept them all these years?”
Oliver winked and put a finger to his lips.
Max gently took the paper in both hands. “Even back when we were children, we wanted Oliver to become a part of our family. We held no fewer than a dozen fake weddings in which we welcomed him into our clan. Although, back then it was me who married Oliver. Needless to say, things didn’t work out between us.”
Aiden and Oliver chuckled along with the crowd.
“I’d like to read these vows to the newlyweds now and see if they still hold up.” He turned to Oliver and read from the paper. “Do you, Oliver Jones—now Oliver Kingsman—promise to be a good new brother and to play with us every day forever?”
Oliver forced his face into a serious expression. “I do.”
“And do you, Aiden Kingsman, promise to never hog the remote?”
Aiden feigned indignation and called back, “That was one time.”
Max grinned. “Fair enough. This last vow is for both of you. Do you both swear—cross your hearts and hope to die—that you will always, always be the very best of friends?”
They looked at each other. In unison, they said, “We do.”
“Then I’d like to raise a glass to the happy couple.” Max held up his champagne. “Congrats, you two!”
The applause was deafening, almost as loud as when they’d gotten married.
Aiden tried to discreetly wipe tears from his eyes, but they rolled down his cheeks. He stood up and wrapped his brother in a tight hug. A moment later, he felt another pair of arms join them. He heard Oliver whisper, “That was perfect, Max.”
“Yeah, well.” Max pulled back with a sniff and noticeably dewy eyes. “How often do you get to deliver a speech at the wedding of both your brother and your best friend?”
They retook their seats. Adam stood up and gave a stirring speech as well, but he kept it short and sweet, probably sensing that there was no following Max’s act.
After that came food, alcohol, and all the congratulations they could stomach. As the evening wound down, Aiden found himself standing on the edge of the dance floor with Oliver on one side and Max on the other.
He surveyed the guests. “Looks like everyone’s having a good time.”
“Even my parents.” Oliver waved at where they were dancing near the bar. “I can’t believe they came as each other’s dates. That might be the biggest show of solidarity they’ve ever put on for me.”
They waved back, and Aiden blew Oliver’s mom a kiss. She pretended to catch it and slap it onto Oliver’s dad’s cheek. He accepted it good-naturedly before twirling her away.
“It’s amazing how a wedding can make everyone come together.” Aiden turned to his brother. “Wonderful speech, Max. Thank you so much.”
“I meant every word. It was easy to write, considering I practically had a fairy-tale romance to inspire me.”
“I don’t know about the fairy-tale part.” Oliver took Aiden’s hand. “It feels plenty real to me.”
“Yeah, and that whole ‘perfect’ thing isn’t true.” Aiden gave his fingers a squeeze. “The other day we had a thirty-minute long fight about china patterns. But if that’s our biggest problem, I think we’ll be fine.”
“I think you will too.” Max looked wistfully up at the ceiling. “I have to admit, I’m jealous.”
Aiden blanched. “Dude, no. We know what happens when you get jealous.”
“Don’t worry, I’m not gonna spike the punch or get drunk and make a second speech that totally ruins my first one. I meant that as a compliment. What you guys have . . . it’s what we all want, you know? Some people spend their whole lives looking for that and never find it.”
Oliver slung an arm around Max’s shoulders. “You’ll find it. You and your brother have so much love to give, someone is bound to fall head over heels. Trust me, it happened to me.” He planted a kiss on Aiden’s cheek.
Max crinkled his nose. “I’m gonna get cavities from how sugary sweet this whole day has been. Though I do wish there was a single bridesmaid at this wedding. Who am I supposed to dance with?”
Adam appeared as if summoned, brown eyes bright with excitement. “I love this song.”
“Hey, Adam.” Aiden let go of his husband long enough to point at his brother. “You want to dance with Max? Traditionally, the best man and maid of honor are supposed to pair up, but I think in this instance we can flout tradition.”
Aiden was expecting Max to protest, but to his surprise, Max held out his hand. “Shall we?”
Adam took it. “It’d be my pleasure!”
Max started for the dance floor only to turn back. “Can I tempt you guys to come with us?”
Aiden looked to Oliver.
Oliver shook his head. “We’re going to sit this one out. But thanks for the invite.”
“Your loss.” Max pulled Adam out onto the dance floor, and soon they disappeared into the sea of people.
Oliver indicated the outdoor deck with a nod of his head. “Wanna get some air?”
“I’d love to.”
They opened the doors and made their way outside. The sun was setting over the water. Cool October air ruffled their hair, carrying the smell of autumn and the sea. There were a handful of other people around, but when they saw the grooms approach the wooden banister, they scurried back inside. Aiden made a mental note to write each of them a special thank-you card.
Oliver leaned on the railing and closed his eyes, as if he were soaking up the breeze. “I didn’t think it was possible to be this happy.”
Aiden sidled up next to him until he could feel heat against his side. “I did. I was almost this happy the first time we kissed. And the day you agreed to marry me.”
Oliver stood up and wrapped his arms around Aiden’s shoulders. “Today definitely takes the number-one spot, though.”
“Do you suppose it’ll hold that title for long?”
“At least until we adopt those kids your mom was talking about.”
Aiden laughed. “You’re as bad as she is.” He pressed their foreheads together. “I love you, Oliver Kingsman. More than I can say.”
“I love you too, Aiden Kingsman.” Oliver brought their mouths close. “You know, I think our childhood vows were better than the ones we said in the church. How did that last part go again?”
“We will always,” Aiden began.
“Always,” Oliver echoed.
Together, they said, “Be the very best of friends.”
As the sun cast ribbons of gold onto the water, and a room full of their friends and family danced nearby, they shared a kiss that held the promise of a happy ever after.