Spanish Bay (16 page)

And a second step, more pain, a third, a fourth, until he was only a few feet away from Mike, who was encouraging him to keep going.

“Imagine me being Chris, the love of your life, just a couple of steps away. Come on, Neil, you can do this!”

But he couldn’t, as with the next step, his left knee buckled, and he fell to the floor.

Mike wasn’t deterred. “You did great, kid. Remember, this is just rehearsal. When the time comes, you’ll do fine. Let’s try again.”

They tried a couple more times, but with similar results. Every time, Neil got to a point when the pain became too great to bear, or when a muscle in his leg decided to give up, leaving him on the floor in a pile of agony.

“Okay,” Mike finally said. “I think that’s enough. You have to get back and get to work, and you won’t make it at all if you’re too exhausted. See you at what, five?”

Neil nodded from the floor, beads of sweat running from his temples.

BY FIVE P.M., the café was overflowing. There was a huge crowd at Sally’s, and had the fire chief not been one of their regular guests, Chris would’ve been in trouble with the fire department.

“If you wait at the counter with the justice of the peace,” Neil said, “I’ll come in through the door.”

“Why don’t you let me walk down the aisle, or we could come in together?” Chris suggested.

“Don’t be ridiculous. It’s not like I’m the bride being walked down the aisle by my dad. He’ll be up there—your best man, remember? This is your café, you rescued me, and I want to come to you. It’s a symbolic gesture I want to make. I’ll roll in, and that’s it.”

When the time came, Chris waited nervously at the counter. He’d dressed up in black denim pants with a beautiful white shirt and a jacket, but he’d not known how Neil would be dressing. They had told people to dress casually, yet both had wanted to look special and had been out shopping with Sarah, on separate occasions.

The door to the café opened, and there was a sudden, communal gasp. People stepped back, opening a corridor from the door to the counter. There was Neil, wearing a pair of skin-tight jeans and a stunning dark shirt. And he was standing.

Behind him, a guy Chris had never seen before was holding on to his wheelchair, and Neil was smiling, but Chris could see how much pain he was in and was ready to jump to his rescue. Joe held him back.

“Don’t. Stay here. He’s been practicing for this day for three months now.”

I can’t wait for the day I walk down the aisle to you.

The memory of those words suddenly struck Chris and tears flowed from his eyes, prompting Joe and Phil to hold him, as they watched Neil walk, taking step after step, coming closer and closer. The crowd was going bananas and cheering him on, literally carrying him across the distance to the counter. And when he made the final step to reach Chris and slowly lifted his head to kiss him, the entire room was in uproar. People were applauding, cheering and crying.

“I need to sit down now!” Neil said. Mike pushed the chair into position and helped Neil ease back into the chair before unstrapping the crutches. He gave Neil a quick hug.

“See, I knew you could do it!” He glanced at Chris and smiled. “Man, you are one lucky fellow. I envy you!”

Mike took the crutches and stepped back into the still cheering crowd; the justice lifted his arms into the air, immediately silencing them.

“Dear Chris, dear Neil, family and friends. I had this whole speech prepared for today, a speech about the power of love, and how real love can move a mountain. But who cares about mountains?”

People were chuckling, and the justice put his notes aside.

“I’ve known young Neil for over ten years, and I was so saddened by his illness. He would never walk again, they said. We all just witnessed a miracle, then. And even if this was only an act of sheer will, it was fueled by the love these two fine young men have for each other. I met with them a few weeks ago, to discuss their plans, and I have to say, I am impressed with their story. There is so much we all can learn from Neil and Chris. From their first chance encounter—a stranger lending a helping hand—and their help for our dear friend Sally—whom we all miss greatly—to their determination to succeed…we only have to look around us to see how they have turned this café into a social hotspot in our small town—a place where great food and drinks are served with a smile—whenever you walk through these doors.”

The justice took a pause to gather people’s reactions to what he had said before continuing. “Dear friends, marrying two people destined for each other is the greatest privilege of my job. I get to do it far too rarely. When I first met these two young men, I had my doubts. And I’ve learned that their family, too, had their doubts. But when you listen to them, when you see them, when you feel the way they treat each other, how much love and respect they have for each other, how much they care for young Frank, you sometimes wonder if they aren’t joined already. I may not be a man of God, but the Bible has this advice for us: ‘what God has joined together, let no one separate.’ Who am I to argue with God?” There was much laughter at his comment.

“Christopher Titus Miller, do you take Neil Joseph Horner, to be your lawful wedded husband? Do you promise to love and comfort him, to honor him and keep him, in sickness and in health, in prosperity and adversity, and hold his needs above all others, as long as you both shall live?”

“I do,” Chris answered, trying to keep his voice steady.

“Neil Joseph Horner, do you take Christopher Titus Miller, to be your lawful wedded husband? Do you promise to love and comfort him, to honor him and keep him, in sickness and in health, in prosperity and adversity, and hold his needs above all others, as long as you both shall live?”

“I do,” Neil replied, smiling broadly.

“The grooms have prepared personal vows as they exchange their rings. Chris, please go ahead.”

Chris took a small piece of paper from his jacket and smiled at Neil. “I’m sorry, I can barely read this through my tears.” He chuckled, and the crowd made sympathetic noises. “Neil, I will never forget that sunny day in May, and I will be forever grateful that I was here to help you. Ever since that day, you have been my source of strength. Every day you have made me a better man. Neil, I am not very good with words, but I love you with all my heart and all my soul, and nothing will ever change that.” He put the ring on Neil’s left ring finger to applause and
aw
s coming from the crowd.

The justice turned to Neil, who picked up his notes.

“Chris, you see in me what I tried to show you today, a whole man, a man who can walk upright into your arms to kiss you. You see what no one has seen for years. You see me, the human—not a child, not a patient, not a freak, not a cripple or a monster. Simply me. And you have made me complete. No day goes by without you making me laugh, without you making me want to try harder, work harder, become better to make you happy, provide for us and our little family. I was the luckiest victim of bullying ever that day when I fell into your life. My heart beats for you alone, for as long as I shall live.” He put the ring on Chris’s left ring finger, and they squeezed each other’s hands.

“Didn’t I tell you?” the justice said. “Now, by the power vested in me, and in accordance with the laws of the State of California, it is my pleasure and honor to pronounce you married. You may seal your vows with a kiss.”

Chris bowed down to kiss Neil, and the room exploded with cheers and applause. In the corner, Grandma Sue had trouble drying her own tears while calming an excited Frank, who was moved as much by the commotion made by everyone else as he was by seeing his brother so happy.

Now that the ceremony was over, people came up to congratulate, and everyone was thrilled. One person in particular caught Chris’s eye, as he walked up to congratulate the happy couple.

“Junior? Is it really you?” Chris began to cry as he hugged his oldest brother—someone he hadn’t seen in six years. “I can’t believe you’re here. How is it possible?”

“Change of orders. We shipped back to Honolulu, and I took a few days off. I’m here over the holidays, if that’s okay?”

“Okay? You’re kidding! You’re always welcome here. Oh my god, Neil, looks who’s here…” Chris introduced his brother to his husband.

“Congratulations, Neil, from what I hear, you’re quite a catch, but don’t forget, so is Chris. You’re a lucky son of a gun to have landed this one!” He patted Chris on the back and laughed.

Chris took his brother by the arm. “Come here, you haven’t met your youngest brother yet.” He led Junior over to the corner, where Grandma Sue was standing with Frank. “Frank, I brought someone to meet you.”

Junior kneeled down next to Frank’s chair. “Hey little brother. I’m your oldest brother, Andrew. But everybody calls me Junior. I haven’t seen you since you were a baby.”

Frank looked at the man in front of him, in his uniform, and then to Chris, and back at Junior again. The conflict in Frank’s eyes was obvious.

“I’m sorry I haven’t been around much. I’m in the navy, and I’m usually stuck on a ship somewhere on the seven seas. But I promise you that I’ll be around a little bit more often, okay?”

Frank seemed to accept that and smiled one of his crooked smiles at Junior, who got up to introduce himself to Sue.

“I’m sorry, where are my manners? Hello, ma’am, I’m Andrew Miller, Chris’s older brother.”

“Hello, young man, I’m Sue, just Sue. No one that’s called me ma’am has lived long enough to tell about it, so you better not tempt your fate. I’m Neil’s grandmother.” They shook hands. “What brings you to town, Andrew?”

“Call me Junior, please. I was never partial to the name Andrew. Reminds me too much of my dad.”

“I’ve heard a few stories about your old man. I can relate to your feelings.” Sue chuckled.

Junior nodded and then shook his head. “Let’s not dwell on my parents. This is a joyous occasion. Which is really why I came. When Chris emailed me about the wedding, I put in for a short leave of absence, and here I am. The navy is all about inclusiveness these days. They even paid for my ticket out to San Francisco. I have to report back to Pearl Harbor on January sixth. Until then, I guess I’ll be here.”

“We’re glad to have you, son. One more person around the Christmas table. I can’t wait. This is going to be the best Christmas yet. I may not be a very good Christian, but can you imagine having my entire family around the table? And with you here, the family’s just gotten bigger. I couldn’t be happier.”

“Thank you, Sue, but I don’t want to impose.”

“Impose? Let me tell you something. When Neil first introduced me to your brother, I knew that he was something special, and I love your brother as if he were my own flesh and blood. He’s got spirit, he’s got dedication, and a heart as big as any I’ve ever seen. He and Neil are perfect for each other. And when they came home from your parents’ funeral with this little bundle of joy at their side, I was the happiest person alive. I finally have my very own great grandchild to pamper.

“I try to help the boys out as much as I can, though at seventy-five, that’s not always possible. Gout, my asthma and my ticker don’t always go hand in hand with my mind, but I try. I learned early on that family is about the people you love, not necessarily the ones you are related to by blood. They only matter if they behave.” She laughed out loud at her last comment. “Chris has told me about you, how you helped him through those challenging days back in Lubbock, how you’ve offered to support him and your younger brother. I notice these things. You’re a good person, and you serve our country. For that alone, you deserve a seat at my table. Plus I’ve got good shit at home. You smoke?”

“Thank you, Sue, how could I refuse?” They laughed together, and Frank made very happy noises.

***

Christmas Day was celebrated at Sue’s house, and she’d gotten up early to buy more food and make sure she had plenty for everyone. Sue assumed that Junior would eat for two, being a sailor and all.

Meanwhile, above the café, which would remain closed for the day, Junior was still fast asleep on the couch in the living room, and so was Frank. Only Chris and Neil were awake, barely.

“Good morning, babe,” Neil whispered into Chris ear, nibbling lightly at the lobe. “Awake?”

“I am now…” Chris turned around to greet his husband with his first morning kiss as a married man. “Did you sleep well?”

“Like a baby. After last night, I was so exhausted, and then we were up for a bit…” Neil chuckled.

“Don’t remind me. Wanna go for another round?” Chris’s hands found their way into Neil’s pajama pants.

“I’d love to, but we’ve got to get the gifts out before Frank wakes up. Remember, we’re parents now. No more sex until he’s off to college…” Neil laughed as Chris was tickling him. “Shhh, you’ll wake him.”

They embraced and kissed for a while before getting out of bed.

“Where did you put the presents?” Neil asked.

“They’re in the closet, top shelf. Sorry, I’ll get them for you. Why don’t you get some coffee going? I’ll be right out, just need this to go down a bit first before I walk out there…” Chris pointed to where his pajamas pants made quite a tent. Neil laughed on his way out into the open-plan living room and kitchen.

Within minutes, the space was filled with comforting spluttering noises and the smell of the freshly brewed nectar reached Junior’s nostrils.

“Do I smell fresh coffee?” He sighed and stretched out on the couch.

“Good morning. Did we wake you?” Neil asked.

Junior laughed. “No, but you two sure made it hard on me to fall asleep last night… You are like a bunch of rabbits, you know that, right?”

Neil blushed, his face a deep crimson. Chris walked out the door with a heap of presents on his arm. “Oh, you’re up? Sleep okay?”

“Yeah, I was just telling Neil how entertaining you two were last night. Remind me to pick up some earplugs today. I can’t take that every night, or I’ll die from all the strange images you’re putting in my head. I am straight, after all, but I might just have to hump your couch.”