Epilogue
Marcus' heart was beating so fast, he thought it would pop right out of his chest. But then Andy squeezed his hand tightly and Marcus immediately felt his nerves settle to a manageable level. Marcus snuck a peak at Andy out of the corner of his eye. It had been two years almost to the day that Andy had confessed everything at the gay pride parade, two years of laughter and tears, of triumphant moments and of infuriating arguments. Life was messy, but Marcus was so glad that he was sharing his mess with Andy.
And now as they stood before their family and friends, they were about to make that bond permanent in the eyes of the law and of God.
Father Sullivan was going on about commitment in marriage, but Marcus found it difficult to pay attention. Andy was glowing and Marcus couldn't take his eyes of him. Andy squeezed his hand again and looked over at him expectantly.
Marcus shook himself out of his little daze and looked back and forth between Andy and Father Sullivan. Both of them were grinning at him in amusement.
"Love, I need my hand," Andy whispered.
"Oh, sorry," Marcus reluctantly let go of the tight grip he had on Andy's hand.
Andy's grin widen before he turned and went to sit behind the keyboard set up on the side of the stage. Marcus frowned, this wasn't part of the program—at least, not the program that he knew about.
Marcus racked his brain to see if he had overlooked something. The wedding had been a lot more work to plan that he had anticipated, especially after his mother got involved. She had taken charge of almost everything—flowers, decorations, even Marcus' and Andy's suits had to be approved, much to both men's chagrin—and Marcus had found himself spending more time managing her than doing any actual planning.
But all three had been on the same page on one thing: they wanted Father Sullivan to officiate. Thankfully, Father Sullivan heartily agreed—he couldn't officiate in his capacity as a Catholic priest, but he was more than willing to go rogue for a day and act as a legal officiant.
Marcus quickly glanced back at his mother who was sitting in the front row, beaming at him. She knew what was going on, that was clear, but Marcus still couldn't figure it out. Father Sullivan also knew what was going on, if the big smile on his face was any indication.
Then Andy's fingers settled over the keys and his hauntingly beautiful music flowed through the speakers.
Your love... is extravagant
Your friendship, it is intimate
Marcus' heart stopped beating as Andy's voice rang out, serenading Marcus in front of their family and friends. Every time Andy sang—and Marcus had learned during the past two years that Andy sang often—Andy's voice always made Marcus stop whatever he was doing and listen. This time was no different; and yet this time was so much more.
