A Few Months Later...
It was the night of the commitment ceremony. Daniel and Michael had invited all their families and friends to join them at the hall they'd booked. Although they couldn't get married in Wisconsin, they could apply for a civil union. It wasn't exactly the same, but it gave them the opportunity to be able to be each other's "next of kin" and to be able to share insurance coverage. Just Michael's family, Ben and James came with them to the court house to fill out the paperwork in front of the judge, but both men wanted to have the chance to celebrate with friends, so they decided to have a "wedding reception" type party at the local hall.
"Before we get this party started, Daniel and I would like to share a few words... I guess they could be called wedding vows." Michael started. He handed the microphone to Daniel.
"Until I met you, Michael Jacobson, I was a lost soul. I spent each day, just trying to get through until the next. I can not imagine life without you, and plan to spend each day making sure you understand what you mean to me. I love you Michael. Thank you so much for being my rock, and being patient for me." Daniel said choking up a bit.
Michael took the microphone from Daniel.
"I never knew what living was until I met you, Daniel Adams. Until that day I merely existed. I know each day was a struggle for you. I also can't imagine life without you." Michael also started to choke up.
Ben ran up and grabbed the mic,
"Guess it's time for the first dance before we all turn into blubbering fools..."
Michael and Daniel laughed.
The DJ started the song, which Michael had picked, without telling Daniel. As the last few lyrics rang clear through the dance hall, Daniel placed his head on Michael's shoulder and buried his head into his neck. He tried not to cry, but the last few lines of the lyrics hit home for them;
* "Are you there?
Say a prayer, for the Pretender
Who started out so young and strong,
Only to surrender..."*
"You seriously got us a hotel room for tonight?" Michael asked as Daniel drove them across town.
"I told you I wanted a wedding night... and a honeymoon. So tomorrow afternoon we fly out. And this is close to the airport."
"Okay, fine. But I don't mind driving to the airport tomorrow."
"Just enjoy it okay? James and Ben actually came up with the idea and paid for the hotel."
"Oh god, that makes it that much worse... what did we get ourselves into?"
Daniel laughed as they pulled into the hotel.
"Reservation for Jacobson/Adams." Daniel said.
"Ah, thank you Mr. Jacobson, here is your key, everything is all paid for. Do you need a bellhop?"
"Um, no I think we'll leave most of everything in the car, and just grab our overnights."
Daniel and Michael headed for the elevator. Once the doors closed Michael turned to Daniel.
"Ha, he called you Mr. Jacobson..."
"I actually liked it. I think.... Hmm."
"What?"
"Well, what would you think if I legally changed my name to Daniel Jacobson?"
Michael was speechless for a moment. "You really want to take my name?"
"Yeah. I'd rather have your last name. My parents left me in the dust, why should I have any reminder where I came from? You are my family now, so why not." Daniel stated as a matter of fact.
Michael made a funny noise, so Daniel turned and saw Michael's eyes get misty.
"Besides our vows, I think that was the most beautiful thing I've heard. And yes, I would love you to have my last name, especially when you reason it like that." Michael leaned over, and kissed him gently on the lips. The elevator door slide open mid-kiss, but the men didn't notice at first. A giggle caught their attention, and they pulled apart slightly, seeing two girls.
"That's so freaking cute!" one said. They stepped into the elevator, both looked to be in their early 20s.
"Totally." The other agreed. "How long have you guys been together?"
"Um..." Daniel said.
