Truly, Madly, Deeply - Sequel to Affirmation Part 7
Well, this story is almost over. Just one more bit after this and then, the waiting game as I finish the final part of this series.
Here's a brief summery of what the final bit will be about:
A few weeks after their wedding, Paul and Tony take the next step in their relationship: Parenthood. Paul undergoes the "M-Preg Operation" as Alicia and the trio calls it and now he and Tony are to be parents. Keeping this a secret from the news is going to be a bit hard, but with the help of their friends, they are ready. The story will follow the nine month journey which includes Stephen and Hugh try to sort out their relationship after an accident, Josie and Richard come out at a couple, Julie and Melissa have their first taste of improvisation in front of an audience: Julie's Acting 1 class, Christine causes trouble with her views on the operation near the final weeks, and Ian, Alicia and the trio end up in a crazy situation as Paul goes into labor after a HIGNFY taping.
This final is almsot done in the written stages, but is starting to be transfered to computer slowly.
So, anyways, here's the next part of Truly, Madly, Deeply - in which the reception is held, Ryan and Colin dance, Will gets his first kiss, Lennie reveals a new problem, Christine fangirls over someone Melissa doesn't expect, and Tony and Paul start taking the first step towards a new chapter in their relationship.
Title: Truly, Madly, Deeply
Author: Shinigami518
Rating: PG-13, but with some bits of R in it.
Main Character(s) and/or pairings: Ryan/Colin, Tony/Paul, Josie/Richard, Jeff/OFC, Stephen/Hugh (growing near the end)
Summary: Taking place in early-mid June of 2007, Good news rings out through the Whose Line community: Ryan and Colin are geting married! (YAY!!!) But with all weddings, there's always problems along the way. From plane rides to Bachelor parties to relationships either gonig sour or rekindling to relatives. This includes Ryan's father, who wants Ryan to call off the wedding, saying that he's ruining everything he ever had with Patty. Will there be a happy ending around the corner?
See previous chapters here to get refreshed:
View Affirmation here:
Epilogue, but with all parts linked
View Against All Odds here:
Epilogue, but with all parts linked
View last chapters here:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7: I want to live like this forever, Until the sky falls down on me
11:28 AM
Reception Area
Everyone except Ryan, Colin, and Brother Alan filed into the reception area. The party was to officially start at 11:30 so everyone had time to stretch and get the kinks out of their bodies from sitting during the wedding. The food hadn’t been set out yet, but the DJ, a young man in his mid 20’s, was playing some music to set the mood of the party.
Everyone found their usual gossip groups and began talking about the wedding and relating stories they had yet to tell. Robert was talking to Drew, Brad, Sean’a, Nicole, and Greg about a friend of his named Ron causing him and his friends to be kicked out from a party due to Ron being drunk and dropping a lit cigarette, burning a hole through brand new carpeting. Julie, Samantha, and Melissa were with Mackenzie, Chase, Taylor, and Sam, the former telling stories of some of their first Whose Line memories. Jeff and Wayne were trying to get some more Early Whose Line stories from Mike, Sandi, Josie, and Richard about Ryan, Colin and Greg. Laura was reminiscing with Chip and Patty about good times. Paul and Tony spent most of the time with Stephen and Hugh, trying to figure out why the two were so awkward around each other, but they wouldn’t respond to that answer yet
Finally, Ryan and Colin entered with Brother Alan. The two newlyweds were smiling, clinging to each other as everyone cheered and shouted words of appraisal. Drew and Brad then ran over to the DJ area, both Best Men grabbing a microphone.
“Alright, ladies and gentlemen, our newly married couple has arrived, so it’s time for them to have their first dance together.” Brad announced in his best game show announcer voice.
Ryan and Colin made their way to the center of the dance floor. They bowed to each other and stood with their arms around each other as the music began to play. Most of the people there recognized the song.
“Truly, Madly, Deeply. Savage Garden. How appropriate.” Julie whispered with a smile on her pale face. Will hushed her as the voice of the lead singer, Darren Hayes, came over the speakers as Ryan and Colin danced to the music.
“I'll be your dream,
I'll be your wish,
I'll be your fantasy
I'll be your hope,
I'll be your love,
Be everything that you need
I'll love you more with every breath,
Truly, madly, deeply do
I will be strong I will be faithful,
'cause I'm counting on
A new beginning,
A reason for living,
A deeper meaning, yeah
I want to stand with you on a mountain
I want to bathe with you in the sea
I want to lay like this forever
Until the sky falls down on me
And when the stars are shining
Brightly in the velvet sky,
I'll make a wish send it to heaven,
Then make you want to cry
The tears of joy for all the
Pleasure and the certainty
That we're surrounded by the
Comfort and protection of
The highest powers
In lonely hours
The tears devour you
I want to stand with you on a mountain
I want to bathe with you in the sea
I want to lay like this forever
Until the sky falls down on me
Oh can you see it baby?
You don't have to close your eyes
'Cause it's standing right before you
All that you need will surely come
I'll be your dream,
I'll be your wish
I'll be your fantasy
I'll be your hope
I'll be your love
Be everything that you need
I'll love you more with every breath
Truly, madly, deeply do
I want to stand with you on a mountain
I want to bathe with you in the sea
I want to lay like this forever
Until the sky falls down on me
I want to stand with you on a mountain
I want to bathe with you in the sea
I want to live like this forever
Until the sky falls down on me”
Ryan and Colin danced marvelously to everyone’s amazement. Ryan led perfectly, both him and Colin enjoying each second as they moved on the dance floor. As the song began to end, Colin and Ryan stopped dancing and stood in the middle of the dance floor, staring into each others eyes. Ryan gently wiped away a tear that was rolling down Colin’s face, a warm smile on his face. They then leaned in and kissed each other deeply on the lips as everyone clapped and cheered, a few wolf-whistles and “wooo’s!” were thrown in as well.
“Alright, now let’s get this party started and ROCK THIS PLACE!!” Drew shouted, pumping his fist in the air. A wave of cheers and applause coursed through the crowd as “Ballroom Blitz” by The Sweet began playing and people began to walk onto the dance floor and started dancing.
“Didn’t I tell you this’d be fun?” Melissa asked her sister, making her way over to Hugh and Stephen. Christine rolled her eyes.
“I still fail to understand why you think any of these older men are attractive?” Christine sighed. Melissa shook her head, knowing there was no way to get through to her older sibling. She grinned when she saw Stephen and Hugh and waved at them.
“Hey Hugh, I don’t think you’ve officially met my sister yet!” Melissa shouted, waving at Stephen and Hugh. The two men turned to face the two sisters. “Christine, you already know Stephen Fry. This is Hugh Laurie, Stephen’s best friend. Hugh, my older sister Christine.” Melissa said, introducing her sister. Christine paled slightly.
“Those eyes… it… it can’t be…. Bertie Wooster!?” Christine gasped, pointing at Hugh. Hugh blinked in surprise, recognizing the past roll he had back in the 90’s. He was also surprised, as were Stephen and Melissa, over Christine’s reaction.
“Y-yes, that- that was my character back then. You can just call me Hugh, Hugh Laurie.” Hugh replied, stunned by Christine’s exclamation. Christine turned to her sister.
“You didn’t tell me Bertie Wooster was that Dr. House guy you drool over in your sleep!” Christine told Melissa, making her younger sister blush in embarrassment.
“You never asked.” Melissa replied, blushing. She turned to Stephen and Hugh. “I’m afraid my big sister has had a huge crush on your version of Bertie Wooster ever since those episodes aired here years ago.” Melissa explained to the two men.
“I… see.” Stephen replied, staring suspiciously at Christine, who was still star-struck over his dear friend. To think that only a few hours ago, Christine was avoiding them like the plague. Now she was now going crazy over Hugh, a man in his late 40’s, just because she had a crush on a character he played in the early 90’s. Stephen shook his head; the world was, indeed, a strange place indeed.
<<<<<<>>>>>>
“Your dad and Ryan look really happy together.” Julie observed, walking over to Luke with a can of diet coke in her right hand. The young man nodded, watching Colin and Ryan converse with Craig, Diedrich, Drew, and Kathy, occasionally laughing over something funny one of them said.
“It’s weird… I’ve always used to think of Uncle Ryan as just that, Uncle Ryan. Now… now he’s my…,” Luke laughed softly, smiling, “He’s my second dad.” He finished. Julie nodded.
“These past seven or so months have been weird for all of us. If anyone told me last year around this time that in a year, I’d be here: watching two guys I’ve idolized get married and meet so many interesting and funny people… I’d have thought they were crazy.” Julie remarked. Luke turned to face Julie, scanning her up and down, staring at her dress.
“You… you look really… nice.” Luke said, blushing. Julie blushed as well.
“Thank you.” Julie smiled through rosy cheeks. They turned back as they watched people dance by to a slow song, which Julie recognized as “Heaven”, a Bryan Adams song.
“Wanna dance?” Luke asked shyly. Julie blushed more.
“I- I’m not much of a dancer.” Julie replied, shifting on her feet as she picked at her left sleeve.
“It’s ok, I’ m not good either.” Luke laughed, making Julie laughing slightly. He still extended a hand for the brunette to take. “At least we won’t be too embarrassed around each other.” Luke offered hopefully. Julie stared at his hand for a few seconds before putting her soda on a nearby table and accepted his hand, still blushing.
“Sure.” Julie replied. And the two walked onto the dance floor and began dancing, awkwardly and slowly, their face red in shyness.
Will was frowning when he saw his little sister walk onto the dance floor with Colin’s son, his overprotective brotherly instincts starting to take over. He began to stand when he felt a gentle touch on his left hand. He turned to see what or who was touching him…
And found himself locked in a kiss with Alicia. The two stayed in that position for a few seconds before Alicia pulled away, her face colored scarlet as she turned away in embarrassment.
“Wh-wha-wh-wha-what was-?” Will stammered, blushing.
“I- I was trying to- to kiss you- your cheek.” Alicia replied, stammering and blushing more and more if humanly possible. Will was flabbergasted over her actions…
…Until he heard the familiar snickering of Melissa Anderson. Growling slightly, he turned and began to chase after Melissa, who ran pretty well due to her removing her high heals before Will noticed her.
Mike watched the older Sanders child chase after the younger Anderson girl and turned to face Clive and Sandi.
“You owe me twenty bucks, Clive. I told you he wouldn’t faint, Sandi.” Mike told his friends.
“How about another twenty that he won’t kill Melissa, but just threaten her?” Sandi stated, adding a new bet to the table.
“I doubt he’ll hurt her.” Clive noted.
“Well you still have to pay up for the first bet.” Mike remarked. Clive muttered a few curses as he handed the 20 pound note to Mike.
<<<<<<>>>>>>
“Tony, you know how I am about dancing…” Paul sighed, staring at Tony, who stood before him. Tony just smiled down at Paul, who sat stubbornly at the table they were at.
“Just one song, it won’t kill you.” Tony stated. Paul just shot him a glare. Tony leaned forward, placing his hands on Paul’s legs. “Tell you what, you dance with me to the next slow song and I’ll let you be on top tonight.” Tony leered, his voice husky and lustful. Paul blushed slightly. Leave it to Tony Slattery to bait someone with something dirty like sex.
“My choice of how we do it?” Paul asked, smirking slightly.
“Roll play, doggie - whatever you want we’ll do it, my darling.” Tony nodded, still speaking lusty and passionately. Paul smirk faded to a smile, now starting to like the idea.
“Then you got a deal.” Paul replied, standing up and pulled Tony into a hot kiss that lasted several seconds. Once they pulled away, Tony felt his legs turn to jelly as he sat on the floor, a large, toothy grin on his face.
The music on the speakers changed from “Celebration” to a slow 80’s beat. Paul pulled Tony up to his feet, shaking his head.
“Here’s your slow song, Tony. Let’s dance and get this over with.” Paul told his boyfriend, who was still grinning. The brunet led the shorter man onto the dance floor as the nostalgic words of Cyndi Lauper echoed through the room as “Time After Time” played on.
“Lying in my bed I hear the clock tick,
And think of you
Caught up in circles confusion
Is nothing new.”
Tony and Paul got into the correct dancing position. Tony counted softly for the right beat for them to start and the two began to dance slowly.
“Flashback warm nights
Almost left behind.
Suitcases of memories,
Time after”.
From a corner in the room, Stephen sighed as he watched his friends dance to the old song, a smile on his face.
“To think that after all this time, after all the hell they went though, they’re finally together.” Hugh stated, standing next to Stephen.
“They deserve happiness, Hugh. After everything they’ve been through.” Stephen nodded.
“And what about… us?” Hugh asked Stephen after a few seconds. Stephen stared at Hugh, a bit nervously. He knew he was referring to the kiss the other night they shared.
Sometimes you picture me
I’m walking too far ahead
You’re calling to me, I can’t hear
What you’ve said.”
“I wish I knew, Hugh. You still have Jo and I… we’re just…” Stephen began, and then sighed, “Don’t you think this would be too… odd. We’ve been friends for such a long time. Making a change like this…”
“Ryan and Colin were the same way, Stephen. We’ve known each other probably longer than they know each other and been through a lot more, too.” Hugh replied.
“Hugh, please…” Stephen pleaded, grabbing Hugh’s left arm. He was trying to fight back the urge to repeat what happened the other night, the urge to kiss him, but the urge was fighting his will and was starting to win.
“Then you say go slow
I fall behind
The second hand unwinds.”
Hugh stared at Stephen in shock, stunned over his friend’s actions and his feelings. Was this how Ryan and Colin were back then; all this drama, this fear, this pain?
“If you’re lost you can look and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall I will catch you Ill be waiting
Time after time.”
“Let’s… let’s just keep this secret… from everyone.” Hugh reasoned, covering Stephen’s hand with his free one.
“Hugh, are you willing to do this?” Stephen asked, not liking what he was hearing. “What about Jo?” He added, worriedly.
“We’ll deal with that later; let’s just… enjoy this moment.” Hugh replied, taking Stephen’s hands into his own.
“If you’re lost you can look and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall I will catch you Ill be waiting
Time after time.”
The two men leaned into each other, arms encircling their wastes and slowly rocked to the music. The talk would wait for now…
<<<<<<>>>>>>
“Enjoying yourself, dad?” Melissa, who finally escaped from Will’s threats, asked, walking over to her father. The older man was sitting with Martin and Stephanie, talking pleasantly while watching the younger guests dance and party.
“For now, yes.” Lennie replied with a weary smile. Melissa frowned, furrowing her brow.
“Dad, you know you’re gonna have to tell Christine about… you know, what we were talking about the other day.” Melissa stated, pulling up a chair and sitting down. Lennie nodded grimly.
“Tell her what?” Martin asked, confused. He and Stephanie had no idea what the two were talking about.
“Melissa, you remember how she reacted when Alexandra died. Think of how she’ll react to this.” Lennie warned his younger daughter.
“Dad, she’s gotta know. She’s bound to find out sooner or later, when should we tell her? When you’re walking with a cane or when you’re in a wheelchair?” Melissa shot back, tears stinging her hazel eyes.
“Lennie? What’s wrong with you?” Stephanie asked, concern in her eyes and in her voice. Lennie turned to face his friends and sighed in defeat.
“Don’t tell anyone else yet, you two, and don’t tell Christine yet… you know why I’ve been having a harder time walking and seeing for the past year?” Lennie began. Martin began to pale.
“Cancer?” Martin whispered in fear.
“No, multiple sclerosis.” Lennie shook his head. “I’ve had it for a few years now, sometime after Alexandra’s death, but recently it’s been getting worse. That’s why it’s been hard for me to do a lot of walking the past few months.” He explained.
“Oh, Leonard.” Stephanie whispered in a soft gasp. “Why didn’t you tell us sooner?” She went on, reaching over to touch Lennie’s left hand.
“I didn’t want anyone to worry. This is my battle; no one else should be involved.” Lennie replied. Melissa shook her head.
“Your wrong, daddy. It’s not just your battle. It’s mine and Christine’s. It’s our battle and I’m not going to let you deal with this alone.” Melissa vowed, putting an arm around her father. Lennie smiled and nodded slightly before pulling his youngest child into a strong hug.
Watching from afar, holding a drink in hand, Jeff heard the conversation and sighed.
“She’s a great girl, Jeff.” Julie stated from behind the raven haired man, startling him. Nearly spilling his drink, Jeff turned to face the brunette.
“Wh-what?” Jeff asked, trying to calm himself.
“Melissa. She’s a great girl; a little weird and a bit of an airhead at times, but she’s got a huge heart and she does care about her friends. She’s had a bit of a hard time since her mom, Alexandra, was killed in the line of duty - she was a cop, like Lennie - but she keeps the pain hidden with her actions. I think she really does like you a lot, Jeff. Do you?” Julie went on. Jeff didn’t answer right away, he turned to stare at Melissa, who had broken the hug and began chatting with her father and Samantha’s parents as if what had happened almost a minute ago never occurred.
“Yes. I guess I do.” Jeff replied, his eyes never leaving the blonde.
“Then don’t hurt her in anyway. She maybe an airhead and does things that I don’t like, but she’s still my friend. Plus, Lennie might not be a young man, he’s still a cop.” Julie warned. She then turned to leave, a slight smirk on her face as she gave her final words of warning to Jeff.
“He knows how to hide the bodies.”
Jeff turned as white as a ghost.
<<<<<<>>>>>>
There is always a humorous tradition whenever it came to the cutting and serving of the wedding cake. In some weddings, when the bride and groom are feeding each other the cake, on some occasions, the piece of cake would end up somehow smashed into either the bride or groom’s faces. On some occasions, both newlyweds would end up with cake on their faces.
When it came to that event for Ryan and Colin, it was obvious that that tradition would be upheld.
Ryan fed Colin his piece of cake and, after Colin glared at him, didn’t smash it into his face.
Colin, however, didn’t hold back and smashed his piece into Ryan’s face, causing everyone to laugh out loud, including Stephen, Clive, Paul, Martin, Janet, and Lennie.
“Holy smokes, it’s Carol Channing!” Julie exclaimed, still laughing. Ryan grinned through his cake-smeared mask, and moved his hands close together.
“It’s so nice to be here with all you lovely people.” Ryan said in his “Carol” voice. Everyone who got the joke roared with laughter. Other just chuckled while a few, like Stephanie, Martin and Lennie, just figured it was an in-joke between the large group of friends.
“Please, no more, I don’t think I can handle another laugh like this in such a short period of time!” Melissa laughed, tears in her eyes as she held her sides while trying to sit back down.
“Why, is there a problem, my dear?” Ryan asked, still speaking in his Carol voice, making Melissa fall out off the chair she was sitting in and fall on the floor, laughing hysterically.
“Sometimes I worry about her.” Christine sighed, shaking her head.
“Sometimes I worry about both of you.” Samantha told the older woman. Christine turned to face the raven haired young woman.
“What does that mean?” Christine asked, crossly.
“It means that you two crazy fan girls make us sane fan girls look good with the way you act.” Julie retorted, walking over. Christine rolled her eyes.
“I am NOT a crazy fan girl!!” Christine scoffed. Julie and Samantha shot the older woman looks that screamed “Yeah right.”
“You know, I heard from Stephen that Chip and Jeff took off their shirts at Ryan’s Bachelor party and Drew took photos of them.” Alicia remarked, joining the small group. Christine blushed, her face turning the color of a beet.
“R-really?” Christine asked quickly and nervously. Alicia leaned forward and poked Christine in the forehead.
“Gotchya.” Alicia teased, smiling. Christine fell over onto a chair, her face still beet red, but now in embarrassment. Alicia, Samantha and Julie just smirked and walked away, the three women giggling over Christine’s reaction.
“So is that true?” Julie asked Alicia, curiously. Alicia continued smirking as the three girls walked on.
<<<<<<>>>>>>
Claire, Taylor and Addie dragged Samantha to the group of girls await the bridal bouquet toss. Julie, Alicia, Melissa, and Christine were in the group as was Josie, Mackenzie, and several other single women.
Colin sighed, turning away while holding the flowers in his hands. He wasn’t all that thrilled to do this, but it was still a tradition and since he was technically the ‘bride’, he had to go through with it.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Tony making his way over to see who would get the bouquet. Colin smiled mischievously as he remembered the talk he had with Tony the other night; he knew exactly what to do.
“You girls ready?” Colin asked. There were several enthusiastic cheers mixed in with a few emotionless cheers. “Alright then, whoever wants to stay single, get out of the way, and remember, no cheating whatsoever in getting this thing!” Colin shouted. He then faked a throw of the bouquet to distract the girls…
…and turned to Tony. “Tony, think fast!” Colin shouted, and then tossed the flowers at Tony, who caught it awkwardly. Tony looked back up at Colin, surprised by his actions. Colin’s only response to this was a quick wink at Tony, a smile on his face.
Once the women realized what had happen, there was a mix of angry comments and sighs of relief.
“Thank God.” Julie and Samantha sighed at the same time.
“FOWL!” Melissa shouted, very pissed off.
“He’s not a girl, he doesn’t count!!” Christine agreed, hands on her hips.
“Ah, but he’s still single.” Colin noted with a grin on his face. Ryan walked over to Colin and placed an arm around his waste.
“Now we gotta do the one for the guys, but there’s one problem, though.” Ryan told Colin.
“No garter. We need something to take its place.” Colin agreed, frowning slightly.
“Maybe a tie or-.” Ryan murmured, scanning the room for a suitable replacement.
“I got something!” Melissa announced, running up to the two. She handed them something small and soft. “Use this.” She said. Colin looked at the object in Ryan’s hands.
It was a stuffed cat doll, built like a ragdoll, cream in color with white paws and light brown stripes. It had a small, sky blue t-shirt on with writing on it. It said:
“Captain Hair and the Hunky Pool Boy”
6/13/07
Ryan and Colin looked up at Melissa, who was smiling innocently.
“Sam, Julie and I worked together on it. Call it a group wedding present.” Melissa told them. Both men just shrugged at looked up at the small group of men awaiting the “replacement garter”. Like with the single women, there were those anxious to get the item, while other’s were not as thrilled as the others.
“Why are you hiding behind me, Will?” Steve asked, trying to look at the hiding young man, who was crouching slightly behind the balding man.
“If I catch this thing, Melissa and Dad’ll keep pestering me to get together with Alicia.” Will replied, trying to hide his 6’2 thin frame behind Steve.
“You sure you want to do this?” Paul whispered to Richard, who stood next to him.
“Let’s just say these past few months have got me thinking about the future. You?” Richard whispered back to Paul.
“I don’t know; I just felt like it.” Paul told his friend with a shrug. Richard just nodded, he knew that Paul was there for the same reason he was.
“Alright guys, lets see this furry fly.” Ryan announced, holding the doll as if holding a football. He stepped back a few feet and began to get into position to throw when he stopped.
The sound of a ‘cat’ meowing was distracting him. Groaning, he turned around to face the two standing behind him.
“Is that really necessary?” Ryan asked, slightly annoyed.
“She told me to do it.” Julie pointed to Melissa, who was still grinning innocently.
“You came up with the idea, thought.” Melissa stated.
“Don’t worry, we’ll stop.” Julie promised. Ryan sighed and turned back to face the men. Getting back into throwers position, he arched his arm back and chucked the stuffed cat into the group of men…
As Stephen let out a loud, strangled sound of a cat screaming, causing Ryan - plus half the people there - to crack up hysterically. This distraction caused several of the men in the awaiting crowd to dissolve into laughter as the stuffed doll sailed over them and land on an unsuspecting Paul’s head.
Colin pumped his fisted slightly when he saw where the cat landed, a smile on his face. Tony, meanwhile, sighed, a smile on his face. Fate was being kind to them today.
Paul plucked the cat doll off of his head. “So, what does this mean?” Paul asked, holding the stuffed cat by its long tail as if the doll was contaminated.
“That means your next to get hitched, buddy.” Steve answered, grinning like a maniac.
“Thank fuck for that.” Will whispered, emerging from behind Steve, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
“What do I do with it, though?” Paul asked again, still staring at the stiffed doll.
“Keep it; we made plenty of extras for anyone who wants ‘em.” Melissa answered, still smiling like the cat that ate the canary.
“So that’s why you didn’t want me to look in that big trash bag you kept in your corner of our hotel room.” Christine remarked, staring at her sister suspiciously. Melissa nodded yes, a bit sheepishly. Tony began walking over to Paul, swiftly handing the bouquet to Josie as he walked past her.
“Hold this.” He whispered, his eyes never leaving Paul. Josie just nodded baffled as she watched him make his way towards Paul.
“Paul, I want to tell you what I told Colin last night.” Tony announced to the brunet.
“Is this really the time?” Paul asked, lowering the doll holding hand with a sigh. Tony stopped walking once he was arms length away from Paul and stood in front of him. He took a deep breath to sooth the butterflies in his stomach.
“It is.” Tony replied. He then slowly got down on one knee in front of Paul.
“No… fucking… way.” Julie whispered, her eyes widening in shock behind her glasses.
“Oh my lord.” Sandi exclaimed softly, covering her mouth.
“I knew it.” Richard smirked, crossing his arms as he walked over to the shocked Josie, who still held the bouquet in her hands.
“Ton-?” Paul asked softly, tears starting to form in his blue eyes. He knew what Tony was doing, but he was still nervous and excited.
“Paul, I know we’ve been through a lot, I want you to know something. Ten years ago, we both made a horrible mistake, but no matter what happened back then or what will happen now, my feelings for you have only grown. I know I’m not a perfect person, but who is in this world? All I know is I have and always will love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. ” Tony told Paul. He then pulled out the same ring he had shown Colin the night before, holding it in between his fingers. “Paul James Martin, will you marry me?” Tony asked, his bright brown eyes shinning.
A feather could’ve knocked practically everyone in that room. Practically everyone in the room was in stunned shock, their jaws coming unhinged. The only one who didn’t seemed to be as shocked was Colin, who was smiling throughout the whole ordeal.
“Oh… my…. God….” Melissa gasped, falling back into Jeff’s arms.
“…..What?” Ryan said, eyes wide in shock.
“Holy shit.” Steve exclaimed softly.
“…Wow… that… I didn’t expect that.” Hugh whispered to Stephen, both men wearing matching looks of surprise on their faces.
“You…” Paul began, tears in his blue eyes. He then gave a genuine smile of pure joy. “Yes. Yes, you bloody idiot, yes!” Paul answered, loud enough for everyone to hear. He then hugged Tony, nearly knocking him over by the force of his sudden embrace. There was a flurry of applause and cheers, plus many comments ranging from “I can’t believe it!” to “About time” scattered through the crowd.
“YES!!” Julie shouted, pumping her fist in enthusiasm, jumping several times for joy.
“Well, well, well. It’s about time.” Stephen smiled. Hugh nodded, smiling as well.
“Now there’s something you don’t see at every wedding.” Martin noted to Samantha and Stephanie.
“What, a marriage proposal after the garter and bouquet toss?” Samantha asked her father.
“That, and such enthusiasm like this over two men who - from what you and your new friends have told me - have been through hell to finally get together.” Martin nodded. Tony and Paul finally pulled away, allowing Tony to place the ring on Paul’s finger. Paul then grabbed him, pulling him to his feet and proceeded to kiss him deeply, tongue and all.
“Well, it looks like we’ve got another wedding to look forward to.” Melissa beamed, turning to Samantha and Julie.
“That means more flying…” Julie groaned, causing her two friends to giggle. The brunette then looked back over at Tony and Paul, who were still kissing, and then smiled. “But there’s no way in hell I’m gonna miss those two getting hitched!” Julie stated proudly.
“Damn right!” Samantha shouted enthusiastically. This time, all three of them laughed together over their enthusiasm over this event.
Ryan turned to Colin, who was still grinning. “You knew this was going to happen, did you?” Ryan whispered to Colin. Colin just chuckled and wrapped his arms around Ryan’s neck, pulling him into a kiss that matched Tony and Paul’s in passion and love.
For Ryan and Colin, one chapter ended in their courtship. For Tony and Paul, a new one begins.
Final part, the epilogue, will be posted soon, so read and review.