Denny and Alan were having a great time in Vegas. They had allowed themselves to sleep late every day and had gone to see Celine Dion at Caesar's Palace. Whenever they became hungry, they went out to eat at one of the numerous buffets or high end restaurants on and around the Strip. When they ate in table service restaurants, they would make sure they brought home leftovers that they would eat the following morning.

The sun was setting Christmas Eve and the two men were sitting on their balcony with the sun and the Strip in the distance watching the lights come up as the sun went down. The air was a bit chilly, but they were dressed warmly enough plus the scotch and cigars helped keep them warm.

"What do you feel like doing tonight, Denny?" Alan inquired as he blew a stream of smoke into the air.

The older man turned his head in Alan's direction and smiled affectionately. He knew that unless he suggested something completely outrageous, Alan would go along with whatever he wanted to do. He really is the best spouse I've ever had. "Let's go to Red Rock Station Casino, get a room, eat at their gourmet buffet and then gamble and get obnoxiously drunk."

"It's a good thing we go to Arizona every year to get in shape for coat removal season.* Sounds like fun. Let's do that. I'll pack our stuff while you call and make the reservation," Alan said as he came out of his seat and went inside to do it. He could hear Denny on the phone reserving the best room they had. Smiling, he grabbed a backpack and stuffed it with toiletries, underwear and a couple of clean shirts. It's nice not to have to wear suits. Just as he was about to tell Denny he had finished packing, his cell phone began to ring. He picked it up from the dresser, checked the ID and then answered. "Jerry, how are you?"

"Purrrr, not too good, Alan. Katie moved out of our office a few days ago."

"Understandable."

"Alan, I am so miserable, I'm so unhappy. I know pop that I was the one to break off the engagement, but I think I've made a horrible, horrible mistake."

Alan sighed as he sat on the bed. "Jerry, after my wife died, I was certain that I would love again, but I didn't think I would ever be loved again. Having someone's love is not something to be taken lightly or cast aside, especially if you love that person. I told you before that Katie needs to be the one to decide what's best for Katie, not you."

"Alan, may I ask you something?"

"Yes."

"You said you didn't think you would ever be loved again. I pop know you are not the most trusting person in the world. When did you know that Denny truly loves you?"

"I knew that Denny loved me; that's why I married him. We were married almost a year before I learned the depths of that love. I…was humbled in the face of it."

"May I ask what occurred that made you know?"

"No. I will tell you this: Think about your relationship with Katie and decide whether or not you could have that or want to have that with anyone else. If you still think you've made a mistake, rectify it." He looked up when he heard Denny coming in from the balcony. "I have to go, Jerry. Think about what I said. It's Christmas Eve and I'm with my best friend and I'm happy. What will make you happy?"

"Thanks for your advice, Alan. You've given me a lot to think about. Merry Christmas."

"Goodbye, Jerry."

Jerry put his phone back in his pocket and started to pace around his apartment thinking about what Alan had said. He thought about the times he and Katie had walked on Boston Common just talking and enjoying themselves; the way that she accepted all his pops, purrs and hops and never made him feel like a freak; their first kiss. The first time we made love. I was so afraid; I hadn't been able to perform with the sex surrogate Alan had referred me to and I just wasn't sure I could have sex with a real woman. Katie was so loving, so patient, she showed me so much. She set aside her own pleasure to make me feel comfortable and safe. I didn't know it could feel that…good. She showed me how to be a man. I love her! I'd be crazy to not hold on to her! "Oh, God, I hope I'm not too late!" he shouted as he snatched up his coat and hopped three times to his front door. He was actually shaking as he fought to open it and once through it, he raced for the stairs rather than wait for the elevator.

*ref. "Living Healthy"