After lunch with Clarence and Jerry, Denny had decided that he wanted to go shopping for some new dress shirts. "The holiday season is coming up, Alan. We have to be ready to make the social rounds," he said as he perused the stock at Boston Louis.

Alan held a shirt in front of him to see if he liked how the color contrasted with his skin. "I would have thought you had enough of the social rounds after last year's holiday season."* Besides, weren't you telling me last week that you were looking into spending some time in Las Vegas? Was that for real or were you just trying to distract me from asking about your health?"

"No, no, it was real. I'm really not interested in spending another winter in Boston. It's comfortable out there this time of year. I think I want to spend the entire winter out there. We can do Thanksgiving here, maybe with Carl and Shirley, and then head to Vegas before Christmas."

"The entire winter? I don't know about that, Denny."

They had moved to the cashier where Denny paid for their purchases. Alan picked up their bags and followed him to the car. Dave shut the door after Alan sat and went around to the driver's seat.

"Dave, we're heading home," he instructed before raising the privacy panel. "First of all, think about spending the winter in the Valley. We do own a house in Henderson, you know, so it's not like we'd be living on the Strip, though we could if we wanted to." He held up his hand to stop Alan from answering. "Just think about it. Changing the subject: it bothered you when Clarence said he's Jerry's Best Man, also."

"No, it didn't…"

"Remember who I am; your husband, Denny Crane? Even Hands noticed how quiet you got, you think I didn't? 'Fess up, Alan."

Alan sighed and leaned into the older man who adjusted to accommodate him. "All right; yes, I was a little taken aback when Clarence announced we should get matching tuxes since we are co – Best Men. I mean, I told Jerry years ago that though I consider him a good friend, you are my best friend.** Once he was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome and got help, I encouraged him to reach out and make new friends. I'm glad he feels close to Clarence, I do. I guess a part of me enjoyed being his only male friend." He looked out the window. "Your spouse is something of a hypocrite, Denny."

The older man laughed softly and ruffled the hair of the man lying on his chest. "It's okay to feel a little jealous. Now maybe you know how I felt when you and Jerry became so close so fast. In case you haven't noticed, I don't have a lot of friends. Associates, yes. Acquaintances, yes, but real friends, it's just you."

"Well, what about Shirley? You don't consider her a friend?"

"I consider her an ex – lover. I don't know, it's complicated. I love Shirley, I do, but as much as she and I can sit with a bottle of scotch and shoot the breeze, I don't dare tell her my deepest, darkest secrets. I can't tell her everything I tell you."

"You flatter me, Denny. You forget that without you by my side, no one in polite Boston society would even talk to me, including Shirley and Carl." Before Denny could respond, Alan's phone rang and noting the caller ID said it was Jerry, he answered. "So, how's it…" he stopped speaking and listened. "Jerry, I'm sorry."

He sat upright and continued to listen. Denny mouthed, "Katie's mom?" and he nodded and gave a "Thumbs down" sign.

After a few more minutes Alan said, "Okay, Jerry, hang in there. Call me later. Keep me informed. Good luck." He replaced his cell in his pocket. "I was afraid of that. Katie was, shall we say, not the only one surprised this evening. Apparently, the Lady Lloyd demanded to know what was wrong with him and decided she would not be staying with him during her visit."

"That bitch!"

"Indeed. Jerry said that Katie yelled at him for taking it upon himself to inform her parents they were engaged before she escorted her mother downstairs to get a cab."

The older man's eyes widened. "Katie left with her mother?"

"No. She's coming back and Jerry's scared of what she'll say when she returns."

"Espenson should have learned from my mistake," he sighed.*** "Surprises just don't seem to work in our circle."

The car entered their property and eventually pulled up in front of the house. The chauffeur opened the door on Denny's side while Alan grabbed their packages and let himself out. They headed up to their bedroom after Rodeo, their butler, took their coats. As Denny pulled shirts from the bags and handed them to Alan to hang up he said, "Well, if the wedding's off, maybe we can go to Vegas that much sooner."

"I don't think we should start packing just yet; I doubt seriously that Katie will end the engagement, but I do think that Jerry has just bought himself a bunch of trouble he could have easily avoided."

"It's a good thing we don't have in – laws to worry about. I've had 'em before. Can't live with 'em, can't shoot 'em."

Alan chuckled, "Another reason why our marriage is solid. Want to watch a movie?"

"Sure, why not. And, just so you know: This really is my favorite marriage."

As Alan settled in with Denny to watch Mission Impossible II he thought, I hope sincerely that Jerry and Katie can work out their problems. They could be as happy as Denny and I are.

*ref. "A Tale of Four Holidays"

**ref. "On the Same Page"

***ref. "Honesty"