"Wait, Sonny. This is crazy."
Will stops walking and lets go of my hand.
"Will…it's not…"
"Yes, it is. Shouldn't we get to know each other more? I mean we've only known each other for a week. That's nuts. And I know nuts. Just meet my mother."
I don't laugh because Will meant it. His mother has a quick temper and quick to judge. I can't forget the stories he's told me about her. I put my hands on his shoulders and look at him.
"Will, I know it seems fast, and impulsive. But let's look at the options. I want to be with you. I'm falling in love with you. No, I am in love with you. You've already told me that EJ has a lot resources and he could have you out of the country within an hour. When we're married, I'm your next of kin. If anything happened to you, I would have the legal right to say what happens to you."
"Not if I'm in a country that doesn't recognize gay marriage."
"True. But do you think EJ and your mom might be less likely to do something if we're married?"
"I don't know." Will turns away from me, with his head hanging low and his shoulders slumped.
"Will, I love you. I've never felt this way about anyone. Ever. You know Joe, the greek place we went to?"
Will nods.
"He told me that when he met Marla it was love at first sight. That he knew that he was going to marry her. I know that doesn't happen all the time but for some couples it does happen."
Quietly, as if to himself Will says, "Like EJ and Sami. Well sorta."
Confused, I ask, "What do you mean? I don't follow."
Will turns around to face me again. "EJ and my mom. They met and they always say that it was love at first sight. Well that's what they say now. They kind of had a love/hate thing in the beginning."
"And they're still together, right?" Will nods again.
"Once we're married our families can't tear us apart. I want to protect you Will. And it doesn't sound like they will let you go that easily. I want you to have the chance to be you. Without fear."
"Sonny?" Will fidgets with his jacket button. "Promise me something?"
"Yes, of course. What is it?"
"Promise me you'll always tell me the truth that you'll be honest with me?"
"Will, of course, always. I will never lie to you."
Will quickly wraps his arms around my neck hugging me tightly. "I love you Sonny."
My heart melts with those four words.
After our talk in the park, we head off to make plans. I do research on marriage licenses in Chicago and book a hotel room close to the courthouse. Will heads home to get a few things and we make a plan to meet at the club before driving to Chicago.
A few hours later, I'm still waiting for Will. I text him, with no reply. I'm getting worried that something might have happened to him.
I pace my office trying to decide what I should do when my phone vibrates on my desk. Even though I don't recognize the number, I quickly answer it. "Hello?"
"Sonny, it's Will. Can you come get me?"
"Where are you?"
"I'm at home. Mom and EJ found out that I was dating you. I don't know how but they're really pissed. Mom still is saying that you've drugged me or something. No son of hers is gay. She really is nuts."
"Ok, I'm on my way." I grab my keys and head down the stairs as I talk to him. "Where do I go? How are you going to get out?"
"Wait for me at the end of the drive way and I'll be there."
I drive as fast as I can to the mansion on the edge of town. In front of the gates I stop the car leaving the engine running to wait for Will.
The huge imposing gate slowly opens and a man walks towards my car in a black suit. As he approaches, I pick up my phone to call the number Will called me from.
"Hello Sonny." Oh crap, that's not Will. I'm dumbstruck. The man on the phone has a slight British accent as he continues to speak as if this was a perfectly normal phone call. "You'll a see a gentleman outside who will escort you inside. Please be polite and follow him. There are things we need to discuss." The line goes dead.
I have a very bad feeling but I don't have a choice. Will is somewhere inside and I can't leave him here.