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"In those whom I like, I can find no common denominator; in those whom I love I can: they all make me laugh." - W.H. Auden

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Chapter 25

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Martin leaned against the wall trying not to laugh at Danny who was pacing back and forth like he was awaiting a jury verdict. He would stop and open the door to see who had arrived before promptly shutting it so he could continue his trail blazing.

"What time is it?" Danny asked, looking at Martin with his big wide eyes.

He knew that he had told him the time less than three minutes ago but he decided to humor his pre-marital neurotic friend and looked at his watch replying, "Four forty-five. Fifteen minutes to go."

"Okay, good." He nodded his head and resumed his pacing.

There was a knock at the door and Danny froze where he stood. Martin laughed and said, "Calm down. I'll get it." He walked to the door and opened it to find Rafi and Nicky on the other side. "Hey, come in. Maybe you can help me calm this guy down."

Rafi and Nicky were both wearing tuxes and looking incredibly uncomfortable. Martin was a little uncertain around Rafi because he knew that he was hurt that Danny had asked him to be his best man.

"Hey, we have your boutonnières." Rafi motioned for Nicky to hand them their flowers.

He took his and deftly placed the flower in his lapel. Danny however had nervous, trembling fingers and stabbed himself emitting a yelp. Martin moved to help him but Rafi beat him to it and fastened the flower for his brother.

"There you go," Rafi said, throwing a quick glance to Martin.

"What time is it?" Danny asked again.

"Four forty-nine," he replied without bothering to look at his watch.

"You okay, Uncle Danny?" Nicky asked in that young boy way where it comes out like an insult. "You don't look so good."

Martin looked at Danny and saw that he was pale as a ghost. "Maybe you should sit down."

Danny just stood there looking at them before dashing to the bathroom. Martin and Rafi just stood there looking at one another while Nicky followed his uncle as if he were going to witness something fascinating. A few minutes later they could hear the faucet running. Knowing that was the all clear sign the two men walked into the bathroom to check on the groom.

Rafi patted his brother on the back and asked, "You alright, bro?"

"Are you afraid to marry Emma?" Nicky asked as he leaned against the wall.

"No, I love her. I want to marry her more than anything." Danny ran some cool water over his face. "I don't know why I'm so nervous."

"It's a big deal, committing to someone for the rest of your life." Rafi offered. "I know I gave you a hard time but she loves you man, anyone can see that."

"He's right," Martin commented as he leaned against the doorframe. "Emma is an incredible woman who thinks you're funny, reasonably good looking, and loves you. Personally I don't get it but she does." He gave Danny a smirk. "Believe me, when you find that one person in the world that you love, you hang on tight and don't let go."

Danny looked at the guys around him and grabbed them all into one big group hug and said, "Thanks."

"Now, that's enough mushiness." Martin pushed Danny back as he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a travel size toothpaste and toothbrush and handed them to him saying, "Brush your teeth. We're on in five minutes."

Rafi smiled at him and said, "Damn, you are the best 'best man' I've ever seen."

"Nineteen weddings and counting," Martin laughingly replied as he walked back into the other room.