Ch. 86
Jeff woke to the mouthwatering smell of bacon and something else…pancakes, maybe? He rolled over and stretched a little, bumping in to Blaine as he did and flinching. He didn't want to wake Blaine, but boy, did he have to use the bathroom…now. Cleary he'd had too many beers the evening before. Thankfully, both he and Blaine had stopped drinking early, taken a couple of Tylenol and downed a glass of water apiece. He didn't have time for a hangover. Not today. Today was his day…their day, and he'd be on top of his game.
He used the bathroom and tiptoed into the kitchen, watching Kurt move around it with a practiced ease that belied the fact that he'd lived there barely a week.
"Sneak around all you want, Sterling, I know you slept with my boyfriend last night." Kurt said sternly, emotion thick in his voice, and refusing to turn around. Jeff froze, unable to move, and a cold chill ran down his spine.
"K-Kurt…no…I…we…I'd never…." Jeff began, but couldn't form words. His terror was compounded by the sight of Kurt leaning over the counter, his shoulders shaking and his head hung low. "I thought I was being nice, Jeff…I thought I was doing the right thing, and the MINUTE I'm gone, wham, you jump right back in bed with him! Jesus…." Kurt said, the emotion and disappointment in his voice evident.
Shit, what had he done. He needed to make sure Kurt knew what had happened…and what had NOT happened. "Kurt….please…don't cry, we didn't do anything, I swear to God…he's my best friend, Kurt, nothing more…" Jeff pleaded, and it was then that Kurt lost it, busting out with a belly laugh that seemed to come from his toes and continued to shake his whole body as he turned to face Jeff.
"Oh, God, your face….priceless…totally." Kurt laughed, heaving in air and wiping tears from his eyes. "I wish I had my camera…"
"You asshole!" Jeff hissed, shaking his head and narrowing his eyes at Kurt, who had the good grace to look chagrined for all of 5 seconds. "Dude.…" Jeff breathed out, relieved. He bent in half and rested his hands on his knees and took in lungs full of air trying to clear his head. "What the hell, man, I thought we were friends. That was cruel!" Jeff spouted out at Kurt, who couldn't stop laughing.
"I should have gone into acting instead of fashion." Kurt howled, holding his own belly as he laughed. "I took a page out of Cooper's book and snapped your photo. Look how cute you two are." Kurt cooed, sticking his phone in Jeff's face making smooch faces. There, on the little screen, was a shot of him all scrunched up with his knees drawn to his chest and Blaine tucked in behind him tightly, his arm still slung over Jeff's belly. "So adorable. And I sent it to Nick. I hope he gives you shit, too. I can see where everyone at Dalton might have thought you made a cute couple….but sorry, Jeff…this one's mine now." Kurt grinned, walking over to throw his arms around Blaine as he staggered in from their bedroom.
"Your boyfriend's a jackass, Blaine!" Jeff griped, looking down his nose and he swiped some fruit from the kitchen counter. "Freaked me out…totally not cool."
"He's like that, you gotta watch him." Blaine smiled, kissing Kurt on the lips quickly, then walking over to survey the goodies for breakfast. "What time do we need to be there today, babe?" He asked Kurt.
"6:00…at least. The ceremony is at 7 p.m. and I don't want to take any chances on being late." Kurt lied, winking at Blaine when Jeff wasn't looking. "I'm assuming Blondie's staying with us today and we're in charge of getting him there, right?" Kurt asked.
"Yup, he's all ours until we get him to the church on time….." Blaine said, singing the last seven words at a higher volume.
"CHURCH? Nicky booked a church?!" Jeff shrieked. "No he didn't. Really?" He said now, looking pained.
"Never gonna fall for, Modern love, walks beside me, Modern love, walks on by, Modern love, gets me to the church on time…." Blaine sang, shaking his hips around the kitchen while he filled a plate.
"Oh my God, Blaine…you damn near gave me a heart attack! Stop with the David Bowie, man!" Jeff scolded him. "I thought Nick had lost his marbles when you said you had to get me to the church on time. What the hell is wrong with you two, anyway?!" Jeff questioned, wide eyed.
Both Blaine and Kurt looked at him and stared for a brief moment before laughing in his face.
"What's wrong with us?" Kurt asked. "Oh…Honey, you need to sit down and relax. I think maybe today we need a valium or something for you. You're so high strung. Poor thing. Sit…sit sit sit. I'll get you a plate and you can just sit there and relax." Kurt grinned. "Maybe we should get him a massage, Blaine?"
"I had one yesterday!" Jeff said, his voice high pitched and sounding defensive. "I'm fine. I'm ok, really. I'm not freaking out. It's alright. Just because I'm getting married today and I don't know where or any other details about it…it's no problem. Right?" He said, sounding a little hysterical. "Jesus Christ, I'm getting married. I'm marrying Nick. Nicholas Duval will be my husband in less than 12 hours. I'm dying." He said, grasping his t-shirt over his heart and flattening his cheek to the kitchen counter, wide eyed and breathing heavier than normal.
"Ok….um…." Kurt began, shaking his head. "Let's do this…" He said, picking up his phone and dialing. "Hey, yep, it's me. Uh huh, yep….he is, yeah, totally a basket case and freaking out. Waving his arms all over and his voice is all high pitched…eyes wild. Yep. Ok, here." Kurt handed the phone to Jeff who grabbed it and got up from his counter stool to walk away into the other room.
"Nicky?" He nearly whimpered. "You're ok? Haven't changed your mind or anything, right? You'll be there? You didn't reserve a church, did you? Please say you didn't, because I don't know how that'd go over, and they couldn't possibly have known we're two guys if they said ok, right? I mean, I don't know what you were thinking if you—" Jeff rambled.
"WHOA! Jeff…Baby, calm down a second here…." Nick grinned and let out a little snicker. "Wow…ok. First of all, I'm ok…great, actually…see, I'm marrying the love of my life today. Maybe you've met him? Tall, blonde, devastatingly handsome, talented, so smart and holy shit, he's a machine in bed…blows my mind nearly every night when he-" He began, making Jeff giggle like a little girl.
"Stop it!" Jeff hissed, knowing there had to be someone, somewhere, standing near Nick close enough to hear.
"Second, I have not changed my mind…absolutely not. Third, no church. You're right….the two of us would be escorted out in a jiffy, Babe. We're all set to go, though, so don't get yourself in a tizzy over there, Pretty Boy. All systems go. The only problem is that it's not soon enough for me to see you…it'll still be hours. And I miss you like…so bad, Jeff." He said, trying for quietly, but failing when Jeff suddenly heard a chorus of smooching sounds and harassment from the other end of the line. Brief chaos ensued while he listened, and he grinned as Nick finally had to have Meredith haul his brothers away. "Really, Babe, after today, you're not allowed to be away from me for more than a couple hours at a time. I might make an exception for work. Maybe. We'll see." He grinned into the phone, and Jeff felt every word.
"I miss you, too, Nicky. I don't know what they're talking about, I'm fine. I'm not spazzing….I'm NOT!" He said defensively, sticking his tongue out at Kurt and Blaine, who waved him off like they weren't paying attention at all. "So um…did you guys go out last night? I didn't get any silly, drunk texts from you." Jeff asked, feeling a little uptight about it.
"Yeah, no drunk texts, I was too busy with the guys tearin' it up. We hit a couple of strip clubs, got stupid drunk, I maxed out a card at one place because we paid everybody's tab for the night…it was intense. Only brought a half dozen people home with us though. Don't worry, I'll change the sheets before you get home." Nick said, sounding a little ashamed. Jeff said nothing at first, but his belly suddenly rolled.
"Oh….um..." Jeff finally said, sounding small. "Well, as long as everyone had a good time and got home safely, I guess….right?" He nearly choked out the words, feeling sick.
"I guess…" Nick muttered. "Babe?"
"Uh huh?" Jeff answered, distracted now. Nick would never….right?
"I'm messing with you. I stayed home, drank a few beers with the guys. Mom and Bay hung out upstairs most of the night trying on outfits from their shopping trips and deciding what to wear today. They argued over the stuff Bailey bought. She made us all watch a horrid 'fashion show' of outfits none of us will EVER allow her to leave the house in….EVER…because she looked like…well, not like my baby sister, that's for damn sure…little too much skin showing and that's a negative on that.
As for me, not drunk, no strip clubs, and absolutely 100% nobody in our bed….ever again, Pretty Boy. I don't want it, I don't need it, and it's a non-issue from the day I met you. All I need is you, Baby." Nick said, grinning into the phone when he heard the rush of relief and satisfaction heave from Jeff's chest.
"Jerk…what's wrong with you people, always messin' with me when you know I'm in a state! REALLY….jerks." He said again.
"Awww, Pumpkin, who's messing with you?" Nick laughed, teasing him with baby talk.
"Kurt! When I came into the kitchen this morning, he was giving me shit about sleeping with Blaine last night!" Jeff huffed. Nick's eyebrows rose.
"Um…well, uh…I can't say as I blame him on that one, Jeff."
"What? NO! Jesus…no. What is WRONG with you people!?" Jeff hissed. "I didn't sleeeeep with him, I just slept with him."
"Because surely that clears it up." Nick grinned. "I'm rolling my eyes at you, goof. I saw the picture…adorable."
"Everybody's pickin' on me today! I'm about done with this. I'm gonna eat worms and run away!" Jeff whined.
"Can you do it after the wedding? We have a lot of time and money invested here…" Nick laughed at Jeff.
"We do?" That got Jeff's attention.
"We do….which is what we'll be saying in another seven hours, Baby. Get your coffee, because I can tell you haven't had any yet. Eat some breakfast, annoy Klaine for awhile, and text me often and intimately until I get to see you in person and taste you." Nick told him, leaving no room for argument.
"Yeah, well, I might make you sorry you said that, Nicky." Jeff grinned viciously. "Payback's a bitch, ya know? Teasing me after Kurt already gave me a damn heart attack…rude."
"I'll wait patiently for my payback, then. I have to get going. There are a couple things I have to take care of at the venue before the ceremony, so I should, you know, be on my way. I'll see you soon, Beautiful, and I love you." Nick grinned.
"Love you, too, Nicky."
He'd barely sat down at the table before his phone buzzed with a text from Nick. When he opened it, it was a picture of Nick rolling his eyes surrounded by all four brothers making kissy faces at him. Jeff giggled…actually giggled… and then dove into his breakfast like a starving man.
"I KNOW you tried it on yesterday, and I know the alterations are correct, Jeff, but now that it's pressed, I want to see it on you and make sure it's perfect. Because let's face it, it's a Hummel, and it won't be seen by anyone until it is." Kurt grinned, looking down his nose haughtily.
"Yeah, yeah…" Jeff huffed, slipping the pants on. The jacket was next. When it was all said and done, he looked in the mirror and smiled. "Kurt…you've outdone yourself, buddy. I look like a million bucks!" Jeff grinned. "Thank you for this. It's absolutely amazing…YOU'RE amazing, man." Jeff said in awe.
"Hey Kurt, where's my tie with the—" Blaine said, barging around the corner. "Oh shit…holy…Jeff, wow. You look stunning, man!"
"I do, don't I? Your man knows what he's doing, apparently." Jeff laughed and Kurt held out the steamer like a weapon, threatening him.
"Apparently?" He griped.
"Wow….Kurt, you really did outdo yourself this time." Blaine said again, walking around Jeff. "Lemme…" He said, pulling his phone out and taking a photo of Jeff. "Sending this one to Ms. Caroline. Shouldn't they be here soon?"
"Yep, the plane landed at 2:30 and they're coming here." Kurt confirmed.
"What? Oh my God, I should be picking them up! I didn't…how are they getting here?!" Jeff said, alarmed.
"Seriously? Nick had a car pick 'em up. I'm pretty sure the same car is taking us all to the venue." Kurt assured him.
"K…ok. Can't you just tell me where, Kurt? I mean, I don't mind saying I'm pretty freakin' nervous here." Jeff asked. Blaine grinned, shook his head and left the room in search of his tie.
"He wants to surprise you with the location, Jeff. Don't ask me to ruin that for him. You know how he is…wants everything for you…let him do this." Kurt smiled.
"Yeah. He does that, doesn't he?" Jeff blushed, grinning.
"So a birdie told me that you made him sign a pre-nup saying that if you leave, YOU get nothing. Is that true?" Kurt asked, eyes raised.
"It is. It's his money. He made it before he met me. I'm not in it for his money, and I want him to know that above all else…and I need for everyone else to know that, as well."
"You mean you need for his dad to know it?" Kurt stated plainly.
"That too. He's convinced I'm some gutter trash who only wants Nick for his money. That's not true, it never has been about his money and I'm not dealing with that sort of shit hanging over my head, so…I talked to Cooper and he helped me out." Jeff explained.
"So what's to keep his dad from saying you're only marrying him for his money? I mean, on the day to day…" Kurt chuckled.
"Nothing, I suppose. But the bottom line is, I pay for my stuff with my money from my job. Nick's being all stupid and stubborn with the bills and everything, and he's nothing if not a dog with a bone about stuff, ya know? But I hope he'll be fair with me…let me pay for some things, help out sometimes with anything I can. We'll never be even…not by a long shot, but…I just want to be everything he needs. Who gives a shit about the money." Jeff said, staring at his own reflection in the large mirror. "He's all I want…all I need."
Kurt smiled, knowing Jeff was 100% sincere, and wishing Nick's dad would just hear this and understand it. If he spent time with them, he'd see what everyone else saw. They were meant for one another, hands down. Kurt sent up a silent prayer to the cosmos that they could just be happy.
"I think as long as Nicholas knows this, you're doing A-ok, don't you?" The sweetly voiced words came from the doorway and Jeff swung around to meet eyes with the woman who'd spoken them.
"Mama…." He laughed and then threw himself into her arms.
"Stop pouting." Kurt said.
"I'm not pouting." This from Jeff.
"You are."
"Blindfolds are stupid. I feel like an absolute idiot. How come the rest of you get to see?" Jeff groaned.
"Because he's not surprising US with a grand gesture for his fiancé…he's surprising you. Now stop whining!" Kurt grumbled, leading Jeff up the angled walkway onto the large yacht.
"I smell water and I hear birds. What the hell, Blaine?" Jeff said, perturbed.
"Whiner. Shut it." Blaine laughed, leading them to the deck of the boat. "Watch your step there, Jeffie. Ms. Caroline…Gram…let me help you here." Blaine said, holding out his arm to help them cross onto the boat.
"This way, Sterling." Kurt said, leading him down the deck where he could see Nick standing there waiting on them with the world's biggest grin. God, that boy was so stupidly in love. He indicated where he wanted Kurt to bring Jeff, but never said a word.
Kurt led them up two short flights of stairs to a salon with floor to ceiling windows on three sides, but they didn't enter yet. Through the windows, Kurt could see exactly what he'd drawn up and sent to the individuals they'd hired to decorate the space. It was like a wooded glen, greenery everywhere, small trees in pots, plants, beautiful flowers and white lights woven through it all. The teak archway, where the boys would stand for the ceremony, was strung with the small twinkling lights as well, and the seats were set up in rows like toy soldiers, straight and perfect. The officiant stood inside near the open windows smiling at them as she became aware that Kurt had seen her there.
"Kurt? Blaine? Did you guys just abandon me here or what? Can I take this thing off now?" Jeff asked, more annoyed than ever by the blindfold.
"A few seconds more, bud…." Blaine said in awe, taking in the whole thing. He turned and smiled at Nick, grateful they'd been allowed to be a part of this day.
Nick took Jeff's hand and led him to the side near the railing of the deck, yet kept his back to the floor below, looking over the railing with a gleam in his eye, his finger to his lips telling everyone to keep silent.
Jeff's hand squeezed Nick's, a familiar tingle running through him as he realized whose hand he was holding, and he grinned from ear to ear. He'd know the feeling of those fingers twined in his anywhere.
"Nicky…" Jeff breathed out, his smile replacing the smirk that had been there since they left the apartment.
"Pretty Boy….you look….divine." Nick smiled, leaning in to kiss Jeff quickly on the lips, mindful of their audience.
"That's all I get, after all night away from you? Really, Baby?"
"In due time, I promise." Nick snickered. He led Jeff a few steps to the table where two beautiful cakes were sitting, one gorgeous, tiered wedding cake out of the line of vision of anyone on the lower deck, and another brightly decorated birthday cake. Nick turned Jeff so that his back was to the silent group behind them and reached up to remove the blindfold.
"It's about time…geeez…" Jeff grinned, allowing his eyes to adjust to the light slowly as he looked around in front of him. "Hey…" he smiled at Nick, then noticed the cakes. "Wow…" he breathed out at the sight of the wedding cake, then grinned at the birthday cake as well. He looked through the glass wall in front of him behind the cake table and let out a whoosh of air when he gazed at the interior room, all decked out for their wedding ceremony. "Beautiful, Nicky…" He said, breathless.
"But that's a whole helluva lotta cake, love….who's gonna eat it all?" He asked with a bright smile. "And a boat…we're getting married on a boat? And sheezus, it's a big boat, too….amazing…thank you for this….for everything." He grinned, leaning in to kiss Nick, and making sure it was more than a short peck this time.
"As for the cake….I thought perhaps we'd enlist a few good friends to help us eat it all…if you're up for it?" Nick smiled hugely, turning Jeff around completely and walking the five or six steps over to the railing. Below, everyone yelled 'Surprise! Happy Birthday!' at the top of their lungs and cheers rang out as everyone laughed at Jeff's stunned expression.
"What is…Nicky!? Oh my God! You guys?" He laughed, turning to Kurt, Blaine, Caroline and Gram behind him, all smiling and laughing. "What is this!? I thought….today….we were….and now…..?" He stuttered out, completely taken off guard. Everyone on the deck below was laughing at his obvious stunned reaction.
"I was really hoping you wouldn't mind having a few extra wedding guests?" Nick asked quietly in his ear. "They were already on their way here anyway for someone's surprise Birthday party. But the thing is….if I'm not mistaken, none of them know, yet…about OUR plans for today. Wanna let 'em in on the secret, Babe?"
"Are you kidding…this is…it's outstanding, Nick….absolutely." Jeff grinned madly. "God I love you so much!" Jeff exclaimed, throwing his arms around Nick's neck to more cheers from below. When he removed himself, stepping back again, Nick nodded toward the crowd and raised his eyebrows at Jeff.
"I think Jeff has a little something to ask of you guys…I hope you're up for it." Nick smiled.
"Oh my God…" Jeff began, his knees nearly shaking as he looked out and saw a few faces he wasn't prepared to see. Tears welled in his eyes when he spotted Owen…then Ebony….and David and Jen from back in Ohio. "I'm absolutely overwhelmed….really I am. If you knew what the plan was for today when I woke up, you'd understand better…I guess I should explain." Jeff laughed, and everyone laughed with him. "You see…last weekend was my birthday, and we sort of celebrated then, so I sure didn't expect anything like this today, but, as usual, Nick has gone and blown my expectations out of the water." Jeff said, glancing at Nick with adoration. "Today was going to be a very small gathering of family…a continuation of something important that also happened last weekend…and if you're not too busy tonight, maybe you'd consider joining us as we um…Nick and I….as we…" He paused, holding up Nick's left hand to the crowd, "as we get married tonight?" He asked, his voice a bit more hushed now as he looked into Nick's eyes.
Gasps and exclamations of excitement came from below as everyone clapped and cheered, Kurt waving everyone up the stairs to the deck where the ceremony would be held shortly. He and Blaine ushered everyone inside, most people stopping to hug Jeff, as they'd already greeted Nick when they arrived.
Jeff was beyond overwhelmed with the line of people coming up the steps: everyone from the loft, including David and his wife, and some others he didn't recognize at all, who must have been "plus ones'. He almost cried when he saw Owen and his husband Curtis, then his old roommate David and his fiancée, Jen. Ebony held on so long he thought he'd have to pry her off, but he'd missed her so much. A few close relatives were also there…his mom's sister, Lorraine, and her kids among them. Nick's family was there, all four brothers and Bailey as well, of course. Everyone from the house showed up, Trent, Thad, Sebastian, Hunter, along with Kyle and his date. Rachel and Finn were there, and everyone from The Dive as well. Cooper and Maggie brought up the rear, as far as people he knew and recognized, Cooper hugging him tightly before going inside.
The last couple were strangers to him, but when Nick spotted them, his eyes went wide.
"P-Poppy? Nonna?" He barely breathed out, then shifted his weight toward Jeff, as if expecting the worst. Jeff wasn't sure what was going on, but it was pretty obvious these people must be Nick's grandparents…whether on his Mom's side or his Dad's side, Jeff wasn't sure.
"Nicholas…." The man said firmly, but not without affection. His smile, then, was warm and there was a twinkle in his eye. The woman behind him nudged him aside and took Nick in her arms, squeezing tightly, and giving him a peck on the cheek as she hauled him down to her own level.
"Our grandson is getting married, Nicholas. Did you think we wouldn't be here?" Nick's Nonna asked.
"With all due respect, I honestly didn't think you'd bother." Nick said, his tone one that Jeff wasn't familiar with. He stood silently behind Nick, unsure what the issue was. Nick had never talked about these people, but there was clearly something in the air between them.
"Mother…Dad." Meredith said, approaching from inside. "You hadn't replied. I wasn't sure whether to expect you or not." She smiled, unsure. With that, Jeff thought they must be Meredith's parents.
"Nonsense, Mere. Nicholas is our first grandson to be married. We wouldn't miss it." Her father said.
"Perhaps you might have made that stand when you opted not to attend any functions we've had for the kids, or anything at all, for the past however many years, Dad. I won't pretend I'm not happy to see you, but for goodness sake, don't act like this is something that happens all the time and I'M the crazy one." Meredith told them.
"Mom…" Nick said, still looking a bit shocked.
Jeff felt the whole thing spiraling down, quickly, and he wasn't sure what to do, so he did what he did best. He was himself.
"Um…hi. I'm Jeff…and it's a pleasure to meet you both. I'm uh…I'm marrying your grandson tonight." He smiled, reaching for Nick's grandpa's hand, shaking it firmly, then leaning in to kiss his grandma's hand in greeting. "Thank you for coming….regardless of what has happened in the past, which I don't know anything about, really, but that's then, this is now, and it's a pretty important day for Nick and me…so…um…perhaps you'd like to come inside and sit with the family and we'll get this show on the road?" He smiled, tentatively, and took Nick's grandma's hand. She smiled widely at him, then turned to look down her nose at her husband.
"Jeffrey will be escorting me inside. Don't dally!" She said to her husband, turning to walk away with Jeff, then said in a stage whisper to Nick, "He's so handsome, Nicholas!" as she winked.
"That woman…" His Grandfather sighed, shaking his head. He followed them inside and left Nick standing with his Mom, gaping at their retreating bodies.
"Mom?" Nick asked, unsure. "What just happened?"
"Your fiancé charmed the pants off of your grandparents, it seems. Don't look for answers where you'll find none, Nicholas. Let's not question it…we'll just go inside. I can only conclude that they've heard through the grapevine that your father will no longer be a part of my life and they finally approve. Now let's get this show on the road, shall we? I hear there's a handsome, sweetheart of a man waiting on you." She winked.
"You like him." Nick smiled widely, but it wasn't a question. It was a statement that he'd known to be true for a long time.
"I adore him, and I think he's the best thing to happen to us in a long, long time. Let's make it official, shall we?" She said, holding her arm out for Nick to escort her inside as well.
The words echoed around in Jeff's head for a few minutes as he stared straight into Nick's eyes, a grin plastered to his face as he heard them again and again: "By the power vested in me, by the state of New York, I now pronounce you, Jeffrey and Nicholas Sterling-Duval. You may now kiss your husband, gentlemen…." And so they did. And when the catcalls came and Jeff was still lip locked with Nick, he shoved that to the back of his mind and continued to hold his husband's face in his hands gently, reverently, because this man…his Nick…he made him entirely too happy, and now he was legally his husband, in sickness and health, good times and bad….and Jeff was beyond thrilled. In fact, he'd left "thrilled" back about a zillion miles ago.
"Don't let go…." Nick whispered as they leaned their foreheads together, smiling. When the flash of a camera caused Jeff to turn and look out at the crowd, he realized they were all waiting for the two men to head back down the aisle.
"Nope…never letting you go, Nicky. You're stuck with me now." Jeff smiled, raising their joined hands and kissing Nick's clasped fingers with a little nibble to one or two knuckles, then led his husband back toward the glass walls, everyone clapping as they went. Caroline and Gram were both in tears, as was Meredith. Bailey was ecstatic and Nick's brothers were all grinning from ear to ear.
Kurt stood behind Blaine, his arms wrapped protectively around his boyfriend, smiling widely and so very glad for his friends.
Blaine's heart was near to bursting with happiness for his best friend. He couldn't be more thrilled for Jeff if he'd tried. Those two were perfect for one another. Everyone seemed to be happy for them if the smiles on everyone's faces were anything to go by. Any why not? No, there was no reason these boys should not be happy together, Blaine thought.
Pictures were taken, cake was cut and the guests were all properly thanked for being there when Nick announced the evening's party plans. He had arranged for everyone to be able to gamble on board the boat, giving everyone a sizable amount to start with, and adding that anything they won was, of course, theirs to keep. They'd set up karaoke as well as a dance floor and everyone was having a great time with it. The buffet was overflowing with amazing food that Kurt had picked for the occasion and the staff on the boat was always there with whatever they needed.
Throughout the night, though, at any given time, the newlyweds could be seen holding one another tightly on the dance floor, swaying back and forth and whispering in each other's ears, grinning and blushing and just being so much in love that it was blinding. When they finally pulled apart and went in search of food, they found a quiet place outside on a deck, overlooking the water going by as the boat made its way slowly up the Hudson. It would return to the dock, from which it had left, the following morning.
"So you had the party planned before I even asked?" Jeff smiled, leaning in to kiss his new husband.
"Yeah….about that…." Nick grinned. "I didn't want to do it on the weekend of your birthday. I thought it was too predictable, so I went with the weekend after, not having any idea what you had planned for last week! When you said you didn't want to wait, I thought this was perfect. All of our most important people were coming anyway."
"I hadn't actually planned to do it the way it happened. Sometime that day, for sure, because I knew exactly what I wanted for my birthday…I wanted you…just you, Nicky. And now I've got you forever." He beamed.
"Forever's a long time…think you can put up with me for that long?"
"I think I'll give it a damn good try. Just be true to me…be honest with me…talk to me and promise to always communicate, good or bad. Above all, just love me as I'll love you and we'll be just fine. I can't wait to spend forever with you, baby." Jeff said, then kissed his husband senseless while the city floated by.
Guests took turns keeping their attention for a short time, more photos were taken, they caught up on things they'd missed while Jeff was in New York or Nick was away from Chicago. Jeff was especially happy to see Owen, whom he introduced to Nick, even though they'd briefly met and spoken when Owen had arrived earlier. The conversation was stilted, somewhat, and Jeff could tell Owen was uncertain.
"Owen….I told him about everything that happened…the whole summer at Gram's house with us…all of it….everything. He knows…it's ok." Jeff said quietly. Anxiety floated away from his friend visibly as they stood and talked after that. It would always be their story, and a huge part of them, but Nick made absolutely sure to let Owen know that he was aware, and that there shouldn't be any awkwardness between them.
"He's a good man, Jeff." Owen said later, as Nick spoke with his grandparents on the other end of the deck.
"He is…absolutely the best. I'm insanely lucky to have found him. He's one of a kind and I adore him in every way."
"I can tell, and I can also tell he feels the same for you. It's a good thing, Jeff. You deserve to be this happy. I'm glad to see it. Oh, and Steph sends her love, but she wasn't able to come. She's due with her third next week." Owen grinned. "I'll be an uncle again."
"Third!?" Jeff said in disbelief. "Wow…I can't imagine. I don't know what I'd do with one, let alone three."
"You don't want kids?" Owen asked him, his smile bright thinking of his own back home.
"I…I don't know. I hadn't thought about it really, and we've never really talked about it. Huh…" Jeff said, suddenly pulled into his own thoughts. Owen looked taken aback.
"You don't know if he wants kids or not?"
"I don't…we've been so wrapped up in other things, it's just never come up. Either way, if he does or he doesn't, it's ok with me, I guess." Jeff added.
"Well, for the record, I think you'd be an outstanding father, my friend. You have an awful lot of love in that heart of yours and you're fiercely protective, nurturing and unselfish. Any child would be lucky to have you in his or her life." Owen smiled. Sensing Jeff was now lost in thought again, Owen nodded to his own husband across the room and patted Jeff on the hand which rested on the white tablecloth. "Be well, Jeff. We're both so very happy for you. Love you, brother." He said, leaning over to peck Jeff on the cheek. Jeff didn't reply.
Nick watched Jeff from across the deck of the boat, his grandmother speaking to him, Steven and Robby and not noticing her grandson's attention being stolen away from their conversation.
"Excuse me, Grammy…" Nick said, touching her on the sleeve.
"Certainly, Nicholas…" she said, then went on with her conversation with the other two boys. After so many years estranged from her grandchildren, she had a lot to catch up on with them and what they were doing with their lives.
Nick sauntered over to his husband and eased up behind him, placing his hands on Jeff's shoulders and squeezing softly.
"I know it's a big day, and this is our show and all that, but….do you think anyone would be angry with us if we excused ourselves and said our goodnights? It's almost midnight, and I'm chomping at the bit to spend some quality time with my husband." Nick smiled sweetly, his hands smoothing down the front of Jeff's dress shirt. Jeff's hands met his at his collarbone and he grinned up at Nick over his shoulder.
"Please, yes…." He smiled at Nick, joining their hands and squeezing. "I don't think anyone will mind…or give it a second thought, really. Surely they won't be surprised at all that we've disappeared, and you know damn good and well they'll know exactly what we're doing." They both laughed as Nick hauled Jeff up from his chair and nuzzled his neck. Nick winked at Blaine and gave a jerk of his head indicating they'd be retiring for the night. Blaine grinned back and nodded, a silent confirmation that he and Kurt would take over as hosts and make sure everyone was taken care of and got to bed safe and sound in their own rooms aboard the boat.
As they walked away, Bailey scampered up to them and grabbed Jeff's hand with a sly grin.
"Hey, you guys! Sneaking out already?" She teased.
"You know it. And what do you mean already? We've been married for over 5 hours now and I haven't dragged him off by his hair yet. I think I showed amazing restraint!" Nick shot back. Jeff bit his lip and shook his head.
"You wouldn't do anything to that hair anyway. We both know it turns you on so much it hurts." She grinned and bumped hips with Jeff, who blushed and looked down. "Spill it…he's a hair puller, isn't he Jeffie?"
"Oh my God, stop!" Jeff hissed, eyes wide.
"You love me, don't try to deny it, and don't even act embarrassed, moron, if you'll recall, the day I met you, you had your lips wrapped around my brother's-"
"OK! ENOUGH!" Nick chimed in, nudging her aside as he tried to save Jeff further humiliation.
"Whatever…." She replied as if bored with it anyway. "But listen…in all seriousness, guys…" she began, then threw her arms around Nick's neck and squeezed tightly, "I'm so happy for you both. Love you, Nicky. You've always been my favorite brother, and you always will be….and now I have another brother, who I already love more than I should, probably. More than those other morons I'm actually blood related to, anyway." She added, releasing Nick and hauling Jeff down to her height to hug him as well. Leaning up, she kissed his cheek and then smacked it lightly for good measure. "You're amazing, Blondie. You make my Bubby happy and I couldn't ask anyone for more than that. You've managed to make him smile more just tonight than I've seen in years. I'm grateful that you're here to take care of him. He was right, months ago, when he told me he'd found the love of his life and he wasn't ever letting go. You're one of a kind, Jeff Sterling, and I love you." She finished, kissing his lips with a loud smack, shocking both of the boys into surprised giggles.
"That's Jeff Sterling-Duval to you, Shorty…." Jeff laughed, "…and I love you, too, Bay."
"….uhhh…..God…yes…..my devastatingly handsome husband is so tight….God, baby…" Jeff moaned, his hips undulating as he worshiped the body beneath him. They'd been at it for hours, Nick having basically undressed him fully on the way to their suite. He was pretty sure he'd lost his tie somewhere before they reached the room, but he didn't care. All that mattered was feeling Nick inside him at that point. After that, and a short recovery, they ended up here, with Nick grunting his pleasure and looking stunning with the outside lights of the city reflecting off his sweaty skin.
"…Husband….I love that too much already." Nick grinned, gasping as his new spouse drove into him repeatedly. "And I love you…so much….shit, yeah, right there, babe…again….."
"Here?" Jeff teased, easing back in slowly, keeping eye contact with Nick as he hit the exact same spot slowly, over and over again, watching Nick's eyes roll back in his head while he panted and shuttered. Jeff leaned in and grasped Nick's hands, twining their fingers and giving him a short squeeze as he arched his back and pushed in just a little further than he'd gone before, breath hitching.
"Do you have any idea how happy you make me?" Nick asked, his own back arching as Jeff pushed that little bit further.
"Maybe a little…but I won't complain if you wanna…ohhshit...baby….." Jeff slowed, letting his eyes fall shut. The thrill running through him was something new, something he hadn't planned on, but he was a married man – taken off the market by the most amazing person he knew – and it was messing with his head, doing things to him, making him feel like he'd never felt before – elated, fulfilled, cherished. "…won't complain if you want to tell me again. I want to keep making you happy…every day. You deserve it…..everything I've ever wanted…" Jeff panted, trying so hard to hold on. He didn't want it to end…not yet. But being inside Nick was too good. "Sorry….sorry baby….gonna come….."
"Touch me…" Nick whined, hands still pinned next to his head.
Jeff freed one of Nick's hands and reached between them to stroke Nick's neglected cock, and it didn't take long at all to watch Nick fall apart beneath him, begging, arching and finally crying out as he came in spurts over his chest and Jeff's hand. Jeff remained still, inside Nick, and just watched the beauty of his husband's orgasm overtake him. He was so stunning….
"Come for me, Baby…." Nick urged, and the huskiness of his voice was all Jeff needed to let go. A few hard, quick thrusts and Jeff was emptying into the love of his life…a life which would be forever changed because of the man beneath him who was wallowing in the pleasure of their lovemaking on silk sheets, smiling at him and making him feel as if he could do anything…be anything…make anything happen. For months they'd screwed around, fucked, and yes, made love many times, but making love, for the very first time, to his husband was something Jeff wanted imprinted on his heart forever.
"Yes, sir, that's what I said, it seems they were married on the boat last night, and perhaps set it up as a Birthday party as a ruse…maybe for the sole reason of throwing you off."
"MARRIED? They've been engaged for a god damn week! Who the hell gets married in a week? What the fuck is that boy thinking, marrying that trailer trash!? Jesus Christ, why didn't you know about this? You've been following that Sterling boy for a month!"
"I'm sorry, sir. As I said, it was supposed to be a surprise party for Jeff's birthday, which was last weekend. Security was so tight around that boat I couldn't have gotten anywhere near it without being picked off. I only know what I know because I overheard the guests talking as they disembarked and left this morning, sir."
"He'll answer to me for this. My son will not remain married to that money grubbing little punk and that's that. Mark my words, this will end soon. Keep eyes on them, and don't fuck it up again! I'll be in the city in a few hours."
Returning to the penthouse Sunday afternoon was oddly calming. After dropping Caroline and Gram at the airport, all of the Duvals stopped for lunch and then went home. The previous 48 hours had been so full of hustle and bustle, last minute things going on, family showing up and pretty much general chaos that Jeff was ready to settle down for a little while. Having Nick's family there for another day until they all left Monday wasn't optimal, and surely he could have said so to Nick and Nick would have handled it, but instead he went with it. It was nice having them around, in a way, and he couldn't spend enough time with Meredith and Bailey. They'd grown on Jeff this week and he found it unsettling, thinking of them leaving and being states away instead of right there with him and Nick. Odd how one can become close with someone else in such a short time.
Dinnertime arrived and they opted to stay in , look at photos of the wedding and watch a movie instead of going out. For the most part, everyone had enjoyed the previous evening immensely….some of them way too much, and they were still nursing the after effects.
"Let's just grab a pizza or something, can we?" Robby asked, a pillow over his face as he whined about not wanting to get up.
"We can do that, lame-o…stop griping!" Nick laughed. "That ok with everyone?" Nobody vetoed the idea, so he placed the call and ordered something for everyone. Unfortunately, the delivery time was unreal, but Jeff opted to take a break from the noise and craziness and said he'd just go get it. Nick gave him a knowing look as he grabbed his jacket, wallet and phone and headed out, declining Nick's offer to accompany him.
It was only 8 blocks, and the walk was easy. When he got there, the order wasn't ready yet, so he sat and waited for a few minutes before the employee called his name and he approached the counter with his debit card in hand.
"Awww, dude…sorry, man, but our card reader is down. They should have told you that when you ordered, man….sorry."
"Oh…shit, I don't have that much cash on me. Is there an ATM close by?" Jeff asked.
"Yeah, man, just around the corner. Hang a right out the door and another right at the next block. Can't miss it. I'll shove it all back under the heat lamps for ya."
"Will do, back in a minute!" Jeff grinned, not letting this little snafu slip him up. He sprinted out of the pizzeria and around the block. He pressed the numbers, getting out a little extra for a cab home. He hadn't heard what Nick ordered and didn't expect the large mountain of boxes and bags the man at the counter handed him. It would be a long walk of 8 blocks back with that much food, not to mention it wouldn't be very warm when he got there. "Do I want a receipt…yes," He said to the machine as he waited patiently for it to spit out his cash and the little paper he'd shove into his check book later. Sticking the cash into his wallet, he glanced at the receipt and stopped dead in the middle of the sidewalk. He shook his head roughly, unsure of what he was seeing when he pulled the paper closer to his face. His head swam violently.
He pulled himself together enough to put his back to the wall of the nearest building as he took in deep breaths and tried to stop his shaking hands long enough to take out his phone. He pulled up his banking app and input the necessary info to pull up his account, then went to recent transactions.
"Son of a bitch…" He hissed when he saw when the money was transferred into his account, just days after his birthday and their discussion about the money and the pre-nup. "Nicky….God damn it!" he nearly yelled. As it was, he startled a woman walking past, and then scurried to apologize as she gave him a disdainful glare. Breath heaving, he snapped a picture of the receipt, then texted it to Nick, not including any message at all. Feeling sick to his stomach, he stood still against the wall which was now the only thing holding him up, and he waited. His phone dinged and he was almost afraid to look. All he wanted was for Nick to say it had been the bank's mistake or he had no idea what was going on.
Nick: Please don't be angry, I can explain, I promise.
So that was it. All the fine, pretty words of being honest about things, standing by one another and communicating didn't mean a damn thing. Nick had gone behind his back and put an obscene amount of money into his bank account without explanation. Which brought up even more questions: Why? Wasn't he enough without it? Was he already tired of footing the bill for anything and everything and now expected Jeff to pay for his own stuff? That was ok, Jeff was fine with that, they'd discussed it, but then why this? So many questions and no answers. And to top it off, he couldn't even march in and demand answers with a house full of guests. Had Nick planned that, too, figuring he'd find out and at least there'd be a buffer with them visiting and staying in the penthouse with the newlyweds? God, Jeff felt totally sick.
Jeff: B…you home? I need you.
Blaine: Yeah, man, we're just hanging out. What's up?
Jeff: Be there in a few. Just need to talk to you.
Blaine: Jeff, you ok?
Jeff: Absolutely not. See you soon.
Blaine: Jeff….man, what's up?
Blaine: Jeff?
Nick: Jeff, say something. Don't just ignore me. I'm sorry. Just…come home, we'll talk. I'll explain why.
Jeff: Nick, last night I promised a lot of things, one of them, to communicate with you. I said this, in front of all of our friends and family…in front of God and everyone. This is me holding up my end of the deal. I'll come back when I can think straight, and when I can consider talking to you without wanting to throw something large and heavy at you.
Nick: Baby, please…it's not a big deal. It's not, I swear it. Please just…come home.
Jeff: Home is where people you love keep their word. There's $12,710,943.20 in my checking account, Nick. We talked about the money. You promised me…..
Nick: I wanted you to have it!
Jeff: I can't talk to you now. I can't, Nicky. I'm sorry about dinner.
Nick: Jeff, please.
Nick: Jeffie…don't be angry. I love you.
Nick: Babe? You know I hate it when you ignore me.
Jeff: I'm not ignoring you, I'm fuming mad and remaining silent so as not to say something I can't take back….. and currently hoping I don't die in this cab. I'm turning my phone off. I love you, too, but I don't like you very much right now. So much for wedded bliss.
A/N Well, don't kill me. No update last week and now this. Sigh. Well, last week was all about Halloween costumes, and you know I can't 'half ass' anything, so we went all out on our Godzilla costume! Thank GOD that's over! :)
Thanks to Suzanne for editing for me...again. C's in her new place, so maybe she'll be throwing her two cents worth in again, as well, here soon! Wishing you all a great week, and holding out for Robyn's beautiful artwork for the story. ;) Thanks for reading, guys. You're pretty awesome for sticking around this long. :D
On another note, some of you have asked about the other story I plan to publish. It's almost there! I spent all of Tuesday night with Mia Sheridan, an author in my area, who gave me some great tips and words of wisdom. Can't thank her enough, and if you find yourself in need of something good to read, look her up on Amazon / Kindle! Worth your time, for sure. Archer's Voice is my favorite, so far.