Chapter Eighteen
Marco continued staring down at his letter. He looked up at Dylan and decided it was definitely worth opening.
He slid the letter out of its sheath and slowly unfolded it.
Dylan started musing about Marco's hesitations. 'What if he doesn't want to marry me? What if I'm wrong about how he feels? What if he says no? What will happen to us? Will there still be an us? How will I survive another no? I can't just go around sleeping with random guys like I did last time…I didn't like myself very much after that. Oh, God, please have Marco say yes. I don't think I could live without him.'
Dylan's musings stopped when he noticed Marco crying. "Honey, what's wrong?"
Marco shook his head, "Nothing. It's just the letter. My parents are constantly changing the rules on me here."
Dylan gave him a confused look, "Does this mean you've made a decision?"
Marco looked away from the letter in his hands, "I've made my decision."
Dylan looked around for a moment in terror, "And that would be?"
The fear in Dylan's eyes was almost too much for Marco to take, he set the letter on the blanket and crawled toward Dylan.
Dylan watched him carefully.
Marco crawled into Dylan's lap and wrapped his arms around the older blonde, "My answer is yes. I'd love nothing more than to marry you."
Dylan was stunned for a second. Marco had answered him so softly he almost didn't hear it. "Did you just say…?"
Marco nodded, "Yes. I want to marry you."
Dylan tightened his arms around Marco and kissed him fiercely. He pulled back and held the ring out to Marco, "So, do you want to wear this?"
Marco laughed, "Of course I do. But only if you'll put it on me."
Dylan nodded, "Yeah, I think I can handle that." He slipped the ring out of the box and onto Marco's left hand.
"Perfect fit." Marco said, almost amazed.
"The other one was too. We just never got to this stage." Dylan answered.
Marco smiled, "Well, we'll get even farther this time."
Dylan kissed him again. "I'm curious, what's in the letter that had you crying?"
Marco nuzzled into his neck a little and kissed it lightly before moving back to grab the letter. "I'll read it to you. Then you'll know why I was crying."
Dylan sat back in a reclining position. He waited patiently for Marco to begin reading.
Marco cleared his throat and started to read;
My Dearest Marco,
This letter is to let you know that while this is ultimately your decision, your father and I support it. Your young man asked for our permission, knowing how important it is to you. We give you our blessings to marry if it is what you wish. While your father and I might not have been entirely supportive of your life style in the beginning, we are hoping to change that. Please know that you are loved and your young man will be as well. He is already accepted in the family, as you may know. Good luck in making the best choice for you, my son.
Love,
Mama
My son,
Please know this is very hard for me to write as I'm going against decades of upbringing but I love you as you are. I didn't give my permission to Dylan easily or at first, know this above all. Your mama thinks she changed my mind but she didn't. It was you and Dylan. I've watched you since Dylan asked for your hand. For the last almost 18 years, all I ever wanted was to see you happy. When you were younger, I never dreamed that happiness for you could be found in another man's arms. I wouldn't have thought it possible for anyone really but then, I'm from the old school of life. However, I digress, watching you with Dylan these last four days has given me reason for thought. I can see how much this man love you. He faced me, the homophobic father of his boyfriend. A daunting task, no doubt. Just to secure our permission and ease your mind for when he proposes. This took courage and you know I admire courage. As you know, I said no at first but I had a change of heart. I've seen you when you think no one's watching. The love and adoration, the consideration, the touches, the whispers, the giggles (as much as it pains me to see my son giggle but still), and a few heart felt kisses. Seeing this is what changed my mind. The want for you to be happy above all else ruled out in my heart and mind. So my son, I give you my permission for you to marry Dylan. Not that you really needed it anyway. But I'm sure it's going to make your decision easier knowing your mother and I fully support your marriage. Besides, I don't think I could've chosen a person with a bigger heart than Dylan for you, male or female. Cherish this type of love, my son. It only comes around once. I found it with your mother. I trust you will make the right decision for you…
All my love,
Papa
Dylan was in tears by the time Marco finished the letter. "I didn't know your father actually liked me. As for respect me, wow! That says a lot."
Marco was crying again too. "I just can't believe they are actually accepting this. With the way they reacted when I came out, I figured when I met someone that would be the end of our contact. I didn't think they'd be able to deal with it."
Dylan held Marco close to him and soothingly rubbed his back. "I must admit, I'm glad your father said yes. I didn't want to have to wait another week to propose."
"How long have you been planning this?"
"Since January. That day Scott and I went shopping was the day I bought the ring."
Marco shook his head, "I can't believe everyone kept it a secret that long. I've got to call Ellie, I bet she doesn't know yet."
Dylan grinned sheepishly, "She was one of the first to know."
"And she kept it from me," Marco exclaimed.
Dylan just nodded, "But wasn't it worth it?"
"Yeah, it was definitely worth it." Marco said guiltily.
They stayed at the park for a little longer. Just enjoying each others company and the time alone. They both knew as soon as they went back to the house, they'd be hounded for details and answers.
It was starting to get dark when Marco and Dylan decided it was a good time to go home. They were greeted at the door by Mama.
"So, what happened? I'm assuming it's good because you're so late and holding hands."
Marco shared a tolerant look with Dylan that seemed to say, 'It starts.'
"Everything is fine Mama. I said yes." Marco held out his left hand and showed her the ring.
This routine went on until the entire family was told. Finally they got to make the phone calls they needed to make.
Mrs. Del Rossi was making phone calls of her own. She decided to throw her son and his fiancé an engagement dinner for the next night and invite everyone the family knew around the country.
Marco and Dylan were in bed that night, not doing anything, yet but talking.
"Sorry Mama went on overkill with this dinner tomorrow."
Dylan chuckled, "It's okay. I don't even want to think what Paige is going to do when we go back to Degrassi."
Marco groaned, "Oh damn, she's got two months to plan it."
"Yeah, it should be pretty elaborate."
"I foresee all of our Degrassi friends and a huge amount of alcohol." Marco predicted.
"Alcohol?"
"Oh wait, that might be the only way I can deal with another one of Paige's parties."
Dylan just laughed. "I hope you'll share."
"With you, of course."
Dylan leaned over him and kissed him lightly, "I just realized that we are going to be sharing just about everything for the rest of our lives. That doesn't scare me."
Marco reached up and pulled Dylan back down to him, "I can't wait."
They made love once quietly before falling asleep.
The next day was a flurry of activity in the Del Rossi household. Mrs. Del Rossi was cooking and baking all day long for the dinner she'd planned. She had everyone in there helping her in one way or another, except the happy couple. They were restricted to the patio, the bedroom or the back yard.
Marco was sitting on a chaise lounge, watching Dylan play soccer with a few of his younger cousins. He'd been playing but decided to sit down for a few minutes. He liked watching Dylan with the kids. It was cute.
Dylan left the kids a few minutes later to sit by Marco, "What's going on in that head of yours?"
Marco just shook his head, "Nothing really. I was just thinking how cute you look with the children. You're a natural."
Dylan just smiled, "Yeah, well I'm still a borderline child myself. It's easy to relate."
Marco laughed as his mother came out to tell them that they had a little over and hour to shower and dress for dinner.
Marco rolled his eyes but leaned over to Dylan, "Yeah and if we go now, we can shower together. Everyone is still busy down here."
Dylan grinned at him and jumped up. "You've got me convinced. Let's go."
They used every minute of their hour to get ready. They emerged downstairs as the guests were starting to arrive.
"I apologize now for anything and everything that happens tonight. My family and friends are a little, umm, unpredictable."
Dylan looked down, his blue eyes twinkling, "It'll be okay. We'll be okay."
The dinner was a noisy affair. Dylan met more people than he could possibly remember.
Marco answered questions, Dylan stayed in the dark until Marco decided to translate. Most of the language was rather foreign to Dylan.
Later that night, Marco and Dylan were sitting up in front of a fire in the bedroom. "So, did you have a good time tonight?" inquired Marco.
Dylan looked away from the fire to his lover, "Except for the language barrier, sure it was good."
"Yeah, we're going to have to get you some lessons. I don't want you to be lost forever."
Dylan tugged Marco out of his chair and onto his lap, "Yeah but if it means in situations like tonight you get to keep whispering in my ear, I'd rather stay ignorant. I like it when you get that close in public."
Marco giggled lightly as Dylan whispered that into his ear and nipped lightly on his ear. "Yeah and I would've done that too if I'd have thought about it."
"There's always next time."
Marco nodded, "Yeah, let's go to bed."
"No, better idea…let's stay here in front of the fire. I'd love nothing more than to make love to you right there." Dylan said, pointing to a spot in front of the fireplace.
Marco smiled, "Sounds good to me." Marco tugged him off the chair and on top of him on the floor.
By Sunday, Marco and Dylan had gotten used to answering questions. Most were answered with things they hadn't even thought about yet. Mainly, the wedding date. But today was Catalina's day and they got a reprieve.
Marco explained the whole first communion situation to Dylan. From the receiving of the host to the symbolism behind it.
Dylan watched the entire ceremony with interest. He'd never been particularly religious and it didn't hold much priority in his family.
Marco's family however were devoutly religious and things like this showed just how far the extent. The entire family showed up for a First Communion.
It was rather daunting and awe inspiring at the same time. It made Dylan seriously contemplate switching to Catholicism. It might make Marco happy and make their marriage even stronger. It was definitely something to consider.
A few days later it was time to return home.
Scott
met them at the airport with a questioning look. "So are we still
engaged or have we already fell apart?"
Marco glared at him,
"We're still engaged. And extremely happy. How's William?"
"Good. Let's get the bags, I wanna go home." Scott said.
Dylan and Marco threw a party to announce their engagement to their Boston friends. It was a huge success. Everyone had a good time and was supportive of the couple.
James even showed up with his girlfriend. "Hey boys. This is my girlfriend, Leslie."
Dylan smiled, "So, I finally get to meet Leslie. I've heard a lot about you."
Leslie, a pretty brunette, smiled back, "You must be Dylan. I've heard you're his golden boy."
Marco groaned, "We were trying to keep that bit of info to ourselves. We don't want his head to get too big."
"And you're his star pupil who challenges him more than he imagined possible." Leslie retorted.
"Something he didn't need to hear, thanks." Dylan said on a laugh.
The four chatted for a few more minutes before dispersing to talk to other party goers.
Marco proposed an idea to Dylan as they were cleaning up the townhouse. "Do you want to fly back to Degrassi for Easter weekend?"
Dylan stopped and looked at him, "Really?"
Marco nodded, "Yeah. It'll get the news out in the open quicker and I miss Ellie."
Dylan nodded, "Okay. Let's go home."
The next morning, Marco arranged the trip and Dylan called his sister.
On the Thursday before Easter, Marco and Dylan flew into Degrassi. Only to find out that Ellie and Paige planned a party for Friday night.
"See, I knew she wouldn't wait long." Marco said.
"Yeah, I know. We can't even get a break for 24 hours." Dylan responded.
"The best of it all for us though is Rosa volunteered my house. We can get drunk and not have to worry about getting home."
Dylan laughed, "You're right. It could make the night bearable."
Friday night came all too soon for Dylan and Marco. Yes, they wanted to see their friends but not all at once.
Paige took over the party planning and had everything set up by the time Marco and Dylan emerged downstairs.
"Wow, you're staying to clean up too right?" inquired Marco.
Paige laughed, "No because I know by the time this party is over, you'll want my brother all to yourself."
"True but there's always tomorrow."
Paige started to answer but the doorbell rang. "Guess I better get that."
Marco smiled at Dylan, "Saved by the bell."
Marco turned and watched as all of his friends from high school entered. He hadn't seen them since he graduated. He hadn't had time over Christmas break to visit, except Ellie.
Everyone attended; Jimmy, Hazel, Sean, Emma, Spinner, Craig, Ash, Alex, Jay, JT, Toby, Manny, Liberty, Chad, Paige, a lot of Dylan's friends who were attending Toronto University and some others from neighboring schools or not in school at all.
It was a good party. Marco got drunk. Dylan took advantage of the situation after everyone left. A good time was definitely had by all.
Until the next morning when Marco had a hangover from hell and a house that was trashed from the party.
Dylan got Paige and Chad back over to the house to help clean up. He made Marco stay in bed most of the day, trying to recuperate.
