Part Four – The Reception

Brian tugged at his shirt collar one more time before the photographer glared at him in a silent admonition to stop fidgeting. If it wasn't for his new husband ("husband" – that word would take some getting used to!), he would never have agreed to hire a photographer to take these post-ceremonial photos. But knowing how sentimental Justin was, he knew he would never hear the end of it if they didn't catch this momentous occasion for posterity's sake.

"Relax, Mr. Kinney," his lover soothed as he smiled up at him. "It will be over before you know it."

"Right. I think that's the same thing they told me before they took my ball out," he growled. "Only I think THIS is more painful!" Justin swatted at his hand before placing it over his for a close-up shot of the two platinum wedding bands now gleaming on each other's left hands.

Finally, Brian heard the words he had been longing to hear. "I think that will do it for now. We'll take more shots at the reception." The photographer began to pack up his gear to head down to the inn's great room where the after-wedding celebration was taking place, leaving the newly-married couple alone for a few precious minutes in the now-deserted wedding chapel.

"About fucking time," Brian groused. "Bad enough I had to stand still like some god-forsaken mannequin for 30 minutes while he took all those GQ shots, but it's been at least a week since we fucked! Do you know how horny I am right now, Mr. Taylor? Or is it Taylor-Kinney now?" He raised his eyebrows and waggled them at Justin.

"Good question. We really haven't had time to discuss that, have we? And, by the way, what's wrong with Kinney-Taylor? I think that's a perfectly good name, too, you know. In fact, I think it has a certain savoir affaire sound to it, don't you think?"

"Savoir affaire? Shit! Leave it to an artist to come up with THAT defense! I'm sure it's written somewhere in gay etiquette that the younger, I mean, less mature, party takes the last name of the party with the more experience and common sense," Brian smirked.

"You mean the person who's OLDER. I guess that DOES makes sense, because the older you get, the harder it is to remember things. So it would be easier if your name comes last."

"What the fuck? Justin, this whole conversation is ridiculous! And it's so boring, my dick is in danger of going limp."

Placing his now jewelry-adorned hand on Brian's crotch and giving it a squeeze, Justin purred, "Well, Mr. Kinney-Taylor, we can't have that now, can we?" Justin rubbed his hand slowly over Brian's cock before abruptly stopping, causing Brian to groan aloud in protest. "However, we have a reception to go to. Your dick will just have to be patient. I promise it will get the attention it so rightly deserves later tonight….." Grabbing his husband's hand, he pulled him toward the back doors of the chapel. "Let's go – I want to see what type of food the staff whipped up for this event!"

"Of course. Food! What else would my husband be thinking about right now? " Brian's pretense at anger was not fooling Justin one bit. Looking at Brian's twinkling eyes giving him away, Justin kissed him briefly on the lips. "I love you, Brian Kinney-Taylor."

Rolling his eyes, Brian replied, "I love you, too, Justin Taylor-Kinney."

The soft sounds of a jazz quartet and piano could be heard coming from the reception area as the newlyweds' family and friends waited for the couple to appear together for the first time as a married couple.

"Can you believe they finally went through with it? I thought I'd be replacing Pavarotti before those two got married!" Ted commented to Blake, who was seated to his right. "I never thought I would live to see the day. The Stud of Liberty Avenue finally corralled by a trick that never left! Way to go, Justin," he said, lifting his glass of sparkling water in a tribute.

Seated at the same table, Michael looked wistfully at his partner. "Makes you kind of want to get married all over again here, doesn't it? At least Brian and Justin's marriage is legal in the U.S., unlike ours," he whined. Ben gave his partner a kiss on the cheek in reply. "Maybe someday, Michael," he said softly.

Lindsey smiled broadly. "I am so happy for Brian and Justin. They were meant to be. I think it was important for Justin to spread his wings in New York, but I've seen how much he missed Brian while he was away. And I know Brian. He missed Justin even more. They looked so happy up there during the ceremony. And from what Ron told me earlier, he's confident that Justin is talented and smart enough to be successful no matter where he's painting. He's agreed to keep representing him in New York, so I think Justin will have the best of both worlds. I'm just so glad that Justin said yes to Brian. No matter what Brian says, he has changed ever since he met Justin and he became a father. He's changed for the better."

"I never thought I would say this about Brian, Linds, but you're right. He HAS changed. Justin and Gus have been a good influence on him. Shit, I can't believe I would ever SAY that!" Mel laughed.

A burst of applause broke out as Justin and Brian emerged through the doors of the reception area. Justin's smile was radiant as he held Brian's hand, who smiled at his new husband before rolling his eyes again. What a lesbian I've become, he thought. But he couldn't help realizing how happy he was at that moment, standing with the man he loved in front of the friends who had become like his family. More than his REAL family ever was.

Another round of applause erupted as the disc jockey announced, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I am pleased to present to you for the first time, Brian Taylor-Kinney and Justin Taylor-Kinney!" (Justin had agreed to this name at the last minute after being promised an extraordinarily long fucking session of his choice later, followed by breakfast in bed the next morning….) A small price to pay for the rewards to come, he thought, smiling to himself.

Justin and Brian zigzagged through the round tables scattered along the right side of the room as they made their way to the head table for dinner, shaking hands and receiving congratulations from friends and family gathered to celebrate their nuptials. The room was cast in candlelight that flickered from each of the tables and by the standing brass candelabras that gleamed along each wall.

Debbie and Jennifer, sitting next to Carl and Tucker, occupied honored spots at the head table, befitting mothers of each groom. After all, Debbie had always more of a mother than Joan Kinney would EVER be to her son. They both smiled through their tears at the picture of joy the two men projected as they walked toward the front table.

"I am SO happy for them," Debbie sighed, smiling. "I wasn't sure this day would ever come. They belong together. They always have. It just took them a while to realize it. Brian didn't know it at the time, but he was fucking hooked from the moment he met Sunshine."

Jennifer smiled in return as she looked at her son who radiated utter excitement and delight as he held his new husband's hand tightly. "I have never seen Justin so relaxed and happy. I know I had a lot of misgivings at first about his relationship with Brian, but I know now in my heart they were meant to be together. And I know how much Brian loves my son and would do anything to protect him."

*******************

"Em!" Justin's face was aglow with excitement. "We did it! I still can't believe it!" Emmett stood up at the table to hug his friend as he approached with his husband in tow.

"Congratulations, Honey! I am SO happy for you both! Let's see it, let's see it!" He jumped up and down slightly on his feet.

Appearing to be affronted, Justin replied, "Em, I'm a married man now….I can't just whip it out for anybody, you know," Justin teased. "Oh, you mean the RING! Oh, I can show THAT to you," he laughed, thrusting out his left hand to show his friend the gleaming platinum ring now wrapped firmly around his finger.

"Oh, Honey, it's exquisite!" He exclaimed. "You are one lucky man, Sweetie!"

Brian interrupted their conversation to correct him. "No, Emmett, I'M the lucky one," he said shyly, smiling broadly at Justin, who returned his smile with a radiant one of his own.

"Daddy!" A blur suddenly ran toward his father. He was about to grab Brian around his long legs before Brian held him out at arms' length to examine him.

"Gus! Peering closely at his son, he said puzzled, "What is that all over your face and hands, Sonny boy? Is it mud?"

"No, silly Daddy! I've been playing with the water over there," Gus said, pointing toward the chocolate fountain at the desserts table being used for the fresh strawberries. Brian laughed.

"Oh, no" Lindsey said, horrified. "Come here, young man, and let's get that chocolate off you before you get it all over your suit!" However, instead of obeying his mom, who was now holding out a wet wipe, Gus turned to Justin. "No, Mommy, I want Jus to help me."

Justin smiled at Gus, taking his small chocolate-coated hand in his. "We'll be right back," he said, leading Gus toward the men's room to clean him off.

"My son. I'm so proud. He's so young, but he's already leading men into the restroom."

"Very funny, Brian," Mel scolded, rolling her eyes.

Justin soon led a freshly-scrubbed Gus back to his moms and followed Brian to the grooms' table. His mom and Debbie rose from their seats as they approached them. Hugging her son tightly, Jennifer said, "Honey, I'm so happy for you and Brian!"

"That goes for me, too, Sunshine," Debbie added, taking her turns hugging Justin and Brian.

"Thanks, Mom, Deb, I'm pretty happy myself," Justin laughed, as Brian wrapped his arms around him from behind.

"Congratulations, you two!" Daphne beamed at her friend and at the man she had grown to respect and admire. "It's about fucking time!" She smacked Justin lightly on the side of his head.

"Hey!" Justin feigned his anger for a few seconds before beaming at his friend. Daphne had seen him and Brian through good times as well as bad. He was so glad she was here to celebrate with them tonight.

Soft jazz music continued to play as the wedding party and their guests enjoyed their gourmet meal. As the dishes were finally cleared away, Brian rose with his glass, signaling for attention with a rapid rapping of his fork against his crystal flute.

"If I could have everyone's attention," he began. Brian had always been confident in front of an advertising group, but suddenly he felt almost shy as he faced the friends and family who had witnessed his and Justin's journey more than 5 years ago. "Before the dancing begins, I'd like to propose a toast to my husband." Smiling at Justin, who was seated to his immediate left, Brian added, "Shit. I still almost choke on that word! But it's getting easier the more I say it," he added, laughing slightly.

"Where was I? Oh, yeah, I was proposing a toast to my husband." Pausing for a few seconds, Brian continued. "It's been a long path to where we are tonight. One that I would have never foreseen me taking when I first met this golden-hair, blue-eyed angel standing under that street lamp outside of Babylon that night. But I can honestly say that I have never been as happy as I am right now. I never thought it would have been possible. But, Baby, you have made me a better man. A better friend, a better father, and a better lover. What can I say, except you COMPLETE me, Justin. Like Emmett said, I am one lucky son of a bitch."

Justin smiled radiantly once again while tears glistened in his bright blue eyes. Taking Justin's hand, Brian pulled his husband up into his arms into a tight hug. Pulling back to place both hands on either side of Justin's face, he kissed him tenderly. Once again, loud applause broke out throughout the room.

The beginning tune of a familiar melody began to play as the disc jockey announced, "And now it's time for the newlyweds to have their first dance."

As Justin looked toward the right side of the room, he was jolted by yet another surprise. The male duo known as Savage Garden was beginning to sing a familiar song that was one of Justin's favorites, as he and Brian walked hand in hand out to the center of the wooden dance floor:

I'll be your dream
I'll be your wish
I'll be your fantasy.
I'll be your hope
I'll be your love
Be everything that you need.
I love you more with every breath
Truly madly deeply do..
I will be strong I will be faithful
'Cos I'm counting on a new beginning.
A reason for living.
A deeper meaning.

I want to stand with you on a mountain.
I want to bathe with you in the sea.
I want to lay like this forever.
Until the sky falls down on me...

And when the stars are shining brightly
In the velvet sky,
I'll make a wish
Send it to heaven
Then make you want to cry..
The tears of joy
For all the pleasure and the certainty.
That we're surrounded
By the comfort and protection of..
The highest power.
In lonely hours.
The tears devour you..
I want to stand with you on a mountain,
I want to bathe with you in the sea.
I want to lay like this forever,
Until the sky falls down on me...
Bridge

Oh can't you see it baby?
You don't have to close your eyes
'Cos it's standing right before you.
All that you need will surely come...

I'll be your dream
I'll be your wish
I'll be your fantasy.
I'll be your hope
I'll be your love
Be everything that you need.
I'll love you more with every breath
Truly madly deeply do...

Justin and Brian slowly danced to the romantic tune, oblivious to everyone else in the room. Justin's arms wrapped around his husband's neck as Brian caressed his lover's waist. "Happy, Baby?" Brian asked him, gazing lovingly into the crystal blue eyes, bright with unshed tears again. "Sentimental twat," he retorted, smiling.

"Old man," Justin joked. "But you're MY old man, and I love you dearly." Smiling once again, he added, "And, yes, I am VERY happy. Almost as happy as I will be when I get you alone later tonight," he purred.

Brian's cock twitched at the thought of how much pleasure the two of them would be experiencing later in the top floor honeymoon suite he had already reserved. As the dance ended, however, Brian felt a gentle tap on his shoulder. He glanced back at his new mother-in-law as she asked, "Mind if I cut in for the next dance? My turn, now, remember?" She said, smiling at her son.

Reluctantly removing himself from Justin's arms, he moved slightly away. "Just this once, Jennifer. Then he's all mine." Justin blushed as she nodded her head and Justin hugged his mom closely, starting to dance slowly in time to the next tune.

Carl was about to whisk Debbie onto the dance floor at the same time, before Brian approached their table. "Deb? May I have this dance?" Brian smiled shyly, tongue in cheek.

Beaming, Debbie held out her hand. "I would be honored, Mr. Kinney. Carl?" She asked for permission from her lover. "One dance, sweetheart," he replied, smiling in acceptance. "Then it's our turn to cut a rug."

"I promise to bring her back promptly, officer," Brian said as he gently pulled her out to the dance floor.

Slowing swinging her around as they danced, Brian spoke again. "Thank you."

Raising her eyebrows, Deb asked, "For what?"

"For always cutting through the bullshit and telling me like it is. For caring about me. For always looking out for Justin. And for being more of a mother to me than mine ever was or ever WILL be."

Debbie found herself unexpectedly choking up. "Well, don't expect me to go easy on you in the future, just because you finally did the right thing. If you fuck up, trust me, I'll be there to let you know!"

"I wouldn't have it any other way, Deb," Brian reassured her, smiling.

As the second song ended, several other couples began to take advantage of the large dance floor. Brian sought out his husband, spotting him talking to Daphne near the marbled wedding cheesecake.

"Somehow I knew I could find you near the dessert," he teased as he walked up to them.

Sticking out his tongue briefly at Brian, Justin pulled his husband once again into his arms for another kiss. "This has been an incredible night, Mr. Taylor-Kinney," he said, gazing into the hazel eyes. "But when can we politely excuse ourselves from this party so we can continue our own private party upstairs?" Biting lightly on Brian's left earlobe, Justin felt his husband's reaction immediately as he heard a groan from the taller man.

Brian cleared his throat. "Well, since I bought out the entire inn for the next three days, I say our guests can pretty much party themselves out without us around, wouldn't you?"

"I was hoping you would say that," Justin whispered. "Would it be impolite if we just slipped out?" He looked at Brian hopefully.

"What about your wedding cake, Sunshine? It's not like you to pass up dessert."

"Don't worry, Bri. I'm planning on getting PLENTY of dessert upstairs," he replied in a seductive whisper that again caused Brian's cock to respond appreciatively. Taking his husband's hand, Justin pulled him firmly toward the side doors, calling out to Daphne as they strode toward the exit. "Hey, Daph! Tell everyone to enjoy themselves. WE certainly plan on doing that….alone! Tell everybody we'll see them tomorrow for dinner!" Daphne winked at Justin as he and Brian laughed, walking hand-in-hand out to the lobby and toward the elevator that would take them to their suite.