6 months had gone by since the conversation between Denny and Alan and Denny's permission to see Shirley.
The relationship worked out, much to the surprise of the others in the firm. When word about the relationship had first got around, a bet on how long it would take until Alan cheated on Shirley was placed, but Alan proved them wrong.
The times when he slept his way around the firm where gone. Shirley had tamed his ways, and the partners and associates made sure not to joke about this when Shirley or Denny were around. Now it was only Denny who would hit on the female employees (or clients or judges…) which led to a decline in complaints about sexual harassment.
Denny had taken the developments surprisingly well. He had threatened Alan several times to shoot him if he ever hurt Shirley, but even he saw that his suspicions were unfounded.
They were sitting on the balcony, enjoying their scotch and cigars as usual. Shirley knew how important this moment of the day was for "her" two boys and although Denny had extended an open invitation to join them, she rarely did so (Denny had also asked Alan for a threesome one night after one too many glasses of scotch but a look from Alan sufficed to never bring up that subject again) to give them time and room for their friendship.
"So Alan, when are you finally gonna pop the question?" Denny asked Alan after finishing his scotch.
Alan almost choked on his scotch; of all the things he had expected Denny to ask, this was not it.
"Are you serious?" he asked incredulously.
"Sure. I never thought I'd say that but it's obvious that you both are happy. There are only two conditions I have" Denny continued.
Alan looked at his friend tenderly, but also a bit wary: "What would those be?"
"Make it soon and let me give Shirley away " Denny said.
"We both know my Mad Cow is not going to get any better-"
"Denny, since the new medication" Alan interrupted him.
"Still and all, this is only borrowed time and we all know it. I would like to give Shirley away while I am still up on my own to legs and in possession of my faculties. I don't like the role of the old geezer everyone makes fun of" Denny interrupted him. "
Alan swallowed hard, looking away for a minute. "Denny, that would be lovely. Shirley and I talked about marriage, and she brought up the same idea. We just weren't sure how you would take it. What do you think about Shirley joining us so we can make up a plan? We wouldn't want to plan it without you" Alan suggested.
"I think that's a really good idea." Denny replied and Alan got up to fetch Shirley. Before he left the balcony, Denny stopped him –"Alan, is there a chance I could kiss Shirley one last time?" he asked with a sparkle in his eyes, already knowing the answer.
"You know I love you, Denny, but no!" Alan replied, before asking Shirley to join them.
Two months later, Alan and Shirley got married. The wedding and the reception were beautiful. Denny did not only give Shirley away but was also Alan's best man.
After the party, the three friends were sitting on the balcony, contemplating about the past, the present and the future.
"You know, Alexandre Dumas wrote the story about the three Musketeers"; Shirley said, taking Alan's hand while tenderly looking at Denny, her oldest and dearest friend, whom she loved dearly. "It reminds me of us. One for all and all for one", she continued.
"I would be d'Artagnan" Denny said with a twinkle in his eyes. "Just don't make me wear that weird beard" he continued, which made Alan and Shirley laugh.
"No, that would look much better on Alan" she smiled, who protested weakly.
"You're sure you're up to this, Alan? You haven't been married for a day and you're already under her thumb" Denny smirked. "You know, I love women who know what they want. I could take your place…" he said, before being told to shut up by his friends.
"To love and friendship and most of all to us" Denny raised a toast.
"Hear, hear"
It would take several more glasses of scotch before Aland and Shirley left Denny for their honeymoon. Denny remained on the balcony, finishing his scotch and his cigar. Tomorrow he would ask the new assistant to go out with him. With Alan and Shirley away, who could stop him?