This was exactly what he had wanted. It was a simple beach ceremony with their loved ones and their toes in the sand, though Cold had made a compromise on the barefoot part; he was wearing sandals.
“Seein’ as how the two of yous are already hitched,” Maury began solemnly, “it don’t make a fuck that I can’t do this all legal like.”
Jimmy couldn’t help but laugh, playfully bumping Cold’s shoulder.
Cold replied by rolling his eyes.
“But see,” Maury went on, “I agreed to do this gig for Jimmy because of how much he means to me. I’ve been watchin’ over him for years, watchin’ him grow up and worry. God, does that kid worry. Worries about each and every little fuckin’ thing. But you know, watchin’ him with ol’ big and bossy over there, he don’t worry like that no more.
“He’s happy. He gets this fuckin’ glow all over him. Ain’t seen him like that in years. There’s a light in him now, and I know he’s right where he’s supposed to be. Haven’t seen that light ever dim since the day he met ol’ Roddy.
“I know you guys had vows and singin’ and all that before, but we ain’t gotta do all that shit. Just keep doin’ what you’re doin’. Be good to each other, love each other.” Maury cut his eyes at Cold. “And if you ever fuckin’ hurt my boy, it’s an eternity of wrinkly balls and fuckin’ ghost jizz—”
Jimmy cleared his throat loudly while Cold scowled, the crowd behind them trying and failing to suppress their laughter.
“Right, right.” Maury shook his head, returning to a solemn tone as he continued, “Pick each other up when yous fall down, take care of each other, and don’t ever go to bed angry. I want both of yous to be happy for the rest of your fuckin’ lives. You think you two can handle that?”
“I do,” Jimmy gushed, turning to beam up at Cold.
“And yous, Roddy? Huh?” Maury prompted.
“I do,” Cold confirmed, smiling softly down at Jimmy. He looked years younger in that moment, relaxed and happy. Jimmy didn’t think he had ever been more beautiful.
Maury was grinning impishly, waving at them impatiently. “Well, come the fuck on! You’re married! Kiss!”
Cold wrapped his arms around Jimmy’s waist, sliding a hand up his back as he dipped him into a sweet kiss.
Their guests exploded with cheers, whistling and shouting excitedly. Jimmy could feel all the blood in his body zooming to his face, and the bend of his hips made the plug inside of him ache in the most splendid way.
It was perfect.
Cold swept Jimmy up into a standing position and gave him a moment to breathe, whispering in his ear, “I love you, Jimmy.”
“I love you, too,” Jimmy whispered back, his tears finally getting the better of him and rolling freely down his cheeks. He had to kiss him again, mumbling, “Oh, I love you so much!”
“Enough of that makin’ out stuff!” Maury chided. “We got some damn food to eat! Come on!”
Dario and Rowena broke off first to head over to the reception area, a cluster of tables with an attentive wait staff at the ready to start serving them from the pop-up kitchen that had been brought here just for this.
“Congrats, Little Boss,” Jules said affectionately, dragging Jimmy into a big hug.
“Thanks, Jules!” Jimmy squeaked, sucking in oxygen when he was finally let go.
“Nice job, Big Boss,” Jules said, grinning as he shook Cold’s hand.
Cold just smiled, patting Jules’ shoulder and sending him on with Dr. Queen to go eat.
David was next to sweep Jimmy into a tight hug, a little misty-eyed as he said, “I’m so very happy for you, son. Happy for both of you.”
“Thanks, Dad,” Jimmy said, his voice threatening to crack. “I love you so much.”
“I love you, too, slugger.”
“Come on!” Maury protested, wiping at his eyes and swatting at Jimmy and David. “Quit this mush and let’s go eat, huh?”
Cold wound a possessive arm around Jimmy’s waist, glancing over to watch the rest of their guests filing over to the tables. He shook David’s hand, saying dryly, “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I agree with Mr. Martine. Let’s eat.”
Jimmy giggled, certain his face would be aching for the rest of the evening from smiling so hard. They all got settled in for their meal, Jimmy beaming brightly when Chef Thornton himself came out to serve them.
