“When I used to have really shit days, I always looked forward to getting home, having a shower, and then sitting on my couch facing the window and reading or researching recipes. It calmed me down and also activated my brain in a way I felt energized afterward.”
“Yeah, I get that, too, when I surf.”
“Every time I look at Joel, I get the same feeling. He’s my home, my comfortable place, my safety net, and also the person that challenges and energizes me. So yeah, I’m happy.”
There was a knock on the door, and Alex came in to take me downstairs. I suddenly felt very nervous. I was shaking, and my hands were damp.
“Isaac,” David said before he left the room, “you and Max are perfect together, as perfect as Joel and I, Alex and Joana. Life will throw shit at you, but as long as you remember what’s atthe core of your relationship, you can face it all together, and that’s all that matters.”
My brother smiled at David’s parting words and held out his arms. “I’m so proud of you, big brother. Now, let’s go andget you married.”
* * *
There was no groom waiting for the other groom at the altar. I met Max by the double doors leading to the living room, and we walked up together toward the fireplace where none other than Judge Benson was waiting to marry us.
“You look beautiful,” Max said as he held his hand out for me.
“You don’t look too bad yourself. Still want to marry me?” I winked.
His eyes were dark but warm. “Every day for the rest of my life,” he said.
I squeezed Max’s hand as we made our way up slowly, taking the time to look at our friends and family standing on either side of the aisle.
All the faces looking back at us were full of happiness, love, and pride. Despite everything that had happened to us in the past, both Max and I had been very lucky to be the people we were today.
As we walked past Lucy, who looked so beautiful in a purple dress with her dark curly hair pinned back, one more piece fell into place in my life. I would be a parent, big brother, whatever Lucy wanted me to be. We would be a family.
The ceremony itself didn’t take long. I hadn’t been able to take my eyes off Max, and even as I said my vows and tears blurred my vision, I still held his gaze.
As soon as Judge Benson declared us married, Max took me in for a kiss amid loud cheers from everybody. Even Sofia was giggling and clapping in her mom’s arms.
Before they all gathered around to congratulate us, Max held his hands up to request a moment. We’d discussed this in the car on the way here, and it felt like the right thing to do, but I was still nervous as hell.
“Thank you all for being here today and for all your help making it happen. I couldn’t be happier sharing the moment I married the love of my life in the presence of my friends, both new and not so new.” Max looked at Joel, and they shared a smile.
“Isaac and I are very much looking forward to our life together. Most newlyweds wait some time after getting married before they make any additions to their family, but we already have someone.”
Max extended his hand to Lucy who approached shyly since she was being put on the spot in front of lots of people she didn’t know well.
“Lucy, it’s been a privilege to get to know you and see you grow into yourself since the day we met on the steps of my apartment building. It scared me to be someone’s big brother, and it took my husband to make me realize all I needed to do was love you. That was the easy part.”
Lucy’s eyes were wet with unshed tears, and I wasn’t faring any better, unlike Max who looked strong and determined as he asked the question.
“Lucy Lopez, Isaac and I would very much like to adopt you if you would have us. Will you?”
There was a small pause before Lucy covered her face with her hands and leaned into Max. She nodded and then put her arms around us both.
My eyes locked with Max. We finally had our own family, one that would never let us face life alone again.
He mouthed over Lucy’s head, “I love you.”
I mouthed back, “I love you more.”
