“You know I’ve always loved you. But I could never be the man you deserve.” Zach froze, his heart twisting painfully. He couldn’t believe this was Marcus, unburdening himself for the first time in their many years of friendship.
“Knowing myself, I’d only disappoint you in the end. I couldn’t do that to you or me; losing you wasn’t something I was willing to risk. Our friendship means too much…everything to me.”
“Me too,” said Zach finally, forcing the words out. “And I love you like my brother.”
He and Marcus held on to each other, awash in memories. Feeling a tap on his shoulder, Zach looked up to see Sam standing there.
“Mind if I cut in?”
With a brief squeeze of his shoulder, Marcus stepped back. “Not at all. I was only the warm-up. You’re the main attraction.” He disappeared into the crowd.
And once Sam held him, Zach forgot anything else except the sensual pleasure of being touched by the man he loved. For a while they moved together to the sounds of the big band music Nick and Julian had chosen; Zach said nothing, utterly content to spend the rest of the evening right here in Sam’s arms.
“You know what would be nice?” Sam whispered in his ear.
“Yes, but I can’t do it in public.” He smiled against Sam’s cheek. “Marcus would approve, but Julian and Nick might not understand.”
“Keep whatever you’re thinking in that brilliant mind of yours.” Sam chuckled and Zach grinned. “I think we should each dance with our mothers, especially since mine is going back to Florida in a week.”
Wow. He did not expect that at all, but the more he thought about it, Zach knew it was the perfect idea. A quick glance to the sidelines revealed his mother and Barbara Stein standing together watching them with identical smiles on their faces.
“I love it. And then in mid-dance we switch partners.”
They walked off the dance floor holding hands and stood before their respective mothers. Zach held out his hand.
“Mom, may I have the pleasure of this dance?”
Her eyes filled but she held herself together and nodded. “I’d love to.” They walked to the dance floor, and it thrilled Zach to know Sam and Barbara were only a step behind.
Zach gazed down into his mother’s eyes. “Having fun?”
“It’s a beautiful wedding, and Julian and Nick are so happy. I only hope you and Sam could be as happy as they are.”
“Don’t.” Zach shook his head. “I don’t want their happiness, I want my own for Sam and me. But,” said Zach hastily, “I understand what you mean, and I love you.”
His mother remained silent, and they danced together for a while listening to the music. “I love you too, and I’m not upset.”
“You’re not?”
“No. You know, I’ve been speaking to the therapists over at the senior center, and they’ve been very helpful making me see how I can better my life and become a more independent person.”
“That’s the best news I’ve heard in years, Mom.” He kissed her cheek, and they hugged.
Life hadn’t been fair to either of them, but no one was guaranteed smooth, untroubled waters. A silly bet made more to tease Marcus than get Zach a boyfriend had set the course for the firestorm of events leading up to this moment; Zach in love with Sam and his mother on her way to better health and a life separate from his.
“May I cut in?”
Zach blinked, and Sam came into focus with Barbara by his side.
“Of course. I’m happy to dance with the two most lovely ladies at the wedding.”
He whirled Barbara around, and the two of them laughed about her bad dates; he teased her that he’d give her a family discount for his dating website.
Dinner was a boisterous affair with Marcus making racy toasts and calling for the grooms to kiss every five minutes.
“If I can’t get any, I might as well know that Juli and Nick are having as much fun as possible.”
“I think lack of sex may be making Marcus delusional,” said Zach, leaning back into Sam’s arms. Julian and Nick cut the small cake and fed each other from the piece, leading to more applause and picture-taking.
