Epilogue
"It was a real pleasure having you two with us for the entire weekend," Aidan's father said, as they were both sitting on the porch, looking at the people passing by, a bit in a hurry after spending what must have been a lazy Sunday.
"And it was a pleasure for me to be here, and get to know you, Mr. Spark," Heathcliff replied.
Joe waved. "Joe, please. We don't do formal in this house too well."
Heathcliff laughed. "Aidan struck me as preppy the first time I met him. I thought that was the result of a strict upbringing."
Joe smiled. "Aidan struggled to get a good job. Or, should I say, what he thought to be a good job. He also thought that was part of the act. There are all these books he's been reading. I guess he knows better now."
"He is handsome. And looks great in a suit," Heathcliff said, as he hurried to defend his lover.
"I wouldn't contradict you. I want him to act more his age. All this struggle to appear more mature doesn't become him. He has many other qualities."
"That's correct," Heathcliff admitted.
"Heath, can I trust you to look after him? At least until he grows up a bit," Joe said, placing one hand over Heathcliff's forearm and looking him in the eyes. "You might have noticed that we had him late in life. We're almost old enough to be his grandparents, not his parents."
Heathcliff nodded. It wasn't any of his business, but if Joe wanted to talk about that, he wouldn't pretend he hadn't noticed.
"That's why we tended to be a little overbearing in raising him. For so many years, we tried to have a child, and, when he came to us, it was nothing short of a miracle. I'm sorry for burdening you with family history that doesn't concern you."
"There's no burden. And I do believe every bit of family history should concern me since that is what we will be soon," Heathcliff replied.
"That's good. You are a good man, Heath, and I'm glad Aidan found you. I also trust you to let him spread his wings more than his mother and I. I realize that I'm asking you two contradicting things."
"I think I understand completely where you're coming from, Joe," Heathcliff said. "And I want Aidan to grow and become the man he wants to be, too."
"I'm glad to hear that. I really am," Joe said. "Know that you two have our blessing, and that includes even letting Aidan take a few risks, now and then. Just pay no attention to what my wife wants to tell you. If it were after her, Aidan would still be her baby."
"And what do you mean by that?" Marianne asked, making both men turn into their seats. "Heath, make sure Aidan eats. He tends to skip meals when he's focused on something."
"That should be no problem," Heathcliff replied with a smile. "Living healthy and teaching others to do that is, after all, my business."
"I'm ready." Aidan was the last to join them on the porch.
He had a small suitcase in his hand.
"Then we should be on our way? That's all you're taking with you?" Heathcliff asked, pointing at how light Aidan seemed to travel.
Aidan shrugged. "I thought about settling only for what's really needed. Also, mom insisted on drying clean all my suits."
"Good thinking. There won't be much need for dressing formally for a while," Heathcliff said.
"That's what I thought."
Aidan's smile said everything that was left unsaid. Heathcliff stood up and stretched his hand; Aidan hurried to take it.
"It's so good that you're driving. The guy who brought me here must have taken his driving license in another universe. I'm glad I didn't throw up even once on the way here," Heathcliff joked.
"Did he drive too fast?" Aidan asked.
"Insanely. Well, it might have been my fault. I overpaid so that he could take me here fast," Heathcliff admitted.
"You don't have to worry about that with me," Aidan said. "We'll make sure not to miss one stop. Did you hear that, mom and dad?" he added, louder this time, and turning toward his parents. "Heath, just tell them what a responsible driver I am."
"He is responsibility incarnate behind the wheel," Heathcliff said promptly. "One time, I noticed someone in their eighties driving past us. I think he could get a special prize for slow driving."
Aidan scoffed and glared, but began laughing. "You don't want me to get all fast and furious now, do you?"
"Of course not. I love you just the way you are. And don't worry; your death metal playlist compensates for how slowly you're driving," Heathcliff joked again.
"Boys, have a safe trip back home." Joe stood up and patted them both on the back.
Marianne came to embrace them, holding each tightly until Aidan had to protest that they really needed to go. Heathcliff looked at that family image and felt his heart grow in his chest. To think that not more than thirty-six hours ago, he had no idea how to have Aidan back except for throwing himself at him and begging.
Several months later
"Are you sure we have everything ready? There's nothing missing? No one?"
"Aidan, relax. I thought all the wedding jitters had worn off already. This is our party, and we should enjoy it."
Aidan stopped for a second and laughed. He leaned into Heathcliff's shoulder and sighed deeply. "I can't believe it's done. I mean we said all the words, and, by the way, you really did go over that top with that vow - I mean, were you trying to make me feel bad or something?"
"Aidan, Aidan," Heathcliff tried to stop the cascade of words pouring from Aidan's mouth, "your vow was amazing, and I would never try to make you feel bad. Actually, all I want is to make you feel good."
"My vow was amazing? I basically said a few lame things like how I would love you forever and blah-blah-blah. You didn't tell me that you were going all romantic and stuff. Who were you trying to impress, really?"
Heathcliff pulled Aidan close and kissed him. "You. I was trying to impress you."
"Really? All you have to do to impress me is to cook naked in the kitchen or something."
"Is that something you're into?" Heathcliff questioned his husband. He had to get used to that, although he had practiced in his mind for the last few months.
"I might," Aidan said quickly and looked away. "But no," he added right away. "There are knives and hot oil that could jump out of a pan or something. You know what? You should wear more clothes than usual when you cook. I can't let you do that wearing nothing but shorts."
"Aidan, you sound like your mother now. And I do remember quite distinctly that you prefer me half-naked in the kitchen. All right, I didn't know you would want me completely naked, but I will think about it. Plus, I'm a master cook. Nothing scares me."
"Well, that may be it, but I might be in the mood to jump you instead of thinking about food. Then we might end up burning the food, and then the kitchen might catch on fire -"
"All right, bunny boy," Heathcliff stopped him. "I can see that you're still nervous. What's this all about?"
