Page 124 of Sweet T

“The moment I saw you, Pedro, I knew. Something in those beautiful brown eyes and that bashful blush of yours. I just couldn’t resist. Without you, I would be incomplete. My love is infinite, and as deep as the sea. The more I give, the more I have.”

Evan recognized the lines from Romeo and Juliet, paraphrased for Titus’s comfort. He looked at Sebastian, who gave him a confirming smile.

“We are one,” Titus concluded. “You are my soul mate, my happiness, and my life.”

The minister looked at Tucker and Barb. They came forward. Titus turned to Tucker and Pedro mirrored with Barb. Evan saw the tears welling in Tucker’s eyes as he handed his father Pedro’s ring, and that was all it took. Tears were free-flowing now, no stopping them.

Tucker and Barb stepped back into place, and Titus and Pedro faced each other once again. The minister began: “Titus, please repeat after me. With this ring...”

* * *

As soon as the classical duo finished Titus and Pedro’s exit music, Hootie and the Jets launched the reception with Gladys Knight’s chestnut The Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me. The newly wedded couple walked straight to the dance area for their first dance. All folks had to do was turn and follow.

The crowd dispersed, some joining Titus and Pedro on the dance floor, some going for the buffet and bar at the opposite side of the pool, and some heading for the port-o-potties at the far end of the lawn.

Evan looked for Tucker and saw him and Alden chatting with a woman at the ceremony's exit point. He made his way there, his eyes drifting left to the Barksdale seats as he did. Most of the row was already gone. There was an elderly couple, moving slower than the rest, and a younger woman helping them along.

Pru?

Tucker saw him coming and waved him over. “Evan, you remember Alden and Sheila... from our fourth of July cookout.”

“Of course. So good to see you two.”

Sheila took Evan’s hand. “We saw the play, and you were wonderful. And let me tell you, that jacket is the cat’s ass.”

Evan smiled. “Thanks. I appreciate it.”

“The girls are here too,” Alden said. “But they’ve already discovered the food.”

“They skipped breakfast,” Sheila added.

Tucker pulled Evan away from Sheila. “I’m gonna go show him off a bit, if you’ll pardon us.”

“Absolutely,” said Alden. “Welcome to the family, Evan.”

* * *

The band started a second song, still lower tempo—The One, by Elton John. Titus and Pedro remained on the dance floor for another slow dance. Tucker introduced Evan to many others, none of whom he would remember. All the while, Evan kept thinking the next one would be Emmett. He felt dizzy with apprehension, and the more the introductions went on, the more he dreaded the encounter.

Tucker picked up on his uneasiness. “What’s wrong? You look pale.”

“I’m just tired. I should sit down.”

“You don’t have to meet him, if you don’t want to, Ev. We’ll just avoid him. God knows, he’s probably avoiding me.”

“But he’s here?”

“Yeah. I saw him when we were leaving at the end of the ceremony. Look, let’s just go. I can tell you’re uncomfortable.”

“No. It’s your parents’ wedding. You can’t.” Evan’s eye caught Sebastian at one of the poolside tables. “Just bring me a beer. I’m gonna sit with Sebastian.”

“OK. You take it easy.”

* * *

“Look at you,” Sebastian said, as Evan sat down with him. “You are the prettiest thing at this wedding.”

“Methinks you’re senile, old man.”

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