Luckiest Man In The World - 11. The Wedding

We boarded the Envy. Kyle and Amy arrived, almost out of breath.

“Cutting it close, Buddy!” I said hugging Kyle as he got onboard. “We couldn’t have left without you.”

Kyle chuckled. “Well, I wanted to be sure.”

“Blame the airline,” Amy said. “We were delayed over Atlanta. An alternate flight had to be scheduled to get me here.” She held her hand out to me. “Hello, Eric.”

I waved away her hand. “We’ll be seeing a lot of each other these next two weeks. Welcome aboard, Amy.” I said bringing her into a hug. “I prefer hugs!”

Amy laughed and hugged me. “Me, too.”

There was the happy bark at our feet. Lucky was nearly beside himself with all these new people. His tail again nearly disappearing again as he wanted to greet and sniff everyone!

Amy looked down and a smile instantly appeared. “Aw, he’s adorable!” She claimed, bending down and presenting her hand out for Lucky to sniff, but Lucky knew she was friendly and was clamoring for more attention from her. She laughed and picked him up. He was a small beagle, not a hunting beagle and would never be big. Lucky gave several welcoming licks.

Rain nodded putting familiar arms around me from behind. “Yes, he is.” He grinned. “And he knows he is. Don’t you, Lucky?” He asked Lucky giving him a pet.

Ned Turner and his husband Marcus Delray came aboard next. Both were large men, but there was love between them as Ned’s arm was around Marcus as they approached Rain and me.

“Hello!” I greeted Marcus shaking his hand happily. “It is a pleasure to finally meet you...in person and not on the phone or on the computer!”

Marcus smiled. “As it is for me.” He said shaking my hand. Ned’s arm tightened around his husband proudly. “Ned told me some pretty great things about you two.” He said pointing at me and Rain.

Rain chuckled. “I’m sorry we kept him away from you for so long.”

Marcus waved that off. “He was doing a job.” He shrugged. “We saw each other during that year.”

My eyes widened. “Really? I never saw you!”

Ned smiled and turned a little pink. “Well, we would take a day or two and just be alone for a while.”

“Covertly.” Marcus said quietly to me.“I didn’t want to intrude on what was happening, so we kept it quiet.” Marcus explained.

“Damn,” I said. “You are good at what you do.”

Chet Dobbins and Amanda came up behind them. “Hi, Ned!” Chet greeted his former boss.

Ned turned, grinning at Chet. “Well, how are things?”

Chet nodded. “Very good.” He waved to Marcus. “Hi, Marcus!” He moved his wife up. “Have you met Amanda?”

We were left that morning for a wedding that was taking place the next day at about eleven in the morning. The band was flying in by helicopter the next morning. Karen and the minister were coming that night for the pre-wedding things. Yes, we had a helipad on the Envy of the Seas. The band’s equipment was preloaded before we left. I had chosen this ship because of the room on the deck. There was the pool mid-section which for could be covered with a hard covering that could be stood on and support the weight.

Everyone watched as the Envy began to sail out of the harbor slowly. There were boats that surrounded us as we did and we were waved to and waved back at the passengers on those boats. The weather was beautiful and the breezes from the travel and blowing off the water were very pleasant. I looked at the people we had onboard. All were in loose tops or t-shirts. Even Tom looked very...un-Tom-like! He was in this blue Hawaiian top and had on white shorts! His wife was beautiful...for a blonde. Dressed in one of those outfits women wear that were all-in-one. They looked very relaxed. I was used to Tom’s scowl at work. He didn’t have one on now as his wife and Quinton and Isabel were laughing with their various drinks.

The Envy had everything. It was very luxurious. The stateroom Rain and I were given was as big as our room back at Bonnie Glenn! It was as wide as the entire yacht. Large bed in a room where the color theme was light whites, beiges and the dark color of polished wood. That theme continued in the bathroom where the color was white, but in marble. There was a standalone shower big enough for Rain and me with room left over. The interior was made to make the most of space and they did it well. That didn’t mean it was cramped at all. There was plenty of space all over. Including a gallery/living space that spanned two decks! The floor was open allowing everyone to not feel cramped at all. There was the upper decking that surrounded this room where pictures and other objects like sculptures and paintings were displayed everyone could see from the circular walk that edged the room. It was a very impressive yacht. It was a cruise ship! Just for us.

There were servers that kept those little tidbits to eat even before the party that night. Very tasty. We went out a good way away, land was no longer seen. As the sun was setting, we all changed to a more…not quite dressy, but jackets and nice shirts and pants to stroll on the deck. This was the night before our wedding, but Rain and I were together already. I’m sorry, but whatever part of me that was gay didn’t really get that part about clothing and what went with what, but I looked as Rain pulled his white jacket on. I could not deny that he was the most beautiful human being I had or would ever see. He turned and froze.

“What?” Rain asked smiling knowing what I was doing.

I walked over slipping our arms around each other as we always did. “I was just thinking about how wonderful you are. You agreed to marry me.”

He chuckled. “I think you are wonderful, too. Like I said. We are two of the Luckiest Men in the World.” He grinned kissing me gently.

There was a knock on our door. Opening it, there was a woman that was here to provide service. “Ms. Walker and Ms. Carson have arrived.”

Greta Carson was the minister that was performing the wedding. She wore the clergy collar around her neck as if there were doubts. There wasn’t to be a wedding rehearsal exactly but knowing where we would stand and all that…was just practical.

The open deck above had been decorated with tiny white lights that added elegance to the ship. Soft music played as the other guests came up to begin the evening. Even Lola looked…well, not like the Lola I had been introduced to. She was even wearing makeup! Not a lot, but she had on lipstick and something to add a little color to her cheeks. I was stunned! She was wearing a nice light blue, floor-length gown, her hair was done up over her head with some nice, but simple jewelry.

“Lola!” Rain said seeing his grandmother.

She laughed shoving Rain lightly. “Don’t get used to it. After this, I’m back to my usual ways. This is a special occasion.” She shrugged as a tray passed with those fancy glasses of champagne. She took one and smiled at Rain. “This is a once in a lifetime event. My grandson is getting married.” Then she looked seriously at Rain. “I did a lot of thinking recently. I raised you to be your own person...to think for yourself.” She shook her head. “I missed some things about relationships in my life. I didn’t see them as anything that could last.” She shrugged. “I don’t regret my life, but perhaps I could have done more, to have someone in my life.” She pulled Rain in and kissed his cheek. “I’m so happy for you, Rain.” She smiled at me and hugged me, kissing me on the cheek. “You’re a good man. You love Rain. I wish for the very best future for you two.”

Quinton came up with Isabel, both looked extremely good. Isabel was in a white floor-length gown, Quinton in a light-colored shirt and white pants. Again, I appreciate clothes, I don’t know who did it or anything like that, but they both looked very good. “I say again…” Quinton smiled at me, “…daaaamn.” He shook his head. “A guy could get used to this.” He said looking around the Envy.

Isabel rolled her eyes and smiled at me. “He’s just excited to be here. I am, too. This is very nice. The room we were given is not anything we’ve ever had before.”

“Well, it’s yours for two weeks.” I shrugged smiling.

Quinton frowned. “Which I don’t get.” He said as he tried to figure it out. “We are going with you on your honeymoon?” He said like he knew there was a mistake somewhere.

Rain chuckled. “Yes, you are.” His arm went around me. “We’ve been together for almost two years.”

“We are taking a trip with friends,” I said simply. “And you two are that.”

Quinton’s face changed to one more serious. “Yes, we were, are and always will be.”

Greta Carson was a nice woman about forty-five with an open and happy smiling face. I had chosen her because of her Unitarian background. As one of that denomination, they were very open about...everything. Including same-sex marriage. We went over where we were to proceed in the morning and once that was established, we went back to the celebration.

We were all brought to the attention of Karen Walker as she tapped her glass. “It was about twenty months ago when I met Eric Mitchell and Kyle Walters.” She chuckled. “I have to admit, I was surprised by them both. What we wanted to do was to stimulate the economy and we were not disappointed. There were record booms with every country he went to amounting in the billions.” Then she shook her head but laughed. “All except India, but that too had an effect.” She held her hands out cautioning us. “There will be change, but that’s going to take time. They suffered losses, instead of gains. She held her glass up to me. “It has been my privilege to meet Eric, Kyle and late joined by Rain. I am here, not as someone from the Powerball, but as their friend. To Eric Mitchell, Kyle Walters, and Rain Stevens. To Eric Mitchell, the man who chose the right numbers. You are the Luckiest Man in the World…and it’s not over! We have received many requests for you to come back...Japan, Italy, France, and Russia are just some, plus new invites from other countries that didn’t get to host a party for you. Kings and Queens, Presidents and other leaders are asking for you to come. Including a second invitation by India, but not India as a country. By Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil of Gujarat. The only openly self-admitted gay prince known in the world. He wants you to come as his guests, asked by name for both of you to further his cause for the LGBT community in India. That was not the goal of all this, but there is good coming out because of it. It was not a total loss for India.” She held her glass up as a toast. “To Eric and Rain. I don’t have to wish you the best for the future, you have it now and it will only get better. This is not a wedding toast but is simply a toast. I know you’ll both be very happy.”

There were the nods and voices of agreement as they all toasted us.

The stateroom was very nice and soundproof. We had partied most of the evening and until early into the morning. It was only as there were a few hours before the wedding that we retired for the night. I persuaded Karen and Rev. Carson to stay instead of returning to shore. There were other quarters. They were not the staterooms we had but were nice enough for them. I say it was soundproof as we were awakened by the knock on our stateroom door. I had not heard the helicopter arrive or the preparations going on on deck going on above.

“Rise and shine!” I heard Kyle’s happy voice faintly. “It’s put up or shut up time! You’re getting married in a couple of hours!”

"Thanks, Kyle," Rain shouted back chuckled pulled me closer from his spooned position behind me. “Sorry, but I had to be loud." as I rolled over to face him as he continued softer. "Yea, we are getting married.” He kissed me.

“We’re just breaking all the rules,” I said grinning.

“What rules?” Rain asked.

“We were supposed to be apart last night.” I grinned. “That rule.”

He nodded. “Well, I believe that rule is for the groom to not see the bride the night before the wedding. Don’t see her in her gown, bad luck and all, but...as there is no bride...so?” He shrugged.

The wedding preparations continued as we dressed and came out on deck. This was a simple wedding. No tuxes or anything like that. Rain and I were dressed in nice white pants and white open-collared shirts. The weather in this part of the world was warm, even at sea. The idea that everyone would be comfortable was the only real consideration. The band was setting up to play. They were a new band, but very good from the samples Rain and I heard. They pretty well could perform anything and...I hate it, but being here to play for the Luckiest Man in the World’s wedding gave them something else to be recognized for.

The cover over the pool had been decorated with a simple running carpet Rain and I would come upon as we stood before Rev. Carson. Everyone would have a good view of us. Even Lucky was at the wedding. He’d had a bath and was happy. He was always happy.

Aunt Pearl came over just before. She touched my face as she smiled. “Now this...” she looked at Rain, “is right. I’ve spent time with both of you now. I can say, I’ve not known many I could honestly say, we made for each other.” Her eyes teared a little. Taking her handkerchief out, she shook her head at both our concerns. “No, these are happy tears. I am so happy for the two of you.” She said kissing Rain but looked at me. “You brought Bonnie Glenn back, but you brought me back, too.” She said kissing me on the cheek. “Thank you. I’m proud to be a part of this.”

“Aunt Pearl.” I smiled hugging her. “You were always family to me. Since I was seven you were family! You know that.”

“I know.” She said kissing Rain. “This is right. You deserve each other.” She said and walked off to join the others.

Then I saw Mark Fritz come over holding the hand of a young woman who looked to be in shock. He grinned. “I have to say, thank you.” He stuck his hand out to me. “Being invited to the wedding is so...surprising.”

I smiled at his sincere words. “We both made mistakes with Susan.” I shook my head. “I don’t blame you alone. I made plenty.”

“You know what happened to her?” Rain asked Mark. “Her and that business partner of your Dad’s?”

Mark nodded. “Yes, it is sad, but...”

“She chose to do it,” I explained. “It was bound to catch up with her.”

Mark pushed the woman he was with up. A dark-haired attractive woman about thirty that was not looking so comfortable. “This is Shelia Barnes, my date.”

I shook her hand. “Glad you could come.”

She shook her head. “I would have had to if I’d known.” She said simply. “How do you say no to coming to the Luckiest Man’s wedding?” She frowned at Mark. “He didn’t tell me it was your wedding, just a friend’s wedding. He didn’t tell me it was you.”

Mark grinned at me. “I told her we were going to the wedding of my business partner...” he smiled, “and friend.” He said the last part a little hesitant.

I nodded smiling. “We are both of those things. We’re business partners and we will know each other for a long time. Friends, because I really like you, Mark.” I grinned. "I'm a hugger, so get ready" Mark grabbed me in a tight hug. The sound of another helicopter, but I looked over to the helipad on the Envy. The helicopter was there. Looking up there were people on it, but I saw a person pointing a camera. “I chose this yacht to avoid reporters, but there they are.”

Rain nodded looking up. “Well, they can’t land. There’s no room.”

I looked over to Karen who was meeting with the cameramen and women that had been allowed onboard. “They will get the better footage.”

There was the musical sound, indicating it was time to start. Kyle came over.

“I’m your Best Man?” He shrugged to me. “Who is Rain’s best man?”

“Actually, you’re both Rain’s and my Best Man,” I said. I waved at the others. “We have plenty of witnesses, but only one Best Man.”

“Do I have your approval now?” Rain asked Kyle.

Kyle nodded. “Absolutely! If I were gay, I’d be all over you, Rain. You are quite a guy!” He put his hand out. “I will be honored to be your Best Man.”

The music started and Kyle went forward and stood to the side of Rev. Carson. Then Rain and I walked up to stand in front of her.

“My friends.” Rev. Carson began, having done a wedding many times, needed nothing to read. “I was asked to join these two together. I will confess, I watched the whole year as you two traveled the world. I saw the results of those travels. However, with every picture, video, and blog about them, I can say, I have never seen two people more devoted to each other.” She smiled at me and Rain. “And it wasn’t just for the cameras. It is real. Two people that express this kind of love, no one in their right minds can deny. They belong together.” She shook her head. “To be the one to officiate for the wedding of a man that guessed those numbers...earning him the title of The Luckiest Man in the World...that should have been a burden, but not for Eric Mitchell.” She looked at Rain. “You Rain. Many men would have been very reluctant to join him for anything other than the money and the parties...yet, Eric posted many times how you pushed that back and denied that was ever the case. You proved to Eric you were there for him and him alone. And I see that. You love truly. As he does you. I am so happy to be the one to do this last step legally.” She waved at the others. “You are all here because of these two wonderful people. You were friends or family before the Superpowerball and are here now to witness this momentous occasion.” She stated simply. “Love is love. These two have that and have asked you to be here.” She smiled. “I was asked to keep it simple. So, I am. Do you, Eric Mitchell, take Rain Stevens to be your spouse, your best friend, and counsel, for good and bad times until death?”

I smiled. “I do.”

“Do you Rain Stevens, take Eric Mitchell to be your spouse, your best friend, and counsel, for good and bad times until death?”

Rain grinned nodding. “I do.”

“You have words to express?” She asked us, knowing we did.

I looked at Rain. “I remember meeting you and I could not believe it.” I looked briefly at the others. “Believe it or not, it was in the men’s room at a club.” I looked at him while there was some laughter. “You were there helping a friend. Having met someone so open and trusting...so loving...” I shook my head. “I may have chosen the right numbers, but until we came together, it wasn’t real. After meeting you, I felt I was the luckiest man in the world. I love you, Rain. I want you with me for the rest of my life.”

Rain’s eyes were beginning to glisten as he wiped his face. “No, I disagree.” He shook his head chuckling. “You picked the numbers, yes. I was there helping a former buddy from the military, looking to start learning to help others like him and me. I was there, I heard your voice and...” he gave a startled look. “There you were! You changed my life! I wasn’t sure if I should go with you when you asked me to, but...I did and...” he shook his head. “I have not regretted it one bit! You may have the title of Luckiest Man in the World, but I’m the luckiest man in the world. You love me! I want you with me for the rest of my life.”

Rev. Carson nodded and reached over to Kyle. “The rings, please?”

Kyle pulled them from his pocket.

“Simple, but saying so much.” Rev. Carson said holding up the two rings. “Never ending circles represent never-ending love. That is what these rings symbolize. A love that has no end.” She handed me a ring. “If you’ll put this on Rain’s finger and repeat...with this ring, I take you as my husband.”

The simple bands of gold which was now a little blurred, I slid it on Rain’s left ring finger. “With this ring, I take you as my husband.”

Rev. Carson nodded as she gave the other to Rain. “And now, Rain, do the same with Eric?”

Rain slipped the ring on my finger. “With this ring, I take you as my husband.” He had to let go of a hand to wipe a tear that came. “Men don’t cry!?” He chuckled as he smiled broadly. “That is such bullshit.”

I nodded, wiping my own face. “Yes, just bullshit.” I chuckled with him.

“Now,” Rev. Carson said. “I’m telling you two and everyone,” she pointed to me, “you are not the luckiest man in the world.” She pointed to Rain. “You are not the luckiest man in the world. Together now, you are the happiest, luckiest couple in the world. I pronounce these two souls have joined and are married!” She waved to us. “Kiss the other half of the soul you now share.”

Rain nodded. “She’s right. We are.”

“Yes, she is.” I agreed as I leaned toward him and kissed my new husband.