The Dreamer - 16. Chapter 16- One Life to Live

Part 1 A Death in the Family

One day, Robby received a phone call. He knew who it was when he saw the caller ID on his cell phone. It was a call he had been dreading.

Manny's dad hadn't been doing well for some time. Despite his declining health, they had refused to move out to the city to be closer to Manny and Robby. They were stubborn in their ways, and Manny didn’t want to push them to do anything they didn’t want to do. But as the phone rang, Robby knew that their time of worrying and waiting had come to an end.

The phone rang, cutting through the quiet of the office. Robby stared at it for a moment, a sinking feeling in his chest. He already knew what the call would be, but knowing didn’t make it any easier.

He picked up the phone, his voice hesitant. “Hello?”

There was a pause on the other end before Vivian’s voice came through, soft but heavy with emotion. “Robby… he’s gone.”

Robby closed his eyes, the weight of her words sinking in. For a moment, he couldn’t speak, his throat tightening as tears welled up. Finally, he managed to say, “Viv…” He stopped himself, correcting the word almost instinctively. “Mom. I’m so sorry.”

Her voice broke slightly as she replied, “I know, Robby. Thank you. He loved you, you know. He thought of you as one of his own.”

The words only made the ache in Robby’s chest grow. Manny’s father had been a quiet but steady presence in their lives, the kind of man who said more in a look or a gesture than he ever did in words. Over the years, Robby had come to admire and respect him deeply, not just for how he loved Manny but for how he had welcomed Robby into the family.

“I loved him too,” Robby said, his voice trembling. “Every trip out there… every time we sat on the porch and talked about nothing and everything. He always made me feel like I belonged.”

Vivian’s breath hitched on the other end of the line, and Robby could picture her standing in the kitchen of their modest home, the house that had been a haven for so many family gatherings. “He’d want you here, Robby. Both of you. Come home.”

Robby nodded, even though she couldn’t see him. “We’ll be there as soon as we can. I’ll take care of everything. You don’t have to worry.”

There was a long pause, then Vivian said softly, “Thank you, Robby. For loving him. For being there for Manny. I don’t know how we would’ve gotten through everything without you.”

After they hung up, Robby sat for a moment, staring at the phone in his hand. His chest felt heavy with grief, but beneath it was a quiet resolve. This wasn’t just about supporting Manny—it was about honoring the man who had been more than just a father-in-law to him. He wiped at his eyes, took a steadying breath, and grabbed his keys. He needed to get home to Manny.

Manny’s father had passed away. It still wasn't sinking in. Robby felt a heavy weight in his chest as he absorbed the news. He left work as soon as he could, his thoughts racing as he drove home. Even though they both knew that this day was coming, it didn’t make breaking the news to Manny any easier.

Manny knew something was wrong when he heard the car pull up into the driveway. It was too early in the day for Robby to be home—Robby frequently had full days of meetings with his team, investors, and advisors. Anxiety knotted in his stomach as he waited for Robby to come inside.

When Robby walked into the living room, his face told Manny everything. Manny, seated on the couch, felt his heart sink before Robby even spoke a word. Robby moved closer, sitting beside him, their knees touching. He reached for Manny’s hand, holding it tightly, his thumb brushing gently over Manny's knuckles, as if grounding himself before speaking.

“Manny,” Robby’s voice was soft, thick with emotion, "Dad passed away last night."

Manny didn’t say anything at first. He could feel Robby’s hand trembling in his, and instead of speaking, he pulled Robby close, resting his head against Robby’s shoulder. The silence between them was heavy, but it was filled with understanding, love, and support.

A few moments passed, but Manny found he could not control himself. He was prepared for this day. He knew it would come and thought he could be strong enough to face it. But the grief hit him like a tidal wave, and he collapsed into Robby’s arms, sobbing uncontrollably.

Robby held Manny tightly, his own emotions stirring as he felt Manny’s pain. He hadn’t spoken to his own parents in years, but this—this loss—was different. Robby knew nothing could ease the pain of losing a parent, not the words, nor the comfort he could offer in that moment. Still, he clung to Manny, silently vowing to be the strength Manny needed, even as memories of his own family flickered at the edge of his thoughts.

As Manny finally drifted into a restless sleep, Robby stepped into the other room and pulled out his phone. He scrolled to the family group chat, hesitating for a moment before dialing Brandon’s number.

“Hey, Papa,” Brandon’s familiar voice answered, his tone light but quickly shifting when he caught the tension in Robby’s reply. “What’s wrong?”

Robby took a deep breath, steadying his voice. “Brandon… it’s Grandpa. He passed away this morning.”

There was a long pause on the other end of the line before Brandon finally spoke, his voice quiet and filled with emotion. “How’s Dad? How are you holding up?”

“He’s… holding on, so am I,” Robby said softly. “But it’s hard. Look, I need you, Kyle, and Ally to come home as soon as you can. We’re all meeting at Grandma’s. She needs us, and your dad will too. We are going to fly out right away.”

Brandon’s voice was firm now, laced with determination. “I’ll call Kyle and Ally. We’ll make arrangements and head out immediately. Don’t worry, Papa—we’ll be there.”

“No, it’s okay,” Robby interjected gently. “I’ll call them. You just focus on packing and getting here. I’ll see you at Grandma’s, okay?”

There was a brief pause before Brandon replied, his voice softening. “Alright, Papa. I’ll see you there. Tell Dad I love him.”

“I will,” Robby promised, his chest tightening with emotion. “I love you, Brandon.”

“Love you too,” Brandon said, before hanging up.

Robby felt a wave of gratitude as he hung up. He trusted his kids implicitly, knowing they’d pull together in this difficult moment. But he also knew this wouldn’t be easy for any of them. Manny’s parents had been a constant in their lives, a source of love and stability that shaped their childhoods.

He dialed Kyle next, and the familiar burst of energy in Kyle’s voice was absent. “Hey, Papa, what’s up?”

“Kyle, I have some sad news,” Robby said, his voice gentle. “Grandpa passed away this morning.”

There was silence, followed by a deep sigh. “Grandpa was the strongest person I knew,” Kyle finally said. “How’s Dad holding up?”

“He’s taking it hard, but we’re leaning on each other,” Robby replied. “I need you to come home, Kyle. Grandma needs all of us, and so does your dad.”

“I’ll be there, Papa,” Kyle said, his voice steady. “Tell Grandma I love her, and I’ll call Brandon to figure out the plan.”

Finally, Robby called Ally, who picked up almost immediately. “Papa? What’s going on?”

Robby’s heart ached as he repeated the words he had said twice before. “Grandpa passed away this morning, sweetheart.”

Ally’s breath hitched, and Robby could hear her trying to hold back tears. “I was going to visit next weekend,” she whispered. “I should’ve gone sooner.”

“Ally, don’t blame yourself,” Robby said gently. “Grandpa knew how much you loved him. That’s what matters. Just come home. Your dad and Grandma need you.”

As Robby finished speaking with Ally, a sense of calm settled over him, even amidst the grief. It was as if, on some unspoken level, each child instinctively knew that something was wrong before he even called. That was the bond they shared—a connection built on love, compassion, and understanding, nurtured from the time they were small. It was how they were raised, and it was the foundation Manny and Robby had worked so hard to create.

Now, as adults, Brandon, Kyle, and Ally carried those values with them, weaving them into their own lives. Robby felt a surge of pride amidst the sadness, knowing that the closeness of their family wasn’t something fleeting. It was enduring, a testament to the life he and Manny had built together—a life where love and empathy were constants, even in the hardest moments.

After hanging up, Robby sat for a moment, the weight of the morning pressing down on him. He glanced back toward the bedroom, where Manny was still resting, and then to the framed photo on the wall of the entire family gathered at the last Christmas they had spent together. The love and closeness captured in that image gave him the strength to carry on.

When Manny and Robby arrived, the pastor from the local church sat quietly in the living room, joined by a few others, keeping Manny’s mom company. As Manny entered, everyone rose to offer their condolences, embracing him with gentle words and somber faces. After a few quiet exchanges, the visitors said their goodbyes, leaving Manny and his family to grieve in private.

When Manny saw his mom, the weight of it all came crashing down. “Mom,” he whispered, his voice trembling. They both broke down, collapsing into each other’s arms, sharing their grief in a way only a mother and son could. Robby entered the room silently, his own heart heavy with sorrow. Seeing him, Manny’s mom opened her arms and hugged him tightly. They spent several minutes crying together, their tears flowing without words. To Robby, Manny’s parents were never in-laws. They were family—mom and dad. Losing Manny’s father felt like losing his own, and the sorrow ran deep.

One by one, the kids entered the house, hugging their grandmother, each sharing their own quiet moment of grief. The family sat together, leaning on one another as they tried to process the overwhelming loss.

Brandon was the first to arrive, only a few hours after Manny and Robby. As soon as he stepped inside, he went straight to his grandmother, wrapping his arms around her. She held him tightly, her face pressed against his shoulder.

“Grandma…” Brandon whispered, his voice cracking. “I can’t believe he’s gone.”

Vivian pulled back slightly to look at him, her eyes red but steady. “I know, sweetheart. It doesn’t feel real yet, does it?”

Brandon shook his head, tears slipping down his cheeks. “He was always so strong, you know? Like he’d always be here.”

She smiled softly, brushing a hand over his hair like she had when he was younger. “He was strong. For all of us. And he loved you more than anything, Brandon.”

Brandon nodded, swallowing hard. “I hope he knew how much we loved him, too.”

“He did,” Vivian said firmly, squeezing his hand. “He absolutely did.”

They stood there for a moment longer, the quiet understanding between them needing no more words. Brandon finally kissed her cheek and murmured, “We’re all here for you, Grandma.”

Vivian’s lip trembled, but she smiled. “And I’m here for all of you. We’ll get through this together.”

The scene repeated itself when Kyle and Ally arrived, each one stepping through the door with somber expressions, their grief heavy but unspoken. Kyle hugged his grandmother first, his strong arms holding her as if he could shield her from the pain.

“Grandma,” Kyle murmured, his voice breaking slightly. “I’m so sorry.”

Vivian stroked his back gently, her own voice steady despite the tears in her eyes. “Oh, Kyle. It’s okay, sweetheart. We’re going to get through this together.”

When it was Ally’s turn, she wrapped her arms around her grandmother tightly, her smaller frame trembling against Vivian’s.

“Grandma…” Ally began, but the words caught in her throat. She didn’t have to finish. Vivian simply held her, her hand rubbing slow circles on Ally’s back.

“It’s okay, baby,” Vivian whispered. “I know. I know.”

After hugging their grandmother, both Kyle and Ally turned to their dad and papa. Manny pulled each of them into a long embrace, his emotions raw but controlled as he whispered reassurances to them. Robby, quieter in his grief, offered them the same comfort, his hand lingering on Kyle’s shoulder and Ally’s back, silently letting them know he was there.

The family had always come together for holidays and special occasions, filling the house with laughter and love. But coming home to this—this quiet, this emptiness—was different. It was a reminder of what they had lost, and the weight of it was difficult for everyone to bear.

Yet, even in the heaviness, there was strength. They were here, together, just as they always had been. And together, they would find their way forward.

The Funeral

The day of the funeral arrived, casting a somber tone over the town. Dark clouds loomed overhead, mirroring the heaviness in everyone’s hearts. The small church, a cornerstone of Manny’s childhood, was filled with familiar faces, all paying their respects. As Manny, Robby, and the kids stepped out of the car, the day's weight pressed down on them. Manny’s suit felt too tight, his legs heavy with grief. His mother, dressed in black, stood by the church entrance, her eyes red and swollen from days of mourning, but she held her head high. Family and friends gathered quietly around her, offering hushed condolences. Manny took a deep breath, preparing himself for the hardest goodbye he’d ever have to say.

The funeral was a solemn affair, held at the small church where they had attended services for decades. Friends and family gathered to pay their respects, sharing stories of Terry’s kindness, his quiet strength, and his deep love for his family. The pastor spoke of the life he had lived, the legacy he had left behind, and the peace he had finally found. Manny and Robby sat in the front row, holding hands, as they listened to the eulogies, feeling the loss deeply but also finding comfort in the love that surrounded them.

Brandon - “Grandpa taught us that strength wasn’t about being loud or showing off—it was about being there, steady and unwavering, for the people you love. I’ll never forget how he always made me feel safe, no matter what.”

Kyle - “Grandpa had this quiet way of showing us how to appreciate the little things—a walk through the fields, the smell of fresh-cut grass, or just sitting on the porch watching the sunset. He taught me that life’s beauty is in its simplicity.”

Ally - “To me, Grandpa was a storyteller. Whether it was about his own childhood or just something funny that happened that week, he always found a way to make us laugh. I’ll carry his stories with me forever.”

Robby, usually full of words, kept it brief this time, but his words carried immense weight:
“When I first joined this family and met Mom and Dad, I didn’t know what to expect. But Dad—he welcomed me, not just as Manny’s partner, but as his son. He didn’t need grand gestures or many words to show his love; it was always there in his quiet kindness and unwavering support. Over the years, we grew closer, learning not just to love each other but to embrace our differences. Being part of his life was an honor, and through him, I learned what it truly means to be a good man.”

Many friends and neighbors spoke, all with the same message:

“He was the kind of man who didn’t need to say much to make an impact. He lived his values, and you could see them in the way he raised his family and treated everyone around him—with respect and care.”

“I’ll miss seeing him on his tractor, waving to us as he passed by. He had this way of making everyone in the community feel like they mattered, like they belonged.”

A week later, after the funeral, the family gathered at the house. While the kids were out, giving Manny and Robby a moment alone with their mom. Manny knew what needed to be done, but the conversation was still difficult. “Mom,” he began gently, “you have to come back with us. We can’t leave you here alone.”

His mother nodded, her eyes red from days of crying. “I know, Manny. But I can’t leave this house… your father and I built a life here.”

Manny took her hands in his, squeezing them gently. “We’ll find you a place close to us. You can stay with us, or if you’d feel more comfortable, we can get you an apartment. Whatever you need, we’ll make sure you have it.”

Manny’s mom finally agreed to an apartment. She had enough savings, and with the life insurance policy and the sale of their house, she could afford a new place. Manny’s dad had left her a small pension that would cover her day-to-day expenses, but Robby quickly interjected, insisting that she didn’t need to worry about anything.

“You don’t have to worry about anything, Mom,” Robby said firmly. “It’s our honor and duty to take care of you. Whatever money you have is yours to spend however you want. We’ll make sure you have everything you need.”

Robby took care of all the arrangements, allowing Manny the time he needed to spend with his mom. Over the next few weeks, they slowly began the process of packing up the house. They took down old family photos, donated items that could be donated, and disposed of everything else. The house, once filled with memories, was slowly emptied, returning to how it had been when Manny's parents first bought it so many decades ago.

Leaving the house and the small town was hard for Vivian, but she knew it was the right thing to do. Robby had decided not to sell the house. Instead, he planned to fix it up, modernize it, and preserve it for the future. It held a special place in Manny’s heart, and Robby wanted to keep that connection alive. Someday, he and Manny would return to the sleepy town, retire there, and continue building memories in the home that had seen so much love.

But for now, Robby kept this plan to himself, not out of secrecy, but to give Manny a gift when the time was right—a place where they could grow old together, a quiet haven to surprise him with. Manny and Robby didn’t keep secrets from each other, but this one, Robby believed, was worth the wait.

As they drove away from the house for the last time, Manny looked back, feeling a mix of sadness and hope. It was the end of one chapter, but he knew that his father’s memory would live on in the family they had built, the love they shared, and the life they would continue to create together.

Part 2 - Going Home, Again

The flight back to the city was uneventful, but it was a bittersweet journey for Vivian, Manny, Robby, and the kids. Vivian gazed out the window as the plane ascended into the sky, her thoughts drifting between excitement and sadness. She was thrilled by the adventure of flying again, a rarity for her, but her heart ached at the thought of leaving her home, her friends, and, most of all, her late husband behind.

As they soared above the clouds, Vivian couldn’t help but wonder about the future. How many more years did she have left? Would she be laid to rest in the city, far from the place she had called home for so many decades? Or would Manny and Robby fly her back to be buried beside her beloved husband? The questions lingered, but she pushed them aside, focusing instead on the love and care that Manny, Robby and her grandchildren had shown her.

Over the next few weeks, as Manny and Robby prepared Vivian’s new apartment, she stayed with them in their bustling household. The kids, now living on their own, all returned to support their dads and grandma, filling the house with laughter, love, and the kind of energy only a close family could create.

Brandon was the first to step up, offering his room without hesitation. “Grandma, you’ll take my room,” he said firmly as they gathered in the living room to figure out sleeping arrangements.

Vivian shook her head, her hands raised in polite protest. “Oh, no, sweetheart. I’ll be just fine on the sofa bed. I don’t want to put anyone out.”

But Brandon wasn’t having it. “Grandma, this is your home too,” he said, flashing her a warm smile. “You deserve the best room. Besides, I’ll bunk with Kyle. We did it growing up, we can survive a few weeks.”

Kyle, leaning against the doorway, grinned. “Yeah, but if he snores, I’m throwing a pillow at his head. Fair warning.”

The room erupted into laughter, the kind that lightened the heaviness of the moment. Vivian smiled, though tears glistened in her eyes. “You kids are too good to me,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “Your grandpa would be so proud.”

“We learned it from you, Grandma,” Ally chimed in, her voice gentle but filled with sincerity. “Family takes care of family. That’s how it’s always been.”

Vivian pulled Ally into a hug, her heart full despite the ache of recent loss. “You kids are my joy,” she whispered. “Thank you for being here.”

The family spent the evening rearranging furniture and making sure Vivian was comfortable. The kids traded jokes and memories, their voices carrying through the house as if trying to push away the sadness. Robby and Manny watched from the kitchen, their hearts swelling with pride as they saw how their children had grown into compassionate, thoughtful adults.

Vivian couldn’t help but feel a warm sense of pride and gratitude for the family she had been welcomed into, for the way that Manny and Robby had raised their children. The days passed in a blur of activity—laughter echoing through the house, the kids, even at their age, vying for her attention, and the comforting routine of meals and conversations with Manny and Robby.

When the time came to move into her new apartment, Manny and Robby were by her side every step of the way. They had chosen a place just minutes away from their own home, ensuring that she would never be far from them. The apartment was beautiful, thoughtfully designed to be as senior-friendly as possible. Wide doorways, grab bars in the bathroom, and non-slip flooring—all the details had been meticulously planned.

They set up her new space with care. A new television adorned the living room wall, and cozy furniture filled the space. They made sure she had all the comforts she could ever want, from a soft recliner by the window to a well-stocked kitchen for when she wanted to cook her favorite meals.

The building itself was perfect—a community with several other seniors, where activities were organized to keep her busy and engaged. There was a garden for her to tend to, a reading nook in the common area, and weekly social events where she could meet new friends.

Manny and Robby presented her with a cell phone, patiently showing her how to use it. “You can call us anytime, Mom,” Robby said, his voice filled with affection. “We’re just a few minutes away.”

Vivian smiled, her heart swelling with love for both of her sons. They had thought of everything, ensuring that she would never feel alone or abandoned in this new chapter of her life. As she settled into her apartment, surrounded by the thoughtful touches Manny and Robby had added, she realized just how fortunate she was.

They had given her more than just a place to live—they had given her a sense of belonging, a new home filled with warmth and love. And at her age, what more could she ask for?

She was never alone; the grandchildren would often stop by to see if she needed anything, or just to spend time with her. Robby and Manny would frequently stop by and spend time with her. They all did their best to ensure she felt loved and cared for, bringing her comfort and satisfaction in knowing she was surrounded by family.

In the evenings, when the kids had gone home and the apartment was quiet, Vivian would sit by the window and think of Terry. She missed him terribly, but she took comfort in knowing that she was surrounded by family, by people who loved her as deeply as she had. She knew that, in time, the sadness would ease, and she would find joy in the life she was building here, in the city, with her sons and their family.

Vivian was happy that Manny and Robby had done so much for her. As she looked around her new home, she couldn’t ask for anything more. The love and care they had shown her made her feel safe, cherished, and ready to embrace whatever the future held.

Part 3 - The Last Chapter

In 2013, when gay marriage was finally recognized, Manny and Robby stood at the threshold of a moment they had waited decades to experience. They were among the first to get married. Twenty-two years after their engagement, and a family later - they were finally able to say their vows and marry, legally and proudly. The ceremony was intimate, attended only by their closest friends and family. It was a culmination of their love story, a journey that had been filled with challenges, triumphs, and an unwavering commitment to each other.

Manny’s mother had the honor of walking both Manny and Robby down the aisle. As she linked arms with them, her heart filled with pride and joy. They had come so far, and she had been there every step of the way. Yet, behind her beaming smile, there was a hint of sadness—a longing for Terry, her late husband, who wasn’t there to witness this beautiful moment. She knew how proud he would have been of their son and the life he had built with Robby.

Manny and Robby looked radiant as they walked down the aisle, their suits perfectly tailored, reflecting the elegance of the day. They truly made a beautiful couple, their love for each other evident in every glance, every touch.

During the ceremony, when it was time to exchange their vows, Robby did something unexpected. After reciting the words that bound their hearts together, he handed Manny a set of keys. Manny looked at him, confused, as the small, symbolic gift rested in his palm.

Robby smiled, his eyes filled with love and a hint of mischief–in all their years together, Robby was always up to something and Manny would never know until Robby told him. “I know we promised never to keep secrets from each other, but I’ve been keeping a secret from you,” he began, his voice trembling with emotion. “Remember your childhood home? The one you thought we had to sell?”

Manny nodded, still perplexed.

“I didn’t sell it,” Robby confessed, his smile widening. “I bought it from Mom. I’ve been renovating it for years, making it our own, so that when the time comes, we can retire there—together. It’s our home now, Manny. A place where we can grow old together, surrounded by memories of the life we’ve built.”

Robby paused, a playful glint in his eyes. “Remember all those last-minute business trips I had to take? I wasn’t just working—I was going back home. I supervised the entire renovation myself, making sure every detail was perfect for us. Mom was there every step of the way, I couldn't bring her with me but she saw everything.”

Manny’s eyes filled with tears, overwhelmed by the depth of Robby’s love and the thoughtfulness of his gesture. He turned to his mother, and she smiled knowingly. Vivian had been in on the secret all along, helping Robby plan and keep the surprise. It had been tough keeping such a secret from Manny, but seeing his reaction made it all worthwhile.

The ceremony continued with heartfelt vows and promises, but the moment when Manny realized that his past and future had been lovingly intertwined by Robby made the day even more special. As they exchanged rings and sealed their vows with a kiss, they knew that their love story had come full circle.

The reception hall was softly lit, the warm glow of candles casting gentle shadows on the walls as the evening unfolded. Friends and family filled the room, their laughter and conversations blending into a harmonious hum. The air was thick with love and joy, a perfect celebration of the life that Manny and Robby had built together.

As the dinner plates were cleared away and glasses of champagne were poured, the DJ took to the microphone, a smile spreading across his face as he made an announcement.

“Ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention, please. It’s time for the moment we’ve all been waiting for. Manny and Robby, would you please join us on the dance floor for your first dance as husbands?”

The room fell silent as Manny and Robby stood, their hands instinctively finding each other’s as they made their way to the center of the dance floor. The world around them seemed to fade as they gazed into each other’s eyes, the weight of the moment settling over them.

As they reached the middle of the dance floor, the opening chords of Goo Goo Dolls "Iris" began to play. The familiar melody washed over them, bringing with it a flood of memories—their first meeting, the challenges they had faced, the love that had only grown stronger over the years.

Manny wrapped his arms around Robby’s waist, pulling him close. Robby rested his head on Manny’s shoulder, feeling the steady beat of his heart. As the lyrics filled the room, their bodies began to sway in perfect harmony, moving as one.

“And I’d give up forever to touch you, ‘cause I know that you feel me somehow”

Words from the song played, capturing the essence of their journey together—the countless moments of vulnerability, the fear of being seen for who they truly were, and the ultimate acceptance and love they found in each other.

“You’re the closest to heaven that I’ll ever be”

Manny held Robby a little tighter as they continued to sway to the music, the rhythm of their bodies perfectly in sync. The room around them had vanished; there were no guests, no distractions—just the two of them, lost in the song that seemed to tell the story of their love.

“And all I can taste is this moment, and all I can breathe is your life”

Words from the song played, resonating deeply with both of them. Robby lifted his head from Manny’s shoulder, their eyes meeting once again. In that gaze, there was a shared understanding, a deep connection that words could never fully capture. They had seen each other at their lowest, stood by each other through the hardest times, and now, they were standing here together as husbands. The weight of it all brought tears to Robby’s eyes, but they were tears of pure happiness.

“And I don’t want the world to see me cause I don’t think they’d understand”

As Manny and Robby swayed to the music, their friends and family watched with a mix of emotions. There were tears in Cindy's eyes, a smile of pride on Maria's face, and a look of quiet satisfaction on Allison's and Alicia's faces as they held hands. Everyone in the room could feel the love between the two men, a love that had grown stronger with each passing year.

As the song reached its peak, they couldn’t help but smile, their hearts full to bursting with the love they felt. The lyrics echoed their unspoken vows, the promises they had made to each other long before this day had arrived.

“I just want you to know who I am…”

The sight of them dancing together, completely lost in each other, was a testament to the journey they had taken—one that had inspired and touched everyone in the room. For a brief moment, the guests felt like they were part of something greater, witnessing not just a dance, but the culmination of a love story that had weathered every storm.

The music slowly began to fade, but Manny and Robby stayed in each other’s arms, unwilling to break the moment. When they finally pulled away, they were greeted with applause and cheers from their friends and family, but all they could see was each other.

They had made it. After all the years of struggle, love, and growth, they were finally where they were meant to be—together, as partners, as husbands, as the loves of each other’s lives.