Loving Anniversary - 1. Loving Anniversary

Summer 2047
The Oval Office
The White House

“Hi, Papi.” When her father stood, Elizabeth Liston Abelló—Liebe to everyone—walked around the Resolute desk to hug him.

César Marcos Abelló, Jr. had been elected the first openly gay President of the United States of America in 2040. Seven years later, as the end of his second term neared, he met in the Oval Office with his husband, daughter, and future son-in-law.

The president shook his head. “Oh, oh… I’m in trouble now. If you’re calling me Papi instead of CJ, it means you want something.” He kissed Owen and shook Fabricio’s hand while motioning for them to sit on the couches in the center of the room.

Owen Zachary Liston, her other father, patted Liebe’s shoulder and sat next to his husband. “He’s got your number, kiddo.”

“Don’t start, Daddy.” Usually, she referred to her fathers by their first name; the change meant CJ was right. She planned a big ask.

“We wanna talk about the wedding, Mr. President.” Fabricio grasped his fiancé’s hand. “We’d like to do it in the Rose Garden in June next year.”

CJ’s stomach lurched. Uncomfortable with his daughter leaving home for good, he had hoped to delay the situation until he was no longer in office. “That’s right before the conventions. I may have to do some campaigning and—”

Barely a couple of words into his objection, his twenty-seven-year-old firstborn vigorously shook her head and reverted to her usual way of dealing with her parents. “That’s crap, CJ. You won’t have anything else on your schedule that week.”

“There we go!” CJ smirked. “Papi fell by the wayside faster than I expected. You don’t know what’s on my schedule that far out. Hell, I barely know what I’m doing next week, much less next June.” CJ glanced at Owen, who shrugged. He had been as much in the dark about their daughter’s plans as he was.

Liebe leaned back and crossed her arms; a smirk played on her lips. “Trust me.”

Owen cracked up. “Nobody would deny the two of you are father and daughter. Both bossy and obstinate.”

“Hey!” The reaction was simultaneous. It was not the first time Owen compared his husband and eldest kid’s personalities, and they always complained about it.

Fabricio was unable to disguise his amusement by covering his mouth. When the others turned to stare at him—Liebe raising a sculpted eyebrow high on her forehead—he lifted a hand, palm out, and shook his head. “Don’t be looking at me like that. Even after all these years, I still find how the two of you go at it entertaining.”

CJ’s scowl might have intimidated members of Congress and heads of state, but it had lost power with his children and their closest friends years before. He was considered the most powerful man in the world, but to the select group, he was Uncle CJ. “Watch it, Dr. Baravento, or I’ll sic the Secret Service on you.”

“Yes, Mr. President.” Fabricio’s chuckle was unhidden this time. “Not that they don’t follow my butt around all the time already.”

“You mock me? Don’t think because you’re Thiago’s son I won’t have my security detail rough you up!”

Thiago Baravento, Fabricio’s father, had been CJ’s friend since high school. Their kids had known each other from birth, and the engagement, after years of dating, had not surprised anyone. The fact Fabricio’s middle name was Cesar, after the president, meant CJ and Owen had always had a soft spot for him. A graduate of Howard University and Harvard’s School of Medicine, he was a resident at Georgetown University Hospital.

“Stop with the threats, CJ. You know they won’t work. Fab and I can defend ourselves no matter what you throw at us. Verbal or physical. Those agents won’t know what hit ’em.” Both youngsters had followed in their fathers’ footsteps, earning black belts in martial arts. Liebe was also a crack shot thanks to countless hours at gun ranges with her siblings, under the tutelage of her father, uncle, grandfather, and close family friends in the FBI, CIA, and Secret Service. But her deadliest weapon was her sharp tongue.

Like the president, Liebe had attended and graduated from Georgetown University’s Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service. And like her other father, she had earned a law degree from the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University. The combination of brains, beauty, and wealth, together with her family’s connections, had made more than one pundit assume she would follow in her father’s footsteps and one day run for office.

“Wouldn’t you rather wait a couple of years? Until Fab’s done with his residency? We could do the ceremony at the National Cathedral if you want a big to-do, or at Everhope if you want something small.” Everhope was their spacious family compound in The District, where CJ and Owen planned to live when they left the White House.

Liebe shook her head. “Nope. If you think I’m passing up the chance for a White House wedding, you don’t know me. Maybe if you weren’t the president we might have wanted something private, but this is happening. You better get on board.”

“You threatening me?”

A knock on the door connecting the Oval Office to the Chief of Staff’s domain made them all turn, even though they knew it would be Carson.

“Mr. President, your ten o’clock’s here.” Carson Sawyer had met President Abelló as a student at Georgetown University and had been by his side from the time he was Washington, D.C.’s mayor. The man was another family friend who had known Liebe since birth.

“We’re done, Carson. Fab and I just wanted to let my dads know about the wedding date.”

As he made to leave, the president called out.

“Wait, Carson, before you go… What do I have on the schedule next June?”

“Europe the first week. NATO meeting in Brussels, wreath-laying ceremony at Normandy, and a state dinner in London.”

“What about the week after that one?”

“Nothing so far. But if you’re wondering about the third one, the entire week’s blocked out for a wedding.”

“WHAT? Who approved that?”

Carson looked at Liebe.

 

Autumn 2047
Residence Dining Room
The White House

Brion Atwater brought his wheelchair to a stop and extended his right hand. “Secretary Baravento, Ms. Price, so good to see you again.” He was on his way out of the White House while the secretary and his companion were headed to dinner in the residence.

“Brion! You’re looking good. I’m guessing we’re going to spend some time together over the next few months.” Thiago had graduated with a doctorate in pharmacology, worked for Veterans Affairs and private industry, and had been appointed the department’s secretary by President Abelló.

Deborah Price was Thiago’s long-time companion. Although never married, they had been together for over twenty years. “You’re looking good, Brion. We barely see you these days.” Debbie had praised Brion in the past for not allowing the lack of functioning legs to stop him from pursuing his goals.

“The First Dude keeps me busy, Debbie.” Brion was the first spouse’s chief of staff. “But I’ll be helping coordinate the wedding, so you’ll be seeing more of me.”

Thiago smirked. “You mean you’ll be doing exactly what Liebe tells you to do, when she wants you to do it, and how she wants you to do it.”

Brion and Debbie sighed in agreement. “Hey, your son’s the one marrying her. I know she listens to him but the rest of us mere mortals…”

 

It was not Thiago and Debbie’s first visit to the residence, but once seated in the First Family’s private dining room, he repeated what he said each time. “It still blows my mind I’m in here having dinner with a friend from high school who just happens to be the most powerful man in the world.”

“Shut up, Thiago.”

Since his inauguration, CJ had tried to retain the same kind of relationship he had with close friends to no avail. The fact he was indeed considered the most powerful man in the world interfered. Those relationships were now colored with a degree of deference.

Thiago glanced at Liebe, seated next to Fabricio. It was just the three couples at the table. “Are you still telling your father what he’s allowed to do?”

The young woman grinned and shrugged. “I try, but he doesn’t listen to me as much as he used to. These days, it’s Ozzie who has all the power. I’m frequently dismissed.”

“Because you’re frequently a pain in the ass.” CJ and Liebe’s relationship had always been almost that of equals, particularly once she reached her teens. “And Ozzie always gets priority because I’ve known him longer than I’ve known you. Not to mention the fact we’ve been married for over twenty-five years.”

Owen winked at CJ. “The best of my life so far, but I’m looking forward to leaving this museum and moving back home.” He had confessed to being tired of living in a fishbowl and looking forward to more play and fewer demands on their time. He wanted to spend time at the family’s vineyards in Australia, where he had been born, working the land as he had done while growing up.

“Thanks for the marriage reference, Ozzie. Why don’t we discuss what Fab and I mentioned we wanted to talk about?” Liebe, like CJ, liked to get to the point and move matters along as quickly as possible. “We’ve made some decisions.”

CJ seemed hesitant. “You have?”

Fabricio knew the first half of the conversation would be the easiest; he was glad Liebe had volunteered to handle her father once the contentious segment began. “We have, sir. We’d like to have the rehearsal dinner Friday night in the State Dining Room, a Saturday noon ceremony in the Rose Garden with a luncheon at the Mondragon after. We’ve also reserved Red Dot for a party that night.”

“Crap, kid. Where’d you learn to hit people with that much detail in such a short time?”

Fabricio grinned. “From you, sir. It’s how you usually handle Congress. You throw so much at them, you leave them confused, vulnerable, and ripe for arm-twisting.”

“That’s not nice, Fab.” Debbie did not sound happy. “You can’t tell the President of the United States you plan to manipulate him.”

Liebe came to her fiancé’s defense. “Bah! It’s what CJ’s taught all of us. Hit them fast, hard, and often.”

CJ shook his head; he might have taught his kid more than he meant to. “I think I regret those lessons. Let me start backward. How much are the Robinsons charging you to rent their club out on a Saturday night?”

The Robinsons, Jackie, Frank, and Brooks, hailed from Baltimore and owned Red Dot at the Bottom, one of the most popular nightclubs in the D.C. area. The identical triplets had befriended the family years before.

“Nothing. They offered it as a wedding present, claiming the publicity would be good for business.”

Owen, ever the lawyer, appeared concerned. “Did you clear that with legal?”

“Nope. You can tell them if you want, but it won’t have any effect. I just don’t care what they say. We’re having the party there. We’re not paying rent, but we’ll cover the open bar, payroll for the night, and gratuities. And that’s the end of it.”

Thiago cracked up. “You can’t deny she’s your daughter, Mr. President. That sounded like something you’d say and do.”

CJ grinned at his old friend. “I’m not sure I want you as an in-law anymore.”

“Respectfully, suck it up, sir. I think you know these two are gonna do whatever they want no matter how much any of us may object.”

“Fine. Ozzie, would you check with the lawyers anyway?”

Owen nodded.

“Okay. Luncheon at the Mondragon. Why? Why not here?”

The Mondragon Hotel, owned by a Spanish group and housed in the Old Post Office building, was the closest five-star lodging to the White House.

“Because Liebe and I have over a hundred guests of our own so far, and we assume you and Owen will want to invite some people too. There are no rooms large enough in the White House to seat everyone. And neither one of us want to do it under a tent.”

“You have over a hundred guests yourselves?” Owen sounded surprised.

“Don’t even go there, Ozzie. Didn’t you and CJ have more when you got married?”

“Yeah… but—“

“But nothing. I sent the current list to both your chiefs of staff, and I know one of them forwarded it to the protocol office. A nasty man called me to question some of our guests and discuss the restrictions we placed on some potential ones.”

CJ groaned and looked at Owen. “She’s being controlling again. You talk to her.”

Owen’s eyeroll elicited grins all around. “Fine, who did the protocol people object to? Do you have a convicted killer on your list?”

“Nope. But he said the Secret Service may look askance at a few individuals with violent felons in their families. But as CJ has said plenty of times, this country and this administration do not hold descendants of criminals responsible for their parents’ missteps.”

Owen shrugged. “She got us there, CJ. I’ll look into it. What restrictions did you put on who we can invite?”

Liebe momentarily hesitated, glanced at both her parents, but ended up staring at CJ. “No governmental individuals from countries with documented human rights abuses against women and queers. And nobody from Australia unless they’re relatives or close friends.”

“You can’t do that.” CJ sounded shocked. “Shit! That’s likely to cause resentment amongst some of our allies. I know a few Middle Eastern heads of state will feel slighted.”

“Yeah? Well, they can go fuck themselves. The day they treat minorities with respect, I’ll talk to them. Until then, they can kiss my ass.” Each sentence was louder and harsher. Liebe was agitated and all Abellós were dangerous when heated.

“Liebe! Language!”

“Leave me alone, Ozzie. It’s not like we’re in public. Anyway, I might be willing to sell invites to some of those miserable Arab fucks. A hundred million donation to CJ’s presidential library per guest.”

Plans had been underway for a few years, with her American grandparents heading the fundraising efforts. Liebe was toying with the idea of becoming the institution’s chair. Since her grandparents were older, they refused to accept any responsibility once CJ left office.

CJ appeared horrified by the idea. “You better not plan on asking.”

“Won’t have to. One of my law school classmates deals with the Saudis all the time, and I may have him drop a hint.”

“You’re trying to make my final months in office difficult, aren’t you?”

“Not on purpose. I’m simply doing what you and Ozzie taught me and my brothers. We say and do something whenever we see an injustice.”

CJ must have realized he would not win the battle. Not when the justification was something he believed in so strongly. “I’m not conceding anything right now, but let’s deal with the Aussies. You can’t exclude them. You’re half-Australian, and we own a business there. Why would you do that?”

“Because the Prime Minister’s a dick.”

“Liebe!”

“Liebe nothing. Didn’t he say my brothers and I shouldn’t qualify for dual citizenship? He seemed to forget who our mother was.”

“That was in the heat of the campaign, Liebe. He had pressure from the right at the time. Same xenophobic attitudes we’ve faced here. And he apologized to us once elected.”

“Yeah? Well, he didn’t apologize to me. And he did it in private with you and Ozzie. He wants to be seen at the wedding rubbing elbows with royalty and celebrities, he better admit he was wrong. And do it so the entire world hears him.”

“That won’t work, Munchkin. Aside from the personal connections, Australia’s one of our staunchest allies. We need to invite him.”

“Nope. Not unless he meets the requirements.”

“I’m overruling you.”

“Fine. You do it at your own risk. You know all those interviews Fab and I have been asked to do? The next one will include comments about you ruining my wedding. I’ll also be trashing that jerk constantly from now on. It’s what you’ve done with political opponents in the past.”

“You can’t do that. I forbid it.”

Liebe laughed harder than she had in a long time.

 

Winter 2047
Air Force One
Andrews Air Force Base

“Welcome aboard, Mr. President. Happy birthday and happy holidays.” The greetings and accompanying salutes were delivered simultaneously by both pilots.

Days before, CJ had celebrated his fiftieth birthday at an immense gathering. What media reports referred to as the party of the decade was populated by family, friends, and celebrities CJ had met through the years.

The President returned the gesture. “Colonel Palakiko, Colonel Boxworth. A bit nippy this morning, considering we didn’t have a white Christmas.” CJ blew on his hands and rubbed them together. “Did you guys have a good holiday?”

“It was nice, sir.”

“Pretty good one, Mr. President.”

“Excellent! Let’s see if we can improve on it a bit. Get us to Colorado in one piece, and I’ll expect both of you to join the family for dinner one night. I’ll call your boss.”

“He means he’ll ask Carson to call your boss.” Owen had followed CJ aboard Air Force One and laughed when the President of the United States of America flashed him a middle finger as he slipped his overcoat off. Since he was on vacation, he had skipped the suit and wore jeans and a bulky turtleneck. “Kai, Joel, happy Boxing Day.” Owen shook hands with the grinning pilots.

Colonel Palakiko hailed from Hawai'i and was in charge of the flight. He met Owen’s handshake with a traditional Hawaiian Christmas greeting. “Mele Kalikimaka, Mr. Liston.”

“Happy holidays, sir.” Colonel Boxworth, like Palakiko, had refused Owen’s request they use his first name. His attention shifted to the next young man boarding. “Davey! Welcome back to the States.”

Palakiko’s smile matched Boxworth’s. “How was France, kiddo?”

The pilots’ refusal to use given names did not extend to the entire first family. Everyone called Davenport, CJ and Owen’s youngest son, Davey. The high school junior had spent the fall semester studying in Paris.

“Bon jour, Kai. Ça va bien, Joel?” He was unable to say anything else when he was roughly shoved forward.

“Move it, Peckerhead. Stop showing off. Why can’t you use English or Spanish the way the rest of us normal people do?” U.S. Navy Ensign Jefferson Liston Abelló had approached in stealth mode, surprising his younger sibling.

“Merde! Fuck you, Jeffer.” A grinning Davenport glanced over his brother’s shoulder to his twin standing behind him. “You too, Roo. Just in case you’re thinking of giving me shit also.”

Roosevelt, also an Ensign in the U.S. Navy, cracked up. “Ozzie’s gonna wash your mouth with soap, little brother. What kind of language is that?”

“The one I learned from our parents, the two of you, and our sister.”

“Ensigns, cut your brother some slack.” Kai’s order made both sailors snap to attention.

“Sir, yes, sir!”

Joel cracked up. “So, how come the two of you are in full Navy drag to go on vacation?” Both young men had worn their SBDs. The Service Dress Blue uniform consisted of a dark navy blue suit coat and trousers, a white shirt, and a black four-in-hand necktie.

“Orders. Both of us. I think the brass likes the press photographing naval officers climbing aboard Air Force One. Marine One too.”

Liebe, trailing her brothers with Fabricio at her side, ignored the twins and spoke to her youngest sibling. “You’re full of crap, Davey. Don’t blame me if you can’t control your potty mouth.” She smiled at the pilots. “Hi, guys.”

Fabricio dapped the men.

“Hey, Liebe, Fab. Welcome aboard.”

Kai blushed when Liebe kissed his cheek. Not exactly protocol, but the President’s kids marched to their own beat more often than not. Although capable of observing the niceties expected from the first family in public, they reverted to their usual banter when in private. Kai was more than one of their pilots. He was a friend.

“Ready for the slopes?” Joel was even more so; he and his husband had been guests at the White House on several occasions.

All five youngsters nodded.

Soon after CJ’s election, the Secret Service had descended on his homes. They had upgraded security, among other changes not publicly disclosed, by swapping out windows for bulletproof ones. They also installed enhanced surveillance sensors and cameras around the properties’ perimeters. While the president or any of his immediate family were present, mobile command centers were moved into position nearby.

Due to construction, and the demands of the transition, the Vail lodge had remained empty the December after CJ’s election. Since then, the first family had spent the week between Christmas and New Year in Colorado.

“Jeffer and I were talking about how weird it’s gonna be not spending New Year’s Eve in Vail once CJ leaves office.”

While Roosevelt sounded dejected, Joel appeared confused. “Why would that be? I’m sure your dad will want to spend next year-end skiing as usual. And once he’s a civilian again, there’ll be no restrictions on his travel.”

Roosevelt shook his head. “It’s not him. It’s us. What do you think the chances are we’ll get leave as we have during the past couple of years? We both think it’s been easy because CJ’s Commander in Chief.”

 

CJ handed his coat to the steward standing to the side and replaced it with a blue leather bomber jacket embroidered with his name, title, and Air Force One. It had been an inauguration day present from Owen.

On his way to the back of the Boeing jet, he stopped to chat with the retinue always accompanying him: a few reporters, some support staff, and security personnel. He relaxed until reaching cruising altitude, then called his husband and kids into his onboard office for a meeting.

The matter of who the President of the United States of America was allowed to invite to his daughter’s wedding at his official residence had not been settled. CJ and Owen knew the deadline for sending out invitations was upon them and wanted the dispute resolved. Owen had negotiated a tenuous agreement, allowing preparations to continue while the final guest list was delayed.

CJ motioned for his children to take seats around the oval conference table. “Park your butts down, guys.” He had removed the chair at one end, sat at the other, and asked Owen to take the spot to his right. It might be his family, but he wanted to ensure they knew he was in charge. “Anything to drink?”

“You and Ozzie having tea?” When her fathers nodded, Liebe turned to the steward. “Could I please have the same, sergeant?”

“Me too, sir.” Fabricio had acquired a taste for the beverage during a trip to Australia.

“You have energy drinks aboard, right?” When the man nodded, Davey asked for one, and his brothers echoed him.

Once everyone had their drinks, CJ asked they not be disturbed. He did not need to add unless there was an emergency. His position required him to be on call twenty-four hours a day.

“We have a problem, and I want it solved before we land in Denver. By the time Marine One drops us off in Vail, the only thing I want in my mind is the thrill of white powder hitting my face while flying downhill.”

Liebe shifted in the chair a couple of times and reached for Fabricio’s hand.

“Ozzie and I are proud of who all of you have become.” He paused and smiled at Fabricio. “You’re included in this, Fab. You’ve always been one of our extra kids, and now you’ll be joining the family for real.” He looked around the table before continuing.

“Anyway, we granted you a lot of freedom growing up, hoping to teach you responsibility. And we tried to instill in you a sense of duty to others because of the advantages you had. The five of you are independent and capable of accomplishing anything you set your mind to.

“That independence, however, must be tempered with the realization that, at times, compromise is necessary. Reaching the right balance can be tricky; some basic values we can’t ignore. However, even that resolve will be tested at times.”

Liebe’s fidgeting increased while her brothers appeared bored. Davey voiced what his brothers had to be thinking. “This is gonna be about the wedding’s guest list, isn’t it? Why are Jeffer, Roo, and I here?” The disagreement between his father and sister had been a frequent topic of conversation while he had been in Paris.

CJ sighed. “Because it’s important you three hear what I have to say too. Ozzie and I realize we placed you in the public eye, and for better or worse you’ll remain there for a while because of who I am. On the flip side, my positions over the years have given you opportunities few individuals get.” CJ realized he was borderline rambling, and that was not his style. He had previously mentioned it was easier to face the nastiest dictator in the world than his kids.

“Okay, let me get to the point. You get privileges, you get responsibilities. Liebe, you want to marry Fab in The Rose Garden, you have to play by the rules. I’m overruling you.”

Liebe must have expected her father’s decision and did not look happy. But she knew not to interrupt him. “I have to keep in mind what’s important not only for you but for the country. We’ll be inviting Australia’s Prime Minister and a couple of Middle Eastern heads of state. None of you will speak about our disagreement outside the family. Liebe, media blackout.”

It was rare for CJ to bulldoze over his kids, but he felt it was time he exerted his authority. The delivery, more than the words, assured his children his decision was final. From experience, they knew the chance of changing his mind was negligible.

“Questions?”

Head shakes and shrugs were the response.

“Good. Liebe, you and Fab please stay. You three, go bother someone else for a while. Please don’t do anything to make us crash.”

The three young men gave their father the middle finger before leaving.

“I’m not happy, CJ.” The crossed arms and scowl reflected Liebe’s feelings.

CJ chuckled. “You’ll get over it, Munchkin. I included your brothers in the first part of our conversation because I thought they needed to hear some of it. My career has, at times, complicated your lives, and I’m sorry for that. But you’ve also benefitted from it.”

“Yeah, well, Davey had it easy because of his age. Being a minor, the media gave him space. The twins were safe while at the Naval Academy and being in the military means they can’t be harassed too much. I took the brunt of it, so I think I should have my wedding any damn place I want and invite who Fab and I want there.”

“You can’t blame CJ for most of that.” Owen had refereed more than one argument between his husband and his daughter. “Once you spoke on the record during his first campaign, you opened yourself up to scrutiny. Going toe-to-toe with conservative pundits, and winning the majority of arguments, put a spotlight on you.”

“I want to do this as painless as possible, kids. We mentioned your issues with the Australian PM to your uncle, and he said he’d approach the man.” CJ was happy he had surprised Liebe and Fabricio; they must not have suspected he had worked behind the scenes after their initial argument. “He said they would be at the same event the first week in January. Since King William will be at the wedding, and he’s still Australia’s titular head of state, the PM will be warned unless he publicly apologizes to you, he might be embarrassed in front of the royals. Your uncle will mention how outspoken you are.”

Liebe smirked. “So, I have permission to trash him if he doesn’t come around?”

“NO!”

Fabricio chuckled when the fathers replied simultaneously.

“But you can do it in semi-privacy. I’d suggest if you chastise him, you do it with Fabricio and one or two witnesses. If you can draw an Aussie reporter into the group…”

“You’re devious, Mr. President. No wonder people get out of the way when you set your mind to something.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment. Now, as far as the Muslim leaders, I’d suggest you make generic remarks about human rights sometime between now and the wedding. Do not name anyone. I’ll use those to coerce them into some act of liberalization as a wedding present. Maybe if we both smash into them…”

“Can we put matters of state aside for a bit?” Owen had mentioned he wanted the ceremony and celebration to be more about the bride and groom than politics. “Fab, are you inviting your mother?”

“Hell, no!” Fabricio’s tone left no doubt he was serious. His mother had not wanted a child and had relinquished parental rights at birth. “No way am I doing anything that might make Dad uncomfortable.”

Owen looked confused. “I thought you’d developed a relationship with her over the past few years."

“I have. I talk to her once in a while, but I don’t want her at the wedding. The last thing I want’s for my dad to feel awkward in any way. He’s always been my rock, and I want him to get full credit for raising me. Some people might think she was involved in my upbringing if she’s there.”

“I’m inviting mine.” Liebe had been conceived using CJ’s sperm and eggs Owen’s deceased sister had frozen before undergoing chemotherapy. The surrogate had been a classmate of CJ’s. “It’ll be good to see her. Last time I was in Alaska, during CJ’s reelection campaign, she and I went out drinking and had a great time together.”

 

Spring 2048
State Dining Room & Rose Garden
The White House

A fork striking a crystal goblet’s side brought conversation to a halt. Everyone in the room turned toward the table with the wedding party and the tall, bronzed blond standing and smirking. “G’day. In case I haven’t met you, my name’s Zach Liston, and I’m one of the cousins.”

“Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, oi, oi, oi!” The outburst fit well with Jefferson and Roosevelt’s personalities. Whenever the twins and their cousins came together, they acted more like ten-year-old boys than twenty-something men.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you. I’ll be signing autographs at the end of the evening.” The guests were in a good mood and rewarded him with laughter. “I know Uncle CJ”—Zachary’s eyes widened, and he raised a hand to cover his mouth—“Ooops, I meant President Abelló.” His faux pas led to further laughter. “I know the president will be speaking in a few moments, but I wanted to share my thoughts about Liebe and Fab first.”

The concert by Guatemalan-born, piano virtuoso Gus Morales had been incredible, the food was outstanding, and the Liston wine flowed. Combined with the glitterati in attendance, the rehearsal dinner was as over-the-top as the next day’s ceremony promised to be.

“Anyways, I’ve known the groom since shortly after I was born. We’re part of a group of contemporaries who consider ourselves family, even if we don’t all share a last name. Because of that, I expected Fab to ask me to be his best man. I am, after all, the better-looking cousin, and I speak English better than the Yanks.”

“Asshole” and “bullshit” were coughed out by the other four men at the table.

“Even though I live half a world away in Australia, Liebe, Fab, Raish, the two Navy bozos, and I have supported the airline industry for a long time. Hell, Roo and Jeffer were down under a couple of months after birth!

“Knowing Fab would be unable to choose between the sailors, I assumed I was the obvious choice.” Zachary pouted and stared at the groom. “Mate, I still can’t believe you chose that wanker as your best man.” Zachary grinned, pointing at Raishod. “Maybe you did it because Liebe asked his wife to be her maid of honor, but you screwed up.”

Raishod and Carolina stuck their tongues out at him. Carolina Abelló, nee Prado, had married Raishod Sebastian Abelló the previous December. She was older, the same age as the groom, and Raishod had been born a month after his twin cousins and one before Zachary.

“Or maybe it was because I live half a world away, and he kinda forgot about me. I’ll remember this when I get married, Fab.” He had previously told the group he was enjoying being single too much to tie the knot before thirty.

Zachary changed his demeanor and tone. “My goal tonight’s not to make you laugh, although it’s good to hear you do so. After all, we’ve gathered to celebrate a momentous, happy occasion.” Since Raishod would be toasting the bride and groom the next day, Zachary had asked to speak before his uncle did.

“I wasn’t even a thought in my father’s mind when my uncles met, but I’m glad they kinda hit it off.” The crowd chuckled, the story of CJ and Owen meeting was often revisited at family gatherings. “By doing so, they set the stage for both the Listons and the Abellós to grow close. We’re a family separated by an ocean, but we’re one.

“Tonight, even though he’s always been around, I’d like to officially welcome Fab to the family. And I can’t wait until we all have children of our own. Mate, those kids are gonna be even luckier than us.

“Liebe, Fab…” Zachary reached for his wine glass and raised it. “I wish you a long, wonderful life together.”

The noise of chairs scraping the floor as people stood was mostly muted by shouts of “Cheers!” and “To Liebe and Fab!”

Zachary fixed his gaze on the table next to his and grinned. “You’re up, Mr. President. Good luck following me.”

 

Laughter and applause went on for a bit, and CJ stood, smiling and waiting. Once the room had quieted, he looked at his husband. “Ozzie, how many speeches have I given since we met?”

“Too many. I can’t count that high.”

CJ chuckled. “Funny Aussie. However many times I’ve spoken in front of crowds, this has to be one of the few times I’ve been nervous.

“I’m overwhelmed by the audience. You are as diverse a group as I’ve ever addressed, and that pleases me. The fact age, gender, race, sexual orientation, and nationality mean nothing in this group fills me with hope for the future. If my children have grown up in a more tolerant world than I did, I suspect my grandchildren will live in even better times.”

CJ paused and looked around the room. The crowd was mostly family and friends, but the butterflies would not quit. “Liebe, Fab, as happy as I am the two of you are getting hitched, the fact you’re doing it this weekend holds special meaning. Please excuse the history lesson.

“My daughter, Elizabeth, is a mutt.” Looking at her, he grinned when she scowled. “Half Hispanic and half Australian, her Aussie side stretches back to Scotland and England. Fabricio, on the other hand, has roots in Brazil and Africa.

“Eighty-one years ago today, the Supreme Court of the United States of America issued a unanimous decision in Loving v. Virginia, ending all race-based legal restrictions on marriage in our country.”

CJ was encouraged to continue when the audience remained quiet while paying attention. His remarks were not written, so he had flexibility in how much detail he shared and how long he spoke.

“In 1967, sixteen states retained anti-miscegenation laws, mainly in the South. One of those was Virginia, our neighbor to the west. Mildred Loving and Richard Loving met in high school and fell in love. A pregnancy had them travel to the District of Columbia to wed.

“Returning to Virginia, their home was raided by local police. A couple of weeks later, they were arrested and charged with a felony. They plead guilty, their sentence was suspended, and they had to move to Washington.” He paused to catch his breath and gauge the reaction.

“Frustrated by their inability to visit family in their home state, Mrs. Loving wrote to Attorney General Robert Kennedy asking for help. I don’t want to bore you with details, but with the assistance of the American Civil Liberties Union, the Lovings sued. Their case wound its way to the Supreme Court. “Because of it, Raish’s parents were able to marry. Because of it, Raishod and Carolina were able to marry. Because of it, Lilibet’s parents had their nuptials recognized when they moved to the United States. And because of it, my precious Liebe and Fab will be able to wed tomorrow.” He again paused and blinked a few times. Moistness clouded his vision.

“Sorry, getting a bit emotional here. Anyway, my munchkin marrying the son of one of my best friends fills me with happiness. The fact that it’s taking place on the Loving anniversary weekend is a wonderful coincidence. For I am certain Mr. and Mrs. Baravento will fight injustice the way Mr. and Mrs. Loving did.

“Some of you will think of the popular concept of the American melting pot, but I’ve grown to dislike that term. We’re not a stew where the ingredients lose their individuality when tossed together into a pot. I prefer to think of our nation as a quilt. A glorious American creation where each panel representing our diversity has been stitched together to create one country.”

CJ realized he had gone on long enough and decided to conclude his remarks. “Okay, that’s it for me. I fear Ozzie may accuse me of talking too much again. Please raise your glasses one more time. A toast to Liebe and Fabricio. I wish you the best always. May you live a long, happy life together, and please give me and Ozzie grandchildren soon!”

 

Eschewing tradition, the couple chose not to have a center aisle. Instead, they requested seats be set in a semicircle divided into three sections. While Roosevelt escorted Liebe’s college classmate down one walkway, Jefferson mirrored his brother’s action down the other one.

“You’re spending the night at the White House, right?” Jefferson’s stage whisper made his companion momentarily lose her composure and giggle. Lilibet Windsor had been friends with Liebe since the two met in their early teens at a function in California. Jefferson had developed a crush on her over the years.

“Jeffer! Hush!”

“I just wanted to make sure we got to spend a little time alone before I report back for duty.”

“We’ll see.” She squeezed Jefferson’s arm, making him smile a bit wider.

The best man and the maid of honor followed, with a ring boy in front of Raishod, and a flower girl preceding Carolina.

 

Thirty years before, as a college student, Chipper had sung at CJ and Owen’s wedding. Now, as one of the world’s top recording artists, he reprised his performance at Liebe and Fabricio’s with a different tune.

“Wise men say,
Only fools rush in,
But I can't help falling in love with you”

Fabricio looked extremely handsome in his charcoal slacks, pewter vest, and black tails. Liebe was glad she had insisted on morning coats or uniforms. Her dress, the bodice studded with countless crystals, sparkled in the sunshine.

“Shall I stay?
Would it be a sin
If I can't help falling in love with you?”

The bride and groom had chosen the old Elvis Presley song to walk down the aisles. The a cappella version of the old classic proved popular; Liebe noticed plenty of guests mouthing the words.

“Like a river flows,
Surely to the sea,
Darling, so it goes,
Some things are meant to be.”

Reaching the front, Liebe and Fabricio turned toward the center. Their parents sat in the middle of the front row and the bride and groom stopped to kiss all three men and Debbie. Fabricio took Liebe’s hand and together approached the makeshift stage.

“Take my hand,
Take my whole life too,
For I can't help falling in love with you.”

When Chipper was done, he bowed to the bride and groom and exited without fanfare. The celebrant replaced him in front of the bride and groom. The priest had already mentioned how glad he was to perform the ceremony outdoors on such a beautiful spring morning.

“Elizabeth and Fabricio, dear family and friends, it is with a soul brimming with joy I…”

The End