Confused - Until Bart Met Noah - 8. Wedding Plans and More

Noah was only partially right about the new job. The bump in salary happened, and his number of late nights did decrease a bit, generally two per week instead of four. But the hours were still pretty crazy. Mostly because he had to jump between the three dealerships. However, that was alright, because living together, they were still able to spend more time together. It wasn't long before they were deeply involved in making plans for their wedding.

Neither had any idea what a gay wedding should look like. They improvised a lot and just went with what each of them thought would be a good idea. Bart only had a sister, Lila, so he asked her if she would act as his matron of honor. She gladly accepted. Noah asked his brother Darrell to be his best man, and his sister Vicky to be his matron of honor.

Bart was unsure about also having a best man. None of the male-male relationships he had over the years remained. He'd spent so much effort trying romantic relationships, he never really had a best friend as an adult. Noah had a suggestion, though.

"I think you should ask your psychiatrist friend."

"I don't know. I knew him for a year in high school and only saw him a few times while breaking down my wall."

"Let me ask you something. Do you think we still might be getting married if he didn't help you?"

"Maybe. But probably not as soon."

"Sounds like a pretty good reason to be a best man to me."

"What if he says no?"

"Then you're right where we are now, and Darrell can be best man for both of us."

"I don't know."

"Was I right suggesting you should go talk to someone?"

"Yeah."

"And did that someone help you?"

"You know he did."

"So, ask him. The worst that can happen is he says no. What have you got to lose?"

Bart hesitated for a long moment, "OK. You're right. I'll ask."

Bart asked, and Carlo was happy to do it, especially since he'd be one of two best men.

Bart and Noah booked the Ponce Room at Bart's Hilton. With 35 people invited and attending, there was plenty of space since the room seated 50 for banquets. They chose the Saturday after Thanksgiving so most people would have off and there would be extra time to travel for those that needed it. Carlo felt funny to be sitting at the head table, away from his family, but Brandon insisted that he take the special place of honor. He'd said be happy to share the table with their kids, Lila and Vicky's husbands, and their one kid each. Darrell's wife shared a table with her in-laws, her own two children, Bart's mom, Betty, and Liam, Penny's husband, and his two kids. Both Bart and Noah had a few fellow employees attend as well.

The service was held in the same banquet room and the reception began immediately afterward. It got interesting when Darrell Hankins stood up to give the first toast.

Darrell rose and clinked his water glass, "Can I get everyone's attention, please?"

It took a moment, but the room quieted.

"On behalf of Noah and Bart, I want to thank you all for coming and joining them in this happy occasion. We'll be doing this a little differently than you're probably all used to. Noah and Bart each have a best man, so Carlo Marini will follow me for the second half of the toast. I first met Bart almost a year ago when our older sister Penny passed away. I was caught completely off-guard when Noah called Bart his boyfriend. Older brothers sometimes have an inkling about their younger brother's inclinations. Apparently, a four-year difference in our ages dulled mine. But I accepted Noah as he was and was obviously happy for him. I was a little concerned when he asked me to be his best man. The best man is supposed to arrange the bachelor party, right? I didn't relish taking him to a gay club." The attendees laughed at that. "Fortunately, he calmed my fears, and said he didn't want to do that. A dinner out with family and friends was good enough. The timing was great. Many of you know where we spent Thanksgiving dinner. Probably the first ever combined bachelor party/Thanksgiving dinner in U.S. history. OK. I've spoken way too long, so I'll give Carlo a chance to speak now."

Carlo stood, "Thanks Darrell. Apparently, we were both somewhat surprised to find out our respective grooms were gay. I knew Bart when I was a freshman in high school. I should have seen the clues. Bart's such a caring, giving person. We ran cross country together. He gave me three wins in the season we ran together. I'm sure he's going to remain a giving, caring person to Noah. So, congratulations, guys. On behalf of everyone here, Darrell and I wish you a long and happy life together."

Everybody took a drink, and the clinking of glasses tradition took hold, essentially forcing Noah and Bart to kiss. Something they gladly did. Billy and Carla, Carlo and Brandon's kids, led that particular orchestra multiple times, giggling constantly.

After a few hours of partying, Noah and Bart took their leave, telling everyone to stay as long as they'd like and enjoy the food and drinks. They were off to their room to enjoy something quite different; twice each, as a matter of fact.

For their honeymoon, Bart booked a week at the Hilton Rio de Janeiro Copacabana. They decided to take advantage of it being late spring in the southern hemisphere. For the most part, they used the beaches near the hotel. They did want to at least experience Praia do Abricó (Abricó Beach) once. The 25.3 mile (40.8 km), 90-minute drive was scenic and pleasant. When they got to the beach, they were both hesitant to follow the local custom. After looking around and seeing nobody else wearing swimsuits, they bit the bullet and disrobed. They had a very innocent, but good time at the beach.

Back at home in Palencia, things returned to normal. Bart spent his days at the hotel, and Noah bounced around the three dealerships he was responsible for. On their second anniversary, Bart revisited a question he raised during the house search.

"So, Nomes, what do you think about looking into adopting a child or two?"

"Well, we did buy this house with the intent of filling a few bedrooms. What are you thinking?"

"Obviously, we'll need to do more research to determine what we'd have to do, so it won't happen tomorrow. But I'd like to start looking into it in earnest. I think we should find a child or two that really need a family."

"What do you mean?"

"Older children find forever homes less often. Part of our search parameters should include the most desperate children."

"I agree. I think everybody wants babies, I doubt many want older children. Plus, I wouldn't be completely upset missing diaper changes and potty training."

Bart nodded emphatically, "Exactly right. I've already done a little digging. The average age of an adopted child is six, but only 28% are nine or older." (1)

"Wow!"

"And only 10% are adopted by someone other than a foster parent or relative."

"I'm guessing there are agencies that handle all this."

"Of course. There are three that apparently have offices in North Florida. One's website specifically has a section for Special Needs adoptions."

Noah was a little startled, "Special needs? You're not just talking an older child."

"No. Think about it. Do you think the average person would rather adopt a healthy child, or one with, say, Asperger Syndrome?"

"I'd have to assume healthy. But that's a lot bigger responsibility than just a typical child."

"I know. But I spent almost half of my childhood without a father being around. If that was hard for me, how do you think it is for a troubled child without either parent?"

"I get it. But we both work. It wouldn't be fair to put a child like that into daycare."

"I know. I'm willing to give up my career, at least for a few years, to take care of him, her, or them."

"Bart, what you're talking about may not be just a few years. It could mean the rest of their lives."

"OK, so maybe we don't take it that far. I'm sure there are special needs children that need homes but would still be able to be independent as adults."

"This is a lot to think about. When you first asked about the possibility of children, I was thinking, normal, healthy, children."

"So, are you saying no to a special needs child, Noah?"

"No. Not at all. Obviously, you've thought about this for a while, maybe even years. I need more than a few minutes to digest this."

"You're right. I'm sorry I pushed so hard. Take some time, think about it, and we'll talk again when you're ready."

Next up - "The Decisions"