Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Wednesday Briefs: Moving Forward #64 (15.5)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts!

Marshall and Lee find the perfect rings in this week's episode of Moving Forward, but something seems to be up with Denver. Wonder what that could be? Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what they're up to. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Moving Forward #64 (15.5)


Marshall wasn’t sure what to expect, but the ring slid onto his finger without problem. He marveled at the sight of it there.

“How’s it feel?” Lee asked.

“Feels fine,” Marshall responded.

Gavin handed Lee the second ring. It too slid into place without hesitation.

“You guessed our sizes pretty well,” Lee complimented the clerk.

“I do my best,” he replied modestly.  “What do you think of these? Are you interested in them, or would you like me to show you something else?”

Marshall and Lee exchanged glances. “What do you think?” Lee asked softly.

“I think they’re perfect,” Marshall replied without hesitation.

Lee reached for Marshall’s hand, holding their two hands so they could look at both rings. “I think so too,” he agreed. “We’ll take these.” He reached into his pocket, removed his wallet, and handed Gavin his credit card.

“Excellent choice, gentlemen. I’ll go ring these up for you, I’ll be right back.”

They removed the rings while he was gone and placed them back in the box. The moment felt surreal and yet so very right. Picking out the rings only served to add weight to the reality of what they were going to do.

“Have you set a date yet?” Gavin asked when he returned with the receipt, which he handed to Lee.

“Not yet,” Lee admitted. “We only just decided to get married.”

“Well, congratulations to you both. I’m sure when you do it’ll be an affair to remember.” He smiled at them both.

Marshall had the same feeling. He guessed they’d discuss dates after they got home. He was still getting used to the idea that they were going to have a ceremony to celebrate their love. He watched as Lee put his card away. Belatedly, Marshall remembered Denver and Dustin were waiting for them. Assuming they’d finished their shopping. He was still sure there was a story behind that, since Dustin seemed to have no idea why they were doing it. Maybe Denver was buying something for a special guy back home, but Marshall didn’t remember him mentioning anyone like that. If he was dating someone special, wouldn’t he have brought the guy on this cruise, rather than his cousin?
Absorbed in his thoughts, he was jolted back to the present when he saw Lee standing beside him, looking down at him, wearing an amused grin. Marshall smiled sheepishly and got to his feet.

“I was wondering if you intended to stay here a while,” Lee quipped.

“Just thinking,” Marshall assured him. “We ready to go? Do you have the rings?”

“Right here.” Lee patted his shirt pocket. He turned to Gavin. “Thank you again for all your help, appreciate it.”

“Yes, thank you,” Marshall echoed. “Those are beautiful rings.”

“You’re very welcome,” Gavin said. He walked ahead of them to the door and held it open for them.

“You’re very lucky men,” he said. “I wish you nothing but the best. I’m sure your wedding will be beautiful.”

“It will be,” Lee said. “You take care.” They each shook hands, then took their leave.

“I wonder if I should text Denver and let him know we’re done,” Lee wondered, then quickly added. 

“Guess not, there they are.” The two men were lounging against Lee’s sedan. As Marshall and Lee approached, they sprang to their feet. Marshall noticed they had a few shopping bags with them.

“Find anything good?” Lee asked.

“Yeah, we did good,” Denver said. “How did you guys do?”

“We found the rings we wanted,” Lee said. “They’re beautiful.” He looked at Marshall, his eyes asking a question.

Marshall nodded, and Lee pulled out the box and opened for their inspection.

“I really like those,” Denver said. “They’re beautiful.”

“They are,” Dustin agreed. “You guys are really lucky. It’ll be a beautiful ceremony.”

“Yeah, whenever you have it,” Denver quickly added. Marshall thought he was acting… odd. But he couldn’t figure out why.

Lee gave Denver a measured look. He seemed to be mulling something over, but whatever it was, he kept it to himself. “Then let’s go,” he said, unlocking the car. Denver and Dustin slid into the back seat with their purchases. Lee and Marshall lingered a moment on the sidewalk.

“Is something up with them?” Marshall asked.

“I dunno, but I’m not gonna lose any sleep over it.” Lee kissed Marshall softly. “We’ll find out soon enough, I expect.” He opened Marshall’s door before heading to the driver’s side, and moments later they were on their way, heading to Burnham and home.

to be continued

Now go see what the other Briefers are up to!



No comments:

Post a Comment