Wednesday Briefs: Moving Forward #69 (17.1)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day!  If it's Wednesday, 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's saga is almost done, they've gotten "married" in their eyes, and the eyes of their friends. What might come next? Find out in this week's episode of Moving Forward! Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what they're up to! Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Moving Forward #69 (17.1)

The reception at Milly’s had been all kinds of fun. The food was delicious, the beer was cold, as was the champagne with which everyone toasted the new couple. Marshall couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate the best day of his life. And he couldn’t thank Roy enough for making it happen.

Afternoon had passed into evening before they knew it. They thanked everyone who’d come, received their heartfelt congratulations, and everyone returned home. Walking into the house, Marshall noticed their suitcases still sat in the bedroom, right where they’d left them. There’d been no time to unpack when they arrived; Roy had whisked them off too quickly. Marshall reached for his, intending to deal with it before it got too late, but Lee stopped him with a hand on his arm.

“You know what? Those can wait until tomorrow,” Lee said. “We have more important business to take care of.”

“Business?” Marshall arched a brow. “You want to work?  Today?” Surely they were entitled to time off, especially since they’d just gotten married.

Lee laughed. He circled Marshall’s waist, drawing him close. “Not that kind of business,” he said. “I had something else in mind.” He kissed Marshall, softly at first, then with a growing passion. 

Marshall quickly realized what Lee was thinking, and he heartily approved.

He pressed against Lee, rubbing against him without hesitation. He’d come a long way from the eighteen-year old virgin he’d once been, the one who’d been so eager to  have Lee teach him the ways of love.  Lee had taught him a lot, and not just about sex. Their relationship had strengthened and solidified in the past three years, growing stronger until it settled into what it was today. Now they were equal partners in every way. Not that Lee had ever made him feel any less. Marshall realized that Lee was the dominant one in their relationship, and always would be, and he was fine with that. Didn’t make Marshall any less strong, though, in his own right.

“Tell me what you had in mind,” Marshall encouraged him.  He ran one hand up and down Lee’s back before placing his palm on one cheek and rubbing it.

“I think you have some idea already, don’t you? Or are you just playing coy?” Lee grinned.

“Coy? Me? I don’t think I have a coy bone in my body.” Marshall laughed.

“Then maybe you should just come out and tell me what you want,” Lee said.

Marshall leaned in close enough to whisper in Lee’s ear. “I want you inside of me. I want you to make love to me for the first time as my husband. What would you like?”

“The very same thing,” Lee assured him before he claimed Marshall’s lips once more.     

         

They drew apart momentarily. “Roy told me he left a special bottle in the fridge, just for us,” Lee said. “Want to break into it now or later?”

“Later. Right now I just want to be with you.”

“Nothing else?”

“Well, maybe a shower.” It had been a long day, much of it spent on the road. A little hot water couldn’t hurt.

“Not a bad idea,” Lee agreed. “Separate or together?”

That was a no-brainer.

“Together,” Marshall replied.

“Then let’s get this party started.” Lee winked. Of one accord, they both began to strip.

Now go see what the other Briefers have been up to!

Nephy Hart

Ravon Silvius

Johayan

Cia Nordwell

Carol Pedroso

Jon Keys

Wednesday Briefs: Moving Forward #68 (16.4)

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 take a huge step in this week's episode of Moving Forward. Join them in their celebration. Then don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what they're up to. Their links follow my tale!

Moving Forward #68 (16.4)

“We’ve come a long way in recent years,” Roy continued, “great changes have been made in this country with respect to the law and people’s rights. And one of these changes means that you can marry the partner of your choice, whoever he or she is, and your union will be recognized. Marriage is for everyone, which is how it should always have been. But better late than never, right?”

Roy’s words were greeted by nods and murmurs of assent. Rye and Slim gave Lee and Marshall two thumbs up.

The rest of the ceremony passed as if in a dream, as first Marshall and then Lee agreed to the vows which Roy recited for them. Marshall had heard the words before, when watching marriages that took place in television shows, but they’d never held such meaning as they did at this moment, when he was face to face with Lee and promising to love, honor, and cherish. And then they exchanged the rings which were handed to them by their best men, placing them on one another’s finger.

“I now pronounce you husband and husband,” Roy said. “You may now kiss the groom.”

Marshall tingled at the words, knowing in his heart that they were true, at least in the eyes of the people who mattered, even if not recognized by the law.  He and Lee moved toward each other, and their lips came together softly, then more firmly, as everyone cheered. When they drew back, Lee was smiling, and Marshall could swear he saw a tear in his eye. Probably the match to his own.

They stood there for a long moment, simply gazing into one another’s eyes. Marshall had no words for what he was feeling. He’d never thought to see this day, and he was overwhelmed by how much it affected him. Judging by the look in Lee’s eyes, he was having much the same reaction. The sound of Roy clearing his throat brought him back to the present.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he said in a solemn voice, “I’d like to introduce to you Mr. and Mr. Clinton.”

Marshall and Lee turned toward their friends who instantly rose and surrounded them, shaking hands, offering their congratulations. Milly hugged each of them in turn, before announcing, “Food’s waiting at the diner, ladies and gentlemen. I closed it for the reception, and Roy here provided the drinks.”

More cheering as everyone headed to their cars.

“See you there, boys.” Milly winked at them. “Try not to be late, if you can help it.” She laughed, taking Mayor Callendar’s arm. “Care to escort me, Mister Mayor?”

“I would be delighted,” he assured her with a chuckle.

Marshall and Lee and Roy were the last ones left.

“Come on. You don’t intend to be late to your own reception, do you?” Roy arched a brow.

“Since the diner’s only a few minutes away, I don’t think that’s a problem. But first I want to say thank you.  I never expected… never dreamed…” He seemed at a momentary loss for words that matched Marshall’s own.

“You don’t have to say anything, Lee, it’s my pleasure.” Roy fidgeted slightly, as if he was unsure of what he wanted to say. “You and Marshall… you’re more than friends, you’re family to me. And I hope you know I’d do anything for either one of you. Anything, any time.”

“I know that, Roy.” Lee’s voice was thick with emotion. “And I appreciate it.” He reached out and hugged Roy, then Marshall did the same. “You’ve already done so much for us, I can never repay you. I feel privileged to call you my friend. More than a friend, you’re like the brother I never had, and you’ve been there for us every step of the way.”

Roy’s face turned pink, but he was smiling nonetheless.

“Does that mean I can call you Uncle Roy?” Marshall teased, which produced a laugh from the other two men.

“Don’t be a punk, Roy will do just fine,” Roy said. “Now let’s go before they eat all the food.”

“How’d you do everything so fast?” Lee asked as they headed out the door. “I mean, on such short notice?”

“Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” Roy replied. “I learned that from you, Lee.”

“From me?”

“Yes sir. You never gave up hope, not even when things looked darkest, or when our leads panned out into dead ends. You said we’d find Marshall no matter what, and we did.”

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” Marshall hugged the marshal again.

“Let’s go,” Roy said gruffly. “I hate to see a grown man cry.”

Lee slid his arm around Marshall’s waist, as they followed Roy to his car.

to be continued

Now go see what the other Briefers are up to!

Johayan

Cia Nordwell

Ravon Silvius

Nephy Hart

Wednesday Briefs: Moving Forward #67 (16.3)

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.

You've probably guessed what's going on with Marshall and Lee, so let me invite you to a very special occasion in their lives. Find out what it is as the festivities begin in this week's episode of Moving Forward. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them! Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Moving Forward #67 (16.3)

The first thing Marshall noticed was that Roy’s living room was crowded with people, all of whom he recognized. Milly from the diner. Kelly from the grocery store.  Jose and his son, who owned the bait shop. The mayor. Their neighbors, Sarah and Craig Ferguson. And the guys they hung out with at Partners—Rye and Slim.

What in the world was going on here? And where did these folding chairs come from?

He turned startled eyes toward Lee, who was smiling.

“If I’m correct, and I think I am, looks like there’s a wedding going to happen here. Am I right, Roy?”

“You are correct, sir.” Roy lowered his voice, just for Marshall and Lee. “But if you aren’t cool with this, or don’t want it to happen now, it doesn’t have to. We can just make this a welcome home party, if you’d rather.”

Lee looked a question at Marshall, before replying, “I think now is perfect, Roy. Thank you for putting this together on such short notice.” He darted a glance at Denver, who was grinning from ear to ear, as was Dustin.

Everything was beginning to make sense to Marshall now.  After they’d called Roy with the news of their engagement, he must have hung up and immediately gotten the ball rolling. Not only that, but he’d let Denver and Dustin in on the secret. They’d known what was going on, and had held their tongues, which explained the numerous text messages that had been exchanged, as well as the secrecy. The two men were dressed a lot differently from when they’d parted company—shorts and T-shirts had been exchanged for nice suits. Now he knew what they’d been in such a hurry to buy.

Suddenly, Marshall’s eyes widened as true understanding of the situation dawned on him.

“Something wrong?” Lee asked.

“We’re getting married,” he said in awestruck tones just before breaking into a huge smile. 

 “Everything’s wonderful.” He couldn’t imagine a more perfect setting than here, with the man who was responsible for bringing them together, with the people they cared about the most about in the world.

Lee pulled Marshall into his arms and kissed him softly, before turning to Roy.

“You guys know I’d do anything for you, I hope,” Roy said earnestly.

Lee nodded, as if he didn’t trust his voice. Marshall had never seen him so affected, not since the day of their joyous reunion.  Finally, Lee cleared his throat.

“Who’s going to… you know…?” he asked.

“Officiate?” Roy supplied.

“Yeah, that.”

“I am. And if you don’t mind, Denver and Dustin will act as best men.”

“Sounds good to me,” Lee said, and Marshall agreed.

Lee reached into his pocket and pulled out the ring box before he opened it, handing Marshall’s ring to Denver, and his own to Dustin.

“I think we’re ready to begin, everybody,” Roy said. “Thanks for your patience.” He motioned to Marshall and Lee to follow him to one end of the room, opposite all the chairs. There was a low hum of activity as people situated themselves. Denver stood just behind Lee, and Dustin took up the same position behind Marshall.

“Dearly beloved,” Roy began, “I’d like to thank you all for coming today, especially on such short notice, to witness the wedding of Lee and Marshall. For those who know them, you all know what great guys they are. They’re the finest men I know, and I love them both. And if you know them, then you know how much they love each other. That’s something that can’t be denied. And love is a very precious thing, something to be shared and cherished.  So today we will celebrate that love, and bless their union…”

Marshall’s heart beat so quickly, he could barely hear Roy’s words. All he could see was Lee, standing there so handsome, so perfect.  This was definitely the best day of his life.

to be continued

Now go see what the other Briefers are up to!

Cia Nordwell

Carol Pedroso

Ravon Silvius

Jon Keys

Wednesday Briefs: Moving Forward #66 (16.2)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! This is also the first flash fiction of the new year.  Hope everyone had a great New Year's Eve!  If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for some flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers. We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction weekly, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Have you figured out what's going on with Marshall and Lee? The plot thickens in this week's episode of Moving Forward. Don't forget to check out the other Briefers and see what they're up to. Their links follow my tale. Enjoy!

Moving Forward #66 (16.2)

When they entered their bedroom, they found that Roy had laid out their best suits. Come to think of it, Roy was dressed in his, although he hadn’t noticed before, too caught up in trying to figure out what was going on.

Marshall and Lee looked at one another and then at Roy.  “Um, I’ll just wait for you out here,” he said and quickly disappeared.

“What in tarnation do you think’s going on?” Marshall asked.

“I have an idea,” Lee said, “but I don’t wanna say, just in case I’m wrong. I’m guessing the sooner we get dressed, the sooner we’ll find out.”

By the time they finished, Marshall openly admired Lee as he glanced at his reflection in the mirror. 

“You could make a guy fall in love with you all over again,” he blurted out, then blushed at his own admission. But it was true. Lee was it for him, and Marshall knew it.

Lee turned toward him, giving his tie a final tug. “I hope that guy is you,” he said, “’cause I’m here to tell you, I don’t want anyone else.” He pulled Marshall closer, his arm about Marshall’s waist.

“I don’t want you to have anyone else, just me. Forever.”

“That’s good enough for me.” Their lips met softly, as a shiver stole down Marshall’s spine. “Now let’s go see what’s up so we can quit guessing.”

Marshall laughed, then gave Lee a curious glance when he noticed him tuck the ring box inside his jacket.

“So I can show Roy,” he explained. That made sense.

They exited the bedroom and joined Roy, who seemed almost fidgety to Marshall.

“You miss us that much?” Marshall joked.

“Kinda used to having you around,” Roy teased. “You guys ready?”

“Ready as we’ll ever be,” Lee said.

“You look very nice,” Roy said as he led them outside, to his car.

“You do too,” Lee returned the compliment.  “Got a date?”

“Me? Nah,” Roy returned. “Got a few offers at Partners, but no one I wanted to take up with.”

“Don’t worry, Roy, you’ll meet the right guy someday.”

Marshall watched Roy’s face turn bright red. “That’s about as likely as pigs flying, and you know it. Why don’t you guys get in back and I’ll drive, for a change? You must be tired after driving all day, aren’t you, Lee?”

Lee ushered Marshall into the back seat before fixing Roy with a look. “I appreciate your looking out for me at my advanced age, but I’m not quite ready for the home yet.”

Marshall snorted in amusement. Far from it, in fact. Lee was in damn good shape for any age.

When they pulled up in front of Roy’s house, which wasn’t all that far away from their home, Marshall was surprised to see more cars than usual parked on the street, vehicles he didn’t recognize. In a town as small as Burnham, you got to know what people drove. These were obviously outsiders.

“Who’s here?” he asked.

“People,” Roy replied evasively. “C’mon, let’s get you two inside.”

Unexpected butterflies churned in Marshall’s stomach. Whatever it was they were here, and about to learn the truth. He swallowed, while Lee took his hand and squeezed it.

“You okay?” he asked softly, and Marshall nodded. “Ready to do this, whatever this is?” Marshall nodded again.

Roy held the door to his house open for them, and they walked inside.

to be continued

Now go see what the other Briefers have been up to!

Johayan

Cia Nordwell

Carol Pedroso

Ravon Silvius

Jon Keys