Wednesday, January 11, 2017

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

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