Page 110 of Big Britches
“Yeah. When we were talking with Tucker and Evan in the pool earlier, it dawned on me–there’re a lot of folks I love that won’t be here tomorrow. Mama and Daddy, Nana P, Roz, Tuttle–they’re all gone.”
“Just think of all the people that will be here–Tucker and Evan, Shelly and Ben, Barb and Cassie, Alden and Sheila, Chuck and Brody, Sebastian.”
“I know. You’re right. It just–it makes me… sad.”
Pedro shifted, rotating in Titus’s arms to face him. “Listen. Tomorrow is a big day–and one we’ve been waiting a very long time for. It’s no wonder you’re emotional. But think of it like Christmas, or Father’s Day. We miss them on holidays, too. But we remember them, and that’s all we can do.”
“You’re much better at it than me.”
“I’m just relieved to know that it’s grief, more than resentment, you’ve been harboring. You’re emotionally impulsive, T. It’s not always a good thing, but it is one reason I love you–why I fell in love with you.”
“Because I wear my heart on my sleeve?”
Pedro smiled at the idiom. “Yes.”
“I’ll forgive him. You know I will.”
“Yes, I do.”
“Maybe I already have.”
“Good. You’ve always loved fiercely. It’s no different with our children. And, now, we have three.”
“Evan?”
“He’s a good kid, don’t you think?”
“He’s a goddamn miracle. He brought Tucker out of his funk. He’s agreed to help me reinvigorate Project Haven. Sebastian adores him. Says he’s grooming Evan to be his replacement at the Black Sheep.”
“After seeing him on stage last night. It’s no surprise. He’s got a gift.”
“He is a gift. You’re right. We have three children now.”
Pedro took Titus’s face in his hands and kissed him. “It’s so wonderful. All those years ago, growing up in Chiquilá, I believed I could never have these things–a husband, children, prosperity.
“That was temporary. You put your dreams on hold for your mother’s wellbeing. I did the same in a way. Getting married and all–I thought it was what my parents wanted. Turns out, my happiness was enough.”
Pedro gently poked at Titus’s chest. “We carry them all here… where they’ll always be with us–especially tomorrow.”
“I love you. I know I say it all the time.”
“I’ll never tire of hearing it. I love you, too. I’m so incredibly grateful we found each other. When I think of the little things that led to our meeting twenty summers ago, and how easily it might not have happened, it makes me dizzy.”
“Sure that’s not pre-wedding jitters?” Titus teased. “It’s not too late to back out.”
Pedro chuckled, his breath warm and sweet on Titus’s face. “No way. If there’s anything I’m sure of, it’s this. We’ve waited a long time.”
“That we have. And this time tomorrow, we’ll be honeymooning in your homeland, making love where you were born.”
“Not quite. Cancun is close enough for us to drive to Chiquilá. But I have no desire to spend more than an afternoon there.”
“I can’t wait.” Titus moved closer. “And speaking of making love.”
Pedro playfully pushed at him. “Not until we’re married.”
“You’re kidding, right?” Titus wasn’t sure.
“Nope,” said Pedro. “Until I’m Mr. Pedro Torres-Shepherd, I’m a virgin again.”