Page 60 of Saved By the Pitcher

Mike’s eyes lit up when he saw James and he pulled him close to his body. Billy rushed to Nadia. The floor cleared to spotlight the two couples as they danced.

Once the song ended to the applause from the wedding attendees, Nadia asked Billy, “Would you mind if I dance with the other hot Vicksburg boy?”

Billy responded, “Sure. He’d like that.”

James shot her a welcoming grin, offered her a hand then pulled her in close for a slow dance.

Mike saw Billy making his way off the floor, so he stopped him by tapping on his shoulder. When Billy turned to face him, Mike held out his hand.

“May I? I may not grant your one-time, half-hearted invitation to rub one out with you, but I’d enjoy dancing with the other good-looking Vicksburg,” Mike stated, unsure if he was crossing a line and Billy might turn up his nose.

Billy chuckled. “Okay.” He let Mike pull him into a close dance, and Mike’s heart almost broke at how sweet, non-judgmental and caring Billy was.

“You are the coolest, Billy,” Mike murmured. “James isn’t the only one who loves you and Nadia. I’ll always be grateful that you’re there for my guy.”

Billy looked up at him. “I will be. Mike, you will be too, right? You’ll never hurt him?”

Mike gave Billy’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “I promise I never will. I’m crazy in love with him, Billy. I know I can be a flirt sometimes with people, but he’s the only one for me. I’m pretty sure he knows he has the power to destroy me.”

“He wouldn’t. You’ll never find a more loyal person.” He pulled his head from Mike to look at his face. “Mike, did you mean it when you told James you’d like for me and Nadia to move in with you? Are you sure we wouldn’t be intruding?”

Mike kissed the top of Billy’s head the way James did. “Billy, I’ve hated being alone. I’ve always wanted loved ones around me. I’m forty-one years old now, and I was afraid it wouldn’t happen. James, Maria, you and Nadia—and any kids you and Nadia have together—will be cherished by me. I wanted to marry James, but I also wanted to marry this family. At least, I hoped I could be part of this crazy family.”

Mike almost laughed when Billy jerked his head back the way James often did, giving him a look of surprise. “You are a part of our family. You have been for a long time now, Mike.”

A tear fell from Billy’s eye, and he buried his face in Mike’s lapel to hide his emotions from the crowd. As Mike swayed to his right, he caught James and Nadia giving him a questioning, concerned look. Mike gave both a thumbs up to let them know Billy was fine. At the relief and affection on James’ and Nadia’s faces, Mike felt a wave of emotion. He knew that all his success and money would never make him feel as content as he did in that moment.

* * * *

Mike finished washing and brushing his teeth, and when he opened the bathroom door, James was on the other side, waiting for his turn to do the same.

“You could have joined me. Can I stay in here with you while you get ready?” Mike asked.

“No.”

Mike frowned. “Why not? We’re married now.”

“I have to pee,” James explained.

“You let me watch you pee once before.” Mike pouted.

“That was before I realized just how much of a pervy voyeur you are. Go wait on the bed for me,” James demanded.

“Fine,” Mike said to the door being shut in his face.

After James brushed his teeth and washed his face, he went to the toilet to empty his bladder. He heard Mike calling something, but not loud enough to hear over the piss stream. “What?”

“I said hurry. I miss you,” Mike yelled.

James shook his head, chuckling. “Stop it!”

“Are you still peeing?” Mike shouted.

“Yes. Leave me alone!” James replied.

“Why do you have so much pee? You only had a couple of drinks. Can you speed it up?” Mike teased.

“Christ on a scooter,” James muttered. He went to the sink and washed his hands and face, then he brushed his teeth. He purposely took longer than usual to punish Mike for his harassment.