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In the distance, a big, green inflatable bouncy house glistens underneath the afternoon sun. It has an alien head on it and it's so cute it makes me want to jump.
I direct Benedetto's attention to the bouncy house. "Arlo got a bouncy house."
Benedetto rubs my backside. "I saw, angel." He adjusts my hair so it sits neatly on my forehead for the ceremony. "You and your friends can play after Arlo and Constantine read their vows."
My friends? I don't know what this guy's thinking.
"I'll let you in on a secret." Rushing in, I press my lips against Benedetto's ear. "I don't want to bounce with my friends. Only you."
Benedetto grimaces. "I haven't been in a bouncy house since before my breakup.”
"There's only one way to change that, Daddy."
"We'll see after the wedding."
* * *
Breathtaking isthe least apt way to describe the ceremony. Wonderful, incredible, mind-blowing are more fitting terms.
Since Arlo’s mother is in rehab for her drug addiction, Constantine's father walks Arlo down the aisle. Constantine holds his hand when he arrives and stares into his eyes.
"Do you take this boy as your husband?" the preacher asks.
Constantine beams. “I do."
Arlo concurs with Constantine. "I do, as well." He squeezes Constantine's hand. "You're the best man ever. You changed my life and took me from being a poor boy who couldn't afford rent in Harlem to a boy who lives in a penthouse in Chelsea. You helped me with my adult braces and made me confident in my body. I'd love to marry you, but only if you'll be my Daddy for the rest of my life. Otherwise, you can take this ring and donate it to someone in need."
Constantine leans in and kisses Arlo. He heaves Arlo into his arms and grips his body, then swirls his tongue around his mouth. It’s by far the best kiss I've ever witnessed, and it puts my kisses with Benedetto to shame.
I make a mental note to ask Arlo for kissing tips. I didn't kiss many men at the warehouse because it disgusted me. Now that I'm with the man I adore, I want to improve my skills to make him proud.
"Holy shit." Benedetto turns to me when Constantine and Arlo walk down the aisle to a song by Olivia Rodrigo. "They pulled it off. I can't believe they did it on such short notice."
"It's incredible, isn't it?" I grasp his hand. "Arlo looked adorable reading his vows to Constantine. They’re truly a match made in heaven."
"You can say that again." Benedetto leans in and dusts my cheek with a kiss. "I hope we look half as good when we read our vows to each other, pretty boy."
I clear my throat. "Don’t you think you're getting a little ahead of yourself, Daddy?" I nudge his ribs. "After all, we haven't even told your family we’re dating."
A sheepish look crosses Benedetto's face. "I have a funny feeling they know."
When it's our turn to leave our seats, Benedetto holds my hand and takes me to the after party. Constantine and Arlo are busy snapping selfies at the silly photo booth and chatting with Constantine's friends, so we don't speak to them right away. I never knew how many selfies people took at weddings; what a waste of time. But I guess that's what people do in this day and age.
I make a mental promise that at my wedding, I'll limit myself to ten selfies. After all, we’ll have a professional photographer there. Why do I need selfies, too?
"Here we are, boy." Benedetto gestures to the hors d'oeuvres table. "Paradise awaits."
Fuck. My stomach rumbles as I check out the food. I see a charcuterie board packed with fine meats and cheeses, arranged in the shapes of flowers.
Tea sandwiches with tuna salad and cucumbers sit above a bowl of ice cubes. Miniature quiches with salmon and caviar lie next to overflowing bowls of homemade spinach and artichoke dip.
And there’s an open bar, of course. You can’t have a wedding without an open bar.
"Where’s the Italian food?" I scratch my temple in confusion. Benedetto's entire family is Italian so it makes little sense that this food isn't.
Benedetto smirks. "Have you ever read the Bible, boy?"
"Never."
