Blood Ties

Chapter 8

Kevin waited until Brian woke up, then over coffee explained, what he wanted to do. Brian’s eyes lit up and he grasped Kevin’s hand across the kitchen table. “You read my mind, I was going to ask you the same thing.” The two cousins shared a grin.

They knew that this was something monumental, and it would change their lives forever. But neither one wanted to back out. It was hard for them to go to class like usual, pretend everything was normal. But they knew they had to.

It took a while, searching for the right ring, planning the ceremony. But six months later they were finally ready. It was in the middle of winter, and with a snow storm raging outside, Their friends gathered together in a rented room in a swanky hotel.

Brian shook as he smoothed down his hair, checking that everything was in place. He was nervous. Not about being with Kevin, but making it official. He just wanted it to be over so that he could hold Kevin in his arms. But at the same time, he wanted to savor every moment.

Kevin, in the next room was feeling much the same way. They had planned this for months, and now it was finally happening, all his dreams were coming true. Finally, Nick stuck his head in each of there rooms and told them it was time.

Brian and Kevin met in the middle. They were going to walk “down the isle” together, holding hands. It wasn't conventional, but then again, nothing about this was conventional. They would have it no other way. The cousins gave eachother a private smile, and a deep breath.

They entered the room, filled with candles and the smiles of Howie, Nick, and AJ. The cousins faced eachother, both hands joined, and began to recite there vows. Tears streamed down both of their faces as they proclaimed their love and loyalty to one another.

When it was over, there was not a dry eyes in the room. “That was the most touching thing I have seen.” Aj told Kevin, as they all relaxed afterward, eating, laughing and celebrating. “Thank you. This could be you and Nick one day.” Aj smiled, the joy in his eyes clear.

“I hope so Kev, I really hope so.”

Hours later, both men let themselves into their hotel room. “Thank god.” They both said at the same time, taking off their jackets and flinging themselves on to the bed. “I love you, Brian. Thank you.” Kevin said, rubbing his fingers over Brian’s platinum commitment ring.

Brian pulled Kevin closer. “Your welcome. I love you too.” With that, he pressed his lips down on Kevin’s. He didn't want to talk anymore. He just wanted to make love to his cousin, his friend, his lover, his partner.. and most of all, the love of his life.