Cartography for Beginners (42 page)

"You didn't," said Stuart. "The wait is tedious." He stroked Leo's cheekbones with his thumbs, and added softly, "What?"

"You're worth it, you know," Leo said. "Changing everything. You're worth it. I couldn't let another minute pass without telling you."

Stuart looked at him a moment, then kissed him again. Behind them, someone called to Stuart and he pulled away from Leo with a sigh. "I'm being summoned."

"Go on," Leo said. "I'll wait."

Stuart smiled at him over his shoulder as he walked back to the bridal party, and Leo slid into one of the back pews to wait. This picture was of Jean-Claude, the groomsmen, and the fathers, and the photographer decided to arrange everyone by height which meant Stuart and Jean-Claude were next to each other. Leo expected Jean-Claude to object, but instead Jean-Claude smiled and stepped closer.

Stuart was right -- they would probably not be as close as Leo was with Dune, but there was no reason why he and Jean-Claude couldn't be friends, not if they were both willing to make the effort. Leo would make sure Stuart did his part.

Gabriel wiggled out of Joelle's arms and ran up the steps. "Gabriel!" Amelie said, but Jean-Claude scooped him up with a laugh and what sounded to Leo like reassurance that he was welcome in the picture. The photographer brought the camera closer to take a picture of them, father, son, uncle, and grandfather, with Marc standing on the step in front of Jean-Claude and looking at them over his shoulder. Leo thought that picture would be the best of the entire day.

***

Dinner began as the sun was going down and servers were still hurrying up and down the tables when the moon came out. Leo pushed himself back from the table and waved off another slice of cake, picked up his glass and tried to pay attention to the best man's toast.

Stuart looked like the day was starting to wear on him. Leo reached over to play with his hair and Stuart leaned closer. "We're still not planning to stay all night, are we?" he murmured.

"I'm not. I still want that dance with you, though." The band had been playing for hours, and guests had been dancing between courses. Most of the music played so far were standards -- keeping with the vintage theme, Leo supposed. It was an interesting statement on Jean-Claude and Tallis' approach, that they had chosen things to celebrate their marriage that stood the test of time.

"You'll get your dance." Stuart kissed him and then leaned forward again so Leo would continue rubbing his back.

The band stopped playing and the MC called Stuart's name. Stuart looked at Leo before he got to his feet. Leo touched his back again and then moved his chair closer to Jamie's so he could hear the translation of Stuart's toast.

"When Tallis and Jean-Claude asked me to make a toast at their wedding," Stuart said, "I was surprised, as I'm sure most of you know. I was not fortunate enough to watch Jean-Claude grow up, or to watch him and Tallis be best friends and then fall in love.

"But I have seen them this summer, and been touched and moved by their love for each other and faith in each other." He paused and put down his glass, and then said, "My friend Leo has asked recently what people must do to get the love they deserve. I think, if love is true, all people must do is be themselves."

Everyone was quiet. Stuart swallowed hard. He said, "So, here's to Jean-Claude and to Tallis, and everything they are, that they have been and that they will become. Grow together, children." He held up his glass. "To the bride and groom," he said and had a drink, and everyone echoed him and drank.

He sat and wiped his eyes with the side of his hand, and chuckled when Leo gave him a tissue. "I've been thinking about that toast for months," he said to Leo as the music started up again, "and ended up making it up on the spot."

"I thought it was beautiful." Leo kissed him.

They both paused when they heard the familiar strains of "La Vie En Rose" again, and they both chuckled. "I suspect this is one of Tallis' favorites," Stuart said.

"She's a woman of taste." Leo stood and held out his hand. "You promised me a dance."

"I did," Stuart said and took his hand, and they went out onto the dance floor. They put their arms around each other and began to slowly sway.

"When do you think we'll be able to see each other again?" Leo said, gazing into Stuart's eyes.

"How does October sound?"

Leo sighed. "Far away. But we'll manage."

"Phone calls," said Stuart. "Emails. Just like always. Only from now on I get to be ridiculously sentimental."

"I can hardly wait," Leo said and laughed when Stuart kissed him. "I'd like to come to you in the wintertime. You need to show me Paris."

"I will. Every noteworthy street and bridge." Stuart brought Leo's hand to his mouth and kissed the inside of his wrist, then pressed it to his chest. "I love you, you know."

"I know." Leo laid his head on Stuart's shoulder and looked up at the stars, visible through the trees that surrounded the chateau garden. They were the same stars that shone over San Francisco, something to keep them together when life kept them apart.

Nearly everyone was dancing, the guests, the family, and the boys. Leo's eyes met Dune's and Dune gave him a smile before leaning his forehead against Micah's again. Leo closed his eyes, his arms snug around Stuart, and they danced, slowly and holding each other tight, even after the music stopped.

The End

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