csi:ny part 20
Don and Derek had made time to go out for drinks again mid-February. They'd realized if they set aside an hour every few weeks, so they weren't on call those times, it was easier to have time to chat. They were in a sports bar, but it was probably the one day a year with no mainstream sports events, so it was pretty quiet.
"I asked Carly to marry me. Down on one knee in the Square. We've talked to the priest, he has a slot for us the first Sunday in June."
"That's great. Carly and I don't always see eye to eye, but I know she makes you happy."
"That's why I want you to be the best man. I don't want a bachelor party, and I'll even try to arrange for you to dance with Danny at the reception."
"I'll be your best man. But how much of the NYPD's gonna be there? I won't risk our career chances for a dance."
"Just my mom, sibs, and a couple cousins, and I think your Dad's going to be there, as my godfather. Has he calmed down? You said something about his going bonkers over the holidays."
"He has a bit, at least when I'm actually there. Your mom, Ma, Granny, and DI Jenkins have been pounding on him for being mean to Danny, and not respecting my choices."
When Danny got home from work, he plopped down on the sofa where Don sat reading a Martha Grimes book. Kissing his cheek, Danny mumbled into his neck, "Hey, caro. I'm done with work and school stuff for the night. How was your drink with Derek?"
Don wrapped an arm around Danny's shoulder, tugging him even closer as he put down the book.
"Hey," he whispered, kissing him gently on the lips, "It was nice. We seem to have worked out a system to actually get to meet. He and Carly are getting married in June. He asked me to be his best man. He even promised we could dance."
"Sounds OK. I hate to do this to you, but I'm exhausted. Three people were sick, so everyone left was covering double tables."
"How about a shower, shoulder rub and kisses? I'm kinda tired too, I think I twisted something in pursuit."
Danny nodded, getting up.
"I've got some Tiger Balm. That other stuff smells nasty. And Mama sent a care package with this minty rosemary soap, supposed to help circulation, and amoretti."
Moaning as he pulled off his sweatshirt, Don answered, "Sounds like a recipe for a nice night."
June 6, 1994
Dear Mr. Messer,
We the members of the Alternative Parole Board have reviewed your class work and extracurricular activities. We are pleased with your degree progress and behavior. We wish you to keep in mind that the agreement is conditional upon your continued good conduct and high grades. Please alert Donna Fellton (x45320) if the grant organization has not deposited the funds with the university bursar by one week prior to the first day of classes.
Sincerely,
Chief Terrence Jenkins
Chairman
It was the night before the wedding, and Don had kinda broken the rule of no party. He had contacted Derek's three brothers/brothers-in-law, telling them to meet him at a blues club that someone'd told him made good Sidewinders, and had good bourbon. Not to mention that the singer Derek said he'd leave Carly for if she asked, was performing there that week. She was a friend of Prof Hetten, so Danny had met her once. They had a table right at the stage, but off to the side. Danny was going to bring Derek about 20 minutes before the set.
"Danny, what's up with the secrecy?"
"Don and I arranged a surprise for you on your last night of freedom. I know a guy who knows someone. Come on."
When they got to the entrance to the club, and Derek saw the poster of his goddess, he became much more enthusiastic. He grabbed Danny's elbow, dragging him inside. Danny regained control of his locomotion, steering Derek toward the table where he saw the four men.
Derek's oldest brother spoke up, "When Don told us about Jenny performing this week, we figured you wouldn't mind this type of party. Turns out she's an old friend of Danny's guitar teacher, did a guest lecture last term."
They all settled in, nursing their drinks. They all limited themselves to 2 drinks each, especially because it was technically Danny's first time drinking, as he'd only been 21 for a couple weeks.
The next morning, everyone was really happy they hadn't gone crazy with the drinking, because the frenzy started at about 9:30, despite the fact that the wedding wasn't until one. They trooped off to church, meeting Carly and the girls there, though Sam, the moms, and Carly sat on the other side of the nave.
After waiting around in one of the anterooms after the service, waiting for Carly to make herself beautiful for the ceremony, all the men tidied up their ties and cuffs, a few putting on ties in the first place.
The ceremony was short, no flashy stuff, just the vows, and they adjourned to the Barrows' backyard for a late lunch. The ceremonial dances were taken care of quickly, then it was all-out. They each danced with the bridesmaids, some of Carly's friends that had been warned off ahead of time. Don had to fend off Lita 4 times before Mrs. Barrows intervened, taking her to put on a different blouse and for a talking to. She didn't come back for hours.
Once the crowd had thinned out to the Barrows, Flacks, and the wedding party, Derek handed the DJ a mix tape. When it came on, it played a 30-second snippet of "I feel Pretty"--the part about loving a pretty, wonderful boy-- then "Fools Rush In". Don and Danny laughed, recognizing the West Side Story snippet for the joke it was, then getting up to dance. Mr. Flack glared at them as he led Mrs. Flack around the floor, and Lita growled at them from her spot next to her oldest brother, but everyone else was happy for them.