Free Symphony in Blue by Shira Anthony

Not that he minded the upgrade, but he always felt a little guilty when David did things like that for him.
    “He claims there weren’t any other seats.” Sam fastened his seat belt and glanced up at the line of passengers making their way to seats at the back of the plane. “It is Thanksgiving tomorrow. He’s probably not exaggerating.”
    “Don’t kid yourself. I’ll bet you there are plenty of seats left in coach. Thanksgiving isn’t that popular a time to fly to Italy.”
    Sam nodded, then turned to stare out the window.
    “You okay?” Aiden squeezed Sam’s hand. Ever since they’d called off the celebration in Connecticut, Sam had seemed quieter than usual.
    “I’m good. Really.” Sam brought Aiden’s hand to his lips and kissed it. “I can’t say I’m not disappointed, but I also can’t think of a better reason to call off the celebration than a new baby.”
    “Yeah.” Aiden leaned his head on Sam’s shoulder. “So when are we going to tell them?”
    “At Thanksgiving dinner?”
    “Works for me.”
    “You think David will be disappointed?” Sam asked.
    “Nah.” Aiden knew David well enough to know he’d be fine with it. And maybe in a few years they’d have the formal ceremony with friends they’d always wanted.
    “My name is Natalia. Can I get you anything to drink before takeoff, gentlemen?” the flight attendant asked with a hint of an Italian accent.
    “Something bubbly?” Sam asked. “Even soda water would be fine.”
    “Are you celebrating something?” she asked.
    “Yes. We are.” Aiden fingered the wedding band on his left hand and grinned.
    “I just happen to have something that would do quite nicely.” She offered them a knowing smile.
    A few minutes later, she returned with two glasses of Champagne. “I hope you enjoy it,” she told them. “And congratulations.”
    “Thank you,” they said in unison. She nodded, then disappeared once more.
    “Forever, Sammy,” Aiden said as he lifted his glass.
    “Forever,” Sam repeated.
    Aiden took a sip of the Champagne, then looked up at Sam in surprise. Sam looked just as shocked. “This is really good stuff,” Aiden said. Not that he was a connoisseur, but the Champagne tasted at least as good as the fancy stuff David had served at his last party.
    “Aren’t you glad we’re flying Alitalia?” Sam grinned. “Could’ve ended up with a Bud Light.”
    Aiden had flown Alitalia enough to know that good French Champagne wasn’t the usual fare, even in first class. David , he thought as he repressed a smile. It hadn’t been just the first-class seats he’d taken care of. “I’d have been fine with Bud Light.” He’d have been fine with water as long as Sam was with him. Married to me, not just with me.
    “Love you, you know.”
    “Back at you, Sammy.” This time, Aiden leaned in for a kiss. Sam tasted like Champagne. Better, even, since he tasted like Sam.
     
     
    The present
     
    “Y OU GOT married?” Cary blinked his surprise.
    “Had to do something with that marriage license,” Sam said with a wink at Aiden. “It’s only good for sixty days, you know.”
    “That’s about the best news I’ve heard in a long time,” Cary said as he got up. “Well, except the ‘you’ve got a healthy baby.’” He gave Aiden a long hug and clapped Sam on the back. “Congratulations.”
    “Thanks.”
    “Sorry about the change in plans,” Cary added.
    “No problem,” Aiden said. “I’m just glad we could get together.”
    “Me too.”
    Ten minutes later, after everyone had a chance to congratulate Aiden and Sam, Alex and Jules set the turkey and vegetables on the table, and they finally sat down to eat. David smiled happily as Alex began to carve the bird and Jules flitted about the table, making sure everyone filled their plates.
    Sam leaned over to Aiden. “I never did say what I was thankful for, you know.”
    Aiden laughed. “You didn’t have to.”

Fifth Movement:
Upstaged
     
     
    D AVID SETTLED