What Happens on the Cruise

67. Elvira

The video opened on the five members of Home Free -- Tim and Austin on a loveseat; Rob, Chris, and Adam standing behind them.

"Hi, everyone! We have an important personal announcement about two of our members," Rob said cheerily.

"We're delighted to let you all know that Austin and Tim are engaged!" Adam continued.

"Yes, to each other," Chris picked up.

"When we met on a cruise ship back in 2012 there was an immediate attraction," Austin began the story.

"Initially we shelved the idea of a romantic relationship when Austin joined us temporarily in October of that year and permanently in January," Tim expounded.

"But as we continued touring together, we found more and more we couldn't deny the feelings we had for each other." Austin gave Tim a soft smile and took his hand.

Tim's eyes were shining as he squeezed Austin's hand. "After nearly two years of dating, we've decided to take the relationship to the next level and make a lifelong commitment to each other."

"We hope you'll join Home Free in celebrating and supporting Tim and Austin on their journey together," Chris finished.

"Congratulations, guys!" Rob exclaimed.

"Yay!" Adam ended.

They all smiled and laughed, the three piling in for hugs as 'Any Way the Wind Blows' played in the background.

~~~

"Everything's uploaded. Are we ready?" Chris asked.

Luke nodded. "I think we're ready. You guys ready for the backlash?"

"As ready as we'll ever be," Rob said.

Chris moved the computer mouse and clicked, then swapped tabs and clicked again, then a third tab and clicked once more. "Okay, it's up on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter."

They all exhaled at once, then laughed nervously. "Why am I reminded of that poem with the line, 'This is how the world ends, not with a bang but a whimper'?" Austin asked.

"Ope! First comment! 'Congratulations, Austin and Tim. Love to you both.' Aww, that's sweet."

There were several more happy comments before the first sour one arrived. "I've been a fan since The Sing-Off, but can't support you any longer if you're calling on us to celebrate such a disgusting lifestyle choice. They could of kept this to themselves instead of shoving it down everyone's throats. Goodbye, Home Free!"

They all looked at each other. They'd expected it, but it was still a gut punch. "Okay, we can't sit here reading YouTube and Facebook comments all day. We've still got an album to record," Chris said.

***

The group of them headed into the restaurant, chattering excitedly. Tim spotted a young waitress passing them. "Hey!" he said, "I remember you."

She turned. "Oh! The guy with the note!"

"Have you been passing notes to girls in class, Timmy?" Rob chided jokingly.

Tim ignored him, grabbing Austin's right hand and holding it up next to his. "We went out and got engagement rings right afterwards."

She let out a happy shriek and clapped her hands. "Oh, they look so great on you!" She turned to the hostess. "Sheila, I'm stealing these folks for my section."