Home Is With You

49 • Fulfillment

Jeremy's pov

Sitting down at the restaurant I look around nervous as Homer had went next door. "He seems like good guy." Max said. "He is. We plan to get married." I smile softly just as the waiter comes over. Ordering our food along with Homer's, I see Home walk into the restaurant. "Sorry it took me so long. Did you already order?" Homer asked as he sat down. "Yeah but I ordered for you." I hum as I intertwine my fingers with his.

"Thanks sweetheart." Homer says kissing my cheek. Noticing the gold band on his finger that had the date we met engraved on it. "Where's mine?" I ask. "Do you want a special proposal or for me to just give it to you?" Homer asked as the waiter came back with our food. Holding my left hand out I watch as Homer pulls a a diamond encrusted ring. The ring seemed to be twisted as diamonds glistened around the band.

"It's gorgeous. You know me so well." I say kissing him full on. "Wait. Are you getting married?" Max asked. I glance over at him, honestly forgetting he was there.

"Yes we are. We would like you there if you can make it." Homer said as he ate his food. Watching as Max nods excitedly I smile. "I know I said I didn't want a ceremony. But we can have a dinner at the house afterwards." I quipped excited as I look at the ring. "Eat Jeremy.  I don't want you starving." Homer said as he nudged my plate forward. Eating as I wiggle my fingers, I look over seeing Homer on the phone.

"Georgia meet us at the courthouse on Monday and bring Macerick with you." Homer said. Hearing her worried voice, Homer grunts. "No Georgia we didn't kill anyone and we're not going to jail. Just get your ass to the courthouse at 10 am. Dress nice." Homer grunted hanging up the phone.

"Why didn't you tell her we are getting married?" I asked. "Because we both know she get over excited then she starts calling me non stop. I told her what she needs to know." Homer sighed as he sipped his water. "You better call ma. I'll fly her out."

Facetiming ma I grap Homer's hand, "Hey anwụ m na ọgọ nwoke n'ọdịnihu." Ma said. "Ma isn't this gorgeous?" I asked as I hold my hand up. "Jeremy it's gorgeous. When is the wedding?!" Ma practically squealed.  "Monday. Homer said he would fly you out. We're getting married at the courthouse." I say as Homer chuckles beside me. (Hey my sunshine and future son in law)

"How did he propose?" Ma asked. "Well he didn't propose I kind of demanded he marry me." I say. "You sound like your father. Now let me speak to my son in law." Ma said as I handed the phone to Homer.

"Since my son was too excited. Are you having a ceremony?" Ma asked. "Jeremy said he didn't want one but we will have a dinner with family and friends afterwards." Homer said. "Well let me go pack. I can't believe my boy is getting married, how exciting."  Ma said as she hung up.

"So when did you decided to get married?" Max asked me. "Last night. I don't know but after court Homer was reassuring me, making me feel special, and going above and beyond to make me feel special. And I had a epiphany. Throughout my relationships over the years, Homer has treated me like a king. He knows what he wants, he never let's me second guess or doubt myself or my abilities. He makes me feel safe and secure. He knows me better than I do. He fulfills needs that I didn't know I had." I say as Homer's grab my hand.

"Sounds like a dream. And Homer what made you want to marry him?" Max asked Homer as he finished off his plate. "Honestly you know that feeling of never fully being at home or having a safe space. Coming home to home cooked meal, being able to sit down and enjoy another's company. I haven't had that feeling in about forty-five year. My childhood, to say the least, was chaotic. Even in my first marriage, everyday seemed to run together. The same dead in job, same car, having the same arguments. But with Jeremy. He spends time with me actually enjoying my presence. He doesn't try to change me. Jeremy doesn't try to put on a front or a image that everything is perfect. He wears his heart on his sleeve. He makes me feel at home." Homer said.

"I think I'm going to cry." Max sniffled. "Please don't." Homer grunted. "It's just heart warming to see real love at your age." Max said. "Are you calling me old? Because I'll have you know, I'm still in my prime." I chided. Homer huffs in humor making playfully smack him on the chest. "Let's get back to court. I already paid the bill." Homer says as he helps Max up.

Getting back in the car, we quickly drive back to the court. Max got out the car as he adjusted his prosthetic. "You ready sweetheart?" Homer questions. Quickly kissing him I pull away as I nod.

Getting out we quickly go inside taking our seats in the courtroom. Watching as  judge Mackins came back as the jury walked in. "Give you closing statements councilors." The judge stated. "People of the jury. We can not say for certain what took place all those years ago with Mr. Gorman or Ms. Wong. Who's to say that they didn't ask for it. Everyday people want to live out their fantasies. That is just what my client has done, let them live out their fantasies. Mr. Simmons is a innocent man who is being victimized. Please don't put a innocen man away." Ms. Vargas said trying to gain sympathy.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the court, yesterday I said that the plaintiff wasa wolf in sheep's clothing. I would like the jury to think of the similarities between Mr. Gorman's and Ms. Wong's stories. Neither of them knew his name. They sustained injuries after showing resistance. After going to the hospital, neither of them received assistance. The reports that were filed never being investigated. This isn't just one abusive relationship. This a pattern of ill refute."Max said before sitting down.

"People of the jury please go deliberate. We will rejoin once the jury comes back." Judge Mackin said. Watching the jury leave out the courtroom, we stand up as we go to the lobby. Sitting down beside Homer, I sit anxiously waiting for the verdict.