Fixing You; Fixing Me

Chapter 39: A Name That Means Something

Zach's POV

I'm waiting to speak with the minister that is going to marry James and I. James is running late. He had a business matter he had to fix himself so I am doing the meeting for both of us. "Sorry to keep you waiting, I'm Pastor Ryan. Are we still waiting for your partner?"

I shake my head "no sir he got caught in a work matter" Pastor Ryan understood.

"I have just a few questions. If you need to get back to me on any of them after you speak to your partner let me know. Now you are Zachary Brian Ripley and your partner is James Parker Harris?" I answer yes and he goes on to ask several questions. I already knew what James would say so I was able to answer them easily.

"My final question is what last name is going to be primary? Yours or James or a combination. Of both?" I had to think about that

"I can honestly tell you I don't know. That's not a topic we discussed. I will get back to you on that one after I discuss it with James" the pastor then went over the schedule for the wedding talk and vows. I was glad he was able to get most of it taken care of.

"Babe, how did the meeting with the minister go?" James smiled, kissing Zach as he walked in their room after work.

"It went well but we have to make a decision on something. The minister asked what last name we wanted on the marriage license, yours, mine or a combination. I never really thought of it before and I'm not sure how I feel changing my name but I'm willing to hear your thoughts on it, after all it's our marriage not just mine, what do you think?" I asked sincerely.

James looked surprised, "well I just assumed I would become a Ripley. I mean the kids have the Ripley last name and you're their father so I don't think you should change your last name either. It makes more sense that I change to Ripley"

Zach smiled "you really do think of everything don't you. He kissed him passionately. "Are you sure you don't want to make a combination of our last names?" Zach wanted to be sure James didn't have any reservations.

"I'm positive, babe. Ripley is my new last name and I'm proud to have it" the two started making out and ended up on the bed.

James phone rang and he sighed "sorry I gotta check this account I'm dealing with is a fucking mess" he glances at his phone "never mind its my mom. She can wait" he starts to put the phone down.

Zach, swats his thigh, "answer your mothers call"

James rolls his eyes and answers it. He really wishes he hadn't. His mother insisted that her and his father take Zach and James out to dinner to celebrate their engagement.

James smelled a trap; he didn't trust his parents, he knew they still had a problem with him being gay and he really didn't want to subject Zach to them. But Zach insisted he was fine with it so plans for Saturday night were made.

James was fidgeting in the passenger side seat on the way to the restaurant.

Zach took his hand "hey it's going to be okay. We're in this together. I got you and you got me."

James smiled and kissed Zach's hand "thank you baby. That means everything to me"

Zach chuckled, "you met my crazy ass mother I think I can handle your parents bigotry towards gays"

James laughed as they pulled up to the restaurant. They walked in and the waiter walked them to the table James' parents sat at.

Zach shook his father Mike's hand and his mother Deana demanded a hug. The first part went well, James' parents asked Zach all about himself and his career in the police force.