It's not easy being blue -- a cop -- that is, not a good one anyway. Scott Hedrich and Mark Stenner have had each other's backs a long time. Best friends, they've supported each other through girlfriends, marriages, divorces, promotions, the various ups and downs and dangers of their job, including the terrorist attack on DC.<br><br>Somewhere along the way, their friendship turned into something more. Twenty-three years later and they've finally come to recognize what's been the truth all along. They belong together. It's time for a wedding!

For the Last Time

At the reception, Scott’s six-year-old daughter, Kari, came bounding up to Mark where he stood talking to Scott. “Uncle Mark, Uncle Mark, are you going to have babies now?”


Mark blinked, then grinned and dropped to one knee. “I don’t know. Do you think that’s a good idea?”


“Mommy said that now you were settling down and being married, that you and Janet would have babies.”


“I think Janet and I haven’t quite decided about that yet. I promise to let you know when we figure it out, okay?”


“Will you still come to our house and push me on the swing?” Kari asked.


“And help Daddy cook hotdogs on the grill?”


“I like it when you come over. It makes Daddy laugh.”


Mark looked up at Scott and their gaze met. Scott thought for a minute that there was a flicker of sad longing in Mark’s eyes. He knew he felt it himself. Scott said, “Uncle Mark is always welcome at our house because he’s my friend.”


Chapter 4