The preparations for the wedding were underway and I was feeling a little overwhelmed, particularly since Mrs. Espinosa wouldn't return my phone calls. The bottom line was I needed her help but because of the fallout from Eric's tirade at her hotel, she was counting the days before she would return back East.

Mothers and sons have special relationships that when crossed, can result in grotesque fallout. Eric was no exception. And as I poured myself another cup of morning coffee, I saw him gathering his belongings getting ready for work, the lines across his face already clenched in tension.

"Are you going to talk to Dr. Granville today?" I asked.

"Maybe."

"Would you do me a favor Eric?"

He looked at me, hearing the question, knowing it was a loaded request.

"Talk to your mother."

"Don't tell me what to do Drew."

The silence was deafening as I saw the wall being constructed higher and higher around him. He went to grab his car keys but I quickly took them off the counter.

"Drew, give me my car keys."

I stood firm, holding them in my hand. "Eric, is all of this about you having to make a decision at work?"

He reached for them but I swung around, blocking him. And then, out of nowhere, I laughed.

He looked at me, surprised.

"Oh, relax Eric."

But his face only filled with deeper condemnation so I reached forward and tickled him. Within seconds he returned my dare. I dropped to the floor as he began tickling me. My laughter increased and I saw his sour face begin to smile.

"STOP IT!" I screamed in between howls of laughter, gripping his keys even tighter, but finally I relented--- handing them over. But as he leaned forward, walking away, I wrapped my hands around his ankles. He tripped, grabbing the kitchen counter for support as I reached up and pulled at his legs, laughing, bringing him downward.

He fell to the floor, a giant smile across his face, as I rose on top of him and kissed him.

"Drew, I've got to get to work."

But I simply remained on top of him, kissing him with a passionate kiss. He flinched, but I could feel himself letting go, returning my challenge with his tongue.

I looked back at him, feeling his muscular back along the edges of my fingers.

He swung me down to the floor, rising on top of me as he unbuttoned my pants. I took my shirt off and before I knew it, our clothes were flying from our bodies and onto the kitchen floor.

We stroked each other, our eyes locked, finally ending in a release of great tenderness.

As Eric slowly rose from the floor, completely naked, he paused. I could tell his mind was racing but he no longer looked tense. He felt relieved in our connection, knowing perhaps it would give him the strength to make his decisions accordingly--- or at least, that's how I interpreted him.

He bent down, helped me stand up, and then kissed me again.

In that moment, I knew he'd be fine, we'd be fine, and that I was indeed marrying a man I loved from the bottom of my soul.