AUTHOR'S NOTES:
Once again, a little late in posting. Sorry about that, everyone. Working hard on the wedding. I meant to post yesterday, but as it was my anniversary, I got a little bit tipsy. Okay, a lot.
What a historic week! Did we all, those of us on this continent, stay up all night to watch the coverage of the Royal Wedding? So beautiful. I love those kids.
Lady Liz, thank you for all your time and dusting. This chapter sure needed it. Smooches to both my sisters.
Anyone who has not read the incredible Equal & Opposite, or is not now reading the brilliance that is Errors & Omissions should go do so right now. Links to both stories are in my profile.
WARNING:
This story is intended for an adult audience! There is crude speech, hate speech and adult sexual subject matter of a homosexual nature. If you are under 18 stop reading now!
AU/AH/OC
All characters from Twilight belong to Stephenie Meyer. I just take them out and play with them.
Chapter 8: Counting Down
Friday of Labor Day Weekend
(Wedding minus Eight Days)
Emmett was not nearly as much of a wreck when his partner came home the next time. They had been apart for a much shorter period of time, and Emmett had only really been alone for two evenings. Nasir flew out late Monday night. Thursday was Maggie's big birthday celebration in a big, private, upstairs room at her favorite restaurant. Emmett was only too happy to be there to celebrate with her wife and kids, and the rest of her family and friends. As neither Nasir nor Jasper were present, Emmett and Edward just naturally became each other's date for the night. They stayed close to Seth and Garrett. The gay men had to close ranks. There weren't many men there at all. Edward had whispered his secret to Emmett and Seth as the evening progressed with cocktails, dinner, more cocktails and presents. It only made Emmett smile the broader when Maggie played the grand piano there in the Canlis penthouse, knowing that she would find her own beautiful grand piano waiting for her when she got home, courtesy of her generous brother.
On Friday, Nasir was home. The executives who outranked him, and had the terrible habit of planning evenings and other events for him, all had their own plans for the holiday weekend and were gone by noon, if they came in at all that Friday. That left Nasir free to wrap things up himself, wish Joel a happy holiday, and head for the airport. He was even relaxed on his six hour flight home. Nasir was sure that was due to the fact that he knew this time he would not be home for a mere fifty hours. He would be by his partner's side, receive their family and friends, and then in the midst of that company, marry the love of his life. Nasir did not once stop smiling the whole fight.
It was the usual routine of a gate in the South Satellite building at SeaTac, a descent to the underground railway and train ride to the South Central Terminal station, then the long escalator up into baggage claim. Nasir could have done it in his sleep. He sent his driver a text the moment he boarded the escalator up from the transit level to the arrivals level. Nasir wanted to waste no time in the airport. He strode through baggage claim at a determined pace. Nasir wore the full suit that he had worn to work, with the exception of his tie that was now in his briefcase. He did not look around for familiar faces as he strode through the airport, as he did not expect to see anyone.
"Help you find your bag, sir?" a very familiar voice asked as a bigger man fell into step beside Nasir. He wore snug jeans, a dark blue henley that stretched taut across his pecs and biceps, and a wide dimpled grin.
"Emmett!" Nasir stopped, gaped for a split second, and threw his arms around his partner's neck.
"Hey, Nasi," Emmett wrapped his arms around Nasir's torso and pulled his lover into him in a near bone crushing embrace.
"I am so happy to be home with you," Nasir sighed as he let what little tension he had go with the air Emmett squeezed from his lungs.
"Me too," Emmett breathed in the warm and spicy scent of his partner.
"But what are you doing here?" Nasir pulled back. "You did not work today?"
"Everyone knocked off early for the holiday weekend," Emmett took Nasir's hand. "Which carousel is yours?"
"None of them. I left my bag in New York," Nasir gave a shrug. "I see no reason to drag it back and forth."
"Okay," Emmett was fine with that. Almost. "Hey, wait a minute. Joel isn't doing your laundry, is he?" Emmett asked with a darkened brow.
"I will do my own laundry. We have a washer and dryer in our apartment in New York," Nasir stated.
"You're gonna do your own laundry?" Emmett could not keep the amused smile off his face. He knew his Emirati partner well. A man who had been born and raised in a society where men didn't even know where those appliances were kept in the house. Emmett had always done their laundry for them in their house. Nasir often helped, but that amounted to no more than hanging things up or folding.
"I am an executive. I can figure out a washing machine," Nasir stated as they started walking hand in hand toward the exit. "Or you can talk me though it."
"Okay, Babe. Oh, hey, what am I gonna do if I wanna sniff your underwear, huh?" Emmett teased as he tugged on Nasir's hand.
"If you would like the real thing, I will take my pants off in the car and you can nuzzle my balls all the way home. That is, if you had Bobby switch to the limo again," Nasir smiled.
"Now I wish I had," Emmett confessed as they walked outside.
"What do you mean? Where is he?" Nasir looked around.
"I cancelled Bobby when I figured out that I would have time to come get you myself. But in hindsight, I like your plan much better," Emmett nodded to himself.
"I just sent Bobby a text," Nasir was confused.
"And I told him that you didn't know and to ignore your texts if any came. C'mon, we're parked right over here," Emmett led the way across to the parking deck. They took the stairs up to the third level and Nasir's eyes lit up when he saw what vehicle Emmett hd driven.
"Oh, I like to see you drive this car," Nasir smiled as Emmett used the remote to unlock it.
"I thought it would be fun. Not as fun as your idea of nuzzling your nuts all the way home, but it was the best I came up with. You wanna drive?" Emmett held up the keys.
"No. It is your car. You drive us," Nasir headed for the passenger side. Emmett took the wheel of the Maserati, backed out of their parking space, and headed for the ramp down to the exit. They left the top up as, while it had not rained on Emmett's drive in, the skies looked prepared to drizzle at any moment. Nasir slipped off his dress shoes, unfastened his belt, unbuttoned and unzipped his dress pants, and lifted his butt as he pulled them along with his underwear down to his ankles.
"Not that I don't love what you're doing, Nasi," Emmett reached over to cup the much discussed and desired testicles with a gentle hand. "But what are you doing? The parking attendant is going to see you."
"I will have my pants back on by then," Nasir assured. He relaxed into Emmett's fondling touch for just a brief moment, until his hooded cobra began to take notice and interest. Nasir kicked off his pants and underwear, then bent to pull his pants back on. Emmett drove them down the corkscrew ramp very slowly, as his attention was not at all on his driving. Nasir lifted his butt again and Emmett very much appreciated the view of his lover's flopping, half hard cock as Nasir pulled his pants back up. Nasir buttoned, zipped, fastened his belt and even tucked his shirt back in.
"There," Nasir looked to Emmett as he settled back in his seat finally. "As you are driving us, and cannot nuzzle my balls the way we would like, this is the next best thing," he handed Emmett his underwear.
Emmett turned them in his hand so that he could bring the place where Nasir's nuts had been held by the snug boxers to his nose. He took a deep sniff that went straight to his crotch. "Jesus," Emmett let his eyes roll back in his head.
"Peace be upon him," Nasir recited what had once been a programmed line, but he did it now with humor.
"My piece is gonna be upon you as soon as we get home," Emmett dropped Nasir's underwear and adjusted his own swelling dick in his pants as they pulled up to the parking attendant.
"If Garrett and Sethy are in our living room again, they will just have to wait while we go in the bedroom," Nasir had it all figured out. Emmett smiled at that thought as he paid their parking fee.
"You think Seth will wait?" Emmett asked as he drove them out of the parking structure. "You know he'd follow us right into our bedroom."
"As long as he does not think me rude if I do not speak with my mouth full," Nasir smiled.
"I think Seth would fully excuse that," Emmett chuckled. He drove them through the twisting, convoluted exit, and finally merged onto the one way South 182nd Street. This would take them up to Washington State highway 518 which ran East-West along the north end of the airport. That would lead them to I-5, and up in to the city and home.
Saturday of Labor Day Weekend
(Wedding Minus One Week)
It turned out to be such a beautiful day for Edward's party that they took the Grancabrio again and drove with the top down. Emmett had the wheel and Nasir sat beside him. Garrett and Seth sat snuggled in the back with their hair whipping about them wildly. All four wore sunglasses and enjoyed the late summer warm weather. Emmett wore a black muscle shirt, cut much like a tank top, that stretched across his massive chest and displayed his nipples just the way Nasir liked. Nasir and Garrett both wore white tank tops, equally form fitting, and Seth wore a red one. Three of them wore denim shorts and Seth wore leather. Emmett and Seth's heavy Emirati gold adorned their respective wrist and neck. Garrett's jade pendant laid on his chest outside his tank top. It was just a few minutes after noon when they pulled into Edward's driveway.
"It's gonna take me twenty minutes to untangle this mess," Seth complained as Emmett parked up by the house. He reached for the bag that was on the floor by his feet. Seth placed the bag in his lap and pulled out his hairbrush. Beside him, Garrett pushed his hands through his hair and just like that, he was fine.
"I hate you," Seth had always been envious of his husband's ability to be damn hot with no effort whatever.
"Give me the brush, Sweetness. Let me take care of it for you," Garrett took the brush as Seth handed it over. Emmett and Nasir had gotten out of the car and stood by both open doors.
"Are you guys coming?" Emmett asked.
"In a minute," Seth was perfectly content to sit in the back of the car while his husband brushed his hair.
"Okay, but we're in Edward's driveway. If you're gonna really misbehave, come inside," Emmett urged.
"No one can see us here in the backseat of the car. I could have Garrett's dick in my hand right now. No one would know," Seth argued.
"But when Garrett bends you over the back of the car, the neighbors are gonna start to get a clue," Emmett added.
"Oh, that sounds like fun!" Seth's face lit up.
"I'll take my shoes off so I don't mar this nice Italian leather," Garrett was ready.
"Maybe we could park the car in Edward's garage for them," Nasir suggested.
"No, right here is fine. And we don't have time to bend me over the back of the car before the caterers arrive. Which is a shame, because I really like that idea," Seth gave a sigh.
"The caterers have probably seen Garrett bend you over just about every piece of furniture in your house, so why let that stop you?" Emmett teased.
"No they have not! We're not exhibitionists," Seth denied.
"You act like we don't even know you," Emmett scoffed. "Even Edward's neighbors would disagree."
"We do have a few minutes. Want a quick handjob, Honey?" Seth smiled at his husband and ignored his best friend. In answer Garrett set down the brush, unbuttoned, unzipped and pulled his shorts down to his knees. Then he picked up the brush and took up fixing his husband's hair again.
"Let us give them a minute, Habibi," Nasir walked around the car. "If you get cum on the seats, Sethy, you have to lick it up."
"As if I would waste any," Seth took hold of Garrett's already thickening tool. Nasir took Emmett's hand and they walked to Edward's front door. Emmett used his key to let them inside.
In the back of the car, Garrett quickly grew to full erection in his husband's fondling hand while he continued to brush the long, silken, raven hair that he so loved. Garrett's hard bone in his hand drove Seth to distraction. His husband's perfect, hard cock was far more appealing than a good hair day. Seth turned in the seat to face Garrett. He took the hairbrush from him and dropped it on the floor.
Seth took hold of Garrett's staff again. "Now I just wanna suck you," he gazed on the prize in his hand with obvious lust.
"I won't object to that," Garrett smiled as he leaned back in the seat. "Though, we are in Edward's driveway."
Seth paid him no mind as he lowered his face into Garrett's lap. Any further thought of objection was driven from Garrett's mind as Seth moved his hand down to roll Garrett's ample foreskin down to expose his head. Seth closed his mouth over just the head of his husband's cock. Garrett gave a heavy sigh as he felt Seth's tongue draw along his frenulum and Seth's lips ever so slowly slipped back off his penis. He knew Seth liked to start out slow and gentle like this, and was perfectly content to let his little husband do with him as he would.
It wasn't so much the sound of the engine, as the sound of the vehicles slowing down that caught Garrett's attention. He turned his head to see the two big, white, catering vans pull into Edward's driveway. "Oh, Sweetness, they're here!"
Seth sat up. "Goddamn it. I've never been less happy to see them," he cursed as Garrett quickly pulled up his shorts. Seth got out of the car to greet them and give Garrett a much needed moment to get himself under control. Seth gave a smile and a wave as the vans both pulled up close behind the Maserati. Carla jumped out from behind the wheel of the lead van. A pretty, thin, not overly buxom young woman with dark hair, smooth alabaster skin and red lips emerged from the front passenger seat. They, like the men who emerged from their first van and the one behind it, all wore the uniform of the day, a green polo shirt with the catering company logo and fairly short, white tennis shorts.
"Hi, Carla," Seth greeted.
"Hi, Mr. Seth," Carla shook his hand. "I have damn near the whole crew today. This is Sabrina. She's new. This is her first gig. I think she'll do just fine. Sabrina, this is Mr. Seth and Mr. Garrett, the very special clients I told you about."
"Nice to meet you, Sabrina," Seth shook her hand as well. He did not fail to notice the special smile, the like of which he had never seen, that she generated on Carla's face.
"Nice to meet you," Sabrina gave a shy smile as she shook Seth and Garrett's hands.
"Don't be nervous, Sabrina. We're an easy going bunch. We don't bite," Seth tried to ease.
"They won't bite you, anyway," Carla teased. "You guys know all the boys."
"We don't, actually," Seth corrected.
"Oh, meet the twins. Hey, c'mere, you two," Carla gestured to two dark, exotic beauties who looked so much alike as to be virtually indistinguishable. "This is Diego and Danilo. They're from Brazil. Boys, this is Mr. Seth and Mr. Garrett, two of our most valued clients."
"Mr. Seth. Mr. Garrett," they gave great, gleaming, white toothy smiles and spoke with thick accents, which made them fit right into Carla's crew.
"I would ask which is who, but it doesn't matter. I won't be able to tell you apart anyway," Garrett commented as he shook their hands.
Seth narrowed his eyes and tilted his head as he examined their very souls. "I'll figure out a way."
"Alright, gang. Let's get unpacked and set up," Carla headed for the back of her van.
"You are friends of , no?" one of the twins asked while they both wore expectant and interested expressions.
"Okay. Let's get one thing straight, right up front. Milan, Juan, Kiril, you all need to hear this too," Seth called to them. "Mr. Edward is no longer single and he is very much in love. So nobody is going to have special one on one time, or two on one time, or whatever it is that you two were thinking," he pointed at Diego and Danilo, "with Mr. Edward. So put that right out of your minds. Got it?"
"Damn, but, got it," Juan answered for them as he shook his head.
"Hey, guys, you standing around talking? Let's go!" Carla called from the open rear doors of her van. The men were quick to jump into action. Seth was quicker.
"Juan," he put an arm around the Mexican man, "you are never gonna guess who we met the other day."
"Who?" Juan bit.
"A big, tough Marine named Jorge," Seth answered.
"Oh, my cousin? He's a good guy," Juan gave a nod.
"I would say so," Garrett agreed.
"He's hunky too," Juan added with a smile.
"Our very thought," Seth nodded himself.
"How did you meet him?" Juan asked.
"His wife's brother is dating my sister," Seth answered. "We might be related someday," he have Juan a squeeze.
"That would be fun," Juan noticed Diego and Danilo head toward them with heavy coolers. "I better get to work."
"Sorry. Don't let us keep you," Seth patted Juan's back as he let him go. Seth took Garrett's hand as they walked into the house and left the crew to their work.
Before any guests arrived, multiple stations were set up out on the back decks with the pristine and picturesque lake as a backdrop. Edward, they soon learned, had spared little expense. There was a hot dog and hamburger station for the kids, or anyone else who might want one. There was a salad station, a baked potato station, a carving station, and a seafood bar, under glass. Various Pacific oysters on the half shell were arranged on a bed of ice. Interspersed among them were cooked Red King crab broiler claws with half the shell removed for convenience. This bar was completed by a buffet sized dark red Smoked Wild Alaskan King salmon. Even Edward's grill had been made available for slabs of ribs. This was all in addition, of course, to the actual bar, where Emmett, Nasir, Seth and Garrett all stood with their fresh, cold, respective beers in hand, served by the pleasant and smiling Czech.
"Habibi, oysters," Nasir gazed appreciatively.
"Oh. You mighta lost me on that one, Nasi," Emmett screwed up his nose.
"Me too! Yuk," Seth made a face.
"Leaves more for us, Nasir," Garrett smiled.
"We will have to find some other aphrodisiac with which to entice them," Nasir shared his thought.
"All you two gotta do is drop trou," Seth took a swig. "Your dicks are all the aphrodisiac we need."
"If the caterers were not watching us...," Nasir began.
"I know, right?" Seth agreed.
"Woo hoo, boys!" came the call that made them all turn. The ladies in their sun dresses and hats were unmistakable as they came around the side of the house.
"Oh, it's Diane and, that other lady," Seth pointed.
"Hi, girls," Emmett walked toward them.
"Hi, Emmett," Diane reached for his neck and he bent to receive her kiss on his cheek. "Edward still on the mountain?"
"Yes, ma'am," Emmett confirmed.
"He said you boys would fill in for him till he got home," Diane smiled sweetly.
"We are your surrogate hosts until then," Seth greeted. "Can we get you ladies something from the bar? The bartender is most accommodating."
"I'll bet he is," Diane appreciated the view of the barman who listened to them talk about him. "But I'll also bet I'm not his type."
"Beer, cocktail, or are you okay with your iced teas for now?" Seth asked. Both women paused to look down at the large glasses they held. In so doing their faces were completely obscured by the wide, floppy brims of their hats. They looked back up in unison.
"Um, yeah. Iced tea. That's my story and I'm sticking to it," Diane turned. "I don't think you boys know my friend Sophie."
"We've heard the name, but haven't had the pleasure," Emmett smiled.
"Soph, you can probably tell which is which," Diane began.
"I bet I can," Sophie pointed. "Emmett, Seth, Nasir and Garrett," she got them all right.
"Exactly," Diane nodded.
"We look so much alike, it's hard to tell us apart. Nice to meet you, Sophie," Emmett offered his hand.
"Nice to meet you handsome men," Sophie shook each one's hand in turn. "Seth, Diane tells me you're Native American, from the Dakota area."
"Yes," Seth confirmed. "Lakota Sioux. Oglala to be specific."
"I have a lady who works for me who is Native American, and from that region," Sophie stated.
"Unless she's from Pine Ridge, she's not Oglala, but she would be Lakota," Seth smiled.
"I couldn't say where exactly she's from, or what tribe," Sophie mused with her hand on her chin. "But I can tell you she's one of the best dental hygienists I have."
"And her name is Leah Clearwater," Seth was quick.
"Oh! You know her!" Sophie did not expect that.
"Reasonably well, I'd say. She's my sister," Seth revealed.
"Oh for heavens sake. What a tiny little world," Sophie chuckled.
"And she'll be here before too awfully long," Seth placed the woman's arm in his. "So that only gives us so much time to talk about her," he led her away.
"I didn't know Leah worked for the same doctor who fixed Edward's teeth," Emmett too was amazed at how events so long ago could connect in unexpected ways to the present.
Other neighbors arrived, people the surrogate hosts had never met, and Diane bridged the gaps. Justin, Melinda, Rosalie and Maggie, and their kids, all arrived together. Roberto and Leah were not far behind. As expected, Leah was shocked to see her employer present, but the kind and easy going doctor quickly put her at ease. Yvonne arrived with Ren and Larissa. Liam and Owen rushed to Ren's side, who was equally happy to see them, and they took off together across the yard. Stephanie gave Larissa a very sweet hug and the two girls removed themselves to a corner to sit together and play. Rangers and seasonal volunteers trickled in one or a couple at a time. Only the ones unlucky enough to still be at work, or have late shifts were not present, except of course for the small number who did not like the gay ranger, for no reason other than that. Edward had not invited some of them, but some he had reached out to and invited, only to be turned down. With control of the schedule, Roger made sure they were the ones stuck working this afternoon and evening.
When they were least expected, two young men walked through the open doorwall from Edward's family room onto the deck. They looked like they might have just come from their own room or the beach, rather than from the city. Both wore board shorts and nothing else. They padded their bare feet onto the deck and paused. They both knew from the packed driveway, who was not here yet and who was, among the people they most wanted to see. Both thin and shirtless young men, one a good bit taller than the other, had rich, long, dark brown hair that got in their faces. The shorter man who, due to his heritage, would always have darker skin than his partner, also had a cute, scruffy soul patch on his chin.
"Seth!" the shorter shirtless young man saw the man that he second most wanted to see.
"Leo!" Seth was elated to see Edward's half Pacific Islander little brother. Troy grabbed the one man shorter than him in a tight embrace.
"Zack," Garrett, who stood beside his husband, reached for Troy's partner.
"Hi, Garrett," Zack was much less shy than he normally would be around the man he once worked for and laid his head on the older man's shoulder as they hugged.
"So good to see you both. I love to see you together," Garrett rubbed the thin, bare back.
"Thanks, Garrett," Zack expressed.
"Seth, I owe you so much," Troy held Seth warmly.
"You do? Why?" Seth asked.
"If it wasn't for you, I would never have met my guy," Troy let Seth go.
"I do what I can," Seth flipped his hair over his shoulder.
"Habibi, look at this!" Nasir exclaimed as he and Emmett walked over. "If this boy had his shirt off when we were plying him with alcohol that night in the gallery, he would never have made it out."
Zack and Troy both laughed.
"C'mere, Leo," Emmett took Troy in his strong arms and lifted him up off of his feet while Nasir embraced Zack. Unlike Seth, Troy loved it.
"The man behind the bar is named Milan," Nasir let go of Zack and pointed. "I will instruct him to keep your glass filled until you cannot stand up. Then I will help you lay down."
"Ha!" Seth found that very funny.
"Hey, Nasir, my guy's a top, remember?" Troy reminded as Emmett put him down.
"Ah. In that case," Nasir put his hands on Zack's bare shoulders and steered him to step over to Emmett's side. He then pulled Troy to him. "Let us go visit the bar, Leo," Nasir led Troy away with an arm around the smaller man's shoulders. Beside Emmett, Zack giggled as he watched his lover be abducted.
"Whadda you say we join them, little boy?" Emmett put his arm around Zack's shoulders and they followed after Nasir and Troy.
It was advancing toward evening by the time Edward parked his government issued National Park Service Chevy Tahoe on the street, which was as near to his house as he could get. Edward and his boss climbed out of the truck and walked to Edward's driveway. Both men were in uniform and Roger carried a backpack slung over one shoulder.
"There you two are," Seth met them in the middle of the driveway with a frosty cold beer for each of them.
"Oh, thanks, Seth," Roger took his beer and sucked down nearly half of it in one hearty pull.
"Yeah, thanks," Edward took a swig as well.
"Ah! That hits the spot," Roger declared.
"This is tasting damn good right now," Edward agreed.
"Where have you two been anyway?" Seth asked.
"It's a summer holiday weekend on my mountain, Seth," Roger answered.
"We're lucky to be here now," Edward added.
"Well, come join your party. Everyone is waiting for you," Seth urged them forward.
"Are Leo and Zack here?" Edward asked. "I think I saw their car."
"They are. Emmy and Nasir are working on getting them drunk so they can molest them. As if they would need to get them drunk. Of course, as succulent as those little chickens are, now that the prime, straight, meat is here, they might get distracted," Seth made a point of looking over Roger, who was unbuttoning his shirt, very carefully.
"Seth," Edward cautioned.
"You don't mind if I just don't wear a shirt at all, do you, Edward?" Roger teased with a gin as he opened his uniform shirt and pulled it out of his pants.
"Not at all, Roger," Edward smiled as they reached his door and filed into his house. "If you don't mind my friends salivating over you, then I don't either."
"You know," Seth hooked an arm into Roger's as they walked through Edward's home, "it's not a party, till we get a straight guy naked."
"Well, I need to get changed, so that's about to happen right now, Seth. You ready to party?" Roger continued to tease.
"You have no idea!" Seth laughed.
Edward walked to his bedroom door and stepped aside to allow Roger to walk in first. Then he moved to block the door. "Seth, that's enough. He's my boss," Edward stressed.
"Well, how come you get to go in there and see him naked?" Seth demanded in the hallway with his fists on his hips.
"Because I work for him and respect him, and this is not unlike the locker room at the station. And moreover, he knows I won't go tell everyone what I see," Edward made his points.
"Really Edward's my secret boo," Roger stepped up beside Edward, now shirtless. "C'mon, Boo," Roger cooed into Edward's ear. "Let's get naked."
"And because I've secretly been sleeping with him for years," Edward tried very hard to keep a straight face.
"Oh, bullshit," Seth declared. "You think you could sneak something like that past me? Just get your straight, and gay, dumb asses out here pronto," he commanded and headed back down the hall. The sounds of both Edward and Roger laughing reached Seth's ears before Edward closed the bedroom door.
Roger and Edward both appeared in short order, both attired in only cut off denim shorts and nothing else. Roger quickly organized a volleyball game that Emmett, Nasir, Seth and Garrett all tore their shirts off to join. Zack and Troy quickly joined in as well. Roberto and Leah no sooner stood up to join the game as well, than Seth pulled the detective's shirt off of him, laughing gleefully the entire time. Seth was particularly adamant that the teams be mixed and not end up a game of gay vs straight. He made no secret about the fact that it was far more fun to bump up against the sweaty straight boys.
It also did not take long for Ren, Liam and Owen to end up in the lake, under Yvonne, Rosalie and Maggie's close supervision.
When the slabs of ribs were all done, people stopped munching and really sat down to eat. Rosalie herded the wet boys up to their own table and made very sure they did not find amusement in getting Stephanie and Larissa wet. Stephanie had no problem sitting close beside Liam with his arm around her while they ate. Ren, as usual, took charge of that table and encouraged Owen to eat.
After dinner, as the sun set and the air grew cooler, shirts were put back on. Edward set about building a fire in the big fire pit down by the lake. Troy stood by watching and shivered as he hugged himself.
"Are you cold, Lee?" Zack rubbed his partner's arms.
"I am actually," Troy confessed.
"I'll be right back," Zack gave his mate a quick hug and took off at a fast run up the yard and around the house. In less than a minute he was back with a long sleeved shirt for himself and a warm sweatshirt for his partner. "Here, Lee," Zack held up the sweatshirt and slipped the neck over Troy's head. He held it steady while Troy worked his arms into the sleeves. Only then did he put his own shirt on himself.
"Thanks, Zacky. Are you cold too?" Troy put his hands on the taller man's chest and looked up at his lover with devotion clear in his eyes.
"I'll be fine," Zack made no attempt to button his shirt. Even if he were cold, he would not ever do anything to discourage Troy's touch. "Let's sit down here," Zack sat down on one of the blankets Edward had placed near the firepit. There were not nearly enough chairs for the number of people present.
"Let me hold you," Zack spread his arms. He sat with his legs spread and bent at the knees with feet flat on the blanket. Troy was quick to sit between his partner's legs and lean back against Zack's warm, bare chest.
"There," Zack enfolded his lover in his arms and held Troy tight to his chest. He smiled as he felt Troy relax into him.
Troy gave a sigh and leaned his head back against his lover's shoulder. "You take such good care of me, Zacky."
"And I always will. You know your health is very important to me. I love you, Lee," Zack spoke softly into Troy's ear. "I need you around for a long, long time."
"I love you too, Zacky," Troy turned his head and shared a gentle, loving kiss with his partner as he rubbed the arms that held him safe and warm.
Edward got the fire going and people began to gather. He noticed the loving exchange between the men he considered his little brothers and it brought a smile to his face. If only Jasper could be here by his side, to share and experience this place and these people with him. One step at a time, he reminded himself.
When it was time for the caterers to go, much of the mess went with them and they went out of their way to clean up as much as possible. Edward pressed a hundred dollar bill into each one's hand as he shook it in his driveway. Seth rounded up the owners of all the cars who had the two vans blocked in, so the hard workers could finally head home. One such driver was Edward's straight fellow ranger, who had gotten quite close with one of the female seasonal volunteers in Edward's hot tub. Seth took great joy in making the man get out of the hot tub with an obvious erection, in just his now see-through white briefs. He was Seth and Emmett's age and spent nearly as much time in the gym as Emmett did.
The wet ranger in just his underwear fished his keys from his nearby pants pocket and ran around the house to his Chevy Camaro. He had to wait while other cars were started and moved and sat in his car shivering. "Shit! I'm freezing now," he complained to no one in particular.
"Sorry, Chuck," Edward noticed his friend's wet hair. "Were you in the hot tub?" he had not seen his friend get in his car.
"Yeah," Chuck confirmed. "I was in with Rachel and I'm goin' right back."
"Oh. Rachel's had eyes for you since she started in the spring," Edward smiled.
"I really think she's had eyes for you more, but, thankfully, you bat for the other team," Chuck expressed.
"Yeah, glad that worked out for you, buddy," Edward smiled.
Seth walked past Edward to lean on Chuck's car door with a smirk. "Or you could just hand me the keys and I'll move it for you."
"Why didn't you say that when I was still in the hot tub?" Chuck demanded.
"And miss seeing a hot, straight guy in his wet, see-through underwear with a hard on? You must be out of your mind," Seth teased.
"Sorry, Chuck," Edward shook his head.
Chuck pulled his keys from his ignition, opened his door, and got out of his car to stand before Seth. "Did you get a good look?"
"You know I did," Seth confirmed with a smile.
"Good. Now you can move the car," Chuck dropped his keys into Seth hand. "I got a hot, wet chick waitin' on me in the hot tub!" he announced and took off at a run.
"You just can't help yourself, can you?" Edward asked the little Native American trouble maker.
"Your parties are even better than mine in some respects, Edward," Seth mused. "I usually only have Justin and Roberto to play with."
"Give me the keys. I'll move Chuck's car. At least I won't have to move the seat," Edward took the man's keys and got into the Camaro. Seth stood by with a wide grin.
The party went not more than another hour after that. Many of these people had to be at work early the next morning, their host included. Good byes were said in the driveway, and quietly, as many carried their now sleeping children.
"Great party, Edward. See you on the mountain tomorrow," Chuck gave a wave. He held Rachel's hand and she gave a wave as well.
"I know you're just giving that young lady a ride home," Roger spoke with an authoritative voice from where he placed his sleeping son in the back of his minivan.
"Yes, sir," Chuck called back with a big gin.
"From what I've seen, I'd say he's gonna give her one hell of a ride," Seth added.
"It was a great party, little bro," Rosalie patted Edward's arm after she and Maggie planted Liam and Owen in their seats in the back of their own minivan. Maggie moved to her brother and took him in her arms. She said nothing and just held him.
"Thanks for everything, girls," Edward hugged his sister back.
"We love you. Know our thoughts and hearts go with you," Maggie spoke softly.
"Thank you, Mags," Edward rubbed his sister's back before letting her go.
"We're heading out," Yvonne reached for Edward. "Thanks, Edward."
"Thanks for coming, Yvonne," Edward hugged his boss' wife. "Roger," Edward let her go and shook his boss' hand, "I'll pick you up on the way in tomorrow."
"See you in the morning, Edward. I'll have two big, hot, steaming coffees ready to go," Roger smiled.
"Sounds good," Edward nodded.
"Night, Edward. Great party, man," Roberto shook Edward's hand next.
"Thanks for coming, Roberto," Edward smiled.
"Hey, anywhere she goes, brother," Roberto did not need to finish that sentence.
Leah reached for Emmett. "The next time I see my big little brother, will be his wedding eve!" she wrapped her arms up around his neck.
"That's right!" Emmett held her tightly.
"Hey, you're not gonna ask me to wear that old native dress on your big day too, are you?" Leah asked.
"I want you to wear whatever you want," Emmett stated.
"That would be whatever Roberto can get her out of most easily, no doubt," Seth quipped.
"I like the sound of that," Roberto beamed.
Still with arms around Emmett, Leah turned her head to Roberto. "The next time he wants to grab your crotch, I'm going to let him."
"Oh," Seth was most pleased by that prospect and sounded it. "In that case, c'mere, Roberto."
"No, no, no," Roberto danced around Emmett and Leah as Seth pretended to give pursuit.
"Nasir," Leah moved to the other groom to be.
"See you next week, Leah," Nasir hugged her warmly.
"Garrett," Leah moved to her brother-in-law. "Try to keep him under control," she gestured toward her brother with her chin.
"No easy task," Garrett commented as he hugged his husband's sister.
"Hey!" Seth stopped in his tracks.
"Edward," Justin wore his sleeping daughter on his chest and shoulder, "I hope your trip with your guy is everything you want it to be."
"Thanks, Justin," Edward was touched. He put a hand on Justin's free shoulder. "I really do too."
"Goodnight, Edward," Melinda gave him a hug.
"Night, Melinda. See you guys at the wedding," Edward bid.
"That's right!" Justin placed Stephanie in her seat in the back of their GLK. "Next we see you guys, you'll be gettin' hitched!" he stepped over to Emmett and clapped him on his upper arm.
"See you there, Justin," Emmett smiled and shook his hand.
"Justin," Nasir shook his hand as well. "Melinda," they took turns giving her a hug.
Seth stood watching his sister and Roberto walk to their car. He could not help but notice that they came in Leah Lexus ISC. He also could not help but notice that Roberto took the wheel, and produced the car keys from his own pocket. Seth smiled and nodded knowingly to himself. His sister was letting this man in, more and more each day. And from the smiles on both their faces, they were very happy.
"Hey," Seth's remembered Leah's boss. "What happened to Diane and Dr. Kaiser?"
"They left about an hour ago," Edward informed. "They were drinking long islands all afternoon. I'm surprised they lasted as long as they did."
"Goodnight, Gem," Troy at last took his turn.
"Goodnight, Leo," Edward took the smaller man in his arms. "It's so good to see you."
"You too. I miss you," Troy expressed in Edward's warm embrace.
"I miss you too. Both of you," Edward rubbed his little brother's back.
"Gem, I hope you have a really great trip this week with Jasper. I really do," Troy pulled back to look into Edward's eyes. "I can't wait to meet him," he added.
"Thanks, Leo. I know I will. I can't wait for you guys to meet him. And for him to meet you too," Edward smiled with obvious love and pride.
"We love you, Edward," Zack took his turn in Edward's arms.
"I love you guys too. What do you have planned this week?" Edward asked as he hugged the thinner man.
"We're gonna drive to Spokane to see Pops and Baba Tuesday morning," Zack answered.
"As long as you guys are back in time," Emmett gathered Troy into his arms.
"We will be," Troy assured. "We're driving back Thursday night. We wouldn't miss your wedding for anything."
"Okay," Emmett patted Troy's butt when he let him go. Troy giggled at that as he reached for Nasir.
"You know I am going to pat that cute little bottom too," Nasir hugged the smaller man.
"Alright, lay off, you old queens. That cute little bottom is mine!" Zack teased.
"C'mere, you little bitch," Emmett grabbed Zack in a bone crushing embrace.
"Ah! Lee, he's gonna break my ribs!" Zack cried as Emmett lifted him off of his feet. Emmett just chuckled and set the younger man down. Troy and Zack took their turns with Seth and Garrett as well before they headed down Edward's driveway hand in hand.
"Those are really two of the sweetest kids," Garrett thought out loud.
"They are," Edward agreed.
"It's unfathomable to me that parents could throw their child away like that," Garrett took Seth's hand and looked into his husband's eyes with clear compassion. No one was sure exactly who Garrett was talking about. Emmett took Nasir's hand and looked into his partner's eyes as well. They both knew Nasir could well imagine it.
"Edward," Seth stepped to their host and took his hands, "in just thirty six hours, he'll be here. Our love and best wishes are as a warm blanket ever about you," Seth let go of Edward's hands to wrap his arms around Edward's torso. "And if you need any little thing at all, we are a phone call away."
"That's right," Emmett took them both in his arms. Nasir and Garrett did the same, making one big five man hug with Edward and Seth in the center.
"Thanks, you guys, really," Edward rested his head on Emmett's big shoulder. They all stood like that for a long moment in Edward's driveway before they finally broke up. Edward waited, hands in his pockets, while they piled into the Grancabrio. Emmett put the top up, as it was now too cold to drive home that way, and backed out of the driveway. Edward gave a last wave at Emmett's quick honk as he walked down his driveway after them. He watched them drive away as he headed for where he left his Tahoe down the street. Once that was in the garage, it would be time for bed.
Monday, Labor Day
(Wedding Minus Five Days)
Sunday had been a slow and leisurely day, just as Monday turned out to be. Emmett and Nasir spent both days together enjoying each other's company, both exceptionally glad that Nasir was home. They saw Seth and Garrett for what they thought was going to be a quiet dinner on the terrace, but turned into another meeting of the Wedding Council. Seth had a few final details to go over, like the contents of the gift baskets for the out of town guests, when they would be delivered, who would pick up all the tuxes and see them delivered, and so on. Seth pestered for hints on what gifts Emmett and Nasir planned to give the members of their wedding party, but the grooms remained tight lipped. Even Nasir's usual co-conspirator, Garrett, was in the dark.
"Okay, so when is you guys' family flying in?" Seth asked as they all sat outside in the fading dusk.
"Wednesday, but late. Carson has to work that day," Emmett answered.
"Our family is flying in that day too. I'm sure they'll want some time with Justin, Melinda and Stephanie," Seth considered.
"They will," Garrett confirmed.
"That's fine. We'll be with them, but I'm sure your family will want time with you guys too," Seth mapped out the week. "Then on Friday, we'll have our dish dinner!"
"I can't wait to see this," Emmett shook his head. "Where is all the china gonna come from?"
"Does it have to be china, Habibi?" Nasir asked.
"Oh, it does! Seth, I hope to hell I told you that," Emmett stressed. "If it's not china, it's bad luck. It has to be china. My mother will have a baby right here in your house if it's not china."
"Relax, Emmy," Seth laughed. "Much as I'm sure no one would mind your mom popping out another hunky McCarty, I got you covered. Maggie, our nephews and I have been going to yard sales and estate sales all over. We have a shitload of mismatched china for people to smash. Maggie has it all, a whole minivan full. You two will be busy all night!"
"Great," Emmett gave a slow nod.
"Why are we smashing dishes again, Habibi?" Nasir asked.
"We're not smashing anything. We have to clean it up. It's another German tradition. Everyn time someone breaks something, we have to clean it up together to demonstrate that we can work together," Emmett explained.
"Busy all night!" Seth clapped his hands.
"Oh, brother," Emmett rolled his eyes.
"I love these traditions," Nasir smiled. The prospect of a German/American wedding was thrilling to him.
"Oh, Nasir, I wonder if I could borrow you tomorrow afternoon," Garrett remembered.
"Of course you can, Garrett. For what?" Nasir was all for any activity with Garrett while Emmett was at work.
"My father called today to inform us that he shipped a car out here ahead of their trip," Garrett began.
"A car? He shipped a car?" Emmett could not imagine it.
"He shipped a car and he wants Justin or me to pick it up. Justin is busy tomorrow, so I said I would. I'll just need a ride to the trucking company terminal to pick it up," Garrett continued.
"He doesn't even need to rent a car," Seth shook his head slowly. "He can use one of ours. I just don't get this. It's strange."
"I don't either, Sweetness," Garrett rubbed Seth's back. "He said he would explain when he sees us."
"Bizarre," Emmett agreed with Seth.
"Afterward, perhaps we could all go to dinner or something," Garrett suggested.
"Excellent idea, Garrett," Nasir endorsed. "But I'm paying."
Tuesday
(Wedding Minus Four Days)
Emmett came home to an empty house, but he didn't mind. He had to complete some last minute, final revisions on some overdue plans for his boss that held him until after six, and he knew Nasir was assisting Garrett on his errand for the judge. Emmett also knew that there was very little they would not do for the judge who had helped them during their darkest hour. Emmett walked into the bedroom and shed his dress shirt as he did so. He fished his cell from his pocket and set it on the dresser as he shed his dress pants, underwear and socks. They hadn't discussed what sort of restaurant they were going to this evening, but Emmett set about getting dressed anyway. He pulled on good, snug jeans and was just about to zip up when his cell rang with Seth's tone. He plucked up the phone from the dresser.
"Hey, Sweetie," Emmett answered.
"Emmy! Get up here right now!" Seth all but shouted into the phone.
"What's goin' on, Sweetie?" Emmett was not concerned. Seth's was a tone of excitement, not alarm.
"I just got a text from Edward. He and Jasper are gonna skype video call us in five minutes! Four now, so get you ass up here! Oh, shit, I hope you're home," Seth exclaimed.
"No shit? I just got home. I'm on my way!" Emmett slipped his cell into his jeans pocket. He buttoned and zipped himself up as he ran for the door. Emmett gave no thought to shoes or sandals either as he ran down the corridor to the elevator. He did remember to grab his keys, not so much from a desire to get back into his own home, but because he knew Seth would be in front of his computer, in his office, and wouldn't want to move. Emmett flew out of the elevator on the fifteenth floor and let himself into the penthouse.
As expected, Seth was in his leather office chair in front of his computer, on-line, ready and waiting when Emmett appeared in his doorway. Emmett smirked when he saw his little best friend bouncing in his chair.
Seth stopped as he took in Emmett's shirtless form. "Why don't you have a shirt on? If this was gonna be that type of call, I'd make Garrett come home."
"I was changing when I got your call," Emmett pulled the spare chair Seth kept in the room for just such an emergency, up beside Seth's. "Excited?"
"Beyond, Emmy. This is it. I know it. It can only be good news. Mark my words," Seth proclaimed.
"From your lips to God's ears, Sweetie," Emmett nodded.
It was only another moment before Edward connected to them and the screen popped to life. It was then immediately clear that Edward and Jasper were sitting in bed together, side by side, leaning back against the headboard. A more right and beautiful sight Emmett and Seth could not imagine.
"Well, hello there, guys," Seth grabbed Emmett's wrist in a tight squeeze out of sight of the camera.
"Hey, guys," Emmett's elation was clear on his face.
"Hi, Seth, Em," Edward greeted.
"Hi, you guys," Jasper gave a cute little wave.
Emmett immediately took more crap about not having a shirt on, this time from Edward, and finally pushed back. Edward and Jasper confirmed what the two men in Seattle already gathered from the fact that they were calling from their bed, and Emmett and Seth could not have been more happy for them. The conversation went well until details emerged about Edward and Jasper's first night together being in a tent, and not only in a tent, but without the supplies on hand to make the best of their reunion. The diva flew right out of his chair at one point and Emmett did his best to calm him down.
"Okay, so, listen," Seth turned the conversation to wedding plans as he elbowed Emmett out of the way of the camera. "When are you two back in town, for sure?"
"We'll play it by ear, so it might be Thursday night, but definitely by Friday," Edward replied.
"Friday morning," Seth stressed. "Important dinner Friday evening here at my place. You two need to be here," he pointed at the camera. "Also, and I can't go into detail, because it's a surprise for Emmy and Nasir, but, Jasper, I hope you brought a bathing suit."
"A bathing suit?" Jasper could not imagine what he would need that for.
"Did you change the reception to a beach?" Edward was flip.
"No. Smartass. All the groomsmen, and the grooms, need to be ready to go in the lobby of the Sorrento Friday morning. The limo leaves at eleven sharp," Seth dictated. "So you have to be back by Friday in the morning at the very, very latest."
"Okay, we got it," Edward stated.
"I'm not a groomsman," Jasper pointed out.
"You're an honorary groomsman," Emmett stated.
"You are included with Edward in everything Edward does. That's just a given," Seth stated.
"I like the sound of that," Jasper smiled at Edward.
"So do we," Seth added.
"Okay, so, bathing suit?" Edward steered back to the enigma.
"Right. Bathing suit. You will both need one for part of the planned activities. And then for the rest of the activities, you'll need to take them off," Seth smiled.
"Seth, I don't know what you have planned...," Edward began.
"Neither do I," Emmett stated.
"That's the beauty of it. No one does," Seth was most pleased with himself. "Not even Garrett."
"Actually, I'm all for anything that includes naked time with Edward," Jasper smiled at his man again. "And I did bring a bathing suit."
"Good. I hope it's a small one. We'll see you at the Sorrento on Friday morning," Seth concluded.
"I so cannot wait to see you guys together. I'm gonna hug the life out of you both!" Emmett promised with a big grin.
"That'll be great, Emmett. I sure have missed your hugs!" Jasper replied.
"Now, when should we expect your call tomorrow?" Seth asked.
"Told you," Edward deadpanned to Jasper, who laughed mirthfully. "Tell you what, Seth. Expect a call exactly five minutes afer my next text."
Seth narrowed his eyes. "Fine. But if I see you before I get that text, you know what will happen."
"He'll smack me so hard, I'll get a speeding ticket in Portland," Edward informed Jasper who now had to hold his stomach from laughing.
"So long as we're clear," Seth gave a nod. "What was that?" he asked when the knock on Edward and Jasper's room door was loud enough to be heard over their connection.
"Oh, shit. That's room service," Edward stated.
"Alright, you guys. We love you. Have fun and we'll see you on Friday," Emmett expressed.
"We love you guys too," Edward was quick.
"Kisses! Bye," Seth leaned forward.
"I'll let them in," Jasper said and began to move even as Edward reached for the key to disconnect the call. Jasper pushed the covers away and, as he turned to get out of the bed, treated Emmett and Seth to the view of his naked, lithe, and semi erect form from the side, before the connection went dead.
"We almost got full frontal Jasper!" Seth remarked.
"I told you he was impressive," Emmett smiled.
"That's right. You would know," Seth remembered.
"He's not Nasi or Garrett, but he's pretty hot," Emmett teased.
"Well, no one for us would be Nasir or Garrett. I'm sure Edward would say Nasir and Garrett are no Jasper," Seth was certain.
"He might say that, but he would be wrong," Emmett quipped with a sigh.
"Oh, Emmy, I'm so happy for them!" Seth moved from his chair into Emmett's lap.
"Me too, Sweetie," Emmett wrapped his arms around Seth and held the smaller man as Seth leaned on him.
"Though, they frustrate me so sometimes!" Seth made a fist. "A tent. No lube! They forgot lube? How is that even possible?"
"Okay, yeah, that's something I would wanna remember," Emmett agreed.
"Lube is on the list of important things, like, right after air," Seth waved a hand through it.
"I know," Emmett chuckled.
"I feel like they are little babies, stumbling around, who need me to take them by the hand and lead them," Seth was exasperated.
"You know what, Sweetie? They will find their own way and they will be just fine. I'm sure of it," Emmett stated with conviction.
"In spite of themselves, we can only hope," Seth shook his head.
"I think everything worked out for them just exactly the way it should have. Have you ever seen either of them look so happy, ever, in the entire time we have known them?" Emmett asked.
"And we could tell that over skype," Seth admitted. "Oh," he hopped off Emmett's lap. "Garrett's home."
Emmett, of course, heard nothing, but knew better than to ask and had no doubt whatever that Seth was right.
Garrett was still in his Ermenegildo Zegna Su Misura suit and carried his ostrich skin briefcase when he came through the penthouse doors. Nasir was at his side in snug jeans and a dark blue silk V neck shirt that showed off his hairy chest nicely. Garrett left his briefcase on the entry hall table as they walked in.
"Hi, Honey," Seth bounced into the living room from the dinning room with Emmett at his heels as Garrett and Nasir did the same from the entry hall.
"Hello, my sweet husband," Garrett took Seth's face in his hands as they came together and kissed him tenderly. Seth positively loved it when Garrett did that. He ran his hands over Garrett's shirt clad torso inside the suit jacket as his partner kissed him.
"Hi, Babe," Emmett smiled at his partner.
"Habibi, I do not know where we are going for dinner," Nasir ran his hands appreciatively over Emmett's bare chest, "but it is my new favorite place if this is how you dress to go there."
"What if it's a place with all pork on the menu?" Seth teased.
"The menu could be all dishes made from camel shit for all I care. I will not eat much, but I will enjoy the view," Nasir did not take his hands, or eyes, from his lover's pecs.
"Ha!" Seth found that very funny. "We're going to 94 Stewart, so Emmy will have to put some clothes on. Besides, you can enjoy that view all night when you get home."
"I will enjoy more than just the view when I get home," Nasir trailed the fingers of one hand down Emmett's body and ran them into the waistband of the tight jeans.
"Actually, Sweetness, I hope you won't mind a little change in plan," Garrett rubbed his husband's shoulder. "We need to meet Justin and Melinda for dinner. Justin is going to meet us at the gallery."
"Okay. We can go to that Italian place down there," Seth was easy.
"You don't mind?" Garrett knew 94 Stewart was one of Seth's favorites.
"I'll find a way for you to make it up to me," Seth sighed. Garrett could not help but smile. Seth's usual requirements for making something up to him involved worship of The King, or sucking his balls, or licking his ass. All things that Garrett was ever ready and more than want to do anyway.
Seth furrowed his brow as he wondered at the cause. "Is everything okay?"
"I'm not entirely sure. It is perplexing," Garrett admitted.
"What is?" Emmett asked.
"Something to do with your dad's car?" Seth surmised.
"That's just it. It isn't dad's car at all. It's Mother E's car," Garrett informed.
"That big old beigey Rolls?" Seth could not imagine why they would have shipped the thing all the way across the country.
"It is classic and it is in pristine condition," Nasir shared his admiration.
"My car has more technology in the cigarette lighter than this car has stem to stern," Garrett stated disdainfully.
"Garrett! You are a Maybach snob!" Nasir laughed.
"Yes, Nasir, yes I am, and I wear that badge proudly," Garrett confirmed.
"Honey, we just hung up with Edward and Jasper!" Seth shared his news.
"You did?" Garrett smiled.
"You did?" Nasir was enthused.
"We skyped," Emmett revealed. "They were in bed. It was so cute."
"I should think Edward and Jasper have better things to do in bed than talk to you two," Garrett gave a sly grin.
"No one has better things to do than talk to me," Seth blinked innocently.
"They clearly just did it," Emmett informed. "You should have seen them share a kiss. They are so sweet together."
"I am sorry we missed that," Nasir conceded.
"That was a long kiss too. I thought for a second there they were gonna treat us to a reenactment!" Seth quipped.
"Oh, now I am very sorry we missed that!" Nasir laughed.
"I wouldn't have minded seeing that either," Emmett joined in. "Okay, I'm gonna run down and grab a shirt. Are you guys hungry?"
"I'll just change very quickly and we can go. We'll take the old beast. I parked it in Edward's space. I don't imagine he'll have need of it while he's out of town," Garrett spoke as he headed for the master bedroom.
"I'll help you change, Honey," Seth gave a smile that Emmett immediately recognized.
"Oh no you don't," Emmett lassoed his best friend about the shoulders. "Honey doesn't need your help. No dessert for you before dinner. We'll never get going. I'm starving. Come help me pick out a shirt."
"Since when do I need to dress you too? And what if I need to change?" Seth demanded. He folded his arms across his chest and stood defiantly in his leather and fabric henley and tight, very low rise jeans.
"You look just fine and you know it," Emmett countered.
"Sweetness," Garrett reappeared in the hallway still entirely in his suit, save the dress pants that were now in his hand. Below the waist he was clad in only his tight boxers and black dress socks. "I need your help in the bedroom."
"That settles that, Mary," Seth headed for his husband with a very big smile.
"Crap. Now we'll never get outta here," Emmett lamented.
"I wonder if I might indulge in some dessert before my dinner," Nasir slowly pulled Emmett's zipper down.
"Oh," Emmett's frown was transformed into a smile. "Well, you're all grown up, sir. If you'd like some German-Irish cream before dinner, then I think you should have it."
"My favorite," Nasir popped the button on his lover's pants exposing Emmett's trimmed pubes in the open flaps. "And fortunately for me, I know just where to get it."
Fifteen minutes later, Seth walked out into the living room, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. He stopped when he saw that Emmett was seated on a sofa that faced away from him and Nasir was nowhere to be seen. Seth didn't need to see his best friend's lover to know where he was and what he was doing. Seth walked to the sofa and leaned over the back of it next to where Emmett sat. Emmett sat with his legs spread as wide as possible with his feet bound together by his jeans bunched about his ankles. Just as Seth knew he would be, Nasir knelt on the carpet in front of the sofa with Emmett's thick cock deep in his mouth. Emmett did not immediately notice his best friend's head appear at his shoulder. His attention was entirely focused on his lover's lips as they slipped up and down his throbbing shaft, and Nasir's skilled, sensual mouth as it made love to his aching bone. Nasir had started out slowly sucking his lover's big, thick organ, and relished the contented moans that forced from Emmett. But then he sped up. This was not the time for slow, drawn out love making. This was the time to make Emmett come, hard.
"Hoh, Nasi," Emmett trembled as his lover's talented mouth had him right on the brink of orgasm.
"Sorry, tell me again about what a big hurry we're in," Seth quipped at Emmett's side. Emmett turned his head to look at Seth, but Seth could tell Emmett's glassy eyes did not even see him.
"Ungh!" Emmett arched his back as he erupted in Nasir's mouth. Nasir was achingly hard, and leaking in his own jeans as he was rewarded with Emmett's sweet cream flooding his mouth.
"Oh, fuck!" Emmett cried into Seth's face as his jizz gushed into his lover's gulping mouth. Nasir slowed down, but knew to suck Emmett through his orgasm.
"Good at that, is he?" Seth asked from Emmett's shoulder.
"Ha, ahh," Emmett was not able to form words as he continued to unload down his lover's wanton throat. Seth patted Emmett on the shoulder as the bigger man relaxed into the sofa, spent and almost entirely limp. Nasir nursed on the one part of Emmett that was still very hard as the big prick just oozed into his mouth. Emmett put his hands behind his head as he panted from his orgasm.
"God, that was intense," Emmett admitted as Nasir took hold of his still hard bone. Emmett and Seth both watched Nasir slowly draw his mouth up and off of the thick cock.
"That's what Garrett said," Seth smiled.
"I was hoping to come before you got out here," Emmett confessed.
"Well, as good as Nasir is at that. I'm better," Seth bragged.
"Ugh," Emmett's body gave a small, involuntary convulsion as Nasir gave him a last, firm stroke. A heavy glob of semen oozed from Emmett's slit when Nasir did that. Emmett and Seth watched him carefully slurp it from the big snake's eye.
"Shit," Emmett let his head fall back against the sofa. "You think you're better at that than Nasi?"
"Obviously," Seth flipped his hair over his shoulder.
"You think you give better head than me, Emira?" Nasir sat up. "We will have to arrange for an impartial judge to test both our skills. Carson arrives tomorrow."
"Oh, that's a great idea!" Seth enthused.
"Neither of you are sucking my brother's dick," Emmett shook his head.
"You will have to settle this, Habibi. Can you go again, or do you need to wait a little while?" Nasir smiled.
"Not!" Seth exclaimed.
"I might need to wait a little while, but I don't want Seth slobbering all over me at any time," Emmett shook his head.
"You should be so lucky!" Seth wapped the bare shoulder next to him. "I want nothing to do with that big, sticky thing. You would never be impartial anyway."
"Oh, here I thought we were holding you two up," Garrett walked out into he living room wearing snug jeans, the same dress shirt he had worn to work and another more casual suit jacket. He gave a sigh and pushed his hand through his hair, the tell that he had just been most expertly blown. Nasir stood up and held out a hand to help Emmett up.
"Uh, oh," Emmett pointed.
"What? Oh," Nasir looked down at himself and discovered that, at the end of where his obviously still erect cock was trapped in his jeans, was a large wet spot where he had leaked right through them.
"Looks like we both need to grab an article of clothing on the way down to the car," Emmett leaned forward to pull his pants up to his thighs, then lifted his ass to pull them the rest of the way up. He tucked his now only half hard cock into his jeans and zipped up. He stood up and turned. "Are we ready to go?"
"We are," Seth answered.
"We'll just take a second on the way down," Emmett turned to his partner and took hold of Nasir's hip while he curled the fingers of his free hand around Nasir's obscene bulge. Emmett smiled at the gasp this elicited from his partner. "As tempting as this is, can I play with you when we get back, Babe? Do you mind?"
"I am yours whenever and wherever you want me," Nasir answered. "You can suck me off in the backseat of the car on the way home."
"Oh, I like that idea!" Emmett enthused.
"Uh, there's a flaw in that plan," Seth declared with a raised finger.
"It's fine, Sweetness," Garrett put a hand on Seth's back. "We'll take the scenic route."
"The distance is not the problem. How are you going to drive us when you will be sucking me off on the way home?" Seth asked his husband with raised eyebrows.
"There is a flaw in your plan, Nasir. So sorry. Shall we go? The sooner we get there, the sooner we can start home," Garrett smiled at Seth.
"Now you're talking," Seth gave a nod. They all headed for the elevator and rode down to the eighth floor. Seth pulled Garrett right into Emmett and Nasir's bedroom, to discourage Emmett from doing what Seth had just done to Garrett in their bedroom. This did not stop Emmett from cleaning the precum off the head of Nasir's cock with his mouth. Nasir gave a near moan when Emmett did that and Seth cleared his throat loudly. Emmett snickered and quickly found a shirt while Nasir pulled on clean jeans.
Then they headed down to the garage with Nasir adjusting himself most of the way. In Edward's parking space sat Garrett's grandmother's magnolia Rolls Royce Silver Wraith II.
"There it is," Seth nodded.
"What a pretty color," Emmett commented.
"It is a classic, Garrett," Nasir endorsed again. Emmett and Nasir sat in the back while Garrett took the wheel and Seth sat beside him.
"Oh, wow, there's nice wood tray tables back here!" Emmett pulled down his walnut tray table attached to the back of Seth's seat as Garrett started the car and pulled out of Edward's space.
"And so much leg room!" Nasir was impressed.
"I have unpleasant memories of those tray tables," Garrett confessed.
"Why, Honey?" Seth put a supportive hand on his husband's thigh.
"When mother picked us up from school, we each spoke of our day on the ride home. When Mother E picked us up, there was no pleasant conversation. We were to begin our homework right there at those tables in the backseat on the ride home, and we had best have gotten to it before we were out of the parking lot," Garrett relayed as he drove them up the ramp and turned out onto the street.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Gar. Grandparents are supposed to spoil their grandkids," Seth expressed.
"And she really always has, in so many other ways, but Mother E was always a tyrant about academics," Garrett shook his head. "To this day she takes credit for Justin's and my success in our chosen careers."
"I have heard her say something like that to your mom," Seth thought back.
Garrett stopped at a traffic light on the few block journey down into Pioneer Square. Emmett snickered to himself and touched the button to lower his window.
"Hey, excuse me," Emmett waved out his window at the car next to them.
"Emmy, what are you doing?" Seth asked. There were two people in the Chevy Impala that pulled to a stop at the light in the lane next to them. A man had the wheel and a woman sat beside him. The man put down his window to see what the gesturing man in the back of the car beside them, with out of state plates, might want.
"Can I help you?" the man asked. He imagined the people in the big, old car needed directions.
"I sure hope so. Do you have any Grey Poupon?" Emmett asked.
Nasir was taken aback and did not get it, when all three men in the car with him burst out laughing.
"No. Sorry, pal," the man answered Emmett.
"Sorry," Emmett offered. "I couldn't help myself. Have a nice day," he gave a wave.
"You too," the man returned as they both put their windows up.
"Habibi, why would you ask a stranger for mustard?" Nasir asked. This only made Seth laugh again.
"It's a joke, Nasir," Garrett stated as they pulled away from the light.
"I saw an old Grey Poupon commercial on YouTube where two guys in cars like this, but bigger, older ones," Emmett began.
"Like Henrietta Van Cleft's Rolls," Seth added.
"Right," Emmett agreed. "Just like hers. Anyway, the guys have a whole spread on this table. Glass of wine, everything. Because, what else would you be doing in the back of your chauffeur driven car besides eat?"
"Homework," Garrett put in.
"Okay, but in the commercial one big, old Rolls stops beside another just like it and the guy eating in the back asks the other guy eating in the back of the other car, 'pardon me, would you have any grey poupon'?" Emmett approximated a British accent. "And so, while stopped at the light or whatever it is, they share their mustard."
"I see," Nasir nodded.
"It was a funny commercial," Seth remembered it well.
Only a few blocks further, Garrett pulled the old Rolls into his parking space behind Art Forte. They all climbed out and walked in through the back alley door. Melinda was not in her office and they continued on into the gallery proper. Melinda stood speaking with a customer while Moose expertly prepared and crated a three foot tall sculpture for transport. Melinda wore cream colored pants and a nice dark blue blouse. Across the gallery, Justin kept an eye on his very energetic daughter who bounced around him and several displays while singing to herself. Justin wore the polo shirt and jeans he had worn to work.
"Hey, look who's here, Stephie," Justin got his daughter's attention.
"Uncle Garrett! Uncle Seth! Uncle Emmett! Uncle Nasir!" she called out everyone with equal enthusiasm and ran into Garrett's arms first.
"There's my girl," Garrett took great delight in the sweet hug and kiss of his niece.
"Hi, Justin," Seth greeted while he waited his turn with Stephanie.
"Hi, guys. Where is it? Out back?" Justin pointed. He did not wait for an answer as he already knew, and headed for the back hall. Garrett let Stephanie move to Seth and followed his older brother out back into the alley.
"Wow," Justin stood outside the back door, in front of their grandmother's car with his thumbs hooked into his jeans pockets. "That's Mother E's car all right."
"What the hell is it doing here, is the question," Garrett gave voice to what they were both thinking as he stood beside his brother.
"Fuck if I know," Justin shook his head. "Dad didn't say anything?"
"He said he would explain it when he sees us," Garrett informed.
"This car is as old as I am. She's had it all our lives," Justin stated what his little brother well knew. "You think she finally got a new one?"
"Hard to imagine. She loves this old thing," Garrett expressed.
"God, you don't think she's planning to move out here, do you?" Justin asked with clear dread.
"If she is, I'm sure she's planning to move in with you," Garrett surmised.
"Maybe not. You're only a few blocks from here, right in the heart of the city," Justin gestured. "You have little old people just like her right across the hall she can hang with. I'm sure she'd be much happier with you and Seth. Besides, she loves Seth."
"All that you say is true, however, you have a card at your house that trumps both Seth and Sylvia, and her name is Stephanie. Never mind that she loves Melinda too, and that you have a beautiful home that overlooks the Sound, and has very comfortable in-law quarters downstairs," Garrett spoke what they both knew to be true.
"Oh my God, Gar. Our grandmother is gonna move in with me! Jesus Christ!" Justin put his hands on his head.
"We don't know that for sure yet," Garrett offered some comfort.
"Well, what the hell else could it be?" Justin demanded.
"Let's look at this as a blessing," Garrett tried to highlight the bright side.
"That's easy for you to say," Justin dropped his arms and looked toward the sky.
"She can help you with Stephanie. You'll have a live-in babysitter. You couldn't find anyone you can trust with your daughter more and it won't cost you a thing. No more daycare expense. If you're supremely lucky, she'll live out her remaining years with you and leave her entire fortune to Stephanie," Garrett tried to paint a rosy future.
"Isn't that a pretty picture," Justin spoke with clear sarcasm. "I like my home life just the way it is, thank you. Christ, Mel and I are trying to get pregnant again."
"Are you? That's fantastic, Justin," Garrett put his hand on his brother's shoulder. "Seth will be delighted to hear that."
"Don't say anything yet," Justin shook his head. "Mel wants to wait until we know if we are. And Mother E hanging around is not at all conducive to intimate sexy time with my wife."
"Your bedroom has a door on it," Garrett pointed out.
"That's got nothing to do with it! Would you feel like climbing on top of Seth with Mother E on the other side of your bedroom door?" Justin demanded.
"Typically Seth climbs on top of me," Garrett smiled at the thought.
"However you do it!" Justin barked.
"Justin," Garrett turned to face his brother, "Seth and I won't leave you out on a limb. We'll take Mother E as much as we can to give your family some space. We'll share her. She'll have a room in both our homes. And on some of the nights when you do have her, you can have a date night with your wife. Take Melinda out, just the two of you. Be romantic with your wife."
"When you put it that way..." Justin suddenly saw an upside to this potential debacle.
"You see? There is a bright side," Garrett smiled.
"It might seem like it now," Justin shook his head. "Just wait till Mel gets wind of this."
The door opened behind them and Seth stuck his head out. "I'm sorry to interrupt. Melinda is ready to go and Emmy says he has fallen by the wayside, and is about to expire from hunger. He is in fact laying on the gallery floor and Stephanie is sitting on him."
"Okay, let's go. I'm hungry too," Justin headed back inside and Garrett followed. Once the group gathered inside, they closed up for the night and walked out the front door onto Occidental Avenue. They headed up one block through Occidental park and turned left on Washington Street. One block over was the intimate little Italian restaurant Al Boccalino. The candlelit dinning room had only six tables inside with more than twice that number out in the Tuscan looking courtyard. The owner, a bald man with a great, thick, white mustache like a walrus, warmly greeted everyone who came through the door.
"Welcome to Al Boccalino. You are seven total?" the walrus asked with a big smile behind his huge, bushy mustache.
"We are," Justin took charge.
"You would like to sit inside, it will be a few minutes. Outside, we seat you right away," walrus offered in a thick Italian accent.
"Outside okay, Honey?" Justin asked his wife with his hand on her back.
"Sure, why not? Let's enjoy the nice weather while we still have it," Melinda smiled.
"I like the sound of that," Emmett rubbed his stomach.
"Give me one minute. We put two tables together for you," their host dashed off to make that happen.
"Emmy's so hungry, he could eat a walrus," Seth made a valiant effort to keep a straight face. Everyone save Stephanie got it.
"Not quite as hungry as that," Emmett stuck his finger in Seth's ear.
"Stop that!" Seth batted Emmett's hand away.
"If you two can't behave in this restaurant, I will take you both outside," Garrett threatened in the vein of stopping the car when they misbehaved on the road. Emmett and Seth just giggled. In another moment the walrus returned for them and escorted them to their table.
Their alfresco dinning table was set nicely with a white linen table cloth and gleaming glassware. Walrus left them six menus, one for each adult.
"Thank you," Stephanie said sweetly as their host placed a coloring placemat and box of four crayons before her.
"Good girl," Justin encouraged his daughter and rubbed the back of her head. Stephanie stuck her tongue out the side of her mouth with exertion as she struggled to open the little box.
"You need help with that, Steph?" Justin offered.
"Yes, Daddy," Stephanie handed it over to him. Justin easily ripped off the top of the box and handed it back.
"Young fathers are so hot," Seth commented.
"Got that right. It doesn't get much hotter than this, Seth," Justin bragged.
"And he's all mine," Melinda, who sat on Justin's other side, took his hand.
"I'm the lucky one," Justin put his arm around his lady as Melinda moved her hand to his thigh.
"This is really nice," Emmett commented. "One last, easy, quiet dinner before the whole circus comes to town."
"I was just thinking that, Emmett," Garrett confessed.
"I am looking so forward to seeing them," Nasir admitted. "And to meet the rest of the Thompsons, finally."
"Oh, they're a treat," Justin remarked as he read his menu.
"So why do you guys think your grandmother's car was shipped out here?" Melinda asked the question that stopped the conversation cold.
"I have no idea, Honey," Justin played it cool. He dodged a bullet as the topic did not come up again while they enjoyed each other's easy company over good food and drinks.
"Nasir," Garrett placed the keys to the Rolls on the table beside his best friend. Then he smiled at Seth. He was looking very forward to lodging his little husband's big dick in his throat for the entirety of their ride home. Seth smiled knowingly back.
"Nasi can't drive home," Emmett said casually as he grabbed the keys from beside Nasir and put them next to Garrett.
"He can and he will," Seth moved the keys back.
"He can't and he won't," Emmett countered and moved them back to Garrett.
"Nasir, I do need you to drive," Garrett put them back next to Nasir yet again.
"Garrett, I wish that I could. I have such a cramp in my foot," Nasir pulled his bare foot out from under Emmett's bare foot and reached down to rub it.
"I have a cramp in my whole right side. In fact, I think I'm going paralyzed on that side," Garrett rubbed his right arm.
"Seth, I think your husband is having a stroke," Emmett teased.
"All the more reason for Nasir to drive us home," Seth pointed out.
"Maybe he needs an emergency room," Emmett smirked.
"Oh, no. I'm quite sure I can administer just exactly the tonic he needs tonight," Seth countered.
"What the hell are you guys talking about?" Justin could hold his tongue no longer.
Emmett, Nasir, Seth and Garrett all burst out laughing.