Culture Aftershock

by jtrue

A sequel to Culture Shock. Emmett McCarty's Emirati partner Nasir has a new job and a green card, but will their lives together be as easy as they think? And what will happen to Seth and Garrett? SLASH LEMONS MA

10. Chapter 10

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

By happy coincidence, Liz and I both get to post today. I do so love seeing Edward and Jasper together. As I am privy to the whole chapter, I can assure you all, it is wonderful and worth the wait.

Okay, so I know all of you saw this coming, and some of you called me on it. Yes, it's flashback time. I ask for your indulgence. This chapter is actually the first thing I wrote for this book. Liz said to me, "hey, I wanna see what that looks like" and this chapter was born. As you read, you will learn what I am talking about.

Miss Liz, I can NOT wait to see you again. Miss Maureen, I sure hope you can come too. We'll call it a G3 meeting. Big hugs, girls.

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.

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Chapter 10: Happy Anniversary, Honey

September, One Year Ago

As far as size went, Seth's new car was only a little bigger than his old one. The similarities however, ended there. The white Toyota Tercel that Seth had bought used, had seen better days. And those days had been from long before he bought it. At the time, as a college kid, it had been cheap, economical and reliable transportation. And he never needed to go far. But over the last six months, reliable had dropped out of the equation. First it had been little things like belts and hoses. Then it was the alternator. Then the radiator. His partner had been sympathetic, but never meddlesome. Garrett casually asked if Seth wanted him to get it repaired, but Seth was not about to have that. He would get his own car fixed. Seth was very conscious of the financial inequity between him and the man he loved. He had made a vow to himself long ago that he would not ever do anything that might make Garrett feel like he was being taken advantage of. Especially not after what happened to Garrett with his previous lover. But as the costs mounted it became a genuine burden. It seemed toward the end that the dealership drove it more than he did. Once, Seth had his own personal mechanic. A really hunky Brazilian guy named José who was so grateful that Seth gave him a shot with the Power Bottom of Seattle, and the subsequent excellent rating, that he fixed Seth's car for free when it needed it. That was before the skilled Brazilian top's last visa extension expired and José went back to Brazil for the final time. So it was off to the service department at the Toyota dealership.

Garrett's tune changed the day of the complete electrical system failure. Seth had been on the I-5 no less. A sudden and complete loss of all electrical power took with it the brakes and steering. It was a small car and Seth was able to steer it onto the shoulder. The brakes were another matter, but it was easy to coast to a stop. In that, being on the freeway, had been a blessing.

"Sweetness, that car has got to go," Garrett had taken his hand at the dinner table that evening. He was not being bossy. It was not a case of him trying to tell Seth what to do. His was a tone of deep concern. Garrett had not been happy to learn that day that Seth needed to be rescued on the freeway and the car had been towed to the dealership. Again.

"Come with me to the Mercedes dealership tomorrow. See what you like," Garrett smiled.

"Oh, no. You are not going to buy me a car," Seth protested.

"There is plenty of money in our checking account. Buy it yourself," Garrett shrugged.

"And where did all that money come from?" Seth demanded.

"We each contribute as best we may. It doesn't matter where each dollar came from. It's all ours. And right at this moment what we need most is another car, that you will drive, such that it will give me peace of mind to know that the most precious thing in my world is safe," Garrett stressed.

"Well, I'm sure I can find something reliable without the Mercedes price tag," Seth began to agree.

"I'm sure you can. I could have found something comfortable and luxurious without the Maybach price tag too, but why would I want to?" Garrett countered. "Will you at least go to the Mercedes dealer tomorrow and look around? If you see something you like, get it. I need to know that you will be safe and comfortable, and as long as you are, I will like it too."

"I'll go and look, Gar, but I make no promise," Seth folded his arms across his chest.

"I ask for none," Garrett smiled and leaned to kiss his lover softly on the lips.

Seth had gone to the Mercedes dealership the next morning and limited his choices to the C Class vehicles. He would look at nothing else. Garrett would not have minded if Seth spent over a hundred thousand dollars, but Seth could not conscience it. A little Mars Red C300 Sport sedan caught his eye immediately. It had almond and mocha leather, walnut trim, heated front seats, memory seat and steering wheel positions, auto dimming mirrors, rain sensing wipers, six disc in dash, an ipod interface, a moon roof, and even satellite navigation. All these things made the car very appealing. It was only after Seth drove it that he was hooked.

Until the salesman gave him the final out the door price of this particular little gem. Seth called Garrett and told him he was not going to spend over forty thousand dollars on a car, cute and fun though it may be. Garrett had talked him into waiting there for him and pulled up twenty minutes later. Garrett had Gunther, the General Manager, go over all the safety features with them that even included rear seat side impact airbags. Seth admitted he could think of no car that was safer, but was still resistant. Garrett asked Gunther to go over the comfort features again. Seth then admitted that he could think of no other car he would consider that had the creature comforts this car did. Garrett said he was not completely convinced either, though he was, and asked Seth to take him for a ride in it.

Garrett worked hard to keep the smile off his face as Seth drove them on much the same route he had test driven the first time. He could see how much Seth liked this car.

"I rather like it. What do you think, Sweetness?" Garrett asked casually.

"Are you kidding? I love it. What's not to love? But that's not the point," Seth stated.

"What then is the point?" Garrett asked.

"It's too expensive," Seth shook his head.

"No price can be put on your safety and happiness," Garrett put a hand on Seth's thigh. "You know how I feel. I think this car is worth every penny. But it's your car and you need to be pleased with it. I just want you to be happy, Sweetness. It's your money as much as mine in our account. You get what you want. The decision is yours," he rubbed his thumb soothingly on the denim clad thigh.

Seth looked over at his partner who wore a supportive and loving smile on his face, handsome as ever in the suit in which he should have been at work, but dashed out to join him in what should have been an easy endeavor.

"Well, I really do like it," Seth drew ever closer to giving in.

"Then you should get it," Garrett encouraged.

"It's not too expensive?" Seth was still a little reluctant.

"I don't find it expensive at all. Would it make you feel better if we call it an early anniversary present?" Garrett offered.

"It would not!" Seth exclaimed.

"Why not?" Garrett queried.

"Because I'll never be able to do something this nice for you," Seth explained.

Or could he? Seth thought of little else in the two weeks since the purchase of his Mercedes leading up to his and Garrett's first anniversary. The first anniversary of their moving in together. In a way he missed his little Tercel. It had been his first car. Emmett had been with him when he bought it. Of course, so had Jared. There were far more good memories associated with it than bad, in the end. The C300 was so much fun to drive, it was easy to put the old car from his mind.

It was unseasonably cold that September. The type of cold, drizzly, damp weather that went right through you. Seth had shivered in spite of his warm clothes, until the car heated up, on his drive home from work on the day of his anniversary. He and Garrett had certainly been an exclusive, committed couple for longer than that, and Seth would readily admit that he loved his man for longer than a year, but it was one year ago today that Seth moved from the eighth floor to the fifteenth. Garrett, with Rosalie's help, had negotiated the previous owners right out of their penthouse. It turned out to need some major work, but Garrett did not mind that one bit. Seth knew that Garrett purchased in his building, without any prompting from him, so that they would always be near Emmett. Immediately after closing, and with Seth's help, renovations began on the kitchen, all of the bathrooms and what was today the media room. Every floor and carpet was replaced. Other rooms needed small, cosmetic things, some no more than paint, but for the most part those were insignificant. Garrett, in true Garrett fashion, had told Seth while the renovations were underway, that he really wanted Seth's input as he wanted Seth to love it as much as he did, and for it to feel like home to Seth as much as it would to him. Garrett said that he hoped someday Seth would consider living there with him, that he could think of nothing more wonderful in the world than waking up next to Seth for the rest of his life. The man in no way pressured Seth at all and in the end it was entirely Seth's decision. When the penthouse was ready, they moved into their new home together. That was the night, for the first time in Seth's life, that he shared a bed with his partner not for the night, but for the start of their lifetime together. And that was one year ago today. Seth smiled to remember how he and his giant teddy bear best friend had both sat on the floor of what was until that day Seth's room and cried. They had lived together for seven years and it was the end of an era. It was only seven floors that separated them, and they were each very grateful to Garrett for his insight and wisdom, for now that it had come, they both did not think they could handle more distance than that.

It was not long after they moved in together when Garrett brought it up the first time. Garrett was a top, and he was a damn good one. He fit Seth ideally as he did not at all resist relinquishing total control of their sex to his very talented bottom. Over time, Seth reached a level of comfortable and secure intimacy with his partner to occasionally give up control of their sex to his top, something he had never willingly done with any other man, and he never regretted it when he did. A fact Emmett heard all about the very next day after the first time that happened. Seth shook his head as he remembered how his enormous best friend had picked him up and spun him around like a little doll, something he absolutely despised, and told him that now he knew the true joy of being topped, something Emmett had been trying to express all the years they had known each other. Seth had admitted that yes, with a really good top, sometimes that is nice and sometimes he might be in the mood for that, but for the most part sex was where he held all the power.

So it was that Garrett's offer, when it came, took Seth by surprise. They had lived in their penthouse as a domestic couple for only a couple of months. It was as they lay in each other's arms in their big bed in languid post coital bliss.

"You know, Sweetness, if you ever feel like you want to take me," Garrett ran a finger lightly up and down a brown arm. "I'm yours."

"Take you? You mean, top you, fuck you?" Seth asked to clarify.

"Yes. If you want to make love to me, the way I do to you, you need only say. All of me belongs to you. There is nothing I would deny you," Garrett added.

"But, you've never done that," Seth pointed out.

"And I know you haven't either. It would be a first for both of us. I love you so much, Seth," Garrett brushed Seth's hair further out of his face with gentle, loving fingers. "You make me want to do everything with you," he confessed. Seth did not need his divining powers to see the sincerity on his lover's face and hear it in his voice.

"Tell me why you've never bottomed before," Seth put a hand to Garrett's face. Garrett turned his head to kiss Seth's palm before he answered.

"I'm a top. I know you know that. I always have been. From a purely sexual standpoint, that feeling of being inside another man, taking him and making his body respond to me is the best, but with you," Garrett laid his hand flat on Seth's chest, "it is so much more than that. With you I feel I am truly making love, and when you take and keep control, that you are making love to me, even though I am inside you. When you did that the first time we were together, that certainly was a first for me. It was surprising and exhilarating. I find there are many firsts with you. I have never before in my life had any desire to experience anyone inside me. But you, Seth," he looked at the darker skinned man's face with wonder, "inspire in me a desire to experience everything with you. I want to for us to leave no boundary unexplored, together."

"Oh, Gar," Seth had been overwhelmed with emotion and with glistening eyes took fistfuls of Garrett's rich, brown hair and pulled their faces together. Seth kissed his lover with as much feeling and passion and intensity as they had in the midst of their mutual orgasm, and Garrett responded in kind. Seth pulled hard on Garrett's hair in this kiss and the bigger man loved it. They felt their erections grow between them as their deep kiss restored their spent organs to life. Only when both bones throbbed between them did Seth break their kiss. Both men panted as they took a moment to catch their breath. Seth rolled back slightly from Garrett as he took hold of his big python and held it up.

"Are you sure you want to start with this?" Seth asked with a smirk.

"It's this one or none, but I take your point," Garrett smiled. He ran his hand down Seth's trim body until his fingers circled the thick base of his lover's hard penis. "You are a substantial and mouth watering man, Seth Clearwater, and any man would be a fool not to be intimidated by this formidable weapon. However, you are my partner and lover, and I love and trust you to be careful and gentle with me. I am in fact, in this regard, as you know, a virgin."

"That sounds so funny, even though it's true," Seth agreed. "I am too then, really. It kinda turns me on. And I get to be the one to deflower this super hot guy," he ran a hand appreciatively over Garrett's firm chest.

"Yes, you do," Garrett smiled and kissed his way across Seth's jaw.

"Say, how about you show me how mouth watering I am," Seth suggested.

"With pleasure, my little, big beauty," Garrett slid down the bed and wrapped his lips around his lover's big cock.

Seth knew the answer to the question Garrett did not ask. He knew why he had never topped before. A top almost without exception had control of the sexual experience. A strong, talented top could make that experience a very good one. An overly dominant top could make that experience less than pleasant. Jared had driven Seth down that street in spades. It was part of the top's role to maintain control and manage the sexual coupling. A bottom however, who could take that control and choreograph every aspect of the sexual encounter, rendering a strong, masterful top as so much putty in his hands, knew true power. Seth loved the feeling of a man inside him. He had since the first time Jared stuck it in him. And to be able to extract satisfaction from those tops lucky enough to take him to bed, as and how he wished, making them come only when he was ready, was most rewarding. There was another reason he had never wanted to top. In that position control was expected of him. There was no satisfaction to be gained by taking it.

Of course, it was different with Garrett. For the first time in his life, Seth was as concerned for his top's pleasure as his own, if not more so. Garrett really made Seth think that night, while he skillfully sucked his little lover to a second explosive orgasm. Seth found himself considering it. He loved Garrett. If Garrett wanted to explore this with him, then of course he wanted that too, for Garrett. But he didn't want to hurt his lover, as in his case was entirely likely. For the first time in his life, Seth was sorry that he had such a big dick.

The unusual sight of what looked like a bus parked in front of their building was what brought Seth out of his recollection, but he thought little of it as he drove around to the side and the ramp down to the underground parking gate. Once inside the garage he laughed to himself, as he often did, as he drove past Emmett's Range Rover and Nasir's McLaren. Seth could not remember how many times he had, without thinking, out of habit, parked beside Emmett and only realized it when he reached for the button in the elevator. And sometimes not even then. Even after Nasir had moved in with Emmett, Seth would sometimes head for his car in the morning, only to find Nasir's car in his parking space. Nasir never said anything and did not mind at all when he found his space occupied by a little red Mercedes sport sedan. Seth parked in his correct space, and drew his long hooded leather coat closer about himself in the cold, damp garage as he walked to the lift. It was a quick ascent to the fifteenth floor. Seth pushed his hood back off of his head as he walked out into the elevator lobby and his own double front doors of Penthouse A. He inserted his key into the lock and opened the door.

It was not easy to take Seth Clearwater by surprise, but they did. He did not expect to find a crowd waiting for him in his living room.

"Here he is!" Emmett boomed.

"Oh, my God," Seth smiled.

"Happy anniversary, Sweetie," Emmett walked into the entry hall as Seth slipped the strap of his messenger bag over his head. Emmett bent to give his best friend a kiss on the lips. The bigger man wore an open dark blue cardigan over a deep V neck white tee shirt and snug jeans. Seth shed his floor length leather coat. He wore tight black leather pants to match, a red tank top and an unbuttoned white oxford for warmth.

"Happy anniversary, Emira!" Nasir swept Seth up in his arms in a tight hug. He wore an off white sweater of thick Irish wool with a thick collar that was open in the front to reveal a hint of the hairy chest within, and jeans like his partner.

"This is a special, happy day, so I'm gonna let that go," Seth hugged him back.

"I love you, Sethy," Nasir kissed Seth on his lips.

"I love you too, ya crazy Arab," Seth teased. "What a nice surprise this is," he smiled as the rest of the family lined up to greet him.

"Oh, this isn't the surprise," Emmett shook his head.

"What?" Seth asked. His attention was taken by Melinda in the jeans and bulky sweater she had worn at the gallery that day.

"There's my little cutie. I'm so happy for you guys, Seth," Melinda held Seth to her.

"Thanks, Malynn," Seth drew back enough to give her a kiss.

"Hey, Seth," Justin took his turn. He wore the dress shirt and khakis he had worn to work.

"Hi, Token," Seth wrapped his arms around the straight man.

"Nice," Justin laughed with Seth. "Seriously, thanks for making my brother so happy, Seth."

"I can assure you, Mr. Thompson, the pleasure is all mine," Seth smiled.

"Hey, Pipsqueak, how'd you get that sweet, hot guy to put up with you for this long?" Rosalie walked over as Seth released Justin. The blonde bombshell had taken no more time than necessary to pick up her wife on the way from the brokerage. She wore the high heels, tight skirt and suit type jacket with nothing beneath that she had made power deals in all day.

"Rosie," Maggie gently chastised.

"I learned from the best, Rose," Seth accepted Maggie's hug. "I watched a big, mean barracuda pull the wool over a sweet Irish girl's eyes for years."

"You two," Maggie shook her head. She wore a loose floor length skirt with a warm top. She pointed at her tall, hot wife as she let Seth go. "You asked for that. You started it."

"Please," Rose was dismissive. "I made like eighty thousand dollars on that deal today. Nothing he says can bother me. Besides, the runt knows I'm playing," she pulled Seth to her.

"Go smother someone else with your giant Amazon boobs," Seth turned to find Juan in white tux shirt and black pants holding a tray of flutes of champagne. "Oh, well it's ever so nice to see you, Juan," he took a flute.

"Mr. Seth, happy anniversary," Juan smiled.

"Thank you, Juan," Seth patted the sweet Hispanic on his arm. "Oh," he turned to Emmett. "I wish Edward could be here with us."

"I know. He's been gone so long. I miss him," Emmett agreed.

"We all do," Nasir added as he put an arm around his partner. "The season is just about over. I'm sure we will see him soon."

"I hope so," Emmett nodded. "It's just too bad he couldn't be here for Seth's anniversary."

"If he's not here for my Halloween party next month, his name will be Ranger Mud," Seth threatened.

The front door opened again at just that moment and Garrett, in his obviously expensive and impeccably tailored suit, ostrich skin briefcase in hand, arrived home.

"Oh," Garrett raised his eyebrows in surprise.

"Welcome home and happy anniversary, Honey," Seth bounced to his partner without spilling a drop from his flute.

"Every day that I get to come home to you is special, Sweetness," Garrett gave his lover a gentle, lingering kiss on his lips. "Did you plan this?"

"Nope. I thought you did," Seth answered.

"Nasir told me I wasn't permitted to make plans," Garrett stated.

"What?" Seth furrowed his brow. Garrett did not have a chance to answer as Nasir took him tightly in his arms. Emmett relieved Garrett of his briefcase so that he could hug Nasir back.

"This is a special day, Garrett. We love you both so much," Nasir spoke softly into Garrett's ear.

"I count us very fortunate to have you and Emmett in our lives. We love you very much too," Garrett returned. Nasir then let Garrett go so that Emmett could take his turn. After the big man, the line for Garrett formed behind his brother. Garrett took a flute at last from patiently waiting Juan.

"The real toasts will come later, but for this moment," Nasir began as he held his flute aloft, "I just want to wish the two sweetest men I know a very happy anniversary."

"Thank you, Nasir," Garrett smiled. Everyone wished well and took a sip.

"I wonder why Leah's not here?" Seth mused aloud even as the house phone began to ring.

"Juan, would you get that please?" Garrett asked.

"She must just be running late, Sweetie," Emmett surmised. Juan was back in just a moment.

"Miss Leah is on her way up, Mr. Garrett," Juan relayed.

"Thank you, Juan," Garrett nodded.

"How do you do that?" Justin asked. Seth just smiled.

It only took a minute for Leah Clearwater to rush through the door. She wore a leather jacket over dark blue scrubs and carried a big overnight bag in addition to her purse.

"I'm so sorry I'm late," Leah went straight for her brother. "I wanted to be here to surprise you too," she took Seth in her one free arm.

"Let me take that for you, Sis," Emmett was ever the gentleman.

"Thanks, Em," Leah let her bags go so that she could hug her brother properly. "My last cleaning ran so late. If he wasn't cute I would have told his ass to make another appointment," she let Seth go and turned to Garrett. "Thank you so much for just basically being you, Garrett."

"Well, that's an easy job to do," Garrett chuckled. "Have some champagne," he gestured to summon Juan.

"Thanks," Leah accepted her flute and took a sip. "I needed that," she said with a sigh. "Well, give me my bag. I'll just go get changed real quick."

"You normally carry an overnight bag with you?" Seth narrowed his eyes.

Leah just stared at her brother for a long moment. "Yeah," she said casually and headed for the nearest guest room.

"Oh no you don't. Come back here!" Seth demanded of his sister's retreating back. "Okay, now what's going on?" he looked to Garrett, Emmett and Nasir with a fist on his hip.

"I genuinely have no idea, Sweetness," Garrett answered truthfully.

"Emmy," Seth narrowed his eyes.

"I know very little, Sweetie, really. Nasi kept me in the dark for the most part," Emmett stated.

"Because I know how strong are the Emira's powers of persuasion," Nasir smiled.

"C'mere, Nasir," Seth crooked his finger. "You and me are gonna powwow," he threatened. Nasir giggled as he stepped to shield himself behind Emmett.

"Sorry, Babe, you're on your own," Emmett laughed. "I can't protect you from Seth!"

"Garrett," Nasir looked to his best friend, "if you would like to get more comfortable, you have just enough time to change before we have to leave."

"Leave? Where are we going?" Seth asked.

"Don't look at me," Emmett held up his hands. "Other than the fact that we are leaving, I know nothing."

"A lot of help you are, Sergeant Schultz," Seth gave a dismissive wave.

"Anything in particular I should wear?" Garrett asked with a smile. He had no idea what was the evening had in store, but was excited to find out.

"Just anything more casual and comfortable," Nasir answered. "Now, Sethy, we must go with Garrett," he put his arm around Seth's shoulders. "You will need to pack a bag, for we will not return tonight."

"What? All of us?" Seth looked to Justin and the women who all stood with broad knowing smiles. "Did all of you bring overnight bags?" he knew the answer to his question even as he asked it.

"The bags are stashed out of sight in the first guest room," Emmett filled in.

"And you all kept this from me?" Seth was beside himself.

"I know, quite a coup," Emmett smiled.

"Come, Emira," Nasir bid. Seth took one step and then rooted himself to the floor. He folded his arms across his chest and glared.

"How am I supposed to know what to pack?" Seth demanded.

"I will help you. Come, Sethy. Time grows short," Nasir held out his hand. Emmett was not about to wait out his lover and best friend as they stared each other down, and took matters into his own hands. He picked Seth up and threw him over his broad shoulder.

"Put me down, you big ox!" Seth made a fist and pounded on Emmett's back. It only made Emmett giggle as he carried Seth to the master bedroom. He put Seth down on his feet in the center of the room. The much smaller man just stood and glowered up at his big best friend. Emmett could not keep the smirk off his face. Garrett emerged from one of the closets, now clad in only snug boxers and black dress socks. He carried a small tapestry bag.

"Here we are," Garrett handed the bag to Emmett and returned to the closet to finish changing.

"Great! Thanks, Garrett. Okay, Sweetie," Emmett held open the bag. "So what do you need besides lube and a toothbrush?"

"Oh, give me that!" Seth snatched the bag from Emmett's hands and threw it on the bed.

"Can you give us a hint, Nasi?" Emmett asked.

"We will be at a nice, but casual, small hotel for the night. There will be a dinner tonight, possibly very nice, and a brunch tomorrow. That is all I will say," Nasir was firm. Seth narrowed his eyes at the Arab for a moment and then set about gathering clothes and toiletries for himself and his partner.

Leah sat comfortably sipping her champagne in what most resembled a tiny track suit top. It was made of red satin and only came down far enough to leave a good six inch gap of dark skin bare between the bottom of her top and the waistband of her tight jeans. The small top was zipped up only half way, displaying her cleavage. She saw the four men emerge from the direction of the master bedroom. Garrett had chosen a different dress shirt, a more casual suit jacket and snug jeans that fit him very well. Seth had not changed. Emmett carried Seth and Garrett's bag.

"Okay, guys, time to head out," Emmett announced. Leah and Melinda had been the only ones sitting and rose to join everyone.

"So who's driving? Who all knows where we are going?" Seth asked as he looked around the room. He saw recognition in not one face.

"I alone know where we are going," Nasir stated.

"Then," Seth began just as the answer dawned on him. "Oh my God, that bus is for us, isn't it?"

"Your coach awaits, my Emira," Nasir bowed slightly and swept his arm toward the entry hall.

"You are pushing your luck tonight, tall n' scruffy," Seth drained the flute he had left in the living room.

"Let's go down, everyone," Nasir bid.

"Juan and I will get the bags," Emmett added.

"Thanks, Em," Rosalie gripped his thick bicep.

"You sure, bud?" Justin asked.

"Go, go," Emmett shooed their family after Nasir, Seth and Garrett. Juan had already headed for the kitchen and Emmett set about gathering up the empty champagne flutes. He was not about to give his best friend and his partner a wonderful anniversary only to then come home to a mess.

What looked like a bus was really a rolling lounge with leather sofas, captain's chairs and cocktail tables. An older man with thinning gray hair in white uniform shirt, thin black tie and pot belly greeted them at the door. Seth took the first captain's chair and Garrett sat down in the matching one on the other side of a little narrow table.

"Oh, this is nice," Leah commented as she climbed aboard.

"I like your style, Nasir," Rosalie endorsed as she led her wife by the hand.

By the time everyone found seats and made themselves comfortable, Emmett and Juan had arrived with the bags. As he was twice Juan's size, Emmett carried the bigger, heavier ones.

"Okay, is anyone missing anything?" Emmett asked and looked around for confirmation. "Okay, bus driver, move that bus!"

Their driver chuckled as he closed the door, put the big vehicle in gear, and steered them away from their building. Emmett found a seat beside his partner as Juan came forward from the galley at the rear of the bus. The catering van that brought Juan had stocked the bus with more champagne and canapés. Juan placed trays within easy reach of everyone on all the small tables. Seth reached for his partner, who eagerly accepted his hand. He looked over at Garrett with troubled eyes.

"What is it, Sweetness?" Garrett asked.

"I don't like this," Seth rose from his chair and moved to Garrett. The bigger man smiled broadly as his little lover seated himself in his lap.

"There. That's better," Seth gave a contented sigh as he settled himself into his partner's arms.

"I think so too," Garrett said softly as he planted a gentle kiss on Seth's temple. Juan passed out flutes of champagne again. Seth contentedly sipped a moment as a memory came to him.

"Hey, this is kinda like that time Edward surprised us with a whale watching and fireworks cruise that Fourth of July some years back," Seth spoke.

"Who do you think gave me the idea?" Nasir smiled.

"Oh my God, is Cullen in on this too?" Seth was incredulous. "And he's up in the great white North in some God forsaken place! Wait till I get my hands on him," he shook his head and sipped again.

"Whale watching and fireworks cruise? That sounds like a blast. Why weren't we invited?" Justin asked.

"It was three years ago," Emmett stated.

"I didn't know this sweet, wonderful man back then," Seth reached back with his hand and turned his head to give Garrett a gentle, loving kiss on his lips.

"I still lived back East at the time," Garrett added.

"We'll have no talk of those dark times on this happy day," Justin pronounced. "The best thing my brother ever did was move out here and snag him an Injun."

"Justin," Melinda chastised. Everyone else laughed.

"I certainly wouldn't put it quite that way, but I do agree," Garrett nuzzled into Seth's long hair and the back of his neck. Seth just smiled and closed his eyes as Garrett snuggled him.

"Well, I can see we're getting on the freeway," Rosalie observed as the bus accelerated up the on ramp onto the Northbound I-5. Shortly before they would have crossed the Union Lake/Union Bay connecting river and passed into the sprawling University District of UW, they took the turn off for State road 520. This led them out onto the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge and all the way across Lake Washington. Once over into Bellevue, and winding around and through a complicated interchange, they took the I-405, again Northbound.

What might had taken half an hour in a car, or lighter traffic, took their motor coach a full hour. They nibbled and sipped champagne in easy conversation and the time seemed to the passengers nothing at all. The driver took the 124th Street exit in Totem Lake and this to Woodinville Redmond road, turning left to go North up into Woodinville. Everyone involuntarily leaned forward to look out the windows as the bus slowed almost to a stop.

"Are we here?" Seth asked. In the last vestiges of the fading sunset the big bus turned into the Willows Lodge.

"We are here, Sethy," Nasir confirmed.

"Where are we?" Seth pressed.

"Oh, Willows Lodge. Who was telling us about that, Dear?" Melinda thought out loud. "They said they had a great time."

"I don't know, Honey," Justin sat with his arm around his wife on a leather sofa. "When your theater and symphony friends start talking, I tune right out."

"Oh," Melinda scoffed and looked away.

"I will get us all checked in," Nasir stood as the bus pulled to a stop as near the front entrance of the hotel as possible.

"Justin, help me with the bags," Emmett bid.

"I will, brother," Justin was only too happy to help. They were close enough to the city that the bus would be returning and taking Juan with it. Nasir was the first off the coach, followed by Seth and Garrett. While Nasir headed into the lobby, Seth stood by and Garrett offered his hand to each lady descending the steps out of the bus.

"Thank you, Garrett," Leah smiled as she took his hand on her way down.

"Such a gentleman, Garrett," Melinda paused to pat his cheek gently. Rosalie did not take the offered hand. She did not need a man's help.

"Step aside, Garrett. I got this one," Rosalie took Maggie's hand and kissed it as her wife followed her out of the coach.

Emmett walked to the rear of the bus where Juan had begun to clean up the galley.

"You guys have a good time, Mr. Emmett," Juan gave his broad smile.

"Thanks for your help, Juan," Emmett offered his hand, but only to press five twenty dollar bills into Juan's.

"Thank you, sir. I always enjoy to work your parties," Juan beamed.

"We always enjoy having you. I'm just sorry Edward's not here," Emmett displayed his dimples. He was sure he could see the young Hispanic blush as he turned and joined Justin to gather up their belongings. Everyone but Nasir waited on the drive outside the bus as Emmett and Justin emerged. A uniformed bellman rolled a luggage cart up to them and loaded the cart as Emmett and Justin handed them the bags.

"Okay, everyone has everything off the bus before we let it go?" Emmett asked and looked around. "Nobody left anything small on the bus, like purses, or Seth?"

"Oh, har-har," Seth rolled his eyes.

Within the hotel, on the far side of the lobby, was the cozy Fireside Cellars. This hotel was nestled within wine country and the lobby bar specialized in vintage wines, tasting flights and even not yet released wines from local vintners. Not many people who came to this bar ordered a beer. That was why the man who sat on one of the plush sofas felt just a little out of place. He watched the front desk while he drank his refreshingly cold beer. The judgmental looks from a couple of older women who joined their husbands for a glass of wine, did not escape his notice. It was just one more reason that indulged the part of him that wondered what he was doing here. He took a gulp of his beer and noted that soon he would need another. A group of three younger women with a glass of wine apiece took chairs around a small table near him. They were dressed nicely for an elegant evening. All three of them were not subtle about their appreciation of the lean man in jeans and thick cotton button shirt with his sleeves rolled up. They could not help but notice the man with the unruly bronze hair in desperate need of a trim, and facial hair that had not be shaved in days. He gave a weary sigh. This was all he needed. It was at that moment that a most welcome sight across the lobby, in the form of a tall Arab at the front desk, caught his view.

Nasir handed the guest service agent at the front desk his driver's license and his Centurion Card.

"Oh, yes, sir. The Thompson/Clearwater group. We have your rooms right here," the desk agent smiled. A group of packets with room key cards bundled together with a rubber band sat waiting close at hand. "Will two keys for each room be sufficient?"

"Yes," Nasir nodded with a smile. The clerk swiped the American Express card and pulled out a map of the hotel to point out the location of the rooms.

"Here we are, sir. We have the Orchard House suite, the Herb Garden suite, and three king rooms with a fireplace and view of the river," the clerk handed over the keys and drew an X on the map of the hotel for the location of each room.

"Hey, Nasir," came the unexpected voice beside him. Nasir turned to see the man with as much facial hair as he had, appear beside him, beer in hand.

"Edward!" Nasir grabbed him by the shoulders and Edward's eyes went a little wide in his shock as the Arab greeted him the way he would a friend in his country, with a kiss on each cheek. "You made it! Emmett and Sethy will be so pleased!" Nasir turned back to the desk agent. "We will need one more king room. You did not get yourself a room yet, did you?"

"No," Edward shook his head.

"Good, good. One more room," Nasir gestured to the clerk with a gleaming white smile. The luggage cart led the group into the lobby as their coach pulled away. The bellman drove the bags near the desk to await instructions from the guest service agent.

"Oh my God!" Emmett saw him first. "Eddie!"

"Hey, Em. Ouf!" Edward's breath left his lungs as he was caught in a bone crushing embrace. "Jesus. I'm happy to see you too, big guy, but I'm gonna need my spine."

Emmett just chuckled and patted Edward on the back as he let him go. Even as he did so Seth slipped between them to wrap his arms around Edward's torso.

"Hey, Seth," Edward hugged him back.

"I'm so happy you're here, Edward. You've been gone way too long," Seth held him tightly. Edward gave Garrett a hug, Justin a handshake and all the women a kiss while Seth yet held him.

"You are a sneak, big brother," Maggie put a hand to Edward's face as she kissed him.

"I wanted to get back for Seth," Edward rubbed the back of the smaller man who still held him.

"I'm glad you did. Everyone is here now," Seth smiled broadly as he let go of Edward. The taller man took a deep breath and suppressed a sigh. Not everyone was here, but it would have to do. Just as it had for a long time.

"Here you are, Mr. al Qasimi," the desk agent handed over a final key card tucked into a little packet with the room number written on it. "We have another room for you right next to this one," he put another little X on Nasir's map. "The bellman will escort you."

"We can take a few minutes to settle and freshen up," Nasir announced, "but let's meet back here in half an hour for dinner. And be very hungry."

"I am. Feed me, you sexy Arab," Emmett gave his partner a leer.

"I will feed you, Habibi. Right after dinner," Nasir took Emmett's hand as the group set off after the luggage cart.

The four king rooms with a cozy fireplace were all in close proximity to each other at the end of the main building's North wing. Each had a spacious patio through sliding glass doors with a direct view of the Sammamish River. The door to Edward's room clicked closed behind him with an isolating finality. He stood for a moment in the middle of the spacious room and drained his bottle, cursing himself for not obtaining another when he had the chance. Taking a piss was all the freshening up he needed to do. After that he left his room to head straight back to the lobby bar, forward women and dirty looks be damned.

Melinda carried her make up bag, after she had extracted it from their larger bag, into the big bathroom. Her husband followed her and unzipped himself as he stepped up to the toilet.

"It sure is nice of Nasir and Emmett to do this for Garrett and Seth," Melinda said as she began to touch up her face. "I mean, all these rooms and I can only imagine what dinner is going to be like. This place has two restaurants, both of which are supposed to be incredible."

"My brother has some really great friends, that's for sure," Justin agreed as he finished urinating and shook himself off. He flushed and tucked himself back into his pants as he stepped up behind his wife. "Say, Honey," Justin slipped his hands around Melinda's waist. "Did you see that fireplace out there?" he nuzzled into her auburn hair. "Maybe we can make some adult time while we're here. I can light a nice warm fire in that fireplace," Justin moved his wife's hair aside to kiss along her neck as he spoke, "lay you down naked in front of it, and play with my favorite treasure box until I find your sweet pearl."

Melinda closed her eyes as her husband seduced her. The picture he painted sure sounded inviting. She had seen him put himself back in his pants, but she could feel his hardness pressing into her ass as he spoke.

"Then I'll move up and tease your beautiful nipples with my lips and my tongue while I rub my hot, hard cockhead against your clit. I'll make you so hot you can't stand it. Then I'll slip inside you," Justin moved his hands slowly up his wife's rib cage as he spoke. "I'll make love to you so slow and nice. I'll make you come so many times. You'll feel so good. And you always make me feel so good when I'm inside you. When you've got me so worked up and I can't stand it anymore, we can come together," he cupped and lifted Melinda's ample breasts. "Then we can just lay by the fire naked together, still joined, and relax while I kiss and caress you. How does that sound? It's been a long time since we did that."

"Too long," Melinda agreed. She felt her husband's cock flex against her backside through both of their pants.

"Though not from lack of trying. It seems like I'm always scrambling to put my dick away because our little one walked into the room," Justin gave a chuckle.

"She does seem to have a sixth sense, doesn't she?" Melinda agreed.

"I just want to be able to take my time and make love to my wife," Justin wrapped his arms around Melinda. "I feel like we haven't been able to do that since Stephanie's been able to get herself out of bed. Remember how we used to do that in front of our fireplace in the living room?"

"Remember when we used to sleep naked?" Melinda asked.

"Oh, God yes! Used to be the only thing that woke me up was your lips on me. Now it's a little one climbing over me dragging a blanket and a stuffed bear as big as she is with her. And if I'm lucky I won't get a knee or a foot in my nuts," Justin complained good naturedly.

"Does that bother you, Justin?" Melinda asked.

"Not at all, Honey. I love our little girl with all my heart. I love both my girls. Right now I just want to concentrate on my big girl. I want to make you feel like the most special woman in the world, Melinda Wentworth Thompson, because you so very much are to me," Justin kissed his way down her neck again.

Melinda gave a sigh and opened her eyes to smile at her husband in the mirror. "How about when we get back to the room, you light the fire, and maybe you can find me something to suck on while you hunt for treasure."

"Oh, Mel, you know I love when we do that!" Justin enthused. "I don't wanna come like that though, I want to make love to my beautiful wife," he gave a soft kiss on her ear.

"Okay, stop now. You're making me wet," Melinda shook her head.

"Yeah?" Justin liked the sound of that. He tried to slip a hand into the front of her jeans, but she pulled his hand away.

"Stop! We won't make it to dinner if we get started now. Save it for after dinner, or in the morning at the latest," Melinda reasoned.

Justin sighed in frustration. "I have to zip up?"

"You have to zip up," Melinda confirmed.

"Okay," Justin did so and tried to arrange his erection to a more comfortable position in his pants. He stepped to the side so that she could clearly see him in the mirror. "You see what you do to me, Mel?"

"I love what I do to you," Melinda smiled. She opened her lipstick to reapply it.

"Oh, I can't watch you do that," Justin squeezed himself in his pants. "You want a glass of wine?"

"I would adore a glass of wine," Melinda spoke carefully as she moved the lipstick sensually across her lips. "And I would love you for getting it. I'll just have to put these lips to the use you are imagining, later on, if you do."

"Be right back, Honey!" Justin gave his wife a kiss on the cheek and flew out the door. He didn't even care that he was fully and obviously hard in his pants.

The twin suites of Orchard House and Herb Garden differed greatly in their view and decor, but were the same in space and layout. Of the two Nasir had been told that the Herb Garden suite was the more romantic and so had that one assigned to Seth and Garrett.

"Oh, wow, Honey!" Seth was impressed. The vast room had a king size bed, festooned in cream colored satin fabric, in a near corner. There were two separate sitting areas with twin divans arranged before the large fireplace.

"This is very nice," Garrett put his arms around Seth as the bellman placed their bag on the upholstered bench at the foot of the grand bed. "I think we can have a fine anniversary night here," he bent to speak quietly into Seth's ear. Seth only smiled.

"Thank you for your help, young man," Garrett held out a folded twenty to the polite teen bellman.

"Thank you, sir. Please enjoy your stay," the bellman smiled gratefully and headed for the door.

"Oh, we will," Seth assured.

Across the hall the equally spacious Orchard House suite was done primarily in gold and red. It would have appealed to Nasir's Arabic roots were it not so heavily floral. Emmett dropped their bag on the big four poster bed in the far corner. Nasir opened the French doors to the private balcony and walked outside.

"I can't wait to see this view during the day," Emmett commented as he walked out behind his partner.

"I am told that on a clear day we can see all the way to Edward's mountain," Nasir informed as Emmett stepped up behind him. He welcomed his lover's encircling arms.

"We'll have to tell Edward," Emmett kissed the side of Nasir's neck. "This is really nice, Babe. You did a good and beautiful thing for our best friends."

"The best is yet to come. I hope you are hungry," Nasir ran his hands lovingly over Emmett's forearms.

"I'm so hungry, I could eat an Arab," Emmett spoke lustily. Nasir giggled as his lover playfully nibbled on his ear.

Justin's erection had almost completely subsided by the time he reached Fireside Cellars. Some female patrons observed the bulge in his pants as he walked through, but he didn't even notice them. Justin was surprised to find Edward seated at the bar and stepped up beside him.

"Great minds, my friend," Justin patted Edward on the back.

"Hey, Justin," Edward greeted again. "Where's Melinda?"

"She's putting her face back on," Justin answered.

"Oh, sorry," Edward misread the situation. "On my team we don't have that problem. Though, I imagine your brother most go through something similar with Seth. It's gotta be work taking care of that hair."

"Hi," Justin greeted the barmaid as she approached them. "You don't have Boedecker pinot noir back there, by any chance?'

"We do, actually," the busty woman in the black tux shirt confirmed with a smile.

"Excellent, two glasses please," Justin held up the corresponding number of fingers. "That's Mel's favorite," he added to Edward while the barmaid went to fetch the bottle. Justin put his arm around Edward's shoulders so that he could speak more confidentially. "My wife was putting on her lipstick and eyeing my crotch while she was doing it. In this, I suspect, my brother and I do not have it at all the same. And, actually, I hope never to have this conversation with him. You gay guys must have it so easy. There's always somebody ready to suck your dick."

Edward wasn't sure where that came from and debated with himself over whether to tell the straight man the truth, for all of one second. "Pretty much, yeah."

"I gotta take advantage of every chance I can get, my man," Justin gestured to the glasses of wine that were placed before him and patted Edward on the back. He tossed enough bills to pay for his order and a generous tip, picked up his glasses with a parting wink to Edward, and hurried away. Edward chuckled and shook his head.

Justin and Melinda each had a little less than half a glass of wine when the group finally gathered in the lobby. A woman in a red sweater and black slacks with a wild bush of gray hair was directed toward them by the front desk.

"Good evening, is this the Thompson/Clearwater party?" she asked.

"We are," Nasir was quick to confirm. "Mr. Thompson, Mr. Clearwater," he pointed out the men who stood nearby with their arms around each other. If that took her by surprise, she did not show it.

"Happy anniversary, gentlemen," she smiled warmly.

"Thank you very much," Garrett answered while he gently squeezed Seth's shoulder.

"I'm Carrie Van Dyck. My husband and I are the proprietors of the Herbfarm. I just know you will have a delightful dinning experience with us this evening. If we're all ready, I'll walk you over to the restaurant," Carrie gestured toward the front entrance of the hotel.

"Lead on," Nasir agreed. Carrie led them the short walk outside and across from the hotel. Sharing the site and nestled within extensive gardens across the drive was the Herbfarm.

"We typically begin with a short tour of the gardens," Carrie gestured. The paths were reasonably well lit with old fashioned gas light lamp posts and a smooth stone path.

"Sweetness?" Garrett asked.

"Sure. I want the full treatment," Seth gave a nod.

"Bill Vingelen is our head gardener here at Herbfarm," Carrie began her dissertation. "He has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies from the University of Oregon. He uses only organic methods here at our farm. Bill has a keen understanding of the relationship between us Humans and the eco-system in which we live," she smiled. Carrie at the very least had Edward's undivided attention. She did not yet know it, but she was speaking his language.

"Ah, and here's Lucy. She usually comes to greet everyone," Carrie took note of the aged, gray faced hound that waddled up to them, her long tail slowly swinging back and forth. Emmett squatted down to met her.

"Hello, girl. Did you come to say hello?" Emmett ran his hands over the smooth head and long ears of the dog as she stretched up to sniff his face. Finally Lucy snorted in Emmett's face and moved on to the next person, tail still wagging.

"Hi, Miss Lucy," Seth was equally taken with her. Two more creatures, smaller in stature, but much bigger in girth came running down the path toward them with delighted little squeals.

"And here's Basil and Borage. You get the whole welcoming committee tonight," Carrie stated. While Lucy's large tail wagged slowly, the little pot bellied pigs wagged their little curled tails furiously. Nasir could not help himself. He was not pleased to see the pigs and while he kept his mouth shut, his sentiment was clear on his face. Emmett stood up next to his partner and took his hand in silent support. Nasir just squeezed Emmett's hand and looked away into the distance. Others took a different view.

"Oh my God, how cute!" Maggie squatted down to pet the little pigs that wiggled back and forth, enjoying her attention. "Rosie!"

"Absolutely not," Rosalie knew exactly what her wife was thinking.

"The boys would love it," Maggie was not dissuaded.

"Absolutely not," Rosalie remained firm. Seth could not help but giggle.

"They do love to say hello," Carrie smiled. "Well, if you come this way, your dinner awaits," she set off down the path and the group followed.

The Herbfarm dinning room could seat over sixty people and every seat was filled. The tables were all elegantly appointed with crystal, candles and fine linens. Plush upholstered arm chairs matched exactly the rich, deep floral pattern of the table cloths. Seth led Garrett by the hand as he followed Carrie around the periphery of the grand dinning room.

"I think I might need to have a chat with the sommelier," Garrett commented as they passed a large, darker lounge with a few smaller tables and crushed velvet chairs. It was entombed in wine racks from the dark wood floor to the high beamed ceiling.

"Ah, yes. We call that the wine library and we have in our collection over twenty five thousand bottles of wine. They are not all up here, obviously," Carrie informed. "And Drew, our sommelier, would be most pleased to have a chat. I'll see he visits you straight away," she smiled.

No one noticed the man in the far corner of the room. There was no reason they should. He quietly strummed soft, slow music on his guitar. They didn't know he had been hired only to play for the two weeks while the man who usually sat in that chair and played classical guitar was in Chile visiting his family. If they had looked at his face perhaps they could have seen how much he disliked the music he had been told to play. It was not his style at all, but it was a paying job. The man on vacation, who had studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Madrid, normally wore dress pants, shirt and tie. The man who filled in didn't do that. He wore snug jeans and did put on a dress shirt, but without a tie and rolled his sleeves up. The musician very deliberately kept his head down, with his long blonde hair as much in is face as possible. He didn't want anyone to look at him. And no one did. Except Edward. Edward's breath nearly caught in his throat as he grasped how much this man looked like Jasper, though an older, slightly more mature version. He was probably a little taller, just as lean, but more rugged in some intangible way. The musician was remarkably beautiful in Edward's eyes and somehow very familiar. It was more than his resemblance to Jasper. Edward had the feeling that he had seen this man before, though he was not able to think of where or when. Edward shook his head and looked away. He was suddenly desperate to get the hell out of there.

If they thought the main dinning room was elegant, they were blown away by the Founders Room. Carrie escorted them into a private dinning room fit for French Royalty. Great silver candelabrum and an enormous floral arrangement dominated the table. They were tall enough and on a riser such that they would not interfere with the diners ability to communicate during their meal. China plates were stacked in ever smaller tiers on gold metal chargers. The vast array of flatware and assortment of crystal stemware at each place spoke to the many courses in store for them.

"If you would care to dine formally, partners traditionally sit across from each other," Carrie informed. "Mr. Thompson, Mr. Clearwater," she gestured to the ends of the long table.

"I don't think so," Seth dismissed. Sitting so far from Garrett during their anniversary dinner was not an option.

"Sit right here, Sweetness," Garrett pulled out the chair at the end of the table. "I will sit right next to you," he took the first seat on Seth's left. Seth made himself comfortable in the chair at the head of the table.

"Edward, sit right here," Seth pointed to the chair across from Garrett. Edward obeyed without comment and Seth watched the other members of his family find their own seats. Seth realized that his was the power chair and just as quickly realized that today, he did not want it.

"I don't like this," Seth announced. He stood up and looked to his partner. "Switch with me."

"You can have the head of the table," Garrett smiled and took Seth's hand. The bigger man was very used to letting his partner have the spotlight.

"I want you to sit at the head of this table," Seth stressed.

"Whatever you wish, Sweetness," Garrett rose, put a hand to Seth's face and kissed his temple as they switched places. Down the table on Garrett's left sat Seth, Emmett, Leah and Melinda. On his right sat Edward, Nasir, Rosalie and Maggie. Justin just naturally gravitated to the far end and a Thompson anchored their table at both ends. Nasir and Emmett had no qualms about not sitting side by side, so long as they were across from each other just as they were. Nasir slipped both of his shoes off and even before he could reach for Emmett's feet with his own, he felt his lover's big stocking feet enclose his. They gave each other a warm, loving smile.

Carrie returned in just a short minute with her husband, the Executive Chef and the sommelier. Carrie's husband, Ron Zimmermann, welcomed them again and wished them bon apetite. The chef outlined the prix fixe grand tasting menu that Nasir had selected, that would be presented in no less than thirteen courses. He explained how the menu was only finalized mere hours before, to best track the 'symphony of life on land and in the sea'. Their own gardens supplied an ever changing harvest of common and unusual produce. Local growers supplied things from wild mushrooms to handmade cheeses. Everything that passed through the kitchens of the Herbfarm was local and exclusive to the Pacific Northwest. The Chef then excused himself to go see to the commencement of their dinner. Lastly the sommelier explained that each and every course would be paired with a wine that provided an excellent accompaniment to the dish.

"I am most intrigued to see what you have paired with each course," Garrett spoke as a waiter passed out menus.

"Ah, do we have wine aficionados with us this evening?" Drew asked with a pleased smile.

"Enthusiasts might be more accurate," Garrett was modest.

"There are often more than one very good choices of wine that best accompany a dish. If you like, I will open two or three and let you select which you like best," Drew suggested.

"Oh, I would love that," Melinda spoke up.

"That's a good idea, Honey," Seth endorsed. "You and Malynn try them and pick one out for us."

"I'm sure at this table, you are the only two who know anything about wine," Emmett added.

"Between Melinda and me, I'm reasonably sure we won't steer you wrong," Garrett agreed. He looked to the waiting sommelier and gestured down the table toward Melinda, "My lovely sister-in-law and I will select from among the wines you present."

"Very good. I shall return shortly," Drew paused to smile around the room and then withdrew. Edward set his not quite empty beer bottle on the table and a waiter snatched it up just as soon as he did so.

"Were you done with that?" Emmett asked with a snicker.

"It would seem so," Edward gave a slow nod.

"I think I would rather have a beer too," Emmett stated.

"This is much too elegant an evening for beer. No more beer at this table," Seth pronounced.

"You really have outdone yourself, Nasir," Garrett spread his hands. "This is spectacular."

"Our best friends deserve this and more," Nasir stated. "And Edward deserves much of the credit," he put a hand on Edward's shoulder.

"I just threw ideas at you. This is all you, buddy," Edward disagreed. The sommelier and an assistant returned then with two chilled bottles of sparkling wine.

"To go with your first course, the Prelude in Sea, I recommend the Argyle blanc de blanc," Drew walked down the table to pour a sip for Melinda first, "or the Domaine Ste Michelle brut de Luxe," he poured for Garrett as waiters marched in with their first course. The smile of admiration was plain on Seth's face as he watched his lover evaluate the selections presented.

"Mm," Garrett nodded after he had sipped the second. He took a sip of the first again to be certain. "The Ste Michelle is good, I won't say it's not, but I like the Argyle much better," Garrett passed judgement.

"I completely agree," Melinda echoed his sentiment.

"Excellent choice," Drew endorsed and he and his assistant set about pouring the blanc de blanc for everyone. The first course was an amuse bouche of three bite sized portions of paddlefish caviar on crisp salmon skin, mussels skewered by rosemary, and a Westcott Bay oyster with sorrel sauce.

Garrett stood and picked up his flute. "If I might take a moment while we all have some champagne to make a toast," he moved to Seth's side as he spoke and put his arm around his seated lover's shoulders. Without even thinking about it Seth ran his hand up Garrett's back under his suit jacket to absently rub his partner's back while he spoke. Everyone picked up their glasses.

"I promise to be quick as this looks and smells so delicious," Garrett continued. "I would just like to say how much it means to me, to us, to have all of you here with us as we celebrate our first year together. I can truly say, without reservation, it has been the happiest year of my life. It was just the first year, of the rest of our lives. Thank you all for sharing this with us," he looked down to his partner's loving face. "Seth, I love you more than I will ever find the words to express."

"Oh, Honey," Seth was clearly choked up. He stood up into Garrett's arms. "I love you too, so much," Seth tilted his head up to share a soft, lingering and most loving kiss with his partner.

"That was so beautiful, Garrett," Nasir was moved.

"It was," Maggie agreed as Emmett nodded.

"Thank you all for indulging me," Garrett held Seth in his arms. "Now, let's please, enjoy," he picked his flute back up and held it out to his lover. Seth picked up his, touched it to Garrett's and they took a sip together.

"Hold up a second, everyone," Justin stood from his end of the table as Garrett and Seth sat back down. "I can't let an occasion like this go without putting in my two cents. I have had the privilege of knowing Garrett, quite literally, his entire life. My brother's a good guy, and he deserves a good guy. Seth, we tease each other, a lot. I know I ask for it damn near all the time. Thank you for being you, and for finding my brother. I've never known my little brother to be as happy as he has been since you came into his life. Here's to both my little brothers. May you have a very happy and very long life together."

"Aww, Justin! That was so sweet. You just erased all of today's Injun cracks," Seth smiled.

"Shit, now I gotta start over?" Justin quipped as he sat back down.

"Thank you, Justin," Garrett was sincere.

"That was beautiful, Dear," Melinda took her husband's hand.

"Okay, one more," Emmett picked up his flute. "Do you mind, Babe?"

"You have known them longer, Habibi. You go ahead," Nasir smiled. Emmett stood up in his stocking feet.

"Seth, you know you're like a brother to me," Emmett looked down at his little best friend. "Almost from the day I began my adult life, it's been the two of us together through thick and thin. We've laughed together and we've cried together. I could not begin to conceive of my life without you in it. And when you found Garrett, I didn't lose you at all, I only gained another brother."

"Oh, Emmy, nothing could take me away from you," Seth reached up to take Emmett's hand as the big man continued.

"Nasi and I both are so unbelievably fortunate to have you and Garrett in our lives. We love you both so much. I know I can speak for my partner when I say that we wish for you all the happiness possible for many long years to come," Emmett finished his toast and took a sip. Seth was up out of his chair again, this time to wrap his arms around Emmett with the side of his face pressed into Emmett's sternum. Garrett was right behind him sandwich Seth between them as he too hugged Emmett. Nasir could not stand it and, without his shoes, got up and came around the table to join the group hug.

"I could not agree more with every word," Nasir whispered into Garrett's ear as he gave his best friend a kiss on the cheek.

"The four musketeers," Maggie wore a broad smile.

"Which one's D'Artagnan?" Rosalie asked.

"Nasir I guess. He came last," Maggie figured. The four friends parted with hugs and kisses all around and returned at last to their seats. The toasts, however, were not quite finished.

"Guys, I would like to say something as well," Leah stood. "Like Justin, I have known my little brother all of his life. He has a pretty thick skin, my brother, and he's needed it. I know it wasn't easy for him to let Garrett in, but the day he did, his life changed forever. It was absolutely the single best thing he ever did."

"It's true," Seth said softly as he reached for Garrett's hand. Garrett gave his partner a warm and loving smile.

"You guys are beautiful together. Thank you, Garrett, for taking such good care of my sweet little brother," Leah continued.

"He takes ever such good care of me," Garrett answered her while never taking his eyes from Seth.

"Look always to each other and the people who love you," Leah smiled at Emmett and put a hand on his big shoulder as she continued. "You are both good men with beautiful souls. Don't ever let anyone tell you different. May your love for each other only grow ever stronger. Here's to the first little year of the rest of your lives," she held up her flute and took a sip. Garrett tightened his grip on his lover's hand as he witnessed the transformation on Seth's face. Seth looked to Garrett with eyes as big as saucers and his bottom lip quivered. Seth knew exactly what his sister meant. He let go of Garrett's hand and rose from his seat. Seth went quickly around Emmett to take his sister in his arms. Leah put her face to the top of her brother's head and wrapped her arms around him as he held her tightly. Garrett was close on Seth's heels and put his hand on his lover's back.

"Thank you, Leah," Seth spoke into Leah's chest. "You know how much you mean to me, right?"

"I do, little brother. I love you too," Leah rubbed the back of her brother's head with one hand.

"That was lovely, Leah," Garrett put his free hand on her shoulder. Leah took Seth's head in her hands and moved back enough to look into his face.

"Can we eat now?" Leah asked with a loving smile.

"Yes," Seth wiped his eyes. "Please let's eat now," he took Garrett's hand and led him back around Emmett to their seats. "I love you all very much, but please, no more now. I can't take it," Seth fanned himself as he sat down and took a gulp of his sparkling wine.

"Well, looking at this, I can only imagine how good the rest of this meal is going to be," Rosalie enthused.

"I know," Justin agreed. "I'm glad I'm hungry!"

"Me too," Emmett added. They all dug into their first course and savored every bite.

"So, Edward," Rosalie took a sip of her sparkling wine. "Tell us about life in the middle of nowhere."

"I wasn't in the middle of nowhere," Edward defended.

"But he could see the middle of nowhere on a clear day across the lake!" Seth jested, fully recovered.

"It was admittedly, a little remote," Edward conceded.

"I'm from someplace remote," Seth stated, "but you can still drive there."

"Okay, it's a lot remote," Edward admitted. "And suffice it to say, we don't eat like this there."

"Or shave, evidently," Maggie jabbed.

"I think he looks damn sexy," Emmett spoke up. "But then I like my guys a little scruffy," he smiled at his lover and rubbed their feet together.

"Thanks, Em," Edward nodded. "What can I say about life in Stehekin? Well, it wasn't boring. I was pretty busy, actually."

"Are there like, people there?" Seth asked.

"Yes, Seth, there are people there," Edward confirmed, "vastly outnumbered by the bears, however."

"Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!" Seth recited.

"You knew it was only a matter of time before one of these queens came out with that," Rosalie muttered. Justin had just taken a sip of his sparkling wine and very nearly spit it at her as he laughed.

"Rosie," Maggie chided. Every gay man present turned their attention toward that end of the table.

"Hey, why are the straight people all gathered at one end?" Seth voiced what they all noticed. "Emmy, switch with Justin."

"Oh, no," Justin gave a big grin. "The token straight guy is very happy with the ladies, thank you."

"So you were busy doing what?" Emmett brought the conversation back.

"When you weren't chasing bears," Seth added. "I mean, getting chased by bears."

"When the bears weren't chasing me, I hosted a daily nature talk at the ranger station. I led bicycle tours and walking tours of the orchard and Imus Creek. On the weekends I did learning activities with crafts and things for kids," Edward elaborated.

"Oh, how Ren and Liam would have loved that!" Maggie commented.

"I know. I thought about them every time," Edward admitted.

"I wouldn't take kids up there," Seth shook his head. "They're just bear snacks."

"I implemented a new rule this year against feeding kids to the bears," Edward was quick and dry. "The black bears went along, but the grizzlies didn't much care for it. For a while there they would come bang on the door. What, no kids again?"

"Bear snacks," Emmett shook his head and chuckled. "You're a bear snack!" he grabbed Seth by the back of his neck with one big hand and pulled the smaller man toward him as he leaned over. He made a loud open mouthed growl like he was going to chomp Seth's whole head. Seth only giggled at this.

"Emmett, I'll thank you to leave the snacking on Seth to me," Garrett said casually.

"Oh, there they go," Justin commented.

"Sorry, Garrett. He's all yours," Emmett smiled.

"Yes, he is," Garrett took Seth's hand and they shared a warm smile as they looked into each other's loving eyes.

"Aw, aren't my brother and his Injun cute?" Justin teased.

"Justin," Melinda tapped his hand.

"Your brother is racking up points again," Seth observed, never taking his eyes off Garrett.

"I know that he is," Garrett conceded. Justin only snickered. Teasing with Seth was just as much fun for him as it was for Seth.

Their sommelier arrived with two assistants this time. One bore bottles while the other was laden with even more glasses that were set before Garrett and Melinda. Servers followed to clear away the remains of the first course.

"I have three wines I would like for you to try now," Drew took the bottles one by one and poured them himself. "All of these would work very well with your crab and mushroom handkerchiefs. First we have the Domaine Serene Cote Sud chardonnay from Oregon. Second, much closer to home, the Facelli Winery Bacchus chardonnay. Lastly then, the Stewart Family Reserve chardonnay from Quail's Gate in Okanagan."

"Crab did you say?" Garrett asked while taking in the nose of the second wine.

"Yes, exactly," Drew confirmed. "Dungeness crab with boletus mushrooms. Ah, here it is now," he noted the waiters who swarmed in with plates in hand.

"You know, I find all three lovely," Garrett confessed. "Melinda, what are your thoughts?"

"Well, it's very hard for me not to be partial to the Canadian wine," Melinda admitted.

"There's my Canadian girl," Justin smiled and took his wife's hand.

"We shall have the Quail's Gate, Drew," Garrett decided.

"An excellent choice," Drew and his assistants poured for everyone.

"Oh, this is good, Honey," Justin endorsed just as soon as he tried it.

"So, Edward, it does sound like you were pretty busy up there," Emmett continued.

"I was the only full time of the three Rangers there. Two seasonals and me," Edward reminded. He was sure he had told them that before he left.

"Not quite like the mountain," Seth observed.

"No," Edward shook his head with a chuckle. "On my mountain we need seasonal people and volunteers just to help direct traffic."

"I love when he calls it his mountain," Emmett smiled.

Dinner progressed at a slow pace. Courses followed the selection of wine as chosen by Garrett for the most part, with input from Melinda. Drew and his team poured half glasses each time, lest their guests end up hammered by the time they were finished with their meal. Everyone knew where Nasir went when he pushed away from the table, paused to slip his shoes back on, and disappeared while they were finishing their second dessert course. Miraculously no check was ever presented. The owners came back to check on them and everyone raved about their meal and the whole dinning experience. Ron and Carrie wished them a good evening and left them alone.

"Nasir, Emmett, this was just spectacular," Garrett took Seth's hand as he spoke. "I don't know what we could do to repay you."

"Well," Emmett gave a shrug. "I've never been to Mykonos. What about you, Babe?"

Garrett laughed warmly. "You jest, but we could easily make that happen."

"And your night is not over yet, my friend," Nasir smiled.

"What else could you possibly have in store?" Garrett asked.

"You will see," Nasir nodded confidently. Seth scrutinized Nasir's face a moment and then turned to do the same to Emmett.

"Don't look at me. I'm Sergeant Schultz," Emmett shook his head.

"Oh," Seth gave a dismissive wave.

"Are we ready to go?" Nasir asked with his hands on the arms of his chair.

"Will everyone let me buy a last round or two or whatever in the lobby bar?" Justin asked.

"Hold that thought a minute, Justin," Melinda patted his hand. "Who needs to run to the ladies room? Leah?" she looked to the other straight woman and paused with her purse in her lap.

"Oh, good idea," Leah agreed as she and Melinda rose together.

"You girls don't mind the lesbians joining you," Rosalie said what was not quite a question as she stood and held out her hand to her wife.

"Of course not. Don't be silly. C'mon," Melinda took the question seriously. Leah had a different approach.

"I'd love get a taste of that cherry chapstick, Rose," Leah ran her fingers through her long hair and tilted her head to the side.

"Oh my God," Justin's mind took that thought and ran with it.

"Okay, enough of that," Melinda elbowed Leah on her arm. "You're giving my husband ideas. With his head full of images like that, he won't last when I get him back to the room."

Seth burst out laughing. Garrett just closed his eyes.

"Not to mention the fact that the owner of said chapstick has a partially inebriated, but fully crazy Irish wife!" Maggie added pointing a finger at Leah.

"There's my woman!" Rosalie enthused as she followed the others out of the private dinning room.

"You gay boys just don't know what you're missing," Justin gave a sigh and shook his head from where he sat alone at his end of the table.

"Actually, Justin, I know exactly what I'm not missing," Edward stated.

"Maybe you don't know what you're missing. Did you ever think of that?" Seth asked.

"I know what I'm not missing. I've got one in my pants!" Justin found himself very funny.

"Why do women go to the bathroom in groups?" Nasir wondered aloud.

"I've asked plenty of times, but I've never gotten an answer that I understood," Emmett leaned back to stretch in his chair.

"I don't know why they couldn't wait until we were back in the lobby. There's one right there by the bar," Justin shared.

"Well, that's all the way across the driveway," Seth gestured dramatically. The ladies returned en masse just as they had departed and the whole group left the Founder's Room with full stomachs and happy memories. Once outside they hastened across into the hotel lobby as the night air was chilly and damp.

"Habibi, get me a glass of whatever you are having. I have to go take care of that thing," Nasir paused to kiss his partner on the lips.

"Okay, Nasi," Emmett smiled after the man he loved as Nasir broke from the group and headed for the front desk.

"Where is he going?" Seth narrowed his gaze as he looked after Nasir.

"Sweetie," Emmett put his arm around Seth's shoulders as they walked. "He has to run over to the, you'll find out later, to see to the, never mind it," he spoke in meaningless riddles. Emmett tried very hard to suppress his grin at Seth's flat stare.

"You don't even know," Seth dismissed.

"Oh yeah, smart guy? This time I not only know, it was my idea," Emmett bragged, "but I'm not gonna say another thing. C'mon, let's have a nightcap," he steered them into Fireside Cellars.

"Okay, what do we all want?" Justin passed out the wine menus that he took from the bar.

"Help me, Eddie," Emmett pulled two of the small tables together.

"Sure, Em," Edward brought chairs into a large oval around the tables.

"Here we go," Emmett picked up one of the lists as he sat down. "I know Nasi would like another dessert wine," he studied the menu a moment. "Huh."

"What?" Seth asked.

"Well," Emmett began, "I see three different muscats, a madeira and a late harvest viognier, but not one eiswein or auslese or riesling anything."

"Ten of us for dinner and how many wine snobs? Just one," Seth held up his finger as he teased his best friend.

"Hey, my guy has quite a fondness for German juice," Emmett quipped.

"He likes wine too!" Seth laughed.

"Nasir has spoken of both to me often," Garrett added casually. "I think I would like another glass of champagne, Justin. See if they have that Argyle here at the bar, will you please?" he bid. Justin took everyone's order and walked up to the bar where he found a different bartender than was here earlier in the evening.

"Evening, sir," the barman greeted.

"Evening. I'm gonna need nine glasses of wine for my entire group over there," Justin motioned with his head as he placed his credit card on the bar along with his wine list.

"Yes, sir," the bartender picked up Justin's credit card. "Are you staying at the hotel, sir? You can charge to your room if you wish."

"Knowing my brother's friends, if I do that, I won't get to actually pay for it," Justin rightly concluded. He ran down the order and the barman poured. Justin took a few glasses to their combined table at a time.

"I see five guys and only four girls in your group, Mr. Thompson. I hope you're not the odd man out. The only guy without a girl," the bartender smiled in solidarity. His smile faded as Justin laughed.

"Buddy, I'm the odd man out alright. I'm the only guy who does have a girl," Justin explained. He continued when he saw the confused look on the barman's face. "Or wants one. I'm gonna leave my card with you. Open me a tab," Justin picked up the last glasses and joined his family. "Edward, you sure I can't get you a glass of wine?"

"No thanks, Justin. I'm about wined out," Edward leaned back in his chair.

"Something else? I'll get you a beer. I don't care if I do get dirty looks," Justin offered further.

"I'm good, man. Thanks. Just enjoying the company right now," Edward smiled. He did not have to look to know that the Oracle was even now narrowing his eyes. Just as Seth began to examine Edward's very soul, his attention was taken by the return of Nasir, who sat down casually beside his lover like he had only gone to the bathroom.

"Thank you, Habibi," Nasir took the glass Emmett held for him.

"Don't you dare just sit down there like you haven't been missing all this time on some clandestine errand," Seth threatened.

"You took care of the thing?" Emmett asked.

"The thing is well handled," Nasir gave a nod.

"You two are so gonna get it," Seth promised as he sipped his wine.

"Sweetness," Garrett raised his eyebrows and tilted his head as he looked to his partner wistfully.

"What, Honey?" Seth asked.

"My arms long for you," Garrett held his arms open. Seth was touched and smiled broadly as he moved from his chair into Garrett's lap.

"So much better," Garrett sighed as his very being drank in the feel and scent of his lover's body. Seth leaned his head back on Garrett's shoulder as he relaxed in his partner's loving arms.

"I don't guess we needed ten chairs, Em," Edward observed.

"Yeah, I don't know what we were thinking," Emmett added with a grin.

"The gays are getting snuggly, Mel. What do you say?" Justin patted his thigh in invitation.

"I say, wait until we get back to the room, Dear," Melinda took her husband's hand.

"Okay, so, good night, guys!" Justin made to get up.

"Hold your horses, big fella," Melinda restrained her husband with a hand on his arm. "We've got all night."

"I promise to take all night too," Justin took his wife's hand and kissed it. Leah sat beside Edward and looked him over carefully. This did not escape Edward's notice.

"What? Did I spill something?" Edward looked down at his shirt.

"That's not why I was looking at you," Leah explained. "I mean, yeah, you should come to my room and get out of that soiled shirt. And those pants too."

"Easy there, Cougar. Your prey plays for the other team," Seth teased his sister.

"Yeah, I just thinking what a waste that is," Leah admitted. Justin watched his brother close his eyes and nuzzle behind Seth's ear. He then looked longingly at his wife.

"I actually really envy you right now, Gar," Justin admitted. Seth's face lit up. He was not about to miss this opportunity.

"I can be an equal opportunity Thompson snuggler," Seth rose from his partner's lap and bounced over to Justin where he seated himself, just as he had on Garrett.

"Oh, my God. Honey, the gays are sitting on my lap now," Justin looked to his wife for help. And he should have known better.

"Have fun, Dear," Melinda wore an amused smile. Seth leaned his head on the straight man's shoulder and wiggled his butt slightly in Justin's lap.

"Oh, my God," Justin repeated.

"Justin, may I have my partner back please?" Garrett asked.

"Oh, yes. Yes, please," Justin was all for that idea. Seth only giggled and returned to his lover.

"He's been asking for it all evening," Seth told Garrett as he settled back into his partner's arms.

"He can't have any. You're all mine," Garrett put a hand to Seth's face, closed his eyes and gave his lover a slow, sensual kiss on his lips. Garrett parted his lips just enough to touch Seth's upper lip with his tongue. Seth gave the softest mewl when his lover did that and felt The King twitch in his pants.

Emmett and Nasir watched these exchanges with smiles on their faces as they sat comfortably side by side with their chairs pushed together. They sat with their arms up against each other. Emmett held his palm facing up and Nasir's hand lay palm down over his. They were not quite holding hands, but just entwining their fingers together in a slow loving dance.

"Does everyone know what they are wearing to our Halloween party?" Seth asked the group.

"I don't," Garrett stated from beneath his partner.

"You will be," Seth paused dramatically with a finger on Garrett's chest in the open collar of his shirt, "very sexy!"

"We have something pretty clever, I think," Emmett looked to Nasir as he spoke.

"Yes, I think so too. I like it," Nasir smiled.

"We just have to see if we can find the right costumes," Emmett added.

"Remember the Greek theme last year, Mel?" Justin shook his head. "I gotta find something extra manly this year. I'm not wearin' a dress again."

"A dress," Seth shook his head. "What about you girls?" he prodded.

"Wonder Woman," Rosalie spread her arms, "naturally."

"So you're not wearing a costume, then?" Edward asked and tried to suppress his snicker.

"What about you, Maggie?" Seth pressed on.

"Don't know yet. Depends on if Garrett is able to get that special surprise for me," Maggie informed. Seth sucked in a loud, stricken gasp.

"You have a surprise too?" Seth demanded of the man on whom he sat.

"That's a two way street, Sweetness," Garrett smiled. Seth whirled around on Emmett and Nasir with narrowed his eyes.

"I don't know what it is," Emmett shook his shook his head.

"But I'll bet you do," Seth pointed at Nasir.

"Nasir doesn't either," Garrett stated while slowly rubbing his partner's arm.

"Okay, I see how it is," Seth slowly nodded.

"I'm a little tired, Rosie," Maggie drained her glass and set it on the table. "Take me to bed."

"I'll take you to bed all right, Freckles, but you won't be getting much sleep," Rosalie gave a smirk.

"I think I'll turn in too," Edward nodded.

"I'll go with you. No need to draw two baths," Leah tried again. Edward only giggled and Leah gave a shrug. Rosalie stood up and took her wife's hand. Thus began the exodus as everyone stood with them.

"Let's all meet here in the lobby again at eleven. We have reservations for brunch," Nasir announced.

"Night, boys," Maggie moved first to hug her brother. "I'm so glad you're home," she stood on her tiptoes and wrapped her arms around his neck. "The boys missed you terribly."

"I missed them too," Edward held his sister tightly in his arms. "You have no idea. I have a few days off and I would love to spend every minute of it with them."

"They'll be so excited," Maggie liked that plan and finally let Edward go.

"I'm glad you're back too, little bro," Rosalie gave him a kiss on his cheek.

"Seth, happy anniversary again. I'm so glad you're happy," Maggie found it much easier to hug the shorter man.

"Thank you, Maggie," Seth hugged the woman who rubbed his back.

"You see now, Pipsqueak? How many times did I tell you how wonderful it is to have someone you love?" Rosalie rubbed Seth's shoulder.

"Yes, yes. Amazon wisdom is boundless!" Seth scoffed dramatically. The girls moved on to Garrett.

"Eddie," Emmett took the thinner man in his arms and lifted him off of his feet, "don't be gone so long again. We love you and we miss you."

"Okay, Em, okay," Edward patted the bigger man on his muscular shoulder. He put his forearms on bigger man's chest to lean back and look Emmett in the face. "Can you put me down now?"

Emmett said nothing further as he let Edward down the few inches to his feet. Nasir quickly took his place.

"Edward, thank you so much for your wise counsel and advice," Nasir held Edward tightly.

"Hey, it was my pleasure, Nasir," Edward rubbed the Arab's back. As soon as he let Nasir go he turned to Garrett.

"Happy anniversary, Garrett," Edward gave the man a hug. "I'm really glad you're part of our group."

"So am I, Edward. Thank you," Garrett agreed.

"Family is the word you are looking for, Edward," Seth took Garret's place as his partner let the man go.

"Happy anniversary, Seth," Edward put his cheek to the top of Seth's head.

"You know, once upon a time, like three hundred years ago, I couldn't stand you," Seth confessed.

"Oh, thanks," Edward spoke with a deliberate sarcastic edge to his voice.

"Shut up and let me finish," Seth thwacked Edward on the back. "My point, if I might make it, is that was a long time ago. Now you're my family too and you have been for years. I don't want you to be gone so long again. I worry about you."

"I'm not gonna say I didn't miss you guys, but it was really nice up there, peaceful and secluded," Edward said wistfully. Seth did not mistake his tone. He leaned back to look Edward in the eye. Edward knew that once Seth's eyes held yours, there was no escape. The Oracle saw Truth.

"We're gonna find time to talk some in the morning, just the two of us," Seth put a hand flat on Edward's chest. "I love you," he stretched up to give the taller man a kiss on the lips.

"I love you too," Edward gave Seth a few pats on his little butt.

"Edward, that's private property," Garrett leveled a finger.

"C'mere, Gar," Justin pulled his brother to him. "I really am very happy for you, little brother."

"Thank you, Justin. I know that," Garrett closed his eyes as his big brother held him. He remembered the day he first arrived in Seattle. Justin had been waiting in his driveway and held him just like this for the longest time. Garrett had cried in his brother's arms that day. Today he could not have been happier.

"It's about time you had a good guy. I meant every word I said at dinner," Justin stressed.

"I know that too," Garrett assured.

"Now, go give your Injun a shot of Thompson," Justin gave his brother a robust pat on the back and let him go. Garrett just chuckled.

"Thank you, Justin," Seth stepped up to hug the lone straight man.

"For what, Seth?" Justin asked as he hugged back.

"For being so much fun," Seth answered as he moved to the man's wife.

The group broke up at last and headed for their rooms.

---

Supplemental AN:

If what Liz wanted to see fleshed out was not apparent in this chapter, it will be in the next one...