AUTHOR'S NOTES:
Ever closer, kids, ever closer.
I didn't get to post last week, so a special Happy Belated Birthday to my triplet Maureen.
A very big thank you to Miss Liz, for the dusting, the brainstorming, the collaboration and just general wonderfulness.
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 15: The Big Day
Wee Hours Friday Night
(Wedding minus sixteen hours)
Seth sat on the long, plush sofa in the spacious sitting room with it's panoramic view of downtown, in his and Emmett's suite at the Sorrento. His form fitting, white, long sleeved, crew neck shirt was history, but he still wore his leather pants as he reclined with the hotel room phone to his ear.
"Hello?" Edward's unmistakably irritated voice came on the line.
"Hey, Edward, what are you doing?" Seth asked, deliberately ignoring Edward's tone.
"Well, I'm not sleeping," Edward was sarcastic.
"Good. Get down here," Seth commanded. "We're in the corner suite at the other end of the hall, five oh one. Bring boxers. Emmy doesn't have any extra. Unless you'd rather be naked, which, obviously, we don't care."
"Seth, I'm already in bed," Edward stated.
Seth looked up at Emmett as the bigger man walked out through the open double doors from the bedroom clad only in loose boxers for sleeping. "Then get up," Seth urged. "Just put your robe on. It's just down the hall."
Emmett could see that Edward was giving his best friend a hard time and held out his hand. Seth did not hesitate to put the receiver in Emmett's hand.
"Eddie? What are you doing? I need you," Emmett played his trump card.
"I'll be right there," Edward said simply and hung up.
"And that's how you do that," Emmett said to Seth with a satisfied smile as he placed the handset on it's cradle.
"I knew he wouldn't refuse you," Seth rose from the sofa. "I'm gonna finish getting ready for bed," he unbuttoned and unzipped as he headed for the bedroom.
"I'm gonna brush my teeth," Emmett followed after him and headed through into the spacious bathroom.
Seth folded and hung up his leather pants and returned, naked to the living room. His sixth sense told him it was time to open the door. Even as Seth headed for the door, he heard the soft rap. Seth did not hesitate to pull the door wide open. He knew perfectly well who it was and didn't at all care that he was naked. Edward stood in the corridor, sexy in spite of himself in a plain white tee shirt and jeans, Mr. Lickey boxers sticking out of his pocket.
"Is that how you answer the door?" Edward gestured as Seth stepped aside to let him in.
"I don't need to be me to know it was you," Seth defended as he shut and bolted the door. "We don't have a parade of boys running through this suite. There is only one hot top we were expecting this evening."
"Okay, then please tell me you brought boxers," Edward moved to the next logical thought.
"I was in the middle of changing, if you must know. Sheesh!" Seth headed for the open double doors to the bedroom.
"On second thought, you don't have to cover up that hot bottom," Edward rubbed his crotch. "You hot bottom."
Seth froze in his tracks and turned his head to look over his shoulder at a smirking, teasing Edward, groping himself.
"Why, Edward Cullen," Seth ran a hand provocatively over his dark, round backside. "I'm a married woman! You can't have any!" he declared and bounced into the bedroom.
"What was that about?" Emmett asked as he passed Seth in the wide doorway. He walked out to Edward in the big sitting room.
"Seth silliness," Edward dismissed as Emmett gave him a quick hug.
"We were just gonna have a last little nightcap. You in?" Emmett walked over to the table where a bottle of honey bourbon, glasses and ice bucket waited.
"I'm in," Edward agreed. He watched his big friend. "You know, Em, I'm fine," he felt compelled to assure. It was no secret why they wanted him with them the last time.
"We know that. So am I," Emmett placed ice in the glasses and poured. "We three were together the night before Seth got married. I want you both with me on my night too," he smiled and handed Edward his glass.
"And when this night comes for you, you better know who's gonna be there for you, underwear or no," Seth strode out of the bedroom clad in completely sheer and shimmery white briefs that could barely contain him.
"Well, in underwear like that, I guess it hardly matters," Edward concluded. Seth just stuck his tongue out at Edward as he took his glass from Emmett.
"So," Emmett seated himself in a damask upholstered armchair. "Wow, huh, guys?"
"Are you excited, Em?" Edward asked as he took an identical, nearby chair.
"You know, I really am, but, and thank God, I'm really tired too. Otherwise I wouldn't sleep a wink tonight," Emmett admitted and took a sip of his bourbon.
"Nasir is probably the same way," little Seth draped himself across the big sofa. "I hope Garrett can keep him calm."
"Seth, if anyone can, it's your husband," Edward stated.
"Anyone besides me, you mean, obviously," Seth ran a hand through his long hair.
"Oh, right, obviously," Edward let his eyes roll.
"I'm getting married tomorrow, you guys. Sometimes I can hardly believe it," Emmett held up his left hand to examine his ring.
"Believe it, Em. Nasir loves you so completely," Edward expressed.
"You mean because not so long ago things were so confused and uncertain," Seth got it.
"Yeah," Emmett sighed and looked into his glass. "That was a dark time."
"Don't dwell on that, Em. That's over. You guys got through it. Everything worked out great!" Edward enthused.
"It did. You're right. It's just when I think about how close I came to loosing him, how close I came to deciding that I couldn't live like that, even though my heart was breaking," Emmett stopped himself and gave a visible shudder. "I don't even want to think about it! God, what's wrong with me, thinking about shit like that? Everything is perfect in my life. Really it is. It was scary there for a while, but like you said, Eddie, everything did work out great. Nasi has his green card. He has a job that he loves. We have the best friends anyone could want," Emmett gestured to Seth and Edward. "And tomorrow I'm gonna marry him and love him for the rest of my life."
Seth could not be still. He rose from his sofa and seated himself in Emmett's lap. Emmett held Seth with one arm while the smaller man leaned into his chest.
"I love you with all my heart, Emmy. You are my brother," Seth put a hand on Emmett's big pec.
"I love you, Seth. I don't know where I would be if it weren't for you," Emmett held Seth to him tightly and rested his chin on the top of Seth's head.
"I love you too, Em, but I'm not gonna climb into your lap," Edward smiled. "Not right now, anyway. I don't wanna crush Seth."
"We can all snuggle in bed. And speaking of," Emmett drained his glass. "Let's get some rest. I do have kinda a big day tomorrow."
Seth sat up, drained his glass as well, and got up from Emmett. Edward and Emmett rose as well and all three left their glasses on the table by the windows.
"I brought my Mr. Lickys," Edward pulled the wadded boxers out of his pocket as he followed Emmett and Seth into the bedroom.
"Are you expecting to get lucky, licky?" Seth teased.
"I'm expecting not to, or I wouldn't have brought them," Edward flicked the back of Seth's head with them. Seth stopped and narrowed his eyes at Edward while Emmett pulled down the bed. Edward just smiled, clearly pleased with himself, while he pulled his tee shirt off over his head. He unbuttoned, unzipped and dropped his jeans. Edward had only managed to free one leg from his jeans when Seth moved in. Seth pushed Edward back against the wall. Edward stood with his back to the wall, naked save for one ankle yet ensnared in his jeans.
"Let me make one thing perfectly clear, Cullen," Seth poked a finger into Edward's furry left pec and held it there. "If you so much as think about holding me down and tickling me, like you did the last time, Jasper," Seth raised his other hand to cup Edward's testicles in his palm, "is going to have his own personal eunuch," Seth gave the delicate orbs in his hand a gentle squeeze for emphasis.
"No tickling. Got it," Edward agreed.
"Good," Seth let go of Edward and turned toward the bed. "Now put your underwear on and get over here," he commanded as he crawled in with Emmett.
"It's my wedding night eve. I get to be in the middle," Emmett announced as he slid into position. Edward pulled on his boxers and walked around the bed.
"Oh, put out the light, Eddie, please," Emmett pointed. Edward hit the switch and the room went dark, save for the lights of the city that filtered in through the sheers. He lifted the sheet and thin blanket, and crawled in beside Emmett.
Almost at once Emmett rolled toward Edward. "Roll over, Eddie, let me hold you," he bid. Edward did so and felt Emmett's larger body conform to his.
"Oh, yeah," Emmett wrapped his entire body around Edward and held him tightly to his chest. "That's what I'm talkin' about. Don't mind me if I get hard, Eddie."
"I never do," Edward snickered.
"Ha!" Seth laughed behind Emmett.
"Okay, you found me out. The real reason I wanted you to sleep with us is because your height and build is so close to Nasi's that, in the dark," Emmett slipped one hand down Edward's torso. Edward smiled at first, but Emmett's hand didn't stop. Emmett moved his hand under the waistband of Edward's boxers and wrapped his big hand around Edward's soft uncut cock and balls.
"It's hard," Emmett finished his thought, "to tell you apart."
"Um, Em?" Edward started. Emmett could hold it in no longer and burst out laughing. To Edward's relief, Emmett pulled his hand out of his underwear at the same time.
"Will you two stop grabbing my junk?" Edward demanded. "I'll go sleep in my own room!"
"We're just playing, Eddie," Emmett laughed and rolled onto his back. "You have to admit, that was pretty funny."
"Okay, yuk, yuk," Edward rolled over to face Emmett and Seth. He put his hand on Emmett's chest. "Let's see how you like it!" he ran his hand down Emmett's body, but got no further than the big man's belly button before Emmett grabbed his wrist.
"No, no," Emmett shook his head.
"Alright then," Edward relaxed.
"You guys are so much fun," Seth expressed. He laid his head on Emmett's huge chest and threw his arm over to reach for Edward.
"Ah," Emmett took a deep breath and gave a long sigh as he relaxed. "This is nice," he laid on his back and held both Seth and Edward to him.
"It is," Seth agreed.
"You know, I'm Nasir's groomsman. I really should be snuggling with him and Garrett right now," Edward observed.
"Oh, yeah," Seth lifted his head. "No. That wouldn't work," he decided and laid his head back down on Emmett.
"No. I very much do not want to snuggle with my brother," Emmett agreed.
"Maybe I should just send Carson in my place," Edward teased.
"I'm sure Nasi would love that," Emmett chuckled.
"Though Carson might object when Nasir's long cock gets stuck up his ass," Seth jested.
"Oh, not until then?" Edward laughed.
"You know, Nasi was teasing me once and he said he wondered if siblings taste alike," Emmett shared with a giggle.
"I'm sure we could name a dozen people right off the top of our heads who would be more than happy to do the research!" Edward found that very funny.
"No doubt," Seth agreed, "but we'll ask Nasir to do it."
"I doubt he would object," Emmett smiled.
"In the name of science, Em, of course," Edward tried to keep a straight face.
Emmett just smiled to himself for a long moment. He pulled Seth and Edward to him tighter. "I love you guys. I'm glad you're with me."
"I am too, Em," Edward admitted.
"We wouldn't be anywhere else," Seth agreed. He and Edward both snuggled up to Emmett as much and they could and relaxed. Soon all three men were asleep.
Saturday
Morning
(Wedding minus 8 hours)
Garrett and Nasir saw no need to put on underwear to sleep together as they had, albeit without intending to, slept naked together before. While they spent the night together in Garrett and Seth's bed, they did not spend it wrapped in each other's arms. Garrett was the first to wake. He gave a soft moan as he stretched. At first Garrett was disoriented, not feeling Seth beside him. He reached over to Seth's side of the bed and encountered a bare back. A bare back that could not have been Seth. Garrett remembered, even as he turned to look.
"Mmm," Nasir felt Garrett rub his back.
"Morning, groom," Garrett bid. Nasir was laying on his stomach, but had his head facing the other way. He lifted his head and turned to face his best friend.
"Morning, best man," Nasir reached over to rest his hand on Garrett's chest.
"You are getting married today," Garrett smiled.
"I am. I really am," Nasir spoke with wonder. "Garrett, this is the most wonderful day of my life. And you are here with me."
"Of course I am, my friend," Garrett assured.
"I wish I had been here for you. I feel bad about that. I should have told my family to go fuck themselves," Nasir expressed.
"You had no way of knowing then. And we are your family now. You know that," Garrett patted Nasir's back.
"I do know that. You and Sethy and Emmett are the most wonderful family in the world. I am a very lucky man," Nasir expressed.
"If that is so, we are just as lucky," Garrett stated. "How about we have a leisurely brunch at Six Seven, just the two of us. Dungeness benedict?"
"You are a genius, Garrett," Nasir approved. "What do you suppose Emmett and Sethy are doing right now?"
"Seth is not a morning person, as you know. I imagine he's still asleep, cuddled up to Emmett, I'm sure," Garrett could not help but smile as he thought of his sweet and beautiful little lover, sound asleep, safe in Emmett's arms.
"We should do the same," Nasir slid close and threw his arm over Garrett as he partially laid on his best friend. Nasir snuggled his face into Garrett's hair and neck. Both men became very aware that they were naked and somewhat less than flaccid.
"Perhaps we should have worn underwear," Garrett observed.
"Yes, we should," Nasir agreed and promptly rolled away. Both men sat up and swung their legs over opposite sides of the bed. They got up without hesitation. Neither cared about being seen in a partial state of arousal. They had seen each other play with their partners more than once, so this was nothing. Seeing it and feeling it were two different things however.
"How about a mimosa to set us up for the day?" Garrett asked as he walked into his closet to fetch a dressing gown.
"That sounds perfect, Garrett," Nasir agreed as he picked up his jeans and pulled them on.
When Emmett woke, he found that he was spooning Seth's little body, and laying back to back with Edward. He smiled to himself and kissed the back of Seth's head. Emmett silently thanked God, or the Grandfather Spirit, or whatever it was out there, for Harry and Sue Clearwater, terrible people and parents though they were, for creating just the right set of circumstances to send Seth into his life. Of course, he realized, following that logic, he should have been thankful for Jared as well. It was through Jared that he met Seth after all. But while Emmett would really like to give Sue Clearwater a hug, and her husband too were he alive, all he wanted to give Jared was a punch in the mouth.
Emmett was fully erect and his big bone might have been very happy nestled in the crack of Seth's little ass, were it not for the fact that he had to piss like a race horse. Very carefully, so as not to wake either of them, Emmett lifted himself out of his place between the sleeping men, crawled over Seth on all fours, and got out of bed. His boxers were tented obscenely and a simple tug of the fabric allowed his hard penis to poke through the fly. Emmett walked into the marble bathroom where he was forced to wait a moment before he could point himself downward enough to hit the bowl. The only advantage to this condition was the fact that he didn't have to roll his foreskin back. Finally, with great satisfaction and relief, he let go with a heavy stream. After what seemed like several minutes, though it really wasn't quite that long, his stream weakened and slowed to a dribble as he finished. Emmett shook himself off and put his now only half hard cock back in his boxers while he flushed.
Back out in the bedroom, Emmett could not help but smile and shake his head when he found that Seth had moved in the bed to take his spot. Edward was facing away and hogging one of the pillows as he clutched it to his chest. Seth was snuggled up behind him with his arm over Edward's waist, still asleep. Emmett climbed onto the bed and ever so carefully lifted Seth's head to slide one end of the other pillow under him. He then snuggled up behind his little best friend and put his long arm around them both. Emmett took a deep breath and closed his eyes. Seth was essential, but he was just as glad to have Edward here with him. He very much loved them both.
Emmett just began to doze off when he felt Edward stir. "Morning," Emmett spoke softly and smiled as Edward looked over his shoulder.
"Morning," Edward rubbed his sleepy face and carefully rolled over to face Seth and Emmett. "How did he end up in the middle?"
"I got up to take a piss about ten minutes ago and sleeping beauty here took my spot," Emmett rubbed the great, black, mussed mop that was Seth's hair.
"Wow, just look at him," Edward pulled the sheet back a little. "He's so small and sleeps so peacefully, yet he's such a force of nature when he's awake."
"It's true," Emmett chuckled. "That's our Seth."
"Thanks for this, Em," Edward put his hand on Emmett's shoulder. "It was nice to be with you guys."
"Hey, I told you, Eddie. I need you, both of you," Emmett expressed.
"If I couldn't be in bed with Jasper, I'm glad I was with you," Edward was sincere. Then a smirk crept onto his face. "Dick grabbing and all."
"Oh, I'm happy to grab your dick. C'mere!" Emmett reached for Edward's crotch. Edward laughed as he pushed Emmett's hand away. Emmett did not make contact this time and tried no further.
"I don't think your husband would like that," Edward pointed out.
"My husband would ask if he could go next," Emmett smiled. "My husband," he repeated.
"I know," Edward grew more serious as well. "I don't know anyone who deserves this more than you do, Em. You guys are so perfect for each other."
"Thanks, Eddie. I think so too," Emmett smiled. "And speaking of guys who are perfect for each other. What does the future hold for you and Jasper?"
"I don't even care, as long as we're together. I just know that I love him," Edward gave a shrug.
"Well, Seth was right. When, not if, that day comes, you better know us two old married guys are gonna cuddle you all night. You get to be in the middle," Emmett promised.
"That's all I need. Both of you on me," Edward shook his head. "I think that's a little more dick than I can handle."
"Is that even possible?" Emmett laughed.
"In this bed it is," Edward assured. "Okay, I can't put it off any longer. I gotta piss too," he carefully slid out of his side of the bed so as not to wake Seth and headed for the bathroom, tented Mr. Licky pointing the way. Emmett gently rubbed Seth's back while Edward relieved himself. Like Emmett, Edward did not bother to shut the door.
"Hey, Eddie," Emmett carefully rose from the bed as Edward returned from the bathroom, "you think Leo and Zack are up?"
"Don't know. Might be," Edward gave a shrug.
"I'm gonna call for some provisions," Emmett headed out into the sitting room. "If they're up, they can join us. Then we can all have our manicures here."
"Let's find out," Edward walked to where his jeans lay on the floor and picked them up only to discover his cell was not present. "Oh, shit. I left my phone in my room. Fuck," Edward pulled his jeans on over his Licky's and walked out into the sitting room as he buttoned and zipped up. "I'll just go knock on their door."
"Eddie," Emmett stood at the table by the windows, on the hotel phone, and reached to hand Edward a key to their suite.
"Oh, thanks," Edward took Emmett's key and walked out of the suite. He walked quickly down the hallway, conscious of how he must look barefoot and in only pants. Edward reached the far end of the hotel without seeing another soul and rapped quickly, but not too loudly, on Troy and Zack's door. He knew he did not wake them by how quickly the door was answered.
"Hey, Edward," Zack smiled as he pulled back the door. Zack was careful to just lean around the door as he let his guest in and Edward quickly discovered why. Both younger men were awake, but still naked and not at all shy around their older brother.
"Morning," Edward greeted.
"Hey, Gem," Leo pulled on a big, plush hotel robe from the closet. "I just tried calling your room like ten seconds ago. Were you in the bathroom or something?" he took the second robe from it's hanger and walked across the room to hand it to his partner.
"No. I spent the night with Emmett and Seth," Edward informed. He leaned down as Leo came to him, to kiss the shorter man on his cheek.
"You did?" Zack tied his robe closed.
"Yeah, it was nice," Edward smiled. "We three spent the night together before Seth and Garrett's wedding too."
"Oh, I remember you telling us that," Troy recalled. "Well, we wanted to know if you would let us buy you breakfast."
"That's why I'm here. Emmett is having food sent up to his suite and sent me down to get you two. C'mon," Edward gestured with his head and turned toward the door.
"Should we get dressed?" Zack asked.
"I wouldn't bother. They're not and you know they'd love it," Edward gave a grin.
Troy snickered and took his lover's hand. "C'mon, Zacky."
Zack grabbed their room key as they followed Edward out into the hallway.
"I just have to get my phone," Edward reached into his pocket and found he now had two room keys that were indistinguishable. He tried the first one, which did not work, and then the second, which did. Zack held open the door while Edward dashed to the bedside table to snatch up his cell. Edward was relieved when a quick check revealed no missed calls or texts.
"Let's go," Edward trotted back out to the hallway.
"Where is their room?" Troy asked as they set off.
"Other end down here," Edward led the way. Just as it was for Edward, they passed not another soul by the time they reached the far end. Again Edward pulled two room keys from his pocket and again could not tell them apart.
"Evidently I can't manage a whole two room keys this morning," Edward complained when the first one didn't work.
"Hey, guys," Emmett greeted them as they walked in. He was still in just his boxers.
"Hi, Emmett," Troy and Zack both had a hug for the big man.
"Oh, look at this," Edward smiled. "Morning," he called.
Through the open double doors to the bedroom Seth could be seen, tiny in the center of the big bed, now sitting up. His hair was a great jumbled mess and he looked, but appeared to see nothing, through barely open eyes in a very sleepy face.
"He's sitting up and looking at me, but I'd say still ninety percent asleep," Edward observed with amusement.
"Go get him up, you guys," Emmett bid.
"Seth, good morning!" Troy led the way. He and Zack walked into the bedroom and climbed onto either side of the bed.
"What's up, Seth?" Zack asked. Seth slowly turned to look at Zack, but the younger man doubted he even saw him.
"Wow, this is gonna take a few minutes to fix," Troy concluded as he tried to straighten Seth's hair. Bleary eyed Seth turned to look at Troy for a moment and then turned back to Zack. Seth put his hand on Zack's chest and pushed.
"Oh!" Zack was pushed over onto his back on the bed. Seth pulled open Zack's robe, though not enough to expose him completely, and laid himself down on the younger man's chest. Zack just looked up at his partner, not at all sure what to do, or if he should do anything.
"Once again, that is so freaking hot," Troy commented as he walked around the bed and sat down beside Zack. He reached into his lover's very nearly open robe and took hold of Zack's cock. "You know how bad I wanna blow you right now, while Seth is holding you down?"
"Not with an audience, please, Lee," Zack tried to hold together what little was left of his robe.
"I wouldn't do that," Troy assured. "Well, maybe if Gem and Emmett weren't here."
"We can step out and close the doors," Emmett offered.
"No, we can't really play with Seth sleeping on us. That would be weird," Troy pulled his hand out of Zack's robe and put it on Seth's bare back. "I wonder if he was awake at all?"
"So, Em, manicures and then?" Edward asked as he and Emmett both stood in the doorway.
"Then it will be time to start getting ready. Nasi and Garrett will be here by then. Seth is supposed to shave us both," Emmett ran a hand over his by now very scruffy face.
"We'll have to get the tuxes and papers over to the mansion," Edward thought out loud. "Oh, what about the gifts for guests?"
"Seth confirmed that they were delivered to Stimson-Green yesterday. And the programs," Emmett answered.
"Okay, so we're not completely lost while the master of ceremonies is sound asleep," Edward joked.
As if he knew he was needed, Seth suddenly sucked a deep breath in through his nose. He stretched and smiled as he ran a hand over the smooth chest on which he slept. Seth's hand went over Zack's pec and down under his arm to the younger man's ribs. And his smile faded. There were only three smooth chests on which Seth had ever rested his head in slumber in his whole life. At first Seth thought he was on Garrett, where he belonged body and soul, but this man was too slight to be mistaken for Garrett, and there was no way in the world he could be confused for Emmett. That left only one other, and it was too terrifying to contemplate.
Seth sat up with such a sudden jolt and gasp, that it gave both Zack and Troy a start.
"Oh," Seth clutched at his heart without even realizing it, but quickly calmed down. "Where did you come from?" he put a hand on Zack's chest where he had been sleeping.
"I didn't mean to scare you," Zack looked up at Seth.
"You didn't," Seth assured.
"We came to say good morning. You pushed Zacky down and went back to sleep on him," Troy answered.
"I did?" Seth had no memory of it.
"Did you have a bad dream, Sweetie?" Emmett asked.
"I had a nightmare alright," Seth confirmed and tried to push his free hand through his hair.
"And why did you choose him anyway? I was right here too. I'm cuddly!" Troy protested in jest.
"I know you are," Seth took hold of Troy's arm. "I guess I don't know."
"The little bottom just naturally gravitated to the top," Edward laughed. Seth turned a withering gaze on Edward, but said nothing.
A knock on the door signaled the arrival of room service.
"Would you mind, Edward, since you have pants on," Emmett requested.
"Sure," Edward headed for the door.
"Have it brought in here," Seth called after him. "We'll picnic on the bed."
Though he wasn't registered to this room, Edward signed the charge slip. He knew without asking that Emmett wouldn't care. Soon two ice buckets of champagne and another two with large carafes of orange juice stood at the side of the bed. Platters of very fresh, buttery and flaky croissant sandwiches with egg, ham and cheese, or spinach and feta also contained toasted bagels and cream cheese, and blueberry muffins. Another smaller tray held very attractively presented fresh fruit and berries. All of these were placed before Seth where the grand diva held court in the center of the big bed.
Emmett removed the foil and cage from the neck of the first bottle of champagne, and popped the cork, which he threw at Seth. "Help me, Eddie," he poured some of the bubbly into a flute and handed it to Edward. Edward assisted in forming a production line as he pulled the cellophane from the nearest carafe of orange juice and finished making the mimosas, the first of which he handed to Seth. Emmett reached for the second flute and snickered as the cork bounced off his chest.
"Make mine just orange juice please, you guys," Troy requested. "I'll save myself for later at the reception."
"I'll just have orange juice too," Zack smiled at Troy and rubbed his thigh. Sometimes his exotic partner made him so proud, and this was one of those moments.
"Well, how are we supposed to get you two tipsy enough to take advantage of you if you won't drink?" Emmett handed Edward two empty flutes.
"Who says you need to get them tipsy?" Seth teased as he took a sip. "I woke up on top of one of them."
"Dig in, guys," Emmett gestured as he held his own flute for Edward to top off with juice.
"Looks good," Troy took a ham, egg and cheese croissant. "Smells good too," he took a bite. "Mmm," Troy endorsed and held it for Zack to take a bite as well.
Edward and Seth both selected a spinach and feta croissant while Emmett the meat eater also took one with ham, egg and cheese.
"Uh, oh," Troy pointed. "I won't tell your hot Muslim husband that you're eating ham," he teased.
"My hot Muslim husband knows very well that I eat ham. He knows there are very few things I like better than ham," Emmett countered.
"Nasir's dick being one exception," Seth giggled.
"Ha!" Troy found that very funny.
"Okay, yeah, that's one thing I like in my mouth better than ham," Emmett admitted. Edward just leaned against the doorjamb and chewed as he shook his head. And thereby earned Seth's wrath.
"Edward Cullen, you get out of those pants right now," Seth commanded. "We're lounging in our undies."
"We're not wearing undies," Troy pointed out.
"Or our robes," Seth amended. Edward stuck his sandwich in his mouth to hold it while he unbuttoned, unzipped and pushed his jeans down. He worked his feet free and kicked them away. Edward took a bite of his sandwich and took it in his hand again as he held out both arms and chewed.
"Much better," Seth gave a nod of approval and took a sip of his mimosa. "Hey, where's your brother? Breakfast with the boys."
"I called him. He's on his way," Emmett stated.
As if summoning a spirit, at the mention of his name he appeared with a knock on the door.
"And there he is," Emmett set his flute down and popped what little remained of his sandwich in his mouth. He walked out of the bedroom and to the door, still chewing.
"Hey, Em," Carson greeted his brother with a smile as the door swung open. "You're not dressed yet?" he asked as he walked into the room. The younger McCarty wore jeans and a dark blue tee shirt.
"Huh, no," Emmett chuckled.
"Why is that funny?" Carson asked.
"Have you met Seth? C'mon, we're all in the bedroom," Emmett led the way. "I'll pour you a drink."
"A drink-drink?" Carson looked at his watch.
"Yes a drink-drink," Emmett answered as they walked into the bedroom.
"Drinking already? Gay guys are fun," Carson rubbed his hands together. "Morning, gents."
"Morning," several gave him a wave.
It took Carson a moment to notice. "None of you are dressed?"
"We are lounging in our undies, or robes as the case may be, while we breakfast, Carson," Seth explained from the center of the bed. "Join us."
"Here, Car," Emmett handed his brother a flute.
"What the hell is this?" Carson asked as he took it.
"It's a mimosa," Emmett picked up his own.
"A mimosa," Carson held it up.
"Orange juice and champagne," Emmett explained.
"I know what a mimosa is. I've just never had one. I should have known it would be something fruity," Carson took a sip.
"What were you expecting?" Seth asked.
"Beer," Carson answered.
"Beer in the morning," Seth shook his head. "They called my people savages," he gave a dramatic sigh and took a sip from his flute.
"This isn't too bad," Carson assessed with a nod. "Better than I thought it would be. It's kinda, almost screwdriver-ish."
"See," Emmett patted his brother's shoulder.
"We're breakfasting in our undies, Carson," Seth made his point again. "Those," he gestured with his flute, "don't look like undies to me."
"I already had breakfast with my family," Carson stated.
"We're sipping in our undies, Carson," Seth refined his point. "And those still don't look like undies to me."
"I gotta be in my underwear too?" Carson asked.
"Have you met Seth?" Edward asked.
"That's just what Em said!" Carson pointed at his brother.
"So, need help with your zipper?" Seth asked.
"What if I told you I'm not wearing any underwear?" Carson asked.
"I would make you prove it," Seth stated.
"You're not wearing underwear, Car?" Emmett could hardly believe it.
"Of course I am. Here, hold my fruity little drink," Carson held out his flute to Emmett. "Okay, gay boys, watch closely," he grabbed the hem of his tee shirt, paused with a smirk to make sure all eyes were on him, and peeled the shirt off over his head.
"Are you sure you don't have your uniform with you?" Seth asked again.
"I'm so glad I don't have my uniform with me," Carson threw his shirt at Seth. Seth caught it easily and made a production of holding it to his face and breathing in deeply through his nose.
"Ah," Seth gave a satisfied sigh. "The heady smell of straight boy."
"That'll teach you to throw your clothes at him," Emmett laughed at the look on his brother's face.
"I won't make that mistake twice," Carson unbuttoned and unzipped himself, and let his jeans drop. Like Emmett, Carson wore loose boxers. The difference being that Emmett would never wear something like that under any article of clothing and only owned a few pair to wear on occasions such as this. Carson wore them every day.
"Give me my fruity little drink back," Carson demanded and took it from his brother. "So this is what we're doing this morning, having a slumber party with our little drinks?"
Seth made a show of scooting back to lean on the headboard and patted the bed beside him. Carson chuckled at this suggestion, but decided to be brave. He walked around to the side of the bed and climbed into place beside Seth.
"Better?" Carson asked as he looked down at the smaller man by his side.
"Much," Seth confirmed. "Isn't this nice?"
"It's, okay," Carson was guarded.
"Leo, Zack, come snuggle in with us," Seth held his flute in one hand and reached for Zack with the other. Zack scooted into place beside Seth and Troy did the same on the other side of Carson.
"Oh my God," Carson shook his head. "Em, get my phone out of my pocket and take a picture of this," he directed.
"You want there to be evidence?" Edward asked as Emmett picked up his brother's discarded jeans.
"The guys at the station would never believe me," Carson stated.
"Gem, you get over here too!" Troy urged. Edward walked around the bed and perched on what little was left beside Troy.
"Oh, there we go," Carson put his arm around Seth.
"Everyone hold up your flute," Seth did so.
"Our what?" Carson looked at him.
"This is called a flute, Carson. What did you think I meant?" Seth asked.
"I think sometimes you scare me a little bit, Seth," Carson admitted.
"Ready, you guys?" Emmett held up Carson's phone. He carefully took a shot of the five men in their underwear, or robes, sitting on the bed with their legs stretched out in front of them, leaning against the headboard with their arms around each other with the lone straight man in the middle. Emmett nodded to himself and smiled.
"If anyone would have told me that I would be having a pajama party, oh, sorry, an underwear party, just me and the gay guys, sippin' on little flutey drinks, I would have told them they were nuts," Carson drained his flute.
"Another?" Emmett asked and reached for his brother's glass.
"Yes, please," Carson confirmed. He put his arm around Seth again and pulled both Seth and Troy tight to his sides. "You guys are a lot of fun though, I gotta give you that."
"We like to have fun with the straight boys," Seth put his hand on Carson's leg.
"Oh, not that much fun," Carson took his arm from around Seth to carefully move the hand off his leg. "Thanks, Em," he took his fresh drink from his brother. "Damn. Look at me all snuggled in here in my underwear, with the gay boys and my little drink. I'll be suckin' dick by the time this wedding is over."
Everyone burst out laughing, save Seth.
"Someone my size might not be a good idea for your first time out, and Emmy's your brother, but I'm sure I could get the rest of them to line up for you, so's you could take your pick," Seth smiled.
"You are just too helpful, Seth," Carson nodded. "I'll keep you posted on that, okay? So, what's next, Em? Do we get our toenails painted?"
"Not quite," Emmett answered. "We are all getting manicures in a little while though."
"I am so not getting my fingernails painted," Carson stated.
"Not painted. Have you ever had a manicure?" Emmett demanded.
"No," Carson admitted.
"Then shut up," Emmett concluded.
"Man, I'm glad there wasn't a bachelor party. I'd have probably had to wear a tutu and watch gogo boys shake their dicks in my face," Carson shook his head.
"What did you think I had planned for the reception?" Seth didn't miss a beat.
The momentarily panicked look on Carson's face was priceless.
Saturday
Noon
(Wedding minus 5 hours)
The smiling doorman reached for Nasir's front passenger door even as the Maybach slowed to a stop beneath the porte cochere at the front entrance of the Sorrento Hotel. Both of the occupants of the elegant vehicle wore polo shirts, snug jeans and sunglasses.
"Nice to see you back, sir," the valet greeted Garrett.
"A pleasure," Garrett handed the young man his fob. "There are a couple of bags in the backseat. We're checking into the Luxury Suite just now."
"Yes, sir. Go right on in. I'll have your luggage right behind you and get the car parked," the valet handed Garrett his ticket for the car. "Aaron," he called for the bellman.
"Good man. Thank you," Garrett tipped the valet with a pat on the shoulder and then walked around the car to join Nasir.
"They will get the bags?" Nasir pointed.
"Yes they will, groom. Let's get you checked in," Garrett put his arm around Nasir as they walked into the hotel together. Nasir looked back over his shoulder nervously. He was reluctant to let a bag with such valuable contents out of his sight. Garrett, of course, had no idea what was in Nasir's bag.
Aaron, with his bellcart and their two bags, was right behind them. Nasir checked into the Luxury Suite and Garrett confirmed their manicure appointments at the same time. The front desk clerk gave the four room keys Nasir requested to Aaron and he led the way to the elevators and up to the top floor. At the end of the 7th floor, directly above Madison and occupying the entire end of the wing, was the Sorrento's largest and finest suite.
"Here we are, gentlemen," Aaron opened their door and held it for them. Nasir and Garrett walked in, and Aaron followed with their bags. There was an expansive living room with a fireplace and baby grand piano that gave onto an adjacent dining room that would easily seat six, and a large, comfortable bedroom. A marble powder room augmented the ensuite marble bath. The entire suite was one giant, dazzling Rococo work of art, from the ornate furniture and gilt framed mirrors to the intricate ceiling. There was even a balcony with a retractable canvas roof, looking straight down on Madison. It was much bigger than the one Emmett and Nasir had at home, their Seattle home, and nearly the size of Seth and Garrett's terrace.
"Shall I place your bags on the racks in the bedroom, Sir?" Aaron asked.
"Please," Nasir smiled. It was clear that Aaron the bellman thought Nasir and Garrett were a couple. It wasn't the first time someone had made that mistake and Nasir was sure it would not be the last.
"You gentlemen have Sorrento robes in the closet there for your use while you're here with us. Here are your room keys," Aaron handed the packet to Nasir. "Your minibar and fridge are in the dining room under the wet bar. The Seattle Times will be delivered each morning. You have complimentary Direct TV. Caffé Vita French press coffee service is complimentary in the suites. Just call whenever you want it. The fitness and business centers are open twenty four seven. You guys have a car, but the hotel does offer car service into downtown. We have a fantastic restaurant here in the hotel called the Hunt Club and don't miss Nikki DeCaires performing in the Fireside Room. The Beauty Bar is in the lower level of the hotel offering everything from shiatsu, facials, and body wraps to pilates and yoga."
"We are expecting a technician from the Beauty Bar here in our suite for manicures in about twenty minutes," Garrett smiled.
"You probably know the place as well as I do," Aaron smiled.
"I doubt that. You have been most kind. Thank you for your help," Nasir put two twentys into Aaron's hand.
"Thank you very much, sir. You gentlemen enjoy your stay," Aaron gave a wave and headed out the door.
"Garrett, for you and Sethy," Nasir handed over two of the keys.
"Perhaps I should go and check on them now," Garrett put the keys in his pocket.
"Yes, do that. Hug Emmett very tightly for me," Nasir gripped Garrett's arm for emphasis. "When may I see him?"
"At the mansion," Garrett answered.
"Not until then?" Nasir was impatient.
"There will be two groom's rooms in bedrooms upstairs. You two will see each other when you are dressed and it's time to go down, not before," Garrett informed with a pointed finger .
"Allah! I will jump on him. You will have to hold me back," Nasir pledged.
"I'll sic Seth on you," Garrett threatened with a chuckle.
"He will not stop me. I will jump right over him," Nasir shook his head.
"I can see it now. I shall have to go downstairs and address everyone. So sorry we're running a bit late. The grooms are fucking on the upstairs landing, but in the meantime we'll open the bar. And perhaps Maggie wouldn't mind entertaining everyone. Then you two will show up, breathless, Emmett's tux a mess, nary a button left on his shirt and your ghutra on sideways," Garrett teased.
"We will call that a plan then," Nasir nodded.
Garrett laughed at him. "Relax up here, my friend. I'll be back in a few minutes," he patted Nasir's arm and walked out the door.
The Beauty Bar at the Sorrento Hotel had only three nail techs on staff and they were all in corner suite 501. The three Asian women in their crisp, white uniforms rolled their little desks and stools right into the living room of the suite and got down to business. They didn't mind one bit that all their clients were clad in just underwear or robes. Emmett, Seth and Zack had gone first. Carson watched closely and became far more interested when he discovered what a manicure actually was. The straight man was completely comfortable by the time it was his, Edward and Troy's turn.
Zack perched on the arm of the sofa beside where his partner sat at the manicurist's table. He slowly and gently ran the toes of one foot up and down the near side of Troy's calf. Seth was occupied with Emmett in the bedroom and Zack was the only one free and nearby, when the soft rap came at the suite door.
"Should I get it?" Zack asked even as he rose to do so. He opened the door and discovered a friendly face. "Garrett!" Zack greeted warmly.
"Good afternoon," Garrett happily received the younger man's hug.
"Hi, Garrett," Troy gave a wave as his partner let the man go.
"C'mon in, Garrett," Carson called. "Have a fruity little drink with us," he held up his fourth mimosa.
"I've had several already myself," Garrett stated.
"Check it out," Zack offered Garrett his hand.
"Very nice," Garrett took Zack's hand and approved of his nails. "Afternoon, Edward."
"Hey, Garrett," Edward smiled.
"Would any of you happen to know what became of my husband and the other groom this fine wedding day?" Garrett asked.
"They're locked up in the bathroom," Edward answered.
"I'd have bet money I knew what was going on in there," Carson stated, "but since it's those two, and you and Nasir ain't in there, well, then, you got me."
"I'll just have to see," Garrett smiled and headed into the bedroom. He crossed to the closed bathroom door and gave a soft knock.
"We're busy," Seth's reply came through the door.
"Doing what?" Garrett asked.
With not even a second's delay, the bathroom door flew open. Seth stood and Emmett sat nearby on the toilet seat, both still clad in their sleepwear.
"Honey!" Seth flew into Garrett's arms.
"Good afternoon, Sweetness," Garrett held Seth to him. He put a hand under Seth's chin and gently pulled the smaller man's face up for a soft, loving kiss on his lips.
"It feels so good to just hold you. I wish you weren't wearing all these clothes," Seth expressed. "I had to contend with Emmy kicking and Edward snoring at me all last night!"
Emmett rose from where he sat on the toilet and walked to the doorway. "Garrett," Emmett gave him a kiss on the side of his mouth. "And just for the record, I don't kick and Edward doesn't snore."
"I know that," Garrett chuckled.
"Okay, sit back down. I'm not done," Seth let go of his husband and pushed Emmett back into the bathroom. "C'mon in, Honey."
Emmett sat back down and Garrett closed the door behind them. Seth picked up his razor and set back about trimming Emmett's face.
"How do I look, Garrett?" Emmett smiled.
"Hold still!" Seth commanded.
"I think Nasir is going to appreciate it very much," Garrett assessed.
"I'm not quite finished yet," Seth stated.
"My yes, the view in here couldn't get much better," Garrett looked his sheer brief clad husband over carefully. He ran a hand appreciatively over Seth's round butt.
"Mmm," Seth enjoyed his lover's touch and stuck out his ass while he continued to work on his groom. Seth very carefully shaved parts of Emmett's face and trimmed his beard into a proper balbo style. "There," he declared when he was satisfied. Emmett rose from the toilet to look at himself in the mirror. His trim beard just hugged his chin and connected to his soul patch. Above his mustache covered his upper lip, but did not connect to the beard.
"I like it, Seth," Emmett ran a hand over his face. "You'll do Nasi just the same?"
"Of course I will," Seth assured. "He wore his facial hair just like this when we all went to Telluride, if you remember," Seth reminded. Emmett noticed in the mirror that both of Garrett's hands were now full of Seth's buns. He turned around, squatted down in front of Seth, and took hold of the smaller man's sheer underwear.
"Let me help you out there, Garrett," Emmett pulled Seth's underwear down to his ankles.
"Oh, yes," Garrett fingers slipped into Seth's crack while he moved his other hand around beneath the heavily hanging King to grab hold of Seth's balls. "That is much better, Emmett, thank you."
"That is better," Seth agreed.
"Somebody is going to get his ass licked," Garrett threatened.
"Emmy or me?" Seth giggled.
"Who would like to go first?" Garrett teased with a grin. Emmett could not help himself. He turned around, pushed down his boxers and leaned over the sink, presenting his hard, round bubble butt to Garrett.
"That is lovely, Emmett," Garrett reached over to run a hand over Emmett's ass as well, "but I do think I'll start with Seth."
"You better finish with Seth too," Seth warned.
"Nasir is not here. Someone has to fill in for him," Garrett reasoned.
"I suppose a best man's duties are never done," Seth conceded with a sigh. "Here, Honey," he knelt behind Emmett and took hold of the bigger man's butt. "I'll spread his cheeks for you," Seth offered and did so.
That was finally too much for Emmett. "Okay," he pulled up his boxers and stepped away. "You guys are assholes. I want my Nasi," he opened the bathroom door and walked out into the bedroom. Seth followed Emmett out and just as Emmett sat down on the bed, Seth climbed into his lap.
"You have to admit, that was pretty funny," Seth snickered against Emmett's chest.
"I can't believe I didn't see it coming," Emmett shook his head with a smile. "Garrett, is Nasi all alone up in our suite?"
"He is," Garrett confirmed.
"Maybe I'll just run up there for a few minutes," Emmett took hold of Seth to move the smaller man off of him.
"Oh, no you don't!" Seth put a hand on Emmett's chest. "You see him at your ceremony and not a minute before," he dictated.
Emmett lifted Seth off of him as he stood up, and set Seth down on his feet. "I'm bigger than you," Emmett pointed out as he leaned over his little best friend. Seth folded his arms across his chest and stood his ground as he glowered up at Emmett with all the ferocity he could muster.
"Sweetness, could I trouble you to put something on?" Garrett alone cared that Seth stood naked in full view of the living room and all of it's occupants.
Emmett wore as stern and serious a face as he could manage, but he could not maintain it in the face of the little diva. A smile crept across his features until a snicker finally broke through.
"That's what I thought," Seth gave a firm and final nod at Emmett and turned around. As he turned his back on Emmett, he didn't see it coming. Large, strong hands grasped his little waist and his feet left the floor.
"Yah!" Seth cried out as he flew through the air.
All of the men and women in the living room of the suite turned toward the bedroom when Seth screamed, but they didn't see him land harmlessly in the middle of the big bed. They only saw Garrett as he closed the double bedroom doors.
"Mary, you're gonna get it!" Seth stood up on the bed. Emmett just stood looking at Seth with a giant grin on his face.
"Hey," Carson opened the door and stuck his head in the bedroom. "Em, what the hell is goin' on in here?"
Emmett, Seth and Garrett all turned toward Carson, but none of them offered an explanation. Carson took in the sight of calm, collected and fully dressed Garrett, his brother in boxers, and Seth standing naked on the bed.
"Um, never mind. I don't wanna know," Carson ducked his head back out and shut the door. Emmett, Seth and Garrett all laughed.
"Okay, I do gotta get dressed now," Seth jumped down off the bed. "Nasir's face is not gonna shave itself," he headed for his suitcase.
"You do look very nice like this, Emmett," Garrett ran a hand down the side of the taller man's face. "Nasir is going to love it."
"I hope so. I kinda like it too," Emmett smiled.
Seth slithered into skin tight jeans that laced closed like football uniform pants. He then pulled on a black leather vest that laced very nearly closed the same way. A good two inches of dark Lakota was left exposed between the bottom of the custom fitted vest and the very low rise jeans. Seth retrieved his shaving kit from the bathroom and stuck his feet into his sandals on the way out.
"Honey," Seth opened the double bedroom doors, "will you take charge of these children while I see to the other groom?" Seth stopped in his tracks as he watched the manicurists packing themselves up. "Oh, it's time for your manicure now, isn't it?"
"It is," Garrett and Emmett both followed Seth out of the bedroom.
"Okay, I'll get Nasir shaved while you get your nails done. That means you're in charge, Edward," Seth announced. "Nguyet, you're the one coming up to the Luxury Suite, right?" he paused by the door.
"Yes, Mr. Seth. I'll be right up," the smiling nail tech confirmed.
"Okay, see you up there," Seth grasped the door handle and waited for his husband to catch up to him.
"Gentlemen, I'll see you in a bit. Oh, Emmett," Garrett turned back. "Nasir gave specific instruction to hug you very tightly for him," Garrett wrapped his arms around the bigger man and did so.
Emmett closed his eyes and held Garrett for a long moment. "Thank you, Garrett," he spoke softly into the man's ear. "Give him one right back for me."
"I shall," Garrett gave Emmett a kiss on his cheek as he let him go.
"Ready, Honey?" Seth took his husband's hand.
"Ready, Sweetness," Garrett smiled at his little partner as they walked out the door.
Emmett, Carson, Edward, Troy and Zack watched the nail techs follow and the door shut behind them.
"You're in charge, Gem," Troy looked to his big brother where they sat on the sofa together.
"Now we're in trouble," Edward took a sip of his mimosa.
"Hey, can we have a beer now?" Carson asked.
"No," all four gay men chorused in unison.
Saturday
Afternoon
(Wedding minus 3 hours)
The historical Stimson-Green mansion, built from 1899 to 1901, was nestled in a very old and immaculately maintained Captial Hill neighborhood, a mere four blocks from the Sorrento. The large, mature trees made Minor Avenue shady on this beautiful, sunny day. The imposing brick and stucco, half timbered Tudor style mansion sat elevated above and overlooked Minor Avenue. To one side, a vast covered veranda overlooked both the front lawn and the side cobblestone driveway. The cocktail party part of Emmett and Nasir's reception would be held out here. Milan, in his white tux shirt and black pants worked at setting up the large bar, behind which would be many iced tubs of all the various beers Seth Clearwater had commanded be on hand. Case after case of beer had been delivered to him and as he went about setting up the tubs, bag after bag of ice were brought up by mansion staff. It was unusual for the catering company that was affiliated with Stimson-Green not to handle the whole event at the mansion, but Seth had made it very clear that he had his own staff, and could not, would not, be without them.
Neither Milan, nor any of the workers inside the mansion saw the white, stretch Lincoln Town Car limousine pull to a stop at the curb below the mansion. It was the sound of the driver's door shutting and Milan having enough curiosity to wonder what new delivery had arrived, that made him walk around the bar to a point where he could see not only the driveway, but the street as well. Milan saw not a van or other type of delivery vehicle, but a white limousine and a driver walking around to get the rear passenger door. Was it possible, already? And sure enough, it was. Milan saw Seth Clearwater emerge from the rear of the limousine.
"He is here!" Milan shouted. He ran from his bar and into the house. "Mr. Seth is here!"
Seth walked up the old cobblestone path that was the front walk. Half way up the steep lawn were four steps and then more cobblestone path the rest of the way up to the house.
Within the large, tall, gothic rooms of the Stimson-Green mansion there was chaos. Carla's people did their best to work around the mansion staff as they set up tables and chairs. An army of helpers that had arrived with the florist worked on nearly every room. Carla, in her chef's smock today, and the General Manager of the mansion appeared in the Great Hall together from around the corner, past the dining room. They strode side by side through the wide dark wood space and descended the four steps to the front, lower level of the big house.
Outside, Seth was unaware of the scramble his arrival had caused. He finished his approach to the house and climbed the nine steps to the front portico.
Inside, Carla and her counterpart arrived in the vestibule and a waiting member of the staff opened the large and uniquely shaped old English door that came to a point on top, just as Seth in his jeans and leather vest arrived at it on the other side.
"Good afternoon, ladies," the Inspector General smiled as he stepped inside.
"Mr. Clearwater," the officious General Manager spoke in her Irish accent.
"Gillian," Seth shook her offered hand lightly.
"Mr. Seth," Carla smiled.
"Good to see you, Carla," Seth gave her a much warmer greeying with a kiss on her cheek.
And just like that, alliances were made abundantly clear. If Gillian Faulkner had a complaint about Seth's staff taking over her kitchens, she would have to keep it to herself.
"Would you like to walk through, Mr. Clearwater?" Gillian gestured.
"That's why I'm here," Seth confirmed with a smile and walked into the Great Hall. Gillian wore a conservative gray skirt suit and followed along behind Seth with Carla.
Emmett and Nasir's white and red theme could not have been more apparent from the moment they walked into the huge library. Directly opposite the dark wood, incredibly large, heavy, but perfectly balanced pocket doors, was an enormous fireplace with a walnut canopy. Shield bearing carved lions on their haunches stood as tall as Seth on each side of the granite fireplace. Metal andirons in the shape of dragons only half Seth's size sat between the lions. The tall bookcases on three walls were enclosed with doors of diamond shaped leaded glass panes that matched the exterior casement windows of the mansion. To the left, at the far end, the upper level of the house intruded into this room. The entire East end of the library was an enclosed dais with four wide steps leading up to it in the center, creating the exact perfect place for two people to get married. A gleaming black baby grand piano stood to one side up on the upper level, it's ivories yearning for the touch of talented Irish fingers. Rows of chairs were arranged creating a central aisle, facing the stage. They were all covered like parson's chairs in white damask, each with a red sash. At the end of every other row in the aisle stood a large and impressive flower arrangement with white hydrangeas, large white calla lilies, white dendrobium orchids, red roses and lily grass. A matching arrangement on a much grander scale served as a backdrop behind where Rosalie Hale would stand in just a few hours.
Two young men in shorts and the uniform tee shirts of the flower shop were even now fitting into place a most impressive matching swag to the arch beneath which Emmett and Nasir would stand when they committed themselves to each other.
"Hello, Dale," Seth called to the man supervising from below.
"Oh, Seth," the older gay man recognized the valued client whose own wedding he had also done just a few months ago. Dale had a thick head of wavy salt and pepper hair and was easily old enough to be Seth's father. He was dressed in a peach colored button down shirt and tan linen pants that were just as wide at his ankles as at his waist. An Irish wool sweater that would have been entirely too warm were he actually wearing it lay over his shoulders with the arms tied loosely around his neck.
"The flowers are beautiful," Seth stated as he took Dale's offered hand. The florist didn't so much shake hands as hold them.
"Thank you so much. The boys have been working hard. Norm is around here somewhere," Dale gestured dramatically. "Probably seeing to the cake."
"I would very much like to see that next," Seth stated. "Clearly everything is under control and satisfactory in here."
"How is Garrett?" Dale asked as he fell into step with Gllian and Carla.
"He feels good all over," Seth asserted.
"Oh!" Dale put his hand to his mouth while he giggled. "I'll just bet he does at that."
Seth and company walked back out to the vestibule and up the four steps into the dramatic Great Hall. The grand front stairs led up to the second floor from here. An enormous arrangement in the antique urn that always stood on the round table in the center of the Hall even included hanging wisteria. Straight ahead was the dining room and to the right, the drawing room. Both were very similar in style with warm sycamore paneling and matching themed tapestries. Through an even larger set of pocket doors these two very large rooms flowed into each other, making ample room for the large round dining tables that each sat eight, a bar, and a small dance floor. The chairs were done here just as they were in the library for the ceremony. The linens on the tables were white table cloths and red dinner napkins. In addition every table had criss crossing red damask runners. Crystal, china, chargers and silver flatware were provided by the mansion. On every table were more of the same arrangements on risers so that dinner guests were not prevented from seeing each other. The head table, noted by the red chair covers and white sashes, was just within the pocket doorway on the drawing room side to be in the center as much as possible.
A gift table near the doorway to the drawing room matched the cake table in the dining room room. They were covered in the same white table cloth as every other table, but had garlands of fresh greenery festooned around the edge on three sides with a small bouquet of flowers at each point where the garland was attached. A box covered in white satin, in the shape of a small locked treasure chest, sat in the center of the gift table. It was adorned with red and white roses. Tall arrangements stood on each end of the gift table, smaller scale versions of the ones on the dining tables.
On the identical cake table sat the square, three tiered cake. It was covered in poured white chocolate and rimmed in pearl beads, also of white chocolate. There was no additional decoration from the bakers as it was understood the florists would take it from there. Just as Dale predicted, Norm stood before the cake carefully applying each red rose, white calla lily and red amaranthus to the wedding cake.
"Norman," Dale called.
The even older, gray haired man with reading glasses perched on the end of his nose, turned to see why his partner in business and life called to him. "Oh! Seth!" he rushed over to give the Native man a proper handshake.
"Seth is here on an inspection tour," Dale informed.
"I'm just about done with the cake," Norm gestured as they all moved toward it. "Then we're completely finished in here. What do you think?" Norm asked.
"I think it's even more beautiful than mine was," Seth could not have been more pleased. He looked around the room. "Everything looks just great. Emmy and Nasir will be so happy. Now, where will cocktails be? Out on the veranda, right? How is that coming?"
"Let's go see," Gillian gestured and led the way.
"How many bars will we have out there? I think I asked for two," Seth spoke to Carla as the growing group walked back out into the Great Hall.
"You did, but it made more sense to have one big one," Carla informed. "I'll have Milan and Sabrina both stationed out here. I think that should be fine, but you decide. If you want a couple of waiters out here in addition, we will make that happen."
Gillian led to the North end of the Great Hall where the door stood open to the veranda. This was another vast space with open, dark wooden arches. Pub tables stood at intervals draped in white tablecloths. Arrangements on a smaller scale stood in the center of each, that matched much larger ones on each end of the bar.
"We did tropicals out here, as you requested," Dale pointed out. The outdoor arrangements had white anthuriums, more of the white dendrobium orchids, red ginger, red hanging heliconia and large tropical leaves.
"I see. Very nice," Seth nodded. "And one big bar over there works just fine."
"Hello, Mr. Seth," Milan and Kiril gave smiling waves from behind the bar where they were busy unpacking cases of wine.
"Hi, Milan. Hi, Kiril," Seth smiled. "This will be perfect," he declared. "Emmy and Nasir's guests can mingle out here and have a drink while we take pictures and such. Carla, how are things in the kitchen?"
"We're organized and ready to go. Everything is under control," Carla assured. "I just need you to get a couple of boys married, then I can feed everybody."
"That's the plan," Seth confirmed. "I trust you. I don't need to walk through the kitchen," he turned to Gillian. "Take me upstairs."
"We'll go up the front stairs," Gillian led the way back into the house. At the far end of the Great Hall, Seth and his ever growing entourage climbed the wide, red carpeted steps up to the spacious Upper Hall. This large, open sitting room gave onto two wings where the bedrooms were located. Gillian led first into the near corridor.
"This was Mr. Stimson's bedroom," Gillian gestured. Over the plaque that told the story of Mr. Stimson was draped the horizontal striped black, red and gold flag of Germany.
"Oh, you put up the flags I gave you! Perfect!" Seth enthused. The doors to the large and comfortable bedroom stood open. Seth just poked his head into the traditional Victorian room. "Excellent."
"And then Mrs. Stimson's bedroom is in the other wing," Gillian led the group back out through the Upper Hall and into the opposing corridor. Here the plaque was draped in the red vertical stripe and green, white and black horizontal stripes of the flag of the United Arab Emirates.
Seth took a few steps into the more opulent bedroom that was not quite twice the size of the fist one. "This is nice, but for one thing. Switch the flags, then it's perfection," Seth instructed.
"Okay, we'll do that," Gillian agreed. "Would you like to see the billiards room? We often find our groomsmen like to wait and relax there."
"Oh, no. We'll need to be with our grooms," Seth walked back out of the bedroom. "Now, you said you had all the boxes of the gifts for the guests that I had sent over?"
"Yes, sir. They're all locked up in one of the downstairs storerooms," Gillian answered.
"Okay. Have somebody get them out. My ushers will have programs and newspapers to pass out as well," Seth instructed as he led his followers to the stairs. They turned and descended to the Great Hall below.
"We can use this room down here as a staging area for them," Seth pointed. They turned again and went down the last four steps into the vestibule. Opposite the library, through it's own set of wide pocket doors, was Harriet Stimson's tea and reception room. It was a magnificent white and gold French Empire sitting room.
Seth paused in the open doorway. "Too bad we don't have a use for this room. It's lovely. Oh, well," he gave a shrug. "What am I forgetting?" Seth tapped his chin. "Oh, boutonnieres?"
"Dale gave them all to me and I have them safe in one of the walk ins," Carla answered.
"Two for the grooms, four for the best men, two for your ushers, and three corsages for mother, grandmother and officiant," Dale listed while Norman nodded along.
"Okay," Seth rubbed his hands together. "Keep up the great work, everyone. I have to get back and take charge at the hotel. When next I see you, the wedding party will be assembled. The most important day for my very best friend in the whole world is in your hands. I know you'll make it flawless."
"Don't you worry about a thing, Mr. Seth," Carla assured as she gave him a hug. Seth had handshakes for the others, and out the door he went.
The chauffeur waited by the side of the white, stretch Town Car limousine and opened the rear door as his charge came down the walk from the mansion.
"This sure is a nice place, Mr. Clearwater," Bobby smiled.
"Just what Emmy and Nasir deserve, Bobby," Seth climbed into the backseat.
"Absolutely. Back to the hotel, sir?" Bobby asked.
"Please," Seth confirmed.
"Yes, sir," Bobby shut the door and headed around the car to the driver's seat. In another moment the big car pulled away from the curb.