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

17. Chapter 17

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

Here it is, kids, the moment we have all been waiting for. The story, however, is still just beginning.

The same thanks that applied to the last chapter apply here. Huge thanks to my Council of Ladies, Liz, Maureen and Rebecca. Rebecca styled all ladies at the wedding. Maureen is invaluable with kids. Liz, thank you especally for the tweaks and dusting and holding my hand as I wrote this.

And in extra special good news, I have it on good authority that you will be treated with Errors 56 later today, or tomorrow at the latest, for the view of these events through Edward's eyes.

There was a surprise in the last chapter. There might be a surprise in this chapter too...

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 17: I Do

The library of the Stimson-Green mansion was filled with the scent of the fresh flowers, the sound of soft musical notes as Maggie tickled the ivories of the gleaming black baby grand, and the subtle undercurrent of the murmurring wedding guests. They all knew it wouldn't be long now. Some chatted amongst themselves, while others read the newspaper on the happy couple, so carefully crafted by the Native American best man.

"Look at these pictures of Nasir's country, Mel," Justin held the newspaper and interrupted his wife as she attempted to chat with Leah. "That's the tallest building in the world! And here's Nasir in his, dress thing," Justin could not think of the word dishdasha as he nattered on. Leah just smiled while Melinda shook her head. It was no different than when Melinda was on the phone at home.

"Oh, Telluride! Remember, Mel?" Justin chuckled away and did not even notice that his wife paid him no mind.

The very last guest to be seated arrived in the back of a chauffeur driven car. It pulled to the curb and before Matt or Tim could even make a move, a man emerged from the driver's side rear door. He was a handsome man with olive skin and neatly trimmed black hair. His facial hair was neatly trimmed so close to his face that it was barely more than a shadow of scruff. He wore a dress shirt and pants, but no jacket or tie, and carried a specially wrapped, flat box with a large, beautiful bow on top. When it became clear to the valets that he was walking around the car to the passenger door, Matt reached for it.

"No," the black haired man waved Matt away.

"Okay, Dude," Matt put up his hands and took a couple of steps back. The man opened the rear door and offered his hand to the lady who still sat within. She had long, thick and rich black hair that fell over the shoulders of her conservative, floor length, lilac colored shift dress and coordinating knee length jacket. The long sleeved jacket was fully and heavily embroidered in a delicate floral pattern and fastened with a large fabric button at her neck. She took her man's hand and stepped out of the car. He handed her the wrapped present and then ran his hands gently over her shoulders and down her arms to her elbows.

"I will be back for you at nine," he looked into her eyes.

She nodded and fully understood that she needed to be ready to go at that time. "Thank you for this. I love you," she said simply and put a hand on his chest.

"I love you too," he kissed her ever so softly on her lips and then again on her forehead. A hint of a smile played at his lips. "I hope you have a good time."

"Thank you," she whispered. "I wish you would come."

"No," he said simply with a shake of his head. "I will see you at nine," he then got into the open rear door she had emerged from and shut the door. The lady in the lilac dress turned as the car pulled away and slowly, almost tentatively, walked toward Stimson-Green, her little black purse and the present clutched in her arms.

"Hello, Ma'am. Welcome," Troy smiled warmly as the very attractive, though unusually modest, woman stepped in through the door. He presented her with a program and newspaper.

"Emmett and Nasir have a gift for the ladies," Zack held out the small white box to her.

"A gift?" the woman could hardly imagine such a thing and carefully accepted the box along with the program and newspaper.

"You're just in time, actually. The ceremony is about to start," Troy informed. "I'll take you to your seat," he turned toward the open library doors and held out his elbow.

The dark haired woman was taken aback at first that this strange young man should offer her his arm. In her experience it was very much not appropriate for him to offer, and even less for her to take it. But, she reminded herself while the young man waited, things were done differently here. And this young man seemed kind and harmless enough. She slipped a hand into Troy's waiting arm, taking care to leave as much distance between herself and her escort as possible.

"Here we go," Troy smiled and walked her into the full library. There were only a couple of seats left open and she chose to sit in the far corner by the enormous fireplace.

Just a couple of minutes after this last guest who did not seem to know anyone was seated, the ushers began to seat the McCarty family. Everyone knew the long awaited ceremony was about to begin. Sonja was escorted to her seat in the front row of the library first. Troy made a point to carry Connor McCarty in one arm, astride his hip, while lending the boy's beautiful mother his other arm. Troy waited for Sonja to seat herself in the front row opposite the Thompsons, and then he set little Connor down in the chair next to his mother.

The beautiful dark haired woman who had been seated but moments before was so engrossed in the newspaper about Emmett and Nasir that she didn't even see the same young man who seated her, escort in a very attractive blonde woman and small child. She hadn't yet read a single article, of which there were not too many. The paper was mostly pictures of the couple and the people in their lives. She was particularly entranced by a picture from some Christian holiday with what was obviously Emmett's family. Nasir was tucked on a big sofa between Emmett and another man who looked remarkably like Emmett, with women and children packed in around them. They all appeared to be in sleep attire. What struck her the most, as she looked at this picture and all the others, was how happy and relaxed Nasir clearly was in each one of them. Her attention was taken from the pages only when a younger woman with her dark hair up and narrow framed glasses on her round face, sat down beside her.

"Hi," Molly offered with a little wave to the darker woman she sat beside.

"Hello," the woman replied.

"You know Emmett and Nasir well?" Molly asked.

"No," the woman in the lilac dress and knee length jacket looked down at the newspaper in her hands. "I really don't, but I very much wish I did."

"Yeah, me neither. I only met them a couple of days ago, actually. I'm just here to look after the kids," Molly informed.

"Nasir and Emmett have kids?" the woman beside Molly was wide eyed in shock. Several other guests turned to look at her, but she didn't notice.

"Oh, no. I mean everyone else's kids. Those who have them," Molly explained.

"I did not know there were children here," the black haired woman craned her neck in an attempt to see any.

"They're pretty well behaved kids, so far," Molly gave a grin. "I'm sure they'll make their presence known at some point. That's a really pretty present," she gestured to the box in the other lady's lap. Molly leaned closer to the woman to speak in a more conspiratorial tone. "What's in it?"

"Chocolates," the woman in lilac answered after a long pause. She found the question remarkable. What else would it be?

"I wish I had thought of that," Molly expressed. "Oh, here comes the grandma," she pointed. Zack walked the old lady in her canary dress and hat, and antique white shawl up the aisle to her seat in the front row. By the time Zack finally headed back up the aisle, Troy was on his way down again with Auguste. The mother of the groom, who happily filled in as the mother of both grooms today, held fast to Troy's arm. Troy held her hand as she held his arm. The young man could see that Emmett's mother was fighting to keep her emotions from getting the better of her.

Above, in the Upper Hall at the top of the grand front stairs, Emmett in his white dinner jacket and red silk scarf, and Nasir in his black bisht and white ghutra led their groomsmen from the opposing wings to meet in the middle. Emmett was flanked by a smiling Seth and Carson, while Nasir was flanked by an equally happy Garrett and Edward. Nasir and his groomsmen each held a camel stick in their right hand. In addition Nasir also carried the flat, black velvet box that he pulled from his bag only a moment before. Both groups came to a stop as the grooms just stared at each other. Emmett and Nasir smiled at each other with their whole beings and felt flooded with love. Dane, ever quietly lurking on the periphery, captured this moment.

"I'm the luckiest guy in the whole world," Emmett spoke softly.

"Second, maybe," Nasir smiled.

"I love you dressed like this. You are my Arab prince," Emmett ran his fingers down the inside of the bisht's heavily embroidered gold hem where it lay over Nasir's red vest.

"I love your beard like this," Nasir reached up to run the backs of his manicured fingers down Emmett's smooth cheek.

"I wanted us to match today," Emmett lifted his hand to run his thumb down over his lover's hairy chin.

Carson cleared his throat. "Anybody gonna get married sometime today?"

"Shut up!" Seth wapped Carson's arm with the back of his hand. "This is a beautiful moment!"

Emmett turned toward his brother and the look on his face said it all.

"Okay, sorry," Carson held his hands up in defeat.

"I guess we do need to get downstairs, everybody's waiting," Emmett conceded. "Oh, Babe, did you?" he started his question and stopped as Nasir held up the black velvet box. "Yes you did. Okay, gather round guys," Emmett took the box from Nasir, but did not yet open it. "We need Leo and Zack too."

"I'll go get them," Edward offered and dashed down the stairs.

"Everyone, take off your cufflinks," Nasir directed.

"You guys got us all matching cufflinks?" Seth exclaimed as he worked on taking his out. "Why didn't I think of that?"

"Yeah, not quite," Emmett gave a grin.

"Whadda ya mean, not quite?" Seth furrowed his brow.

"Get your cufflinks off and keep your pants on," Emmett teased as he took off his own cuffinks.

"You're taking yours off too?" Seth asked as he saw that Nasir was as well.

"These were just decoys," Emmett displayed his dimples.

Edward came rushing back up the steps then with Troy and Zack right behind.

"Your family is all seated. You guys are on," Troy informed as he, Zack and Edward joined the group.

"We just need another minute. All you guys take your cufflinks off," Emmett instructed those who had not been here to hear Nasir say it the first time.

"Is that all you want us to take off? That's no fun at all," Troy just held out his right arm to Zack who, with nimble fingers, removed his partner's cufflink, and then did the same with the other arm. "I can't get these at all," Troy explained to their audience.

"A little later on, we might ask you two to take off a little more," Emmett teased. "Alright, guys, these are for all of us," he held up the flat velvet box and opened it, displaying it's contents to their gathered men. Within were eight sets of cufflinks in two long rows. In the top row were the initials C E E G L ن S Z in diamonds, set in white gold, with their match in the bottom row.

"Oh, my God!" Seth took in the glittering brilliance of the diamonds as Emmett held the case for them all to see.

"Oh, wow!" Troy exclaimed.

"They're lovely," Garrett expressed, "but you needn't have gone to such extravagance."

"This is just to show you guys how much you mean to us," Emmett stated.

"You all mean far more to us than this. It is but a small token," Nasir added. "Wherever you are and whenever you wear them, know how much we love you," he put his hand on Garrett's shoulder.

"What is that one?" Troy pointed to the ن symbol.

"That is the first letter of Nasi's name in Arabic," Emmett answered

"Oh, how cool is that?" Troy exclaimed.

"G for Garrett," Emmett held the box out to him.

"Thank you both. I do believe these are my new finest cufflinks," Garrett took his.

"S for Sweetie," Emmett turned next to Seth.

"Ha! You know it," Seth plucked his out of the box.

"C for the brother whose ass is just begging to get kicked," Emmett turned to Carson, who just snickered as he took his. "E for Edward," Emmett held the box for Edward.

"Which set of E's are mine?" Edward looked them over.

"They're all the same," Emmett advised.

"Okay then," Edward took a set.

"L, not T, 'cause your our little Leo," Emmett smiled at the smaller man.

"Thanks, you guys," Troy took his.

"And Z for his cute guy," Emmett held the box for Zack.

"Thanks, you guys," Zack repeated. "These are incredible!"

"You're all very welcome," Emmett pulled out the remaining E and ن cufflinks and set the box down on the nearby table beneath the flower arrangement. Just like when they were first getting dressed, Zack fixed his partner's cuffs before his own. Emmett did the same for Nasir before he did himself.

"Roses, we have a present for you too," Emmett stated as he finished his left cuff.

"Save it for later, boys. I got a couple of guys I need to marry right now," Rosalie advised.

"Fair enough. You ready, Nasi?" Emmett took his lover's hand.

"Remember our New Year's eve in Las Vegas?" Nasir asked. "I was ready then."

"I know what you mean. I feel like I've been ready to marry you all my life," Emmett smiled.

"Hold up another second, guys," Dane requested. "All of you get in close and put your right writs together."

"Oh, good idea, Dane," Emmett endorsed. They lined up in the order of the wedding party, Leo, Edward, Garrett, Nasir, Emmett, Seth, Carson and on the other end Zack. Dane took a quick moment to make sure all their cuffs were lined up properly with diamond initials showing and took the shot.

"There. I love that. That one's goin' in the book," Emmett took Nasir's hand again. "C'mon, guys," he and Nasir led the group to the staircase and, hand in hand, headed down to get married.

Behind the rail on the right side of the stage at the front of the library, Maggie played Mascagni's Intermezzo. It was a piece she very much enjoyed playing and everyone listening could tell. Her phone sat on the top of the piano directly in her view. It was set to silent and was there for only one reason. When the text from her wife came though, her screen lit up with one word.

Ready

Maggie signaled to one and all that the ceremony was ready to begin when she suddenly switched to playing Pachelbel's Canon. All heads turned as Rosalie, tall and blonde and gorgeous in white, walked into the library first. She turned and began down the aisle at a stately pace, what few notes she needed in her hands. Rosalie smiled all the broader when she saw that her older son and Ren were both packed in on each side of Cliff. Both her sons sat with Cliff and the Donovan family. She smiled at everyone and especially the Thompsons and McCartys in the front rows. At the front of the library finally, she climbed the four steps and turned to stand facing the audience under the great swag of white hydrangeas, large white calla lilies, white dendrobium orchids, red roses and lily grass.

The best men led the wedding party. Seth and Garrett walked in together, nearly identical in their black tuxes. They differed only in that Seth's charcoal gray vest was leather, rather than fabric, and he wore his bolo tie with the Eagle head slide of sacred pipestone in place of Garrett's euro tie of the same charcoal gray. Almost from the moment they stepped out of the vestibule Seth took Garrett's hand. Garrett and Seth smiled at each other. Both men were very proud of each other. The clear indication that Garrett belonged to Nasir was the camel stick he carried in his other hand. They walked at the same stately pace Rosalie set, all the way down the central aisle, and stepped up on the first step on their respective sides. Garrett and Seth both turned to face the guests, signaling that it was time for the rest of the groomsmen to enter.

Edward and Carson stepped out together. They were identical in their black tuxes, white tux shirts and charcoal gray vests and ties. Like Garrett, Edward carried his camel stick. Carson could not let an opportunity to be funny pass him by and, just as they turned into the central aisle, took Edward's hand. Edward gave the straight man an amused smile and decided to go with it. Carson got the chuckle he was hoping for as he and Edward walked hand in hand to the front of the library. Edward met Cliff's gaze and saw the happy and almost serene smile on the man's face as he sat with five children packed in around him. Liam and Stephanie sat under his left arm while Ren, Owen and Larissa sat under his right.

Carson loved it when he saw his wife chuckle quietly as she noticed he was holding Edward's hand. He winked and made a quick kiss face to her. Only when it was time to part for their respective sides did Carson and Edward let go of each other. They stood on the main floor at the sides of the steps. Without the benefit of high heels and standing on the first step, Carson was still taller than Seth.

Maggie changed the music again. Clarke's Trumpet Voluntary signaled the entrance of the two most important members of the wedding party. In keeping with German tradition, the happy couple entered together and, like the four men who preceded them, walked hand in hand. Nasir carried his own camel stick in his free hand.

The gathered guests all rose to their feet. Only one person was taken by surprise at this. The very attractive, black haired woman in the modest, but very elegant, floor length, lilac dress and embroidered knee length jacket had no idea why everyone stood up. She stood up beside Molly, if for no other to reason to ask what was going on, when she followed everyone's gaze and saw them. A combined look of longing, admiration, but most of all love, painted her face. There he was. There they both were.

The German/Irish groom wore a white dinner jacket tux with a red silk scarf around his neck. The Emirati groom was most striking in his white ghutra with the black igal cords and long, flowing, gold trimmed black bisht. Both men matched in what they wore beneath. They both wore a white tux shirt, red euro tie and vest, and black pants. Emmett and Nasir smiled warmly at their guests as they turned into and walked slowly down the aisle. The room was filled with love and support for them and they felt every bit of it. They could not help but smile at each other as well.

What struck one particular guest the most, was the happy and joyous smile on Nasir's face. It was the same smile that she noticed so profoundly in all the photographs in the newspaper on the couple. It was the smile she had never seen before. Nasir looked so much today like the man she knew, and yet nothing like him at all. And it made her cry.

Emmett and Nasir reached the front of the library and climbed the steps to stand together on the third step. In this way, Rosalie on the top step, could look them in the eye. As everyone sat down, Seth could not help himself. He stepped up one more step and grabbed Emmett from behind in a quick, tight hug. On the lower step Seth's face was only in the small of Emmett's back. Emmett grabbed Seth's hands in one hand while he reached around to rub Seth's back with the other. Seth quickly let go and stepped back down into place.

"Family and friends," Rosalie began, "I would like to welcome you to a celebration of love and unity between Emmett and Nasir. I have had the privilege of knowing these two good men throughout their relationship. Emmett I have known for many years. Nasir I met just after Emmett did. All of us who are close to them have watched a very special love grow between them. These are men from two very different worlds. Many things were new and unknown to them about the other at first. But their love only grew and they embraced what was different and unique about each other. There were some bumps along the way. Nasir took Emmett to his homeland, where Emmett melted," Rosalie smiled as the guests chuckled. "Emmett took Nasir home to Minnesota for Nasir's very first Christmas, where he froze," she made them all laugh again.

Emmett and Nasir looked into each other's eyes and smiled at their happy memories.

"Today we join with Emmett and Nasir as they celebrate and share their love, to witness as they declare and affirm their commitment to each other," Rosalie continued. "Those of you who love each other may want to take your partner's hand as you listen today, and silently renew and reaffirm your commitment to each other."

Seated in the audience, several people did exactly that. George and Justin Thompson both reached for their wives' hands. Roger and Yvonne on the other side did the same. Seated behind the Thompsons, Roberto took Leah's hand. They were not married. They were not even engaged. But both of them very much felt their commitment to each other. All four couples took a moment to smile into each other's eyes.

At the back of the library, two very important members of they day's events stood in the doorway. Taller Zack stood behind his partner as they watched Emmett and Nasir get married. While they couldn't look into each other's eyes, Zack put his arms around Troy and held him from behind. Troy leaned back against his man and held the arms that held him.

"I love you," Zack whispered into Troy's ear.

Troy twisted his head back and up as much as he could. "I love you too," he whispered back before Zack's lips met his.

Rosalie smiled at her grooms. "Emmett and Nasir, there are no ties on Earth so sweet, so rewarding, so intimate and so fulfilling as the union you enter into today. And I should know, I've done it myself," she threw a quick smile over her shoulder at the Irishwoman seated on the piano bench to her left. The whole wedding party smiled in Maggie's direction as well.

"Marriage is our societies' largest, and yet most basic institution," Rosalie went on. "Every one of you must be a philosopher for your own life. And I would ask you to think for yourself on this question: What is marriage? Is it a piece of paper? Is it a contract? It can be those things, but it is also so much more! Marriage is a voluntary union for life. It creates a permanent, lifelong, familial relationship for those who enter into it. It encompasses and is built upon emotional and physical bonds. Into this union Emmett and Nasir come to be joined. But I say, we do not witness a new beginning for them here today. Rather we celebrate with them what already is."

"Emmett and Nasir," Rosalie addressed the grooms directly. "I charge you both with the following: Love each other and tell each other. Let him hear the words every day. Hold his hand. Always remember, when you sit to a meal together, to kick off your shoes and rub your feet together."

Emmett and Nasir were not expecting that. Both of them raised their eyebrows and looked at each other. They tried very hard not to snicker.

"You did know that everyone knows you do that, didn't you?" Rosalie asked with a smirk. "Boys, everyone who knows you, knows how much you love each other. Always be open and honest, and listen. Carry him when he is weak. Speak for him should his words fail. Be the man your mate can always count on when kind words and loving arms are needed. When circumstances force you to be apart, return to your togetherness with the same joy and love that you always have. It is our greatest wish for you, that at the end of your days on this planet, you will be able to look into his eyes and say: Because you have loved me, you have given me a faith in myself, such that I, and we, could do anything. My life with you has been complete."

Emmett and Nasir looked at each other again and they could see that they were both getting choked up.

"Emmett, Nasir, please face each other and hold hands," Rosalie bid. Nasir handed his camel stick to Garrett so that he could take both of Emmett's hands in his.

"Emmett, do you have something you would like to say to your partner?" Rosalie asked.

"Yes," Emmett confirmed. "Nasi, I mean Nasir," he corrected himself. Nasir gave Emmett's grin right back. Neither of them were used to Emmett using his proper name.

Emmett wiped the smile off his face as he grew serious and looked directly into his lover's soft brown eyes. "I promise you that I will be your partner and husband from this day forward, to be faithful and honest in every way, to honor the faith and trust you place in me, to love and respect you in your successes, and in your failures, to make you laugh and to be there for you when you cry, to care for you in sickness and in health, to softly kiss you when you are hurting, to always make time to just hold you, and to be your companion and your friend, on this lifelong journey that we make together."

Nasir was visibly touched by his partner's words and held Emmett's hands tighter.

"Nasir, do you have something you would like to say to your habibi?" Rosalie prompted again with a sly smile.

"Yes, very much," Nasir answered her, even as he never looked away from Emmett's crystal blues. "My Emmett, I promise to be your husband and partner in this life, our life. You are the only man I have ever loved, or ever will. I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you. I will always love you faithfully, through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together, or the miles that part us. I give you my heart, my love, my body and soul, from this day forward, for as long as I live."

Emmett wanted to burst into tears he was so touched and happy, and it was clear on his face. He tightened his grip on Nasir's hands, just as Nasir had done to him.

"Emmett, today you become Nasir's husband," Rosalie continued with the ceremony. "Will you strive every day to give Nasir the very best of yourself, while accepting Nasir the way that he is? Do you promise to respect Nasir as a whole person with his own interests, desires, and needs, and to realize that those are sometimes different, but no less important than your own? Do you promise to keep yourself open to him, to let him in on your innermost fears, feelings, secrets and dreams? Do you promise to grow along with Nasir, to be willing to face change as you both change, keeping your relationship alive and exciting? And finally, do you promise to love Nasir in good times and in bad, with all that you have to give and all that you are, completely and forever?"

Emmett turned his smile from Rosalie to Nasir. "I absolutely do."

"And Nasir, today you become Emmett's husband," Rosalie posed the question to the other groom. "Will you strive every day to give Emmett the very best of yourself, while accepting Emmett the way that he is? Do you promise to respect Emmett as a whole person with his own interests, desires, and needs, and to realize that those are sometimes different, but no less important than your own? Do you promise to keep yourself open to him, to let him in on your innermost fears, feelings, secrets and dreams? Do you promise to grow along with Emmett, to be willing to face change as you both change, keeping your relationship alive and exciting? And finally, do you promise to love Emmett in good times and in bad, with all that you have to give and all that you are, completely and forever?"

"I do," Nasir fought to keep from getting choked up, which only made Emmett hold his hands tighter. "Na'am, I do," Nasir blinked quickly in an effort to keep his tears from falling. He didn't even realize that he had said yes in Arabic.

"Now, to those who stand with you," Rosalie continued. "Seth, Garrett, Edward, Carson, will you surround this couple with love, offering them the joys of your friendship? Will you support this couple in their relationship? At times of conflict will you offer them the strength of your wisest counsel, the comfort of your thoughtful concern and the warm shelter of your arms? At times of joy, will you celebrate with them, nourishing their love for each other?"

"We will!" Seth was first and loudest.

"With great pleasure," Garrett affirmed.

"Absolutely," Edward pledged.

"Always," Carson added.

Emmett and Nasir both turned to smile at their men. Emmett reached for Seth as Nasir reached for Garrett. Carson grabbed his brother's arm to demonstrate his support. On his side Edward did the same to Nasir.

"Emmett and Nasir have already given each other rings as a symbol of their undying love for each other," Rosalie picked back up. "In the German tradition of Emmett's heritage, they have until this moment worn them on their left hands."

At the back of the library the ushers still stood in the big, open doorway, Zack holding his partner from behind.

"Rings!" Troy exclaimed. "The champagne!"

"Oh, shit," Zack had completely forgotten and let go of Troy. They both dashed, panicked, into the vestibule, only to discover Milan had placed the bottle of German sekt specified by Seth, in an ice bucket along with two crystal flutes right at the ready.

"Okay, that was lucky," Zack snatched up the bottle out of the ice, dripping water behind him. Troy grabbed the flutes and followed. Once back inside the library, slowly and calmly, they advanced up the aisle.

"Nasir, will you take Emmett's ring from his left hand and place it on his right?" Rosalie asked.

"Yes, I will," Nasir confirmed. Emmett held out his hand and Nasir gently eased Emmett's ring from his finger.

"Emmett, I give you this ring, as I give to you all that I am, and accept from you all that you are," Nasir spoke the only words they had agreed upon in advance as he carefully put Emmett's ring onto the ring finger of his right hand.

"Emmett, will you now take Nasir's ring from his left hand and place it on his right?" Rosalie prompted.

"I sure will," Emmett smiled. He took Nasir's hand in his open palm while he pulled the ring from Nasir's finger. "Nasi, I give you this ring, as I give to you all that I am, and accept from you all that you are," Emmett placed Nasir's ring onto his right hand and then just held Nasir's hand as they smiled into each other's eyes.

"Emmett and Nasir, your rings are a seal. May they be a lasting symbol of the sincerity and permanence of your love and commitment to each other," Rosalie paused to smile at them both. "And now, it is with very great pleasure, that I pronounce you one of the most happily married couples I know. Please kiss your husband."

Emmett and Nasir yet clasped hands. They looked at each other and both of them, without realizing it or intending to, held their breath. This was it. They were married. In the eyes of their family and friends and everyone who counted, they were married. This was their first kiss as a married couple. Emmett made the first move. He let go of Nasir's hands and threw his arms around his husband in a quick, tight embrace. Nasir's arms went under Emmett's and around his husband's strong back as their mouths met.

"Oh!" Seth raised his hands to cover his mouth even as tears of joy sprung from his eyes. His very best friend had wanted and longed for this moment, to marry the man of his dreams, all the years Seth had known him. And here it was. Seth would never be happier for Emmett than he was at this moment.

"Yeah!" Carson began to clap. This only served to ignite the entire audience as all the gathered guests cheered and clapped as well. Garrett and Edward clapped also, but Garrett's eyes were on his own husband who tried so hard to contain himself. Garrett stopped clapping and just opened his arms. Seth saw this and hesitated not one second before he flew across into his husband's arms. He put his arms around Garrett inside the bigger man's jacket and held him as tightly as he could. Garrett held Seth and rubbed his back slowly to sooth him as best he could.

Emmett and Nasir closed their eyes and held each other as they shared their kiss. They moved their lips together and kissed repeatedly, but neither used their tongue. This was not the time or place for that kind of kiss. The kind of kiss that led to mutual and obvious arousal. Neither of them were turned on in this moment. They were just happy. The pop of the cork caught their attention and was what roused them finally from their kisses. They turned their heads to see Zack pouring sparkling wine into two flutes held by his partner. Troy smiled from ear to ear as he handed the half full glasses to the grooms.

"Thanks, you guys!" Emmett spoke as he and Nasir accepted their flutes. This was a surprise to them. A little detail Seth had chosen not to share. Emmett and Nasir touched their flutes together and tipped them up to drain them down.

"Family and friends," Rosalie made the last statement of her official duties, "our newly married couple, Emmett and Nasir."

Applause broke out again. Maggie turned back to her keyboard and began to play Beethoven's Ode to Joy. Troy took back the flutes as, hand in hand, the newly married couple walked down the steps and proceeded up the aisle. Seth was still in Garrett's arms and they were up. Garrett shifted Seth to his side and under one arm, walked his still teary eyed husband up the aisle behind the grooms. It was then time for Edward and Carson. They came together in the aisle and Carson being a little taller than Edward, put his arm around Edward's shoulders as they walked up the aisle.

Rosalie couldn't help herself. While the men paired up and walked out, she stepped over to the piano and bent to give the piano player a soft kiss on the side of her neck. Maggie only smiled as her fingers did not miss a key.

"Ladies," Troy bid to Emmett's family. Zack took the flutes from him and set them along with the bottle aside by the foot of the steps. Auguste rose and with tears in her eyes reached for Rosalie as she came down the steps.

"So beautiful," Auguste whispered into Rosalie's ear as she hugged the younger woman.

"Thank you. It was my pleasure. This is your day too, you know. They're all your boys and they're all good men. You should be proud," Rosalie rubbed Auguste's back. She turned her head to the waiting ushers. "You guys take grandma and Sonja. I got mom," she instructed. Rosalie pulled back and offered Auguste her arm which the older woman gladly took. Rosalie held Auguste's hand as well as they followed the men up the aisle. Just as they came in, Zack took Noreen's arm and Troy picked Connor up, held him astride one hip and lent the boy's mother his free arm.

Emmett and Nasir led the recessional right through the vestibule and up into the Great Hall. The giant pocket doors to the dinning and drawing rooms were now closed. The guests had a natural path after passing the receiving line to head directly outside to the cocktail reception on the verandahh.

"You big jerks, you made me cry!" Seth declared as he and Garrett joined the grooms in the Great Hall. "I love you guys!" Seth let go of Garrett and hurled himself at both of them. Emmett and Nasir both caught him and folded them between him.

"We love you too, Sweetie," Emmett expressed.

"Yes, Sethy," Nasir agreed.

"Both of you," Emmett reached for Garrett and pulled him into their hug. He was tall enough for both grooms to press their faces to his. Garrett closed his eyes and just felt the love flow between all of them.

"Okay, one big gay pile," Carson made light as he and Edward joined them. They both moved to join the hug. When Nasir saw Edward approaching he reached for Edward's tux jacket and pulled him in tightly. While Edward clung to his friends just as they did to him, Carson just patted backs. The men finally all broke apart as Rosalie, Zack and Troy escorted the McCarty women and little Connor.

"Thanks, Leo," Carson reached to take his son even as Connor reached for him. He put his other arm around his wife and bent to kiss her softly on the lips.

"You did good, Carson," Sonja patted her husband on the butt.

"Thanks, Honey," Carson held her close.

"We'll go get your guests," Troy announced and took Zack's hand as they headed back the way they came.

"Roses!" Emmett reached for her. "Just, wow!" he pulled the beautiful blonde woman in to a tight hug.

"Yes, Rosalie," Nasir agreed as he joined this hug as well. "It is all beyond my fondest dreams."

"I am so happy to do this for you guys," Rosalie expressed. Auguste waited patiently. When Emmett saw the look on his mother's face, he was nearly moved to tears again himself.

"Thanks, Mutti," Emmett took his mother in his arms and held her gently. Auguste was not able to say anything to her oldest son, lest she burst into tears. She just reached up and patted him on the cheek as she let him go.

"Yes, Mutti," Nasir took his turn. "Thank you so much for being here with us."

"Ja," Auguste mustered the strength to speak to her son-in-law. "Ja, ja," she patted his cheek as well.

"Give your old granny a hug now, boy," Noreen reached for Emmett.

"Thanks, Gram," Emmett bent to hug the little woman.

"You too," she moved to Nasir. "I'm your granny now too."

"Yes, Ma'am. And I am glad of it," Nasir gave her a hug as well.

The Thompson family, as was appropriate, was the first to emerge. The group formed themselves into some semblance of a receiving line with Emmett and Nasir, hand in hand, at the front. The judge stepped back and allowed his wife to go ahead of him.

"You boys make such a cute couple," Celeste beamed.

"Thank you, Celeste," Emmett shook her hand very gently.

"Congratulations, Emmett," George offered his hand.

"Thank you, Sir," Emmett gave the older man a firm, but not hard grip.

"It's an honor for me to be here," George stated.

"No, Sir," Nasir countered as he shook the judge's hand. "The honor is ours."

"Very nice, Big boy," Estelle offered when it was her turn.

"Thank you, Ma'am," Emmett smiled.

"Emmett," Justin grabbed the bigger man's hand in a firm grip. "Congrats, man. Now you're an old married guy like me."

"Yes I am, Justin, and I couldn't be happier," Emmett smiled.

Justin had a warm handshake for Nasir as well and patted the Emirati groom's shoulder while he did so. Justin just chuckled as his little brother-in-law grabbed him in a quick, tight hug. He rubbed Seth's back while the smaller man clung to him. He patted his brother on the shoulder when Seth let him go and moved on to shake Carson and Edward's hands as well.

On the end of the line Edward directed guests through and out onto the verandahh where Auguste and Rosalie formed what almost amounted to a second line. They greeted the guests again and directed them to Milan and Sabrina who waited behind the long bar to serve them.

Leah Clearwater had a warm hug for the grooms. Emmett and Nasir each took a long moment to hold her. She had been a special part of their lives together almost from the very start. Roberto had a friendly and congratulatory handshake for them. The Donovans followed them with their extended family of children and Cliff, who was nestled right in the middle of their group.

"Wow, Roger, you sure do clean up nice," Emmett expressed as they shook. "You're even hotter than usual."

"Alright," Roger held open his jacket. "Alright now. Get a good look," he turned back and forth.

"Boy," Yvonne gave him a gentle shove on his shoulder. "Go on w'ch yourself!"

"It's the Lord High Ranger!" Seth exclaimed excitedly when Roger came to him.

"In the flesh," Roger laughed. "Oh!" he did not expect Seth to grab him in a tight hug. "Okay now," Roger patted Seth's back.

"You're so much fun, Roger," Seth let the man go.

"You look beautiful, Yvonne," Emmett reached for her. Yvonne beamed as Emmett enfolded her in his arms.

"You boys are lookin' damn fine today too," Yvonne let Emmett go and reached for Nasir.

Just as they had an entire row to themselves for the ceremony, Cliff was yet surrounded by Ren, Liam, Stephanie, Owen and Larissa.

"Hey, guys," Emmett squatted down.

"Okay, just like I told you. You start, Ren," Cliff prompted. Cliff had instructed them on how this worked. In order, starting with Ren and finishing with Larissa, each child took their turn shaking Emmett and Nasir's hands. Emmett remained squatting while Nasir just bent down.

Dane was no more intrusive than the art on the walls of the Great Hall as he slipped between and around people, capturing each moment.

"How cute was that?" Emmett stood up. He took Cliff in his arms again. "I know Ren and Liam must have missed you too."

"They did, and I missed them," Cliff agreed. "The other kids, quite obviously, look up to them and since I'm okay by them, I'm in with all of them."

"Good," Emmett let Cliff go.

"Nasir, congratulations," Cliff offered Emmett's husband his hand. "It was really beautiful."

"Thank you. I am very glad you could come," Nasir smiled warmly.

"Seth," Cliff moved to the smaller man next. Seth said nothing, but stepped out of line to give Cliff a quick, tight hug. Cliff shook Garrett and Carson's hands, and came last to Edward, who was squatted down with all five kids in his arms.

"Okay, c'mon now, kids," Roger attempted to herd them. "Uncle Edward has to say hello to everyone. Ren, help me out."

"C'mon, guys," Ren let go of Edward and took Owen and Larissa's hands. He was never more proud of himself than when his father asked for his help with the other kids. Liam took Stephanie's hand and the little flock of children was on it's way. Edward stood up and smiled into Cliff's eyes. He and Cliff took each other's hand without even thinking about it.

"It was a beautiful wedding," Cliff offered.

"Yes it was," Edward agreed. They stood holding hands for a long moment and just looked at each other with the warm smiles of two men who had loved each other for a long time.

"Well, I'll see you in a bit," Cliff began to step away, but neither of them let go of the other's hand.

"There's a seat for Jasper at the head table. Would you like to join me for dinner?" Edward asked.

"Oh, I wish you'd asked me sooner. The kids asked and I promised to sit with them," Cliff informed.

"Oh, okay. I guess I'll let the kids have you during dinner, but I get you after they go to bed," Edward bargained with a smile.

"I'll save you a dance," Cliff teased.

"See you in there," Edward smiled. He and Cliff continued to hold hands as Cliff reluctantly moved away, until distance finally forced them apart.

In the library, after Troy and Zack excused the very last row to get in line for the line, they walked back up toward the front. Maggie was determined to finish this piece of music that she happened to love, and did so.

"Beautiful, Maggie," Troy expressed as he and Zack both gave a quick clap.

"Thank you, boys," Maggie picked up her phone and rose from the piano bench. "I think you two did a pretty good job too," she walked to the steps and noticed Zack pick up the still quite cold bottle and two flutes from where he stashed them earlier by the foot of the four steps. "Say, pour me a glass of that."

"I think you more than earned it," Zack said and did so, pouring and handing her a full glass.

Maggie took a hearty sip. "Oh, what is this?"

"It's," Zack held up the bottle and discovered that he could read, but not pronounce, most of the label, "German."

"Of course it is," Maggie chuckled and shook her head. "Okay, what's next? Pictures? I'm gonna finish this and powder my nose. Be right back," she patted Troy on the shoulder and headed out behind all the guests. Zack sat down on the steps and poured half a glass into the remaining flute. Troy stepped between his partner's long legs as Zack handed him the flute.

"What are you thinking about?" Troy asked as he ran the fingers of one hand through Zack's long mop of hair and took a sip.

"I'm thinking about," Zack put his hand on Troy's thigh as he accepted back the flute and took a sip himself. He looked up into Troy's warm, almond eyes, "how much I want to do this with you."

"Oh, Zacky!" Troy dropped to his knees on the lower step and wrapped his arms around Zack as he pressed his face to his lover's chest. "You know nothing in the whole world would make me happier! I can't wait till that day."

"Me too, Lee," Zack rested his face on top of Troy's head as he held his partner. "Me too. I love you so much."

"I love you too," Troy tightened his hold on Zack.

Out in the line, Emmett's boss and his family congratulated them.

"Paul, I'm so happy you could come," Emmett shook his boss' hand with both of his. "And Holly, so nice to see you again," he shook his boss' wife's hand as well.

"You too, Emmett. Congratulations," Holly smiled.

"Thank you, Holly. This is him," Emmett gestured to his husband. "This is my Nasir."

"Oh, I recognize him from all the pictures you have up in your office. Nice to meet you, Nasir," Paul offered Nasir his hand.

"Nice to meet you. You are Emmett's boss! Very nice to meet you, Sir," Nasir shook the man's hand twice.

Emmett greeted his boss' kids and they were followed by perky, young Suzie the receptionist from his office. She wore a youthful and flirty little strapless, empire waisted pink and black number. Her knee length plaid skirt had a layer of tulle underneath that poofed the skirt and was only slightly longer to be visible, but subtle.

"Emmett!" Suzie jumped up and threw her arms around his neck. Something she had always wanted to do, but as they were usually in a place of business had, until today, restrained herself.

"Hi, Suzie," Emmett laughed. He just put his hands on her waist.

"What a beautiful wedding! I cried," Suzie admitted as she let go of him.

"Good tears I hope," Emmett smiled.

"Absolutely. Emmett, this is my boyfriend, Corey," Suzie stepped back and put her hand on the man's shoulder. He was taller than his girl, but not nearly as tall as Emmett. Corey was a nice looking younger guy with several days growth on his chin, but the rest of his face was clean shaven. He wore the sexy combination of a suit jacket, tie and dress shirt with jeans.

"Hey," Corey stood back and reached out tentatively to shake Emmett's hand, like the gay might rub off on him. It was very clear that he was here for his girl and no other reason.

"Hi, Corey," Emmett shook his hand quickly.

"And this must be Nasir! Well, obviously. Gosh, he's even more handsome in person!" Suzie gushed.

"This is Suzie from the office," Emmett informed his husband.

"I remember the first day you came to Seattle and sent that room key to the office," Suzie recounted. "I'm the one who delivered it to Emmett," she was proud of that fact.

"In that case, you will forever have my gratitude," Nasir took her hand and kissed it.

"Wow," Suzie was impressed. "Even his voice is sexy."

Corey hung back and shook no more hands in the receiving line and neither did his girl introduce him to anyone else.

Miles and Sylvia were an unlikely, Mutt and Jeff looking pair. Sylvia was the one adult in their building shorter than Seth and her husband was Edward's height. Miles wore a simple, two piece gray suit with a conservative tie. And, unlike his wife, he let his hair be the natural steel gray that it was. Sylvia was dressed to match the wedding. She was almost Emmett's opposite in a red pants suit that buttoned up to tiny, little lapels, under which her white silk scarf was all that was visible. Her lips were a matching red on her wrinkled, little face.

"Emmett and Nasir," Sylvia approached at her slow, measured pace. "Don't you two look dashing! Oh, and especially you, Nasir, in your bisht and ghutra!" she was very intelligent and exceptionally well read, if at times barely lucid, and knew the proper names of Nasir's garments.

"We're so glad you could come, Sylvia," Emmett bent to kiss her cheek.

"We didn't miss Seth and Garrett's wedding. We wouldn't miss yours," Sylvia accepted Nasir's kiss as well.

"Miles," Emmett extended his hand to the retired professor.

"Emmett, lovely service," Miles gave his curious, squinty, lopsided smile.

"Thank you," Emmett smiled.

"Nasir," Miles shook the other groom's hand as well.

"Seth and Garrett," Sylvia smiled. She delighted in sharing a kiss with each of them as well.

"Hi, Sylvia," Seth took her hands in his. "Wasn't that a moving ceremony? It made me cry."

"I saw that," Sylvia patted his hand. "It's because you love them so. You two are the sweetest friends," she took Garrett's hand and patted it as well. Sylvia stepped then to Carson and bent backwards to look up at him through her big, round, black rimmed glasses. "Now who is this young man?" she mused with a hand on her wrinkled chin. "Have you met Emmett? You look so much like him!"

"Have I met Emmett?" Carson looked down on the tiny and kooky old lady. He could not imagine such an absurd question. "He's my brother."

"Well, that does explain it. What is your name, Brother of Emmett?" Sylvia asked.

"My name is Carson, Ma'am," he answered.

"Sylvia," she offered her tiny hand. "My husband Miles. We're the neighbors. Nice to meet you Brother Carson. Oh, Miles! It's that nice Washington State Patrol officer friend of theirs I told you about. Is your name Edward?" she pointed at him.

"Yes it is, Sylvia. Nice to see you again," Edward didn't bother to correct her. How she could remember his name, but could not get through her head that he was not with the police, he would never know.

"This is my husband Miles," Syvia introduced.

"Officer," Miles gave Edward his unique smile.

"Nice to meet you, Miles," Edward shook his hand.

"Keep up the good work," Miles patted Edward on the side of his shoulder and follow his wife toward the verandahh. Edward just shook his head.

"I thought you were a park ranger," Carson spoke up.

"I am," Edward said with a sigh.

"Why does she think you're state police?" Carson asked the obvious question.

"Because she has like two marbles left," Edward answered.

"Yeah, I caught that. Okay, good. I thought for a minute there you were impersonating law enforcement," Carson joked.

"Only in her head," Edward shook his again.

The pair that followed Miles and Sylvia were as opposite from them as they could be. Simon always had a most inviting smile that seemed to light up his AmerAsian face. His attached at the hip sidekick, with his boy next door good looks, was bubbly as ever. Simon and Wayne both wore skin tight white dress shirts that conformed to their every muscle, with thin, retro ties and painted on jeans.

"Hey, boys," Emmett opened his arms.

"Hi, Emmett," Simon stretched up to kiss him.

"And hello sexy sheikh!" Wayne zeroed in on Nasir.

"Wayne!" Nasir gave the twink a kiss. "I love the picture of you boys with Emmett. I am going to get it framed."

"And we were behaving that night. Just imagine how good that shot could have been!" Wayne laughed.

"Are you two here without dates?" Emmett could hardly believe it. "On a Saturday night?"

"We didn't want to bring dates to your wedding," Simon started.

"Just to eat your food and drink your drinks, when they're never gonna be heard from again anyway," Wayne completed the thought.

"There's plenty for everybody, guys," Emmett pointed out.

"Yeah, but then we would have had to choose in advance," Wayne made a pout.

"Several potential candidates for our, time, have been instructed to meet us at R Place later," Simon added.

"Ah, gotcha," Emmett nodded.

Simon and Wayne moved on to the man whose legacy Simon had inherited.

"Hi, boys!" Seth reached for them.

"Hi, Seth," Simon said as he and Wayne both grabbed Seth in a joint hug.

The last guest in the line for the line hung back. Emmett noticed her pretty, floor length lilac dress and knee length jacket first. He wondered why the lady seemed apprehensive and almost timid. She stood clutching a beautifully gift wrapped box, and her purse to her chest. Then Emmett looked at her face. She seemed familiar. He was sure he had seen this woman somewhere before. It took the beat of a heart for his brain to place the face and recognize her.

"Oh my God!" Emmett exclaimed. Every head turned when Emmett called out like that. All the men present with Emmett had no idea who she was, save one. Nasir's eyes went wide.

"Samira?" Emmett could hardly believe it. The last time he had seen this woman, was on a road in the Arabian Desert when they switched cars. It had been her idea, and she had saved their lives.

"Samira!" Nasir cried out. "Allah! Al hamdu lillah!" he and Emmett rushed Samira at once. Emmett embraced them both as his husband took her in his arms.

Garrett, Edward and Carson gathered around Seth, knowing that he would gain understanding before anyone. And he did. Seth's eyes widened as well.

"His sister!" Seth exclaimed.

"Oh, wow," Edward raised his eyebrows. He knew the story.

"This is unexpected," Garrett stated the obvious.

"I didn't know Nasir had a sister," Carson furrowed his brow. "I thought his family didn't want anything to do with him."

"They don't," Seth confirmed. "They threatened to kill him, in fact, but his sister," he gestured, "tried to help them. If it wasn't for her, they probably would have never made it out of the Emirates."

"Fuck," Carson swore. He had no idea his brother and brother-in-law's lives had been in such danger. Carson's hands curled into fists without him even realizing it. Anyone wanting to hurt his family, and that included Nasir as much as Emmett, would be in for serious trouble while he was around.

"Samira, Samira," Nasir held her to his chest. "I thought I would never see you again! Oh! Let me look at you," He pulled back and took Samira's head in his hands to look at her tear streaked face. "Are you all right?"

"I am fine. I didn't think I would ever see you again either," Samira dabbed at her eyes with a tissue that waited at the ready in the sleeve of her dress. "You look so handsome. And happy!" she put a hand to her brother's face. "And I know why."

Nasir and Samira both looked to Emmett at the same time.

"It is true. I am happy, Samira," Nasir moved one arm around Emmett. "And this is the happiest day of my life, because of this man."

"I know," Samira nodded.

"Me too, Nasi. This is the happiest day of my life too," Emmett rubbed his husband's back.

"And now you can share it with us," Nasir looked at his sister and wanted to cry again himself.

"That is why I am here," Samira smiled up at her brother and brother-in-law.

"But how did you do it?" Nasir could envision no scenario in which his sister could come to be standing here before him now. "No, that will have to wait," he shook his head.

"May I hug Emmett too?" Samira asked.

"Of course," Emmett took her in his arms. "You're my sister too."

"Thank you," Samira whispered into Emmett's ear.

"For what? I didn't do anything," Emmett contested.

"You saved my brother. You may not know it, but you did," Samira pulled back to look into Emmett's eyes.

"You saved him. You saved both of us," Emmett countered.

"What I did was nothing. You saved him long before that," Samira stated.

"I just fell in love with him," Emmett gave a shrug.

"And he fell in love with you," Samira nodded, patted Emmett's chest, and let him go.

"Come, meet our family," Nasir took his sister's arm. He turned to the rest of the wedding party who stood by with rapt attention. "This is Garrett, Sethy, Edward and Emmett's brother Carson," Nasir introduced. "My little sister, Samira."

"Hello," Samira greeted them. Like a proper Muslim woman, she did not offer her hand to these strange men. All but one of them knew why.

"Very nice to meet you, Samira," Carson, raised to be a gentleman in America, by American and European standards, offered his hand. And just as quickly Seth grabbed his arm and pulled it back down.

"What?" Carson did not get it.

"I'll explain it later, Car," Emmett offered.

"It is very nice to meet you, Samira," Garrett smiled with hands clasped before him. "We are all very glad you could be with us today."

"Thank you. So am I," Samira immediately liked Garrett.

"Samira!" Nasir noticed the box she yet clutched for the first time. "You brought us chocolates!"

"Of course I did," Samira presented the box. "They are Belgian and I hand carried them from London!"

"You are so sweet. I did not think I would see any chocolates on my wedding day," Nasir confessed as he accepted it.

"What do Americans give as gifts at weddings?" Samira wondered.

"Just about everything else," Emmett informed with a grin.

"I'll put that on the gift table, if you like," Seth offered.

"Thank you, Sethy," Nasir handed it over.

Auguste, having no more guests coming her way, returned to the Great Hall from the verandahh. She immediately noticed the striking black haired woman who stood between her son and son-in-law with an arm from each around her. "Who is this pretty lady?"

"Mutti, this is Nasi's sister," Emmett introduced. "This is my mom."

"Nasir's sister!" Auguste took Samira's hands. "Wunderbar! They did not know you were coming!"

"No," Samira confirmed. "I did not know myself until a few days ago."

"I am so happy some of Nasir's family could be here for his happy day," Auguste let go of one of Samira's hands only to hold the other in both of hers.

"Picture time, wedding party," Dane attempted to keep them on schedule.

"Samira, you have to be in our pictures with us!" Emmett enthused.

"Oh, I've ruined my makeup crying," she touched her tissue to the bottom of her eyes again. "I must look a fright."

"Samira, antee jameela," Nasir spoke sweetly to his sister. She just smiled up at her kind brother for telling her that she was beautiful.

"Come with me, liebling. We fix your make up," Auguste led Samira in the direction of the ladies room.

"She can't help but be a mom," Emmett gave a shrug and a smile.

"Carson, go get your grandmother so we can be ready for pictures," Auguste directed.

"I will in a minute, Mutti," Carson answered. "My beer wants out. I gotta piss like a race horse."

"Oh!" Auguste did not like her son being so crude in mixed company.

Hearing his brother's statement, Emmett became very aware of his own need. "Me too. Be right back, Babe," he leaned close and gave his husband a soft kiss on the lips before he followed after Carson. Stimson-Green, in keeping with health code for a public event venue, had rooms converted to men's and ladies' rooms right off the Great Hall. Auguste led Samira into one, while Carson and Emmett headed into the other. Seth turned and made eye contact with another man, and with the most subtle shift of his eyes conveyed his instructions.

In the men's room there were two stalls and two urinals. Carson took the first urinal and Emmett stepped up next to his brother at the other. They unzipped, pulled twin McCarty hoses through the flys of both pants and boxers, and let go with heavy streams.

"Ho, fuck," Carson swore his relief.

"I know," Emmett agreed.

"Hey, guys," a voice called to them from behind and to the left. Emmett and Carson both looked over their left shoulder exactly as Dane snapped their picture.

"Dane!" Emmett exclaimed.

"He did not just take our picture taking a piss," Carson looked to his brother.

"Relax, guys. Can't see anything from here," Dane pointed out. "Just think about what it will do to people when they see this picture. Two hot brothers, side by side with your dicks in your hands."

"By 'people,' I assume he means gay guys," Carson clarified. Emmett just chuckled as he and his brother, dicks in hands, continued to piss.

"You know who put me up to this, Emmett," Dane stated.

"Yes," Emmett nodded to the wall.

"Okay, I'm going," Dane announced and did so.

Out on the verandahh, Milan and Sabrina served beer, wine and cocktails with warm smiles. They were dressed identically in white tux shirts and valet jackets with black bow ties and pants.

"That's him, right there," Suzie pointed. She stood with her boyfriend, who just naturally gravitated to other straight couples. They were with Justin, Melinda, Leah and Roberto. The men held their beverage of choice, which for these three men were beers, in one hand and their camel stick in the other. Suzie pointed out Emmett's boss and his family, in particular the man's son who stood now with his father's hand on his back.

"Little Paulie was so sick that holiday season," Suzie explained. "Poor little kid went in to get his tonsils out and caught some staph infection. The whole family spent Christmas in the hospital by his bedside. They didn't think the little guy was going to make it there for a while."

"Jesus," Justin expressed. As a father himself, he could only imagine such horror.

"But look at him now, the picture of health," Suzie smiled. "Anyway, that's why Emmett got sent to Vegas in Paul's place."

"Oh, of course," Melinda nodded.

"Isn't it funny how things work out," Leah leaned up closer to Roberto. The detective had yet to uncover an instance when he did not enjoy the feel of his lady up against him and slipped his arm around her waist.

Very nearby, once Yvonne had learned there was a federal judge in their midst, made her opinion known. "You know, all these hoops Nasir had to go through and the stress they both had to endure needlessly, could all have been avoided if our laws were fair and equal. They love each other, they wanted to get married, they just did! If Emmett were a woman, our government would never have even considered deporting Nasir. As it was, they were perfectly willing to deport him when he faced certain death. This Defense of Marriage Act is just a reprehensible law."

"Many would agree with you, Yvonne," the judge gave a diplomatic answer.

"What would you do if that ended up in your courtroom?" Yvonne pressed.

"Vonnie, the man's here, isn't he?" Roger tried to defuse his wife.

"Whether that ever manages to pass through my courtroom or not, I can guarantee you one thing. It will end up before the Supreme Court," George assured. "That is, if it doesn't get repealed first, which would be the best case scenario."

"How would you rule, Dad?" Justin could not help himself.

"Justin, you know better than to ask your father that," Celeste chided.

"I would rule based on the merits of the case, Son," George gave another diplomatic answer. "And before anyone thinks that sounds like too careful of an answer, let me just say this. People like Emmett and Nasir, like Garrett and Seth, clearly belong together."

"I think so too, Dad," Justin firmly agreed. "I don't think any state, including this one, should be able to decide which of it's residents get which rights."

"I did note a recent brief filed by the Justice Department on a DOMA case, being defended by the House," George raised his eyebrows and cocked his head in a clear indication of what he thought of that, "that took several pages to demonstrate why the DOMA law is unconstitutional in the first place."

"Unconstitutional. That's right up your alley, Dad," Justin gestured with his beer bottle.

"It would make for a compelling case," George nodded.

"I think you secretly would love to get this case in your courtroom," Justin smiled. Sometimes he admired his father beyond words.

"I would never admit to a thing like that, Justin," George smiled and put his arm around his son's shoulders.

Cliff sat on a long, wooden park type bench along one wall of the verandahh. He spoke with Molly as they both kept watch on the kids who played nearby. Cliff's camel stick leaned on the bench between them and he held a glass of chardonnay. Once Cliff learned Molly's boyfriend was Moose, Zack's best friend, they had a great deal to talk about. Molly sipped a lemonade as they spoke. They looked up as one of the groomsmen walked out onto the verandahh and strode directly to them. Edward did not utter a word as he held out his hand to Cliff, who just naturally took it. Edward pulled and Cliff rose.

"Kay, um, be right back!" Cliff called to Molly as Edward led him away and back into the mansion.

Cliff was needed for pictures. Emmett and Nasir wanted a picture with him, Edward, Troy and Zack. Emmett and Nasir had their picture taken with Samira, all of their combined families, their best men, all of their groomsmen, the groomsmen plus the ushers, Rosalie and Maggie and one last one with just Troy and Zack. Then that large group all followed Emmett and Nasir out onto the verandah for a well earned drink.

A cheer went around the verandah with raised glasses when the happy couple joined their guests at last. Emmett and Nasir walked hand in hand and Emmett raised their joined hands. Seth and Garrett followed them closely, also holding hands. Carson walked with his arm around his wife and his little son in his other arm. Edward and Cliff walked together, but did not hold hands. Rosalie and Maggie did. Auguste led the rest of the family with her arm around Samira.

Connor's eye immediately caught the group of other kids in the corner. And his father saw it.

"You wanna go play with the other kids, Buddy?" Carson asked his son. Conner looked at his father and, with finger in mouth, nodded. Carson and Sonja headed over to where Molly watched over the little troop.

"The baby!" Owen's face lit up when he saw Connor's father set him down on his feet.

"Look!" Larissa too was very interested in the smaller child.

"This is Kano," Owen did his best to introduce. "He only likes me," Owen took Connor's hand. "Wanna play with me, Kano?" Owen led Connor to where his little fire engine was parked.

Carson watched this and chuckled. "Got room for another one?" he asked Molly.

"Sure we do," Molly answered. "We can handle one more. Right, Ren?"

"Yeah," Ren considered a moment. "He's little. He won't be a problem."

"Okay, you're in charge," Molly smiled and gave Connor's parents a wink. Ren had informed her that, as the oldest, he was in charge of the other kids, so appointed by his father. Molly played along and allowed Ren to continue under that illusion. Carson took his wife's hand and they headed off to join the rest of the wedding party.

Emmett, Nasir, and the most of their entourage, headed straight for Milan.

"Hey, Milan," Emmett smiled at him.

"Congratulations, Mr. Emmett, Mr. Nasir," Milan offered his hand across the bar.

"You're so sweet, Milan, thanks," Emmett took Milan's hand in both of his and just held it on top of the bar. "Okay, we're gonna need two Oktoberfest. I know my brother's ready," Emmett looked around. "Though, I don't know where he went. What do you want, Babe?"

"A Laphroaig, please," Nasir answered and turned. "Samira," he called to his sister.

"I know my mom and Sonja will want a glass of the Hogue," Emmett continued to order while he still held Milan's hand on the bar. "Edward, beer? Beer for Edward. I know you know what he likes," Emmett gave Milan a knowing smile.

"And I very much like to give him," Milan smiled right back.

"Yeah, he's taken now, Milan. Those days are over, sorry," Emmett gave a shrug and then looked over his shoulder. "Cliff, another glass of wine? Okay, a glass of whatever Cliff is drinking. Garrett, martini?"

"Oh," Garrett and Seth stepped up to the bar. "That sounds just right, Emmett. You talked me into it."

"I know you know how Garrett likes his martini," Emmett smiled at Milan.

"No idea," Milan made a faux sad face and looked down while he shook his head. At the same time he reached with his free hand for the Kettle One bottle and set it on the bar.

"Yeah, I see that. Sweetie?" Emmett looked to his best man.

"I'll have a cosmo, Milan," Seth ordered. Emmett at last let go of the barman's hand to let him set about his work.

"Samira," Emmett asked his sister-in-law, now tucked under her brother's arm, "what can our friendly bartender get for you?"

"Perhaps a cranberry juice," Samira answered.

"You don't want a drink-drink? I'm sorry, you don't drink? I thought you did," Emmett held up an apologetic hand.

"She does," Nasir confirmed. "You don't want a real drink, Samira?"

"Sadiq would not like it," Samira shook her head.

"We all had a drink together in London. Why would he not like it?" Nasir furrowed his brow.

"Perhaps just one. A glass of chardonnay?" Samira smiled. She hoped that would appease them enough to distract them and it did. Samira was just not ready to tell them yet why she wasn't drinking.

"And a glass of chardonnay, my friend Milan," Emmett relayed.

"Yes, sir," Milan answered. The glasses of wine and beers were easy. The scotch was easy. He used two shakers to prepare and pour the martini and cosmopolitan at the same time. Milan prepared Seth's glass by rubbing a twist of lemon around the rim and then dropping it in the glass before he poured. And then he finished off Garrett's cocktail with three anchovy stuffed olives on a little plastic sword.

"Thank you, Milan," Seth expressed as the barman set the last two drinks up on the bar. Garrett quietly pulled his cash out of his pants pocket. He typically kept twenty hundred dollar bills in his gold, initialed money clip in his pocket. He took two of the bills and dropped them into the fish bowl that sat on the bar for that purpose. There was already some money in it, but, as far as Garrett was concerned, not enough.

"There you are," Emmett saw Carson and Sonja coming and passed them their beer bottle and wine glass.

"Thanks, Bro," Carson took them both and handed the glass to his wife.

"Now where is your boss?" Nasir put his hand on his husband's shoulder as he looked around. "I need to talk to him. Ah," he spotted the man and set off.

"About what?" Emmett asked. When it became clear Nasir was not going to stop or answer, Emmett picked up his mother's glass of wine and followed after Nasir.

The balding man and his wife were in Auguste's clutches. Emmett's mother held one hand from each of them in hers as she spoke to them.

"Paul, I am sorry to interrupt," Nasir put a hand on his mother-in-law's shoulder as he joined them.

"Not at all, I've been hoping for a word with you, actually," Paul smiled at Nasir. "I've been looking at your picture going on two years. It's nice to finally meet the client that stole my most promising designer!"

"Paul!" Emmett was horrified as Nasir, Holly and his mother laughed at that.

"I only stole his heart. His talent still belongs to you," Nasir put his arm around Emmett's waist.

"Paul, I told you, Nasir wasn't actually the client. I was sent to meet with Nasi's brother," Emmett protested.

"Ah, of course, that's right," Paul nodded. "That's completely different. I was supposed to meet with Kasim al Qasimi, but I sent you in my place, and then someone took over for Kasim too, now, let me think, who was that?" he tapped his chin as he pretended to ponder the question. "It was the man who needed you to stay longer, and then had the firm completely scrap the plans and start over. Keith was thrilled that we got to rebill the whole job, by the way."

"Oh, yeah?" Emmett gave a sheepish grin.

"Yeah. Now, who was that man?" Paul asked again.

"The same man who tells you now that the day will soon come when Loews Hotels will need your firm's talents, just as Jumeirah Construction Group did in Vegas, for a new luxury hotel project," Nasir stated. "And I will once again require the services of your most promising designer," he smiled at his husband.

"I see," Paul nodded. "Keith Johnson is actually the Managing Partner and in charge of sales. We designers just design what he puts in front of us."

"Nasi, you might also think about the fact that Paul has been doing this a lot of years," Emmett pointed out. "There is a reason he's the senior designer. Most of what I know, I learned from him."

"Yes, I see what you mean," Nasir nodded. He looked at Emmett with a completely straight face. "But I do not want to sleep with Paul."

"Ach!" Auguste found this very funny.

"Well, I for one, am very glad to hear that!" Paul laughed as well.

"How about this," Emmett held up his beer and then realized he still held his mother's wine. "Oh, for you, Mutti."

"Danke," Auguste accepted her glass and took a sip.

"Bitte, Mutti," Emmett answered in the same language without even realizing it. "So how about this, guys? Paul can lead the team on the design, lending his considerable expertise and guidance and supervision, and then when it comes time to visit the client on site, I'll go do that. That way we don't have the expense of an extra hotel room or anything. It's not only frugal, but, you know, I don't mind sleeping with you."

"You do not mind?" Nasir smiled.

"Not at all. I am happy to sleep with the client," Emmett assured.

"I hope that only applies to this client," Nasir tapped himself on the chest.

"Only the clients I marry," Emmett nodded.

"I am glad that is settled," Nasir gave a nod and took a sip of his scotch.

Now that the official wedding ceremony duties were over, Edward, Troy, Zack and Cliff had their first opportunity to all speak together.

"Gem, you gotta come next time, you and Jasper," Troy enthused once their conversation turned to lighter matters. "The beaches are so beautiful. Way nicer than anything we have around here."

"And the water's not freezing," Zack added.

"Right," Troy agreed. "It was nice actually. I thought Kure beach was a little nicer, but Wrightsville was more fun."

"That's because Wrightsville has a nude, gay section," Cliff explained. "And it's pronounced 'Curry'."

"Then they should spell it that way," Troy countered.

"You guys went to a nude, gay beach?" Edward pressed with a smile.

"It's his Hawaiian blood," Zack cocked a thumb at his partner. "He can't resist a nice beach and when clothing is optional, his just flies off."

"Zacky wouldn't get naked with me though, till we got in the water," Troy smiled up at his lover.

"Did you and Derek get naked too?" Edward asked Cliff.

"Derek wouldn't even go, for fear of someone recognizing him," Cliff fought to keep his voice neutral. "And no, I didn't get naked. I'm more recognizable than Derek is. A picture of me in the buff, at the beach, on the internet, would do wonders for my career, I'm sure."

"Officer!" Sylvia called and waved her little hand as she approached.

"Now you're in for a treat," Edward spoke under his breath so that only Cliff, Troy and Zack could hear him.

"Is this your boyfriend?" Sylvia pointed at Cliff.

"No, Sylvia. This is not my boyfriend," Edward spoke slowly in an effort to get the message across once, correctly, the first time. "Though," he smiled at Cliff, "I was once pleased to call him that."

"Oh, your ex then?" Sylvia asked. "An amiable parting? You are on good terms I see."

"We are now," Edward smiled at Cliff again. "Sylvia, Cliff," he finally introduced. "Cliff, Seth and Garrett's neighbor, Sylvia. And this is her husband," Edward gestured to the tall, odd man who walked up behind the short, old lady.

"Professor Crittenton?" Cliff exclaimed.

"Yes it is," Miles confirmed.

"Oh, a student, Miles! Isn't that lovely?" Sylvia was thrilled.

"Professor Emeritus now. You were one of my students," Miles pointed at Cliff. "I pride myself on never forgetting a student, especially the good ones. Now, don't tell me," Miles scrutinized Cliff a moment. "You were in the school of journalism, broadcast journalism, if memory serves."

"Yes!" Cliff was amazed.

"Your name is Clarence," Miles shot and missed.

"Clifton," Cliff corrected.

"Brentwood," Miles tried again.

"Barringer," Cliff gave a smile.

"Right. I never forget a student," Miles nodded as if he had nailed it. "Where are you working?"

"I'm a field reporter for WECT TV6, Wilmington, Cape Fear," Cliff answered.

"Oh my goodness, all the way across the country," Miles observed with a grand gesture.

"It is far from home, but I've come to really love the Port City," Cliff smiled.

Carson saw Justin and Melinda standing at one of the tall tables by the stone, half wall, edge of the verandah with Leah, Roberto, Roger and Yvonne. Carson had only just met Roger and his wife in the receiving line, but he felt like he knew the others, and he especially liked Justin after they had bonded the previous night. Carson led his wife over to join them.

"Hey, guys. Is this the straight section?" Carson joked as they walked up.

"Yeah, this the straight section, right here," Roger pointed out a tiny circle. "This little table. This is it."

"Carson, my man," Justin was pleased the younger man and his wife came to join them and immediately offered his hand.

"Ladies, Roberto," Carson greeted them. "And it's Roger and Yvonne, right?"

"That's right," Roger confirmed.

"This is my beautiful wife, Sonja," Carson introduced.

"Hello, Sonja," Roger offered his hand and had a smile that was perhaps a little warmer than Yvonne might have liked. She knew better than anyone what Roger Donovan could do to a woman with that silky smooth voice and super sexy smile. And she knew that he knew it too.

"Nice to meet you," Sonja shook his hand lightly.

"And this is my beautiful wife, Yvonne," Roger put his hand on Yvonne's back as he presented her to Sonja. And just like that, he was redeemed, when he didn't even know he needed to be.

"Hi, Sonja," Yvonne smiled. "I saw you with your son. He's so cute!"

"Thanks. I noticed a handsome devil over there, helping to take charge of the other kids, in a suit just like Roger's. He yours?" Sonja asked.

"That's my boy," Roger gave a proud grin.

"You better keep an eye on him. In just a few years, he'll be breaking hearts all over town," Sonja warned.

"That's my boy," Roger repeated, even more proudly.

"That boy gonna have my eye on him till he gets married!" Yvonne assured.

"And how about Miss Stephanie? What a little doll!" Sonja put her hand on Melinda's arm.

"Thank you," Melinda was proud.

"That's my little princess," Justin smiled.

"She has the boys' attention too, I couldn't help but notice," Carson gave a grin.

"Yeah," Justin agreed. "It's not keeping me up at night, quite yet," Justin gave a wink and took a swig of his beer. "So, Carson, were you up to your eyeballs in gay again today?" he asked with a smirk. Justin remembered Carson's comment from the previous evening.

"Not quite," Carson gave a shake of his head. "Only about chest deep today."

"That's still pretty deep," Roberto raised his eyebrows.

"What happened yesterday?" Roger asked.

"Oh, you didn't hear? The wedding party had a spa day yesterday," Carson explained. "And by spa day, I mean Russian bathhouse day. And by Russian bathhouse day, I mean all of us naked in the steam room."

"Oh, ho!" Roger found that very amusing.

"That's our Seth," Justin smiled at his wife.

"What did my brother make you do today?" Leah enquired.

"I got my first ever manicure this morning," Carson held out his left hand. With his right, he pulled his cell phone from his pocket. "But, here's how the day started," Carson called up his pictures. Sonja laughed to herself, knowing full well what he was about to show them. Carson handed his phone to Leah. Five others crowded about her to get a look.

"With you, Seth, Edward, Leo and Zack in bed, evidently," Leah summed up the photo.

"Where was Emmett?" Justin laughed.

"He took it," Carson answered.

"Looks like you were drinking mimosas," Melinda scrutinized the shot.

"We were," Carson confirmed. "The day started out with little fruity drinks in our underwear," Carson relayed.

"Our gay boys do love their mimosas, my brother included," Justin stated. "I think we had them damn near every day in Telluride, didn't we, Honey?"

"I didn't mind," Melinda took a sip of her wine. "I love a good mimosa. And your brother usually pours Cristal, so I think we'll not complain."

"No complaint from me," Justin shook his head. "Garrett and I practically grew up on them anyway. To this day, that's the Sunday morning thing at my parents' house."

"Holidays too," Melinda added. "That's a Thompson family tradition I really like."

"I'm glad, Honey," Justin put his arm around his wife.

Roberto looked at Roger who stood close to him. "Do you know what a mimosa is?"

"I got no fuckin' idea," Roger admitted.

"Okay, good," Roberto laughed. "I thought I was the only one."

"Orange juice and champagne, Boys," Leah filled them in.

"Orange juice and champagne," Carson repeated in such a way that it was clear what he thought of it.

"The time will soon come, my friends," Justin gestured with his bottle, "when you'll be sipping mimosas in the morning and martinis in the evening with the rest of us. Just come skiing this winter."

"I'm a little scared," Roberto admitted.

"I'll protect you, Guapo," Leah leaned up against him.

"I'm counting on that, Chula," Roberto slipped his arm around her waist and down her hip.

"From what I've heard goes on in the hot tub, you should be scared," Carson warned.

"I've heard too. That's why I'm scared," Roberto confessed.

"You guys should all come too," Justin gestured to Carson, Sonja, Roger and Yvonne. "Help balance out the equation."

"That might be fun, Carson," Sonja looked up at her husband.

"The skiing part might be fun," Carson admitted. "But I'll drink beer, Goddamn it! And I don't know about that hot tub. I guess if I could take a naked steam with all the gay boys, I could do that too."

"Yay!" Seth suddenly danced into their midst. It was immediately clear he had been listening. "More naked straight boys to play with! Well done, Justin," he wrapped his arms around Justin to give him a quick hug.

"Edward told me all about your hot tub escapades in Telluride," Roger spoke up. "I'm not going near that thing."

"Telluride, Edward's back yard," Seth laid out the options. "It's only a matter of time, Roger," he smiled. "That goes for you too, Guapo," Seth pointed at Roberto.

"Oh, no," Roberto shook his head.

"The problem is, he's probably right," Leah advised the men.

"My little Injun-in-law thinks he's pretty clever," Justin teased.

"That's because," Seth turned and landed a quick punch to Justin's ribs. "I am!" he declared victoriously and bounced away to safety.

"Oww," Justin rubbed his side. "He gets me every time."

"Let me just make sure I got this right," Yvonne held up a hand. "Edward, Seth, Garrett, Emmett and Nasir, all naked in the hot tub with you?" she asked Leah.

"That sums it up," Leah confirmed.

"Oh, we're so in," Yvonne declared.

"We're gonna end up in that hot tub, aren't we, Momi?" Roberto asked his girl.

"It's inevitable, Papi," Leah confirmed with a resigned face.

"I hope there's couple time in the hot tub," Carson expressed.

"This is Seth we're talking about," Justin pointed out. "There's everybody in a pile in the hot tub time."

"We all relaxed with our drinks after skiing. Our muscles needed it. It was quite pleasant actually," Melinda added.

"It was really," Leah agreed. "Though, you know, now I think about it," she tapped the table as she thought out loud. "It's a four bedroom condo."

"Very spacious, view of the mountains," Justin added, not knowing where Leah was going with her thoughts. "It's just gorgeous."

"Yeah, it is, but," Leah pointed as she continued, "there's four couples right here. And the boys are going to Hawaii for two weeks for their joint honeymoon in January."

"Oh!" Justin, Roberto, Roger and Carson chorused in unison as they all got it.

"So this is the straight section," Dane spoke up as he intruded. "Seth sent me over to get a shot of our favorite heteros," he raised his camera. "Okay, smile for the homo," Dane bid. This made them all laugh, just as he intended, and he got a great picture of them.

Gillian Faulkner, General Manager of Stimson-Green, walked out onto the verandah and held up a small triangle on which she tapped with a steel beater, to get everyone's attention. "Ladies and gentlemen, dinner will now be served in the dining and drawing rooms," she announced loudly. Only the huge pocket doors to the drawing room were open, to force guests to enter through there. Several of Carla's staff were waiting with small cups of very strong coffee and dates that had been pitted for the Americans, when in the Emirates they would not be, to formally welcome the guests to the reception, in keeping with the culture of the Arab groom.

"Okay, kids!" Molly stood up. "Who's hungry?"

"Me! I'm starved!" Ren made fists and leaned back with his eyes closed in his great drama, like his parents hadn't fed him in weeks.

"Me too!" Liam declared. "Are you hungry, Stephanie?"

"I am," Stephanie answered.

"Let's sit together, okay?" Liam asked and put his arm around her shoulders as she nodded her consent.

"C'mon, Owen," Ren bid. He knew full well the younger boy would need some urging to eat properly. "C'mon, Larissa. C'mon Conner," Ren continued to take charge.

As the general movement of the crowd began to enter the house, those who were parents came to check on their children.

"The kids all get along just great," Molly told Justin, Melinda, Roger, Yvonne, Rosalie and Maggie what they already knew full well. "If you'd like me to just do a kid's table, I'd be happy to do that. Leave you adults to have dinner together."

"That okay by you, Steph?" Justin asked his daughter.

"Yes, Daddy," Stephanie nodded.

"We know Owen will eat if he's with Ren," Rosalie conferred with her wife.

"That's fine," Maggie nodded. "You boys go with Miss Molly and be good."

"We will, Mom," Liam nodded his assurance like it was a given.

"Ren, you help Miss Molly look after the other kids," Roger instructed.

"I will, Dad," Ren was only too happy to do so.

"Liss," Roger squatted down to look his little daughter in the face. He ever so gently took hold of her shoulders. "You go with your brother, okay? Mommy and I will be right nearby if you need us."

"Okay, Daddy," Larissa nodded.

"That's my girl," Roger pulled her to him and closed his eyes as he held his little daughter to his chest for a moment. Ren was his son, his first born, and he would be proud of his son till the day he died, but this was his little girl. And she always would be. Roger was secure in the knowledge that his daughter would have her father, an array of doting uncles, her older brother, and by extension Liam and Owen to look out for her, for as long as they all lived. He cupped Larissa's head in his palm and gave her a soft kiss on her temple before he let her go and stood up.

"You're a damn good father, Roger Donovan," Yvonne took her husband's hand. "Anyone ever tell you that?"

"Thanks, Vonnie," Roger turned his silky smooth voice and super sexy smile on his wife. He leaned in to give her a gentle kiss on her lips.

Yvonne ran her hand over Roger's tightly braided hair and when her hand was on the back of his head, pulled him closer. "I am gonna ride you like a bronco when we get home," she whispered into his ear. It was a whisper that went straight to his cock.

"I'm not really hungry anymore, Baby," Roger enfolded his wife in his arms as he spoke quietly into her ear. He ran one hand up her back and the other down over the ample butt that turned him on so. "You ready to go?"

Yvonne leaned back and smiled at her husband. He had pulled her close and she could feel what she was doing to him.

"Down, boy," Yvonne patted Roger's chest. "Save it till we get home," she gave him the same soft kiss on his lips.

"And Liff!" Liam's shout gained the attention of everyone around him. He pointed at the uncle he hadn't seen in so long while still holding Stephanie. "We hafta sit with uncle Liff!"

"There he is," Yvonne looked in the direction Liam was pointing and saw Cliff standing with Edward, Troy and Zack. "I wanna talk to that boy," she announced and stepped back from her husband. Yvonne left Roger to walk over to Cliff and Roger followed. He very much wanted to talk to Edward and, at this precise moment, was never so glad that this suit had a long, square cut jacket.

Carson and Sonja walked over to the children's area to find their son standing hand in hand with bronze haired Owen. As Connor wasn't entirely steady on his feet yet the older boy made walking all that much easier and fun. Owen and Connor were walking and laughing, going around and around a nearby table when the younger child's parents appeared. Owen and Connor stopped at Carson's legs. They both looked up at the smiling man.

"Hey, Buddy," Carson was glad his son was having such a good time with the other kids. "You ready to get somethin' to eat? You hungry, Connor?"

To Carson and Sonja's amazement, Connor looked to Owen to answer for him.

"He's hungry. I am too a little," Owen informed.

"Well, that's great," Carson found this very amusing.

"You ready to come with us, Connor?" Sonja leaned down. "Or would you rather eat with your new friends?"

"How about," Molly appeared and squatted down behind Owen and Connor, "we get a nice booster seat for Connor, and he can sit between Owen and me, and we can help him. How about that?"

"That's okay," Owen nodded, as if it were up to him. He still held Connor's hand. "Kano likes that too."

"What do you guys think?" Molly looked up at Carson and Sonja, the only two whose opinions actually mattered.

"I guess I'm fine with that," Sonja looked up at her husband for his thoughts.

"Okay then," Carson nodded. "We'll come check on you," he smiled down on the young boys, took his wife's hand and walked away with her.

Cliff and Yvonne, arm in arm, were swept up with the throng as it headed into the mansion and dinner, leaving Edward and Roger to catch up. In the space of less than ten minutes, Emmett and Nasir were left with their best men, ushers, bartenders, photographer and Samira.

"Hey, where did Edward go?" Seth asked.

"If the great and powerful Oz doesn't know, how is anyone else supposed to?" Emmett teased.

"If you weren't so much bigger than me, Mary...," Seth made a fist and shook his head.

"He went in with Roger," Troy had seen them.

"You guys need any more shots out here?" Dane asked. "Otherwise I'm gonna run in and get people sitting down."

"Oh, Dane!" Seth grabbed him. "Did you take a picture during the ceremony with your phone like I asked?"

"Yes, I did," Dane pulled his cell out of his pants pocket. "Though, I don't know what you want me to do with it," he called up a photo of the grooms and their men before Rosalie, taken early during the ceremony when Rosalie was speaking.

"Perfect!" Seth was thrilled. He pulled his own cell out of his jacket, scrolled to the right number and handed it to Dane. "You're sending it here."

"Are you having him send that to who I think you are?" Emmett asked with a big smile.

"You'll just have to wait and see. I'm sure your phones will blow up in less than a minute," Seth was confident.

"Will anyone need anything else right now?" Milan and Sabrina both stepped out from behind the bar.

"I think we're good. Guys?" Emmett gestured.

"We'll see you inside," Seth gave a nod. He knew it was time for them to transfer to the second bar in a corner of the drawing room.

"Samira, you have to sit with us," Emmett stated.

"I would like that very much," Samira answered with a smile.

"And here we go," Emmett and Nasir's phones both chirped at the same time. They both pulled them out.

Beautiful!

Congrats, you guys

I'm so sorry I couldn't be there

Edward is there for us both

I love you guys

J

Emmett read Jasper's text aloud.

"He sent it to both of us," Nasir confirmed that he got the same message. Emmett flipped open his phone's keyboard.

Thanks, Jasper

We really missed you today

Expect the biggest bear hug

EVER when I see you

Nasir's husband

"That is cute, Habibi," Nasir was touched when Emmett showed him the text he sent. "You are my husband now. My zawji," Nasir stepped close to Emmett and gave him a gentle, loving kiss on his lips.

"What's zawji mean?" Seth asked what everyone wanted to know, but Emmett was too busy kissing his husband to ask.

"It is husband in Arabic," Samira gave the answer.

"You're my zawji too," Emmett kissed Nasir again. "Forever and ever."

"Na'am, for always, my zawji," Nasir mixed both languages.

"Okay, kids, time for dinner. Let's not keep your guests waiting. Some of us have toasts to make," Seth took charge.

What remained of the wedding party on the verandah with Samira and Dane, headed into the mansion to the reception.