AUTHOR'S NOTES:
Yet again, long overdue and no excuses. The good news is, I have several chapters 'in the can,' as it were, and I will try to post every couple of weeks or so for the next little bit.
Thank you to my beloved sister who gives of her time when she has none to spare. Sis, thank you for the dusting and for dressing the ladies.
Big hugs to my girls, Maureen, Rebecca, Kate and Pauline.
The FF witch hunt appears to be over. I will continue to post here and move to AO3 as and when I have to. When/if I am forced to complete the relocation you can find me at - archiveofourown ~dot~ org. Then just do a search for Jtrue.
Anyone who has not read the incredible Equal & Opposite, or is not now reading the brilliance that is Errors & Omissions, or Enticements & Obstructions, all by OhJasperMyJasper, should go do so right now. Here is how you find them since the FF witch hunt removed Liz from this site - ohjaspermyjasper ~dot~ blogspot ~dot~ com.
WARNING:
This story is intended for an adult audience! There is crude speech, hate speech and adult sexual subject matter of a homosexual nature. If you are under 18 stop reading now!
AU/AH/OC
All characters from Twilight belong to Stephenie Meyer. I just take them out and play with them.
Chapter 33: Whose Wedding is it Anyway?
Seth wore tight black leather pants that laced closed in front and back, and a painted on red crew neck shirt. His Emirati gold necklace rested on his chest outside his shirt. Garrett again wore a dress shirt with snug jeans, but didn't bother with a suit jacket this morning. Nasir was dressed the same as Garrett and Emmett wore a pale blue polo shirt that struggled to contain his pecs and biceps. Emmett also wore the jeans that he knew conformed to his ass in such a way as to make Nasir's mouth water.
"How was your game, Honey?" Seth held court at the bar, perched on a barstool while their bartender uncorked a bottle of Roederer Brut Premier.
"Nasir kicked my ass yet again," Garrett informed. "When he has his strength and stamina, his long legs are a difficult advantage to overcome."
"Emmett was still asleep when I snuck out to join you," Nasir revealed.
"I suspected as much," Garrett nodded.
"Thank you, Milan," Seth passed out the crystal flutes containing freshly poured mimosas. The staff uniform this morning was white tux shirt with black pants, but no bow tie and the top two buttons open.
"Emmett, I am going to ask a favor of you the next time your husband and I run out to the racquetball court," Garrett took a sip of his mimosa.
"Suck him off first?" Emmett gave a dimpled grin.
"Please," Garrett confirmed.
"These two think they're clever, sneaking out on us this morning," Seth quipped. "I say we sit them up on this bar and do them right now! We won't bother you, will we, Milan?"
"Oh, no, Mr. Seth," the smiling Czech shook his head. "Not at all."
"You heard him, Honey. Off with those pants. Right up here," Seth patted the bar.
"I do not know what you are waiting for, Garrett. I do not get my zawji's lips as often as I would like them," Nasir set his mimosa on the bar and pulled down his zipper.
"Zip back up, my friend," Garrett put a hand on Nasir's forearm. "Seth's sister will arrive at any moment. I don't intend for her to see me in her brother's mouth."
"It's not as if she doesn't know that activity takes place," Seth reasoned. "And I know she saw me in your mouth in Telluride. I'm sure my sister would rather see your dick than mine."
"Maybe back then," Emmett pointed out. "Now she has one all her own."
"And I very much doubt Roberto would like to see any of that," Garrett added.
"Where are they anyway?" Seth furrowed his brow.
As if he had the power to summon them, the house phone rang.
"You would like I get it?" Milan picked up the cordless stationed behind the bar. He knew that was the usual MO at parties in the penthouse.
"I'll take it," Seth reached out and Milan handed it over. "Yep?" he answered.
"It's us," Leah's voice came from the intercom at the front of the building.
"Get your butts up here," Seth touched the 9 key to release the door and hung up. "Woo!" he leapt from his chair and dashed for the front door.
"Why can Sethy not be excited for his sister?" Nasir was flip.
"Right?" Emmett laughed.
Seth waited in the elevator lobby and when the lift arrived, all but jumped into it. "Yay!" he threw his arms around his sister.
"Hi, little brother," Leah hugged him back. She was dressed not unlike her brother in a nice red blouse, but with jeans rather than leather pants. Roberto was dressed casually in cargo pants and a black henley that hugged his muscles nicely.
"And Roberto!" Seth let go of his sister and grabbed her fiancé in an equally tight hug.
"Hey, Seth," Roberto patted the smaller man's back.
"Damn, Roberto, being engaged suits you. Look at you all scruffy. You're even more sexy than usual," Seth appraised.
"Told ya," Leah gave a smirk.
"Then it's a good reason to shave, Chula," Roberto ran a hand over his unshaven face.
"Oh! Let me see!" Seth reached for his sister's hand. He looked on Leah's engagement ring and just could not help himself. "Oh, yeah, you swallow."
"Dios mio!" Roberto looked heavenward.
"You think you're the only one who knows how to take care of a man?" Leah patted her brother on the side of his face none too gently.
"I think we can invite them in," Garrett appeared in the open doorway to his and Seth's home. "Leah, I am so happy for you both," he advanced and took his sister-in-law in his arms.
"Somebody has to hug Roberto first," Emmett came for Roberto.
"Okay, brother," Roberto gave Emmett a pat on his broad back. Emmett deliberately leaned in with his shoulder when he gave Roberto a hug in an effort to cause the straight man as little discomfort as possible.
"I'd welcome you to the family, buddy, but you're already one of us," Emmett clapped Roberto on the shoulder and moved to Leah. "Sis," he embraced Leah warmly.
"Thank you, big little bro," Leah relished Emmett's strong, warm hugs. Nasir followed last and gave both of them a hug as well.
"We can go inside. What's everybody standing around out here for?" Seth led the way into the penthouse. "Milan!" he called as he walked through the entry hall and into the living room. "Two more mimosas, please."
"Oh, Leah, that's just beautiful," Emmett held Leah's hand as they walked toward the bar.
"And it's Black Hills gold," Leah informed. The fact that this so pleased Leah only made Roberto smile more broadly.
"What does that mean?" Nasir was lost.
"It is!?" Seth well knew the significance. "You didn't tell me that!" he put his fists on his hips and glowered at Roberto.
"I told the most important person," Roberto put a hand on the small of Leah's back.
"This is your day, so I'm gonna let that slide," Seth dismissed.
"The Black Hills are their tribe's ancestral land," Emmett explained to his husband.
"Sacred land. Land that was excluded from white settlement forever by the Treaty of Fort Laramie that the US Government signed with our people," Seth filled in the details.
"There he goes," Leah gestured. She knew her brother all too well.
"But then George Armstrong Custer led an expedition into the Pahá Sápa and brought miners with him," Seth continued.
"Pahá Sápa is Black Hills in our language," Leah translated.
"In 1980 the Supreme Court ruled that the Pahá Sápa were illegally taken from us and ordered compensation be paid," Seth went on. "But we don't want their money, we want our land. It's ours! Every treaty our people ever signed with the government said so. The most recent treaty, the one that is legally still in effect, is the Fort Laramie Treaty. Although," Seth held up a hand and closed his eyes. He wanted to calm himself and let the wind out of his own sails. He had long ago learned to live with and love the white man. The two men he loved most in all the world were white men, and the only men who loved him were white. There was of course, one obvious exception among the men who were his family, but Nasir's tribe was from the other side of the planet.
Seth took a deep breath. "I'm glad I left all that behind me. Let's have a drink."
"He got down off that soapbox faster than I thought he would," Leah commented.
"Ya know," Seth climbed back into his barstool. "Being rejected by my people and even by my own parents, and then in turn accepted and loved by these two," he gestured to his husband and Emmett, "sorta gives ya a new perspective."
Garrett stepped up close to Seth and put a supportive hand on his thigh.
"I love you too, Sethy," Nasir put a hand on Seth's shoulder.
"I know you do," Seth took Nasir's hand. "And I love you too, but you and I aren't white. The point I am making is that they are. But enough about that. When are you two," he handed Leah and Roberto their mimosas, "going to start making me babies?"
"Well, not today," Leah answered.
"You love him, don't you?" Seth reasoned.
"Obviously," Leah stated.
"You want to make babies with him, don't you?" Seth pressed.
"I very much do, but not today," Leah stated.
"What are we waiting for?" Seth queried simply.
"Would you like to walk me down the aisle pregnant?" Leah asked her own question.
Seth's face transformed. "You want me to walk you down the aisle?!"
"As has been well established, since dad died, you are the man of the Clearwater family," Leah smiled. "Who else is gonna do it?"
"Leah!" Seth hopped out of his chair to embrace his sister again. "I would love to walk you down the aisle!"
"Good. I want you to," Leah rubbed her brother's back.
"And you don't have to be pregnant when we walk down the aisle if you two get busy right now," Seth returned to his point. "This will be a big Mexican wedding. I'm sure it will take me a little while to plan."
"I'm sorry," Leah raised her eyebrows. "It'll take who a little while to plan?"
"And don't I get a say in this?" Roberto asked.
"Oh, you have a job to do," Seth teased, "but it's not to talk!"
"I think I'll let the father of my children have some input as to when and how many we have," Leah took Roberto's hand.
"Uncle Seth, uncle Garrett!" Liam's bellow was heard by all even before he rounded the corner from the entry hall.
"Aunt Leah!" Stephanie called at only slightly less volume as she ran hand in hand with Liam.
"And speaking of kids...," Seth turned to greet the harbingers of the rest of the family. Owen was hot on Liam and Stephanie's tail, though he didn't find the need to shout.
"C'mere, monkey!" Emmett caught Liam in mid run and snatched him off his feet.
"Uncle Emmett, ahhhhhh!" Liam shouted as Emmett swung him around by his waist.
"Hi, little doll," Leah squatted down to greet Stephanie who gave the sweetest little hugs. Garrett lowered himself beside them to be next with his niece.
"Háu, little kola," Seth squatted down to receive Owen.
"How cola," "Owen spoke into his uncle's neck.
While the adults were passing around the children they all loved, Justin, Melinda, Maggie and Rosalie walked in calmly. Justin was dressed like Emmett in a polo shirt and jeans that were not quite as snug. Melinda wore a loose linen boatneck top with her jeans. Rosalie was dressed in a lightweight linen cotton twill safari style top with three quarter sleeves and cropped chinos in a slightly darker shade. Her figure was accentuated by her high heels and the stylish belt of the jacket. Her wife wore flats with her calf length dress of solid dark blue and made of a light fabric with a touch of stretch that draped and clung to her in exactly the places Rosalie liked.
"Morning, Gar," Justin gave Garrett a warm, brotherly hug. "What's goin' on?"
"They'll tell you," Garrett patted his older brother's back.
"What's the big news?" Melinda took Leah's hands. She suspected that she might know what it was already and eyed Leah with barely contained joy. Leah just smiled looked down at her hand, which made Melinda do the same. Melinda's gasp while holding and looking at Leah's hand immediately brought Rosalie and Maggie to look over and around her, to do the same.
"Oh!" Melinda threw her arms around Leah and hugged her tightly.
"Good job, Buddy," Rosalie offered Roberto her hand.
"Thanks," Roberto smiled as they shook.
"You're already one of us, my man," Justin shook Roberto's hand as well. "I see you have a mimosa."
"Yeah," Roberto eyed the drink and nodded slowly.
Justin had a grin and an idea. "C'mon," he put his hand on Roberto's shoulder. "Follow me," Justin headed for the dining room. Roberto obediently followed. He knew Justin to be a good man and his instinct told him that Justin wouldn't steer him wrong. Roberto followed Justin through the dining room and into the kitchen.
"Don't mind us, guys," Justin told the Brazilian twins who worked to put the finishing touches on their brunch. "Let's see now," Justin went directly to and pulled open the large refrigerated beer drawer. "Sam Adams, Spaten, Coors, Blue Moon," he fished through the bottles. "Oh, Pacifico," Justin came to a bottle he had never seen before.
"That's my favorite beer!" Roberto was impressed.
"Oh, yeah. You're in," Justin handed Roberto a Pacifico and pulled out a Coors for himself. He shut the beer drawer and grabbed the bottle opener to pop their tops. Both men abandoned their crystal flutes on the kitchen counter.
"Thanks, Justin," Roberto touched the neck of his bottle to Justin's.
"We gotta stick together, brother. It's just us," Justin laughed as they both took a swig. He led the way back out to the living room.
"Justin, beer, really?" Melinda asked when she caught sight of his bottle. She held her own flute with just orange juice.
"Can't let Roberto drink alone, Honey," Justin put a hand on his fellow straight guy's shoulder and took another swig.
"Malynn, in their defense," Seth slid up to his sister-in-law. "They're very pretty."
Melinda had to laugh. "Okay, we'll let them drink what they want."
"We're pretty," Roberto gave Justin a grin.
"Yeah we are," Justin touched his bottle to Roberto's again.
"Melinda," Leah put a hand on her best friend's arm, "I am going to need a Matron of Honor."
"Oh my God, I would love to!" Melinda hugged Leah again.
"I want you girls too," Leah reached out to Maggie and Rosalie.
"We'd love that!" Maggie exclaimed. "Wouldn't we, Rosie?" she urged.
"Absolutely," Rosalie agreed. "How many bridesmaids will you need?"
"She'll need you ladies and at least three more," Roberto informed.
"I want to ask Carmen too," Leah stated.
"My sister would love it. I want Jorge to stand up with me. If he isn't overseas that is," Roberto planned.
"Mr. Seth, Mr. Garrett, brunch is set up," one of the very handsome Brazilians informed.
"Wonderful. Thank you, Diego," Seth answered. "I hope everyone is hungry."
"Very," Roberto rubbed his six pack.
"I'm sure you worked up quite an appetite," Seth gave him a grin. "We have bourbon brioche French toast with fresh fruit. Then there's grilled sourdough spread with cream cheese, and topped with smoked salmon, dill scrambled eggs, red onions and capers. We also have a wild mushroom quiche with leeks and gruyere. And for those of you who want something more lunchy, buffalo burgers with swiss, grilled onions, mushrooms and tomato jam," he ran down the menu as he led the group into the dining room. "There's also chicken sausage and rosemary potatoes on the end there," Seth gestured to the far end of the chafing dish covered sideboard.
"Buffalo, Chula," Roberto was impressed. "I've never had it."
"Now's your chance," Leah patted his arm.
"It's really good, Roberto. That's what I'm having," Emmett patted his stomach.
"That does sound good," Justin agreed.
"And for our little ones," Seth ran a hand down the back of Liam's head, "if they don't find what we're having palatable, we have chicken fingers, mac and cheese and the guys can make eggs any way you want them."
"Mac and cheese!" Liam declared with great enthusiasm.
"You don't want a burger, Buddy?" Rosalie asked her son.
"There are burgers too?!" Liam hadn't caught it when his uncle ran down the menu choices.
"Really good ones," Rosalie affirmed.
"Can I have both?" Liam asked.
"The burgers look pretty big," Maggie observed. "Maybe you can share one with your brother?"
"Okay," Liam didn't find this too terrible an imposition.
"What would you like, Sweetheart?" Justin asked his daughter. "Uncle Garrett and uncle Seth have French toast. I know you like that."
"Yes, Daddy. I want that," Stephanie confirmed with an enthusiastic nod.
Justin took two plates and fixed one for himself while he did the same for his daughter. "Hey, guys, I'll take the kids in the living room. We can eat at the coffee table, right, kids?" Justin prompted. He knew his wife would want to talk wedding plans with Leah. Theirs were good kids. He could certainly handle them by himself.
"Yeah," Liam agreed.
"You take these for you and Owen," Rosalie handed the plates to her older son. "Be careful now."
"I will, Mom. C'mon, Owen. C'mon, Stephanie," Liam filled in for his absent best friend Ren, who usually took charge.
"Honey, tuck my beer under my arm, would you please?" Justin requested.
"Here ya go," Seth was closer and did so for Melinda.
"Thanks, Honey," Justin chuckled at himself and followed after the children. "Owen, sit next to me here, Buddy, okay?" he bid as he arranged dishes on one side of the big square coffee table and sat down cross legged on the floor. Owen just stood beside Justin while on the man's other side Stephanie and Liam knelt at the low table. The older kids needed no encouragement to tuck into their meal. Owen, however was another story.
"Something to drink for the children?" Milan asked as he approached them.
"Milk for the kids. In spill proof cups, please, just in case," Justin answered. "And another beer for me."
"Yes, Sir," Milan went to obey. Justin took a bite of his burger and watched Owen pick a piece of the meat, taste it and made a face. Owen did the same with a piece of the bun, and again with a small chunk of potato.
"What's the matter, Owen?" Justin asked kindly as the child moved the bun and pushed a piece of mushroom off the meat. "You don't like mushrooms?"
"He donna wike anyfwing," Liam spoke up.
"Do we talk with our mouth full, young man?" Justin chastised gently.
"No. Sowwy," Liam did it again.
"You don't have to be sorry. That's how we learn," Justin was kind. "Let's just get these off of here," he reached over and lifted Owen's top bun and picked off the mushrooms. "Do you like the onions?"
"No," Owen gave the answer Justin was expecting.
"Okay, no onions either," Justin removed those as well. "There. How about now?"
Owen picked another tiny piece of meat and stuck it in his mouth. Justin could see that the boy was hungry and was clearly fighting himself. Where was Ren when they needed him?
"Here, come sit in my lap," Justin instructed while he pulled Owen's plate closer. Owen certainly never hesitated to sit in Edward, Jason, Seth or Nasir's laps and didn't hesitate now with Justin.
"There," Justin put his arm around the small boy as Owen seated himself on his thigh.
"Here we are," Milan returned then with spill proof cups which he placed before each child. "Your beer, Sir."
"Thanks, Milan," Justin gulped the last remaining swallow in his first bottle and handed it to the bartender. "How about if we cut this up small for you?" he suggested to Owen and proceeded to cut up the half burger on his plate. "I'll take a bite of mine and you take a bite of yours, okay? We'll do it together."
"Okay," Owen uttered his second word.
"Daddy, want a strawberry?" self sufficient Stephanie, who grew a little jealous of her father's attention, held a slice of berry up to him. Justin didn't hesitate to lean over and eat it right from his daughter's fingers.
"Um!" Justin enthused. "Just what I wanted with my buffalo, Stephie," he knew she would never know he was being facetious. "Ready, Owen? Let's take a nice big bite."
Across the room, Maggie and Melinda stood with their full plates of food watching over man and children.
"He's a good dad," Maggie stated.
"He really is," Melinda agreed with a smile. She was very proud of her man and her family. "It's nice to see him so at ease with your boys too. And I can't help but notice how at ease they are with him."
"They have Jason and especially Edward. My boys have two moms, but there's no lack of men in their lives," Maggie explained. "And you, my dear, just might have a little boy of your own in the oven," she patted Melinda's abdomen.
"We might," Melinda agreed. The two women turned back into the dining room and took their seats at the formal table. Everyone knew to leave a space beside Leah for Melinda.
"So," Seth cut into his sourdough, salmon and dill scrambled eggs where he sat beside his husband. "When do we convene the Wedding Council? I'm going to need to meet with your parents, Roberto. I have so many ideas, I can't stand myself! I can't wait to meet your side of the family!"
"Hold your horses," Leah attempted to rein in her elated little brother. "This is going to be a big Mexican wedding, which I know,that we know nothing about. We're going to let Roberto's family take the lead."
"Would you mind educating us on some of your customs, Roberto?" Garrett was ever the diplomat.
"Well, both families should be very involved in planning right from the beginning. All the wedding sponsors," Roberto looked around the table and did not see understanding on a single face. "Do you guys have that?"
"We do now," Garrett was quick. "How does that work?"
"The parents, grandparents, godparents, the whole family, help to plan and contribute toward the costs of the wedding," Roberto explained. "The sponsors and what they sponsored are even listed on the invitations," he looked to Leah and smiled as he took her hand. Roberto knew this put her at a disadvantage. She didn't have family like that. Of course, Leah had everyone at this table and the de facto head of the family, from the head of the table, spoke for them.
"Leah's family will have no problem doing any of that," Garrett confidently assured. Seth could not help but smile at his husband. Garrett always came through.
"Absolutely," Nasir agreed from where he sat beside his husband, his bare foot under Emmett's bare foot.
"Absolutely," Melinda echoed. "What do you need me to do?"
"Keep me sane," Leah answered.
"I already do that. Give me something hard to do," Melinda urged.
"Actually, it's tradition for the bridesmaids and groomsmen who are paired up, to provide specific things," Roberto explained. "Like the bride's bouquet, the lazo, the arras, the little pillows."
"We don't know what any of that is, Guapo," Leah reminded with a hand on his arm.
"Oh. The lazo is a special, long rosary that is looped around both our necks during the ceremony," Roberto smiled at his bride to be. "It is done while we kneel side by side to symbolize our union and commitment to be together, side by side, for always."
"That's beautiful. And that's what the pillows are for," Seth got it.
"Right," Roberto confirmed.
"What was that other thing?" Seth enquired.
"The arras are thirteen gold coins," Roberto revealed. "I present them to my bride as a pledge to be a good provider and to always support and care for her and our family. My bride accepts them," he put his hand over hers where it rested on his forearm, "to show her trust and confidence in me."
"That's even more beautiful! I love that! Okay," Seth waved a hand, "let's go back to the pillows for a minute. They're for kneeling, where?"
"At the altar," Roberto answered simply.
"What altar?" Seth pressed.
"Here we go," Leah could see it coming.
"Holy Family," Roberto elaborated. "It's the parish my family belongs to."
"Holy Family is a Catholic church," Seth observed.
"The rosary might have given it away," Leah quipped.
"It kinda did, but," Seth paused, "we're not Catholic."
"Father Horatio is cool with that," Roberto assured. "He'll marry a Catholic and a non Catholic christian as long as one of us is a member of the parish, and I am, so...," he finished with a satisfied shrug.
"We're not christian either," Seth carefully pointed out.
"We're not only christian, we're Catholic as far as the church is concerned," Leah countered. "We both went to the Red Cloud school. We were both baptized at Sacred Heart."
"That doesn't mean we believe any of it," Seth stated.
"It doesn't matter where they get married, Sweetie," Emmett put a hand on his best friend's back.
"I'm not trying to say that it does," Seth held up a hand.
"Seth, I like that you and Leah have your own special culture and beliefs. It's just one of the many things I love about my girl," Roberto smiled at Leah. "And I will make sure our kids are raised to respect and cherish both sides of where they come from. If I believed everything Rome and my Bishops told me to, would I be sitting at your table right now? Would I do what I do for your community?"
"I told you, you and Al are heros to our community," Seth reminded. "In fact, my paper wants to do a feature on you two."
"He makes a good point actually," Rosalie spoke up. "Remember the rally Catholics held in front of the cathedral to support Referendum Seventy Four and defy their Bishops? There was a huge turnout. Our issue is not with Catholics, it's with their Church. There's a big difference."
"The Liturgy of Love, it was called, and several of us went," Roberto added. "Father Horatio refused to read the Archbishop's Pastoral Letter about marriage at mass too. He posted it like he had to, but he didn't read it."
"I'm beginning to like Father Horatio already," Seth admitted.
"Father Horatio believes the Church's mission is one of charity and social justice, not oppression," Roberto added. "He's cool. You'll like him."
"As long as he's okay with all the gay people who are going to be at this wedding," Seth stipulated.
"Where will your reception be held?" Garrett attempted to change the subject.
"We haven't even thought about it," Leah confessed.
"Would you consider the great hall at the historic Union Station?" Garrett asked. "It's beautiful and certainly big enough for a very large reception."
"I never would have thought of something like that," Leah considered.
"Well, you certainly don't want it at the church," Seth's tone made it very clear what he thought of that prospect.
"I don't care where we have it," Roberto was easy. "As long as I get to dance with my girl."
"That actually brings me to another sensitive subject," Seth began.
"Seth," Leah warned.
"Will I be the only skin in attendance at your wedding?" Seth asked carefully.
"We're going to go see your mom over Christmas," Roberto understood exactly what Seth meant.
"I want her to meet Roberto and for us to tell her in person, together," Leah added.
Seth slowly nodded while the entire table fell silent. He put his hands flat on the table. "Roberto, our mother does not have a great track record with being reasonable. I hope she can see what a great guy you are, how perfect you are for Leah, and that she accepts you, non Lakota though you may be."
"I hope so too," Roberto spoke sincerely. "Her blessing would mean a lot to me. Almost as much as yours does."
"I hope you get it. I really do," Seth nodded again. "And I hope she comes."
"So do we," Roberto confirmed.
"I wonder if she'll make you a dress," Seth mused.
"I would love that," Leah smiled.
"She makes wedding dresses?" Roberto didn't get it.
"In our tradition, a bride's mother will make her a buckskin dress with fringe and beautiful, intricate beadwork to wear on the day I hold a feast for the village," Seth explained. "Things are done a bit more like whites today. Now weddings are held in churches for the most part, but moms still make their daughters beautiful, traditional dresses."
"I would love for you to have one, Chula," Roberto enthused.
"How come nobody made one for you?" Emmett asked with mischief in his eye. "Was I supposed to do that?"
"The bride's mother does that. Not the big, slow friend," Seth gave as good as he got.
"When are you guys flying out, so we can do our Christmas together?" Melinda asked.
"After the rest of you," Leah answered. "We'll still do Christmas Eve with Roberto's family and fly out Christmas morning."
"I don't envy you that drive at that time of the year," Seth shook his head. "Make sure you get a four wheel drive vehicle. And it'll be ten degrees if you're lucky."
"Oh, wow," Roberto raised his eyebrows. "Will you keep me warm, Chula?" he asked with a sexy grin.
"You know I will," Leah assured him with a hand on his thigh.
"If mom even lets him stay at the house, you think she'll let you share a bed?" Seth posed.
"We share Leah's bed or mine every night," Roberto stated what they all knew.
"Neither of which are under our mother's roof," Seth pointed out.
"Seth's right. We'll have to behave," Leah agreed.
"I'll be baying at the moon by the time we come home," Roberto stated.
"How long will you stay?" Seth asked.
"Three or four days, probably," Leah answered. "We'll fly home about the time you guys do."
"Can you meet us in Minneapolis?" Nasir was excited by the prospect. "We can all fly home together!"
"We can do that," Leah agreed.
"Let's plan on that," Roberto nodded his assent. "That would be fun."
"Everyone would like fresh mimosa?" Milan approached the table with a smile.
"Yes, Milan, thank you," Garrett directed.
"So, who will I be paired up with and what should we get you?" Melinda brought them back to the reason for their brunch.
"I guess we all need to know that," Rosalie added.
"You will be paired with my cousin Julio," Roberto answered Melinda. "He's been my best friend all my life. You two will be with Jorge or one of my brothers."
"When do we get together?" Melinda continued.
"We'll tell my family the good news at dinner tonight," Roberto took Leah's hand and smiled at the thought. "Then we'll have a get together at our place next weekend maybe. Would that be okay, Chula? Maybe a tequila tasting party. I promised to do that."
Seth could not help but notice that Roberto's house had become 'our place' and it made him smile. His sister, the only family he had who was also a relative, had found a guy as perfect for her as Garrett was for him. It was easy to believe the Grandfather Spirit had brought them far from their reservation, and Garrett even further from Philadelphia, to this place where Roberto was born. Garrett would not have come here were it not to seek the solace of his older brother. Justin would not have settled here had it not been for his Canadian wife. Seth himself might well have been dead by now had the Grandfather Spirit not steered Emmett into his life. Had Emmett any other job, and his boss' child not been gravely ill at just the right time, he would never have met Nasir. Were Nasir not happy, loved and safe here with them and Emmett, he might very well be trapped in an arranged marriage, living a lie, repressed, miserable and despondent. Or worse, his true sexuality might well have been discovered by his relatives and he might have been taken into the Arabian Desert, never to be heard from again. If Maggie were not so gifted with the ability and desire to play the piano so beautifully, she would never have been at the benefit where Rosalie found her. Seth slowly nodded to himself as he recognized their parts in the rich tapestry the Grandfather Spirit wove.
"Okay," Seth shook himself out of his reverie. "We have so much to talk about. Roberto, you didn't see our wedding, but you were at Emmy and Nasir's. You know we have great flower guys. We have a fantastic DJ and the perfect photographer. I don't know what menu you guys want, but Carla's crew can make anything. I don't know how big the reception is going to be, but she can always add on more staff if she needs to. You remember how good Emmy and Nasir's cake was. We can find a great place for the reception. Actually, I think the Union Station Great Hall is a great idea. Did I forget anything?"
"Invitations," Leah noticed the omission.
"I just designed them myself and had a co-worker at the paper print them on nice, thick card stock with that pretty gold border," Seth explained. "Who does the inviting?"
"We do, I guess," Leah answered.
"It's always the parents in my experience," Roberto stated. "I've never seen an invitation from the couple, except you guys," he pointed at Emmett and Nasir.
"So your parents and our mom," Leah thought this through. "What if mom freaks?"
"Well," Roberto considered. "I hope that doesn't happen, but if she does, it can be from us. Whatever makes you happy," he lifted her hand to his face to kiss it. "Or it can be from my parents and Seth."
Seth gave a gasp with wide eyes at such a prospect.
"By tradition, he's the head of the Clearwater family," Roberto added.
"Yeah! I'm the head of the Clearwater family and don't any of you forget it!" Seth declared with a pointed finger.
"I will smack you right out of that chair," Leah warned.
"I guess that's not such a great idea," Roberto got the wrong impression.
"No, actually, if mom freaks, that would be just fine," Leah clarified. "I want Seth to walk me down the aisle. It just makes sense for the invitation to be from him and your parents if mom's not on board. I like it."
"I do too," Seth agreed. "Now, you're going to have to pick your colors. Are we thinking June-ish, July-ish? Oh! Bridesmaid dresses!" he let thoughts fall out of his mouth. "I've never had to deal with bridesmaid dresses before," Seth put a hand on his chin as he thought.
"How about you leave that to us," Leah suggested.
"He'll have us in something gossamer no doubt," Rosalie quipped.
"But tastefully," Seth added with a raised finger. "What are you going to wear if mom doesn't make you a dress?" he directed at his sister.
"I think either way I would like to wear a wedding dress for the ceremony," Leah reasoned. "It's going to be a traditional wedding mass so I would rather have a white bridal dress."
Seth cleared his throat. "White?"
"Garrett, my brother can't walk me down the aisle with two broken legs. Would you mind filling in?" Leah asked.
"I'll heal by then," Seth pointed out with a sly grin.
"From the first breaks," Leah threatened further.
"Whatever. Can I go shopping for it with you?!" Seth's face lit up excitedly.
"I think that's my job," Melinda spoke up.
"Absolutely it is, but it's a gay brother's job too!" Seth stated.
"I would love to have you both with me," Leah took Melinda's hand.
"Yay!" Seth clapped his hands. "Okay, so, I know you said you want a traditional wedding ceremony, but I wish you would consider incorporating one Lakota custom."
"What custom?" Leah asked.
"Really, you're already doing it, it's just a tweak," Seth was cryptic.
"What tweak?" Leah pressed.
"When Father Horatio loops the lazo rosary around your necks, I wish you would let me put a blanket around your shoulders," Seth elaborated. "You know the one I have hanging up, with the circle of tipis. It's the same as the flag of our nation. The blanket, especially that blanket, symbolizes the same thing the lazo does. You are joining as one to be together. The Oglala Oyate is not losing a daughter, it's gaining a hot Mexican. And I'm the closest thing we're ever going to get to a proper Holy Man."
"I would love that!" Roberto did not hesitate. "That way our ceremony really represents both of us."
"I would like that too," Leah smiled at her thoughtful little brother.
Diego and Danilo politely asked if each person was finished and began to clear the table.
"You would like another round?" Milan asked as he appeared behind his co-workers.
"Yes, please, Milan," Seth answered.
"I think I'll check on the kids," Maggie placed her napkin on the table and slid her chair back from the table. This began a general movement of adults from the dining room to the living room.
Justin sat on the floor with his back against one of the sofas, legs stretched out and crossed at the ankles. Owen sat tucked into Justin's side playing with his LeapPad. Justin held his third beer and the boy. Liam and Stephanie sat in a chair together and pretended like he was driving them around town. She even waved out her window to friends as they passed by.
Maggie smiled as she led the group into the living room. Then she caught sight of the plates as Donilo rushed in to gather them up. Maggie couldn't help but notice only a tiny scrap of bun remained on her younger son's plate. "Owen, did you eat all your food?"
"Yeah," Owen didn't bother to look up with his barely audible response.
"Wow, Justin. We thought only Ren had that power. Thank you," Maggie expressed.
"This kid's a little skinny," Justin held him tighter. "He sat on my leg while we ate and I hardly noticed it. How come you girls never feed him?"
"I'm sure that's what people think," Maggie agreed.
"Miss Maggie," Milan stepped up beside her with a tray of flutes and a lone frosty bottle of Pacifico.
"Thank you," Maggie took a fresh mimosa.
"That burger was extra yummy, wasn't it?" Justin asked the boy under his arm. "Wasn't it?" he prompted when he didn't get a response the first time. Owen's only response was a very noncommittal shrug.
"Come on," Justin prompted. "It was delicious and we ate it all up! He enjoyed it. He just can't bring himself to admit it."
"Rosie, look how cute they are," Maggie put an arm around her wife while she gestured to their children.
"What I want to hear all about," Seth inserted himself between Leah and Roberto with an arm around them both and steered them toward the far end of the room, "is how he proposed to you."
"You would have been proud of me, Seth," Roberto was pleased with himself and had every right to be.
"He built a fire in the backyard for us and then said he had a present for me," Leah relayed. "A present. Then he came out with arms full of boxes. He gave me a beautiful blanket made in the village in Mexico where his family is from."
"A blanket with significance to your heritage and culture," Seth nodded. "I like it. Go on."
"Then he gave me everything I could possibly need to make authentic tamales, steamer pot and all," Leah continued.
"Food," Seth ticked off the list. "Nice."
"And he was very specific as to the order I opened them," Leah pointed out.
"Of course," Seth wholly agreed. "And then?"
"And then he gave me a beautiful leather jacket with fur lining," Leah listed.
"Fine clothes," Seth nodded. "Well done."
"Then he gave me these three horses," Leah held up her pendants.
"Oh, beautiful. That was brilliant, actually," Seth approved.
"And that was when I started to smell a rat," Leah smiled down on her little brother.
"Then I put her ring on her finger and she agreed to make me the happiest man in the world," Roberto reached across Seth to rub his fiancée's back.
"That was when I invited him into my blanket," Leah informed.
"Where you were both chaste and virginal I have no doubt," Seth teased.
"Absolutely," Roberto faux agreed.
"Until I came on his face and he came in my mouth," Leah spoke quietly so that only her brother and Roberto would hear.
"Oh, nice! Does he taste good? I'll bet he tastes good. He looks like he would taste good," Seth assessed.
"You'll just have to take my word for it," Leah gave a satisfied sigh.
"Oh no I don't! Roberto, join me in the study for a moment," Seth urged.
"Hoh, no!" Roberto laughed.
"We're family now. We should get better acquainted," Seth teased.
"Not that well acquainted!" Roberto shook his head.
"Sweetness, are you causing trouble?" Garrett stepped up behind them and put a hand on his husband's shoulder.
"I'm trying to, but I'm not getting very far," Seth let go of Leah and Roberto to put his arm around his husband. Milan had followed Garrett and stood by with his tray.
"Thanks, guy," Roberto took his beer and a flute for Leah.
"Mr. Seth," Milan handed the last mimosa to the shorter of his favorite customers.
"Thanks, Milan," Seth accepted his drink and took a sip. Milan nodded with a smile and headed back to the bar.
"I had one more thing in reserve too," Roberto took a swig of his beer.
"One more what thing?" Seth asked.
"In case I needed to augment my offering," Roberto explained.
"What?" Leah furrowed her brow.
"I got a tortilla press and comal for your stove too," Roberto revealed. "Just in case my offering was not enough."
"I am going to need to learn how to make proper tortillas," Leah reasoned. "That'll come in handy."
"Oh, no. You can't have it now. You already said yes," Roberto teased with a grin.
"Ha!" Seth found this very amusing. "Shoulda held out, Leah!"
"Guapo," Leah took hold of Roberto's chin, "what's yours is mine now, or soon will be."
"Good. That's what I want," Roberto smiled as he slipped his arms around Leah. He gave her a soft and loving kiss on her lips which she warmly returned.
"Thank you for this morning, you guys," Leah looked to Seth and Garrett with her arms still draped around Roberto's neck.
"Very happy to do it," Garrett smiled. "You're both family."
"I can't wait to meet with everyone," Seth enthused.
"We have to tell them first. We'll do that at dinner tonight," Leah reiterated.
"Papi is gonna cry," Roberto stated.
"You think so?" Leah asked.
"Oh, yeah. He adores you," Roberto assured.
"We should probably get going," Leah ran her hands over Roberto's pecs.
"Everyone," Roberto called. "Tequila and wedding plans at our place next Saturday!"
"We'll be there," Justin called with raised beer from where he still sat on the living room floor.
"Oh, we'll be in New York," Emmett realized.
"But count us in for anything that you need," Nasir offered.
"Not to worry," Seth assured with a raised hand. "I'll handle everything."
"And I'll handle him," Garrett put his hands on Seth's shoulders from behind.
"You guys are gross," Seth judged. He had his hair tied back in a ponytail lest he get it anywhere near the creature whose leg he worked to detach from it's body.
They sat outside under one of the many large umbrellas half way out on Pier 56. The evening was clear and pleasant enough to enjoy sitting outside. The view of the bay and sound wasn't what it would have been in the light of day, but they could see the lights of the ships and had a direct view on the terminal where ferries arrived and departed to Bainbridge, Bremerton, West Seattle and Vashon Island.
They had a large square table where best friends could be seated beside each other and their husband's at the same time. Nasir and Garrett blissfully worked their way through the two dozen Naked Roy and Baywater Sweet oysters they shared.
"You're going to give them a hard time while you fight with a sea monster only slightly smaller than you are?" Emmett set his salad fork down across his plate as he finished. He and Seth had shared the Dungeness crab cakes and while Emmett wanted a salad and a nice steak, Seth opted for an entire steamed crab.
"I'm not fighting with it, I'm eating it," Seth countered as he finally managed to rip the first leg behind the claw from the crab's body.
"I imagine you'll get to eating it at some point. Right now it looks like you're doing battle," Emmett observed.
"It's dead and cooked and I'm eating it. I won," Seth picked up the provided stainless steel crab crackers to work on the leg.
"Try a Naked Roy with the champagne mignonette, Sweetness," Garrett placed a small dab of the icy goodness on an oyster and held it out to his husband.
"Yuk," Seth didn't even bother to look.
"Leaves more for us, Garrett," Nasir commented as his best friend slurped the little treasure down.
"Here we are, Sir," a server appeared with Emmett's filet mignon oscar and grilled asparagus, and deftly exchanged it for Emmett's used salad plate.
"Thank you," Emmett's mouth watered at the very sight of his dinner.
"How we doin,' guys?" their waiter swooped down on them and snatched the Willakenzie pinot blanc bottle from its cold crock to refill Nasir and Garrett's glasses. "Can we bring you anything else? Uh, oh," he upended the finished bottle.
"You can bring us another bottle of that," Nasir directed. "Garrett, Penn Cove Selects?"
"Oh, yes," Garrett agreed. "A dozen Penn Cove, and what say an order of mussels for each of us?"
"Excellent," Nasir nodded. "And some Snow crab claws."
"I'll have that right out. How about you guys? Fresh beers?" the waiter asked Emmett and Seth.
"Please," Emmett gulped the last of his Beck's and handed over the bottle.
"Be right back," the waiter rushed away.
"They're eating so many oysters, they're gonna be hard all night," Emmett imagined. "What'll we do with 'em, Sweetie?"
"I'm gonna sit on mine," Seth answered casually.
"Eat up, Nasir. They're closing and we have to get home right now," Garrett teased.
"Easy, stallion. Let me wrestle with this crustacean first," Seth dug into the leg he had cracked open for the meat. Garrett took a deep breath and slowly let it out to make a show of calming himself.
"There you go," Seth smiled. He would have put his hand on Garrett's thigh were his hands not coated in crab juice.
"So, when do you go to Italy, Nasir?" Garrett changed the subject.
"That depends on the outcome of the calls I will make tonight," Nasir stated. "And how long it will take me to get an Italian visa."
"Ah," Garrett nodded. "I forget about your Emirati passport."
"I need a business visa, but I cannot go even as a tourist to Italy without a visa," Nasir informed.
"You won't have any trouble getting back though, right?" Emmett tried very hard not to let his fear show too clearly on his face. "You remember what our attorney said about self deporting."
"He said my Green Card will allow me to come and go as I wish," Nasir placed a reassuring hand on his husband's leg. "I talked to him last week, Habibi. Do not worry. I will come home to you."
"That's all I want," Emmett smiled into his husband's soft brown eyes.
"We can be forgiven for being a little nervous," Seth told the man across the table from him. "We all love and need you."
"I need and love all of you too. Very much," Nasir echoed the sentiment. "You are my family," he briefly took and held the hands of the two men nearest him.
"It would be great fun if we could all go with you. I love Italy," Garrett expressed.
"I would love that!" Emmett enthused. "But after all the time off I've had this year, I think if I even asked for more they'd walk me out for good."
"The bank looks poorly on part time managers too," Garrett agreed.
"We'll send you a postcard. When do we leave, Nasir?" Seth was casual.
"When I get my visa," Nasir stated again.
"Take care of my husband for me, Emmy, while I'm lounging on the beach in Italy," Seth bid.
"While you're in Italy I should sit on him?" Emmett asked.
"Oh, dear. I don't think I'm up for that," Garrett shook his head.
"Yeah, I don't want his great, giant bulk to crush you," Seth agreed.
"How about doggie style? That work for you, Garrett?" Emmett teased.
"Oh, in that case...," Garrett teased right back.
"Penn Cove Selects?" the server appeared at their table.
"All of that is for us," Nasir pointed.
"Here we go, guys," their waiter arrived as well with fresh beers and a bottle of wine with a new cold marble crock. He presented the bottle to Nasir while the server placed the oysters, mussels and Snow crab claws. Nasir nodded his approval and the waiter promptly removed the cork.
"Would we like fresh glasses?" the waiter asked, poised to pour.
"Not at all," Garrett shook his head and gestured. "Please."
"How is everything looking and tasting? Anything else I can bring?" the waiter refilled Nasir and Garrett's wine glasses.
"I think we're good right now, thanks," Emmett smiled.
"So what should we get for Leah and Roberto?" Seth wondered aloud. "I hope they're not making any plans without me."
"We don't need to make a decision today," Garrett attempted to soothe his anxious husband. "Their needs will become evident."
"Maybe her dress," Seth mused.
"The one for the wedding?" Nasir asked. "They can fly to New York and stay with us."
"Why would they fly to New York?" Seth didn't get it.
"I'm quite sure there are numerous places here in town to buy a wedding dress," Garrett pointed out.
"Vera Wang and Carolina Herrera's studios are both within walking distance of our home," Nasir revealed. "Our other home. If Leah likes them, I mean."
"We can fly to New York and stay with you!" Seth was now all for that idea.
"How do you know where Vera Wang and Carolina Herrera are located?" Emmett was puzzled.
"I have walked by them," Nasir answered with a smile. Emmett found that this innocent little fact bothered him a great deal. It brought into sharp focus yet another aspect of his husband's life that he was not a part of.
"I think Edward might want to contribute something as well," Garrett had no knowledge of Emmett's thoughts.
"I'm sure of it," Seth gave a nod.
"Oh my God, has anyone called him?!" Emmett was horrified that they had forgotten to do so.
"He has to be home by now," Seth stated. Emmett pulled his cell out of his pocket and touched the picture of Edward to call him.
Edward Cullen wore a pair of loose boxers and nothing else as he often did when relaxing at home. He walked through his house making sure his doors were locked as he prepared to turn in. Edward went to bed early on a work night as he needed to be on his mountain by dawn. It wasn't quite time, but he wouldn't be going to sleep anytime soon anyway. Edward had calls to make, one distinctly more important than the other.
Edward snatched up his cell from his kitchen table as he walked through, and just as he did so it rang. "Hey, Em, great minds. I was just about to call you."
"Hey, Eddie. We caught you pre Jasper?" Emmett asked.
"I'm calling him just as soon as I hang up with you. What's news?" Edward asked as he walked into his bedroom and shut off the light.
"We're going to have a cop in the family," Emmett's smile came through his voice.
"That's great! He's already one of the family anyway. I'm really happy for them both," Edward pulled down his bed.
"So are we," Emmett affirmed.
"How was brunch?" Edward stretched out on his back on his bed and put his free hand up behind his head.
"Really nice. We're sorry you couldn't be there," Emmett expressed.
"Me too. Have they set the date yet?" Edward enquired.
"They're thinking July timeframe. There's a get together at Roberto's house next weekend for both sides of the family to start planning, which we're all expected to attend, you included," Emmett informed.
"I hate to miss that, but there's no way I'm not going to New York," Edward stated.
"And I'll be on that plane with you," Emmett assured. "Not to worry. Seth will be there to speak for us, and you know what a big mouth he has."
"Yeah, I do," Edward laughed.
"Okay, Eddie, I just wanted to keep you in the loop. Say hi to Jasper for us," Emmett bid.
"I will. Give everyone a hug from me. Night, Em," Edward ended the conversation. He paused only long enough to slip his boxers off and toss them on the floor before he made his next, far more important call.
Emmett and Nasir changed into boxers to lounge around the house until it was time for Nasir to make his calls to Europe. Emmett settled back into the corner of their sofa and Nasir reclined against his chest. Emmett held his husband while they watched television at a low volume. In truth, the television watched them. Emmett's eyes were closed while he ran his fingers lightly through the fur on Nasir's chest. He also rubbed his face in the curly hair on the back of his husband's head. Holding Nasir in his arms like this and breathing in his scent was a balm for Emmett's soul.
Nasir's eyes were closed as well. He rested one hand on Emmett's leg and gently rubbed one of the arms that held him with the other. Nasir was never so at peace, or so at home, as in Emmett's arms. When Northwest Backroads finished on King 5 and a paid advertising show began, Nasir knew it was time to get on the phone.
"I have to get up now, Habibi," Nasir rubbed Emmett's hairy shin.
"Nooo," Emmett tightened his arms around his husband.
"I do not want to leave your arms ever," Nasir wrapped his arms around the arms that held him.
"Yeah, me too," Emmett kissed the side of Nasir's head.
"I need the computer and my phone. I will call from here. Can you reach them?" Nasir well knew the answer.
"Um, no," Emmett knew both were in their home office. "Okay. I guess I can let you up for a minute," he released his hold on his husband.
Nasir turned around so that he knelt between Emmett's legs with his hands on the arm and back of the sofa. "I have several calls to make. It make take me an hour or more. Do not wait up for me, my zawji. I will crawl in with you just as soon as I am done," he gave Emmett a soft and loving kiss on his lips.
"I go to bed without you all the time," Emmett ran his hands up Nasir's arms and onto his shoulders. "There's no way I'm gonna do that while you're home. I don't care how long it takes. Take your time."
"Ana b'hebbak," Nasir kissed Emmett again.
"Ana b'hebbak, zawji," Emmett smiled into his husband's soft brown eyes.
"I love when you speak Arabic to me," Nasir put a hand to Emmett's face and kissed him a third time. He then stood from the sofa and headed for the office.
Emmett watched him go and then scooted down the sofa so that he could lay down. He watched the infomercial for a moment before deciding this was television at its most craptastic and shut it off. The TV had been the only light in the room and Emmett lay there in the dark for several minutes. When he heard Nasir begin to speak to someone in Italy, Emmett sat up. He looked toward the office where the lamp within on the desks was the only illumination in their home. Emmett was tired, but was not about to go to their bed alone when it could be avoided. He wanted to lay on the sofa, but he wanted to feel like he was near Nasir at the same time. If there were a sofa in the office, he would go lay there. The solution seemed obvious.
Emmett stood and pulled their long sofa out further into the living room. It took several quarter turns, but soon Emmett had the sofa turned completely the other way, facing the dining room and the doorway to the office. He laid back down on the sofa and felt, now that he was facing the office, like he was closer to his husband. Emmett didn't bother to pay attention to what Nasir was saying or to whom as he made several calls and called some people back again. It was just the sound of his husband's voice that made Emmett feel close and connected to him. Emmett closed his eyes and without intending to, dozed off.
It was the light brushing of skin along his nose that slowly and gently woke Emmett. It traced his eyebrow and ran along his cheek. When it traced his lips, they turned up in a smile, though Emmett didn't open his eyes. He slowly parted his lips and reached out with this tongue to touch his husband's foreskin.
"Mmm," Nasir rubbed his quickly lengthening penis across Emmett's lips and tongue. "Oh!" he held himself still as he felt Emmett's tongue slip inside his hood. Emmett was already hard in his boxers and they were tented obscenely. Nasir reached into the fly of his husband's loungewear and pulled out Emmett's big, hard dick. He massaged Emmett's hardness as he moved his hips forward and sank his own erection into his husband's mouth.
"Umm," Emmett welcomed the long, hard, Arab bone as deep as his husband cared to sink it.
"Allah," Nasir closed his eyes as Emmett's warm, velvet tongue caressed his cock. He tightened his grip on Emmett's thick post. Nasir realized that he had not yet come in his husband's mouth on this trip home and meant to correct that oversight right now.