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

49. Chapter 49: His Last Night

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

New chappy, kids. No lemony goodness in this one again and this one might be a little tear jerking too.

Errors 70 was published earlier today and you should go read that before you read this, to keep everything in chronological order. How you find Liz's books is just below.

James' story is nearly done. An original about Tony and Dane is also nearly done. And if anyone would be interested in Milan and his fellow hunky waiters as they encounter a pair of thirsty zombies, just in time for halloween, that short is finished and available now on Amazon ~dot~ com. Search for Spunk Craving Zombies, or for me, John T. Liz has also included a link on her blog.

And speaking of, I will never be able to express my gratitude to my beautiful sister for talking me through the complex series of navigation and engineering feats required to convert one of these docs into a kindle book. GIANTness of hugs and smooches, Liz.

Here's an entirely random thought: Caught the Arsenal away match at Aston Villa yesterday. My boys handed Aston Villa their asses, thank you. But what struck me more than anything, was the new Arsenal Away kit. My, but those new uniforms CLING to my boys. Not gonna complain about that. Nope.

As ever, big hugs and much fondness to my girls, Maureen, Rebecca, Kate and Miss 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 character names from Twilight belong to Stephenie Meyer. The similarities end there.

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Chapter 49: His Last Night

The immense, five story, historic mansion stood in stark contrast to the sleek, glass, curved monolith of the Columbia Tower directly behind it across Columbia Street. They climbed the steps to the main entrance on 4th Avenue and doormen held open the doors for them. Garrett and Nasir showed their membership cards at the marble front desk in the opulent and spacious, old world lobby. Then they were all escorted to the old, gleamingly maintained black and gold cage elevator.

On the third floor, directly across from this elevator, was the Fireside Lounge with its gentleman's club smoking room ambiance.

"Would we like the lunch buffet in the Lounge, or to be served in the dining room?" Garrett gestured further down the hallway to the Heritage Room.

"I'm easy," Emmett gave a shrug. "What do you guys wanna do?"

"Easy," Seth giggled. Emmett said nothing, but stuck a finger in Seth's ear.

"Knock it off, Mary," Seth batted the big hand away. "Where's your next husband gonna be from, ya easy bitch, Sri Lanka?"

"Won't be from South Dakota, that's for damn sure," Emmett stated. "I'm done with assholes from there," he then smiled at his husband. "Arab guys are hot. I think I'll keep this one."

"Are we gonna eat?" Edward brought them back on topic.

"Let us sit down in the dining room," Nasir finally addressed Garrett's question.

"Let's do," Garrett took Seth's hand.

The Heritage Room was nothing like the adjacent Fireside Lounge. Here the tables were set with crystal and white linens. The high, leaded glass windows were adorned with grand draperies, and the armchairs at the tables were upholstered in tapestry.

Edward had been in this dining room before and it was not a happy memory. This was the preeminent club in the Pacific Northwest, especially for old money. Edward's father had no difficulty getting past the stuffed suits of the Membership Committee. Carlisle Cullen was a white man and a doctor. A Chief of Staff no less. He was exactly the type the Rainier Club wanted and approved him almost from the minute they met him. The Club, however, was far more impressed with his wife as the daughter of a prominent lumber baron. Anthony Masen had been a member himself and they were all too eager to show his daughter, her husband and son, the portrait of the man in the Masen Room. So great were his contributions that one of the many private meeting/dining rooms in the Club had been named for him. That day they were not Dr. Cullen, his wife and son, they were Anthony Masen's daughter, her husband and son. Edward's father had been miserable and was most adept at making everyone else equally miserable. They endured the dinner, spent the night in the city as planned, and never went back.

Garrett checked them in and they were escorted to a table for six. The sixth place was cleared away before their butts were even in their chairs.

"Good afternoon, gentlemen," a waiter arrived in white tux shirt, black bow tie, and long black waist apron over black dress pants. "I'm Chuck and I'll be taking care of you today," Chuck passed out leather bound menus.

"Chuck? Can we call you Chucky?" Seth asked.

"If you like," Chuck laughed.

"You gonna flirt with the waiter right in front of your husband?" Emmett asked.

"You gonna call me out on it right in front of Chucky?" Seth returned.

"What would you gentlemen like to drink on this beautiful day?" Chuck asked with good humor. He was clearly straight, but entirely comfortable and did not feel at all threatened. They all placed orders for non-alcoholic beverages and Chuck departed to fetch them.

"Oh, look out," Seth carefully reached into his pocket. "I'm reaching for my cellphone. I'm gonna pull it out!"

"Oh my God, don't do it!" Emmett gave faux panic.

"I'm gonna do it. I'm gonna pull out my phone," Seth continued to warn. "And look, here it is. I have my phone in my hand. Everybody stand clear!"

Garrett looked on with an amused smile. He knew exactly what his little husband was doing.

"What are you going on about?" Edward didn't get it.

"No electronic devices are allowed in this dining room," Seth informed.

"Oh. Really?" Edward looked around. He couldn't imagine a rule like that.

"Now I'm going to text someone!" Seth gave a wide eyed gasp and set about doing so.

"Who are you texting?" Emmett asked.

"Well, I'm going to start with Simon," Seth answered. "Our friend Duane Browning, the Assistant US Attorney, is going to have to travel to the far reaches of the Canadian Yukon to find someone who will have sex with him by the time I'm done."

"Ha! I love you," Emmett rubbed his best friend's back.

"I'll hold my menu to shield you," Garrett offered as he did so. "What looks good to us, boys?"

"I'm going to have a fucking hamburger and I'm going to eat it with my goddamn hands," Edward stated.

"Sounds like there's a story behind that," Emmett rightly concluded.

"The last time I was in this dining room was with my parents," Edward relayed. "I must have been thirteen or fourteen at the time. I ordered a hamburger, because, what else would a kid that age order, right? I just started to pick it up when my father went berserk. He grabbed my arm. He did this all quietly through gritted teeth, I might mention, because the last thing he wanted was a scene. I had to eat it with knife and fork like a civilized person."

"Today you should eat it with your leg," Seth advised with a firm nod.

"I will!" Edward pledged.

"Here we are, guys," Chuck returned with a tray of beverages. "Have we had a chance to look over the menu? The seasonal pumpkin soup is exceptional, by the way. And, Sir, if you need to use your phone, there are private rooms available right across the hall."

Seth just looked up at the waiter and raised his eyebrows. He made no move to get up, or set his phone down.

"I'd like to try that soup," Garrett spoke up to distract the waiter and defuse his husband. "And then I'll have the tuna panini. Edward?" he prompted the man on his other side.

"Burger, please," Edward ordered.

"How would you like that prepared, Sir?" Chuck asked.

"Medium," Edward clarified.

"Bacon, avocado?" Chuck offered.

"Yes to both," Edward nodded.

"Sir?" Chuck looked to Nasir.

"The horseradish crusted salmon, please," Nasir ordered. "And a ceasar salad."

"Very good. Sir?" Chuck prompted Emmett next as he continued around the table.

"I'll do a burger exactly like his," Emmett pointed at Edward.

"That was easy. And, Sir?" Chuck came last to the man who still held his cell, and the table held its collective breath.

"The Dungeness crab cakes I think," Seth was deceptively easy. "And I'd like a ceasar salad too."

"I wonder if my grandfather's portrait is still up somewhere around here?" Edward thought out loud as he looked around the opulent room.

"Oh, and if my thumbs on this little touchscreen bother any of the other patrons in this dining room, please don't hesitate to let me know," Seth quipped.

"Did you say your grandfather's portrait is here in the club, Sir?" Chuck was far more interested in what Edward had said.

"It was at one time. The Masen Room," Edward rolled his eyes.

"Oh, yes, the Masen Room," Chuck nodded. "Mr. Masen was your grandfather? He was a very famous member. Are you a member, Sir. I don't remember seeing you before."

"I'm not," Edward answered. "I've only been here once before, when I was a kid."

"Well, welcome back, Sir," Chuck smiled. "I'll put you gentlemen's orders in right away."

"We're in the presence of Seattle royalty it would seem," Garrett smiled.

"Ug. Hardly," Edward protested.

"The Masen Room?" Seth enquired.

"One of the private rooms for dining or meetings, or whatever, was, and evidently still is, named for my grandfather," Edward stated wearily. "It was just awful. I mean, it's a beautiful room, but there's his portrait on the wall like it's some kind of shrine to the miserable old fuck."

"Is it a big enough room for the bank to do a holiday reception for our most important clients this year?" Garrett enquired.

"It's like a size for a board meeting or something like that," Edward evaluated. "Or like a big formal dinner at one big table."

"I would love to host a reception in the Masen room for my most valued clients," Garrett smiled.

"I'm busy that night," Edward nodded. It sounded like a fate worse than death.

"Busy doing what?" Seth challenged. "Too busy to attend a party that my husband is hosting in your honor?"

"Way, way too busy for that," Edward affirmed. "And, please, God, can we talk about something else? I'm sorry I brought it up. So, Nasir, no asylum for you. What's the appeal process?"

"No asylum yet," Emmett stressed as he took his husband's hand. "And he has his Green Card in the meantime. He's legal."

"Now I just need to wait for the important judge," Nasir gave a shrug.

"The real judge," Garrett corrected. "My father assures me that justice will be served in Judge Jameson's courtroom."

"I will never be able to thank your father enough," Nasir expressed.

"Neither will I," Emmett agreed.

If Edward thought the ghost of his grandfather was finished haunting him, he was sadly mistaken.

"Mr. Masen?" an attractive woman in a conservative, dark blue skirt suit with her dark hair up, approached the table. "I'm Kylie Wright, the Maître d'hôtel," she addressed Edward. "Welcome to the Rainier Club, Mr. Masen. We're honored to have you and we'd love to have you join us as a member."

"It's Cullen, Edward Cullen," Edward corrected politely.

"I'm so terribly sorry," Kylie put her hand on Edward's shoulder. "Did I get the wrong man?" she looked around the table. There weren't too many options. Two of them were very clearly not the man she was looking for.

"No. Anthony Masen was my grandfather," Edward admitted.

"Oh, yes, of course," Kylie was embarrassed. That the grandson's last name was the same, had been a foolish assumption on her part. "I'm terribly sorry. I see that you gentlemen aren't drinking and it is early in the day, but I'd love to send you a bottle of champagne on the Club, if you'll allow me."

Edward looked around the table and then back to her. "Sure," he gave a shrug.

"I'll have Chuck bring that out immediately," Kylie beamed. "Is he taking good care of you?"

"Very much so," Edward smiled.

"And I do hope you'll consider becoming a member, Mr. Cullen. We would so love to have you join us," Kylie urged again.

"Thanks, but I won't be in town long," Edward was polite. It was an entirely plausible response to get her to stop fawning over him and go away, but something about the way Edward said it struck a note with Seth. He narrowed his eyes and scrutinized Edward carefully. Edward had been a little too sincere.

"Of course," Kylie accepted that answer. "Enjoy your champagne and your lunch. If there is anything at all I can do for you, or get you to change your mind, please don't hesitate to let me know," she paused to smile at all of them and walked away.

"Edward?" Seth asked softly.

"Seth?" Edward countered.

"Is there something you would like to tell us?" Seth used a kind and concerned tone.

Edward took a deep breath. "You know the park opened on Monday."

"We know that," Seth confirmed.

"The last two days at work have been pure hell," Edward stated.

"What has happened?" Nasir asked. "I mean to say, what else has happened?"

"Are people coming to see that magnificent park on that incredibly beautiful, majestic mountain? No," Edward shook his head. "Do the visitors want to hike, camp, learn about the park, the mountain, conservation? No. They want to ask questions about the sniper. They all want their picture taken with me. I'm the attraction. I just spent two days in the goddamn auditorium answering questions and getting my picture taken with people."

"Don't people like to take pictures of their ranger?" Seth offered. "You're kinda hot n'all."

"I have had my picture taken by people at the end of a hike plenty of times," Edward admitted. "Maybe it was because they thought I was cute, but mostly it's been because they enjoyed the hike and learned something. This is not the same thing at all."

"I'm sure this will pass, Eddie," Emmett tried to give him hope.

"Maybe it will," Edward shook his head. "I don't know."

"There's more to this," Seth could See.

"All I can think about, while I'm standing there forcing a smile and being a tourist attraction, is how wonderful it was to be with Jasper last week," Edward admitted. "You know, now that we've shared the house and our lives in a domestic setting like that... I mean, that's the first time we've ever been able to do that. Up until now, it's been this trip or that trip, this hotel or that hotel, and all that has been fantastic, but this, this was beyond anything. This, well, it's what you guys have, you know? Coming home to each other. And now that he's gone, my life is just awful. I love my house, you all know I do, but I can't stand it now without him."

Nasir looked into Emmett's eyes as their dear friend shared his pain with them. Emmett would never admit to Nasir that he felt just the same way every time Nasir flew back to New York, but he didn't need to. Nasir well knew it.

"And I just stood there, getting my stupid, fucking picture taken, over and over again, and I thought, what the fuck am I doing?" Edward continued. "Jas has a life in New York and a job he loves, a job he's great at, a job he could never replicate here. And I'm a goddamn tourist attraction. I don't even need a job. So, I made a decision."

"You're moving," Seth spoke the obvious.

"I resigned yesterday," Edward confessed. "Or, I tried to. Roger wouldn't accept it. He made me apply for an unpaid leave of absence. It doesn't really matter what they call it. I'm not going back. I'm going to be with the guy I've loved all my life and I'll find something to do. If I can find something out east with the NPS, fine, but if not, I don't care. I'll be with Jas and that's all that matters."

"Edward," Nasir put his hand on his dear friend's shoulder in solidarity, "I am very sorry to hear this, for I know there is much here that you will miss, but I will be most glad to have you in New York."

"What about the kids?" Emmett gave voice to the thing that nagged Edward the most.

"I know," Edward nodded. "It was rough, telling them and Maggie yesterday. But they have their moms and grandparents so they'll be fine, and I'll make sure we see them just as often as we can, here and in New York."

"Here we are, gentlemen," Chuck appeared with a chilled bottle of champagne while a colleague placed flutes on the table. "Dom Perignon, Mr. Cullen, courtesy of the Club," he unwrapped the foil and removed the muselet. Like any very good and properly chilled champagne, the cork expressed with a sigh, rather than a bang.

"Is everyone having a glass?" Chuck asked as he poured for Edward.

"Yes they are," Edward answered. He knew his friends well. Chuck poured his way around the table and upended the bottle evenly.

"Enjoy, gentlemen. Soup and salads should be out momentarily and I'll bring some sourdough bread as well," Chuck smiled and withdrew.

"Boys," Garrett raised his glass and the others did likewise.

Everyone looked to the de facto head of the family to make a toast.

"Here's to a new chapter in Edward's life. Edward, we wish only happiness and success for you, and a very long life with Jasper," Garrett spoke for all of them. "We love you very much and you will always be our family."

"Yeah!" Seth had to fight back tears.

"Here, here, Garrett," Nasir agreed as they all touched their glasses together.

"Absolutely, Eddie," Emmett added.

"Thanks, guys," Edward was touched. "I love all of you too," he put a hand on Nasir's arm. "I couldn't have made it to this point in my life without every one of you, but I need to be with Jasper now. It's time."

"It's past time," Emmett stated.

"It is past time," Edward nodded.

"What's your plan?" Seth asked.

"I'm moving to New York to be with Jasper. I don't have much of a plan beyond that yet," Edward admitted.

"Excuse me," A middle aged man approached their table. He was distinguished in an expensive suit and had short, perfectly quaffed, thick, dark hair and a graying goatee. "I don't mean to intrude, but do I understand that Anthony Masen's grandson is at this table? Oh, Garrett," he recognized his banker.

"Richard, hello," Garrett rose and shook the man's hand. "Please let me introduce you. Richard Conyers, Seattle City Council, this is my partner, Seth."

"Hi," Seth gave a friendly wave.

"I've seen your picture on Garrett's desk," Richard pointed at Seth in a friendly manner.

"Our dearest friends, Emmett, Nasir," Garrett continued. Emmett and Nasir smiled and nodded.

"And this is Anthony Masen's grandson, Edward," Garrett finished.

"Edward, I'm Richard Conyers, of the Sequim Conyers," Richard offered Edward his hand. He expected the grandson of Anthony Masen would know what that meant, but saw no recognition in the younger man's face.

"Edward Cullen," Edward stood up as they shook.

"So very nice to meet you, Edward," Richard gave a genuine smile. "I knew your grandfather. That is to say, I met him quite a few times. I knew your mother. Is your mother Esme Masen?"

"She is my mother," Edward confirmed.

"We more or less grew up together. I was always very fond of your mother and have only pleasant memories of her," Richard smiled. "Until your father came along and snatched her away from me!" he laughed. "How are your parents?"

"My mother is doing quite well," Edward assured. "And since they divorced, neither of us have heard from my father."

"Oh, I'm very sorry to hear that," Richard sounded sincere. As a politician, he was adept at conveying that he believed a thing when he didn't.

"Please, don't be. We're both better off," Edward stated.

"Edward, let me give you my card," Richard reached produced a gold, monogrammed business card case from his jacket pocket. "I hope you'll pass it on to your mother. I would dearly love to talk with her again after all this time."

"I can actually give you one of my mother's cards as well," Edward always had a few in his wallet.

"Oh," Richard read the card Edward placed in his hand. "Your mother owns the Esmerelda Inn! I've heard it's lovely."

"It is actually," Edward agreed.

"We all love it," Emmett spoke up. They had all had some very pleasant and relaxing long weekends with Edward's mother.

"How nice. I will give her a call," Richard tucked the card into his pocket. "I'm so glad Miss Wright mentioned to us that you were in the Club. It was very nice to meet you, Edward," he offered his hand again.

"Nice to meet you, Sir," Edward was polite as they shook hands a second time.

"And I think I've intruded on all of you quite long enough. Garrett, good to see you again. Excuse me, please," Richard smiled at all of them and walked away.

"My God, I can't wait to get to New York," Edward expressed as he sat down. "I'm a tourist attraction everywhere I go in this fucking city."

"When are you planning on leaving?" Seth asked casually.

"Okay, don't freak out," Edward held up his hands.

"Soup and salads, gentlemen," Chuck returned with his tray. He served Garrett, Seth and Nasir, and placed two baskets of sliced sourdough baguettes on the table. "Can I bring anyone anything else at the moment? Mr. Cullen?"

"We're good, thank you," Edward smiled. The fawning was getting old.

"Your entrees will be out shortly," Chuck smiled, picked up his tray and headed off.

"So, tryin' real hard not to freak out over here," Seth prompted when Edward appeared to be more interested in the baguette and the butter than talking.

"Tomorrow," Edward uttered and braced himself.

"Tomorrow!" Seth cried entirely too loudly and garnered the attention of half the spacious dining room.

"I did ask you not to freak out," Edward pointed out calmly.

"Eddie, it's a little bit of a shock," Emmett defended his best friend. "I mean, we all totally get it. You know we do, but tomorrow is still pretty sudden."

"Tomorrow?" Seth demanded.

"Why would I wait?" Edward posed. "He's there. I'm here, without him. It's a pretty simple equation."

"How am I meant to plan you a proper goodbye party when you spring on me in the eleventh hour that you are leaving tomorrow?" Seth gestured grandly.

"I don't need a goodbye party," Edward was very tired of being the center of attention. "Though, I could probably use some help packing," he relented.

"Packing party at Edward's house!" Seth clapped.

"You're not planning to drive all that way by yourself, are you?" Emmett asked.

"I do not have to be back to my office until Monday," Nasir's face lit up. "How long of a drive is it? I would love to help you drive there! I could see this whole country!"

"Sorry, Nasir, I'm not driving," Edward informed. "What am I going to do with a car in Manhattan? I was just going to leave it here for when Jas and I fly back to see everyone."

"You'd never get there by Monday anyway, Babe," Emmett rubbed his husband's shoulder.

"Okay, now the question is," Seth took a bite of his salad before continuing, "do we want something fancy this evening, like shrimp and lobster, or do we wanna be casual with pizza and beer?"

"You guys know I have a good pizza place right near me," Edward decided. "Just bring beer."

"We can go right from here!" Seth enthused.

"I think we might wanna change," Emmett pointed out.

"Well, okay, we can take a minute to do that," Seth conceded.

"I need to get back to the office for a few hours this afternoon," Garrett stated. "I'll have to join you later."

"When is your flight?" Emmett asked.

"Seven," Edward informed. "Bright and early."

"Nasi and I can spend the night if you want," Emmett offered. "We can take you to the airport in the morning on our way back into town. That leaves me plenty of time to get ready for work."

"That would be great, actually. Thanks," Edward nodded.

"Are we inviting everyone?" Seth set down his fork and picked up his cell again.

"I guess I can do that," Edward stated. "Though, I'd love it if you'd call Justin and Melinda. Liam always enjoys seeing Stephanie. And it might distract him."

"Oh, yeah. They're gonna be upset," Emmett realized aloud.

"Yeah," Edward took a deep breath. It was the thing he dreaded the most.

"Spend your time with them," Seth suggested. "Leave the packing to us. What all are we packing, anyway? Are you taking everything? You're not selling the house, are you? And where are we shipping everything? Or is a moving company taking it? Do you have supplies? Do we need to stop for boxes and packing tape and stuff?"

"Slow down, Sweetie," Emmett rubbed Seth's back.

"I'll start with the house," Edward began. "No, I'm," he paused to correct himself, "we're not selling it. Jasper loves it and you know I do. We plan to fly back as often as we can. It'll be our west coast house, like you guys have," Edward put a hand on Nasir's shoulder. "And since I'm moving, but the house isn't, there really isn't all that much to it. Like, there's nothing in the kitchen that needs to be packed. That's the half of packing a house. No furniture is going, obviously. And I don't need to bring everything right away. The things that I'll need immediately, like some clothes and my computer, I'll bring with me. I was going to ship the stuff I'll need soon, and have another pile of things I won't need until we have a place of our own. And, yes, I do need boxes."

"What size boxes? Do you need any wardrobe boxes? We'll pick them up on the way," Seth finished his salad and set his fork across his plate.

"I don't need wardrobe boxes," Edward shook his head. "All my clothes can be folded up in regular boxes."

"What about suits and such?" Seth reminded.

"I'm not going to bother taking suits," Edward dismissed.

"There are plenty of places to get a good suit in New York," Nasir pointed out.

"There ya go," Edward gestured.

"Lunch is served, gentlemen," Chuck returned with his tray. "Your burger, Mr. Cullen," he naturally served Edward first.

"Thank you," Edward smiled.

"The soup was superb," Garrett expressed as Chuck traded the empty bowl for his seared tuna panini.

"Glad you enjoyed it, Sir," Chuck gave a friendly nod. "Your crab cakes," he served Seth next.

Seth deliberately held his cell in his hand while the waiter exchanged his plates, but Chuck said nothing, nor would he, not at Anthony Masen's grandson's table.

"Burger and the salmon," Chuck finished serving. "That was an excellent choice, by the way. I'm sure you'll enjoy it."

"Thank you. It looks delicious," Nasir evaluated.

"I have yellow and grainy mustards and ketchup for you," Chuck placed small individual bottles and tiny pots of each type of mustard in front of Edward and Emmett. "How does everything look and can I bring anything else for anyone?"

"I think we're good right now," Edward took charge.

"I'll freshen your drinks," Chuck informed and took his tray away.

"So...," Seth took a bite of his one of his crab cakes. "Oh fuck are these good. Who was that man anyway?"

"Fuck if I know," Edward gave a shrug. "Someone mom knows I guess."

"Like Edward and his mother, a local blue blood," Garrett informed. "And a member of Seattle City Council."

"And naturally, he's a client," Seth concluded.

"Well, naturally," Garrett spread his hands and smiled.

"He must be truly loaded if he has personal access to you," Seth observed.

"I can't discuss my clients, of course, but your conclusion is not unfounded," Garrett stated.

"I only have access to Garrett because he is my friend," Nasir added.

"I'm special," Edward gave his trademark grin.

"We'll have to ask Jasper just how special," Emmett teased.

"Yeah, you and Seth should be so lucky," Edward boasted.

"Hold it just one red minute there, Missy!" Seth was not about to let that go. "I know you are not suggesting that you are a better top than my husband!"

"Sweetness," Garrett rubbed his husband's back. Seth's protest had been just a little too loud.

"Habibi, you must be the judge," Nasir decided. "Edward must fuck you."

"Why don't you fuck Jasper?" Emmett countered.

"No," Nasir shook his head. "Jasper would be biased."

"And he won't be?!" Edward pointed at Emmett.

Chuck found the sudden silence at the table a little strange, but did not comment as he returned and set about refilling sodas and iced tea.

"Thank you," Garrett spoke for them. They all waited until the waiter was out of earshot to share a snicker.

"Oh, hey," Seth thought to ask. "Does Roberto know?"

"No. Will you tell him for me and give him a big hug?" Edward requested.

"You can do it yourself. I'll make sure he's there," Seth nodded.

"He'll probably be on duty tonight," Edward pointed out.

"Before he goes on duty then," Seth picked up his cell again. "And what about Rainbow?"

"I thought I'd swing by to say goodbye to Rusty and the staff right now, since I'm in town," Edward informed.

"We might get to your house before you," Emmett stated.

"We'll have the cat all packed up by the time you get there," Seth assured.

"Yes, please pack my cat," Edward nodded. "Let me know how that goes for you."

"Don't worry, Emmy. I'll bandage you up," Seth patted the bigger man's arm.

"I have to be the one to get torn to ribbons?" Emmett asked.

"I'm not doing it," Seth shook his head.

"No one needs to do it. Remmy will be staying with Diane until Jasper and I have a place. Can I get lunch?" Edward pulled out his wallet as their waiter returned. "Chuck, will you give me the bill, please?"

"I'm very sorry, Mr. Cullen. We don't take payment in the Club. Guest meals are charged to the account of the individual who brought them," Chuck explained. "May I bring the dessert menu?" he asked as he began to clear their plates.

"I don't think so," Garrett looked around the table.

"We have much still to do today," Seth stated.

"At least let me tip Chuck, you guys. He's been great," Edward pulled two twenties out of his wallet.

"Tipping is not allowed in the Club, Mr. Cullen, though I very much appreciate the gesture," Chuck smiled.

"Of course," Edward nodded. He folded the bills in half and held them to the bottom of his plate as he picked it up and handed it to the waiter.

"You will put this on my account," Nasir held out his membership card.

"Put that away," Garrett directed. "You're much too late. I checked us in."

"You think you are clever," Nasir admitted defeat.

"I know I'm clever," Garrett stated a fact. "The bank reimburses my membership anyway. I bring an important client here for lunch at least once a week. Today I have two of you," he gestured to Nasir and Edward.

"Thank you so much, Mr. Cullen, gentlemen. It's been a pleasure to have all of you with us today. Come in and flirt with me anytime," Chuck smiled.

"Ha! We will!" Seth assured.

"Enjoy the rest of your day," Chuck bid all of them and headed off with the cleared dishes.

"Shall we?" Garrett placed his linen napkin on the table. They all rose and made their way out of the Heritage Room.

In the darkest corner of the dining room, farthest from any windows, three men sat at a large table that could seat eight. Their attorney sat between his partners along the far side with their backs to the corner. They were clearly expecting no one to join them as the other five place settings had been cleared away, including even the chairs. Nor, evidently, were they themselves planning to eat. There were no plates or flatware on their table. The only thing before each of them was a crystal goblet of red wine. On Aro's right, Marcus Velosi appeared bored and detached. On Aro's left, Cassius Van Tassel appeared aloof and annoyed. Aro gave them a smile and lifted his glass to them as they headed out of the dining room.

"God damn," Seth indulged in a shudder once they reached the hallway, "those guys are creepy."

Garrett just chuckled and took Seth's hand. They opted for the grand staircase, with its leaded and stained glass windows, to descend to the ground floor.

They parted company on the sidewalk. Garrett headed around the corner and across the street to return to his office in Columbia Tower. The rest of them walked the blocks back to their building together. Once inside they parted company again as Edward headed down to the garage to retrieve his Audi, while the rest of them took the elevator up to their homes to change into comfortable clothes.

---

Emmett drove his Range Rover down to Covington and parked in Edward's driveway. Just as they expected would happen, they beat Edward to his home.

"Wow, I think this is the first time ever that there hasn't been a single vehicle here," Emmett commented.

"Oh, yes," Nasir nodded as he opened his door. "Either Edward's car or his NPS truck is here."

"He musta turned it in already," Emmett concluded.

"It's sad," Seth just stood in the driveway. "The end of an era."

"He'll be okay, Sweetie," Emmett put his hand on Seth's shoulder. "He'll be better than okay. In fact, he'll be better than he ever was."

"I know. You're right, Emmy," Seth agreed.

"Get the door," Emmett handed Seth his keys. "I'll grab the beer."

Seth wore very tight and very low rise jeans with a loose blouse of a pullover shirt with a deeply low cut neck opening. The shirt's neck and collar laced closed with leather cords, though Seth wore it entirely open. Emmett and Nasir both wore henleys with their snug jeans.

Seth unlocked and opened Edward's front door, and walked into the house. Nasir and Emmett were close behind. Remmy slowly slinked down the hall from the master bedroom to see who had arrived. He looked the men over and, as a matter of complete indifference, turned his back on them and headed back to Edward's bed, to return to his afternoon nap.

"Poor cat, he has no idea what's in store for him and his dad," Seth mused as Emmett headed for the kitchen to put away the beer. "Oh, look," he couldn't help but notice several piles of clothes on the living room sofa. "I feel like I want to pull out every piece of clothing he owns so he can decide what he wants to take and what he wants to stay for when they're here."

"I think he has already started to do that," Nasir stood beside Seth.

"I don't see any coats or especially warm clothes here," Seth pointed. "His winter there is sure to be worse than they ever are here."

"Oh?" Nasir didn't like the sound of that.

"Something important for you to note too, Mister," Seth poked Nasir in his ribs. "Especially you. You should invest in a long cashmere overcoat or something."

"Perhaps I will get a sable," Nasir pretended to consider.

"Don't let Edward see you in it if you do!" Seth warned.

"He's not really going to get a fur," Emmett knew his husband better than that. "I'll get the boxes," he headed back outside.

"Help me empty the closets, Nasir," Seth headed for the master bedroom. Remmy was even less amused by this intrusion and hopped down off the bed to seek solace elsewhere in the house.

It was another twenty minutes before Edward pulled up and parked the Audi in his garage. He walked into his house and found it in far more disarray than he left it.

"Whoa," Edward looked around at the piles of clothes on every piece of living room furniture.

"Hi, Eddie," Emmett greeted from where he sat on the floor constructing boxes.

"Oh, Edward, good," Seth walked out of the master bedroom with a heavy, dark green garment on a suit hanger. "What should I do with your uniforms? This is the one you wore on TV. This is your dress uniform, right?"

"It is, yes, and you should put it right back where you found it," Edward instructed. "I'm not taking that with me."

"Well, your uniforms should go in the eventually boxes," Seth stated.

"What for?" Edward gave a shrug.

"Edward Cullen, I know you better than that," Seth put his free fist on his hip. "You are not going to New York to become a bonbon eating house husband. You'll find a way to stay a ranger somehow."

"I could lead tours of the Statue of Liberty if there's an opening, but that doesn't sound like fun at all," Edward sighed.

"You can't take your mountain with you, that's for sure," Seth nodded.

"No, but it's a small price to pay to be with Jasper in a place where he's really happy. Put the uniforms back in the closet. If I need them, I can fly back for them," Edward pulled open his necktie and headed for his bedroom. He relieved Seth of the burden of his dress uniform on the way. "Oh, wow," Edward paused in the doorway of his bedroom. If he thought the living room was bad, his bedroom was a disaster.

"Ah, Edward," Nasir smiled his greeting from where he knelt in the corner with every shoe Edward owned.

"Did you guys empty all the dressers too?" Edward asked as he hung his uniform back up in the completely empty closet. "I'm not taking everything. I'll want clothes for when we come back. I don't want to have to bring a suitcase," he hung his necktie over the doorknob and started to unbutton his shirt.

"Designate rooms for now, soon and eventually," Seth bid as he joined them. "It'll be easier to keep track that way."

"Okay," Edward agreed. "Just give me a minute to change, will you, guys?" he asked.

"Go ahead and change," Seth gave a dismissive wave. "We don't care. And I hope you're not pretending to be bashful. We've seen you a hundred times."

"I don't know if it's been a hundred," Edward commented as he pulled the tails of his shirt out of his pants and slipped it off. "And now I don't know where anything is."

"Don't wear anything. We don't care," Seth shrugged.

"Seth, my sister is coming!" Edward protested.

"So? My sister's seen me," Seth countered.

"With her children," Edward added.

"We're all boys," Seth was unmoved.

"And her wife," Edward continued.

"Okay, yeah, put something on," Seth finally conceded. "Here's some shorts," he moved to the bed and pulled them from a pile where he remembered putting them when he emptied the drawer. They were loose, knee length basketball shorts and Seth tossed them to Edward.

"Thanks," Edward caught them and hung them on the closet door knob. He removed his belt and tossed it on the bed. "Hey, did you empty Jasper's drawers too?" Edward pointed to a shirt on the bed that belonged to Jasper.

"We must have, because we emptied everything," Seth stated.

"Well, obviously Jasper's stuff stays for when he's out here. That was the whole point of him leaving it behind." Edward unbuttoned and unzipped his dress pants. He let them fall to the floor, pushed his underwear down with them, and stepped out of them both. "I appreciate the thought here, Seth, but you made more work than was necessary," Edward bent and stepped into his shorts.

"I didn't want things to be overlooked," Seth explained. "This'll go quick and easy. Every item you have, you tell us now, soon, or stay. Nasir and I will distribute accordingly and Emmy will pack the boxes. I have this all under control," he assured.

"Suits stay," Edward picked them up from the bed.

"I will hang them up," Nasir took them from him and did so.

"Find me a plain white tee shirt to put on," Edward started moving things around on the bed.

"Those are out here," Seth walked out of the bedroom to fetch one.

"Everything that's really warm weather, shorts and bathing suits and such can stay," Edward picked up one of his bathing trunks.

"I remember where those came from," Nasir took the garment from Edward. "I will put them back."

"Here you go," Seth returned with a tee shirt for Edward.

"Thank you," Edward shook it out and pulled it on over his head.

"Is this shirt Jasper's?" Seth picked up a dusty rose colored shirt. "And these jeans?"

"They are and they stay," Edward stated.

"Okay," Seth nodded. "I know which drawer was Jasper's," he put them back. "And what about what you wore that night?"

"That goes in the now pile," Edward directed.

"You mean the take on the plane with you pile?" Seth asked.

"Exactly," Edward agreed.

"You looked super hot the night you two met us for dinner last week, by the way," Seth set aside the shirt and jeans Edward had worn that night. "You both did."

"Thanks, Seth," Edward nodded.

"Should I do a load of laundry? Do you have anything that you need washed while we're at it?" Seth asked.

"Oh. Probably, yeah," Edward admitted. "I haven't done laundry."

"I'll go start it. The clothes are in the laundry room?" Seth asked.

"Yeah. And take these," Edward picked up the discarded underwear he had just taken off and tossed them to Seth.

"Throw your underwear at me...," Seth pretended to complain as he walked out of the bedroom.

"Where are we at? I'm ready to start packing," Emmett appeared in the doorway.

"Edward has to go through all of these things and everything that is out there," Nasir gestured.

"Everything long sleeved you want now or soon, right?" Emmett prompted.

"Well, not everything," Edward started to pick things up. "Here, soon, soon, soon," he began to make a pile in Emmett's arms. "This stays," Edward handed what should stay to Nasir to put away.

"I'm organizing soon in the dining room," Emmett headed out with a load.

"This can stay," Edward handed another shirt to Nasir. "All these shorts and tee shirts can stay."

"What are you wearing on the plane tomorrow?" Seth walked back into the room.

"Oh, um," Edward looked around.

"Relax," Seth gave a dismissive wave. "I'll pick you out an outfit."

"Maybe I should do that," Edward was wary.

"You want to look sexy, don't you?" Seth asked. "And when have I ever steered you wrong?" he demanded. "Nasir, why are you putting all the tee shirts and shorts back?"

"I won't need warm weather clothes," Edward pointed out.

"I thought you were moving in with Jasper in the short term," Seth looked up at him.

"I am," Edward confirmed.

"Much as I'm sure he would prefer you naked, I doubt his roommates would agree. He doesn't live alone, I thought we established."

"Okay, some lounge around the house things, you mean," Edward got it. "You're right about that."

"I'm right about everything," Seth corrected with a weary sigh. "You're all grown up and moving away, and you still haven't learned that yet," he shook his head.

"I'll take a few with me," Edward picked out several pairs. "Here, Em, this goes in the now box," he handed some over to Emmett.

"And what about your shoes?" Nasir reminded.

"Okay, yeah," Edward looked down at the rows. "I'm going to want comfortable walking shoes. I'll wear these tomorrow," he nudged a pair of sneakers with his bare foot. "They'll do me until the now boxes arrive. These and these should be nows. These soon," Edward went down the row. "The hiking boots and everything else can stay."

"You have some nice sweaters," Seth observed.

"Soon boxes," Edward instructed. "Hey, we're actually making progress."

"I'm about to make some real progress," Seth threatened. "I'm going to go through all your jeans and I am going to throw away the ones that don't fit you."

"All of my jeans fit me," Edward complained.

"Like hell," Seth held a pair up. "Trash," he dropped them at his feet and picked up another. "Oh, these black ones look really nice on you. These are for the plane tomorrow. You should take one other pair with you," Seth let his thoughts just fall out of his mouth. "And it should be this pair, 'cause I picked these out for you and you fill them out perfectly. These should get burned," he grabbed and dropped another pair.

"Those are perfectly good jeans," Edward pointed to the ones that Seth had just dropped.

"Eddie," Emmett put his hand on Edward's shoulder and shook his head. "You're a hot top. Embrace your hot topness."

"By this time tomorrow, you are not going to have a boyfriend anymore," Seth lectured with a finger in the air.

"What do you mean?!" Edward was horrified by that pronouncement.

"You are going to have a partner, is what I am saying," Seth dropped another pair of jeans on the floor. "And you want to look your best for him, don't you? You want to look like the hot top a hot bottom like him deserves. Remember how you two looked together when you joined us for dinner at Wild Ginger? Remember how you two turned heads, and rightly so? Live that, because now you can, are my words of wisdom and life advice that you should take to heart," he finished with a final nod.

"Okay, I guess I see what you mean," Edward gave in.

"Ug, remember these?" Seth held up Edward's white jeans and shook his head. "I could fit in them with you. Glad to see these go," he dropped them in the growing pile at his feet. "I'll get you a new pair. Oh! Can you and Jasper fly out to meet us in Telluride for the White Party at Gay Ski Week this year?" Seth's entire being lit up at the prospect. "I know Jasper would love it!"

"Sweetie, we won't be able to go this year," Emmett pointed out.

"We have to find a way," Seth made a fist. "Even Simon and Wayne are going this year."

"They are? How are they affording that?" Emmett wondered.

"Wayne's mother gives him anything he wants. That's where that Corvette came from," Seth explained. "And of course he's going to take his best friend. She even booked a two bedroom suite at the Madeline for them so they can have privacy. I wouldn't be at all surprised if he talks her into paying for a certain Czech bartender to go along too."

"Huh!" Edward well remembered running across Wayne and his Czech bartender at Seth's Halloween party.

"These Jasper obviously picked out. These I picked out. These are no," Seth continued to sort.

"You're throwing away more than you're keeping," Edward complained.

"Oh, you noticed that too?" Seth dropped another pair. "I'm going to make sure Jasper never lets you shop by yourself," he paused and cocked his head. "Here's Roberto."

"Hello," Roberto called from the front door.

"Sethy, how do you do that?" Nasir was amazed.

"Hey, Roberto," Edward met the detective in the living room. Emmett, Seth and Nasir were close behind.

"Que madres, Mano?" Roberto opened his arms in a gesture encompassing the whole house. He was dressed for work in dress pants and shirt, necktie and suit jacket with his badge on his belt.

"I know," Edward walked into Roberto's arms. "It is pretty sudden, but it's the right thing to do," he expressed as they hugged.

"Does Rusty know?" Roberto patted Edward's back. "He didn't say anything to me and I just saw him two days ago."

"I told him today," Edward informed as he and Roberto let each other go. "I just came from there, actually."

"What are they gonna do?" Roberto wondered with obvious concern.

"The same thing they're doing now. That organization stands on its own," Edward assured. "They don't need me. Rusty runs the show. And I'm still on the board. Anything they need from me, I can do over the phone."

"When did you make this decision?" Roberto enquired.

"Monday night," Edward admitted.

"And you're leaving tomorrow?!" Roberto found that very sudden.

"Why wait?" Edward spread his arms. "I love him. I want to be with him. To be perfectly honest, I feel like an idiot for not doing this sooner. In fact, I feel like I've been waiting my whole fucking life! I'm going to be with the man I love. It's just that simple."

"I get that," Roberto nodded. "Fuck, man, I wish I didn't have to go to work right now."

"Me too," Edward agreed.

"Me three," Seth spoke up.

"Nobody got any notice and the whole city is counting on you," Edward gave his straight detective friend a clap on the arm.

"Yeah, serve and protect, right?" Roberto smiled. "Okay. I wish I could stay. I wish you only the best," he pulled Edward into his arms again.

"Thanks, Roberto," Edward hugged him back.

"Don't stay away forever, okay, brother?" Roberto held onto Edward. "There's people who respect, admire and love you here."

"I'm not selling the house for that exact reason," Edward said as they let go of each other. "There's lots of people I love here. Some are here now," he gestured to Emmett, Seth and Nasir. "More are on the way. Jasper and I will be back as often as we can."

"You better," Roberto pointed at Edward. "At least one of my kids is gonna get you as a godfather."

"Oh! I wanna be a godfather!" Seth clapped and jumped.

"Okay, I gotta go. You guys take care of him," Roberto commanded.

"We will," Emmett assured and gave a wave. "Good to see you, Roberto."

"You guys too," Roberto turned and headed for the door.

"I'll walk you out," Seth rushed after him. He caught up with the detective at the door and put an arm around Roberto's waist as they walked out of the house together. "Just how many kids did my sister agree to have?"

"Oh, we gonna have like twelve or fourteen kids," Roberto assured.

"Twelve or fourteen?! My sister agreed to that?!" Seth stopped dead in his tracks.

"I'm playin'," Roberto gave Seth a playful rap on his chest with his knuckles. "We haven't even really talked about it. I do want to have and raise a family with her, but however many Leah wants is fine with me. The way I see it, women have to carry and give birth to the babies. They have all the hard work. I just have the fun part."

"Makin' em?" Seth smiled.

"Exactly," Robert nodded. "It should always be up to the woman how many kids a couple has. It should be up to her how many times she wants to put her body through that."

"You should have some input," Seth set himself up. "I mean, how stretched out do you want her to be?" he was deliberately vulgar.

"She could never be too stretched out for this," Roberto grabbed his crotch.

"I know you don't think I'm gonna let that go," Seth eyed the detective's crotch and then looked back up at his face.

"Only your sister is ever gonna know for sure," Roberto gave a grin.

"Victory is that much sweeter when my opponents underestimate me," Seth gave a sigh. "Anyway, don't get too crazy. I don't know how many little Robertos running around I could handle."

"There will be little Leahs too," Roberto pointed out.

"And now I'm terrified," Seth stated.

"Okay, give me a hug, little brother. I gotta go to work," Roberto turned when they reached his police issue, black Dodge Charger.

"Okay, I love you," Seth embraced his brother-in-law to be. "Shoot every abuser you encounter in the face."

"Hoh!" Roberto laughed. "Some nights I sure would like to."

"Kay," Seth dropped one hand to grab a straight glute as he let the man go.

"You little shit," Roberto laughed as he opened his car door and got in.

"Bye," Seth gave a wave. Roberto backed out of Edward's driveway only to make room for the minivans that arrived in tandem. He gave them a friendly honk and waved out his window at them as they exchanged places. Yvonne had followed Maggie from Kent and pulled in behind her.

"Uncle Seth!" Liam's enthusiastic roar could be heard outside the car. He was out of his belt and booster seat before Maggie could shut off the engine. The front and back doors on the driver's side opened at the same time. Liam leapt from the van directly onto Seth. Seth was ready for it and braced himself or the boy would have surely taken him down.

"Hi, Liam," Seth kissed the boy and let him slide down to this feet.

"Hi, uncle Seth. Where's uncle Edward?" Liam asked.

"In the house," Seth advised and Liam dashed. "Hi, Maggie," he gave the child's mother a quick kiss as well before he turned his attention inside the van. "Háu, kola," Seth raised his hand as he gave the proper greeting that one warrior gave another in his tribe.

"How, uncle Cola," Owen used the greeting all wrong, but the boy's sweet sincerity could only make Seth smile as he climbed into the van.

"Let's get you out of there," Seth unbuckled Owen to free him from his car seat. Owen moved from his seat once he was free, directly into Seth's lap to hug him.

"Ohhh," Seth was touched anew with just how sweet and loving Owen was. "Someday I'm gonna take you home and keep you forever," he wrapped his arms around the boy and held him tightly. "What have you got there?" Seth asked when Owen was finally ready to get out of the van. He held a 9" x 12" paper torn from a sketchpad, not quite folded closed in one hand.

"I drew a picture for uncle Edward," Owen showed it to Seth.

"You know what?" Seth nodded as he looked over the drawing. "Uncle Edward is going to love this. Let's go inside and show him, okay?"

"Yeah," Owen nodded.

"C'mon," Seth held Owen as he slid out of the van. "Where's Rosalie?" he enquired as he set Owen down on his feet.

"She had a closing. She'll be here as soon as she can," Maggie informed.

By this time Yvonne had emerged from behind the wheel of her minivan and Ren had freed not only himself, but his little sister as well.

"Hi, uncle Seth," Ren gave a wave.

"Hey, I'm gonna need you to stop growing so fast," Seth gave Ren a hug. "You'll be as tall as me by next week!"

"Ha!" Ren let go of his uncle and ran for the house.

"His feet too," Yvonne commented. "It seems like he outgrows his shoes just as soon as we buy 'em."

"Hi, Yvonne," Seth greeted her with a kiss. "And hello little miss cutie pie," he bent to do the same with Larissa.

Yvonne and Maggie used their remotes to slide the rear doors of their minivans closed. Owen took Seth's hand as they all walked toward the house.

"Mom," Liam stood in the middle of the living room. "Just look at this mess," he gestured as he parroted a line he had heard many times in his own room at home.

"I see it," Maggie smiled.

"Uncle Edward," Liam looked up at him and made his point with his finger as he repeated the line that inevitably followed, "you have to clean this up."

"The guys are here helping do exactly that, Buddy," Edward ran a hand down the back of Liam's head.

"Edward, Owen has something for you," Seth informed.

"Oh, yeah?" Edward squatted down to hug the smaller child. "What's this?"

"I drew a picture for you," Owen held tightly to his favorite uncle as Edward took the paper.

In the lower left quadrant of the paper Owen had drawn his house and the trees behind it. Standing out in front were depictions of him with his brother and mothers all holding hands. In the upper right quadrant was a brown, multi-story building with two paned windows on each floor. It was how he imagined the place called New York after his mothers had shown him pictures online. In front of that building were two men, hand in hand. Unmistakably, with the long, wavy, yellow hair, one of the men was Jasper. Edward realized immediately that the other man was him.

"Wow, Owen, this is beautiful. I'm going to frame it and hang it up!" Edward was touched.

"It's so you remember us when you move far away to live with uncle Jasper," Owen spoke quietly. That this prospect disturbed the boy could not have been more obvious.

"Come sit with me," Edward picked Owen up and sat at the dining room table with the boy on his lap. He set the drawing on the table before them. "I know you and Liam, and your mommy would rather Uncle Jasper and I live here, closer to you guys, where we could see you more often," Edward spoke softly to his more sensitive nephew, "but remember what I told you last night? I will come back to see you every chance I get, and hopefully uncle Jasper will come with me every time."

"I wish uncle Jasper would live here, like he said," Liam spoke, his voice soaked with his disappointment over the broken promise.

"Someday he will, Buddy," Edward shared his hope for the eventual future. "I explained why yesterday, remember? He wants to move here, but he won't be able to find the kind of job he needs here in Seattle. I know that's not what any of us want, but there's nothing uncle Jasper or I can do to change it," he pulled Liam to his side as he hugged them both.

"I know. That's what you said," Liam agreed.

"And yesterday you said it was okay, remember?" Edward prompted.

"Yeah," Liam admitted.

"So is it still okay, as long as we visit a lot?" Edward enquired to be sure.

"Yeah, okay." Liam nodded. After Edward's gentle reminder, Liam accepted the plan just as he had the previous night when Edward originally broke the news. The easy going nature that he had genetically acquired from his biological father was evident. Owen was far more thoughtful, sensitive and emotional, just like his biological father, and clung to Edward.

"Hi, uncle Edward," Larissa said sweetly as she presented herself in her cute little dress.

"Hi, Lissy," Edward pulled her close to give her a hug as Liam stepped back. Owen paid Larissa no mind. For that matter, he ignored Ren as well, whom he looked up to and admired. Owen just held fast to his beloved uncle and laid his head against Edward's chest.

"Guys, you're gonna have to carry on without me for a while," Edward advised.

"Not a problem," Seth gave a wave. "Your constant complaints about the unflattering things I discard were only a hindrance anyway," he added as he walked back into the master bedroom. Edward just rolled his eyes and shook his head.

The packing continued with Seth organizing a carryon bag with a few necessities. Two tee shirts, two pairs of loose casual shorts, socks and a pair of form fitting jeans joined two henleys and a sweatshirt, all long sleeved, in the bag. Nasir assisted Seth while Emmett packed and organized the two immediate boxes by the front door, and the more numerous 'soon' boxes in the dining room. All the while Edward and Owen held each other. Liam had said his piece and gained his assurances, and was then content to play with Ren.

"Okay, I think that's got it," Seth announced with hands on his hips while he looked around. "Boxes are ready to ship. Jasper's clothes and yours that stay are all put away. I mean, as far as clothes go. What about important papers and such? And your laptop? I made sure to leave room in your bag."

"Thanks, Seth. Thank you, guys," Edward expressed.

"Your outfit for the plane is laid out for you in your bedroom and you should wear your leather jacket," Seth advised. "The temperature in New York has been hovering around fifty degrees the last couple of days and more of the same is forecast."

"Oh, thanks, Seth. If only I knew someone in New York," Edward quipped.

"That's enough lip out of you," Seth returned.

It was the time of day that people would be getting home from work and the next wave began to arrive with a rap on at the front door.

"Uncle Edward, uncle Edward, someone's at the door," Liam pointed excitedly. "Uncle Edward! I'll get it!" he rushed off.

"Woo-hoo," she called as she stuck her head in the door.

"C'mon in, Diane," Edward called.

"Hi," Liam of course reached her first.

"Hello, young man," Diane greeted as she came into the house.

"I know you," Liam pointed. "You're the neighbor lady."

"And you're the very clever nephew," Diane smiled at the boy.

"I gotta get up now, O, okay?" Edward kissed Owen on his forehead and set him on his feet as he rose. "Hey, Diane," he gave his neighbor a hug.

"Looks like you're about packed," Diane concluded.

"The stuff I'm taking, yeah. Thanks to these guys," Edward gestured. "They pretty much packed everything for me. You remember the guys."

"Hi, Diane," Emmett gave a wave.

"Hi, yourself," Diane gave Emmett a nod. "I didn't expect to see you," she addressed Nasir. "I thought you lived in New York now too."

"No," Nasir shook his head. "I work in New York. I live here."

"That's one hell of a commute!" Diane laughed. "Oh!" she remembered the children in the room. "Sorry."

"Please," Yvonne dismissed. "They hear much worse from me."

"What a host I am, I never offered anyone anything," Edward chastised himself. "What would we all like to drink?"

"Edward," Maggie put an arm around her brother's waist as she leaned on him, "we're all family. You don't have to offer us anything. If we want something, we'll get it."

"I'll take a long island, Boy, and hop to it," Diane teased.

"Coming right up," Edward laughed and headed for the kitchen.

"It's been a long, hard day down the salt mine," Diane quipped.

"What do you do again, Diane?" Seth asked.

"I mine salt," Diane continued the metaphor as she followed after Edward. "Neighborhood won't be the same without that NPS truck in the driveway," she leaned on the kitchen counter beside where Edward assembled her cocktail.

"No, I guess it won't," Edward extracted a can of coke from the refrigerator. "Nothing in my life will be the same."

"I'll keep an eye on the house," Diane assured. "And you know you don't have to worry about Remmy. He'll be just fine with me until you're ready for him."

"I know he will," Edward topped off her drink with the coke and stirred it for her. "Do you mind if I keep him for this one last night? Can you come get him tomorrow after work?"

"Of course," Diane reached up to put a hand on Edward's shoulder and took a sip of her drink. "Mmm. Just right."

"Good," Edward smiled. "Hey, guys, you want a beer now? Mags, the kids want a juice box?"

"I'll get one for everyone, Aunt Maggie," Ren walked into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. He knew he was allowed in his uncle Edward's house and knew what each one of them liked.

"Thank you, Ren," Maggie smiled and ran a hand down the back of his head as he walked by. Ren was such a good kid.

"Hey, Ren, while you're in there, pull me out a Blue Moon," Edward bid.

"Okay, uncle Edward," Ren obeyed.

"And two Spaten," Edward continued. "The ones with the blue and white checkered labels there," he pointed and took them as Ren handed them out. "A Heineken, that's the green ones. Perfect, thank you. Mags?"

"Grab me a diet pepsi, please, Ren," Maggie bid.

"Yvonne, what can I get you?" Edward called to her.

"You mind if I put a pot of coffee?" Yvonne rose from where she had been sitting at the table.

"I'll do it," Maggie volunteered.

"Here, guys," Edward popped the caps off of everyone's beers. "And please be sure to take whatever we don't drink back with you. In fact, please empty the refrigerator. Anything in there will only spoil by the time we get back. Everybody, take whatever you want from the fridge and the pantry."

"Hey," a male voice called from the front door.

"Daddy! Daddy!" Larissa recognized the voice of her father immediately.

"Hey, baby girl," Roger squatted down just inside Edward's front door to welcome his daughter into his arms. "Were you good for Mama today?"

"Of course, Daddy!" Larissa was quite put out by the question she was asked nearly every day.

"Hi, Dad," Ren came to greet his father as well.

"There's my boy," Roger grabbed Ren's head with one hand and pulled him close to kiss the side of his face. "How was school?"

"Mom came and got me out early today," Ren informed.

"Yeah," Roger stood up. "We wanna spend as much time with uncle Edward as we can before he goes, don't we? Hey, Yvie," he gave his wife a kiss on her lips as she joined them.

"Rog, Heineken?" Edward brought his former boss what he knew the man liked.

"Thanks," Roger accepted the frosty cold bottle and took a hearty swig. "Ah. That hits the spot. I haven't been home or I would have changed. Edward, you mind if I borrow some shorts and a tee shirt like that," he gestured to what Edward was wearing.

"Absolutely," Edward motioned toward the master bedroom. "You know where they are. Help yourself."

"Oh," Seth's face lit up and he rubbed his hands together as he as he moved to follow the uniformed Ranger. "He's not your boss anymore!"

"But he's still my husband," Yvonne warned.

"And I'm gonna go sit down," Seth spun around on his heel.

"I never thought I'd see that," Emmett quipped.

Roger just chuckled to himself as he shut the bedroom door. He left his uniform on Edward's bed and emerged dressed just the same as Edward was.

"Hey, Rog, help me drain the hot tub, will you?" Edward requested.

"Let's go," Roger gestured with his beer bottle and headed for the sliding glass door to the deck. Edward unlocked it and slid it open and Roger followed him out. Ren and Liam were right behind, determined to help in any way they could. Owen went to the door after it was closed and just stood there looking out.

"Owen, you wanna go out and watch them?" Seth could see the smaller boy didn't want to be left out, but had no idea how to help. He just looked at Seth and nodded in response.

"C'mon," Seth walked to join Owen at the door. "Let's go supervise," he slid the door open and let Owen go out ahead of him.

On the other side of the house, Garrett parked his Maybach in the street. And no sooner was he out of the car in the gathering dusk, than his brother pulled up behind him in his 4Runner. Garrett had gone home to change and now wore snug jeans with a hooded, zip up sweatshirt that he wore nothing beneath. Justin had stopped by his home as well, but only to pick up his wife and daughter who got out of the passenger side.

"Hey, Gar," Justin greeted his little brother. He wore the button down shirt and jeans that he had worn to work.

"Justin, Melinda," Garrett gave his sister-in-law a kiss. "And hello to you, my sweet girl," Garrett squatted down to get a full hug from his niece.

"So Edward's moving to New York tomorrow, huh?" Justin could hardly believe it.

"Indeed he is," Garrett confirmed what they already knew.

"Damn," Justin shook his head. "It's a nice place to visit, but I sure as shit would never want to live there."

"Edward has a pretty good reason," Melinda evaluated as they started down Edward's driveway.

"Yeah I guess he does," Justin conceded. "First Nasir, now Edward. Don't you and Seth go moving to New York on us."

"Huh," Garrett laughed. "No," he agreed. "Hello," Garrett called as he opened Edward's front door.

"In here, Garrett," Emmett called back. "Oh, hey," he rose from the dining room table when he saw that Garrett was not alone. "Hi, guys. Hi, Miss Stephie."

"Hi, uncle Emmett," she reached up for him and he bent to pick her up in a gentle bear hug.

"You guys want a beer?" Emmett asked as he held the girl astride his hip.

"I will get them," Nasir headed for the kitchen. He knew what Garrett and Justin drank, and Seth had made a point to get both when they stopped to get the beer on the way.

"How about a diet pepsi, Melinda?" Maggie offered.

"That would be perfect," Melinda nodded.

"You like your pepsi with ice?" Nasir asked from the kitchen as he popped the tops off the Thompson brothers' beers.

"Yes, please, Nasir," Melinda answered.

"Thank you," Garrett took his beer and handed Justin his. He looked around and waited for a moment while Nasir poured his sister-in-law her diet cola. "So, anyone see a Native American man around here about yea tall," Garrett held out his hand.

"Oh, he is outside, Garrett," Nasir put his hand on his best friend's shoulder. "He is with Owen."

"What are they doing outside?" Justin asked.

"Roger's helping Edward drain the hot tub," Emmett answered.

"Well, hell, why didn't you say so?" Justin headed for the door. He slid it aside and walked out. There were not often things doing at these gatherings that would much interest a straight man, but this was something he was ready to jump into head first. Garrett followed his brother outside, but only to seek out his husband.

"Hi, Honey," Seth smiled. He sat in a teak chair and faced the railing with Owen in his lap.

"Two of my favorite boys," Garrett gave Owen a kiss on the top of his head and Seth a kiss on his lips.

"Whataya got on under that?" Seth asked. He reached up and pulled the zipper of Garrett's hoodie down halfway, and in so doing, discovered the answer to his question. "Hmm. It's gonna be a fun ride home."

Owen had no concept of the meaning of their words and just sat contentedly watching the three men and two older boys drain the tub and filtration system, and make it ready for winter. Edward left it on year round ordinarily. It was especially nice on a cold winter's night to sit out in the tub and soak, and watch the lake and stars. He had hoped to do so with Jasper this winter, but that would not happen this year. He also hoped that they could get to a point where they flew back and forth fairly regularly, but that would not be this winter. Their lives needed to normalize before that could happen, and that would take time. Time together in New York.

Garrett slid a chair close to Seth's and joined him in watching the men and boys work. Edward was certainly capable, but Roger and Justin were entirely in their element. This was as much fun for them as the time Seth had organized the water gun war in the summer months, complete with warpaint on his and the boys' faces.

"Hey, guys," a familiar female voice greeted from behind them.

"Oh, Leah," Garrett rose to greet and kiss his other sister-in-law.

"Hi, Sis," Seth did not get up so as not to displace Owen.

"Hey. So," Leah perched on the arm of Seth's chair, "Edward is leaving us, huh?"

"We'll never lose him," Seth spoke wisdom. "We just won't see him as often as we'd like. He'll be in a better place than he's ever been. And I don't mean that geographically."

"Edward," Garrett called to the men who worked under the lights of the gazebo, "should we think about dinner?"

"Oh, yeah," Edward stood up. "Is that Leah? Hey, Leah," he gave a wave. "Will you order, Garrett? The number of the pizza place is on my fridge."

"No problem," Garrett headed inside. "Oh," he turned back. "What do you men like on your pizza?"

"Meat!" Roger enthused.

"Meat!" Justin echoed. Edward just stood and stared at them.

"Ha!" Seth could hardly contain himself. "I thought we were the meat eaters!"

"I mean, anchovy," Justin corrected. "Yeah, double anchovy! Right, Roger?"

"You're disgusting," Roger was not about to go along with that. "Seth, tonight I'm a meat eater too. In fact, I might even let you sit on my lap while we eat!"

"Meat, Honey. Order lots of meat," Seth instructed.

"Meat. Got it. Leah, grilled veggie?" Garrett knew her well.

"Only if someone else wants that too," Leah did not want to be selfish.

"I'll go ask the ladies what they would like," Garrett headed inside.

"Be sure and tell Emmy he's one of the ladies!" Seth found that very amusing.

"I shall," Garrett pulled open the sliding door and stepped inside. "Pizza time. Chicken alfredo with mushrooms for you two?"

"Yes, please," Emmett put his arm around his husband.

"Does the place you're calling have artichokes and eggplant? I have such strange cravings," Melinda rubbed her bump.

"I'll see if the veggie can come with that," Garrett nodded.

"Anyone else want pepperoni and mushroom?" Yvonne asked.

"That sounds good to me," Maggie nodded.

"Me too," Diane agreed.

"Rosie will like that too," Maggie added.

"Cheese for the kids?" Garrett asked.

"Please," Maggie answered for the moms. Garrett walked into the kitchen and pulled his cell out of his pocket.

The last to arrive finally joined them with a rap on the door before she opened it and walked in.

"Hey, there's my Roses," Emmett rose to greet her and gave the classy power realtor in the suit a warm hug.

"Hi, Em. Hi, everyone. Sorry I'm so late," Rosalie walked around the table and bent to give her wife a kiss.

"That's okay, Rosie." Maggie took her wife's hand as Rosalie sat beside her. "You remember Diane."

"Of course, hi," Rosalie smiled.

"You want a glass of wine?" Maggie asked.

"What's he got open?" Rosalie asked.

"I'll check," Maggie rose and headed into the kitchen.

Edward was such a wine drinker that the same bottle of wine that Maggie had opened the last time she was here, was still in the fridge, right where she left it. She poured her wife a glass and returned to the table.

"That same sauvignon blanc," Maggie placed it before Rosalie.

"Thanks, Freckles," Rosalie took a sip.

"So, did you make me lots of money today?" Maggie asked.

"The old Livingston mansion is finally sold," Rosalie confirmed. "I'm glad you two are here," she addressed Melinda and Yvonne. "What do we think about Disney this winter? I mean, Disney World in Florida."

"Oh, that might be nice," Melinda considered. "The kids would love it. We could get out of the cold too."

"Maybe do the four day parks, three night cruise thing," Rosalie suggested. "And I was thinking the Animal Kingdom Lodge."

"Oh, with rooms where we can see the animals?" Maggie was totally on board. "The kids would really love that!"

"This sounds expensive," Yvonne was wary. Rosalie immediately grabbed her hand. Park Superintendent though he may be, Roger's income was not such that they could keep up. Rosalie did not want to assure Yvonne that they had her family covered in front of everyone and just squeezed her hand to convey her message. Paying for Yvonne and her family was a small price to pay to have them all together.

"I was thinking one of those big villas where we could all stay together," Rosalie continued to outline.

"They have a villa big enough for all of us? Three families?" Yvonne could not imagine such an accommodation.

"They do actually," Rosalie confirmed. "With big balconies overlooking the animals."

"Could we do this in January?" Melinda requested. "The less huge I am the better."

"What about right after the holidays?" Rosalie suggested. "You guys are going to Philadelphia, right? You could just fly down from there."

"That would be perfect," Melinda nodded.

"Can Roger get the time off?" Rosalie continued to organize. "The park is pretty slow that time of year, right?"

"I'm sure he can," Yvonne confirmed.

"We certainly can't go skiing this year," Melinda commented. "Justin would never let me go careening down a mountain while I'm pregnant."

"That does seem inadvisable," Nasir nodded.

"Disney World is down in the wackadoodle bible belt," Emmett pointed out. "They don't give gay families a hard time do they?"

"I've never heard of that," Maggie looked to her wife.

"Say that Roger is Muslim and you are his wives," Nasir suggested.

"Remind me to pick up my burka from the dry cleaner's, Freckles," Rosalie jested.

"Get mine too," Maggie laughed.

The glass door slid open and Seth walked in, followed closely by Owen.

"Hi, Amazon," Seth greeted casually.

"Hey, Pipsqueak," Rosalie returned in kind. Seth said nothing else and continued through the house. Owen silently trailed after him. In another moment Seth and his tail walked back and Seth carried several towels from the linen closet.

"Did they get themselves wet?" Maggie laughed.

"The men didn't," Seth answered. "Ren and Liam decided it would be fun to play in the mud. Edward is hosing them off right now."

"The kids will freeze!" Maggie was concerned.

"Maybe they'll learn something," Yvonne had no sympathy.

"The water in the hose is warm from the sun," Seth mentioned and headed back outside.

In only a couple of minutes the whole group flooded into the house. The men herded the two boys, stripped to their underwear and wrapped in the towels.

"I'll put everything in the wash," Seth carried the soaked clothes and shoes, and headed for the laundry room.

"Ren Donovan, what were you thinking?!" Yvonne demanded.

"Sorry, Mom," Ren hung his head. Liam looked at his mothers with an apprehensive face.

"Liam, does playing in the mud seem like a good choice now?" Rosalie asked.

"No," Liam admitted.

"What are we going to do next time there's some running water or fun looking mud?" Rosalie followed up.

"Stay out of it," Liam gave the right answer.

"Okay," Rosalie was finished.

"See that you do that," Maggie added in a stern voice. In situations like this, she felt it was important for both parents to give a unified message.

"And what were the rest of you doing?" Yvonne was not done. "Four men out there and not one of you could watch them?"

"We were workin', Yvie," Roger defended.

"Sorry, Yvonne, girls," Edward apologized as he handed Roger and Justin a fresh beer. "Good thing I have extra clothes for the kids in their room. Pizza on the way?"

"Should be here shortly," Garrett confirmed.

Owen walked back into the dining room and without a word returned to Edward's side and leaned on his leg.

"Hey, you wanna sit with me some more?" Edward asked his nephew. Owen just nodded. Edward took his hand and led him to a an empty chair. He sat down and pulled Owen up into his lap. Owen immediately laid his head against Edward's chest. Edward held him closely and kissed the top of his head.

"Maggie, I'd get the boys' clothes, but...," he looked down at his nephew.

"I know where they are," Maggie rose and headed for the bedroom that Edward had reserved and furnished especially for her sons.

"We're gonna all want to eat in here, right?" Emmett surmised. "Should we get the extra chairs and leaves for the table?"

"Oh, yeah," Edward nodded. "You know where they are."

"Sure do," Emmett rose and headed for the door. Nasir was right behind him as they headed for the garage.

By the time they had Edward's table expanded and the kid sized table and chairs from the boys' room, the doorbell rang.

"I wanna play with the delivery boy!" Seth sing-songed as he bounced to the door ahead of anyone else. He opened the door and just as Seth had hoped, it was a local high school kid who worked in the evenings.

"Delivery," the kid had several bags.

"Hi," Seth was deliberately flirty. Garrett took hold of his husband by the shoulders, pulled him back from the door, and turned him away.

"Come right in, please," Garrett gestured. "On the table, if you don't mind."

"Yes, Sir," the teen walked through.

"I need to set you down, O," Edward did so and rose as the delivery boy set his insulated bags on the table.

"I'll need to see your credit card, Sir," the teen informed as he pulled all the boxes out of the bags. Garrett and Edward both reached for their wallets.

"What card did you use?" Edward asked.

"This one," Garrett handed it over to the young man.

"They have my information on file," Edward protested.

"Now they have mine as well," Garrett stated. The delivery boy rubbed the side of his pen repeatedly over the receipt as it lay atop Garrett's credit card to gain an imprint, and handed Garrett the pen with his card.

"Tip him in cash or he'll never see it," Edward pulled two twenties and a ten out of his wallet. "Here you go, Tim," he stuck the cash in the kid's hand.

"Thank you very much, Mr. Cullen," Tim was grateful. This was not Tim's first delivery to the Cullen residence.

"I'll add a bit of a tip anyway so they won't think we stiffed you," Garrett handed back the pen and receipt.

"Thank you very much. You guys enjoy your dinner. Have a nice night," Tim gathered up his bags and headed for the door.

"Food!" Roger rubbed his stomach.

"I know, right?" Emmett was hungry as well.

"Where's my double anchovy?" Justin teased as he looked in the boxes.

"Double anchovy?!" Melinda was not in on the joke. "Why in the world would you order that? You don't eat anchovies."

"You'll eat meat and like it!" Seth jabbed his brother-in-law in the ribs with his finger.

"I'll let my brother do that for you, Seth," Justin patted the smaller man on the back.

"Justin," Melinda chastised. Others, and particularly Diane, found that very amusing. Roger and Justin each took a slice of the meat lover's and just stood there as they took a bite.

"Would we like to let the ladies go first?" Seth gestured.

"Girls, pizza," Justin pointed to the boxes on the table.

"Oh, thank you. May we?" Rosalie was sarcastic. It only made Justin and Roger snicker together.

"Let's get the kids situated first," Maggie headed into the kitchen again. She knew where Edward kept his reusable plastic plates.

Ren, now dressed in a slightly too tight and too short tee shirt, and sweatpants that only reached his calves, took charge of the kids. He made sure to sit between his sister and Owen, while inevitably Liam and Stephanie sat together. Ren's natural leadership and compassion for those in his care was already making itself evident. Something that made his father smile every time he saw it.

"Liam, get everyone a fresh juice box from the fridge," Maggie bid. Liam didn't answer, but did as he was told.

"Here, Ren," Rosalie placed a slice of cheese pizza on each plate and handed them to Ren to serve the other kids. "And be careful. The pizza's hot," she warned.

"We will, aunt Rosalie," Ren nodded.

With food and spill proof drinks, the moms left the kids to it, confident in the knowledge that Ren would see that the finicky eaters ate. The adults all sat around the elongated table. Only Justin and Roger didn't want a plate, content to hold each slice until they totally consumed it.

When everyone was done, Maggie began to gather the plates but Rosalie placed a restraining hand on her forearm. "I'll take care of these. You just relax."

Maggie nodded. Her eyes drifted to her youngest son who had finished eating and had returned to his uncle Edward's lap. She felt her eyes filling with tears and rose abruptly, fearing she would be unable to remain stoic.

"It's a little stuffy in here, isn't it? I'll just go outside to get some fresh air," Maggie announced and left before anyone could respond. The kids remained oblivious, but the adults looked at each other with concern.

"Should I go talk to her?" Edward asked Rosalie.

"I don't know. She's emotional," Rosalie was honest.

"You stay. I'll talk to her," Roger commanded. Edward obeyed this order from a man who was no longer his boss, but whose judgment he would always trust and respect.

Roger found Maggie sitting on the deck, her face buried in her hands. He pulled over a chair and set next to her.

"Hey," he said quietly. "You doing okay?"

"Hey, Roger. They sent you out here to deal with the emotional wreck? Did you draw the short straw?" Maggie smiled weakly.

"Are you kidding? I volunteered. How often do I have a chance to spend time alone with a gorgeous redhead with skin like porcelain?" Roger turned on his dazzling smile with his considerable charm.

Maggie sniffled and laughed. "Like I don't know what your preferences in women are. But thanks, I needed that laugh. It hasn't been a great week."

"I know it's not worth much, but I know how you feel. Our Mountain won't be the same without him," Roger confided.

"Then why didn't you try harder to stop him?" Maggie demanded. "He never listened to me, but he does listen to you. He always has, from that first day he met you."

Roger smiled. "That was so long ago. I forgot you were there with him."

"I insisted on going with him," Maggie revealed. "Emmett had just told him a bunch of negative stuff he'd heard from Jasper and Edward was already so beaten down. I was worried what he might do."

"You've always been a good sister to him," Roger put a hand on her arm.

"Not always," Maggie sniffled again. "I was a total bitch when we were growing up."

"Well, you made up for it since then," Roger countered.

"I made up for some of it, but then when Jasper was here last week I said some things, and Edward was pissed. He's always been so protective of Jasper. I keep thinking he's moving because he doesn't want Jasper here, near me," Maggie confessed.

"I'm sure that's not it. He's moving because New York is where Jasper needs to be for his career and Edward needs to be with Jasper. You know that's all he's ever wanted." Roger pointed out.

"That's not true. It was before he met you, maybe, but then you steered him towards studying the environment and becoming a park ranger. He loves his Mountain!" Maggie countered.

"Not nearly as much as he loves Jasper. The Mountain filled in some of the gaps, we all did, for a while, but his dream has always been to be with the guy he loves. Sure, I could have been a dick about it when he tried to give me his resignation. I could have tried to talk him into staying longer, but that would have only made him more miserable. I could see that as obvious as this choice was for him, it was also difficult. I'd have been a real shitty and selfish friend if I made it even harder," Roger explained.

"I'm trying not to be a shitty, selfish sister," Maggie said dourly. "It's so hard, though. Especially seeing Owen so upset. Liam too, though he's less obvious about it."

"Rosalie's brother lives out of town, right? You don't see him that often," Roger observed.

"Yes, and I know what you're trying to say. It's different. The boys didn't grow up with him around," Maggie stated.

"You have your family and happiness. He deserves to have his. And for what it's worth, when Yvie and I talked with Jasper after the funeral last week, he seemed serious about moving here. I don't think this will be permanent," Roger revealed.

"Really?" Maggie looked at him hopefully. Roger gave her a smile and a shrug. She leaned in his direction and rested her head on his shoulder.

"If anyone told me ten years ago that I would be on speaking terms with Edward Cullen, much less torn up about his leaving Washington, I would have tried to have them admitted to a mental hospital," Maggie shared with a sigh.

Roger chuckled and wrapped his arm around her. "Better?" he asked and felt her nodding in response. "Then let's go back. There's not much time left before we all go home."

They went back inside and Maggie sat at the table beside her wife.

"Everything okay, Freckles?" Rosalie asked quietly as she took Maggie's hand.

"Yeah," Maggie gave a sigh. "As okay as it can be."

"We should probably get going," Justin set down his empty beer bottle. "Some of us have school tomorrow."

"Yeah," Roger reached for Edward and pulled him into a hug. "Lots of people are gonna miss seeing your ugly mug on our mountain every day. Especially me."

"I know. I'll miss everyone too," Edward enjoyed his dear friend and former boss' heartfelt hug.

"Edward, good luck, my man," Justin gave Edward a one armed hug.

"Thanks, Justin," Edward patted his back.

"You be okay, hear?" Yvonne directed as she embraced him.

"I will, Yvonne," Edward assured.

"Edward, I wish you all the best," Melinda took her turn.

"Thanks, Melinda," Edward gave the pregnant woman a warm hug.

The whole house began a general movement toward the door and Maggie stepped up to her brother.

"Maggie...," Edward reached for her. It was clear she was going to cry again.

"You're a big jerk," Maggie embraced her brother.

"I'm sorry," Edward began. "Please don't cry."

"You don't have to be sorry. Please don't be sorry," Maggie held him tightly. "I understand. Really, I do," she assured. "We're all going to miss you. The boys...," Maggie teared up and couldn't go on.

"Oh, Mags," Edward rubbed her back and the back of her head. "I'm going to miss you too and especially my boys. We'll be back. I swear we will, as often as we can. And if he just can't get off work, I'll come without him sometimes. I'm not leaving any of you. I love all of you. I have to do this."

"I know," Maggie sniffled and nodded. "I know you do. It's the best thing for you."

"Please don't let the kids see you cry," Edward bid. He knew it would only upset them to see their mother cry. Rosalie had astutely herded their kids out the door with the others when Maggie said goodbye to her brother.

"I don't know about Thanksgiving," Edward rubbed his sister's arms. "Things may still be too up in the air, but we'll see you for Christmas. I'll make it happen. I swear it to you."

"You better," Maggie stressed. "My family has never had a Christmas without you, Edward Cullen, and we're not about to start now."

"Me too, Mags. Me too," Edward pulled her close again. "I don't know exactly how yet, but we'll figure it out."

"Okay," Maggie pulled away. "Come say goodbye to my children," she took his hand and led him out to his driveway.

Liam had given Stephanie a hug and her parents had taken her out to the street where they were parked. The Donovans were herding their children into their minivan while the others stood in the driveway.

"C'mere, Buddy," Edward knelt and reached for Liam.

"When are we gonna see you again, uncle Edward?" Liam threw himself into Edward's arms.

"I'm not exactly sure, Liam," Edward held him tightly. "I don't know if I can make Thanksgiving. If I can't, you give your uncle Jason a big hug for me, okay?"

"I will," Liam assured.

"And I'll see you guys for Christmas for sure, and I'll make sure you have lots of presents," Edward promised.

"I can't wait!" Liam enthused.

"I love you," Edward held Liam's head to his.

"I love you too, uncle Edward," Liam meant it.

"Okay, hop in the car," Edward bid as he let the boy go. "C'mere, O," he reached for his younger nephew who stood holding his mother's hand. Owen moved into Edward's arms and melted into his chest.

"I wish you could stay," Owen spoke quietly.

"I know, Owen," Edward had to fight his own tears. "I wish I could too. I love you so much. I couldn't love you any more if you were my own kids," he held the small boy tightly. "I just won't see you quite as often. Mommy will help you skype so I can see you and talk to you as much as you want, okay?" Edward looked up imploringly at his sister who stood with tears running down her face and with her wife's reassuring arm around her. Edward closed his eyes and lowered his head to Owen's. They stayed that way for a good long while and everyone silently gave them the space to do it.

"Okay," Edward finally lifted his head. "It's getting late and your brother has school tomorrow. I love you, little man."

"I love you," Owen remained against Edward's chest.

"I'll put you in your seat," Edward rose and lifted the boy with him. Maggie wiped her face while Rosalie shielded her from their kids and Edward walked around the minivan with Owen. He placed Owen in his car seat and buckled him in.

"Okay. There you go," Edward kissed the boy on his temple. "C'mere, Liam," he gestured. Liam freed himself in an instant and stepped over to the passenger side to receive his own kiss.

"I love you, little bro," Rosalie pulled Edward into her arms.

"I love you too, Rosalie," Edward hugged her back. "Take care of them."

"Till the day I die," Rosalie assured. She let him go and turned to see her wife into the driver's seat of their minivan. "I'll follow you," Rosalie leaned in to give Maggie a kiss on her lips. "I'll see you at home, boys."

"Okay, Mom," Liam was agreeable.

Roger saw his children safely in their seats in their minivan and looked to his NPS truck, which made him remember what he was wearing. "Oh, I best get my uniform. Say goodbye to my kids," he patted Edward on the shoulder as he headed back into the house.

"I'll help you, Roger," Seth put his arm around the straight man and walked with him. Garrett just laughed and shook his head.

"You wanna carry my pants?" Roger asked with a grin.

"I don't necessarily want to carry anything," Seth explained as they made their way inside and to Edward's bedroom. "But if you need someone to hold your dick for you while you change, I'm happy to help," he offered.

"That's very generous of you, Seth. You'll need both hands," Roger went to the bed to pick up his uniform

"I've got two hands and a big mouth!" Seth teased from where he remained in the doorway and leaned on the doorjamb. "What, you're not gonna change?" he protested when he saw that Roger was just gathering his clothes.

"You just wanna see my bare, black ass," Roger teased.

"I wanna see your big, black dick!" Seth corrected.

"You wanna see this?" Roger pulled the front of his shorts down enough to expose his dark, curly pubes, and the very base of his thick, dark, hanging meat, and watched Seth's face lite up. "Sorry, that's just for my wife," he pulled his waistband back up into place.

"You tease!" Seth protested.

Roger laughed and headed back outside.

"I can't believe you did that," Seth trailed the straight man.

Outside, Diane reached up to give Edward a hug as well. "I'm going to toddle off home now myself. I'll collect Remmy tomorrow after work and keep an eye on the house for you. Don't be too much of a stranger, though."

"I won't," Edward agreed. "Thanks for everything, Diane."

"Don't mention it. Call if you need me to do anything at all," Diane let him go. "Night all," she bid with a wave.

"Night," Emmett waved back.

"I'll follow you, Yvie," Roger gave his wife a kiss just as Rosalie had done with her's. "See you at home, kids."

"Okay, Dad," Ren agreed.

"Bye, Daddy!" Larissa called after him.

Edward watched the minivans back out and their spouses follow them down the street, and his strength began to give out. He felt his eyes well up and put a hand to his face. "Fuck," he swore. This shouldn't be this hard. Emmett and Seth closed in on Edward from both sides to hold him.

"Thanks, guys," Edward took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

"We should probably think about getting some shut eye," Emmett advised. "We're gonna have to head out around four thirty I figure."

"Yeah," Edward nodded. "Yeah."

"Edward," Leah stepped up to him to take her turn. "You're like a little brother to me now too."

"You've done things with him you wouldn't do with a brother," Seth reminded.

"Ancient history aside," Leah gave her brother a glare as she held Edward.

"C'mon, Babe. Let's get those extra chairs put away and the dining room put back together," Emmett bid and Nasir followed. "Night, Leah," he paused to rub her shoulder.

"Night, guys," Leah gave a wave.

"It's nice to have a big sister who knows how to handle Seth," Edward made light.

"As if anyone could," Leah quipped.

"I can," Garrett asserted.

"And I'm glad, Honey," Seth leaned against his husband and wrapped his arms around him. Garrett just smiled and rubbed Seth's back.

"Take care of Roberto for me," Edward rubbed Leah's arms as he let her go.

"You know I will," Leah assured. "Take care of yourself. Okay, give me a hug, you brat."

"Okay," Seth happily embraced his sister. "Night, ya witch."

"Garrett," Leah moved to her brother-in-law.

"Night, Leah," Garrett hugged her.

"Okay, I'm going," Leah pulled her keys out of her pocket and headed down the driveway.

"Need help emptying the fridge?" Seth asked.

"Oh, shit," Edward had forgotten. "Yeah," he led the way back into the house. "And take all the beer with you too. Well, maybe leave us each one more."

"Are you planning to unplug the fridge?" Seth asked as he and Garrett followed to the kitchen. "The beer will keep."

"I'm definitely not unplugging the fridge. No way are we gonna be gone that long," Edward assured as he opened the refrigerator door. "Yeah, I guess the beer will keep, but none of this food will. Please take it with you."

"Let's bag it up," Seth knew where Edward kept his plastic grocery bags to recycle.

Emmett and Nasir put the dining room back in order while Garrett carried several bags of food to the car. Garrett backed the car in from the street and up Edward's driveway while he did so. Seth held Edward's hand as they walked out of the house again. Emmett and Nasir followed them.

"Thanks for everything, Seth," Edward expressed. "Really, everything."

"Don't you dare say goodbye to me. This isn't goodbye," Seth pointed out. "I am always going to be in your life and you had just better accept that fact," he poked Edward's pec. "Oh, Edward," Seth stood in front of Edward and took both of Edward's hands in his. "I wish I was going with you. I'm a little torn actually, which kinda pisses me off, 'cause that never happens to me. Part of me wants to go with you so I can See for you, but deep down, I know you're going to be okay. And if you ever need help with anything at all, I am always just a phone call away."

"And I am only on the other side of the park," Nasir put a hand on Edward's shoulder. "Unless I am home," he amended as he put an arm around his husband.

"I'm so thankful that I have all you guys in my life. I love you guys so much," Edward pulled Seth to him.

"This day has been long, long in the coming," Seth spoke wisdom. "This is what it's all been for," he pulled back and put his hand flat on Edward's chest over his heart. "It's time. Go and be together with him."

"Thanks, Seth," Edward hugged the smaller man again.

"I love you," Seth expressed. "I hated you when I met you, but over the years I've very much come to love your big, annoying, smirky face."

"I love you too!" Edward laughed.

"Okay," Seth pulled away. "Hug my husband."

"Edward," Garrett stepped up to take his turn. "I hope you enjoy New York. It's a wonderful city, though it may take some getting used to for you."

"I'll be with Jas. That's all I care about," Edward expressed as he hugged Garrett.

"Yes. Know that all our love and very best wishes go with you as you embark on this next chapter of your life," Garrett was eloquent. He pulled back to be able to look Edward in the face and put one hand on Edward's shoulder. "If we don't see you here, we'll see you there."

"I look forward to it," Edward smiled.

"Okay, take me home, Honey," Seth took his husband's hand.

"Nasir, racquetball tomorrow after work?" Garrett asked.

"Happy to whip your ass anytime," Nasir answered.

"Emmett, you know what I would like you to do for me?" Garrett enquired.

"With pleasure," Emmett smiled at his husband.

"Goodnight," Garrett gave a wave as he and Seth turned toward the car.

"You can unzip the hoodie all the way now, Honey," Seth headed for the passenger side. "In fact, you don't have to wear it at all, do you? Or your pants?"

"Please don't get in a wreck on your way home!" Emmett called as they got in the car. Garrett lowered his window to give a final wave as he drove out of Edward's driveway.

"C'mon, Eddie," Emmett put an arm around Edward's shoulders. "What's left to do?"

"I still haven't checked into my flight," Edward answered as they walked back inside. "I just need to do that and I can pack up my laptop."

"You guys do that. I'll take out the trash," Emmett choreographed. Nasir followed Edward into his bedroom and sat on the bed with him while he logged onto the airline website.

"It will be very nice to have you in New York," Nasir nodded. "I can have a cocktail with both of you. Perhaps we can do dinner once a week," he suggested.

"I'd like that," Edward agreed. "I'm sure Jas would too," he expressed as he called up the seating chart for his flight. The window seats in the first class cabin were all taken, which was slightly annoying. He had hoped to be able to just sit peacefully for the long flight. On the other hand, an aisle seat would get him off the aircraft and into Jasper's arms just that much faster.

"There. All checked in," Edward closed his laptop and stuck it in his carry on bag. "Wallet, keys," he made sure he was organized. "Is this what I'm meant to wear on the plane?" Edward noticed the shirt and jeans laid out beside the bag.

"You will look very nice in that," Nasir stated.

"Okay," Edward gave in.

"Eddie, am I meant to roll that thing to the street?" Emmett asked as he returned.

"No. We can get fined if we just leave the bin out on the street," Edward answered. "Diane will wheel it out. Oh, do you think you could drop off the 'now' boxes for me tomorrow?"

"Sure, no problem. One more beer?" Emmett suggested.

"No. I think I'm ready to turn in," Edward decided.

"You want us to take the guest room? We can sleep in here with you, if you want," Emmett offered.

"Thanks, Em. I'm not gonna say that wouldn't be nice, but the last person I slept beside was Jasper, and I kinda want to be able to say that for the rest of my life."

"I get that," Emmett nodded. "I totally do."

"We will turn in as well," Nasir rose from the bed and moved to his husband. "You almost had two tops in bed with you, Habibi," he patted Emmett's butt.

"I know! Would you have taken turns, or would you have spit roasted me?" Emmett gave a grin.

"Oh, we'd have spit roasted you and high fived each other while we did it," Edward teased.

"Are you sure you don't want us to sleep in here with you?" Emmett turned and stuck out his ass toward Edward, and rubbed it invitingly.

"No," Nasir shook a finger. "Edward will fuck your mouth. Your ass is mine."

"Out, both of you!" Edward laughed and pointed.

"Night, Eddie. See you bright and early," Emmett bid. He put his arm around Nasir and they headed for the guest bedroom with the queen sized bed.

Edward shed his shorts and tee shirt, pulled down his bed, turned out the light and lay down. He gave a sigh as he pulled the covers over his naked body. This was the last night he would ever have to spend without the love of his life beside him. But he would at least be able to fall asleep listening to him. Edward reached for his cell to call Jasper.

Down the hall, Emmett and Nasir shed their clothes and got into the bed that, while not a king, was plenty wide enough for them. It was not, however, long enough for men their height, and their feet hung off the end. They didn't care at all as they were in each other's arms where they belonged.