XXX CHAPTER 42 XXX

HOLY SHIT! JUST SAW THE ANNOUNCEMENT! CONGRATS!

Ahem, Professor, aren't you in class right now?

Class shmass! CY YOUNG, EM! You did it!

Emmett flopped down into the sand. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, the beach was quiet, and Emmett was free to laugh out loud at his phone. He knew damn well Edward would have been watching and waiting for the announcement, classes be damned.

Are you sneaking your phone under the desk? What if one of the kids catches you…or WORSE—the HEADMISTRESS?

I'd hear her heels clicking in time to stuff my phone in the desk. Back to the topic—did you see you were the unanimous choice? UNANIMOUS!

Had he seen it? Emmett laughed again. Um, yeah. I bet your ears are all red right now. Take a selfie. I have to see.

(ignoring) We have to celebrate! How's about I stop by Capital Grille and pick up some calamari and all the lobster mac you can eat?

Muhammed is coming to the city? Except on rare occasions, Edward slept in Renton during the week, which meant Emmett slept in Renton during the week.

Sure, what the hell. CY YOUNG! This is HUGE!

Truth was, Emmett had some pretty big ideas of his own. He'd just been working up the nerve to share them. Maybe he was punch drunk on the announcement, but this seemed as good a time as any.

I have another idea. We'll talk when I see you tonight.

You can't leave me hanging here without a hint!

His boyfriend was so wise; this was much better. Float the idea now and let Edward's imagination run wild.

Okay. Double date Friday night. My place.

afsdkjlkjglkajdsfjkhlkfjhlakjdhfkjdfh!

Enjoy your afternoon, Professor! xxx

XXX

How had Emmett never noticed before what a maze of decisions awaited the amateur shopper at his local Safeway? Perhaps because purchasing cut-up-fruit containers didn't involve knocking on melon rinds or plucking off fronds or sniffing at stems. Emmett retraced his path through the aisles, phone tucked securely under his chin.

"Tell me again why we can't just order a platter?"

"Platters are for cheaters. When I make my own fruit salad, I can serve the ideal ratio of melon to berries."

Emmett rolled his eyes, plucked yet another raised-web, non-bruised, non-leaking, firm-but-not-rock-hard, non-sloshy-sounding—per Edward's instructions—cantaloupe, raised it to his nose, and inhaled. Sweet, but is it too sweet? Glaring at the melon, Emmett dared the fucker to be imperfect.

"What if I bring you home all rancid fruit?"

"Then I'll make a quick run to the store before our guests arrive. No biggie. I told you I could stop and get everything on the list on my way home."

"No way! I can handle this! Just remind me . . . what do I want to hear when I knock on the watermelon?"

With the patience of a saint, Edward recited the tried-and-true Cullen watermelon selection system for the third time that day. ". . . And if you get a dull thud, the flesh is too soft. Your knuckles should bounce off the melon."

"Okay, hang on while I knock on a few."

"My pleasure."

Ignoring his boyfriend's sarcasm, Emmett plowed on. "All right, that's all set. I have grapes, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, honeydew, and pineapple. What'd I forget?"

"Kiwi always looks nice on top. Not too soft, not too firm. Get a couple."

"Wonderful . . . okay, what's next?

"Can you handle the veggies for the salad?"

"Hmm." Emmett smirked as he laid his hand on a particularly large cucumber. "I think I'm good with the salad."

"Okay, remember what I told you about the corn?"

"Yes, butterscotch-colored tassels, peel back the husk around the top, blah, blah, blah."

Edward chuffed. "Yes, I distinctly remember telling you 'blah, blah, blah.' Can you be trusted to pick out a fresh loaf of bread?"

Emmett followed his nose to the bakery, standing in awe before the array of varieties, shapes, and sizes. "Gimme a hint?"

Edward chuckled softly into his ear. "Whatever looks good and doesn't have mold growing on it is fine."

"Check! How we doing on time?"

"I have eighteen minutes before fifth period."

Emmett beat feet to the meat. "Aren't those your smarty pants kids?"

"Yep."

"Maybe you should've sent them to the store to pick out ripe fruit. Then we'd see just how smart they are."

Edward gave him a long-suffering sigh, but Emmett could hear the smile on his face. "I think linear equations might be enough of a challenge for them."

"Stop talking dirty, Professor. I'm standing in front of the meat case here. My excitement level is high enough."

The butcher sent a thick hand over the glass wall, and Emmett stretched for it. "Hey, Emmett! Good to see you! What can I get you today?"

"Hey, man. I'll take . . ."

Edward finished his sentence. "Four thick rib-eyes, not fatty but nicely marbled."

"Really? I have to ask for it like that?"

"Yes! Or take a picture and let me pick."

"Hell no! I think the butcher and I can handle this."

"Fine. Don't forget to mention the marbling."

"Later, Professor." Emmett sighed and shoved the phone into his pocket. "Apparently, I'll take four thick rib-eyes, not fatty but nicely marbled."

The butcher shot him a bro solidarity wink. "Girlfriend?"

"Something like that."

"Heehee, I get it, man." The butcher reached into the case with a gloved hand and shuffled the steaks around before setting a slab of beef on the scale. "I got you covered; only the best for our local hero. She'll love these." Emmett looked on as he piled three more steaks on top of the first. "Actually, you don't know how lucky you are that your girl eats meat. Nowadays, most of them are vegetarian"—he punched a code into the scale, wrapped the meat in brown paper, and slapped on the label—"or worse." His nose crinkled at the thought.

"Oh yeah, mine likes meat all right," Emmett said, adding his own wink back as he took the package.

"Sounds like you got yourself a keeper."

Yes, it certainly does.

XXX

"Save some wine for the guests!"

"Gotta keep the chef happy," Emmett said, topping off Edward's glass of the Joseph Phelps cab. "Besides, I bought four bottles. I think we're good. My sister weighs all of a hundred pounds. Half a glass gets her loopy."

Edward chuckled. "This oughtta be interesting."

"Mmhmm." Stepping behind Edward, Emmett wrapped his arms around his lover's waist as the wine kissed them both with a happy buzz. "Have I ever mentioned how sexy you look in my kitchen?"

"I believe you have." Edward tried to shrug him off, but Emmett held tight.

"Have I ever told you how sexy you are when you're chopping and dicing?"

"Have I ever told you how distracting you are when you rub up against me and whisper sweet nothings in my ear?"

Emmett's lips trailed soft kisses on the flesh between Edward's collar and hairline. "For a guy who can solve triple integrals, you seem awfully challenged cutting up a melon."

Setting the giant knife gingerly on the counter, Edward tipped back his head onto Emmett's shoulder and groaned. "I don't like your fingers so close to the blade. Makes me crazy."

Chuckling softly, Emmett rocked them slowly side to side. "You and Alice are going to get along great."

"Hey, speaking of our company, you should go light the grill."

"Sure you don't want to join me on the balcony?"

"Yep."

"I'll hold your hand." Emmett punctuated his singsong invitation by dragging his tongue around the shell of Edward's ear.

"Thanks anyway."

"Okay, but you won't get to watch me wrangle the fire."

"Just don't burn the steaks, Tarzan."

"Ha!" Emmett thwacked Edward on the ass and headed outside.

The fire roared to life. Emmett closed the lid and walked through the open slider just as the intercom buzzed. Stepping over to the wall panel in the kitchen, Emmett gave the okay to the concierge and looked up to find a very anxious Edward nipping at his wine.

Moving close enough to intertwine his fingers with Edward's, Emmett leaned in and gave him a quick peck on the lips. "They're going to love you."

"What if they don't think I'm good enough for you?"

"You're nuts. C'mere." Reaching a hand behind Edward's neck, Emmett pulled him in for a deeper kiss. He figured his tongue could be more convincing this way than yapping out some words Edward wouldn't hear right now, but he did that anyway when he was done with the kiss. "You're good enough for me. You're awesome for me. You're the best damn thing that's ever happened to me. It's obvious."

The elevator doors slid open, and Emmett tightened his grasp on Edward's hand, tugging him toward their guests. Jasper must've coached his wife on the way over. Alice looked ready to pounce, but she didn't. Thank God.

"Alice, Jasper, I'd like you to meet my partner, Edward Cullen."

Alice moved first, handing a foil-wrapped rectangular package to Emmett as she extended her hand toward Edward. "It's so wonderful to meet you, finally. Emmett's told us so much about you. Well, not so much, actually, because you know how he is . . ."

Jasper cleared his throat and gave his head a rein-it-in shake.

Edward grasped Alice's hand without letting go of Emmett's. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Alice."

Jasper followed suit, stepping forward to shake Edward's hand. "So you're the famous fan," he said with a giant smile.

"Seems so." Edward chuckled, but he was far from relaxed.

Emmett broke his connection with Edward to hug each of them. "How about some wine?" Emmett led the small parade to the kitchen and poured out two more generous glasses of the cab.

Jasper raised his glass first. "To the Cy Young winner!"

"To the unanimous choice," Edward said, correcting him firmly enough that Jasper gave him a touché nod.

"And here's to having a man in Emmett's kitchen who actually knows how to cook," Alice said, lifting her glass to clink.

Edward gave her an unsure smile.

"Oh, I didn't mean that he's brought so many other men here who couldn't cook, just that Emmett is so damn helpless in the kitchen! Good Lord. Jazzy, save me!"

It was Emmett who jumped in. "If you think his polenta is impressive, you should see him juggle!"

"Oh, now that I'd like to see," Alice said, never one to miss a trick.

"How about we save that for the after-dinner entertainment?" Emmett gave Edward a playful wink as he picked up the platter of steaks Edward had prepped for the grill. "Keep me company, sis?"

Mercifully, Alice took the hint, leaving Jas and Edward to get to know each other while she followed Emmett to the deck.

"How's my boy Sawyer liking his new school?"

As Alice regaled him with stories about his nephew, Emmett kept one eye on the kitchen. Jasper had settled onto one of the stools while Edward put the finishing touches on the salad. Through the glass slider, Emmett could see Jasper's unique brand of magic working; Edward's shoulders no longer clung to his ears.

". . . He's adorable, Em. Emmett?"

"Oh, yeah . . . well, of course he is. He has the McCarty bloodline in him."

"Excuse me?"

"What?"

"I was just saying that your boyfriend is adorable."

"Oh, sorry! When did we switch topics from Soy?"

Alice laughed, shaking her head at her distracted brother. "Thank God! I thought you were trying to tell me you share ancestry with Edward!"

Emmett set his full focus on his lover: slender build, reddish hair, fair skin, squared jaw. No, there was zero resemblance to Emmett or his sister. Nor was Edward's calm, even-keeled personality anything like the two of them.

"That's disgusting, Alice."

She let out a loud guffaw. "Can he really juggle?"

Emmett knew he was grinning like a fool, but he really couldn't help himself. "Yep. He's up to four balls now."

Alice sipped her wine, lowered the glass, and smirked at her brother. "You two actually look like it's painful to be this far apart."

Emmett turned the steaks as if the task required all his concentration. So, it was that obvious. "We can probably manage . . . unless someone needs her steak cooked past medium-rare."

"Okay, Mr. Flip Steak-flipper. I get it. But I see you, Emmett."

"You always do, sis." A fact that had both relieved and terrified him since childhood.

"I'm happy for you. And medium-rare works for me."

Emmett wrapped his left arm around his sister's shoulders and dropped a kiss on the top of her head. "Thank you."

They sauntered back inside, and Emmett placed the platter of steaks in the center of the dining table, whose main function up to this point had basically been to hold Emmett's mail. Thanks to Edward somehow unearthing decent supplies from Emmett's meager bachelor stash, the table looked not just functional but actually inviting.

"I have placemats?" Emmett asked.

Edward chuckled. "Yes, and napkins!"

"Huh, who knew?"

Alice and Jasper exchanged grins as they delivered bowls of fruit and salad to the table. Heading to the dining room, Edward balanced polenta in one hand and a water pitcher in the other.

"Need a hand, babe?"

Edward paused at the endearment. "Uh, nope . . . all set."

Emmett gave him a sly grin. "I really think the juggling is paying off."

"Everything looks great, Edward." Jasper took the seat next to Alice, leaving Edward and Emmett to sit next to each other.

"Emmett did all the shopping. All I did was chop and stir."

"I'm so glad to hear you're not letting my brother near the knives."

Emmett chuckled. "Told ya." Emmett made a show of opening his napkin, fluffing it with a flick of his wrist, and pressing it across his lap as if he were dining with the President.

"Don't worry, Alice. I'm not about to let anything happen to that arm."

"The professor's a little protective," Emmett said, that not-quite-containable starburst of pride drawing an eye roll from Edward.

Serving bowls circulated around the table; first bites were taken. More compliments were sent Edward's way.

"Emmett's told me about the weekly dinners at your house. That sounds really nice."

"Do you have any siblings?" Jasper asked him.

"Nope, only child."

"Ahh." Jasper gave one of his inscrutable shrink nods and took another bite of steak.

Emmett's curiosity was piqued. "Would you care to elaborate, Doctor Whitlock?"

"You really want to get him going on his birth order theories?"

Jasper chuckled. "Honey, they're not my theories. But I do have to admit, I find it all quite fascinating."

Edward, being the intellectual titan, was equally fascinated. "I'd love to hear your thoughts."

Jasper shot a glance at Emmett. "Just shut me up when it gets boring."

"Don't I always?"

He chuckled. "Yeah, you sure do." Jasper set down his fork and wiped his mouth, settling in for a long story. "The literature would say that because the only child never has to compete for a parent's attention, he ends up with all the support and all the expectations placed upon his shoulders. At the same time, all that adult interaction tends to make him mature for his age, somewhat of a perfectionist, extremely conscientious, and high-achieving."

"Ding, ding, ding, ding! Wow, he's got you pegged, babe."

"And what about the baby of the family?" Edward asked, turning the tables on Emmett.

"It's said that the last-born tends to be more free-spirited, outgoing, often a bit self-centered and attention-seeking."

Edward guffawed. "Doesn't sound like anyone I know."

"Nope, me either," Alice chimed in. "Certainly not one Emmett Seamus McCarty."

Edward's head whipped around. "Seamus?"

"Gee thanks, Alice."

Jasper plowed on, ignoring their chatter and Alice's giggles. "The really good news here is that the male only-child is basically like the universal blood donor; you make a great relationship match with any birth order partner."

Emmett moved his hand to Edward's back. "So basically, I found the Holy Grail here?"

Edward smirked. "You really need to ask your brother-in-law that question?"

The conversation flowed as freely as the wine. When it was time to clear the dishes, Alice followed Edward into the kitchen. Emmett debated whether to perform a search and rescue, but Jasper made the decision for him.

"He'll be fine, Emmett. Give them a little time together."

"Yeah, okay. Why don't we go sit down in the other room?"

The two men picked up their wine glasses and headed for the couch, stopping short when Jasper noticed the three-dimensional chess set on the coffee table.

"Wow, is this the Star Trek chessboard?"

"Yep, Edward got it for me for my birthday."

Jasper crouched so he was at eye-level with the top layer. "Are you actually playing a game of chess with this thing?"

Emmett chuffed. "I'm trying. Don't tell Edward, but I have absolutely no idea what's going on."

"Still, that's pretty incredible. I didn't even know you played two-dimensional chess. Don't you have to sit still for that?"

He couldn't help the grin that spread across his face. "The things we do for love."

Jasper plopped down close to him on the seat. "He seems every bit as great as you said he was."

Emmett glanced into the kitchen, where his sister and Edward were arranging the dessert. "Yeah, he's pretty fucking amazing."

"He's happy at Seven Hills?"

"He really is. He loves teaching."

"I'm sure he's great at it."

"He does seem to have endless patience. He says the professional staff is top-notch though the headmistress sounds a bit abrasive."

"Ah, Rosalie. She's tough, runs a tight ship over there. Your sister and I didn't want to send him to some school where a bunch of entitled parents are allowed to run roughshod over the trained experts."

"Edward would probably kiss you if he heard you say that."

Jasper chuckled. "I guess a kiss on the cheek would be okay."

"Who's kissing whom where and when?" Alice offered Emmett the plate of mint-stick brownies, his favorite.

"Never mind, dear," Jasper answered.

Choosing the biggest piece on the plate, Emmett glanced up to see Edward working his way through the remaining half-brownie in his hand. Chocolate-eating Edward was the next best sight to orgasmic Edward.

Emmett chuckled at him. "Couldn't even wait till she set down the plate?"

"These are delicious, Alice. I'm gonna need the recipe."

"Okay, but you might want to save it for the off-season. Big Mac here tends to go a little overboard with these."

Edward shrugged. "That's okay. I'll just make him run a couple extra miles."

A huge grin spread across Alice's face. "I like this guy. A lot."

Edward shoved in the last bite, doing a very poor job of hiding his self-satisfied smirk behind the chocolate. "So, Alice, Emmett tells me you're the go-to party planner in Seattle."

"I suppose . . . if the client wants a particular kind of party."

"Particular how?"

Alice smiled sweetly at him. "Particularly awesome."

Jasper snorted. "You can tell modesty runs in the family."

Edward shrugged. "When you're good, you're good."

"So"—Alice pressed forward before Emmett or Jasper could intercept the play—"if you're ever in the market for a wedding . . ."

"And there it is." Emmett gave Alice a what-the-fuck glare, but she just sat there and smiled, sweet as ever.

"Just something to tuck away."

"Seriously, Alice? I think you need to tuck it away."

Edward's hand closed over Emmett's shoulder. "Hey, it's okay," he said softly. "Unless you're freaked out, I mean. I'm fine."

Emmett cleared his throat, separating out the tangle of complicated elements. Was he protecting Edward or himself? From an overbearing sister? The idea of marriage?

Alice sighed. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to go there. I guess I got a little carried away. It's just that Emmett's never introduced us to anyone he's dated before."

Emmett snorted. "Gee! I wonder why!"

Jasper reached an arm around his wife's shoulders. "I'm sure they know you didn't mean any harm."

"Of course," Edward answered, squeezing Emmett's shoulder when he didn't respond.

"No worries, Alice." Emmett blew out a deep breath. "I might be a little sensitive."

The three of them went silent while Emmett wrestled with his conscience.

"Don't you think I wish I could take my boyfriend out for an actual date? God knows, he deserves to be treated like a king."

"Em, you know I don't care—"

"Don't you think I want to bring him as my partner to the food pantry tomorrow when the team packs Thanksgiving dinners for the homeless? Have him next to me when the guys get together to goof around? Hold his fucking hand walking down the street? Or, God forbid, actually kiss him in public?"

Agitation flooded Emmett's system with too much adrenaline to process. Even Edward's fingers moving through Emmett's hair couldn't soothe him.

Alice ventured into the murky waters first. "At the risk of digging myself into a bigger hole, do you really think that after winning the World Series, the Mariners would seriously not renew your contract just because you're gay?"

"I'd love to think everything would be okay, but we've all seen it happen again and again. It's not just the owners; it's the fans, the endorsements . . ."

Edward scooted impossibly closer to him on the couch. "Emmett, I want those things too, but if it doesn't happen for a month or a year or five years, I can live with it. If I have to stay in the shadows to be with you, it's a price I'm willing to pay. Please tell me you know I'm okay with what we have."

Emmett turned toward his lover, and their guests faded into the background. "I know you are, baby, and that breaks my heart even more. You deserve better than this."

"Stop, please. Let me ask you something. Do I look unhappy to you?"

Emmett chuffed. "You don't exactly look happy."

"That's because you're tearing yourself up over this. How can I make you understand I've been deliriously happy since you answered my tweet?"

In the quiet that followed, Emmett gazed deeply into Edward's pleading, sad eyes and searched his heart for the right answer.

"Emmett?" Jasper's gentle voice entered the conversation. "Mind if I offer another perspective?"

Emmett turned to him gratefully, throwing open his hands. "Please."

"What I'm hearing Edward say is that he's okay. In the brief time we've spent together, he hasn't exhibited any behavior that would lead me to doubt his ability to make that judgment. In fact, he is one of the most rational human beings I've ever met."

Emmett glanced at Edward, and they shared a chuckle. "Agreed."

"Good." Jasper took a breath and smiled. "In that case, why don't you trust what your partner is telling you, and stop beating yourself up about this?"

Edward chimed in, a huge smile on his face. "I like this guy. A lot."

Emmett's head dipped forward under the weight of the moment. Edward dropped a soft kiss on Emmett's forehead, supporting his head while Emmett considered Jasper's advice.

Nearly whispering, Emmett confessed his biggest fear. "I'm afraid you're going to suffocate in my closet."

Edward cupped Emmett's chin. "How can I suffocate if you're in there with me? You're all I need to breathe."

Alice whimpered, quickly covering her mouth with her hand when the boys looked over at her. "I'm sorry. That was just too sweet for words."

Jasper stood, walked over to his wife, and wrapped his arms around her. "I believe we have officially overstayed our welcome."

Author's Note: Emmett at the grocery store...now there was a funny concept (in my head). Good ol' Jasper, eh? And what about Alice, dropping the M bomb? Sisters can be so rude! XXX~BOH