Chapter Twenty-Two
Ernest
Enthusiastic. That was the word Toby used, wasn’t it? Actually, Hector made mention of that, too, in relation to Toby’s family. Enthusiastic. Ernest had never seen so much enthusiasm packed into the bodies of six people in his entire life.
He quickly peeked around the door of the shed where he was currently hiding. No, hiding wasn’t the right word. That implied that Ernest was afraid of his guests and was trying to avoid them. That would be totally unfair to Toby or his amazing family. But Ernest seriously needed a minute to breathe.
The parents and siblings arrived in town on Saturday morning.
Toby and Ernest met them at the café, because Toby’s parents wanted to see how the business was going, and all the new renovations.
Baby Kaya stole the show for a while—Toby’s mother loved babies—and Morty, Niall, and Toby fit in among the giggles and happy chatter Ernest recalled.
He hung back a bit, enjoying a few of the chocolate eclairs Morty had made for the occasion. After about an hour, Hector firmly said it was time for Kaya’s nap, and Toby took the hint. “Follow Ernest’s car, Dad,” he said, giving Morty and Niall a hug. “We’ll be at my new home in no time.”
Toby’s mother loved everything about Ernest’s house—she clapped when she saw the porch, “perfect for family gatherings.” She sighed happily about the view as she looked across the paddocks to the lake and hills beyond.
“I bet you have coffee on the porch every morning.” Ernest got the impression she not only approved, she was seriously thinking about moving in, but Toby quickly assured him through their mind link that his mom was just appreciating Ernest’s lovely home and its location.
After all that appreciating, Toby’s mom turned her attention to Ernest.
“It’s so kind of you to let us stay with you.” Toby’s mother reminded Ernest of a cherub. She wasn’t very tall, but she was round-faced, and round-bodied, with a smile that rivaled the brightness of the sun.
“You can call me mom, I absolutely insist. You’re part of the family now,” she said, giving him a hug. “Oh, Charlie, look at this man. Our Toby has done so well for himself. Don’t you just want to climb him like a pole to see if he’s as strong as he looks? And he’s so huggable.”
“Don’t mind my wife,” Charlie said with an equally big and beaming smile.
“My wife has always been attracted to muscles, but the Fates decided I was her perfect match instead.” Charlie was about an inch taller than his wife, with the same rotund figure and a mop of hair the same color as Toby’s.
“Are you going to think we’re nosy if I ask for a tour of the house? It looks amazing.”
The brothers—Brian, Dennis, Frank, and Saul—Ernest, couldn’t keep them straight in his head.
A lot of that was because the four males of various ages from their teen to early adulthood, never stopped moving.
They had the same smiles and sunny personalities as their parents, but they picked up and exclaimed over every single item in the house as if they’d found missing treasure.
Ernest noticed that all four boys were careful with everything they touched… which was everything. There wasn’t one cross word, one snarky comment—the family all seemed to be one happy, connected unit, and they clearly felt Ernest was part of their family too.
Toby’s mother had taken over the kitchen.
“I’m sure you’re a wonderful cook,” she said, patting Ernest’s stomach.
“There’s no way you get to your magnificent size eating takeout all the time.
But I also know Toby misses my home-cooked meals.
He and his friends have a great business with the bakery-café, but sometimes a person needs savory food. ”
That was that. Ernest, who was going to make coffee for everyone, found himself ushered out of the kitchen and told to sit in the living room while she was in the kitchen, checking all the cupboards, the fridge, and the pantry.
“I do love that Toby has gotten himself a good provider,” she called out happily as she pulled a couple of big pots from the back of Ernest’s cupboard. “It warms my heart, knowing you think so highly of him by looking after him so well.”
Considering all Ernest did was put in a click and collect order for his groceries, which he and Toby picked up on their way home the night before, he wasn’t sure where Toby’s mother was getting her ideas from.
He was going to say something, but Toby, who’d found his way to Ernest’s lap, just shook his head slightly.
My mom’s letting you know how much she likes you.
This was lovely in small doses, but the entire weekend was just a bit much.
After lunch on Sunday, Ernest excused himself and said he just had a couple of things he needed to check regarding the coverings in the paddocks.
He slipped out before anyone could offer to go with him, but instead of heading to the paddocks, where anyone could see him, he hurried over to the nearest shed and ducked inside.
Ernest knew if he went to the paddocks, then sooner or later, a couple of the boys, or Toby’s mom and/or dad, would join him.
For some reason they seemed so fascinated by the flower growing business.
It was confusing because while Ernest knew there were a lot of technicalities that went into a growing season, realistically, a lot of his work was based on sticking seeds into the ground and letting Mother Nature do the rest.
Once Ernest had explained about some of the flowers he exported overseas, Charlie had taken the time to do some online research, asking questions about fertilizers, how flowers were transported to keep them at their freshest, the danger of late frosts and heavy rain.
He was fascinated by the covers Ernest had over his new plants, wanting to know where Ernest had got them, what they were made of, and how durable they were.
It was the sort of interest Ernest would never have imagined from anybody except another flower grower, and yet Charlie genuinely wanted to know.
I can’t stay in the shed for long. Ernest didn’t want to upset Toby or his family. He had absolutely no complaints at all about Toby’s parents being in his house. They were wonderfully loving, caring, and accepting people. Ernest just wasn’t used to that.
He had acquaintances. Rick and he had been friends for years.
But Toby’s parents were a bit like Morty and Niall, except on steroids.
At least there are only two of them. Well, three if I count Hector, four if I count Kaya, but those two are quieter.
For goodness’ sake, now you’re rambling. Just breathe.
Resting against the wall, Ernest slowed his breathing, appreciating the quiet. He hadn’t realized how exhausting being around so many people with no break could be. The constant noise, the constant chatter, lots of laughter too, and people running around all over the place.
The night before, Charlie had taken over his grill.
He’d cooked the most amazing steaks and chops that Toby’s mother had found in Ernest’s freezer.
Everyone had a lovely time sitting outside on the porch.
Toby’s mother and brothers had shared stories about Toby growing up before Toby’s brothers shucked off their clothes and shifted, flying across the paddocks.
Charlie warned them firmly not to go anywhere near the covers.
Thank goodness Toby’s mom didn’t want to go with them, Ernest thought. He didn’t think he could look her in the face again if he’d seen her naked.
“Hey, are you all right?” Toby slipped into the shed. Ernest should have known his mate would find him.
“Everything’s fine, I promise. I’m just taking a breather.” Ernest didn’t know what else he could say. “You were right about your family’s enthusiasm.”
“Oh, my poor mate.” Toby came over and wrapped his arms around Ernest’s waist. He felt his soul settle the moment Toby’s head rested against his chest. “I’m guessing it’s all a bit overwhelming for you.
I did warn you they were enthusiastic. It was much the same the first time Hector met them, too.
” He giggled. “Hector disappeared into the bathroom at one point and didn’t come out for an hour. ”
That had been Ernest’s plan B. “Your family is, without doubt, the most wonderfully kind and accepting people I have ever met,” Ernest said.
“They have accepted me without question. They accept what I do. They…” Ernest blinked back a tear or two.
“My parents were very accepting too, and I know they would have loved you, but they were a lot quieter.”
Toby patted his chest. “I wish I’d met them, too, but it’s all right. You don’t need to explain. We’ll just breathe together, shall we? I have to admit, I forget how boisterous they can be when I haven’t seen them after a few months. I was the quiet one in my family, too.”
Chuckling, Toby added, “Why do you think I was the one living in my tiny apartment on my own when Niall and Morty shared the other one? This was back before the renovations, but I couldn’t be around my dearest friends twenty-four-seven either.
I like to spend time reading or just enjoying the quiet after a busy day at work.
I hope you noticed my family was very respectful of your things, though, and they didn’t go into our room at all. ”
“They’ve been wonderful,” Ernest agreed. “Please don’t ever think that I’ve got an issue with your family. I truly don’t. They can come and stay—”
Toby slapped his hand over his mouth, over Ernest’s mouth. “Do not finish that sentence. Do not say it. Promise me now,” Toby said. “Do not ever say that they can come and stay whenever they like.”
Ernest frowned. Moving Toby’s fingers away from his lips, he said, “But they can. I’d want them to know they are welcome here.”
“You’ve already made them feel very welcome.
Ernest, you have to promise. If you tell them they can stay anytime, then we won’t get a single weekend to ourselves.
My family loves to visit people—it’s like their hobby, and it’s not like they live a million miles away.
So, no, don’t say that. Please don’t. They can visit us at Christmas.
Well, after Christmas, because I thought we could invite our friends to share Christmas here with us if you wanted to. ”
Ernest nodded. He hadn’t even thought about Christmas, as it was months away, so it was sweet that Toby was already making plans for them both.
“Just remember, when it comes to my parents, we’ll enjoy them in small doses. As much as I love them, I know I’ll be glad they’ll be gone after dinner. I hope you were planning on an early night.”
Toby rubbed against him, and Ernest felt his cock jump to attention. It always did the moment Toby was anywhere near him.
“It’d be nice if we could have a bit of private fun before the working week starts.” Toby tickled his nipple through his shirt.
Ernest groaned, sliding his hands down Toby’s back. “You know I want that more than anything. Don’t ever doubt that.” It had been a long weekend, but Ernest couldn’t handle the idea of Toby’s parents hearing them having sex. “You probably think I’m a bit of a prude.”
“Only a little bit.” Toby grinned. “Honestly, could you imagine me being quiet when your dick is filling me up and making me sing. Waiting is a good idea. But come on, we’d better get back to them, otherwise, they’ll be sending out a search party.”
As if summoned, there was a knock on the shed door. The door opened barely a second later, and Brian poked his head around. “Are you two snuggling? Can we snuggle too? Is this a family hug time? There’s so much of your new mate to snuggle with, Toby. You have to share.”
Ernest swallowed another groan as Toby’s family all piled into the shed, and Ernest was being hugged from all sides.
They’ll be gone after dinner, Toby’s voice wafted through his head. Then we can have snuggle time of our own.