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.
