9. Tomás

Tomás

T omás let Juan choose the music for the day. He owed him bigtime for whatever he had done with Henry that morning. Tomás had never seen his omega look as free and happy as he had while dancing to one of Juan's favorite songs.

Juan and Carter focused on installing the new counters in the kitchen while Tomás worked on sanding the floors one final time. He'd already completed Columbo's corner, so he put the table and pillows back so Journey and Mitzy had somewhere to sit. The two dogs curled together in the sun, enjoying a late morning nap.

"This looks so much better," a woman said, walking through the front door. She was tall, blonde, and expensive with an air about her that reminded him a bit of Henry.

"You must be Audrey," he said, turning the sander off.

She eyed him for a moment, then stepped forward and held her hand out. "Audrey Powell."

"Tomás Wilson. Over there is Carter and Juan."

"Hi, Ms. Powell." Carter waved then quickly acted busy. "Tomás can answer any questions you have."

She gave his boss a wry look. "I feel so welcomed. Anyway, I brought some samples, Tomás, but my little bumblebee refuses to let me do anything to the floor." She looked the floor over. "I can see why. This is beautiful already."

Tomás smiled, heart beating faster as he remembered how happy Henry was the night before. "Henry loves the floors."

Audrey's eyes narrowed on him. "Hmm, I see. Well, tell me what you think of these wallpaper samples." She pulled a few swatches from the fancy bag she carried.

He looked them over carefully, holding each up to a bare, sheetrock wall. "Okay, so I think he'd like one of these two best, but you really should check with him. This is for an accent wall, right?"

He handed the two designs that reminded him of Henry to her. One was a dark green, textured wallpaper with an abstract design and the other was cream with a simple floral design.

"I see." She studied him for a moment, tapping her chin. "I like you, Tomás. How do you feel about Dolly Parton?"

"I prefer Neil Young."

She smiled at Journey and Mitzy. "Small dogs?"

"Love ‘em."

"Cantankerous parrots that swear?"

"They are my absolute favorite."

Audrey grinned. "Light blue dress shirts? My little brother came home this morning wearing one exactly your size."

"His had an accident." Tomás shrugged. "I'm a gentleman, so I gave him mine."

"High on Dolly Parton, my ass. I'll need your measurements." She spun around and went to another wall, holding up one of her swatches. "Henry has a charity ball to attend in two weeks, and I have the feeling he'll want you there. If you can't make it, we have some family friends to step in. Maybe Alistair or Keaton Web."

"Fuck Keaton," Juan yelled, stomping toward them. "That asshole needs my foot up his ass. You can't let him near Henry."

Audrey raised a brow. "I didn't know you were acquainted with the Webs."

Juan patted Tomás's back. Hard. "Tomás will go with Henry. Fit him up nice and all that shit." He glared at Tomás. "You beat the shit out of that Keaton guy if he comes near our Henry. Got it?"

"I feel like there is something you need to tell me about Keaton Web." Audrey gave Juan a pointed look. "Come on now. Tell me."

Juan shook his head. "Just keep him away from Henry."

Tomás and Audrey watched Juan go back to work. "Keaton Web, huh?" he asked.

"My baby bumblebee's ex-boyfriend." Audrey looked him over again. "Get me your measurements by Friday."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Good. Now, tell me about that coffee table in the corner. Where did it come from?"

"My brother made it."

"Does he make other furniture too?"

"Yeah. He can make anything out of wood."

She ran a hand over the old fireplace mantel. The carving was well-done, but had faded over the years. "Henry really loves this place, doesn't he?"

Tomás nodded. "He's happy here."

She gave him a hard look. "You better keep him happy. I want to see him smile every day like he did this morning."

"I'll do my best, ma'am."

She huffed and patted his cheek. "My God, you are so adorable. Daddy is going to love you. Papa? I'm not sure. He's harder to read."

After that, Audrey buzzed around the place, looking at her swatches and making notes. Carter and Juan tried to keep out of her way, but Tomás chatted with her anytime he had a free moment. He liked Henry's sister. She had a confidence that reminded him of Tali or Hannah.

By lunch time, the new counters and countertops were installed, the floor and stairs sanded, and the HVAC people were installing the new unit.

Audrey sat with the dogs, giving them pets and love.

Two vehicles pulled in one right after the other. Henry got out of the truck and Tomás's papa got out of the car.

"What's happening?" He pressed his face to the window.

Juan chuckled as he watched from beside Tomás. "Your papa brought us lunch. How nice."

"What a coincidence that it happens to be right when Henry was planning on stopping by." Carter shrugged. "Who would have guessed?"

"You texted Papa, didn't you?"

Carter looked offended. "I wouldn't do that. I texted my husband and told him when Henry would be here. He texted your papa."

"Nice, he brought fried chicken." Juan sighed happily. "I love your papa."

"Fried food isn't good for you." Audrey came to stand on Tomás's other side. "It's the natural enemy of your arteries."

"They're frenemies," Juan corrected her. "You worry too much. After a piece of Bennett Wilson's chicken, you'll understand."

"He brought Nate too." Tomás pouted as he watched his youngest brother take Henry's hand. "I want to hold Henry's hand."

Bennett's gaze fell on them and sharpened.

"Shit, we better go help him carry things inside." Tomás winced. "That's his help with groceries look."

By the time they got outside, Bennett had loaded Henry and Nate with food containers.

"We brought food, Tomás." Nate grinned at him. He still held Henry's hand.

Tomás reminded himself that his little brother was only five.

"I see that, buddy." Tomás didn't have time to say anymore before his papa handed him a box.

"These are more blankets." Bennett leaned up and kissed his cheek. "I think I'm going to like him, son."

"I do." Tomás smiled happily and carried the box inside.

"Audrey, please get Sophie from the car. I want to introduce her to Clucky," Henry said, setting the food onto the coffee table. "Hello, sweetie. Did you enjoy your time with Mitzy?"

Journey pawed at the omega's leg. "Woof."

"I'm glad to hear that, baby boy."

"I can't believe you're making me hold a chicken." Audrey carried Sophie away from her body. "Why is she dressed in a tutu?"

"She likes to feel pretty." Henry took Sophie and hugged her close to him, then kissed Tomás softly. "I'll be right back." He rushed out the back door.

"I knew it." Audrey smirked at him. "You're definitely coming to the charity ball."

Tomás ignored her and pulled Nate into a hug. "Are you hanging with Papa today?"

"We're meeting Henry."

"Don't listen to him." Bennett smiled innocently and handed Juan and Carter plates. "I just wanted to bring my son and his friends a yummy lunch."

"Sure," Tomás said, drawing the word out.

"Put me down. I wanna go see Clucky." Nate patted his shoulders.

Tomás sighed and set his little brother back on his feet. "Papa, can I have some chicken?"

Bennett grinned. "Of course, baby. You can tell me all about Henry while I make you a plate."

By the end of the day, Tomás was worn out. His papa had stayed and visited with Henry and Audrey for the rest of the afternoon while Tomás and the others worked and Nate played with the chickens and dogs.

He parked in his drive and smiled. Teague's truck was already there and Henry was at the fence, petting Paulo. The dogs sat on the porch, guarding a familiar laundry basket.

"Are we on puppy duty?" he asked, hugging Henry from behind.

"Do you mind?" Henry leaned back and kissed his chin. "They very kindly gave me last night off, so I thought I'd return the favor."

"I don't mind at all."

Paulo whinnied and bumped his nose to Henry's shoulder.

"I'm sorry. Was I not paying enough attention to you." Henry rubbed the horse's forehead. "I should make a pasture for Paulo at my house. That way he doesn't have to be alone when you stay over."

Henry smiled into the omega's hair. He didn't think Henry really understood what it took to move a horse from one house to another. It wasn't as easy as putting the dog into the car.

"Let's go inside. We can eat the dinner I brought and start watching Columbo ," Henry said, patting Paulo goodbye.

"Sounds good. What did you bring?" Tomás linked his hand with Henry's and led him across the wet yard and back to the porch.

"Stir fry made by Aunt Mia."

"Sweet."

A few moments later, they sat on the couch with the dogs and their dinner. Henry leaned against his side, pulling one of his new blankets up and around them.

"Wow, Columbo is not appropriate for kids," Henry said, fifteen minutes into the first episode. "Man is strangling his wife in the first show."

"Never said Abuela wanted me to watch the show." Tomás winced. "Now that I think about it, she did fuss at Abuelo a lot when I stayed up with him."

"That makes sense, but I'm invested now." Henry elbowed him. "I need to see how this goes."

"As long as I get to hold you, I'll watch anything."

Henry snuggled closer to him. "Do you ever think about having kids of your own? A baby to stay up and watch kid appropriate shows with in the evening?"

Tomás was quiet for a moment. "Can I tell you a secret?"

Henry nodded.

"I'm not against having a bio kid of my own, but one day, I'd like to foster or adopt kids like my dads do. There are so many out there like Tali and me that need someone. I think maybe we could be that someone."

"We?" Henry turned to stare at Tomás, eyes wide.

Tomás felt a moment of panic. "It's too soon, right? I'm sorry. Forget I said anything."

"Too late." Henry's eyes watered. "It was too late for me the day I met you. I think I'd like to have a house full of pets and kids that needed me. Everyone deserves love. Just like Journey, Columbo, and Sophie. Like me." He cupped Tomás's face in his hands. "Like you."

Tomás leaned over and buried his face against Henry's neck, nibbling his way down to Henry's shoulder. "I love you. Let's build that home full of love together."

"Okay, I'm pausing the show. No way I can concentrate when you say and do things like that."

Tomás chuckled, then licked and nipped Henry's neck while one hand stroked the omega's dick.

Henry moaned and sank back on the couch. "I can't imagine a home without you in it."

Tomás kissed him softly, then pushed the blanket back. "Can I taste you?"

"Fuck, yes." Henry fumbled as he undid his pants and slid them down his legs. "Absolutely. Please and thank you." He quickly pulled his shirt over his head, tossing it behind the couch.

Tomás trailed his lips down Henry's smooth chest, one hand kneading the muscles like a cat. He bit a nipple, then licked it before doing the same to the other one. He took his time pressing kisses to Henry's soft stomach.

When his mouth reached Henry's dick, Tomás hummed in pleasure. His omega had a beautiful body. He sat up and started working Henry's dick, licking his lips when he saw precum drip from the tip.

He leaned down and swallowed the head, sucking gently, while he stroked the rest of Henry's hard length. Steadily, he took more and more of Henry's dick in his mouth, sucking hard as he went.

Henry gently cupped Tomás's head as he panted. Tomás looked up, enjoying the sight of his omega's face, flushed with arousal.

Tomás pressed his own erection against the couch cushion, hips moving in rhythm with his strokes. He worked Henry's dick for a while, then moved onto his balls, sucking first one, then the other into his mouth.

"Yes, yes, yes!" Henry's grip on his head tightened, then he came, spurting cum between them. Henry barely closed his eyes in time.

Henry panted as he grabbed a napkin from the nearby coffee table. He wiped at Tomás's face. "I'm so sorry, love. I lost control."

Tomás grinned. "No apology needed. That was exactly what I wanted.