CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

The Halloween party was in full swing by the time Matty cornered Antoni in Dustin's kitchen.

"Hi there," he said, sounding a little drunk and a lot happy.

"Hi!" Antoni said, discarding his drink on the nearby counter to drag Matty in by the front of his costume.

He'd pushed the hood of his own costume back to get some air because he was way too warm but he was still happy to have Matty close.

Matty nuzzled in. "Why did we have this party here?" he asked with a sigh against Antoni's temple. "I want to drag you off to our bed."

"Because we love your team?"

"Right that." Matty tried to get a grip on Antoni's ass but huffed when he realized it was covered in a lot of heavy fabric. "And why are we wearing these costumes?"

"Because Eli is obsessed with Pokémon and you're a pushover."

"That sounds right," Matty agreed.

Antoni smiled. They'd gone for themed family costumes this year. Matty was dressed as Snorlax, Antoni was Squirtle, Eli was Charmander, River was Bulbasaur, and Reese was the cutest little Pikachu ever.

Alexis had reluctantly dressed in an Eevee costume, though she'd flat-out refused to wear it to school. She had worn it tonight though, to go trick or treating with them, then changed into something "much cooler" and took off to spend Halloween with some of her friends.

Antoni didn't mind.

The evening had started out as a party for everyone on the team and their kids but some brilliant person—probably Charlie, because he'd arranged everything—had hired babysitters to watch the kids overnight at Anton and Elena's place so the adults could let loose.

"I mean, our house is empty tonight," Antoni pointed out. "No one would notice if we left here early, right?"

Not that he wasn't having fun. He was just really, really ready to get Matty alone.

"I like the way you think," Matty said. "God, and the way you feel."

Antoni slid a hand around the back of Matty's neck and pulled him in for a filthy kiss, rising on his toes to deepen it. Matty let out a low moan and Antoni was just about to grab him by the hand when he heard a pained sound from the other side of the room.

"Nooo," Colton moaned. "There's another one! God, every time I think I'll get a break from the obnoxious PDA it happens again!"

Matty pulled away and Antoni made an annoyed sound, trying to get him to come back.

"Yaterator, I have waited my whole life to find someone I love this much, so you can shut your damn mouth and look the other way," Matty grumbled. "Or, go make out with your person. Just let me enjoy mine."

Antoni laughed, pressing his forehead to the blue fabric of Matty's costume.

"Sorry, Colton," he muttered.

Colton sighed. "It's okay. I'll go find Birdie. And you know, act like an adult by not groping her in public."

Matty looked grumpy as he turned back. "Do I love my team?"

"I dunno," Antoni said with grin. "But I do."

"I guess that's good enough." Matty sighed. "I gotta run to the bathroom. The drinks have hit."

"Want some company?" Antoni waggled his eyebrows.

"Don't tempt me," Matty said with a grin. "But no. I'll pee and then we'll start making the rounds. Say goodbye to everyone. Then go home and enjoy having a nice quiet house to ourselves."

"It's a plan," Antoni said, already loving the idea. He tugged at his damp costume. "I'm gonna cool off on the patio, and I'll meet you downstairs in a few."

"Sounds good. Love you." Matty dropped a kiss on his lips, then left.

"Love you too," Antoni whispered, smiling.

He took the stairs down to the basement level where the pool and the ping-pong table were, winding through the crowd.

The lights were low and music played loudly on the speakers.

August was playing golf on the simulator while wearing … a Roman gladiator costume, maybe? Nico was dressed in a toga, dancing with Birdie and Kayla who were dressed as witches.

Laughing, Antoni passed Charlie and Dustin who had gone all out as Cinderella and Prince Charming.

Though when he'd complimented Charlie earlier, he'd winked and said, "that's Cinderfella, thank you!"

Several people stopped Antoni to talk and when he finally made it through the press of bodies, he slid the patio doors open, gratefully gulping in the cool autumn air.

It was chilly enough that it would likely frost tonight and he jerked in surprise at the sight of someone sitting on the patio furniture, staring at the crackling fire in the firepit.

Antoni pressed his hand to his chest. "Shit, you startled me."

Dominic glanced up. "Oh, hey, Antoni. Sorry."

"No, I just didn't expect anyone to be out here. I came out to cool off and … sorry. I'll leave you be."

"Uh, actually, while you're here, could I speak to you?"

Antoni blinked, surprised by the uncertain look on his face.

"Sure," Antoni said slowly. "Now?"

"Yes. I won't be long. I just want to say I'm sorry. I apologize that I haven't been very welcoming to you. I know Matty probably told you that I was worried about—about your relationship with him."

Antoni nodded, sinking onto a chair nearby. "Yeah, he's said a bit. He didn't tell me why; just said you had your reasons."

"Reasons, yes," Dominic said, looking down at his hands. "But it's no excuse. I'm sorry. I've been a dick and I want you to know I'm glad everything worked out. Because you and the kids do make Matty happy and I want that for him."

"I want that for him too," Antoni said softly.

"I know that now. And I should have given you the benefit of the doubt."

"You should have," Antoni agreed but when Dominic winced, he pressed on. "But why don't we start over?"

Dominic's shoulders softened and he leaned forward and held out a hand. "Hi, I'm Dominic Olson. You can call me Dom."

"Hi, Dom," Antoni said, smiling. "It's great to officially meet you."

Dom held his hand, looking him in the eye. "Congrats on your marriage. I hope you and Matty and the kids have a long, happy life together."

"Thank you," Antoni whispered. "That means a lot to me."

"Sure." Dom ducked his head, letting go and rising to his feet. "Well, that's all. I just wanted to set things right."

"I appreciate it," Antoni said. "And we'd love to have you over for dinner sometime."

"I'd like that." He gave Antoni a fleeting smile, then turned away, disappearing into the house.

When Antoni slipped into the house, he spotted Matty dancing with Nico, who was DJ-ing the party.

As Antoni approached, Nico did something on his phone, then fumbled for a knob on his turntable. The music stopped abruptly.

"Hey!" Jordan called out. "What happened?"

Nico cackled. "You've gotta hear this. I have some great news."

"Yeah, what is it?" Matty asked, sidling closer.

"Your ex, Courtney, she got fired from the TV show she's on," Nico said, loud enough for everyone to hear.

Antoni stepped closer, taking Matty's hand.

"Shit," Matty said. "What happened?"

"Well, this is the headline from the gossip site: Career Over? Courtney Quinn Digs in Following Recent Controversy Over Anti-LGBTQ+ Comments. The articles talks about all of the horrible stuff she posted on social media lately and that she just dug herself further into the hole talking about how she's being unfairly canceled." Nico mimed crying. "Oh, boo-hoo. I feel so sorry for her."

"Shiiit," Matty repeated, wincing.

"Sounds like she got what she deserved to me," Dom said, raising a glass.

Most of the guys on the team, and a few of the SAPs, raised their glasses too. "I'll second that," Dustin called out.

"Aww, no," Matty said. "I'd rather she learn from it."

"Matty," Antoni said, cupping his face in his hands. "You are the nicest human ever. But I agree with the guys. Good riddance to bad rubbish."

Several people cheered.

"Alright! I just wanted to share the good news, fam," Nico said with a laugh. "Now, let's get this party started again!"

He cranked up the music again and in no time, the party was rocking.

"You really aren't just a tiny bit glad to hear Courtney got what she deserved?" Antoni asked, winding his arms around Matty's neck.

Matty gave him a sheepish grin. "Maybe just a little."

Laughing, Antoni kissed him. "C'mon, big guy. Let's say goodbye to our friends and go home and celebrate alone."

Matty's grin widened. "You don't have to ask me twice."

The following morning, Matty awoke to a throbbing headache and what felt like a thousand pounds weighing him down.

He groaned and pressed his face against Antoni's neck.

"Too early," he muttered.

"Nope, it's time to wake up!" The cheerful voice did not belong to Antoni or one of the kids, and Matty lifted his head, squinting.

He blinked at the sight of Charlie grinning at him from the foot of the bed. He glanced over to see Dustin sprawled across his legs. Oh, that was the weight pinning him down.

Still didn't explain the headache though. Though, maybe Charlie's delicious drinks at the Halloween party last night were to blame for that.

Matty rubbed his eyes. "Umm, guys? What are you doing here?"

Antoni sat up abruptly, squinting at Charlie and Dustin. "What the hell?"

Charlie beamed. "We never got a chance to greet the newlyweds the way Matty greeted us, so I thought I'd return the favor this morning."

"Umm," Antoni said, blinking. "Thanks?"

Matty looked him over. His hair was wild and he had a hickey on his neck. Whoops. Apparently Matty had gotten a little enthusiastic last night after they got home from the party.

"You're horrible people," Matty said with a groan, flopping back against the pillows.

"Hey!" Dustin protested. "You started it!"

"I regret that now," Matty said to the ceiling. "I regret everything."

"Even me?" Antoni said, his voice a little rough. Matty wondered if it was just sleep or the amazing blowjob from last night. Maybe both.

"Nah," Matty said, pulling him close and tucking him against his shoulder. "Never you."

"Gosh, they're adorable," Charlie said with a sigh.

"Almost as adorable as us," Dustin agreed.

With a laugh, Matty kicked him.

"Ow!" Dustin huffed. "That hurt."

"You climbed into my bed!"

"And you nearly broke mine!"

They squabbled for a few minutes before Antoni cleared his throat. "Um, guys, could we break up this party? I really need to pee and I have no pants on."

Charlie giggled. "Ooh, we get breakfast and a show!"

Matty sat up. "There's breakfast? Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because you're making it, Mattykins!" Charlie leaned forward and kissed his cheek before hopping off the bed. "We brought the fixings and you can do the work. The whole team's coming!"

"This doesn't seem very fair," Matty grumbled.

"Well, now that you're married with a family, you never invite us over for your breakfasts anymore," Dustin said with a frown. "So we invited ourselves."

"Huh, that's true." Matty had missed cooking for guys who spent the night or came over in search of food and company. He flung back the covers. "Okay, I'll make breakfast."

Charlie made a strangled noise. "Jesus, Matty! You're packing in the front and the back."

Matty glanced down at his naked lap and shrugged, strolling to the bathroom. "That's what you get for stopping by uninvited."

"I wasn't complaining!" Charlie called after him and Dustin made an annoyed sound.

Antoni slipped into the bathroom behind him, wrapped in a blanket, still half-asleep looking. Matty grinned at him in the mirror, poking his tongue through the gap in his teeth because he knew it made Antoni laugh.

Antoni grinned back, then kissed his bicep. "Hey. Why don't we shower, then go make your team breakfast?"

Matty sighed. "You know, I was planning something more fun than that this morning."

Antoni dropped the blanket. "Well, there's always the shower …"

Later that afternoon, after the kids had returned and the team had been fed, Antoni was just debating if he wanted another mimosa when there was a knock on the door.

He frowned, turning to look for Matty. "Were we expecting anyone?"

"I don't think so," Matty said. "Let me check."

He pulled open the door and froze.

Worried, Antoni stepped closer, afraid it was the Swansons or something, but no, it was an older couple Antoni didn't recognize.

They were comically shorter than Matty, about half his height, with graying hair and sturdy-looking bodies.

"Who's that?" Antoni asked Dustin with a frown.

Dustin snickered. "That would be Matty's parents."

"Oh, shit." Antoni blanched. "I guess I should go meet my in-laws, huh?"

"Probably a good idea," Charlie said with a laugh.

Antoni jogged over, sliding his hand into Matty's and squeezing once. He looked ready to faint.

The woman pursed her lips, staring up at her son. "Matthew James Carlson. I cannot believe you didn't tell us you got married and have four children! Your sister found out on Facebook. That is unacceptable!"

"Umm," Matty said, a sheepish expression crossing his face. "Sorry? Life has been a little crazy lately and—"

"You got married two months ago!" She put her hands on her hips, glaring.

"Yeah. Sorry about that?"

She shook her head but there was something warm in her brown eyes that reminded Antoni of Matty's when he was holding back a laugh. "Well, I think it's about time you introduce us to your husband and our grandchildren then."