Justin was coming home for Christmas—though in all honesty, he was, in Brian's words, "coming and staying."
Not all was well at LaGuardia, though—snow had delayed all flights, including the one he was supposed to take into Pittsburgh, and it really looked as if he might not make it back after all.
After calling Jennifer and Debbie, he knew there was one more call he needed to make. Heaving a heavy sigh, he dialed the number.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Lindsay, it's me."
"Justin, where are you? It's Christmas Eve."
"Hey, listen, is Gus there?"
"I'll get him."
Lindsay crept into Gus' room, where he was sleeping in his bed. "Gus," she said, shaking his shoulders gently.
Gus woke, stretched, and yawned. "I'm tired."
"It's Jus," she said, handing him the receiver.
"Hi, Jus."
"Hey, Sonnyboy, listen, I don't think I'll be able to make it home in time for Christmas."
There was a long pause, and Justin knew—it was taking Gus all he had not to burst into tears. "Don't—don't you love us anymore?"
"Oh, Sonnyboy, of course I do—you're my buddy—and I'd give anything to be with you and your Daddy right now—it's just that the planes are having a hard time coming in due to the snow. I'll be there as soon as I possibly can."
"I love you, Jus." Now Justin could sense a slight tremble in Gus' voice.
"I love you, too, Gus. Be strong for me, keep Daddy happy, and I'll keep trying on this end."
Retrieving the handset from Gus, Lindsay replaced it on the base, scooped Gus in her arms, and did her best to comfort him. "I know you're sad because Jus can't be here, but don't give up hope—he may figure out a way yet."
Melanie, cuddling J.R. in her arms, reached out to stroke his hair. "I heard what he said," she whispered, having listened to the conversation on another extension. "Let's try to make the best of it. Now go to sleep," she added, "so Santa can come."