...several months later, back at Tremont house...

"Dad!... Daddd!"

Andrew Taylor-Kinney whined pretentiously in an attempt to get his father's attention.

"Not now Andy." Brian said dismissively.

Not to be put off, Andy then tugged on his fathers' shirt.

Brian balanced the phone between his ear and shoulder and walked over to the dark oak Tosca dresser that stood on the far end of the bedroom, dragging his son behind him who had a death grip on his $300 Prada shirt, no doubt wrinkling it beyond repair, and opened the bottom drawer to pull out two pairs of jeans.

"Cynthia for fuck sakes can you please just deal with it! I can't be in New York right now! In fact, it may be at least a week before I can fly out. Who knows how long we'll be at the hospital." He barked into the phone throwing the jeans into the Luis Vuitton suitcase that lay open on the bed.

Adeline was admitted into the hospital this morning. Her blood pressure had been all over the place and her sugar levels were high. The doctors said she had preecempsia, which Brian had no fucking clue was, but knew it was bad, and it was advised she be admitted for monitoring. If they couldn't get her vitals stabilized in the next forty-eight hours they were going to perform a C-section. It was still early, she was only thirty-three weeks pregnant, but the alternative could be possible injury, or worse, to her and the baby. Justin and he were extremely worried, and decided that at least one of them should stay at the hospital at all times. Justin was there now, while Brian was back at the house trying to pack a bag for them.

"Dad! That's a very bad word! You owe the jar!" His son admonished as he continued to tug on his fathers' shirt.

In an attempt to curb Brian's cursing in the house, Justin had set up a jar where Brian would have to put a hundred dollar bill in every time he cursed. To date they'd saved enough money for another trip to France.

Brian stopped packing for a minute and looked down at his son.

"Jesus Christ that jar is going to break me!" Brian said to his son.

"That's another bad word!" Andy said giving his father a disapproving look.

Brian huffed and made a face.

"Since when is Jesus Christ a bad word?" Brian asked.

"Daddy says when you say it, it's a bad word." Andy informed his father.

Brian poked his tongue in the side of his cheek.

"Hmm.. I guess your Daddy is right," he said.

"Daddy's always right Dad, geeshhh." Andy said rolling his eyes.

"I'll have you know your Daddy has been wrong on occasion. Now will you please let go of my shirt?" Brian said then headed towards the closet to retrieve more clothes to pack.

Andy sighed dismally but kept his grip firm on his fathers' shirt.

Brian stopped mid stride and turned to look down at his son having surmised he was not going to get any packing done until he addressed the situation.

"Andy what is it? I've got three things going on here; ya gotta help me out kiddo. What do you need?" He asked.

"You're still on the phone Dad!" Andy whined.

Brian flinched and shifted the phone to his other ear.

"Hold on Cyn, I'll be right with you," he said then turned his attention back to his son, quirking his eyebrows up, urging him to get on with it.

"Here, I made this for the baby." Andy said handing Brian a homemade card with his free hand. The other hand still held onto his Dads' shirt.

Brian smiled, touched by his sons' gesture.

He took it from his tiny hand and bent over to kiss his son's cheek before looking at the card. It was made out of Purple construction paper. Inside the words, "Welcome home baby brother!" were written in crayon.

"It's a beautiful card. I'll make sure he gets it." Brian said then directed his gaze to the hand that still gripped his shirt.

Andy blushed and let go of Brian's shirt. Brian winked at him then turned to put the card in the suitcase.

Everyone in the house was excited about the new baby. They'd been preparing all winter.

When the family returned from France last summer, Brian and Justin brought Adeline back with them. There was nothing in France keeping her there. No family, or friends, so she agreed to relocate to the states. Deb, God bless her soul, took her in and had been caring for her. The pregnancy had not been easy on Adeline. She was on medication for her psychosis, which thankfully was under control, but they were not without side effects. The baby was fine, but the pregnancy had put a lot of stress on her body. They were lucky she made it thirty-three weeks. The sonogram showed the baby was developed enough at this point to have a safe delivery if it came to it. There were other things however that couldn't be determined from the sonogram. Things like obstructive jaundice, under-developed lungs, and a few other birth defects that sometimes went undetected.

Brian was pondering the possible problems, and repercussions to the family should something go wrong when Maria came running into the bedroom breathless with excitement.

"Is the baby coming home today Dad?" She asked eagerly.

"I don't think so sweetie. These things take time." Brian answered.

"Will he be here in time for your birthday? If he is, can we then have a party? Can we! Can we Dad please?" She implored boisterously as she jumped up on the bed causing the suitcase to tumble over.

Brian groaned and retrieved the suitcase and started shoving clothes back in it.

"Maria sweetie, what did Dad say about his birthday?" Brian asked sending her an ominous look that was totally lost on her.

His children had been trying to talk him into having a party for his birthday for the past week. No one else in the family dared broach the subject.

Maria frowned at him.

"Oh Dad! You're just being silly! Everyone loves a birthday! Why can't we have a party Dad? That's not fair! Andy and I want cake!" Maria said pouting with her arms crossed over her chest as she stood on the bed glaring at her father looking very much like a warrior princess.

Brian was about to answer her when he heard Cynthia's voice on the other end of the phone. He had forgotten it was still nestled between his neck and shoulder.

"Shit! Hold on honey, I gotta finish this phone call." Brian said.

Andy sighed. "The jars gonna be full today," he told his sister.

Maria giggled.

Brian pulled the phone from his neck and put it to his ear.

"Yes I'm still here! Ok, listen to me Cyn, are you listening? Just tell Harvey I had a family emergency. I know he flew in from Texas just for this meeting but this can't be helped. Put Harvey up at the Ritz Carlton, get him a reservation at Maxine's, tickets to Mama Mia, no wait, make that Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, he should appreciate that, but before you do that, call Elite escorts, the number is in my Rolodex and arrange for a tall curvy red head to accompany him. That should pacify him. When Monday comes he'll go home happy, just remember to get him to reschedule with us before he goes." Brian pulled the phone away from his ear as Cynthia shrieked into it.

He made a face and stuck a finger in his ear as if to clear it. When she was done screeching, he put the phone back to his ear.

"I know you're not a Goddamned pimp Cyn! It's a legitimate escort service!" Brian said.

"That's more money for the jar Dad!" Maria said.

"What's a pimp Dad?" Andy chimed in.

Brian pinched the bridge of his nose and groaned.

"Cyn, I gotta run. Now be the good professional CEO I hired you to be and get the job done!" He bellowed then hung up.

He then walked to the intercom and called for help.

"Fran!" He yelled into speaker.

Not three minutes later Fran bolted up to the loft. Jagger and Emmett were on her heels.

"What are you screaming about?" She asked in her nasal voice.

Brian looked over at her.

"Fran, I have to get back to the hospital. Can you please take the kids downstairs so I can finish packing?" Brian said.

Andy turned to Emmett.

"Auntie Em, what's a pimp?" He asked innocently.

Emmett's mouth dropped open.

"Sweetie where did you hear that word?" He asked.

Brian rolled his eyes.

"Dad told Cynthia he knew she wasn't a Goddamned pimp." Andy said.

Jagger snickered behind Emmett.

"Andrew Taylor-Kinney, you know better than to use that kind of language. Now go get your allowance. In the Jar." Fran scolded Andy lightly.

Andy made the saddest face it broke Brian's heart. He bent over and whispered into his son's ear.

"Don't worry I won't let you take the fall for this. Go put your allowance in the jar and I'll replace it in your piggy bank later." Brian said.

How could he let his boy pay for repeating something he said? He knew Justin would give him hell later when he told him about this latest fiasco. Justin always accused Brian of being too indulgent with their children and Brian couldn't deny it. It was a good thing Justin was more disciplined in his parenting skills. If it were left up to Brian, there would be total chaos in the house.

"You know Dad this is your fault." Jagger said, trying to hide his mirth.

"It's ok Jag. I said a bad word. I have to put money in the Jar." Andy said.

Fran beamed at him.

"What a good boy! Your Daddy's going to be so proud when he hears how you took responsibility!" Fran said.

Andy sent his father a sly look. Brian winked at him. Oh yeah, total chaos, he thought.

"Ok you two. Out! I've got some packing to do. And NO planning any birthday parties for me!" Brian said sternly.

"Believe me, no one is. Actually, no one wants to even be around you that day!" Fran said.

Brian was turning forty on Saturday. He had not softened his position on the tragedy of it all. He refused to acknowledge that day.

Fran took the kids downstairs, leaving Jagger and Emmett behind.

"So Dad, how bad is it?" Jagger asked.

"It's the death toll for any decent fag." Brian remarked woefully.

Jagger let out an exasperated sound.

Emmett laughed.

"Honey I thought you said your thirtieth birthday marked the date of your demise?" Emmett teased.

"Well if I were your run of the mill every day fag it would have. But I survived. Apparently when you're the most fabulous fag on TWO continents, it takes a little longer." Brian quipped.

"Oh baby then I guess that means there's hope for me." Emmett said cheekily.

"You're beyond hope you ostentatious queen. Besides haven't you turned for..." Brian stopped and swallowed. He couldn't even say the word.

"Um, forty?" Emmett pressed.

"Yeah that. Haven't you reached that landmark yet? I mean fuck Emmett, how old are you? Every year we ask you and every year you evade the question. And they say I'm narcissistic!" Brian spouted indignantly.

"Sweetie don't you know that a lady never reveals her age. Too vulgar." Emmett drawled speciously.

Brian snorted.

"Too vain you mean. And I should add, delusional. Lady my ass. You forget I know you too long and too well you old queen. Lady is not a word I'd use to describe you." Brian returned.

Emmett's mouth dropped open.

"What do you mean 'old' queen? I'm younger than you Brian Kinney!" Emmett announced proudly.

Brian laughed.

"Yeah right. Tell that to that gray hair popping out on the side of your head." Brian sniped cruelly.

Emmett shrieked and ran into the bathroom to inspect his head.

"Ok Dad that was mean, and although I find you trading insults with Auntie Em very amusing, in a sick pretentious way, I wasn't talking about your birthday, I'm talking about Adeline." Jagger said.

Brian's face grew serious.

"We don't know. It's a waiting game at this point." Brian said.

Jagger went over and hugged his Dad. Brian hugged him back.

"It's going to be ok." Jagger said.

"I know." Brian answered then pulled away.

"What about you? How are things?" Brian asked.

Jagger had flown in from France to be with his Dad's for the birth of his new brother. Corrine had to stay behind because of work. Since moving to France, all Brian and Justin knew of Jagger's life was what he chose to tell them. They believed their son was happy, but were glad he was here so they could see for themselves how he was faring.

Jagger had made some major life decisions in the past few months. His tour was over, and he completed the last album on his record contract. He had a few more commitments he had to keep then he would be free. His manager and publicist were not happy, but Jagger wouldn't let them book anything for the next two years. They told him he was on fire, and if he didn't strike now, it could ruin his career. Comebacks were not easy, but Jagger insisted. He dismembered the band, much to the dismay of several members, one of whom was currently suing him for breech of promise, (though he wasn't concerned in the least, since his uncle Adam was his lawyer and that man never lost), and he moved to France to be with Corrine.

Jagger was firm in his decision. The stress of the pass several months were too much on his and Corrine's relationship. They were two very different people that had so much to learn about each other. The love was there, that was never in doubt, but loving someone was not the same as knowing them, and he and Corrine needed this time to get to know each other. They bought a small house outside of Paris. Corrine returned to her position at the hospital and Jagger had enrolled in college to study music therapy.

Growing up in a household full of kids who were all loved and respected gave Jagger an appreciation for the amazing job his Dads did in raising them. They demonstrated time and time again through their actions that happiness came through giving. Though his Dad loved to pretend otherwise, touting, with equally pretense pride, his narcissistic tendencies, he was happiest when he was doing for his family. No kid could ask for better role models.

Jagger took to heart his parents' philanthropic values. He knew how truly blessed he was and he wanted to give something back, make a difference, but didn't know how until one day the opportunity presented itself.

Shortly after moving to France, Corrine had taken Jagger on a tour of the clinic. When they got to the rehabilitation ward he was surprised to see people with disabilities ranging from autism to speech impairments being treated with music therapy. He found himself visiting that ward every day for weeks, helping the clinicians with their programs. It was Corrine who suggested he take some classes at the local college to better understand and aide the staff with the rehabilitation program.

He took her advice and enrolled at the University of Paris.

His family, especially his Dads, were ecstatic with his decision, but a little skeptical. They didn't know if Jagger would be happy not performing again. What they didn't know was that for the first time in his life Jagger felt he had purpose. He would never stop making music, it was in his blood, he even intended to form another band one day in the future but right now he was focused on his studies, and using his skills as a musician to help others. Being as bright as he was, he already landed an internship at the clinic.

As for his and Corrine's relationship, well it was anything but perfect but as odd as it may seem to others, their imperfect relationship was perfect for them.

Jagger gave his father a smile that could rival his Daddy J's.

"Actually Dad, things are pretty fucking great," he said.

Brian looked at his son's face and saw something he'd never thought he'd ever see in the boy's face considering all he's been through in his life. Contentment. Jagger was at peace with his life. His son was truly happy and that knowledge made Brian's heart swell with joy.

Brian pulled him in for another hug.

"I'm glad. You deserve all the happiness in the world," he said in a choked voice.

Jagger pulled back from his father and studied his eyes.

"No one deserves to be happy more than you and DJ," he said in a serious tone.

Brian smiled.

"Well I think there's enough happiness to go around for us all, don't you?" He said.

"Well I'm sure as Hell not happy about this!" Emmett said as he emerged from the bathroom holding a strand of gray hair between his fingers and away from his body as if the wiry fiber would infect the rest of his body should he let it touch him.

Brian and Jagger both busted out laughing at the look on Emmett's face.

"Oh God Em! I was just kidding! I swear I never saw it!" Brian said trying to reign in his mirth.

Jagger walked over to Emmett and threw his arm around his shoulders. He then proceeded to procure the offending hair from Emmett's fingers.

He put it up to his eyes to inspect.

"Hmmm...You know what I think?" He asked in all seriousness.

Emmett's eyes widened in concern.

"No what?" He asked.

"I think it's time Fran introduced you to her friend." Jagger said then turned sympathetic eyes to Emmett.

Emmett gulped.

"Oh my God, what friend? Who?" He asked.

"L'Oreille."

Emmett clucked his tongue and pushed Jagger away.

"Ha ha, very funny. I'm swearing you two to secrecy right now! This never happened, understand?" Emmett said with his hands on his hips and a scowl on his face.

Both Jagger and Brian backed away from him, hands up and swore they'd take his secret to their graves.

Seemingly satisfied, Emmett relaxed his stance.

"Ok. Now back to the business at hand. Do you have your toiletries packed yet?" He asked Brian.

"No, haven't gotten that far with Mutt and Jeff pestering me mercilessly since I got home." Brian said.

"They're just excited sweetie! How often do they get a new baby brother or sister!" Emmett said.

"Um, in this house? Quite often. Don't forget Dads' baby's due in just a few months." Jagger quipped.

Brian sighed.

"That's Ben and Michael's baby Jag. I'm just the donor," Brian said.

Emmett and Jagger exchanged, 'yeah, right' looks but held their tongues.

"Still, it's all very exciting! You know damn well Brian Kinney the bigger this family grows, the happier we all are! And, let's not forget the greatest advantage to having a houseful of children." Emmett said.

Brian raised his eyebrow.

"Oh? What's that?" He asked

"They keep us young!" Emmett exclaimed.

Brian laughed.

"Well Justin and I are sure doing our part to keep us all young. What about you Em? Do you and James ever think about having one of your own?" Brian asked.

"We have all the children we want Bri. Between your brood, Rena's daughter, Shane's three children and now with Michael and Ben's baby on the way, James and I feel like full time parents. We truly are blessed." Emmett said.

Brian smiled at him and nodded his head. The truth was, they were blessed to have Emmett and James in their lives. They took a big part in raising their children. So much so that Brian and Justin made Emmett and Rena, along with John and James by extension, Godparents to all their children. It truly did take a village to raise the Taylor-Kinney brood.

Emmett turned and disappeared into the bathroom to put together a toiletry bag while Jagger helped Brian finish packing.

Several minutes later Brian was standing out front putting the bags in the Mercedes-Benz Van, (because Brian wouldn't dare be caught dead in a 'family vehicle' unless it had a designer name), while Johnny secured the baby car seat in the back.

The whole family was out in the streets seeing him off. Including Jason.

Brian had warmed up to the boy considerably over the past few months. He was quickly becoming part of the family and if Brian had any doubts as to that development, all he had to do was take one look in his daughters' eyes to dispel them.

"Now Dad, don't forget to call as soon as there's any news." Lizzy said.

"Stop being a nag Lizzy. I told you already I'll call," he chided gently as he kissed her on the cheek.

He insisted they not all come to the hospital until the baby was born, and then, only a few at a time. Visiting hours and limitations would not accommodate their huge clan.

"Now I don't want you to worry. Everything is going to be fine. I've been lighting a candle every night for the past week. Oh! and make sure Justin eats! You know he forgets when his mind gets preoccupied." Joan said as she stepped forward to give her son a hug.

"Speaking of nags...Yes mother, I'll take care of your 'son'." Brian said with a bit of sarcasm in his tone. Though he and his mother had a good relationship now, she was more comfortable mothering Justin. Brian simply wasn't the mothering type. Justin on the other hand didn't mind her attentions.

He smiled at his mother taking some of the bite out of his words and returned her hug.

"Car seats belted in real good Dad!' Johnny said as he came around to give his father a hug goodbye. The boy grew several inches over the winter months. He was a good two inches taller than Brian now. Those basketball scholarships were just pouring in at this point.

"Thanks Johnny. Look after these two rascals while I'm gone." Brian said as he reached over to ruffle the twins' hair.

"Take care of yourself kiddo. The doc just took you off those blood pressure pills. Don't stress yourself out now. Everything's going to be just fine like Joan said. And let me know if you need more grubs. I can whip this stuff up in my sleep!"

This came from Deb who stopped by with two bags full of baked ziti for Justin, boneless garlic chicken for him, fresh baked rolls and sugar free lemon bars. Justin had enlisted her, along with the rest of the family, in monitoring his diet. His blood pressure was back under control since returning from France and the doctor took him off the pills. Justin was making sure he never went back on them again.

"Thanks Deb. I will," he said and hugged her.

"Ok, enough of the goodbyes already! He'll be back before you know it, with yet another Taylor-Kinney brat to add to the mix. God help us all." Jagger said in an exaggerated voice.

Everyone laughed.

Some more goodbyes and well wishes were exchanged before Jagger finally pulled his father way.

He walked him over to the drivers' side of the van and opened the door for him. Brian raised his brow.

"I'm not so old you need to be opening doors for me," he said as he climbed in.

"Never old. Like Uncle Mikey always says, "you'll always be young, you'll always be beautiful. You're Brian Kinney." Jagger said and closed the door.

Brian had no words to give his son. He knew those who loved him would always see him that way no matter how many years passed.

Maybe...He thought as he pulled away from the curb, waving good-bye to his family... turning forty wasn't such a big deal after all...

PART 2

The clock above the moss green sofa in the waiting room read 2:00 a.m. Brian walked over to Justin who was sitting on the couch and handed him the coffee he got from the nurses station. The hospital cafeteria was closed at this hour.

"Rena went home?" Justin asked taking the Styrofoam cup from Brian.

"Yeah, finally. I told her we'd call if there was any change." Brian said then sat down besides Justin.

They had a bit of a scare earlier in the evening. Adeline's pressure spiked and the baby's heart rate went up. They had to give her a mild sedative. She'd been sleeping ever since and her vitals were stable. The doctor's said if her pressure spiked one more time, they were going to do a C-section.

Rena wanted to stay with them all night, but Brian insisted she go home. He told her they would need her well rested to take over the second shift tomorrow. It was the only way to get his sister to leave.

Since the incident with Andy, Rena was never too far from Brian. She had a hard enough time losing one brother, twice; she was determined not to lose him.

"We're very lucky to have her you know." Justin said.

"Yeah, I know. Oh, by the way, Peter called earlier. He wanted to fly in tonight, but I told him to wait till the weekend. He still has two finals he has to take this week and there's really nothing he can do here." Brian said.

Justin nodded and blew on the hot dark brew in his hands.

"Good. I don't want him to miss those finals. He's too close to graduating," he said.

"Speaking of graduation, Lins and Mel want to have a moving up day party for Gus next weekend, providing the baby is here by then." Brian said.

Justin raised his brow.

"A moving up day? I never heard of that," he said.

Brian sighed.

"Apparently these days the schools make a big deal out of every fucking thing from kindergarten graduation to moving up to the next building. This is his last year at the elementary school. Next year he's off to the big leagues. Middle school." Brian said.

Justin laughed.

"Oh well, it's a good as any reason to celebrate. Speaking of celebrations..." Justin let his words trail off as he sent Brian a sideward glance.

Brian snorted.

"As if I could stop you. Just promise me you won't make a big spectacle out of it, ok?" He asked.

Justin shook his head.

"Nope. Can't do that. The kids are really looking forward to this. But I will promise you there will be no 'death' or 'over the hill' themes. There is too much life surrounding us, I want to celebrate that." Justin said.

Brian smiled at Justin and ran the back of his fingers down the side of his cheek.

"Have I told you lately how much I love you Sunshine?" He asked.

Justin gifted him with one of his million watt smiles.

"Every time you look at me," he answered.

Justin tilted his head up to give Brian a quick peck on his lips then turned away to take a sip of the coffee he'd been holding.

The brew was very strong; Justin made a face at the bitterness of it. He leaned over and placed the cup on the veneer coffee table that sat in front of the couch.

"God that's strong!" He complained.

Brian laughed low in his throat.

"Of course it is. The night nurses like it that way." Brian said picking the cup back up and taking a drink.

Justin gave him a look.

"How can you stand it?" He asked.

Brian shrugged and put the cup back down on the table.

"After a while you get use to it," he said.

Justin knew he was referring to a time long ago after the bashing when Brian watched over him every night in this very same hospital. From what Brian told him, he was drinking excessively during that time, and doing way too many drugs. He must have consumed a lot of the hospital coffee back then. No wonder he got use to it. It was a painful time for them, but it was in the past, and they've finally laid it to rest.

Justin was still in awe of how far they've come. At one time they shied away from talking about the painful periods in their lives, too afraid to voice out loud their trials, but now they talked freely about them without pain or regret. They were at a point where it no longer mattered. Neither would change anything about their past, or present. The events in their lives were neither bad, nor good; they were just pieces of the tapestry that was their destiny.

He nuzzled up to Brian and rubbed the top of his head into the crook of his neck.

"Can you believe Helen still works here?" He mused.

"Yeah I can. I'm glad though she got out of trauma and now works maternity. She must have seen a lot of bad shit up there." Brian said.

Helen was the night nurse on Justin's floor when Brian would come to visit him. She was always kind to him. Brian never forgot her. He spent a lot of time with her over the days and weeks Justin was in the hospital. Often he'd bring her a lemon bar from the diner, or a cup of Starbucks coffee. Helen and he shared a love for things sweet and bitter, and an aversion to the smell of death and sickness that permeated that ward. Helen was much more suited for the maternity ward.

"She's also witnessed a lot of miracles too I would guess." Justin said interrupting Brian's thoughts.

Brian kissed the top of Justin's head.

"I've no doubt," he agreed.

Brian knew first hand that miracles occurred every day. The fact that they were both still here after all they've been through was proof positive of their existence. Their lives were gifted with many miracles, and another one was on its way.

Justin entwined his fingers with Brian's and sighed. He stared down at their joined hands and smiled contently at the sight of their matching cowry bracelets.

...their cowry bracelets...

Justin sat up quickly pulling Brian's hand up with his.

"Oh my God Brian! I'm still wearing your bracelet!" He said then quickly started removing it from his wrist.

At first Brian was startled, then he remembered when they switched their commitment bracelets. It was the day he found him at the cabin and Justin had thought he had Brian's bracelet by mistake because of the inscription. That was so many months ago, they each forgot they never exchanged the bracelets back.

Brian removed Justin's bracelet from his own wrist.

"For someone who has a history of memory loss, you don't forget a thing do you?" Brian jested.

"Not the important things." Justin said then motioned for Brian to hold his wrist out.

Brian watched as Justin fastened his bracelet back on his wrist, where it belonged.

"If lost, please return to owner Justin Taylor." Justin recited the words inscribed on the inside of Brian's bracelet.

Brian then took Justin's bracelet and placed it back on his wrist.

"If lost, please return to owner Brian Kinney." He reiterated the words inscribed on Justin's bracelet.

"There. All is right in the universe now." Justin said then reached up and pulled Brian's head down for a kiss.

Brian thought as long as he lived, he'd never stop craving the feel and taste of Justin's lips on his own. He pulled Justin to him and deepened the kiss when the sound of someone clearing their voice forced him to pull back.

Helen was standing in the doorway. A worried look on her face.

"She's gone into labor," she said.

PART 3

"Her pressure is dropping doctor."

"I lost the baby's heartbeat!"

"Give her 20 milligrams of Nitroxyl stat!"

The nurses and doctors went into emergency mode. Brian and Justin were pushed to the back of the room while they frantically worked on Adeline.

She went into labor not twenty minutes ago and everything went downhill from there. They were prepping her for a C-section when her vitals took a dive, along with the baby's. They were in danger of losing both mother and child.

Brian and Justin stood out of the doctor's way and watched in horror. Brian held on to Justin tightly trying to soothe his shaking body.

"Brian..." Justin sobbed his name.

Brian could feel his despair deep in his heart. Tears fell from his eyes.

"Shh...Justin have faith...hold on." Brian urged.

"Doctor, the baby's coming!" A nurse yelled out.

"The mother's barely conscious, she can't push!" Another nurse said.

The doctor pulled Adeline's body down to the edge of the bed and pushed his hands inside of her.

"Adeline stay with me! I can't deliver this baby without your help!" The doctor yelled at her.

"Nurse, give her another 20 mil grams of Nitroxyl!" He barked out the order.

Justin wanted to run to be by Adeline's side but she was surrounded by nurses who were encouraging her on and keeping her conscious.

Adeline must have heard the doctor's plea and pushed herself up on her elbows.

"Yes, that's it, now PUSH!" The doctor yelled.

Adeline let out a blood-curdling scream and bore down with every ounce of strength she had left in her body.

"I've got the head!" The doctor shouted.

Justin held his breath.

"One more push Adeline, come on, you can do it!" The doctor ordered.

Adeline let out another strangled wail as she bore down again.

The baby popped out into the doctor's hands, but there was no crying.

"Brian, he's not crying. He's not crying!" Justin sobbed.

"Nurse, suction!" The doctor commanded.

The nurse brought a little bulbous instrument over and Brian and Justin watched as the doctor sucked all the mucus from the baby's mouth and nose.

Still no sounds came from the child.

The doctor lifted up his stethoscope that hung around his neck and put it to the baby's chest.

His next move sent Justin to his knees with fright. Brian held on to him tight, his own knees weak from fear.

The doctor laid the baby on Adeline's belly and started massaging his chest.

Adeline peered down at her son, her eyes widened in sheer terror.

"NO NO NO!" She screamed.

"I won't let you die my child, I won't!" She vowed then fell back against her pillow, her eyes rolled back in her head.

"Doctor she's going into cardiac arrest!" the nurse yelled.

"Goddamn it deal with it! Get the paddles out, I need to get the baby's heart beating!" The doctor ordered.

One nurse pushed the crash cart over to the bed and rubbed the paddles together while the other nurse ripped the gown from Adeline's' body.

The doctor moved the baby over to the warming station and continued massaging his chest.

"Clear!" The first nurse shouted.

Adeline's body jerked obscenely on the bed.

"Nothing. She's flat lining. Recharge!" The second nurse ordered.

The whole scene was surreal, something out of a horror movie and Justin and Brian felt like they were paralyzed in some awful alternative universe.

Then, in the middle of the pandemonium everything went still and an eerie silence fell over the room.

It was as if time suddenly stopped. Everyone stood frozen in place. Everyone except Brian and Justin.

Justin grabbed Brian as panic gripped him.

"Brian what's happening?" He asked in a strained voice.

"I don't know, but if I were to guess, I'd say we're about to have a visit from someone outside this world, again. I just hope it's a visit from above, and not below." Brian ventured cautiously.

Justin was about to voice that same sentiment when a bright light flooded the room nearly blinding them.

They shielded their eyes from the light, squinting to see its source.

Suddenly, and quite unexpectedly, the last person in the world they expected to see materialized in front of them.

It was Elliot.

Though there was something very different about Elliot. A luminous light surrounded his spirit, the same light that was inundating them and room, and he looked, well, pleased. As if all his questions had been answered.

But that was just the subtle difference in him. The most obvious difference is what rendered Brian and Justin speechless.

Elliot had wings.

Brian and Justin just stared at him, mouths agape.

"What? Never seen an Angel before?" Elliot asked with a hint of mirth in his voice.

Brian was the first to respond. He shook his head as if to clear his thoughts.

"But how?"

Elliot laughed.

"It's really a funny story actually. Well maybe more ironic than funny, but what would I know since I've never gotten human humor." Elliot said.

"Elliot! You're an Angel!" Justin seemed to have found his voice.

"Yes, I am. Thanks to you two, and your brother." Elliot answered looking at Brian.

"But how?" Brian asked again, still shocked at Elliot's presence. Last time they saw him he was on his way to Hell.

"Well apparently when I offered my soul in exchange for three human souls, it was considered an act of virtuous sacrifice. And according to Gods' law it was enough to earn me my wings. And as Law would also have it, a demon minion cannot claim the soul of an Angels'. The deal I made as an agent was no longer valid. Joffith cried foul, since the deal still held on his end, but there is no law above God's law. I was allowed to return home and your souls are still free and clear. The only person who can deny you your passage into heaven is you. And I would be so disappointed if I did not have your company when your time comes. So do me a favor, and live your lives in love, and faith, as I've seen you have been." Elliot said.

"Well E you did it. Though I'm not surprised. You are by far the oddest, yet noblest soul I've ever met. You more than earned those wings." Brian said.

Justin nodded in agreement.

"We're so very happy for you Elliot. We never could repay you for what you did for us." Justin said.

Elliot gave him an odd look.

"For someone who claims to be happy, you look very sad." Elliot said.

Justin lowered his eyes to hide his tears.

"My baby is dying," he said in a low grief stricken voice.

Brian's heart clenched painfully at Justin's words.

"Ah now, you haven't been listening to your partner. I believe I heard him say, "Have faith Justin...hold on." Elliot repeated Brian's words verbatim.

"You heard that?" Brian asked.

"Why do you think I'm here? When you live in faith, nothing is impossible." Elliot said then floated over to where the doctor stood frozen over the baby.

Elliot gently pushed the doctor aside and lowered his mouth to the tiny infants' mouth and breathed into him.

The baby's chest expanded and a tiny cry escaped from his lips.

Justin cried out in joy and rushed over to pick up his son. He turned to Brian with tear filled eyes and held the baby up to him.

"He's alive Brian! Our son is alive!" He exclaimed excitedly.

Brian put his hands under Justin's so they both cradled the infant.

"Thank you Elliot." Brian whispered in an emotion filled voice as he stared down at the beautiful baby his Sunshine created.

"Don't thank me. It was Adeline's doing." Elliot said.

Both Justin and Brian looked up at Elliot.

"I don't understand. What did Adeline do?" Justin asked.

"She offered her soul up for her child's. I'm here to make the exchange. You have your son, and Adeline will come home with me." Elliot said.

"No..." Justin whispered sadly. He was overjoyed his son lived, but extremely saddened that Adeline had to sacrifice her life.

"Why does it have to be this way?" He asked.

"It's her choice Justin. She chooses to come home. Do not grieve for her. Her husband awaits her." Elliot said.

"Jacques?" Justin said in a stunned voice.

"Yes. Their souls will be rejoined. And her baby is with its' father. Go forth in joy my friend. T'is a time for celebration, not mourning." Elliot advised.

Justin looked down at his son and smiled. Elliot was right. It was a time for celebration. They would not mourn Adeline's passing, instead they would celebrate her life and her child's life. Justin was sure it was how she would have wanted it to be.

"Tell her how grateful we are to her, and happy for her." Justin said.

"She knows." Elliot said.

"I must go now. My time with you has truly been a remarkable pleasure. One I shall forever cherish." Elliot said.

"Actually E, the pleasure has been ours. How could we ever thank you for all you've done for us?" Brian asked.

Elliot sent the two men a sly smile.

"Did I ever tell you what my name stands for?" Elliot asked.

"Um, no." Brian answered. He turned to Justin as they both exchanged confused looks.

Elliot glided over to them and placed his hand on the baby's head.

An Angels touch...

Brian and Justin knew the significance of Elliot's actions. He was bestowing his blessing and protection over their baby. The act humbled them to the core.

"It means God's gift. Not a bad name, huh?" Elliot said with a wry smile.

Brian smiled.

"Not bad at all," he replied.

Elliot nodded his head and spread his magnanimous wings. The feathers glistened silvery blue and arched impossibly high. The luminous light that emanated from him grew brighter, and Elliot grew taller. He resembled every heavenly painting done by the greatest artist over the centuries and Brian and Justin couldn't help but be mesmerized by the image.

"Be well my friends. Until we meet again." Elliot said.

Justin and Brian watched in reverence as the Angel disappeared.

"Well there's a sight you don't see every day." Brian said clearing his throat once Elliot was gone.

"No you don't.." Justin whispered.

Their son stirred in their arms and started to cry around the same time life crept back into the delivery room.

The doctor, who was leaning over the baby trying to revive it, fell forward onto the now empty warming station.

Startled as to where the baby had disappeared to, he turned around frantically and saw Brian and Justin holding the infant. Scratching his head he approached them.

"Um, I see he's breathing well enough now," he said, still a little shaken.

"Yes, he's alive and well. Thank you doctor." Justin said.

Brian held in his laugh.

The doctor looked confused.

He put his stethoscope to the baby's chest and smiled.

"Looks like this ones gonna be ok," he said in a relieved voice.

All men smiled at each other, elated that the baby came through just fine. Though they only had a moment to bask in that feeling before it was marred by the nurses' announcement.

"Doctor, I think we lost the mother..."