This picks up a few months later. :)

Justin's POV

I was having a day from hell.

All I wanted was to lie in bed and never move again.

After my crappy morning where I barely got to kiss Brian before he was out the door, Alannah spilled her baby food on the floor and herself, then Cupcake ripped her favorite octopus plush toy when she threw some of her food at him too, and on top of all that I had to get to the gallery to discuss my latest show and secure a spot to have a few pieces always displayed.

By the time I hauled my ass out the house, it was nearing noon.

The meeting at the gallery went by surprisingly fast and without a hitch. Once I was done talking business, I used their toilet to change Alannah, before heading to my next stop on my way to Brian.

Liberty Diner was as busy as always when I stepped through the door at three in the afternoon. Debbie rushed over the second she spotted us.

"My precious!" She cooed, keeping her eyes on Alannah.

"I knew you loved me, but not that much," I teased.

"Shut up, Sunshine!" She took my daughter from her carry-on secured to my chest, hugging her tightly. "Hey, sweetie. You're getting so big."

"And naughty," I mumbled, slumping into an empty booth.

"Takes after her other daddy. That's right, isn't it? Learning new things from Brian?" Debbie asked Alannah, quite seriously. Then she turned to me, smiling. "Oh, Justin. She's so beautiful!"

"Do you mind not jinxing her or making some freaky baby voodoo? The last time you cooed over her, she hiccupped for an hour straight."

"It was your fault. You fed her too fast. I told you."

I rolled my eyes. "Speaking of food. Is my order done?"

"All packed and ready. Are you sure you don't want to throw him a surprise party?"

"Positive, Deb. The last time Brian had a surprise birthday party, he closed himself in a coffin."

She laughed loudly, pinching my cheek. "Ha! Because you were all shit at organizing parties. Now Em can—"

"No, Debbie! And mind your language, would you? I swear, I'm going to kill someone if her first word is a curse." Alannah twisted in Debbie's arms, wanting back at me. I picked her up gently and placed her back in the pouch. "Just last night, Brian had a session of f-bombs when Cupcake stole one of his new shoes. Someone was paying close attention to the words flying out of her daddy's mouth." I kissed Alannah's head when she smiled big at me as if knowing we were talking about her.

Debbie brought a paper bag filled with delicious smelling food. By smelling it, I realized how famished I was. "Here's your food, honey. I also put a few lemon squares instead of cake." She winked. "But I can make him a nice, chocolate cake."

"I already baked one yesterday. Half of it has mysteriously disappeared over night, though. If I didn't know better, I'd blame the munchkins." I laughed. "Brian went after water at some point after midnight and never returned. I mean, he did return, but I don't know when. I'd fallen asleep."

Debbie stared at me, shocked. "He eat chocolate in the middle of the night?"

"Don't worry. I plan on helping him burn it off later tonight." I grinned, feeling my cheeks heating.

"You sure you don't want me to keep her overnight?" She squeezed Alannah's little hand, earning a scowl from my baby.

Alannah freed her hand, before wrapping it tightly on my shirt, huffing loudly, and kicking her legs.

"It's okay, Debbie. I'm sure Brian will like all of us there for his birthday. His family—me and Alannah," I explained. "Don't make a big deal out of it. Please!"

The remorseful look on her face freaked me out.

"Cancel whatever you have planned," I added. "We have to go. Say goodbye to your crazy grandma." I waved Alannah's hand to Debbie, grabbed the bag, then left.

I made the mistake to feed Alannah when we got in the car, so I'd have time with my husband once we reached Kinnetik. Of course, she ended up barfing it all up by the time we got to our destination.

I wanted to slap myself at how stupid I was.

It took me fifteen minutes to clean the mess and change her clothes. Once she was squeaky clean, I took my ever-present backpack filled with her stuff, the food bag, and made my way inside Kinnetik.

There was a new doorman. I vaguely remembered Brian saying his usual one needed a vacation.

This one didn't seem too bright. He stepped in front of me, giving me a raised eyebrow. "Excuse me, sir. You can't barge in here."

I gaped at him, rearranging all my bags. All I wanted was to sit down and not move an inch for the foreseeable future. "You, excuse me," I hissed. "I can come in here any time I damn well please!"

"Do you have an appointment?"

"Are you joking? Do you know who I am?" At that point, I wasn't sure whether to be amused or annoyed.

"A client who didn't find a sitter," he said snidely.

I snorted. "I'm Brian's husband. This is our daughter. She misses her daddy, so don't make her wait any longer to see him."

He eyed me worried, looking between my face to Alannah and back. Then his eyes zeroed on my hand on Alannah's head, and they widened. He spotted my ring. "I'm so sorry, sir. It was my mistake. I'm just trying to do my job. I apologize. I didn't know what you looked like, Mr. uh… I'm not sure what I should say."

I tried not to laugh at how flustered he got. "Justin Taylor-Kinney. And this is Alannah Tiffany."

"Joe McNeil."

"Hi, Joe. Bye, Joe," I said over my shoulder, walking to Brian's office.

At the corner of the corridor leading to his lair, I bumped into Cynthia. She seemed surprised to see me.

"Justin! This is a surprise. How did you get past Joe? He calls when anyone wants to get into the building."

"This." I patted Alannah's head. "And this." I tapped my wedding band. "Pretty good alibis."

Cynthia smiled. "She's gotten so big. Go right ahead. He's locked himself in there and is set to murder every person who wishes him a happy birthday."

"It was a pleasure knowing you, Cynthia. I'm walking right into my death."

She laughed, shaking her head.

When I stepped into his office, Brian's head snapped up from his computer, eyes narrowed. He brightened instantly when he saw us.

In a few long strides, he had our baby girl in his arms, grinning like crazy. "Tiff." He kissed her head. It never ceased to amaze me how he insisted on calling her Tiffany. Poor kid might be confused about her name by now. "Sunshine." He leaned closer to kiss me in greeting. "Been painting?" Brian fingered my shirt. "Eww. The fuck is this?" He wiped his finger on a clean spot of my shirt. Always considerate.

I peered at my shirt and the substance on it, knowing I hadn't painted in days. And never in my good shirts. "Oh. That's baby vomit." I grinned at the freaked look on his face. "I'm going to wash it. Uh, there's food in the bag. Happy birthday." I pecked his mouth on my way to the bathroom.

"You can borrow one of my shirts," he called after me.

"Thanks! Love you!"

When I rejoined them, Brian had unpacked the food on the table in front of the couch, where he was sitting with Alannah.

She was fussy, on the brink of a meltdown, and I knew it was all because of me. It was a lesson to never feed her before taking her for a ride. It also didn't help that her favorite toy was gone; and who knows how long it would take until she took to another toy.

"What do you need?" I asked, seeing Brian going through my backpack.

"The octopus. Did you forget it?"

"There's been an incident. Cupcake—"

Brian raised a hand, palm facing me. "Say no more." His eyes roamed me, making me squirm. "You look hot in my new Armani shirt."

"Shit! This is the new one? I'll take it off."

"You can keep it," he said dismissively. "All part of your plan to wear better clothes, remember?"

"Brian, if being an artist meant having ruined clothes, it was nothing compared to being the father of a baby!"

"I know." He grimaced, pushing a plate of macaroni to me as I sat next to him. "The freshest memory is from last week."

I chuckled, patting his knee. "I told you, I had just fed her, but do you ever listen to me?"

"Sometimes." He leaned closer to kiss my cheek. "That used to be my favorite Prada suit."

"Used to," I repeated his words, laughing. "Anyway, how's your day been? Mine can't end fast enough."

"Ditto. If I hear one more person congratulating me for getting older, I'll personally kill them." Brian sighed heavily, leaning back on the couch, with Alannah sprawled on his chest. "I used to be so scared of turning thirty. But here I am…forty. Fuck." He shuddered, absently patting Alannah's head.

"And you'll pass many more mile-stones. I promise you."

He caught my eye, scowling. "Just wait, Sunshine. In a couple of years you'll reach the dreadful three-oh."

"It's not scary for me, Brian. I have everything I ever wanted. And more. Growing old next to the man I love is the best way to spend my life. And watching the kids grow up and be happy."

"Don't get me started on the kids. Or one in particular." He groaned, closing his eyes. "I had no idea how alike Gus was to me until a few hours ago. He called to ask if I needed assistance walking, or if Jus had to change my diaper too, not only his sister's. Smartass."

I laughed, throwing my head back as tears sprang into my eyes. I'd known for years Gus was the perfect replica of his father. "What did you tell him?"

"That he better find a good speech for my obituary."

"You didn't! Brian," I chided him.

"Don't worry. It didn't scare the little shit. Apparently, the munchers have told him about my thirtieth birthday. Gus asked if I still had my coffin so he'd know what the expenses would be."

I gaped. "Good God, Brian. You have morbid conversations with your ten year old son."

"And you have secrets with your daughter," he teased, giving me his tongue-in-cheek expression.

I stroked Alannah's head, smiling at her then looking at her crazy daddy. "She's six months old."

"Exactly. She can keep your secrets, but the baby monitor can't." He narrowed his eyes.

I immediately knew what he was talking about. "Shit. You weren't supposed to know!"

"You were wrong."

"I saw it. And I swear I didn't pull it out."

"There's not one. There's two of them. Right on top." He patted the top of his head, sullenly. "Why can't I get one white hair at a time, like every normal person? They always appear in packs."

I cupped his cheek, staring into his sad eyes. "It still doesn't matter. You're still beautiful."

"It does, Justin. I thought you knew the Kinney Operating Manual."

"Would you feel better if we dye them? I mean it. We can find some hair dye I'm not allergic to."

"You'd do that for me?" His eyes widened and a smile tugged at his lips.

I gave him an incredulous look. "No. I hate you and I get off on seeing you miserable." I rolled my eyes. "Of course, I'd do it, you idiot!"

"You know I love you, right?" He whispered against my lips.

"Remind me how much."

Just as the kiss was getting better, a small fist connected with my jaw.

"Ow, baby. I love you too. No need to get violent." I kissed the top of her head, catching Brian's eye. He smiled warmly, all his love for us showing on his face.

After we ate, I waited for Brian to wrap up his day at work, before the three of us went home. I absolutely loved seeing him with Alannah, and he loved keeping her close so much I ended up driving back home in his car, while he took mine.

I was thankful he'd bought me a car with a backseat. It helped a lot travelling with a baby.

At home, I parked behind him, hoping the lights would stay out until we switched them on. If Debbie and Emmett valued their lives, they listened to me and didn't throw Brian a surprise party.

Brian led the way inside with Alannah in his arms.

I breathed a sigh of relief when no one jumped from around the corner singing 'Happy birthday'. The house was empty, aside from us and the pets.

Brian inspected what was left of the plush octopus, shaking his head.

I took Alannah from him before she saw her ruined toy and started crying. "Let me give her a bath then we can do whatever you want." I winked.

"I'll help. Saves time, and besides, I have to see what you and your mom or Daph do for half an hour in the bathroom every night."

"It's a complicated process—washing her."

We headed to our bathroom, and I passed Alannah back to him while I prepared her bassinette.

"I didn't ask. How did it go at the gallery?"

"Great. Mr. Wagner knows someone at Carnegie Museum of Art. They're interested in showing some of my pieces." I beamed at him over my shoulder, before focusing on testing the water. "You can undress her and put her in. I'll bring her diapers, powder, and plastic toys."

He looked positively terrified at the prospect of being alone with her in the bathroom, but also determined to succeed.

When I returned, the first thing I heard was splashing and Brian complaining.

"How hard can it be—" My words died on my lips when I saw the bassinette on the floor, and Brian in the tub with the baby in his arms.

"Why don't you join us? She'll pull at your hair too."

I cleared my throat. "This is crazy."

"Get in here, Sunshine! It's not like she understands."

Sighing, I took my clothes off, then slid at his feet in the tub. Alannah turned to me, holding out her hands, but Brian held her against his chest.

"I'm not letting you go," he growled, making funny faces to her.

The way she tensed up meant a huge crying session was on the way. "Brian," I warned him.

"Nope! You're my prisoner." He squeezed her tightly, kissing her head.

Since Alannah was facing me, I could see tears filling her eyes, and I slid closer. I was tired and if she started wailing, I'd drown in the water below.

Brian turned her around, raising her above his head, as he kept being silly.

"Brian, come on. We have to wash her. I bet she's tired."

"You tired?" He brought her down, giving her a raspberry on her tummy. Instead of the usual giggle, he got a distraught cry and a kick in his shoulder.

"Brian," I hissed.

I wasn't about to wrestle Alannah from his arms like Michael used to do with Mel when JR was little. I had some dignity left.

Alannah kept twisting around in an attempt to ask for my help.

"What, do you want daddy?" Brian made her face me again. He was getting on my nerves too. "See? There he is. But you're stuck with me." He planted a loud kiss on her cheek.

She twisted around with more force than I thought she had, thrusting her little, chubby hands to me, tears swimming in her eyes. "Da-da!"

I froze, my hand mid-air, posed to slap Brian. "Did she just say…"

"Yes, she did!" Brian grinned, hugging and rocking her.

When a loud wail escaped her small body, I straddled Brian's legs, slowly prying Alannah from his arms. "Shh. I'm right here. Don't cry."

She stopped fussing immediately, relaxing against my chest, and sighing loudly. She was probably glad to have escaped Brian's stupid game.

"Aw, has daddy upset you? He can get quite possessive. You'll get used to it." I kissed her nose. "Now, your bath awaits."

"What can I do?" Brian looked helplessly around as I moved to the other end of the tub.

"Hand me the baby shampoo, and stop pouting."

"I just managed to upset a baby. I think I deserve a prize for the most awful parent."

"You got her to say her first word." I grinned. "We need to call Daph and tell her. Maybe you can learn how to say 'mama' by the time we see Daphne. Can you say mama?" I looked seriously at Alannah.

She stared at me confused, sucking her fist into her mouth. Then she patted my chest, smiling widely. "Da-da!"

I returned her smile. "Yes. And Brian's your other dad." I turned her on my knees to face him.

She cocked her head to the side, processing the information probably. She looked between Brian and me a few times, before settling her eyes on Brian. After studying him as if she was seeing him for the first time, she gurgled, clapping loudly.

I pressed my finger to my lips so Brian wouldn't say anything. If she wanted to talk again, it would be on her terms.

"Ma-ma!"

I exploded in laughter, unable to restrain myself.

Brian rolled his lips inside his mouth, probably trying not to burst into laughter as well.

"Not quite," I managed to sputter out. "We're both Dada. Your Mama isn't here. You'll see her tomorrow, don't worry."

"Exactly. I'm Dada!" Brian said seriously. "Do I look like a fucking woman?" He cut his eyes to me.

"Brian, watch that mouth! Now that she's talking, you better be careful."

"Fu…abulous."

"Nice save, asshole."

He flicked my leg. "You watch it, too, Sunshine."

Our banter was cut short by a splash in my face and Alannah laughing.

Once she was in bed, and out for the night, we retreated downstairs.

"Hungry? I'm afraid I didn't have time to make any food, but we have some leftovers from the other day."

"How about we have dessert, Sunshine?"

"With whipped cream?" I batted my eyelashes, bumping his hip as we stepped into the kitchen.

He placed his hand on the back of my neck, tilting my head, before leaning down to kiss me thoroughly. "Only if you include ice cream kisses on the menu."

I pulled away to gape at him. "You remember the most curious things of our past."

"It was a memorable moment." He smirked. "I'll grab the ice cream, you get the whipped cream."

"But I'm actually hungry for…"

"My cock, I know."

"Food!" I said, laughing. "But fine. It all can wait when you offer such a delicious dessert."

Brian nuzzled my nose. "Besides, you can't deny me. It's my birthday."

"I thought you hated your birthday."

"Not when I get to spend it with my favorite people in the world." He grinned, kissing me soundly. "Now, don't keep me hanging." He swatted my ass.

"What? The worst that can happen is people think you're hung."

Brian stared at me blankly, before laughing loudly. "I taught you well, Sunshine."

I beamed, squeezing his cheek. "See you upstairs in five. I want to call Daph and let her know Alannah said her first word."

Brian grabbed the ice cream box, a bowl of strawberries from the fridge and the whipped cream. He had big plans. "I'll be the one on the bed…naked and horny."

I stared after him for a few long seconds, then thought fuck it to calling Daph. I sent her a text message, before abandoning my phone on the table and taking the stairs two at a time.

A few more chapters left.

I hope to find some time to answer your lovely reviews one of these days... Keep telling me what you think of the story.