To Have & to Hold Forever
This story is a sequel to "Sickness & Health, Good Times & Bad", along with other stories in the "Together Forever" Series. You don't have to read those stories first but this story will make more sense if you do.
Brian and Justin are established partners, sharing custody of Gus and raising Brian's nephews.
I don't own the original QAF characters just the situations I create. No copyright infringement intended.
Chapter 8
As soon as Jennifer left Lindsay reappeared from the kitchen.
"Gus Honey, JR is down in the playroom. Why don't you go down and play until dinner is ready."
That sounded like a good plan to Gus who smiled and headed down to the basement. Lindsay turned to her wife.
"Do you think Jennifer believed we were talking about an LGBT project with Karin?"
Melanie shrugged.
"I'm not sure but don't worry. We aren't going to let anything upset our plans. We need to get away from all this interference in our lives."
Memories of their aborted Canadian adventure jumped into both women's minds but neither said anything out loud. Together they walked out to the kitchen to work on dinner.
Justin wanted to go and confront Melanie & Lindsay but Brian convinced him to wait until they had gathered more information. Brian wanted to hear what their attorney had to say before letting the munchers know that he & Justin were on to them.
The lawyer discussion reminded Justin about the letter, which he had shoved into a drawer yesterday, from Rob Mahan. Now he retrieved that letter and showed it to Brian.
"This came yesterday. I signed for it while you were down in the train room with the boys. I forgot all about it until we started talking about lawyers."
Brian quickly skimmed the document before laughing.
"Seems like Allison is destined for some serious disappointment. I wonder if she knows about Craig's little snip or is as clueless as she seems?"
Justin chuckled and shrugged. They decided that pizza seemed like a good dinner choice. Brian did insist they make salad so there was something healthy served with their dinner.
It was a long night for the twin's fathers. Liam & Lily were awake several times and did not go back to sleep easily. During their 4th trip to the nursery Brian looked over at his partner. Justin had dark circles under his eyes and he appeared to be sleepwalking, unsure of exactly where he was or what he was doing.
Brian shook his head. "Justin, you need to just go to bed. I'll deal with the twins. If I need help I'll get John."
"Brian, I am perfectly capable of taking care of our babies. I don't need you pampering me or trying to get me to do less."
An annoyed brunet walked over and grabbed Lily from her Papa's arms.
"You look like you are about to fall over. I was afraid you would drop this baby. We both know you need more sleep than I do. Now just fucking go to bed before you collapse."
Justin so wanted to argue but he knew what Brian said was right. He did give Brian a dirty look before he walked out of the nursey and went to their bedroom where he dropped on the bed, sound asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.
Brian was able to get a couple hours sleep on the nursery daybed. A little after 7 AM the nursery door opened and Justin walked into the room. Brian opened his eyes.
"What time is it?"
Justin ran his fingers through Brian's hair.
"It's around seven. Why don't you go to bed and get some sleep. I'll take the Lily and Liam downstairs."
Brian got up, gave Justin a quick kiss, leaned over the crib to get a look at his son & daughter before heading to the Master bedroom. Justin put Liam & Lily into the bassinet and went downstairs.
John & Peter were having breakfast, but John came over to check on his cousins now sleeping contentedly.
"How did Lily & Liam sleep last night?"
"Not very well. I conked out around three. Uncle Brian did nursery duty and now he is getting some sleep."
Peter brought Justin a mug of coffee before both boys went back to their breakfast.
Alice came through the patio door just as John & Peter started upstairs to get dressed. Liam & Lily chose that moment to loudly announce they were awake and hungry. Alice smiled as she scooped Lily up in her arms.
"This little angel smells like she needs a clean diaper before she gets her bottle. I take care of her while you attend to her brother."
Justin raised his eyes to heaven. "It all seemed so magical when we found out we were having twins. The reality seems somewhat less magical at this moment."
Alice laughed as she quickly changed Lilly's diaper and carried her out to the kitchen to warm two bottles. By the time John & Peter came downstairs, dressed for school, Alice & Justin were sitting on the sofa feeding the twins.
John came over and gave each of his cousins a gentle pat on the head.
"School is almost over and then I will be able to be a lot more help with Lily and Liam."
Justin smiled. "Taking care of the twins is not your responsibly."
John smiled at his uncle. "I like helping with the Munchkins. It wasn't your and Uncle Brian's responsibility to take care of Peter and me but you have been doing a pretty good job at it."
Peter chuckled. "I don't mind helping as long as it doesn't involve dirty diapers."
Alice laughed before she reminded the boys to go outside so they didn't keep Mrs Gardner waiting.
Liam & Lily were feed, burped and back to sleep when Cassie arrived. Justin took the opportunity to go to upstairs to check on Brian. He heard the shower running as he walked into the bedroom. He closed and locked the door before dropping his clothes on the bedroom floor and hurrying into the bathroom.
Brian was momentarily surprised when the shower door opened. He turned and Justin fell to his knees, leaned forward and sucked Brian's cock into his mouth. Brian ran his fingers through his partner's soft blonde hair. After a few minutes Brian pulled Justin to his feet.
Now it was Brian's turn to drop to his knees and prepare Justin for fucking. Justin moaned as his hole received special attention from Brian. Justin moved into position against the shower wall and Brian came up behind him and entered him quickly. Justin turned his head so they could kiss as he continued to moan in pleasure.
It took some time for the two satisfied men to emerge freshly washed from their shower. They dried off and got dressed quickly. They walked downstairs together and made their way to the kitchen to get something to eat. Their children were wide awake and lying on the sofa, watched over by Cassie.
Daddy & Papa went over to give them kisses before going to the kitchen where Alice was waiting to feed them.
When Brian finished his brunch, he announced he was going to check his emails and went down to the study. He was only gone a few minutes when he came back for Justin.
When they got to the study Brian shut the door, grabbed some papers off the printer and joined Justin on the sofa.
"Here are email replies from Larry and our investigator."
Justin quickly looked over the papers. The private investigator was able to find out that Melanie had applied for and accepted a position with a law firm in Melbourne, Florida where her family lived. Larry's email dealt with the Gus's custody agreement. It did not specifically forbid Melanie & Lindsay from moving out of the area; it did state that Gus was required to spend at least one weekend each month with his fathers. A move to Florida would make it virtually impossible for Gus to spend weekends with Brian and Justin.
Larry suggested that if there was actual proof that Gus's mothers were planning to move out of state, they should file a restraining order to stop the move. Melanie would probably claim hardship and it was likely there would be a court battle.
Justin looked at Brian.
"Guess we need to get that restraining order filed. I can't believe Melanie planned all this without thinking we would find out about it."
"I imagine she thought she could move Gus to Florida and once he was there it would be more difficult for us to get him back here to Pennsylvania. I already emailed Larry to tell him to file the restraining order today."
Brian's cellphone started to ring and he glanced at the display and quickly showing it Justin before connecting the call.
"Hi Sonny Boy."
"Daddy I am on lunch at school. This morning I heard Momma tell Mommy that the move has to happen sooner than expected. She said that Mommy should fly to Florida Wednesday with JR and me.
Daddy I don't want to move away from you and Papa and my new brother and sister. Did you know that we were moving?"
Brian gripped the phone so tightly his knuckles were white. Justin moved closer and put a comforting hand on Brian's shoulder.
"Well Sonny Boy I just found out that your Momma was thinking about changing jobs. Don't worry you are not going to leave tomorrow. I'll make sure of that don't you worry."
Gus's relief was evident in his voice. "Okay Daddy. Thanks."
Father and son ended the conversation saying they loved each other.
Brian was furious and Justin was incandescent with rage. Justin wanted to drive to the city and confront Melanie but Brian convinced him that would be counterproductive. Brian called Larry and told him about his phone call from Gus. Larry assured him the restraining order was on its way to the Allegheny County Courthouse. Once it was filed Larry would notify Melanie.
Brian called Debbie and Michael to let them know about the planned move to Florida. As expected, they were both shocked and angered by the news. Justin called his mother to let her know her suspicions about Melanie and Lindsay were correct. Jennifer wanted to go to Melanie's office and confront her but Justin convinced her to let Brian handle the situation.
As Larry suspected the restraining order was easily fast-tracked through the courthouse. Before he had a chance to call Melanie a copy of the order was delivered to her at the office. A copy was also delivered to a surprised Lindsay at home.
Melanie was quick to call Larry Buchanan after the restraining order was delivered. He smiled when his secretary told him Melanie Marcus was holding for him,
"Hello Melanie. I guess you have received a copy of the restraining order we just filed."
"Yes. I just got a copy of this bullshit order. There is nothing in the custody agreement that Brian forced us to sign that prohibits us moving."
Larry rolled his eyes.
"There is no specific mention of you moving but the agreement calls for Gus to spend weekends with Brian. If you move him to Florida that will be impossible. Therefore, as long as the custody agreement is in place you are prohibited from moving Gus so far away."
"Brian has plenty of money. He can afford to fly Gus back here or he could fly to Florida every other weekend. You can't keep us prisoners in Pittsburgh for Brian Kinney's convenience."
Larry took a deep breath.
"Melanie really, save the dramatics for the courtroom. The facts are you signed a custody agreement with my client and now you want to violate that agreement. Now that you have been served with the restraining order you must understand that if you do violate the custody agreement, which is perfectly legal, you stand an excellent chance of being disbarred.
Brian and Justin have four other minors who they are responsible for. They do not have the luxury of flying to Florida every other weekend. Gus flying to Pittsburgh after school on Friday and flying back to Florida on Sunday does not constitute a weekend with his fathers. You know that, I know that, and the courts will recognize that fact.
What I suggest you spend your time doing is prepare for a possible custody battle. I think there is a very good chance Brian and Justin will sue for primary custody of Gus. I am aware that my clients have supplied extraordinary financial support. I find it shocking that you repay that support by attempting to secret Gus out of state."
Melanie laughed harshly.
"Brian should remember that I know a great desal about him and how he has lived his life. You and your clients should understand that I won't hesitate to use that knowledge to defeat any attempt they make to seek custody of my son."
"Melanie you should remember that my clients and I know a great deal about how you have lived your life. Your separations from Lindsay. Your ill-advised move to Canada. Your precarious financial situation, Lindsay's mental health issues.
You need to remember that you gave a positive reply to the Commonwealth's investigation when John and Peter were placed in Brian and Justin's custody. There are documented positive reports from the welfare department psychologist on how well they handled John and Peter once they entered their custody.
Your case against Brian and Justin is built on quicksand."
Melanie's answer was to hang up. Larry documented the call in his files and sent an email to Brian and Justin bringing them up to date.
An irate Melanie had just slammed down her phone when her assistant came into the office.
"Ms Rapport wants to see you."
Bernice Rapport was the managing partner at Melanie's law firm.
Melanie shook her head. "Tell her I'm tied up."
The assistant rolled her eyes. "She said she wants you in her office immediately."
Melanie gave a loud "huff" and hurried down the hall to the large corner office of Bernice Rapport. Bernice's assistant waved Melanie on. After a quick knock Melanie entered the office. Bernice was sitting behind her desk. She indicated Melanie sit in a guest chair in front of the desk. Bernice continued to peruse a document while Melanie sat waiting.
Finally, Bernice looked up.
"We seem to have a situation Ms Marcus. I do not wish to see your custody agreement cause any issues for this law firm. I know you were well thought of in the past, before my tenure here, but honestly I have found your performance lackluster.
As you are aware, I was not at all disappointed by your proposed move to Florida. However, I do not wish that move to cause this law firm to incur any adverse publicity. A public trial that involves two of this city's most well know gay men is, in my opinion, to be avoided at all costs."
"I guess you have seen the restraining order. I believe it is groundless and I will make sure I get it lifted as soon as possible."
Bernice had an unpleasant smile on her face.
"Lackluster performance, as usual, you have let your personal feelings and emotions interfere with your legal judgment.
Having reviewed the custody agreement I think a strong case can be made that this agreement does indeed prevent you from moving so far away from Brian Kinney that Gus Petersen-Marcus cannot spend weekends with him.
Mr Kinney is a wealthy man and his legal representation is excellent. He and his partner were awarded permanent custody of his nephews so that indicates, to me, that an excellent case could be made that he retain his current custody of Gus. I believe it is within the realm of possibility that Mr Kinney and Mr Taylor could make a case to assume primary custody.
You are a lawyer Ms Marcus and if you had plans to relocate, those plans should have been addressed in the custody document."
"Ms Rapport I really don't think my personal business is any concern of yours."
"Well Ms Marcus you are mistaken. I am aware, I admit from office gossip, that you feel this custody document was signed under duress. My understanding is that Mr Kinney and Mr Taylor loaned, or gave, you and your wife a large sum of money. As part of that monetary arrangement the gentlemen demanded a formal custody agreement.
I strongly disagree with your claim of duress. I will not have this law firm featured in any news stories about your attempt to back out of a legitimate custody agreement. If you pursue that course of action, I will request your resignation."
Melanie was shocked into silence. If she lost this job and could not take the Florida job, she and Lindsay would have no income. They managed to put some savings aside but nothing that would carry them for more than 2 months. She had no doubt that if they fell behind on mortgage payments Brian & Justin would foreclose.
There seemed to be little reason to continue this conversation, so Melanie thanked the managing partner for her time and her advice and fled back to her office. She sat staring out the window of her office at the brick wall of the building next door.
Melanie was realistic enough to understand that Brian and Justin with their virtually unlimited financial resources could afford the best legal representation. She also understood that Gus would be interviewed by child psychologists and would give glowing reports of staying with Brian & Justin. What kid wouldn't like staying where his every wish was granted.
Melanie always felt she & Lindsay had to do the heavy lifting part of parenting. Brian & Justin got to do all the fun parts. Fucking Brian Kinney seemed to live a charmed life to her.
Melanie's musings were interrupted by her assistant who let her know Debbie Novotny was waiting to see her. Melanie sighed but said to show Debbie in.
Debbie marched into the office and stared down at Melanie.
"Is it true?"
Melanie shrugged. "Is what true?"
"That you are planning to run off again and take the children away from their fathers and their family."
"I wouldn't ever describe it as running off but yes. Lindsay and I are going to move to Florida near my family."
Debbie sat in a guest chair but her angry gaze never left Melanie's face.
"I always thought you were a smart girl, Mel. Now it seems like you can't learn from past mistakes. You ran off half cocked to Canada and we all know what a disaster that turned out to be. Now it seems like you are trying to do the same thing again."
Melanie was not pleased to be lectured by Debbie.
"We are planning to move close to my family, so it really isn't the same as moving to Canada. We will have lots of family support in Florida. This is what Lindsay and I decided would be best for OUR family. We will be able to raise our children without a lot of interference from outsiders."
Debbie laughed.
"Doesn't seem to me that your family has provided much support over the years or at least I haven't heard about it if they did. So me and Michael, Brian and Sunshine are interfering in your life. You are a fucking, ungrateful bitch.
When I was raising Michael all alone I would have been thrilled to have his father send me money for anything he needed. Not only does Brian and Sunshine give you money for Gus but they extended Lindsay's medical insurance when you needed it. They pay the school tuition for both your kids.
What you call interference, I call fucking support. I think you are so fucking jealous of Brian and his successful life that it is clouding your judgement. Gus and JR love their daddies and they will hate being uprooted again."
"Yes, Gus is very used to being indulged by Brian and Justin. That is what I am afraid of, that he will grow up as a selfish, spoiled person. That is one of the most important reason for moving."
Debbie was stunned to silence for an instant. That was a long time for Debbie to be silent.
"Brian and Sunshine are loving considerate people. What have you ever done for anyone? Those boys took in Brian's nephews, even though they had no obligation to do that. Brian gave Ted a chance when no one else would have. They fucking paid off my mortgage. They pay for Molly's education.
I won't even go further into what they have done for you and Lindsay. What have you ever done for them? Mostly what I've heard is you complain about fucking interference, not a word about the shit hole you would be in without them. You didn't even have the money to take the classes to get your license to practice law back."
Melanie stood up.
"I will live my life the way I think is correct. I don't answer to you or to anyone else in Pittsburgh. Please leave my office."
Debbie stood up and yelled at the top of her voice.
"I hope everyone here knows not to turn their back on you! You are a sneaky manipulative bitch and the most ungrateful person I have ever met!"
Debbie turned and left. She was gratified to see so many people observing her from their office doors. Obviously her message had been delivered successfully.
When Debbie got home, she called out for her shift at the diner, a rare occurrence. Carl arrived home and by than Debbie had gotten herself into such an upset state that he insisted upon taking her to urgent care. Her blood pressure was high but a mild tranquilizer got her calmed down enough to go home and go to bed.
Lily and Liam kept Brian and Justin busy enough that they didn't have time to obsess over Melanie and her plans. During a nap time for the twins, Brian & Justin did escape to the study and talk about what it would mean if they assumed full custody of Gus.
Brian loved his son but did get a little disconcerted to think they could have five children living under their roof. Justin just shrugged and said "what's one more". Brian was not sure if he should laugh or cry. Of course there was not any serious doubt that that if needed Gus would be welcomed by his Daddy and his Papa.
Meanwhile, once she was calmer, Debbie had called Jennifer to tell her about her visit to Melanie's office. Jennifer had been hard at work herself and had some information to impart to Melanie.
Shortly after Melanie got home from the office the front doorbell sounded. Gus ran to answer the door. Melanie was in the kitchen but could hear Gus's surprised welcome to Grandmom Jen. She & Lindsay looked at each other, with amazement, before heading to the front door.
JR had joined her brother in greeting Jennifer. Both children were delighted to see her.
Lindsay had a fake smile on her face as she extended her hand to Jennifer. Jennifer looked at the hand and shook her head.
"Mel, Linds I need to have a few words with you. Maybe the children could go down to the playroom for a little while."
Once the Gus & JR were dispatched to the basement Jennifer strolled into the living room, followed by Lindsay & Melanie.
Melanie attempted to take charge of the situation.
"I'm not sure why you are here but I want to assure you that how we choose to live our lives is none of your concern. If we decide to move or not move it has nothing to do with you."
Jennifer sat on a chair; a smile fixed on her face.
"Melanie dear, I am more than capable of decided what does or does not concern me. I have warned both you and Lindsay that if you attempted to harm my sons in any way that I would protect them."
Lindsay sat opposite Jennifer while Melanie continued to stand. Lindsay had the same false smile on her face as Jennifer did.
"I suppose that Brian and Justin asked you to come here. I must agree with Melanie that our lives need not be any concern of yours. We are capable of making our own decisions. As far as I know you only have one son."
"Lindsay dear, no one sent me here. My sons, I consider Brian to be my son, do not even know I am here. I am also capable of making my own decisions and following through on my promises. I do want to point out that your mental state and your ability to make good, rational decisions might be called into doubt based on your recent history."
Melanie was incensed.
"How dare you say that to my wife."
"I dare to say that and quite a bit more. As it turns out I have a brother that lives in the Melbourne area. He belongs to the same country club as the managing partner of the law firm you applied to. Brian's investigator was able to find out about your proposed job in Florida.
I told my brother about the restraining order and you trying to sneak your children out of the state before their fathers even knew about your move. My brother called his friend, the managing partner, and I'm pretty sure your job offer will be rescinded."
Melanie got right in Jennifer's face.
"How dare you do that! You had no right to pass on that information!"
"Melanie dear, move back now! I have promised both you and Lindsay that if you attempted to hurt my sons that I would do everything in my power to protect them. You were both foolish enough to not take me seriously.
I discovered I share a few mutual acquaintances with Bernice Rapport. I may use those connections to arrange a lunch with Bernice. She may also be interested in hearing about the caliber of person you are. I have no idea why you are surprised or shocked. I have no secret of my feelings about you both.
You are selfish, ungrateful people. I plan to continue to do whatever I can to fuck with your lives."
Jennifer stood, brushed passed Melanie and left the house.
Both women were stunned by Jennifer's visit. Lindsay started to cry and Melanie did her best to comfort her. Once Lindsay was under control, they called their children to come up from the basement for dinner.
Gus was disappointed that Grandmom Jen left without saying good-bye. His Mama assured him that Jennifer was just in a rush.
Once Gus & JR were in bed, Mel & Linds spent a long time talking about their options. There did not appear to be an easy way to complete the move to Florida. Mel insisted once they addressed the legal issues the move could still go forward. She did not believe Jennifer had actually been able to block her job with the Melbourne law firm.
Lindsay had taken an extra pill to calm herself and had little to add to the conversation. She mostly just agreed with Melanie and expressed hope they could eventually move forward with their plans.
Brian and Justin, feeling they had blocked the Florida move at least for the moment, continued to concentrate most of their attention on their son & daughter. Lily & Liam slept better than the previous night and their fathers were able to get 4 uninterrupted hours of sleep between feeding.
The next morning, after the twins were changed and fed, Brian was checking his emails in the study when Justin got a phone call from his mother. He was amazed when Jennifer told him about her call to her brother in Melbourne Florida. She was quite proud that she was able to throw doubt on Melanie's proposed position at a law firm there.
Justin attempted to make his mother understand that there was no need for her to involve herself in his & Brian's dispute with Gus's mothers. Jennifer let her son know that she was already involved and intended to continue with her campaign to disrupt the lives of Melanie and Lindsay. She didn't care if Justin approved or not.
Justin had just said goodbye to his mother when a laughing Brian came into the family room. He managed to control himself long enough to tell Justin about the call he had received from Debbie. Justin was astounded by the details of Debbie's visit to Melanie's office. Brian started to laugh so hard he had to sit down when Justin told him about Jennifer's visit to Melanie & Lindsay's house.
Brian's laughter was infectious and when John & Peter came down for breakfast they were shocked by their uncles sitting on the sofa, leaning against each other while laughing hysterically.
When Brian told the nephews what they were laughing about, neither boy seemed shocked. John did mention that "Grandmom Jen is no one to fool around with. She can be tough!"
Shortly after the boys were picked up for school, Cassie arrived to take charge of the twins. Brian & Justin went to the study to have a conference call with their lawyers, Larry & Anabel. Both lawyers felt there was little chance of Melanie getting the restraining order lifted. Brian asked them about trying for permanent custody of Gus.
Anabel thought he & Justin had a good chance of getting custody but that it would be difficult on Gus. He would have to meet with court appointed psychologists and could have some issues with leaving his mothers' care since they would certainly fight to retain custody. Gus was such a responsible boy it might bother him to feel he was abandoning his little sister.
Anabel suggested she try to arrange a meeting between herself & Meanie to hopefully defuse this contentious situation. She thought it was important for Melanie to understand that Jennifer & Debbie acted on their own. Brian was still amused by the grandmother patrol and glad that they had upset Melanie and her plans. Anabel did point out that it did not improve the relations between Gus's parents but Brian remained unconcerned and was actually happy if Melanie was annoyed.
Brian did agree to having Anabel reach out to Melanie. After the call, Justin attempted with little success to get Brian to soften his feelings towards Melanie & Lindsay. Brian was all for Debbie & Jennifer to continue their campaign.
Brian was determined not to let the custody situation distract them from Lily & Liam. Justin was surprised and a little miffed that Lily seemed to prefer being held by Brian. Brian explanation was that:
"The Taylor genes are strong with this one."
Alice & Charlie laughed while Justin just rolled his eyes. Cassie was confused and Alice said she would explain later.
Melanie had been in her office for a short time when Bernice appeared at the door.
"Melanie do you have a moment?"
Melanie nodded and indicated a visitor chair.
"As a follow up to our conversation yesterday, I wanted to let you know that I had a call from the managing partner at the law firm you applied to in Florida. He wanted my honest opinion of your work. I want you to know that I said only positive things."
Melanie raised her eyebrows.
"Thanks, but I am a little surprised that you would do that."
"Melanie, I know I was harsh yesterday and I remain concerned that this firm must not be dragged into your personal battles. I honestly feel you have the potential to e an excellent lawyer. I do not feel, at present, that you are fulfilling your potential.
I feel strongly that you must get your personal issues straightened out or you will never reach your potential. I also believe that your best opportunity remains here not in Florida. You may be able to rescue that offer but the seeds have been planted and you will have an uphill battle to make your mark there."
Bernice stood up and Melanie followed.
"Thanks for your honesty and your advice. I appreciate both."
Bernice nodded and returned to her office. Melanie sat at her desk and tried to figure out how her life had come to this. When Anabel Harper called to suggest a lunch meeting Melanie curtly declined the offer.
Later in the day, Cassie was giving Liam his bottle and Brian was feeding "his princess" when the doorbell rang. Justin went to answer and was surprised to see Lindsay standing on the front porch.
"Hi Justin. You look a little shocked, can I come in?"
Justin stepped back.
"Of course, you can come in. You are always welcome here. Brian is busy feeding Lily at the moment. I do want you to understand that we will never agree to you moving Gus to Florida."
Lindsay smiled and gave a quick nod of her head. Justin led the way to the family room. Brian looked up with a smile which faded fast when he saw who their visitor was. He shifted his attention back to Lily.
"Hi Lindsay. I'm busy feeding my daughter right now. Have a seat."
Lindsay came over to get a close look at the twins. She smiled at Brian.
"They are beautiful babies!"
Alice came down the back stairs and was surprised to see Lindsay. She said a quick hello and came over to Brian.
"I can take over giving Lily her bottle, if you want?"
Brian shook his head.
"This is the most important thing I can be doing. Thanks anyway."
Justin offered Lindsay a cold drink which she accepted. She settled on a chair and watched Liam and Lilly getting fed with a smile on her face.
Once feeding was done, Alice & Cassie took the twins up to the nursery. Justin sat beside Brian who put his arm around Justin's shoulders and pulled him close. He looked over at Lindsay, his no emotion face firmly in place. Convinced that she was here to try and convince them to allow the move to Florida he was determined not to make the conversation it easy for her.
Justin knew Brian would never agree to Gus moving away again. He kept his hand resting on Brian's leg, for comfort & support. Both men were quiet waiting to hear what Lindsay had to say.
She smiled for a moment before getting serious.
"I've been trying to think about where it all started to go wrong. Brian, we were so close. I've tried to blame Justin for the change. I think I lost myself for a long time. I suppose it started with my home life. I guess I consoled myself that I was able to deal with what happened to me better than you dealt with what you endured.
Really all I did was bury it all deep in my mind. When you truly started to feel better about yourself, I think I resented it. I blamed Justin for making you truly happy and I know I resented his talent. I found it harder and harder to feel good about myself. I hate to admit this but I think I agreed to move to Canada at least partially to hurt you. I convinced myself that it was to leave all the ugliness of my life behind and to have a fresh start with Melanie and the children.
Maybe I deliberately sabotaged Canada, I'm just not sure. I do know that seeing you both so happy, so successful, so strong…. It made me feel so bad about myself, about my life with Melanie. She has been so great since my breakdown that I appreciate her and love her in a whole different way than I ever did before.
She seemed so sure that Florida would be a fresh start, that we could leave behind all the ugliness that still haunts me. I allowed myself to be selfish and to agree that it would be best to move away again. I want to thank you for stopping us.
It made me realize how selfish we are being. It might be a good move for me, I'm not sure about that, but I am sure it would be so wrong for Gus and JR. I am still far from well. I depend on medication too much and I am still trying to work everything out with my counselor. However, I now realize a parent can't be selfish. My parents, Brian's parents were selfish and they fucked us up pretty badly because of that selfishness.
I want to be a good mother and I want my children to be happy. I want to give Gus and JR a better start in life than I got. I came here to tell you that we are not going to move. I am tired of being selfish and I apologize for hurting both of you."
Justin got up and went over to hug Lindsay. Brian remained sitting on the sofa.
"Linds, I know that this is your struggle but if we can help in any way just let us know. I'm proud of you for being so self-aware. I hope for your sake, and for Gus and JR, that you can heal and be truly happy."
Lindsay held on tightly to Justin. She had tears in her eyes but was smiling.
"Thank you Justin. I hope we can be friends again. I know that for Brian words are not enough. I hope Brian that my actions will show you I am sincere because the loss of your friendship has been a hard thing to accept even though I knew I was the cause of that loss."
Brian stood up, came over and placed a hand on Justin's shoulder.
"You're right, I appreciate your words but I need to see the actions to truly believe you are sincere."
Lindsay nodded. "I know sorry is bullshit. I have done a lot of things wrong and I will have to do a lot of things right to deserve your friendship again. Now I need to go talk to Melanie and make her realize how wrong we have been."
Justin walked to the door with Lindsay and gave her a hug and kiss goodbye.
When he got back to the family room he walked into Brian's arms and hugged him as hard as he could.
"I believe her."
Brian kissed the top of Justin's head and smiled.
"I know you do Sunshine. I just hope you are correct."