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 9
Justin sighed as he hugged his partner.
"I'm usually pretty good at seeing through country club manners. I think Linds is actually starting to see things more clearly."
Brian made a non-committal noise.
"Well time will tell. As long as they give up this Florida scheme I'll be satisfied."
Justin agreed. They walked upstairs together to check on their children. Lily & Liam were sound asleep. Cassie had things under control. Alice went down to the kitchen and after checking on the babies, Justin went to his studio while Brian headed to the study. He was taking time off from Kinnetik but still wanted to keep up to date with what was happening at the office.
Brian was pleased that everything at Kinnetik was running smoothly under the leadership team of Ted, Cynthia & Greg. A less self-confident person might worry about not being needed but that was not something that concerned Brian.
There were still some things that required Brian's input or attention. He & Justin agreed that they needed to put some time into their "careers" while Cassie was on nanny duty.
After a long day at the office an annoyed, discouraged and exhausted Melanie sat on a bus heading home. She realized today that she had been coasting lately at the office. Expecting to move to a new job & state Mel had been doing minimal work and had given up looking for new clients.
This morning she had a phone conversation with the managing partner at the Florida law firm. That call made her realize there was little chance of their Florida move happening. The managing partner had only discussed the issue of the restraining order but Melanie could sense that Jennifer's call to her brother had accomplished what Jennifer hoped for, there would be no job for Melanie at that firm.
Melanie was always torn in her feeling about Jennifer. She admired her for being a strong, independent woman but resented Jennifer's interference in her life. She was honest enough to admit that Jennifer had indeed always said she would do whatever she could to protect Brian & Justin. Melanie was actually a little jealous, realizing that there was no one who played a protective role in her life.
One of the positive things she anticipated from the Florida move was an opportunity to reconnect with her own family. Her father had sunk into the depths of dementia, now cared for in a state institution. Mel hoped the lure of two new grandchildren would foster a better relationship with her mother. Now that hope was destroyed.
Melanie's plan had been for Lindsay and the children to get established in Florida before Brian knew it happened. She was sure that enough cross state legal barriers could be created to delay or derail attempts to get her children back in Pittsburgh. She was too good a lawyer not to admit it would be an uphill battle to get Brian's restraining order overturned.
On her ride home Mel wondered how she break the news of their aborted move to Lindsay. Her wife still had so much anxiety about the proximity of Nancy & Ron Peterson and now the plan to move away from them was destroyed.
Melanie was aware that Jennifer detested Nancy and Ron. She couldn't help smiling when she considered that Jennifer would actually be an ally if Lindsay's parents made any attempt to interfere in their lives. She thought that fear of Jennifer Taylor may have been one reason the Petersons had not contacted them.
Melanie walked into a calm, peaceful household. Lindsay, Gus & JR were just starting dinner. Lindsay greeted her wife with a smile.
"Sorry we didn't wait but I wanted to get the kids fed. Everything is still hot, sit down and relax. I'll get you a glass of wine."
Mel sank gratefully into her chair. Gus & JR greeted her, and both started to compete to tell Mama about their day. Mel couldn't help smiling & laughing at the kids' antics. Lindsay sat at the other end of the table and joined in her laughter.
Homework had been completed before dinner so after the family all helped with cleanup, they watched a video in the living room before bed & bath time for Gus & his sister. Once both children were asleep Mel said she was going to get a shower before bed.
When Mel appeared in the bedroom, Lindsay was sitting & reading, she looked up with a smile.
"Mel I need to talk to you. I have been thinking about this move to Florida."
Mel sat on their bed a frown on her face.
"We do need to talk about the move. After today I just don't think that the move can happen as quickly as we hoped."
Lindsay smiled and came over to sit beside Melanie.
"I've been thinking about our plans and about what Debbie and Jennifer had to say about the moveto Florida. I think the move would be good for you and me but really it isn't right for Gus and JR. They are both so happy living here in Pittsburgh. I have decided it would be selfish of us to uproot our family.
I am tired of being selfish. I am still uncomfortable living in the same area as my parents, or whatever they are, but I need to deal with my feelings. I so appreciate all you have done for me and how much responsibility you have shouldered since I got sick. I love you in a whole new way and being with you makes me feel stronger. I think I really need to stay in Pittsburgh and deal with my issues and stop running away from them.
I hope you won't be angry but I went to see Brian and Justin today. I told them we wouldn't be moving."
Melanie pulled her wife in a hug and kissed her. Things developed from there and two happy, satisfied women finally drifted off to sleep.
At the Taylor-Kinney home the day's activities revolved around the newest residents, Lily & Liam. Cassie let Justin know when the twins were ready to be fed and he came over to the nursery. Justin was happy to get a chance to feed his daughter since Brian usually took charge of his "Princess".
Justin did the afternoon school run leaving Brian with the sleeping Liam & Lily and Alice standing by as a backup. When Justin returned with John & Peter the twins were awake and hungry. Brian smiled as his partner came thru the garage door.
"Just in time Sunshine. Your children need new diapers and to be fed."
Peter volunteered to heat the bottles. John continued into the family room.
"I'll change Liam's diaper and give him his bottle if that is okay. I hate to change Lily's diaper. There are too many creases and crevices to clean out, it makes me feel creepy."
Brian, Justin & Alice all laughed. Peter, known for his aversion to dirty diapers, saw nothing funny about his brother's statement.
Brian took care of his "Princess" while John took charge of Liam. Justin got the bottles from Peter and gave them a temperature check before delivering them to Brian & John. Justin watched his children being fed with a huge sunshine smile on his face. Seeing the love that his partner & nephew had for Lily & Liam filled him with joy.
Peter came over and stood beside his "Papa" who put an arm around his waist.
"So, Buddy are you counting the days until the end of school?"
Peter chuckled.
"I don't mind school but it will be nice to be able to sleep later and spend time in the pool. Next week is the awards assembly. I figured you and Uncle Brian would be busy with the twins. I texted Grandmom Jen and she is going to attend."
Justin's smile faded a little.
"Peter, you could at least let us know about the assembly. I am sure Brian or I can attend. We have Cassie coming to help out during the day. Just because Liam and Lily have arrived, we still care about you and John and what is going on in your lives. We have talked about this and I thought you guys understood."
"It's not that big a deal Papa. John and I know you still care about us but the babies need a lot of attention."
Justin shook his head.
"Yes they do but I am still coming to that assembly. Brian can handle baby duty with Cassie."
Brian smiling agreed that he would be happy to handle "baby duty".
Alice listened to the conversation, with her own smile, while she prepared dinner. She was really happy to be part of this unusual but loving family. Sometimes she & Charlie talked about the fact they never thought they would be part of a family like this one, but they never once regretted their decision to join this household.
It was another restless night for Lily & Liam. Eventually an exhausted Justin left Brian to cope while he collapsed into bed. Early the next morning Justin walked into the nursery to see Brian asleep on the daybed and two babies asleep in their crib. There were several empty bottles on the floor.
Justin gave Brian a quick kiss and sent him to bed. Lily woke up and stretched. Justin quickly scooped her up, got her diaper changed and dressed her in a clean onesie. He did the same for Liam who was a little more reluctant to wake up.
He loaded his son & daughter into the bassinet and carried them down to the family room. Alice hurried over to see the babies.
"They look just like little angels lying there."
Justin gave a quick laugh.
"Well they were pretty devilish last night. I finally went to bed about three o'clock. Their Daddy took overnight duty again."
Alice looked down at the two cooing babies.
"I think your Papa must be exaggerating. You two look much too sweet and innocent to have caused any issues for your fathers."
Justin rolled his eyes. John & Peter came downstairs, dressed for school. They came over to see their little cousins. John asked them how they were feeing this morning and both babies looked up at him wide eyed before starting to fuss.
Alice chuckled.
'I think the twins are answering John by saying they are hungry. I'll heat a couple bottles."
By the time the bottles were warm, Cassie had arrived to help Justin feed Liam and Lily. Once their stomachs were full Cassie took the babies back up to the nursery. Justin was getting ready to head up to the studio when the doorbell rang. He told Alice he would answer the door.
Justin figured it must be someone who came to meet Liam & Lily. He was shocked to open the door to Brad Taylor and Craig's former girlfriend, Allison.
Brad stepped into the entry hall.
"Justin we need to talk with you. Allison has received a very disturbing letter from the attorney handling Craig's estate."
Justin did his best not to roll his eyes as he led the way into the Parlor. When Justin did not return to the family room, Alice came to see who had arrived. She was puzzled to see two strangers standing in the Parlor with Justin. Justin turned to Alice.
"Alice this is Craig's brother, Brad, and Allison Faga."
Alice nodded.
"Would you like some tea and cookies?"
Alison spoke up. "Decaf for me. I'm pregnant so I try to avoid too much caffeine."
Justin smiled politely, country club manners on display.
"Thank you Alice. Why don't we all have some herbal tea and cookies."
He indicated chairs to Brad and Allison before sitting on one of the sofas.
"Your visit is quite a surprise. I can't imagine what you want to discuss with me. Mr Mahan is handling Craig's estate. I don't really have anything to do with settling the estate."
Brad made an annoyed noise.
"Well I understand you and your… friend purchased some laptops from the estate at a bargain rate. You apparently exercise some control over how my brother's estate is being settled."
Allison glanced at Brad and nodded her head in agreement.
"Actually Brad, Taylor Electronics was not going to be able to meet the final payroll. Brain and I purchased the tablets and laptops that were in stock. I should say that a charitable foundation we control purchased the. They are going to be donated to needy schools in the Pittsburgh area.
You are correct that they were purchased at cost. Mr Mahan assured us that was legal and appropriate to the situation. I wanted to be sure that Craig's employees got their correct compensation. Craig had taken so much cash out of the business there was not enough left to pay his employees."
Alice arrived with a serving cart.
"Here is the tea and cookies. Would you like me to let Brain know that you have guests?"
Justin smiled. "No let him rest."
He turned to Brad and Allison.
"Brian and I have a new son and daughter. He was up most of last night with them."
Brad was shocked.
"How could you have children? You are both men."
Justin chuckled.
"Science is a wonderful thing! We hired a surrogate and I supplied what was needed to create two beautiful babies."
Allison was wide eyed but Brad still had questions.
"Did Craig know about these babies? My parents will certainly want to see their great grandchildren."
Justin poured tea and served Brad and Allison.
"I'm not sure if Craig knew about the twins. It didn't really concern him. We didn't have any relationship once I told him I was gay. I would say the same about your parents. We have not had any relationship for the last few years. I'm not sure I would be comfortable with them being part of my children's lives."
Brad shook his head in annoyance.
"I think it is silly that you refer to your father as Craig and refer to your grandparents as my parents. We are blood relatives; you can't deny that!
I know that your father had tried to reconcile with you. He felt badly about your estrangement. He was disappointed that you resisted his overtures."
Justin chuckled.
"Craig is the one who said I was no longer his son. He was never willing to accept me for who I am. He couldn't accept Brian, who is the most important person in my life. There was nothing for us to build a relationship on.
Your parents made no effort to stay in touch with me. I can't really think of them as my grandparents after all this time. My mother always says that some families are joined by blood, but some are joined by love. She thinks the love bond is stronger. Brian and I are lucky enough to have lots of love family surrounding us.
We have no need or desire to kowtow to people who do not approve of us or our lifestyle."
Brad decided it was time to launch a new subject.
"Well the reason I came here today with Allison is that she received a very upsetting letter from your attorney. The letter said that she needs to vacate her condo in 60 days. My brother bought that condo for them both to live in. He was planning to marry Allison, he told me he was very happy with their relationship.
Allison should not have to lose her home just because Craig died before he had a chance to change his will. Allison is carrying his child. I am certain Craig would have wanted to provide for her and their child."
Allison had tears running down her cheeks. Justin couldn't help wondering if they had rehearsed this scene. He felt pretty sure that Brad had no idea that Craig had had a vasectomy.
Justin sipped his tea and glanced over at his two unwelcome guests.
"Brad, we all know that Craig killed himself. It's not like he had an accident or sudden illness. If he wanted to change his will he could have done that before committing suicide."
Allison spoke for the first time in a trembling voice, one hand wiping at her tears.
"I just don't understand why Craig would harm himself. We were so happy together and now he had a fresh chance to have a family. I think there must be a new will but we just haven't found it. I am going to give birth to your brother or sister. You talk about a love family. How can you ignore the needs of an innocent child who will be a member of your blood family?"
Justin smiled but it was not one of his "sunshine" smiles.
"The child you are carrying has no blood connection to me. Craig had a vasectomy several years ago. He told my sister about it and also told a few of his friends. When I met with Craig's attorney, Mr Mahan is not my attorney, he let us know that Craig had gone to doctor recently to be sure he was still not capable of fathering a child.
I think that doctor visit happened after your announcement of your pregnancy. I believe one of the main reasons Craig killed himself was that he could not bear to face the humiliation of you cheating on him. There was also the knowledge that he had basically bankrupted his business to buy a condo for you to live in.
You can stop with your fake tears and your bullshit story about giving birth to my sibling. Maybe you can get the actual father of your child to support you. I can assure you I am not willing to give you a dime."
Justin glanced at Brad and knew from the look on the man's face that he had no idea about the vasectomy or the fact that Allison was running a scam.
Brad stood up and Justin thought he might be thinking of leaving without Allison.
"Brad don't think about leaving this slut here. You brought her; you need to take her with you."
A furious Allison stood up and turned toward Justin.
"I do NOT appreciate being call a slut by you. You know nothing about me!"
"Well, I know you were living with my father and fucking at least one other person behind his back. I stand by my slut comment. I couldn't possibly care less if you appreciate the description or not. You are in my home without an invitation.
I don't care for your company or Brad's so I would like you both to leave now."
Brad looked embarrassed as he walked toward the front door. Allison followed. Justin brought up the rear and slammed the door once Brad & Allison were outside.
Brian was just coming down the stairs.
"Are you trying to wake the kids?"
Justin came over and hugged his partner.
"You missed some interesting guests."
"Yeah, who was here?"
Justin chuckled.
"Craig's brother Brad brought the pregnant slut that tried to make me think she was carrying my brother or sister. I let them both know that wasn't possible."
Brian's eyebrows went up.
"That must have been interesting."
"It was and oddly satisfying to watch that asshole Brad realize that dear Allison was making a fool out of him just like she did with Craig. I have to admit I am a little curious about just who the father of her baby is."
Brian shrugged. "I don't really care but do you want me to put an investigator on the case?"
"Nope. I don't really care that much either. It is just idle curiosity."
Both men laughed as they walked towards the kitchen.
When Melanie got to her office, she sent an email to Larry Buchanan & Anabel Harper to let them know the planned trip to Florida was off. Larry let her know that the restraining order would not be immediately lifted. Melanie was annoyed but not really surprised.
Larry forwarded the email to Brian. After having some lunch with Justin, Brian was amused & gratified when he went to the study to check his email and read the message from Larry. He immediately went tp to the studio to tell Justin.
Lindsay met a friend for lunch at the diner and let Debbie know that she and Melanie had decided not to move to Florida. Debbie's response was restrained but she told Lindsay that she thought that was the correct decision. Lindsay realized it would take a while for the "family" to get over their proposed move.
Joe was bussing tables since he had a half day of school. He knew how upset Debbie was that JR might be moved out of state by her mothers. He offered to spill something on Lindsay. Debbie gave him a hug and kiss on the cheek.
"You are a fucking great kid but you don't need to fight my battles for me. According to her the move is off. I hope that Jenn and I played some part in stopping those ungrateful bitches. It will be a long time before I trust them again."
As soon as Lindsay left the diner after lunch, Debbie called Jennifer to give her the news about the canceled move. Both women were quite pleased with themselves and their efforts to stop their grandchildren from being taken out of state.
Jennifer called Justin to make sure he and Brian knew about the canceled move. She was surprised to hear about Lindsay's previous day's visit to Washington and shocked to hear that Brad had brought Allison to meet with Justin.
Jennifer let Justin know she would bring Molly up to date on what was happening with Lindsay & Melanie as well as Brad & Allison.
Brad wasted no time in dropping off Allison at the condo where she was living. He told her to not contact him again and suggested she start to pack up her possessions.
Brad called his parents to let them know what Allison had done. Ken and Janet genuinely liked Allison and were shocked to hear about the true circumstances of her pregnancy. Janet had already started to buy things for the new baby. They were both excited to have a new grandchild that could help them deal with the sudden loss of their son.
Ken and Janet had been debating how to try and reestablish a relationship with Justin & Molly. They had not yet come up with a plan they were comfortable with pursuing. The news about the birth of their great grandchildren had them restarting a discussion about getting in touch with Craig's children.
Justin did school pickup. John & Peter were happy to hear about the official cancellation of the Florida move. They were both fond of Gus and would have missed spending time with him. Neither boy cared for Lindsay or Melanie, so they were also happy their plan to move away was thwarted.
When they got home John again asked to feed one of his cousins. Today Justin insisted it was his turn to feed Lily, so Brian got the job of fetching bottles. Lily and Liam were able to keep the other four members of the household fascinated for the remainder of the evening.
The babies also took pity of their fathers and had a good night's sleep.