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 14
Brian, Justin & Gus stopped at the nursery on their way down to the kitchen. The nursery was deserted so they continued downstairs. Liam & Lily were asleep in the bassinet while Jennifer & Tucker were having coffee and Danish at the kitchen table.
Gus hurried over to get a hug and kiss from Grandmom Jen. She smiled at all three of her boys.
"Tucker went into town to get some fresh Danish, help yourselves. The coffee is fresh too."
Brian headed for the coffee and Justin opened the Danish box and selected one. Gus got a little worried by the excited gleam in his Papa's eyes.
"You are still going to make pancakes aren't you Papa?"
Brian chuckled as he sat Justin's mug of coffee on the table and sipped on his own mug. Justin smiled at Gus.
"Yes sir! This Danish is just giving me the extra strength for pancake making."
Jennifer took another Danish out of the box and cut it in pieces.
"Gus, how about trying a piece of Danish while you wait for pancakes."
Gus came over and squeezed on the chair beside Grandmom Jen. Brian brought over a glass of juice for his son. He also grabbed the coffee pot and refilled Jennifer & Tucker's mugs.
Justin made short work of his Danish and moved to the kitchen to start of pancake preparation.
"So Mom, did the twins let you get any sleep last night."
Jennifer looked over at her son with a frown.
"My newest grandchildren were perfect angels last night. Tucker and I had no trouble sleeping."
Justin chuckled.
"Grandpop Tucker, are you going along with that amazingly positive response?"
Justin intended the "Grandpop Tucker" as a joke. He was shocked by the delighted expression on Tucker's face and that he swiped at a tear leaking down his cheek before responding.
"Grandpop Tucker thoroughly enjoyed his time with Liam and Lily. They are sweet angels."
Jennifer, who knew her son better, recognized his teasing tone. The look she gave Justin let him know that that his manhood was in peril if he went back on his "Grandpop" appellation for Tucker. Gus was fascinated by this conversation. He looked over at Tucker.
"If you are Grandpop to Lily and Liam you are my Grandpop too. Now I have two Grandpops you and Grandpop Carl. That is so cool!"
Gus went over to his new Grandpop and was reward with a hug and kiss from the smiling Tucker. Jennifer's graze shifted to Brian who smiled back at her. He knew better than to invite Mother's Taylor ire.
"Well Gus you sure are lucky guy. What a great morning, pancakes and a new Grandpop."
Gus chuckled but remained on Tucker's lap. Jennifer moved the plate with the cut-up Danish to where Gus could reach it.
John and Peter appeared from the back stairs just as Justin was starting the first batch of pancakes. Brian stuck with his normal breakfast but everyone else enjoyed the pancake breakfast. John & Peter were surprised by the Grandpops thrown out by Gus.
During cleanup John did whisper to Brian that if there were any more names changes, he was going to request everyone wear name tags. Brian just rolled his eyes.
"You can blame your Uncle Justin for this one too."
They both started laughing but refused requests to tell anyone why.
Justin sensed he was on thin ice with his mother so he suggested she call the O'Briens and see if they could bring Kevin over for a visit. Gus cheered loudly at that suggestion which did cause some answering cries from his siblings.
Gus grabbed Jennifer's hand.
"C'mon Grandmom Jen. Let's sing to Liam and Lily."
The two of them went over to the bassinet and both quietly sang a lullaby while Jennifer attempted to sooth the babies. Lily and Liam wanted more than a song and a rub, so Jennifer told Gus to sit on a sofa. She brought over Lily and deposited her in his lap. Jennifer returned for Liam and brought him over and sat beside Gus.
Gus continued to sing to his sister who looked up at him with wide open eyes. The twins quickly quieted down. Gus was thrilled when Jennifer said that Lily loved being held by her big brother. Daddy came into the family room and told Sonny Boy what a great job he was doing.
Brian told Jennifer he would hold Liam while she called Roxanne. Gus giggled as Daddy carried on a one-sided conversation with Sunbeam. Lilly continued to gaze at Gus as he smiled down at her.
Roxanne did not even try to argue about visiting. When Jennifer said Kevin should stay overnight Roxanne did ask if Jennifer was sure and she was assured everyone was on board for an overnight for Kevin. Jennifer included Patrick in the overnight invite so Roxanne and Greg could have a romantic couples evening.
When Jennifer went back into the family room, she looked directly at Justin when she announced the overnight guests, almost daring her son to object. Justin smilingly agreed that sounded like a great idea.
Brian smiled as he looked down at Liam.
"Sunbeam remember that you must never make Grandmom Jen angry. She will be one of your very best friends for life and you will be grateful to have her as part of your family."
Gus looked down at his sister.
"That's right Lily. Just like Daddy said Grandmom Jen is the best."
Jennifer felt tears form in her eyes as she walked over to give both Brian and Gus kisses on their cheeks. Justin looked on from the kitchen, a huge sunshine smile on his face.
When the O'Briens arrived Greg and Roxanne exclaimed over the cuteness of Liam & Lily before departing. Patrick and John disappeared to the game room. Tucker & Peter played video games in the media room.
Gus and Kevin were delighted to give the twins their bottles. They sat on the couch under the watchful eyes of Grandmom Jen and Justin. Both boys were fascinated by the babies and felt very grown up while they helped take care of them.
Kevin was very concerned when Lily spit up a little during burping by Grandmom Jen. She assured him that it did not mean that Lily was sick and that he had done nothing to cause Lily to lose a little formula. Gus told his friend that he had seen that happen before even when one of the adults fed the babies their bottles.
After feeding was done both boys enjoyed just cuddling Liam & Lily. Kevin was surprised and thrilled when Lily grabbed one of his fingers and held on tight. Grandmom Jen assured Kevin that meant Lily was happy and content to be held by him.
Brian spent time in the study checking his Kinnetik email. He also emailed their lawyers to let them know that he and Justin wanted to proceed with getting primary custody of Gus.
Once Lily and Liam were back in their bassinet Justin and Jennifer organized lunch with the assistance of Gus and Kevin. Once everything was ready the boys were dispatched to round up the rest of the family.
After lunch, Jennifer suggested Tucker take the boys on a "hike" which caused Brian to roll his eyes.
Once the boys were all out of the way, Jennifer told Brian and Justin that she asked the agent who rented the apartment below Brian & Justin's loft to contact the tenants.
"They told my agent that they had heard Melanie & Lindsay's shouting matches and had confronted them about them. They also called the police twice, who came and talked with those girls. I'm sure your lawyer can get info from the police about the disturbances.
That will explain why you bought Gus his phone. The phone that Melanie took off him and locked up."
Brian could help smiling.
"I did warn Mel and Linds not to get on your bad side. I have to tell you Jennifer that you are just a little scary."
Jennifer gave Brian's cheek a gentle pat.
"Just remember to follow your own advice Honey. I let my son down once. It is the biggest regret of my life. I will never let that happen again."
Justin came over and put his arms around his mother.
"Mom, we have talked about this. I don't hold that against you. You were in an impossible situation; I understand that now."
Jennifer smiled at her son but shook her head.
"I am eternally grateful that you can forgive me. I can never forget what I did or completely forgive myself for not calling Craig on his behavior. A parent's most important job is to protect their children. I've learned my lesson. I would rather die than let anything happen to anyone in my family if I can prevent it.
Gus would be happier and safer living here with you. His mothers have let him down. I can partially understand Lindsay's actions. She is still getting over her abuse issues but even if it is not her fault; she is letting down her child."
Justin hugged his mother tightly.
"I love you Mom and I know you will always have our backs. Don't ever think that I doubt that."
Brian didn't say anything, but he did put his hand on Jennifer's arm and give it a gentle squeeze.
When the hikers returned Gus and Kevin were full of stories about what they saw. John, Peter and Patrick were amused by the enthusiasm displayed by the younger boys.
John and Patrick gave the babies their late afternoon bottles. Gus and Kevin sat beside them fascinated by Liam and Lily.
Jennifer and Tucker took care of dinner preparation. The menu was Alice's beef stew that they discovered frozen in the pantry freezer. They also found frozen homemade rolls, regular & gluten free, that they defrosted sliced and made into garlic bread.
Dessert was either banana or rice pudding, also made by Alice. Jennifer did announce that Brian and Justin were lucky to have Alice working for them. Brian made everyone laugh by saying that in reality Alice ran the household.
After dinner Justin stayed with the twins and sketched. Brian, Gus and Kevin went to the train room and everyone else amused themselves in the game room.
A few hours later Brian oversaw Gus & Kevin's bath in the Master Bath's large tub before Justin read them a bedtime story. After those boys were settled in bed; Daddy & Papa gave the twins their bottles and put them in their crib.
After putting one monitor in Gus's bedroom and one in the nursery they took the receivers down to the game room and joined the rest of the family. Since they were taking night duty it wasn't too long before they went to bed.
John and Patrick decided to spend the night in the "sorority house" so they wouldn't have to use Peter's bedroom.
Liam and Lily were not sweet angels for their fathers. An exhausted Justin fell into bed wearing T-shirt and sweatpants. He didn't even completely close the bedroom door.
The next morning a surprised Gus and Kevin found the bedroom door ajar. When they walked into the bedroom, Gus was shocked to see his Papa in bed alone.
He walked over to the bed and grabbed Justin's arm. Justin was startled awake and had no idea what time it was. He was surprised to see Gus and Kevin standing beside the bed and staring at him.
A confused Gus spoke up.
"Papa why are you wearing your clothes in bed and where is Daddy?"
Justin had to work hard not to laugh at the amazed expression on Gus's face.
"Well Little Man your brother and sister did not allow Daddy and me to get much sleep last night. I was so tired I just fell into bed still dressed. Daddy is probably still over in the nursery asleep on the daybed."
Justin got out of bed and gave the two boys a quick kiss good morning before going into the bathroom. When he came out, he suggested they all go see Daddy, Liam & Lily.
Brian was asleep but woke up when the door opened; he was alone in the room. Justin checked the crib and then turned to his partner.
"Brian where are the twins?"
Brian said good morning to Gus and Kevin before replying.
"John and Patrick came and got them a little while ago. Unless they got a good price to sell them; they are probably all downstairs."
Gus and Kevin chuckled at the thought of their cousin and brother selling Lily & Liam. Justin just gave Brian a disgusted look but did come over and give him a quick kiss. All four of them went to get Gus & Kevin's slippers before going down to the kitchen.
In the kitchen Peter was serving coffee to Jennifer & Tucker who were sitting at the kitchen table. John was preparing to make scrambled eggs while Patrick loaded a baking sheet with English muffins cut in half. There was already a baking sheet with bacon cooking in the oven.
Justin went over to check the bassinet where Lily and Liam were contently lying. He looked over at the kitchen workers.
John smiled.
"Your babies are safe Uncle Justin. I changed their diapers, Patrick put clean clothes on them before we gave them their morning bottles. Patrick is a natural at burping.
Come sit down and have coffee. Breakfast will be ready soon. Gus and Kevin you can help serve juice."
First things first, Gus and Kevin hurried over to get a good morning hug and kiss from Grandmom Jen. Gus also got a hug and kiss from Grandpop Tucker and urged Kevin to do the same. Kevin was delighted to have a new Grandpop. Staying at this house was always so much fun!
Peter delivered coffee to his Papa and Uncle Brian. Gus and Kevin went over to Patrick who gave them each a glass of juice to deliver. Once everyone had beverages Peter brought dishes to the table while Gus and Kevin carried flatware over.
Meanwhile Patrick loaded the English muffins in the second oven and took out the cooked bacon. John had egg whites in a bowl to prepare Uncle Brian's omelet while everyone else got scrambled eggs.
There was lots of laughter at breakfast. Everyone did their best to seem happy and carefree. Jennifer watched Brian and Justin and could see the tension in their faces. John had brought Patrick up to fate on the issues with Gus's mothers. Gus and Kevin appeared to be just having a good time and missing any undercurrents from the group.
Since the all the boys had either prepared or helped serve breakfast, Grandmom Jen announced that the adults would handle cleanup. John and Patrick went down to the game room while Peter headed out to the patio to read his latest book in the sunshine.
Gus and Kevin watched cleanup from the kitchen stools. Once the work was done Gus came over to Justin.
"Papa can we have a talk?"
Justin gave him a sunshine smile.
"Sure can Gus. Let's go into the Parlor. We'll have some privacy in there."
Brian looked over at his partner with a concerned look on his face. Justin replied with his smile.
"Brian why don't you check your email and let Larry know what Mom told us about the complaints."
Mom, would you and Tucker keep an eye on Liam and Lily."
Tucker was still feeling stoked about his new title. He looked over at Justin.
"Grandmom and Grandpop will look after those little angels."
Justin couldn't help smiling back at the delighted Tucker.
"Thanks Grandpop."
Jennifer was afraid that Justin would try to roll back the "Grandpop" thing, so she was pleased to hear him embracing it.
Justin walked over to Gus and put his hand on his back.
"Come on Little Man, let's talk."
Gus took Kevin's hand and looked up at his Papa.
"Kevin's coming too. Okay Papa?"
"Sure that is fine by me."
Not completely sure what the talk was going to be about, Justin did have some ideas about the topic.
Justin sat on a sofa in the Parlor. Gus and Kevin sat on either side of him. He put his arms around the boys and they snuggled close to him. Justin dreaded to think when these two would decide they were too mature to snuggle.
Justin looked down at Gus.
"I have some questions Papa. Are you and Daddy not going to be in your bed in the mornings anymore?"
"Well for a little while we may not both be in bed in the mornings. You know that Liam and Lily are so helpless that they can't do anything for themselves. They can't eat in their own or get dressed, heck they can't even burp on their own.
That means that Daddy and I have to take a lot of time doing stuff for them. Babies grow really fast when they are new. That takes a lot of energy so they food to give them that energy, but their stomachs are so small they can't eat very much at a time. That is why they don't sleep very long and need to be feed through the night.
Daddy and I will miss that morning time with you, but it is only until the twins start to sleep through the night. The one thing I want to be sure you know is that this does not mean we love Lily and Liam more than you. Your Daddy and I love you so much. The first time Daddy held you he had such a special look on his face. He loved you from the first moment he saw you. You were the first baby I ever took care of. I loved you for yourself and I loved you because you are a part of your Daddy.
Never let anyone tell you that we love the new babies more than you! They need us more right now, but we love you just as much as always. We will always love you! It is very important that you understand that just because Liam and Lily take up so much of our time, we don't love you any less.
You have been helping us with the twins and that is great. They will love you so much! I know you love to spend time with John and Peter. Lily and Liam will be thrilled to spend time with you when they are older. They will have the best big brother in the whole world."
Kevin was looking at his friend with a big smile. Gus rested his head on Justin's side.
"We can still have talks this, can't we Papa?"
"Gus I would really miss talking with you. I am glad you asked to have a talk today. Any time you want to have a talk with Daddy or me just let us know. Our time with you is very important to us."
Something about Gus's demeanor made Justin suspicious.
"Gus, has anyone said anything that makes you think that the twins are more important to us than you are?"
Gus didn't say anything and looked across the room. Justin hugged him tight.
"Gus, we have always been honest with each other. We have always had really good talks. I want you to know that you can tell me anything and I will still love you."
"I'm really happy that you and Daddy want me to stay here with you. Mama always says that Daddy won't ever want me around all the time. She said that now that you have the new babies you won't have time for me either."
Justin shook his head.
"Those are lies. Daddy and I told you that we want you to live here with us. We love you and always want to have you with us. The twins need us and take up a lot of our time but we don't love you any less!"
Kevin and Gus were both smiling. Gus looked up at his Papa.
"Thanks for the talk. I feel happier now."
Justin gave him a kiss.
"Me too!"
"Gus you should go tell your Daddy that we had a good talk. After that we'll get you dressed and go up to the studio and you guys can finger paint."
Kevin and Gus cheered before running down to the study.
QAF-QAF-QAF-QAF
After Mass on Sunday, Tillie Kaminski waited outside church to talk with Father Bolton. He spoke to several other people before he came over to where Tillie was standing and said hello.
"Hello Father. I know you are aware that Joan Kinney hasn't been to Mass all week."
Fr Bolton nodded.
"Yes. A couple daily Mass attendees told me they talked to her on the phone and she isn't feeling well."
"We both know for Joan to miss Mass for a week means she has more than a cold. Some of us talked about stopping by to see her but Joan has never been one to welcome visits.
She and I have never been friends and since I testified for Brian and Justin Taylor when they got custody of Claire's boys our relationship hasn't improved any. I thought about calling Justin's mother, Jennifer Taylor, and asking her to tell Brian. I decided Joan wouldn't welcome a visit form her son. Also, I'm not sure it would be fair to Brian to involve him.
"You know my son, Baz, is on the police force. I thought about asking him to stop by Joan's house. Of course, he was one of the officers who arrested Claire for the kidnapping attempt so that probably wouldn't be a good idea.
So Father that got me down my list to you. Neither one of us cares much for Joan Kinney and those feelings are mutual. However, she is a long-time member of the parish and if we want to still consider ourselves Christians we need to reach out to the sick. Joan is a sick old lady who is all alone in the world. I know she is the main cause of being alone but that doesn't diminish the old and sick."
The priest had to chuckle at Tillie's logic, but he couldn't dispute it.
"You're right Tillie. I'll go over to her house after the last Mass today. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction."
Tillie thanked him and started home.
Later that day Fr Bolton parked front of the Kinney home. He couldn't help chuckling as he looked up at the house. No improvements had ever been made to the façade. He knew that Joan probably had one of the higher incomes in this neighborhood, due to the generosity of her son, but she didn't spend anything on home improvements.
Fr Bolton walked up to the front door and rang the bell. He waited a few minutes and rang it again. He could hear it sound inside the house. Next he knocked on the door and rang the bell for a third time. This time he saw the inside door open and Joan Kinney stepped out onto the enclosed porch.
She opened the door, her annoyance showing clearly in her expression.
"Hello Mrs Kinney. I stopped by to see how you are feeling. Several parishioners have expressed concern about you missing Mass for a week."
"I did call some people to let them know I wasn't feeling well. I'm fine. I don't need anything from you."
Fr Bolton shook his head. He was shocked by Joan appearance.
"You are far from fine! I would say from looking at you; that you are suffering from serious liver disease."
"Are you a priest or a doctor?"
The priest smiled.
"I am a priest who, unfortunately, has seen other people whose long-term abuse of alcohol has resulted in liver disease."
"How dare you say that to me. You must have been talking to Brian or that boy he lives with. They have no idea what happens in my home."
He smiled again.
"I haven't spoken to Brian or his partner, Justin, for some time. I did call to express my horror at the kidnapping attempt. I sent a note when they got custody of John and Peter and recently another note, to congratulate them on the new additions to their family.
Joan, like many alcoholics, you think you have fooled people over the years. The only person fooled is you. Everyone in this neighborhood is well aware of the alcoholism of you and your late husband."
Joan looked around quickly to see if anyone was close enough to hear what her pastor said.
"I so not wish for my private business to become a topic of neighborhood gossip."
Fr Bolton shrugged.
"Sorry Joan, that ship sailed long ago. Many parishioners have shared stories of your husband and his abuse and your attempt to escape via a vodka bottle. We can continue this discussion on your front steps, or you can invite me inside."
Joan stood back and let the priest inside. He was not surprised at the condition of the house. It had not seen a good cleaning in some time. The living room was dark and stuffy. He spotted the glass of orange juice on the table beside Joan's chair, next to her bible.
Joan came in and sat in her chair. Fr Bolton sat on the couch opposite her.
"I know you feel like you are on some sort of errand of mercy Father. I can assure you that I do not appreciate your interference. I am feeling a little unwell but am taking steps to feel better."
"If I take a sip of your juice, I am sure I will taste vodka."
Joan took the glass, as if to prevent the priest from tasting what it contained.
"I can see that you are not going to let this matter drop. I am aware I am having a little trouble with my liver. I am cutting back on my consumption of alcohol and painkillers. I feel sure that the over the counter medications I have been taking from some arthritis pain is the main cause of my liver malfunction."
"Joan, only a long-time alcoholic can drink vodka in their morning juice while claiming they are cutting back. The time to cut back is long past. You need to go in the hospital for detox and then get into a recovery program."
An indignant Joan got to her feet, not without some difficulty.
"How dare you! I want you to leave my house immediately."
Fr Bolton made no move to stand or comply with Joan's request.
"If you do not stop, not cut down, on your drinking you are committing suicide. I'm sure you realize that is considered to be a pretty serious sin. No funeral, no burial in consecrate ground."
"Are you threatening me?"
"No threats. I am stating the facts."
The priest stood up, grabbed Joan's glass off the table and went out to the kitchen where he poured it down the drain. When he returned Joan was sitting in her chair.
"Did you taste my juice?"
Father Bolton shook his head.
"I didn't see the need."
Joan bristled.
"You are very self-righteous."
"And you Joan are very stubborn. I feel I have three options. First, I take you to Allegheny General and check you in for detox. Second, I call the police and tell them I believe you are a suicide risk. There will be sirens and flashing lights. That should provide quite a show for the neighborhood.
Third, my least favorite option, I call Brian and ask him to come here to try and reason with you. I would hate to disturb him and take him away from the family that loves him but I'm not ruling that option out."
Joan sighed and sat back in her chair.
"I don't know if I can stop drinking."
"Hence the need for detox and a recovery program. Very few people can just stop when they have been an alcoholic as long as you have. It is a disease, Joan, not a character flaw."
Joan was quiet for a few minutes.
"I hate that label, alcoholic."
Fr Bolton nodded.
"I hate what the refusal to admit that you are an alcoholic has done to you and your family. I think you have all suffered the ravages of the disease long enough."
"I still think you are self-righteous."
"And I still think you are incredibly stubborn."
Joan let out a brief chuckle.
"If I agree to go with you, I want you to promise not to contact Brian or to have anyone else contact him."
"I agree. Probably for very different reasons than yours. I agree we should try and keep Brian out of this situation."
Joan got up from the chair and headed to the stairs.
"I have to pack a bag."
"Let me know when you are ready. I'll come up to carry the bag out to my car. Meanwhile I'll call social services at the hospital. I know some people there."
Joan nodded and went upstairs to pack her bag.
QAF-QAF-QAF-QAF
Justin was in the family room bringing his mother up to date on his conversation with Gus when Brian appeared with Gus and Kevin. He walked over and gave Justin a quick kiss. Gus looked at Kevin.
"I told you. They are always kissing!"
Jennifer and Tucker laughed at the aggrieved expression on Brian's face.
"I am taking these two upstairs to get dressed so that artwork can be created."
Justin leaned over and gave Brian a kiss.
"Sounds good."
Gus and Kevin chuckled as Brian took their hands and walked towards the stairs.
Jennifer looked over at her son.
"What do you think about Kevin and Patrick staying for a second night. Tucker and I can stay and take night duty. That will give Gus a opportunity for a morning snuggle with you and Brian."
Before Justin could answer, John and Patrick appeared from the game room.
"Uncle Justin, Patrick and I have been talking. How about he and Kevin stay over again tonight. He and I can handle the babies bottles tonight. That way you and Uncle Brian can spend more time with Gus. Kevin told Patrick Gus was upset he didn't get in his usual morning visit to your bedroom."
Justin smiled.
"You and Grandmom Jen are starting to think alike. She just suggested she and Tucker have nursery duty tonight and that Patrick and Kevin spend another night.
I'm not sure about you guys handling Lily and Liam all night."
John rolled his eyes.
"Giving the twins their bottles is the same no matter what time it happens. I did help Grandmom Jen with night duty. We know we will be up a couple times. We can take monitor upstairs with us so we can hear them. If there is anything unusual, I'll come and get you right away."
"Okay. Just promise you'll come get me if there is anything out of the ordinary."
Both boy nodded and John answered. "Of course. We'll take good care of Liam and Lily."
Jennifer chimed in. "I'll call Roxanne and let her know the boys are staying a second night."
Justin just chuckled and nodded.
"Are you and Tucker staying tonight?"
"No, since John and Patrick volunteered. We will go home after dinner. That way I won't have to rearrange my day tomorrow."
Gus and Kevin reappeared, ready to finger paint. They cheered when Justin told them that Kevin and Patrick were staying another night. The three of them went up to the studio.