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 17
Gus knocked on the bedroom door and was thrilled when his Daddy told him to come in. Gus was pleased to see both Daddy and Papa in bed. Papa as usual with a pillow covering his head. He went over and climbed into bed.
"Daddy is someone else taking care of Liam and Lily."
"Nope Sonny Boy. Your brother and sister have started to sleep a little longer between bottles. They haven't woken up yet this morning."
As soon as the words left Brian's mouth a cry came from the baby monitor.
"Well Gus I guess the twins wanted to show me they are still in charge. Want to come with me? You can amuse them while I change diapers."
Justin started to move the pillow ion his head. Brian chuckled.
"You stay in bed Sunshine. Gus and I will handle your youngest. I'll send Gus up with your coffee later."
There was no talking, but the pillow moved back over Justin's head. Brian looked at Gus and rolled his eye which made the little boy giggle.
Brian switched off the monitor before he and Gus went across the hall to the nursery. Brian was amused that Gus's singing to the babies did seem to distract them while he got their diapers changed.
When they got downstairs John and Peter were eating their breakfast. Peter got up immediately and grabbed a couple bottle from the refrigerator and popped them in the microwave. John had started the coffee maker so while the babies announced they were hungry; Brian came over filled a mug for himself and fixed a travel mug for Justin. He handed the travel mug to Gus who happily left his screaming siblings behind and fled back upstairs.
Brian and John got to work feeding Lily and Liam.
Justin was sitting up in bed and smiled when Gus came thru the bedroom door. Gus put the mug on the bedside table and climbed into bed.
"Papa can we have a talk?"
"Sure Buddy. What's on your mind?"
Gus snuggled against Justin who put his arm around him while he drank his coffee with the other hand.
"Papa why did that lady come to talk to me yesterday?"
"Gus, we told you that she just wanted to hear how you felt about living her with us all the time. It is like when we wanted John and Peter to live with us. They talked to someone just like Miss Lena. I think they told you about that."
Gus nodded.
"The thing is I think Mama will be happy to have me live here. She always seems angry now and Mommy spends most of her time in her studio. I told her I could read to her while she made her art but she didn't want me to do that.
I like being here with you and Daddy and my cousins and I like spending time with Liam and Lily. Now that I told the lady that, am I going to stay here?"
"I'm sorry but it may not be that simple. Sometimes these things have to get decided by a really smart man who went to school to learn all about laws. These men are called judges and when people can't agree on the right thing to do the judge decided on what is best."
Gus was quiet.
"You're sure thar judge guy will let me stay here?"
Justin knew he should be honest, but he decided to go for comfort. He hoped he never had to explain that decision to Gus.
"Daddy and I will be sure you stay with us."
A reassured Gus suggested they go to the kitchen for breakfast and even though Justin was feeling extremely guilty he was still hungry.
When they got downstairs Brian glanced over at Justin a few times. He could sense something was up with his partner. After the babies were fed Brian moved over near Justin in the kitchen. When Gus was distracted by his cousins, Brian pulled Justin into the pantry and shut the door.
"What's up Sunshine?"
"Oh Brian I think I did something wrong. Gus asked if it for sure that he would stay here. I told him we were sure he would. I didn't want him to worry but I don't like to lie to him."
Brian pulled his Sunshine into a hug.
"I think you did the right thing. I think the outcome is pretty sure. If there is any trouble down the line, I will just have Melanie killed. That might be the way to go. It would be cheaper than all the legal expenses."
"Brian do you really think I did the right thing."
"Yes. Of course, I may not be the best judge of that since I soooo adore you."
That comment made Justin laugh. When they emerged from the pantry every eye in the kitchen, from Alice to Gus, was trained on them. Justin blushed and Brian smiled as he announced.
"Take your minds out of the gutter, we were just talking."
Everyone laughed, even Gus, who did not completely understand the gutter comment.
QAF-QAF-QAF-QAF
At her office Melanie got to work on getting her case files up to date. She knew that Bernice would certainly find fault with her work. Mel was pinning all her hopes on her lunch meeting. The prospect she was meeting would be a lucrative addition to the firm's portfolio.
If she could get a contract signed that would go a long way to her continued employment. She worked really hard at keeping her outrage under wraps. She had given a cursory look to the legal papers delivered from Brian's lawyer. She wanted to go through them more carefully but knew that had to wait.
QAF-QAF-QAF-QAF
Debbie called Jennifer at the real estate office. Jennifer hoped that Debbie wasn't calling to complain about the custody case. She knew that Ted reported that Deb took the news well, but Jennifer was still apprehensive when she picked up the call. She did not want to end a friendship over the custody issue.
"Hi Deb. What's up?"
"Hello Jen. I'm sorry to bother you at work. I have been upset since Ted and Blake came and talked to me last night. I just feel so bad about what is happening with Gus."
"Well I really believe that Justin and Brian don't have any choice except to go for custody of Gus. I don't think Lindsay and Melanie are providing a good environment for him. I urged them to file for primary custody. I believe Melanie is deceitful and toxic."
Jennifer left no doubt about where she stood on Gus's custody. Debbie took a deep breath.
"I know. That is what I am upset about. I am feeling so guilty because I never said anything."
"Deb, I have to tell you that I don't have any idea what you are talking about. What is it that you should have said something about?"
"You know that I mind JR quite a bit. She has been saying stuff that concerns me. She talks about Gus looking after her and that if she does something wrong Gus usually gets blamed. I thought that didn't sound right.
I thought about talking to Sunshine or Brian, but I know they are busy with Lily and Liam. Also, I just wasn't sure that Brian could take on another child. I know that Brian loves Gus but Brian with five children is not something I could ever envision happening."
Jennifer shook her head even though she knew Debbie couldn't see her. She didn't even try to keep the annoyed tone out of her voice.
"I understand you have known Brian much longer than I have but I have told you many times that you don't look at the Brian of today. He is no longer the emotionally damaged teen and young adult you knew so well. He is devoted to Gus and would do anything for him. How can you see how he cares about his nephews and how besotted he is with the twins and not recognize the man he is today?"
There was a moment of silence before Debbie spoke.
"I know you always tell me that. Carl tells me the same thing. I guess I really don't adapt to change. That is what Carl is always telling me.
I'd like to go down and visit the boys and tell them I support what they are doing. It would be nice to see the twins too. Do you think that would be okay?"
"I think they would be happy to see you. Are you working today?"
"No. I guess I should call first."
"How about this Deb. I don't have anything urgent here. I could pick you up and we could go to the house for lunch. There is a deli in the town that all the boys like. I'll order sandwiches and we'll pick them up on the way. I call and let Brian or Justin know."
When Jennifer called Justin said they would be glad to see her and Debbie. He asked his mother to be sure and warn Debbie to be careful what she said around Gus. Jennifer laughed and said she would talk to Debbie, but they would all have to be ready to interrupt if Deb forgot.
Jennifer called in a lunch order. She knew what sandwiches were popular with her boys. She was also pretty sure Gus would be happiest with peanut butter & jelly on some of Alice's homemade honey nut bread.
A happy Gus opened the door for his two Grandmoms. He got hugs and kisses from both of them. He led the way to the family room where Brian and Justin were feeding the twins. Alice came out of the kitchen to grab the tray of sandwiches from Jennifer.
Jennifer and Debbie hung over the back of the couch to observe their newest grandchildren. They both remarked on how much Liam and Lilly had grown. Justin had a sunshine smile on his face.
"Sorry we are busy with the babies but one of Cassie's daughters is sick, so we told her to stay home with her. Brian and I don't usually have a chance to feed Lily and Liam during the day. There is usually someone else wanting to feed them.
Today Peter is in his summer class, John is at summer soccer practice, so we are enjoying our baby time. Gus got the bottles ready for us. Charlie is picking up the boys so they will be here for lunch."
Brian chuckled.
"Peter and John don't usually miss any meals. They are afraid Justin will eat everything if they aren't here."
Gus giggled when his Papa frowned at Daddy. He knew Papa was not really annoyed.
A short time later John and Peter burst through the patio doors followed by Charlie. Both boys came over to hug and kiss Grandmom Jen. A little more reluctantly they accepted a hug and lipstick kiss from Debbie.
Gus announced that the Grandmoms had brought lunch from the deli in town. Alice said since there were so many for lunch, they should eat in the dining room. John said he and Peter would set the table, after they changed, and Gus would help. As usual Gus was delighted to be included. Jennifer said there was plenty so Alice and Charlie should eat with them.
Alice had made a pasta salad as well as the sliced cucumber and onion salad that Brain liked so much. As Jennifer thought Gus was thrilled that Alice prepared her special PB & J sandwiches for him. Charlie moved the bassinet into the dining room so Lily and Liam would be close to the rest of the family.
Once the bottles were done and the babies burped everyone adjourned to the dining room. Debbie felt like her eyes had been opened. She saw Brian, as always focused on Justin, but interacting with his nephews. He asked Peter about his class and John about soccer practice. Gus sat between his Daddy and Papa. Debbie observed that Brian put Gus's sandwiches on his plate along with some pasta salad. He also tucked a napkin in Gus's collars in an attempt to catch drips.
Debbie could see that this was a "family", they interacted together; they were comfortable with each other and there was lots of love in this room. She clearly realized what Justin had done for Brian what she had never been able to accomplish. Brian was secure, he had no doubts that everyone in this room loved him. That included Jennifer and the Simpsons. Debbie felt disappointed as she realized she was just a little out of this circle of love and acceptance. All the years she knew Brian and yet everyone else in this room was closer to him. They were his family.
QAF-QAF-QAF-QAF
Melanie was having a very different lunch, but she was enjoying it. Her meeting was going extremely well and she was able to sign the prospect. She felt that this was going to save her job and was pleased that she had been able to keep the desperation out of her presentation.
There had been a little rough patch when he mentioned that he knew Jennifer Taylor and was aware of their connection. Apparently, Jennifer had not said anything negative about Melanie which surprised her.
Once the contract was signed Mel didn't care what Jennifer had to say. She went back to the office feeling more confident about her future there than she had felt in some time.
She resumed reviewing her current cases to prepare for her meeting with Bernice. She was sure to arrive at Bernice's office before 3 PM.
Mel was entered into Bernice's office. She was seated on the sofa in her office and indicated one of the side chairs for Mel.
I saw the paperwork on your new client. You managed to get them signed just in the nick of time."
Mel nodded.
"I have been working on that prospect for some time. I'm glad it worked out this way. I know I had not been putting forth my best effort but that is over. Since our last discussion I have stepped up my game. I suppose with the proposed trip to Florida I had pulled back but now I am refocused. This is where my future is."
Bernice paged through some of the files Melanie brought without saying anything. She finally paused and took a sip of water from a glass by her side.
"That was a textbook explanation for your slacking off and your new zest for your job. Time will tell if it is sincere."
Mel started to say something, but Bernice raised a hand to stop her.
"As I have already said you have saved your position here for the time being with the new client you signed. You left this firm as a full partner and I want to be clear that you are a very long way from being made a partner again.
Your files are in fair shape, but I am thinking you will spend time getting those in better shape. For the time being we will review your files weekly. That will continue until I am satisfied your new zeal for work is sincere.
The one file that is not here is the custody challenge that was delivered today. I was hoping you would bring that on your own, but I do understand that you probably have not had a lot of time to review those documents. Please go and get that challenge package."
"Once again I want to point out that is my own personal business. I don't feel that the custody of my son is subject to your review."
Bernice sat back and smiled.
"Are you planning on pursuing the custody battle?"
"Of course!"
Bernice nodded.
"Will you be using a different law firm?"
Melanie shook her head. Bernice just looked at her for a moment.
"Go get the file now!"
Melanie walked down to her office. Her Admin looked up and Mel smiled before she walked into her office and grabbed the envelope that had been delivered that morning and headed back to Bernice's office.
Bernice took the documents and went through them all quickly. She put them down on the table and turned to Melanie.
"Anabel got that together in a hurry. I sense paralegals on overtime. This cost Mr Kinney and Mr Taylor a lot of money, but they can afford it. I know they just had twins by surrogate and that is expensive, but their financial information is still impressive.
They also list the support they have paid to you and your wife. Your idea of being coerced into signing a custody agreement is not going to be effective when any judge see that support number. Any court would rule it was Mr Kinney's right to have partial custody.
I think the affidavits concerning their suitability as guardian go back to their custody battle for Mr Kinney's nephews. They have also included the recommendations you and your wife supplied when they first got temporary custody of the nephews. It mentions that Gus had already had an interview with a child psychologist."
Mel was furious.
"I didn't give permission for that to happen."
Bernice smiled.
"I don't think they cared about your permission. They have made a very strong case here. They have tons of money and Anabel Harper is a killer. They have police reports about being called to your home for loud arguments on several occasions. I understand your wife is still having emotional issues. There is still a lot of prejudice about mental health, particularly in custody battles.
I advised you to come to a compromise with Mr Kinney and Mr Taylor. If there is still any hope for compromise, I suggest you pursue that quickly."
Me shook her head.
"You don't know Brian's reputation. He owns a gay nightclub. He slept with almost every gay man in Pittsburgh. He had no interest in being a father."
"Well Melanie, there is no law against owing a night club. Whatever he did in the past doesn't matter. He is currently in civil partnership; they own everything jointly. In addition to advertising and art they also own a number of residential buildings. They own the home they live in free and clear as well as holding the mortgage on your current residence. The reports from their nephews' previous school and their record since they have lived with their uncles are night and day. The welfare department gives them raves.
Their businesses are all successful and they give quite generously to charity. Their housekeeper and caretaker are well known and respected in Washington County. Mr Kinney and Mr Taylor already had a successful custody case in Washington County. Anabel was smart to file this document there. You have a huge uphill battle on your hands. You can go."
A dismissed Melanie returned to her office and started to go carefully through the custody challenge. She realized that she was way behind in preparation for this fight.
QAF-QAF-QAF-QAF
After lunch John, Peter and Gus worked at clearing the table. Charlie and Alice went out to the kitchen to help. They closed the door to the kitchen on their way out. Jennifer got up and closed the doors to the entrance hall.
Debbie took a big swallow of her water. Jennifer gave her an encouraging smile but sat in Gus's vacated chair next to Brian. Justin sat on his other side. The message was clear about whose side the Taylors were on.
Debbie started by apologizing and telling them she 100% supported their taking primary custody of Gus. She also told them that she had been unsettled about the things JR told her. She apologized again for not telling them right away about her suspicions.
Brian smiled at her.
"Ma, I don't blame for not coming to us. Justin and I have been going back and forth on this custody thing for months. It took us a long time to decide what was best for Gus. Even then I had to reconcile the fact that we would be responsible for five children. How in the fuck did that ever happen? I sure as fuck didn't see it coming a year ago."
"Well it fucking shocked me too. I think I've had my head up my ass for a while."
Brain chuckled.
"The one thing you can do for us is to keep control of Mikey. He is going to go fucking nuts. Justin and I don't need that distraction."
Debbie rolled her eyes. "I'll do my best."
They all chuckled before going out into the kitchen. Brian carried the bassinet with Lily and Liam. Alice and Charlie were still there but the boys were gone.
Alice smiled.
"Peter is reading out on the patio and John took Gus to kick around a soccer ball."
Justin suggested Brian go join the soccer game. Jennifer said she wanted to beat rush hour traffic so she and Debbie would head back to the city. They all went outside so Jennifer and Debbie could say goodbye. All three boys came over. Peter and John were good sports about getting goodbye hugs from Debbie.
After the Grandmoms left; Brian joined in the soccer game, Justin brough the bassinet outside and he chatted with Peter while watching the soccer players. Justin couldn't help thinking this was the quiet before the storm.
QAF-QAF-QAF-QAF
At Kinnetik it was almost time for Michael's shift to end when Cynthia called and told him to come up to her office. The other receptionist was surprised. Very few people ever got summoned to Cynthia's office and it was not usually good news for those who did get summoned.
When Michael got there Cynthia smiled and indicated a guest chair.
"Michael, I brought you up to let you know about something that happened yesterday. I feel like you deserve to hear this before it becomes common knowledge.
Brian and Justin's lawyer filed papers to assume primary custody of Gus. Mel has become too unpredictable to allow Gus to remain with her and Lindsay."
A shocked Michael sat back in the chair.
"What about JR?"
Cynthia shook her head.
"They don't have the legal right to challenge her custody. You will have to deal directly with Melanie and Lindsay."
Michael nodded.
"Why didn't Brian tell me? I'm his best friend. He should have let me know."
"Michael, Brian and Justin didn't tell anyone about this before today. You really must accept your relationship with Brian has changed over the years. I am letting you know because I didn't think it was right for you to hear the news from gossip on the street."
"I have to let my Mom know. She will be upset about this. Especially because they didn't even consider JR when they did this."
Cynthia counted to ten in her head.
"Ted let Debbie know last night. Brian and Justin wanted her to know what was going to happen."
"My mom knows?"
Cynthia nodded her head and Michael was even more confused. Cynthia let him know that she had called the car service to take him home. She said she knew he would be upset by the news and he could have the next day off with pay. She had already amended the reception desk schedule.
Michael thanked Cynthia and went downstairs. The town car was waiting by the front door. Once Michael left the building Cynthia sent a company wide announcement about the custody dispute. She remined everyone they should not respond to any inquiries and to tell people this was solely a personal matter and did not affect Kinnetik in any way.
Cynthia let Sidney know she had made the announcement and he did the same for all gallery employees.