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 raising five children together.
I don't own the original QAF characters just the situations I create. No copyright infringement intended.
Chapter 24
Brian and Justin left the Parlor with Alice and Charlie, leaving Jennifer and her Mother sitting on the sofa.
"Jen, my sweet girl, I cannot thank you enough for staying here with me. It really hurts that Kate is more interested in my money than me. It is time for you to go back to your life, your business needs you and I'm sure Tucker misses you.
I have a question for you and I really need an honest answer. Do you think Brian is really okay with me living here on their property? I couldn't tell by looking at his face. I don't want be the cause of any trouble between him and Justin."
Jennifer smiled.
"Once you have been here for a while you will be able to read the Justin, Brian communications better. I am almost certain that the new building was Brian's idea."
Granny was astonished.
"Why would Brian suggest that they build a place for me to live?"
Jennifer chuckled.
"Brian has an amazing instinct to protect people he cares about. I imagine he is appalled by Kate's behavior and feels that you have been treated badly. Along with his protectiveness his other big motivator is making Justin happy. Brian loves my son a lot! So he can feel like he is protecting you and making Justin happy at the same time. Truly a win win for Brian.
The giveaway was that Justin never looked at Brian. That means they agreed to make it seem like Justin's idea. If it was Justin's idea, he would have looked at Brian to be sure he was still okay with the idea. As I said you'll get to read them better the longer you are here. In the meantime, you can ask John or Peter. They have observed their uncles closely and are good at reading them.
The most important thing is to not ever let Brian know that you are aware that he is a caring, loving person. He would hate if his cover was blown."
That information gave Granny a good laugh before they went to the pool house so Jennifer could pack her belongings and head home.
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David was amused by his son's fascination with the bliss that existed at the Taylor-Kinney home. Jay had, what seemed to his father, an endless supply of stories about how much fun it was there, how nice everyone was there. How funny Uncle Brian and Uncle Justin were. How cute the new babies were and how Uncle Justin showed him how to feed Lily. How neat it was to explore the creek. How Gus hero- worshipped John and could calm his new brother and sister by singing to them. How great it was to reconnect with Josh Gardner.
David could only imagine his ex-wife's reactions to Jay's stories. He couldn't help smiling. Since Peter did just as well as Jay in school, it will be difficult for Andrea to keep Jay so fully concentrated on academics.
Andrea was home from the hospital but David told her he was keeping Jay for a few days so she could rest. She attempted to refuse, especially when Jay told her they were going to the big Taylor-Kinney 4th of July party, but David pointed out he was entitled to time with Jay.
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John, Peter, and Gus were interested in the news that Granny was going to be living nearby. John interpreted the news to mean there was a car in his future. Gus was delighted that Granny would be close by. She wasn't quite as wonderful as Grandmom Jen, but she was fun to spend time with. Peter could tell how happy Granny's new home made his Papa, so he was happy too.
Brian contacted Larry Buchanan about the behavior of Kate's attorney and the suspicion that he had gotten Granny's financial information by breaching confidentiality at the law firm. He let Larry know that he wanted the attorney disbarred if possible and would provide any cash needed for the investigation.
Liam and Lily were under Cassie's care, so Justin went up to his studio. He looked at his cell phone display when it rang.
"Hi Mr Mahan."
"Hello Justin. I wanted to let you know that Allison had finally given up the battle and moved out of the condo. She left kind of a mess but no major damage So we should be able to get it on the market soon. Since Craig didn't sign any personal guarantees I'm fairly certain that his corporate debts won't affect his personal estate. Of course, your loan to his business will not be repaid."
Justin chuckled.
"Well we didn't really expect it to be repaid."
"My other piece of news may interest you. We have discovered the probable father of Alison's baby. I believe you know Delores who worked for Craig."
Justin said Delores had worked for Craig for years and he did know her.
"It appears her son and Allison attended the same night school class. They started to date and apparently had an intimate relationship. The son, Bobby, told her about Craig, his parttime employer. One of them hit on the idea of Allison going after Craig. Bobby told her about what Craig liked and didn't like and how to appeal to him.
I think she appealed to Craig's chivalrous side. Allison's mother brought her up alone and she died a few years ago, there are no other known relatives, she is alone in the world. I suppose Craig felt he could take care of her."
Justin interrupted. "He could feel superior to her."
"Po-tae-toe, Po-tah-tor Justin. I don't think Delores knew about Craig's vasectomy. Bobby and Allison continued to see each other. When she became pregnant, I suspect they weren't sure who the actual father was. It made sense to tell Craig he was the father.
Craig knew he couldn't be the father, but I don't know if he knew about Bobby and Allison's relationship."
Justin was shaking his head.
"Well she won't get any money out of Bobby. He has been going to night classes for years. He and his mother are both out of jobs now. Kind of poetic justice."
The lawyer agreed with Justin and they ended their call.
Justin went down to the study to bring Brian up to date on the Allison saga. He found his partner snarling at his computer screen. Justin went over and put his hands on Brian's shoulders.
"What's up Brian?"
"It's just so fucking hard to stay on top of things at Kinnetik via phone and computer. Cynthia, Ted, and Greg are excellent at their jobs, but things still fall between the cracks. Some of the account managers are coasting without me being on their asses."
Justin leaned down and kissed Brian on the cheek.
"I think you should start going into the office a couple days a week."
Brian turned to face Justin.
"What are you talking about. I never said I wanted to go back to the office. We agreed we needed time to bond with the twins and we have to get Gus settled."
Justin sat in Brian's lap and smiled at him.
"Brian, my wonderful Brian. I know you love me and Gus and Lily and Liam, but you love Kinnetik too. I just think you need to give Kinnetik a little more of your attention. I'm not suggesting you go back full time and you'll still have time with the kids.
We have Cassie to help during the day. Granny loves helping feed her great grandchildren. John is a huge help and Peter is somewhat helpful as long as diapers are not involved. Even Alice and Charlie enjoy helping with the babies. No one but you can nurture Kinnetik. To be honest if Kinnetik doesn't keep providing the income to support us all, there will be enormous changes to all our lives."
"Sunshine, there is no danger of Kinnetik failing. I was just frustrated."
Justin leaned in for a kiss.
"Brian Kinney, you built Kinnetik from the ground up. It has been a part of your life for almost as long as me and Gus. You and Kinnetik both deserve to spend some time together. Our time together will still be precious to all of us.
I mean it Brian. You'll feel better if you spend some time, not all the time, at Kinnetik. All of the people who love you will be here missing you but that will make the time you are here all the sweeter."
Brian looked into Justin's eyes, still not convinced this wasn't some sort of test. All he saw in those beautiful blue eyes was love. He leaned forward to kiss the soft pink lips.
"Well a couple short days, really, really parttime."
Justin's smile grew bigger.
"I will hold you to those words Mr Kinney. I have something to tell you that I suspect you will find amusing about the father of Allison's baby."
Brian chuckled.
"I hope it is really juicy and paints the late, unlamented Craig Taylor in a bad light."
Justin assured him it filled both requirements and continued to sit on Brian's lap while he told him about Allison and Bobby. Brian always enjoyed his Sunshine on his lap and the story was enjoyable too.
The partners spent some time kissing and talking before going down the hall to the family room. Lily and Liam were just about ready for a bottle. Daddy and Papa claimed parental rights to feed their babies. Gus sat between them on the sofa and chuckled at the silly conversations his fathers had with his siblings.
Gus was very excited because tomorrow his Auntie Em would arrive to get things ready for the 4th of July party. Last year Gus was Emmett's assistant and he was looking forward to doing that again. He had called Auntie Em to let him know that he was ready to be his assistant again this year. Emmett expressed great excitement and relief that Gus would help again this year.
This year Emmett would spend the night in the guest room since Granny was staying in the pool house. Alice and Charlie's daughter and son-in-law were going to sleep in the sorority house while their children were spoiled by their grandparents at the cottage.
At dinner Gus kept busy telling Granny all about the big party and how he would help his Auntie Em. His Daddy kept busy telling Gus not to talk with food in his mouth. His cousins and Papa tried their best not to laugh at Brian exasperated expression.
Suddenly Gus sat up with a shocked expression on his face. A concerned Brian looked over at him.
"What's wrong Sonny Boy?"
"Daddy! We don't have matching shirts. Mine from last year didn't fit me anymore and we gave it to poor people. I loved us matching last year!"
Justin felt a little guilty about not buying matching shirts, he hadn't thought about it this year. He tried to think about here he could buy some the next day.
Brian smiled at his son.
"If you don't talk with your mouth full for the rest of dinner, I might have a solution to the shirt situation."
Gus clamped his mouth shut and kept it shut for the rest of the meal. When John and Peter started to clear the table, Gus turned to his Daddy.
"Okay Daddy tell me about shirts."
Brian told Gus to come with him and they went upstairs. Granny, John and Peter asked Justin what was going on, but he had no idea what Brian was up to.
A short time later Gus came racing back into the kitchen.
"Wait until you see what Daddy has!"
A smiling Brian followed his son with his arm full of clothing. He draped a red, white & blue Tommy Bahama shirt on Justin's head. He handed Gus a shirt made from the same materiel. Tommy didn't make shirts for kids, but Brian purchased a small size and had Alice alter it for Gus.
He walked over to John and Peter and handed them matching shirts. The final items he held were four onesies with flags for Lily and Liam.
"Sorry Granny I didn't know you would be living here, so I don't have a matching shirt for you. Two onesies each for Princess and Sunbeam. They will inevitable make a mess and need to be changed."
Brian sat down beside Justin and leaned toward him.
"I was afraid you would buy some bargain basement rags like last year."
Justin laughed and gave him a kiss.
After dessert Granny and Justin fed the twins before Brian and Gus went down to the train room. John and Peter went to the media room. Once bottles were consumed, Justin and Granny took their wine glasses out onto the patio along with Lily and Liam. The twins did many adorable things that transfixed their Papa and Granny. Once they even held hands which had their Papa snapping pictures with his phone.
When Granny went into the pool house, Justin took the babies inside. Brian and Gus were back upstairs. Gus talked to his brother and sister, laughing at the faces they made. Justin showed Brian the photo of the twins holding hands. Brian had to clear his throat before he could comment. He told Justin they had to have Peter add this to the twin journal he was keeping. Justin took Brian's hand and gave it a squeeze.
Brian decided it was time for Gus's bath. They let the nephews know they were going upstairs. Justin waited in the nursery until it was time to read Gus's bedtime story. Brian stayed with Lily and Liam in the nursery.
Once Gus was asleep Brian and Justin gave their babies their bottles and rocked them to sleep. As soon as Lily and Liam were settled in their crib their fathers went to their own bedroom.
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Michael and Ben were watching a movie on TV when Michaels' phone rang. He glanced at the display, gave Ben a look, and answered.
"Hi Lindsay."
"Hello Michael. Mel isn't able to go to Brian's fourth of July party. I'm hoping you have room for me to drive down with you. Since you are already picking up JR it just makes sense for me to go with you."
Since Debbie had already announced that she, Carl and Joe were driving down with Jennifer and Tucker, Michael knew there was room in the car for Lindsay.
"Okay Linds, I guess that will be fine. It will just be the four of us."
"That's great. If Mel gets caught up in her and work and can go, there's still room for her. Thanks. See you on the fourth."
They said goodbye and Michael turned to Ben and related the phone conversation.
"I didn't know what to say to her. I'm not even sure she and Mel are invited. This is going to be a disaster!"
Ben put his arm around Michael.
"They probably were invited, before the custody change. There will be a huge crowd there. Why not call Emmett and ask him if Lindsay is invited? He probably knows the guest list."
Michael thought that was a good plan. Emmett told him the Melanie and Lindsay were on the guest list. He told Michael that he would discuss Lindsay coming with Justin when he went down to the house the next day. Em said it really was up to Brian or Justin to rescind the invitation and let Lindsay know. He told Michael he would let him know if that happened.
Michael felt better after the call but still worried that Brian might be annoyed with him.
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Lily and Liam had their fathers up early the next morning. Brian and Justin were sitting on the sofa feeding their babies when Gus appeared, fully dressed for the day.
Brian looked over at his son with raised eyebrows.
"Sonny Boy! Why are you up and dressed so early this morning?"
"Auntie Em and I will be very busy today. There is a lot of stuff to get ready for your party tomorrow."
Justin chuckled from his end of the sofa. "Silly Daddy."
Brian glared at his partner who just chuckled again. Gus came over to say good morning to his brother and sister. Justin smiled at his older son.
"Liam is almost done his bottle. He is very hungry this morning. As soon as he is done, I'll make some breakfast."
"Thanks Papa!"
Gus clamored up onto the sofa and snuggled against his Papa and smiled down at his brother. Alice came through the patio door. Justin was surprised to see her so early.
"Alice, aren't you kind of early"
"Today is deviled egg day. I want to get an early start. I already let John and Peter know they had a lot of eggs to peel today. I have to get to work hard boiling more of them before the boys get up."
Alice offered to make French toast for breakfast and that was offer was quickly and loudly accepted by Gus. His shout startled his brother and sister, so he got to work singing to calm them down. Brian and Justin smiled as Liam & Lily's eyes got wide as Gus looked down at them while he softly sang.
As usual the babies were fascinated by their older brother's voice. Brian pulled Gus over to him and gave him a kiss.
"You are one in a million Sonny Boy. Lily and Liam already know what a special big brother they have."
Gus snuggled against his Daddy and softly rubbed Lily's cheek. Two fed and burped babies were settled in their bassinet. Gus stood by the side of the bassinet and chatted with his siblings who continued to look up at him.
Alice announced breakfast was ready, Gus told the twins he had to go eat and he loved them. Brian looked over at a very happy Justin who had a huge sunshine smile on his face. He walked over and gave his favorite blond a kiss.
"I know Sunshine, sometimes things just work out."
Justin nodded his head and gave Brian another kiss.
"I'm glad you are starting to realize that Mr Kinney."
Brian shook his head with a smile and went over to the bassinet to check on his Princess & Sunbeam. Justin headed to the kitchen for the French Toast.
Alice put a dozen eggs in a pot of water to hard boil them. She had hardboiled 5 dozen eggs yesterday and would do 2 more dozen today. Even with reject eggs that would result in over 150 deviled eggs for the barbeque.
In past years Alice had also made potato salad for 4th of July but Emmett brought some for her to taste test. Alice agreed that this purchased potato salad was good enough to serve. Hers was certainly better but not worth the effort to make enough for 100 people.
Emmett arrived just as everyone was finishing up breakfast. He grabbed Gus and carried him over to Alice who Emmett kissed on the cheek.
"Alice have you at long last reconsidered and agree to coming and working with me? I can assure you of more excitement than your dull suburban existence here for grim Brian Kinney."
Alice just laughed. Gus put his hand over his Auntie Em's mouth and giggled.
"Auntie Em! Daddy is not grim! He is always happy, especially if he has been kissing Papa. We need Alice to stay here and take care of us."
Alice came over and gave Gus a kiss on the cheek.
"That's right Gus you tell your Auntie Em he is wrong about life being dull here. One thing for sure there is nothing dull about this household."
Emmett hugged Gus tightly.
"Well I certainly can't afford to offend my number one assistant when we have so much work to do."
Gus squirmed to get put down. He looked up at Emmett.
"Where's your clipboard Auntie Em with all the stuff we need to do today?"
Just then Rusty walked into the kitchen, he was carrying his briefcase and Emmett's gold lame tote bag.
"I have Emmett's clipboard Gus. He was in such a hurry to come inside and see you that he left everything for me to carry."
Brian and Justin noticed Gus's smile disappear when Rusty appeared. They both tried to think why Gus would be unhappy to see Rusty. Protective Brian moved towards his son. Emmett shook his head.
"Thanks Honey for bringing my bag inside. Without the clipboard Gus and I would have trouble making sure everything was ready for the party tomorrow. We need to find a quiet place for you to work on your stuff while Gus and I do our work."
Gus's smile returned full blast once his job as Auntie Em's assistant was verified. He had been afraid that Rusty came along to work with Auntie Em on party preparations. Brian and Justin looked at each other and smiled.
Emmett looked over at Justin. "Before Gus and I get started I do need to talk to you for a minute."
Justin nodded and led the way into the dining room and closed the door.
"What's up Em?"
"Baby I had a call last night from Michael. Lindsay called him and asked for a ride down here tomorrow. She told Michael that Melanie isn't going to come because she is busy with work but Lindsay plans on attending.
Michael asked if they were on the guest list and of course they are. I just wanted to give you a heads up. I imagine Michael is afraid Brian will be angry with him."
Justin chuckled.
"That's a pretty safe bet. Michael sure wouldn't care if I was upset."
Both men laughed. Justin assured it was no problem for Lindsay to come to the 4th of July bash, but it was a good idea to make sure Brian was not surprised by her arrival.
"Baby wasn't it just too sweet when Gus was afraid Rusty was going to take his place as my assistant. He is just too adorable."
Justin smiled.
"Who is too adorable Gus or Rusty?"
He was amazed when the usually unflappable Emmett blushed before he answered.
"Both! For different reasons."
Both men were laughing as they walked back into the kitchen. Justin told Rusty he could use the dining room to work in. He could shut the doors to escape from the hubbub of party planning.
Granny arrived in the house just as John and Peter started to peel the eggs. The doorbell rang about the same time. Gus rushed over gave Granny a hug and told her he was busy helping Auntie Em. Granny offered to help with egg preparation. Alice assigned her the job and cutting the eggs in half and emptying the yolks into a bowl.
Cassie and her daughters arrived and took the babies up to the nursery. The girls each had a bag to carry with some games and other things to keep them occupied.
Justin kissed Granny's cheek and went up to his studio. He was planning on having a show at the Bloom Gallery in September. Brian walked down to the study and set up some in office meeting for next week.
As egg work progressed John and Peter started to talk about the 4th of July party. Last year they were still new to the household and the party had amazed them. Their mother and grandmother had never had a large party. This year, more secure about their place in Brian & Justin's family, both boys were looking forward to the party and had been making plans with friends about what they would do on the 4th.
They told Granny that it was s shame there were no fireworks planned for this year. Last year's display had been amazing.
John explained why there would be no fireworks.
"The Uncle felt the noise would be too much for the munchkins. There would be nowhere in the house where the sound of the fireworks wouldn't be heard. Uncle Brian said there will be fireworks again next year,"
Peter added to the story.
"Grandmom Jen says the fireworks display is really expensive. She says Uncle Brian only has fireworks because Papa likes them so much."
Granny chuckled.
"Justin always loved fireworks from the time he was a little boy. He used to say it was like art in the sky. His grandfather also loved fireworks. I think that is where Justin got his firework fascination. Justin and his Grandpop loved each other so much.
When Justin was just a little thing anytime his Grandpop said he liked something Justin would look up at him with those big blue eyes and say, "I like that too Grandpop". Of course, my husband loved those comments. He would always tell Justin "that is because you have excellent taste. Just like me". Jennifer was always her father's favorite child. She was a perfect Daddy's girl. Kate was always too independent for his taste.
He loathed Craig. Her father could never understand why Jennifer married him. I didn't really care for Craig but nothing like my husband. He wanted to refuse to give Jennifer the money from her trust fund so Craig could start his business. Her father thought Craig should have come up with a business plan and presented it to us, instead of just having Jennifer come alone. My husband never could say no to Jennifer, so he gave her the money but always resented Craig. He died before the divorce, but he would have been delighted by Jennifer coming to her senses.
Mr husband and I often talked about the fact that we felt Justin was homosexual. It never mattered to us. I should have been more of a support to Jennifer and to Justin. We had drifted part over the years she was married to Craig. I found it hard to insert myself back into her life. Of course, I went to live with Kate once I was a widow. She and Jennifer never got along. I should have done more, and I regret the time we lost."
Peter came over and gave Granny a hug. Even John unbent enough to pat her hand gently. Granny smiled at them both.
"The important thing is that I am here now. I know this is where I am meant to be. As Alice has wisely said, this is a home filled with love."
Peter nodded.
"As Grandmom would say we are all part of the same love family'
Granny smiled.
"I know better than to disagree with anything Jennifer says, especially in this household. She has too many admirers here."
John and Peter laughed but did not disagree with that sentiment.
Granny smiled at the boys.
"You boys sure seem settled and happy here with Brian and Justin. I'm curious about that since you haven't been here too long, and my understanding is you didn't have much contact before last year."
John and Peter looked at each other before John turned to Granny.
"Granny, I expect that in your life you have never felt alone or unsafe. That is not how Peter and I have grown up. Peter doesn't even remember our father living with us. I do remember him, and I have some nice memories of him. What I remember most is how much he and mother fought. I never felt secure because our life was so chaotic.
It was no better at our grandparents. Grandmother and Gramps were truly vicious to each other and occasionally I would notice a bruise on Grandmother's face. Once she had a black eye. Mother said she got that from a fall. I was just a kid but I knew that was a lie.
Dad's parents died in a car crash right before he got married. I don't really remember anyone being happy for long. After Dad left it was worse. I was a little boy and I couldn't believe he just disappeared and never came back. Mother always told me I was the big brother and needed to take care of Peter. She started leaving us alone when I was about seven.
So that was our life. We rarely saw Uncle Brian and when we did, he didn't have any interest in us. He might give us a couple bucks but basically, he ignored us. I know now he was dealing with his own issues from how he was raised but at the time I hated him. He was just another adult who disappointed me.
The last year we lived with Mother was the worst ever. When we came here it was like a dream. Uncle Brian was different, I could see that right away. He was still snarky and a little closed off but different.
At first, I thought Uncle Justin was too good to be true. He was so nice, so concerned, so interested in us. I thought he couldn't really care but he did, and he does. For a long time, I was afraid to open my eyes in the morning because I thought maybe I had been dreaming. Now I can't wait to open my eyes and start another day here."
Granny put out her hand and took John's. Alice stood behind John her eyes watery. Peter looked at Granny.
"I always had John I could depend on but never anyone else. When we came here to live, I thought Uncle Justin was the most wonderful person I ever met. He listened to us and I could tell he was really interested in what we had to say.
When he bought the art gallery, he took me to meetings, and it was all really interesting. When that man tried to kidnap him; I could tell Uncle Justin was more worried about me than himself. Lots of people think it is silly that I call him Papa."
Peter turned to look at his brother.
"I never knew what a father was, but I know I can always go to my Papa with any question or problem that I have, and he will listen to me. Papa will think about what I tell him and give me advice. His advice is always good. I know that he loves me. I know that he will always love me. As far as I can tell that is what a father is supposed to be."
Granny took Peter's hand and looked at both boys.
"You are correct John. I never in my life felt alone or uncared for. I truly thank you for explaining how things really are in the world. In my opinion you are both remarkable people for overcoming what you have had to endure. I am really proud of Brian and my Justin for being there for you. Peter dear I don't think it is silly at all that you call Justin, Papa."
She gave both boys a hug and said they need to get back to working on the eggs. Alice drained the last two dozen hard boiled eggs.
Justin glanced out the studio window and saw Emmett dealing with workmen and deliveries. Gus a small shadow following everywhere Auntie Em went. He produced every paper requested and crossed finished tasks off the to-do list. Gus' smile went ear to ear.
Since it was close to lunch time Justin washed his hands and went down to the kitchen.
Justin thought Granny had a funny expression on her face as she helped with deviled egg production. He smiled at John and Peter, at least they looked normal. Alice, like Granny, seemed to have an odd expression on her face.
Justin announced his lunch plans.
"I am going to make a pasta salad with veggies and slice some of last night's roast beef for sandwiches. You guys continue your work, lunch should be ready soon."
John wiped his hands.
"We are in good shape here Uncle Justin. I can help with lunch."
John got a big smile from his uncle.
"Thanks Buddy!"
John was slicing some homemade bread and Justin was assembling the salad when Brian appeared. His first stop was to deliver a kiss to Justin. Justin leaned against his partner for a moment before asking him to let Gus and Emmett know that lunch was ready.
Gus dominated lunch conversation letting everyone know what he and Auntie Em had been doing. Rusty, not used to chatterbox Gus, was highly amused. As usual Gus's Daddy fought a losing battle to not have Gus talk with food in his mouth. Since John, Peter and Justin all had big smiles as they encouraged Gus to talk, Brian knew he was fighting a losing battle.
Granny didn't help Brian when she mentioned that Justin always used to talk with food in his mouth. Gus got a big smile. He loved his Papa a lot so being like him was okay with Gus. Alice could be heard chuckling at the lunch conversation as she continued to fill egg halves with deviled yolks.
As lunch was drawing to a close, Emmett's phone rang. He stepped away from the table when he answered. His face changed to a frown as he listened to the caller. His tone was so different than his normal voice everyone turned to listen.
"You assured me that you would deliver those changing cubicles today."
Emmett listened with his frown deepening.
"Listen. I hear from your competitors all the time, offering huge discounts to give them my business. I have been loyal to you because of your dependability. I felt I could rely on what you told me. If you lose that dependability the only think left is price and if it comes to that, you lose my future business.
So you get those cubicle delivered and set up today or I find a new supplier. I am not interested in any of your bullshit excuses. I expect you to live up to our agreement."
More listening and a shouted a single word into his phone.
"TODAY!"
Emmett got a half smile.
"I thought you would see things my way. Don't ever try to pull a stunt like this again. I hope we understand each other."
When Emmett disconnected, he turned to see everyone staring at him. Even Gus was stunned to silence.
Brian spoke first.
"Honeycutt, I don't think I ever heard that tone of voice come out of your mouth."
Rusty was wide eyed.
"Honey that was a whole new side to you. It's sexy."
Everyone laughed. Emmett just shrugged.
"You don't get to be a premier party planned without delivering on your promises. That means you need the people you work with to deliver on their promises. I can be tough when I need to be."
Justin got up and came over to give his friend a hug.
"Em you are the best. It was just a surprise to meet warrior Em, when we are used to Auntie Em."
Gus came over.
"We better get back to work Auntie Em. Those men must be almost finished the floor. We need to check for loose screws."
Emmett smiled down at his assistant, took his hand and together they went back to work. His final word was directed to Brian.
"And don't call me Honeycutt."