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 27
A stunned Michael ate his lunch and walked back to Kinnetik. He couldn't believe his mother refused to let him stay at her house. On the way back to work he decided his mother's refusal might work out better than Him staying at her house. He could call Brian now and ask about staying at the loft.
Michael thought that Brian probably missed living at the loft. Once he was living there, he could ask Brian to come over and hang out. Brian would realize how much he missed living in the city. Eventually Michael figured he could get Brian to stay overnight at the loft instead of driving all the way down to Washington. That would be the start of getting Brian away from Justin's influence.
When Michael got back to work, a woman from the accounting department was chatting with the other receptionist. He was amazed to hear them say that Brian was coming back to work. This was more good news for Michael. Brian must have been tired of putting up with Justin's brats.
He sat down at the reception desk.
"How do you know Brian is coming back to work?"
Both women turned to him.
"Cynthia sent out an email letting everyone know. Brian is going to be in the office on Tuesday and Thursday for partial days."
Michael quickly opened his email to read Cynthia's message for himself. He was surprised that Brian hadn't mentioned this to him yesterday.
He turned to the two women.
"Brian must be tired of putting up with Justin's brats all day. I bet he will start working pretty much full time."
The woman from accounting rolled her eyes at her friend. She had already told her friend that she thought Michael was a jerk.
"I don't know about that Michael. I've heard Ted and Cynthia talking. They laughed about the fact that in every phone call they have to hear about something cute that Liam or Lily did or how great Gus is doing. He seems pretty happy at home."
Michael shook his head.
"I have known Brian longer than anyone else. We have been best friends for years. I understand him better than anyone else."
The other receptionist suggested to her friend that they could leave for lunch now that Michael was back. The other woman nodded but had some final words for Michael.
"It's funny that you think you are Brian's best friend, and your job is a receptionist. Ted is the CFO, a partial owner and runs an entire Kinnetik department. Some people might think Brian would have a more important job for his supposed best friend."
Michael simply ignored her, and the two women left for lunch.
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Brian contacted the architect they used when they renovated the house and added the pool house and studio. He let him know about their planned garage/apartment addition. They made an appointment to meet the next day.
Justin let Granny know that she should be thinking about what she wanted in her new home before the meeting. Granny was delighted that the plans were moving forward. She felt more content with her life than she had in years. This was a fascinating household to be a part of. She and Gus had become great friends. Granny was crazy about Gus and was delighted that he was so anxious to spend time with her.
She enjoyed watching Gus interact with his baby brother and sister. Justin let her know that Gus enjoyed reading out loud. Gus was happy to sit on Granny's lap and read to her. He loved when Granny told him stories about Grandmom Jen when she was a little girl.
Justin walked down the hall to the study, gave a quick knock and went inside. Brian looked up.
"What's up Sunshine? Were you missing me?"
Justin came over to sit on Brian's lap and gave him a kiss.
"I always miss you when I not with you, but I want to tell you something."
Brian leaned back in his chair and put his arms around his favorite blond.
"So what's your big news?"
Justin chuckled and gave Brian another kiss.
"Not really big news. Nancy called me. She is sending their youngest to a day camp for two days a week. It is about twenty minutes south, ten minutes if you are driving, just over the West Virginia border.
The camp is on a farm, they have a bunch of animals for the kids to interact with. They go on nature walks and learn about plants and trees. I think Gus would enjoy it. I'm going to take a drive down there, take a tour and see what I think."
Brian nodded agreement.
"Sounds like it would be perfect for Sonny Boy. Did you want me to go with you?"
Justin's eyes opened wide.
"Only if you want to go, which I highly doubt! I'll get Peter or Granny to go with me for company. By the way you should check out Granny and Gus. He is sitting on her lap and reading to her about dinosaurs. They are so cure together."
Brian rolled his eyes.
"I'll take your word on the cute factor. Do you think we should have Gus talk to someone about his fascination with old ladies?"
Justin smacked Brian's hand.
"You can be impossible sometimes."
Brian tightened his arms around his partner and gave him a kiss.
"Thanks for looking out for Sonny Boy."
Justin bestowed a Sunshine smile on Brian whose eyes narrowed with desire. Justin stood up quickly while he could still get away. At the door he turned back to Brian.
"Later stud."
A smiling Justin went out on the patio. He thought maybe Granny had enough Gus time. When he asked if she wanted to go for a drive, Granny tightened her arms around Gus and said they were at a very interesting part of the book. She preferred to stay at home. Gus beamed with happiness.
Peter was floating in the pool but happily agreed to take a drive with Papa.
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David dropped Jay off at his mother's house. He waited until Jay was in the house until he drove away. David felt a little ashamed about how happy he was to have avoided even seeing Andrea. Jay found his mother in her home office.
"Hi Mom. Dad just dropped me off."
Andrea got up to give her son a hug.
"Did he actually stop the car or just slow down so you could jump out."
"Mom!"
"Well he could have come in and asked how I was doing. I did spend a few days in the hospital."
Jay sighed.
"You jump on Dad every time you see him, and you wonder why he didn't come inside with me. I would have begged him not to come in if he even mentioned it."
Andrea let the subject drop.
"I hope you have your homework done for your class tomorrow."
"I do. Peter and I worked on it together."
His mother rolled her eyes.
"I'm sure he was glad to have your help. You know Jay it doesn't really help others if you do their work for them."
"Mom! I'm sure you remember that Peter was the top student this year at the academy. He doesn't need my help to complete homework assignments. Could you try and find something positive to say?"
"Well it seems like I can't say the right thing today. I guess you are sorry to be home."
Jay sighed again and shook his head.
"I have been home less than ten minutes. In that time, you bashed Dad which I have repeatedly asked you NOT to do. Next you act like my friend used me to cheat on schoolwork. I had a really nice time at the party yesterday if you care."
Andrea went back and sat at her desk.
"I'm glad you had a nice time. I have quite a bit of work to catch up on. There is chicken salad in the refrigerator for your lunch."
Jay texted with Peter for a while before he went to the kitchen for lunch. He was eating chicken salad and some sliced tomatoes when his mother came into the room.
She got a plate and flatware before sitting down at the table and helping herself to some chicken salad.
Jay smiled at her.
"Want me to slice some tomato for you?"
"No thank you. I made a doctor's appointment for you tomorrow after your class. Make sure you take a shower and wear good underwear."
A confused Jay looked over at his mother.
"Why am I going to the doctor?"
"I think a doctor's exam is a wise precaution considering the time you spent in the Kinney home."
Jay stood up.
"No!"
Andrea stood as well.
"Jay, this is not up for debate. If the exam turns up nothing there is no harm done. I couldn't live with myself if you suffered any ill effects from staying in that household."
"No Mom. I am NOT going to any doctor's appointment. I was lucky Peter is in that class with me. Otherwise I would have been left alone at the college. Uncle Justin was nice enough to take me to their house and let me stay.
Uncle Justin and Uncle Brian were investigated before Peter and his brother went to live with them. Peter was upset about the way you talked to his Uncle. You know their housekeeper and she is there all the time. Peter's uncles are gay not child molesters."
Andrea moved closer to her son.
"I did a little research on those men. Justin Taylor was quite young when they first… got together. A tiger can't change its stripes. Kinney could be a child molester. I am you mother. It is my job to protect you. As I said if the exam shows nothing, there is no harm done."
Jay shook his head.
"No! If you try and take me to that appointment, I will call Dad and child protective services. You have no backup if you can't pick me up from somewhere. You have no close friends. You keep everyone at a distance even the grandparents. You resent any time I spend with Dad. I don't want to live like this anymore.
Josh's parents have no trouble with him staying there. Patrick O'Brien from school and his little brother have both stayed there and his father works for Kinnetik, which Uncle Brian and Uncle Justin own. They even took them on a trip to Disney World. They are really nice men."
"Those men are not your uncles. I'd appreciate it if you don't refer to them that way. I don't care what Bill and Mary Gardner allow Josh to do. You are MY son, and you will do as I say."
Jay shook his head again.
"NO! I had the best time I can remember staying there. Their son Gus is a neat little guy, and he lives there too. They have twin babies, Lily and Liam, who are really cute. I got to feed them bottles. We swam in the pool, explored the woods around their house and just goofed around.
Everyone was happy and there was lots of laughter. Peter does well at school and still has time to do fun stuff at home. Yesterday I had so much fun hanging out with Josh, Peter and Joe, another kid they know. Peter is going to try and get permission for us to spend a weekend there. If he gets that permission, I am going to stay there with them.
If you don't let me go. I will fail every class at school next year. When I get sent to the school counselor; I'll say that you put so much pressure on me that I am too nervous to concentrate."
Andrea sank into a kitchen chair. She was shocked by her son's rebellion.
"I can't believe that you are talking to me like this. I have no idea why you think you can speak to me with such disrespect. I have always tried to do what is best for you and you repay my devotion with threats. I am deeply hurt by your attitude."
Jay shrugged.
"I know you think you have done what is best for me, but I think really it is what is best for you. I love you but you have to loosen the apron strings. I don't mean to hurt you, but I like Peter and I enjoyed spending time with Josh again. I need friends.
I talked with Dad and Kay. If you don't loosen up, I am going to live with them."
Andrea's face was scarlet from anger.
"You don't decide where you live! No legal authority would approve of you living with your father and his whore!"
"Mom! Kay is a nice person. You and Dad were always arguing. I thought you would be happier when you got a divorce.
Peter told me that he and his brother talked to the judge when the uncles got permanent custody of them. He said that who a teenager wants to live with is a big factor in custody cases. Don't make me choose Dad over you."
Andrea scrapped the contents of her plate into the sink and stormed out of the kitchen. Jay started to go after her but stopped. He sat at the table and finished his lunch.
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Justin and Peter talked and laughed on the drive to the day camp. When they arrived it was love at first sight for Justin. All the kids were running around in old clothes. There was plenty of supervision who intervened when play time got too rough.
Some kids were petting rabbits or feeding carrots to the horses. A couple kids were throwing sticks & toys for dogs to retrieve and some others were watching a calf feed from a mother cow. There were softball games, kick ball matches and volleyball.
Justin saw there were children of all ages and it seemed like there were age appropriate activities for everyone. He had a smile on his face the whole time he and Peter walked around the camp. He met with the camp director and signed up Gus to start the next week. He would attend the same two day as Alice & Charlie's grandson, Mark.
Justin has already arranged with Roxanne to have a play date for Gus and Kevin at least once a week. He was feeling pretty good about Gus's summer. He and Brian had agreed they didn't want to load Gus up with activities every day. It was important for Gus to spend time with the family so he would feel a part of everything.
By the time Justin and Peter got back, John had been picked up from soccer practice. He and Peter put on bathing suits to go in the pool. Cassie had Liam and Lily out on the patio while her daughters and Gus played in the low end under the watchful eyes of Granny and Cassie.
Justin went outside to say hello to everyone and to give Lily and Liam kisses. Inside he went back down to the study.
Brian looked up.
"I was just going to go outside. I know I have been in here too long."
Justin laughed.
"That's true but not why I came to talk to you. I signed Gus up for the day camp. I really liked it, so I was going to tell you about it."
Brian got a serious look on his face, which concerned Justin.
"Justin, I'm sorry. I know you have been doing too much for Gus. You just need to remind me not to slack off. I don't want you to worry about doing all the heavy lifting for Gus, Liam and Lily. You know I want to be a good parent."
Justin smiled.
"Brian, you are a great Daddy. I know you don't like the nitty gritty side of parenting. All the kids know that you love them and will always protect them and take care of them. Even Lily and Liam already love you, especially your Princess. We are a team; I don't mind doing a little more of the boring stuff. I always know you have my back."
Brian got up and came over and gave Justin a hug and a kiss.
"Let's check out the patio activity."
Brian put his arm over Justin shoulders, and they walked down to the family room and outside. They arrived just as Liam and Lily announced they were ready for a bottle. Gus got out of the pool to come over and talk to his brother and sister while the bottles were heated.
Brian picked up Liam and snuggled him against his chest until Cassie brought him a bottle. Gus leaned on his Daddy's knee with a big smile on his face. As Liam went to town on his bottle Brian looked down at his oldest child.
"Wow Sonny Boy. Look at Sunbeam chowing down on his bottle. Looks like he might have inherited Papa's appetite."
Gus giggled. Cassie smiled at Brian and his children.
"I've noticed that Liam has been finishing his bottles faster. He is almost up to the same weight as his sister."
Brian looked over at Justin.
"Well I guess he hasn't inherited his Papa's metabolism. His Papa never seems to gain weight despite his gluttony."
Justin stuck out his tongue at Brian. "You soooooo adore me."
Gus almost fell down laughing. He looked over at his cousins in the pool and they were laughing too. Even Granny had a big smile on her face.
Gus looked up at his Daddy. "Daddy, sometimes you and Papa are very silly."
Justin looked over at Gus.
"Don't you believe that Daddy adores me."
Gus got a serious look on his face.
"Yes Papa! He really does. That is why Daddy kisses you all the time."
That statement made the cousins laugh even more. Brian shot them a dirty look which did nothing to stop their laughter.
While the twins enjoyed their bottles, Justin told Gus about the new camp he would going to with the Mark. It all sounded great to Gus. Peter chimed in with his observations of the camp. Once Lilly was fed and burped and back on her cushion under the awning. Gus climbed up on his Papa's lap.
"Thanks for finding me a camp Papa. I bet I will really have a lot of fun there. Kevin and I are still having our play dates right?"
Justin gave Gus a hug. "Yes, Little Man you and Kevin will still have your play dates. I know you guys are looking forward to them."
Gus was content to sit on Papa's lap. Papa was always so happy and nice, and he was easy to talk to. Gus understood why Daddy adored him.
Cassie and her daughters left for the day.
Daddy lured Gus back into the pool with a promise of a game of ring toss. Justin sat beside his grandmother. Granny took his hand.
"Justin, my darling boy, I have enjoyed very moment I have spent with you. I hope you understand how grateful I am to be here with you and your family. I am more optimistic about my future than I have been in several years.
I knew that you would welcome me, but I am so happy that your Brian has welcomed me as well. Your Mother feels sure that it is Brian's idea to build a home for me here. I was surprised when she told me that. Is it true?"
Justin squeezed Granny's hand as he gazed over at Brian and Gus playing ring toss so happily.
"You must never tell Brian that you know that it was his idea. He would be embarrassed and upset. Part of the reason is that Brian always wants me to be happy, just as I want him to be happy. The closest Brian ever had to a family was Debbie, her brother and Michael. It was good but not perfect.
I believe Brian is now the most content that he has ever been in his life. He loves Gus so much. He enjoys his nephews, and you can see how much he dotes on the twins. He knows how much I love you and have missed you. Most important you have embraced his family as your own.
I think he sees you as a unifying force for family. Don't push too hard but accept what Brian can give. He is never going to say he loves you; he will show you how he feels. This garage and apartment is Brian showing you he accepts you as part of his family."
Granny didn't say anything and when Justin looked at her face, he saw the unshed tears in her eyes.
"Justin, you are so fortunate to have such a strong connection with your partner. Your grandfather and I enjoyed a similar relationship. I don't believe your parents ever did. It is obvious to this old lady how much you adore each other.
You are building such a wonderful family together. Gus is a delightful boy. He loves you and Brian so much. John and Peter seem to be on the road to be wonderful men and you and Brian are giving them such a firm foundation to build their life upon.
Of course, Liam and Lily are adorable. The only worry there is if you can stop Brian from spoiling them too badly."
Justin chuckled. "I'm pretty sure I can handle that situation."
Brian looked over at Justin and Granny. They looked like there having a deep discussion. Before Brian could think about that too much, he was treated to a full-blown sunshine smile.
Brian smirked at his partner. Gus reminded Daddy that it was his toss. Brian rolled his eyes at Justin before he turned back to the ring toss game. Justin excused himself from Granny and jumped into the pool.
Justin swam over to Gus and Brian. Gus looked at him with a smile.
"Are you going to play ring toss Papa?"
"Yes Little Man. I thought Daddy and I could play a round of ring toss."
Justin struggled not to laugh at the amazed expression on his son's face.
"Okay Papa. Daddy and I are done our game. You guys can play now."
Justin laughed.
"I was just joking Gus. I came in the pool to play ring toss with you."
Gus giggled. "You are silly Papa."
Brian gave his favorite blond a kiss before getting out of the pool and drying off. Justin played a couple games of ring toss. He was glad that Alice's announcement that supper was almost ready provided him with a graceful end to ring toss games.
Since everyone, except Granny, was wearing bathing suits; supper was eaten on the patio. Everyone enjoyed Alice's baked crab cakes, potato salad, made with potatoes from the farm, and peas fresh from the garden. Dessert was peach cobbler made from peaches from their orchard.
Granny asked if the crabs were raised on the property, since the rest of meal was home grown. Alice laughingly told her that the crab meat had come from the seafood store in town. She said that she had given up on cleaning crabs since she found someone willing to pay for lump crab meat. Everyone turned to Brian who grinned. Alice's crab cakes were among Brian's favorite foods.
John & Peter with an assist from Gus cleared the table, loaded the dishwasher and put away the few leftovers. After their work was done, they headed to the media room. Granny retired to the pool house.
Brian and Justin shared a lounge chair with full glasses of wine. They relaxed and chatted and just enjoyed being together. Justin's phone rang. He glanced at the display before answering.
"Hi Mom. What's up?"
"Hello Honey. Tucker and I are coming out on Saturday morning and staying for the weekend."
Justin was a little surprised by that announcement.
"Is there any particular reason you want to visit us?"
Jennifer chuckled.
"Actually, I don't want to visit you. I plan to spend time with my grandchildren. You and Brian need to go to the loft for the weekend. It's important for you guys to have time alone together. This is your chance to spend a decadent weekend.
I know Brian is starting back to work parttime next week, so this is the perfect time for a couple's getaway. You don't even have to pack for the weekend. I doubt you will spend much time wearing clothes."
"MOM!"
"JUSTIN, just face reality. You really need to loosen up. I have arranged for the cleaners to freshen the loft tomorrow. While they are there Emmett will drop off enough food to last the weekend. He is sworn to secrecy about your weekend plans.
I have already spoken to Roxanne about Kevin coming for an overnight. He will love spending time with Gus and the twins. They will handle soccer game transportation for John."
A grinning Brian followed the conversation. He heartily approved of all Jennifer's plans.
"Thanks Mother Taylor. That sounds like great plans for everyone this weekend."
"I knew you would approve Sweetheart. I'll see you briefly Saturday morning and then not until dinner on Sunday."
Justin thanked his mother and disconnected the call. He could sense how happy Brian was with the plans for the weekend. They continued to sit outside chatting until it was time for Brian to go get Gus ready for bed.
The next day the architect arrived for their first meeting about the new garage/apartment addition. To no one's surprise Granny had a few drawings showing what she would like to see in her new home.
Brian also had some rough drawing he had done. Justin had done sketches about some possible looks for the exterior. Neither Justin nor Brian wanted a carbon copy of the house. They wanted the new building to blend with the style of their home but not be too matchy.
Justin drew a small tower at the one end of the building. This would house the elevator to the new apartment. There would also be stairs with a small entrance foyer on the first floor. They decided to use the same remote entry system that the apartments above Bloom Gallery used. Granny would be able to see who was at the door and unlock it from upstairs.
The four of them discussed the exterior and came to an agreement on stucco and stone for the first floor and cement board siding for the second floor. Brian and Granny both acquiesced to Justin's artistic sensibilities on how the building should look outside.
Granny and Brian had similar plans for the interior but there were a few points of discussion. When they got into a somewhat heated discussion about the color scheme Justin told them to chill out. This was to decide on design, not paint color.
Granny was non-negotiable on a small balcony off her bedroom where she could have morning coffee. Since it would face away from the main house, she wouldn't have to comb her hair or put on makeup. Brian was determined to have a wall of windows at the great room end of the apartment that opened onto a large deck. The view of the pond would be amazing.
Granny said she didn't want to live in a "fishbowl", but Brian pointed out there would be no one but squirrels and birds that could look into the "fishbowl". Justin was relieved that the two stubborn people that he loved were able to come to agreement on the new building.
The architect said he would get prices from some builders. When he started to talk about things that could be eliminated to save cost, Granny just waved her hand and said she was NOT interested in cutting corners. Brian just smiled; this was woman after his own heart.
Peter and Jay met up at their summer class. Jay told Peter about the argument with his mother. She was giving him the silent treatment since yesterday. Peter felt sorry for his friend. He told him about the man Clair had them living with that was a real pervert. Peter said that the uncles didn't do any of the creepy stuff that Paul Clarke did.
Jay confided that he wasn't sure his father was serious about assuming custody. Peter told him not to worry about things that hadn't happened yet. He told Jay that Grandmom Jen was coming to the house to spend the weekend. Peter said he would talk about the situation to Grandmom Jen and see if she had any helpful suggestions.
Peter said that Grandmom Jen always had good ideas about stuff.