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 28
Joan Kinney was meeting with her drug counselor to discuss Joan going home from rehab. The counselor knew Joan lived by herself and did not have any close friends or relatives. He was concerned about the amount of liquor that was probably stored in the Kinney home.
Joan felt she would have no trouble getting rid of any liquor that was in the house. The counselor felt this was a recipe for disaster. Joan was bound to feel apprehensive about living alcohol free and he did not want her to fall back on her old coping mechanism of vodka.
The only person who had visited Joan was Jennifer Taylor. The counselor asked if it was possible for Jennifer to go through the house and remove any alcohol. Joan started to say there was no way for Jennifer Taylor to get into her house when she remembered that key box attached to her railing. She didn't think it had ever been removed.
Joan knew that if she didn't avoid alcohol, she would get sicker and sicker until she died. Now that she had been completely sober for the first time in years, she as anxious to continue her sobriety. She agreed to contacting Jennifer. Joan did know the name of Jennifer's real estate firm and suggested the counselor call her at the office.
When the receptionist let Jenifer know that someone was calling concerning Joan Kinney, her first thought was that Joan must have died. She picked up the call not sure what she was about to have to deal with.
"Hello Mrs Taylor. We met when you visited Joan Kinney here. Joan is about to be released and we are hoping you will be able to do a favor for us."
A million thoughts ran through Jennifer's mind. She couldn't imagine what Joan Kinney was going to ask her to do.
"Hello Jennifer. This is Joan. We agreed to first names at our last meeting. I hope that is still alright with you."
"Of course Joan. I glad that your recovery is going well. I'm sure you are happy to be able to go home."
There was a brief hesitation before Joan continued.
"My counselor is concerned that once I am back home, I may fall back on old habits. There is quite a bit of vodka at the house. He thinks it would be a good idea to eliminate that temptation. I feel I could take care of it but agree that perhaps it is best not to test my resolve immediately after leaving here.
It is such a controlled environment here. I can understand I need to be strong once I leave."
On one level Jennifer wanted nothing to do with Joan Kinney. On another level she realized that Joan had no support system and Jennifer didn't feel right just ignoring her.
"If I understand what you are asking Joan; you would like me to clear all the liquor out of your house."
"Yes, that is what needs to be done. I'm very sorry to impose on you. I don't plan to make a habit of calling upon you for assistance. I believe that box is still on the railing at my house and there is a key inside. I'm afraid I don't know the code to open the box, but Justin knows it."
Jennifer smiled to herself.
"Actually Joan, that lockbox is something we use in real estate. I supplied the box to Justin, so I know the code. I have time to go over to your house today. I do have a couple questions. Is it just vodka I am looking for? Are there any vodka bottles hidden anywhere? Is any liquor disguised in different bottles?"
Joan let out a short bitter laugh.
"It seems I have asked the correct person to do this. You know all the right questions. I won't ask how you know them."
"Not from personal experience. One of Brian and Justin's close friends is a counselor at a drug abuse center. He has talked about addicts' issues in general terms, never disclosing names. I believe there is a commonality in all addictions.
I apologize if I offended you. That was not my intent."
Joan was quick to reply.
"No. I'm sorry if I sounded offended. Really it is just the opposite. I truly appreciate your understanding of the situation.
Living alone, I have never had to develop any elaborate ruses to disguise my drinking. Most of the vodka is in a kitchen cabinet beside the sink. There is a bottle in my bedroom. It is right on a table there not hidden.
There are some empty bottles in the basement, but no vodka is stored there, only the empties. I can't thank you enough for doing this for me. I have no right to ask you for help."
"Joan, I hope you are successful in staying sober. I think that will be better for everyone. I will pick up some grocery essentials and leave them at your house. Is there anything in particular you would like me to buy you?"
"You don't have to do that, but I would appreciate it. I could send you a check if you let me know what you spend."
"There is no need to reimburse me Joan. Has anyone been starting your car while you have been away?"
Joan was shocked that Jennifer even thought to buy her food or ask about her car.
"No. I imagine I will need to get someone to charge the battery or replace it."
"I sold a building to a mechanic not far from your house. I could ask him to stop by next week."
"Thank you, Jennifer, that would be very helpful. I don't know how to thank you for all your kindness."
Jennifer paused for a moment.
"The best thanks would be if you stay sober and consider trying to have a better relationship with your grandsons and Brian. That is completely up to you and them. There are no conditions attached to my assistance."
They said goodbye.
Jennifer didn't have anything urgent on her schedule, so she grabbed her purse and briefcase. On her way out of the office she let the receptionist she was available on her cell phone.
She stopped at a deli that Jennifer knew sold delicious, prepared food. She purchased some frozen items as well as soups, basic items like milk, egg & bread, and a few desserts. Loaded up with three bags full of groceries Jennifer drove to Joan Kinney's house.
Jennifer used the key, from the lockbox, and went inside. It was her first visit to the Kinney home. Her first impression was dingy and dirty. She knew Joan hadn't been well before she went to rehab and the house showed her neglect.
Jennifer walked out the kitchen. First, she threw out all the spoiled food inside the refrigerator. Next, she wiped out the interior before putting in the food she had purchased. After that was done, she called Tucker and asked him to come over with some cleaning supplies and trash bags.
Before she could go on her vodka hunt Jennifer was startled by the doorbell ringing. Tillie Kaminski was standing on the front steps when Jennifer opened the door.
"Hello Tillie. This is a surprise. Please come in."
"Hi Jennifer. I am guessing that you being here means Joan is about to come home."
Jennifer was uncertain how to reply. She didn't want to betray any confidences or contribute to neighborhood gossip.
Tillie smiled.
"I know that Joan has been in rehab. Good for her, after all these years that couldn't have been an easy thing to do. For better or worse, this is a tightknit community. Joan has been gone for a while. Someone knows someone who works at the hospital. The neighborhood knows she is not a patient.
Someone else sees enjoying a spring weather on a bench with a younger man in the hospital courtyard. Someone else knows he is a counselor in the drug rehab unit. As I said for better or worse the neighborhood know Joan is in rehab.
Poor Joan has done her best to avoid gossip for years. When in reality she has been a featured item on the grapevine since she first moved here."
Jennifer frowned and shook her head.
"I can hardly believe I am going to say this, but I feel sorry for Joan. Tillie you should be ashamed of yourself."
Tillie was unrepentant.
"I didn't divulge any information, but I do have ears in good working order."
"How did you know I was here?"
Tillie smiled.
"Same neighborhood grapevine. One of the neighbors told me an attractive, well dressed blonde let herself into Joan's house. The woman who let herself in was carrying grocery bags. I made an educated guess you were the attractive blonde."
Jennifer had to laugh.
"I'm torn between being somewhat horrified by your gossip grapevine and flattered by my description."
Tillie smiled again.
'Well, I want you to know that I struck a blow against homophobia. I said that I thought that Brian's mother-in-law was the attractive blonde. The person I was talking to expressed surprise that Brian was married.
I told them that Brian had a very, nice, partner, they have been together for years and that I considered you to be Brian's mother-in-law. I added that if anyone had a problem with that description, they could talk with me about it.
I very much doubt anyone will have the nerve to say anything to me. I told you about my wooden spoons. I still have them, and my aim is still perfect."
Jennifer laughed a little louder and longer this time and pulled Tillie into a hug.
Tillie looked around the porch.
"Okay Jennifer. Looks like we have some cleaning to do here. I am just going to run home and get some supplies."
"Tillie, you don't have to do that. I called Tucker and he is coming over with some things. We can take care of getting the house in order. You know Joan doesn't like anyone in her house."
"Jennifer, Joan has cut herself off from everyone. She is not going to stay sober if she continues to do that. We both know that you and Joan Kinney do not even like each other but you were the only person she could call to clear the liquor out of this house."
Jennifer looked startled that Tiller knew why she was here. Tillie chuckled.
"Joan is not the first alcoholic that I have known. She doesn't want friends, but I am going to do my best to be friendly. I hope she stays sober for her children and grandchildren."
Jennifer gave Tillie another hug before she left, saying she would be back soon.
Jennifer went out to the kitchen found three bottle of vodka and poured them down the drain. She ran the water in the sink for a few minutes to take the smell away. Next, she checked out the oven. She was pleased to see it was self-cleaning and set it to clean.
Upstairs she stripped the dirty sheets off the bed and took them down to the washer in the basement. Jennifer loaded the dishwasher with dishes and glasses.
Tucker and Tillie arrived at the same time. Tucker got sent to the basement with trash bags to gather some of the empties stored down there. Tillie said she would take care of the first floor.
Upstairs Jennifer found the vodka in the bedroom and poured it in the toilet. Tucker had brought wipes, tub cleaner and disposable toilet brushed so Jennifer gave the bathroom a good cleaning. She didn't feel like she needed to clean the other 2 bedrooms.
When the washer was done Tucker transferred the sheets to the dryer. He was amazed at the number of empty vodka bottles. Each time he filled two heavy weight trash bags he would take them up and out them into the back of his SUV.
In a couple hours the three of them had the house clean and liquor free, ready for Joan to come home. Jennifer and Tillie hugged as they parted. Jennifer told Tillie she was going to call her and arrange a trip to see the twins.
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Mary Gardner was working at her desk at the accounting firm when her cell phone rang. The number looked a little familiar but had no contact name attached.
When she answered she was surprised it was Andrea Fuller calling her. Mary had heard from Josh how Andrea had talked to Justin when Jay was at the Taylor-Kinney home. Bill had also talked to Jay and let him know how unhappy all three Gardners' were with Andrea homophobic attitude.
"Andrea this is a surprise."
"Well, I am very concerned about Jay and I need to talk with someone about my concerns."
Mary raised her eyes to heaven.
"Just hold on a moment so I can step into a conference room'
Once Mary was in the room with the door closed, she resumed the call.
"Just what are you concerned about?"
"I'm not happy that Justin Taylor took Jay to his house without my permission. I don't understand what his reasoning was, to take a child he hardly knows to his home without a parent's consent. I'm not sure what happened while Jay was at that house. I wanted David to come home and take care of Jay, but he refused to step up and help."
Mary was amazed and had no idea why Andrea would call her with this bullshit.
"Would you have preferred that Justin leave Jay alone at the college? My understanding is that Jay tried calling and texting you several times"
"I was being treated in the emergency room after the accident. I didn't have access to my phone."
Mary took a deep audible breath.
"Again, I ask, would you have preferred for Justin to leave your son all alone at the college."
"That is water under the bridge. I have no idea what happened while Jay was at that house. He is not very forthcoming except to say he had fun.
I arranged a doctor appointment for him, but he refuses to go. I don't understand his refusal. I just want to be sure nothing happened to him in that household."
Mary was incredulous.
"Andrea, how dare you call me with this bullshit! You know very well that Josh has stayed with Peter several times. Bill and I have no reason not to trust Justin and Brian. They are wonderful men in a committed loving relationship.
For absolutely no reason you are concerned about Jay staying there. Apparently, you would prefer that he was left alone at a college. You know that Bill's brother is gay but have the unmitigated gall to suggest to me that homosexuals are all child molesters.
You somehow think you are a good mother, but I am here to tell you a good mother has a backup system in place in case their child needs help and they are not available. You try your best to keep Jay isolated from everyone.
Peter Kinney has lots of friends and still managed to beat out Jay for best student, so I think your plan needs work. I have never really liked you and now I actively dislike you. Brian and Justin are great people. Peter and Josh are best friends. Please do not contact me again with your baseless prejudices. I intend to block your number on my phone."
Mary didn't wait for Andrea's reply, she disconnected and blocked Andrea's number.
A furious Mary immediately called Bill to report the call to him. She told Bill that he should call David and let him know what Andrea was doing. Bill couldn't understand why Andrea would call Mary in the first place. They had never been close. Since the divorce both Bill and Mary made it clear that they sided with David.
Bill said he would call and talk to David.
Meanwhile Andrea decided to take matters into her own hands. She drove to the Washington County Sheriff's office. When she said she wanted to report possible child abuse she was immediately ushered into a conference room.
Andrea was encouraged by the initial interest and happy to relate her story. She realized she was losing their attention when she admitted that her son would have been left all alone at the college if he wasn't taken home by Mr Taylor and his nephew.
The names Taylor and Kinney were well known in the Sheriff's office. The wanted to be sure they followed procedures to the letter. Just the mention of Alice Simpson made the Sheriff break out in a sweat.
There was quite a bit of give and take until the Sheriff brought the meeting to a close.
"Mrs Fuller, I understand you are concerned about your son. However, you have no proof that anything untoward happened while he stayed at the Taylor-Kinney home. We have no legal grounds to start an investigation unless we have some proof.
Many people would be grateful to Mr Taylor for taking care of your son. The alternative was to leave a young boy alone to fend for himself."
Andrea left annoyed that this visit came to another dead end.
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Brian was relaxing on the patio. He was dividing his attention between Gus and Cassie's daughters in the pool with John and Lily and Liam on their cushion under the awning. Granny sat beside him, enjoying the children and enjoying watching Brian enjoy the children.
Justin was picking up Peter after his class.
He smiled at Granny and pointed to Liam who had a funny expression on his face.
"I think Sunbeam may be filling his diaper."
Granny laughed.
"Maybe Peter will want to change that diaper when he gets home."
Granny and Brian both had a good laugh since Peter was still steadfast about avoiding even close proximity to dirty diapers.
Brian's cell rang and when he glanced down, he frowned. Granny worries for a moment that something had happened to Justin & Peter. Brian's first words relieved her of that worry.
"Hi Mikey. What's up."
"Hey Brian. Ben and I are separating. You know the house is just in his name, so I need to find a place to live."
Brian sighed.
"Good Luck to you, be sure to update your address with Patti in HR."
"Briaaan. I thought since you don't really use the loft, I could stay there."
"Mikey, why would you think I would let you live in the loft?"
There was a pause before a shocked Michael continued.
"You don't use it much anymore. You let Lindsay and Melanie use it. Why shouldn't you let me use it. We have been best friends for years. The loft is just sitting there unused and I need a place to live."
Brian got up and walked into the house. Alice was in the kitchen, so he went into the pantry and closed the door.
"Mikey, I pay you a fucking salary and now you think I need to give you a place to live. Move the fuck home with your mother."
"Ma said I can't live there. Can you believe she choose Carl and that kid, Joe, over me?"
"Yes. I believe that! I'm fucking proud she told you it's time to stand on your own two feet. That means you have to find your own place to live."
This conversation was not going the way Michael imagined it would.
"Brian, I know you are coming back to work next week. If I lived at the loft you could stay there when you didn't want to be bothered by Justin's kids. We could hang out like in the old days before Justin entered the picture."
Brian struggled to stay calm.
"Michael, I'm not sure why you have such a fucking hard time with the fact that Liam and Lily are NOT Justin's children. They are OUR children, Justin and mine! I love them. I don't want to spend time away from them.
It is not my responsibility to find you a place to live and it is not your Mother's responsibility. You are supposed to be a fucking adult and take care of yourself. Good luck."
Brian disconnected the call and went back outside. Michael sat and stared at his phone for a while. He couldn't believe that Brian refused his request to live at the loft. He was being so selfish. Brian didn't even use the loft.
Granny glanced over as Brian came out of the house. He had his no emotion face firmly in place. He went over to where the twins were laying on their cushion and started a conversation with his Sunbeam and Princess.
Cassie said she thought Liam was done so she would take him inside to change his diaper. Brian chuckled. He was surprised when Lily eyes followed her brother being picked up and taken inside. She started to fuss a little so Brian picked her up while still talking to her.
She settled down but Brian felt like she didn't like being separated from her brother. He knew she was still too young to have that actual awareness, but he also thought twins did have a close connection. He couldn't wait to talk this over with Justin.
Granny noticed Alice look out the doors at Brian. She saw Granny observing her and gave her a smile. A few minutes later Justin and Peter came through the garage door.
Peter went up the back stairs to change. Alice let Justin know that Michael had called Brian who appeared upset by the call.
Justin let out an exasperated breath. "That Asshole!"
Alice chuckled. "My sentiments exactly. If he has found out about your loft weekend and tries to disrupt it your mother might just kill him."
Justin laughed and went out the door to the patio.
He walked over to where Brian was holding their daughter and gave him a kiss. Gus called a hello from the pool which Justin returned.
Cassie came back outside with a cleaned-up Liam. Papa gave both babies a kiss before turning to Brian.
"Let's take a walk down to the pond."
Brian returned Lily to the cushion, next to her brother, before putting his arm around Justin's waist.
When they got out of earshot of the patio Justin asked what Michael wanted. Brian vented to his partner who leaned against him as they walked. Like Brian Justin was surprised and pleased that Debbie stood up to Michael. They stood by the pond and talked while Brian threw stones into the water. Eventually Brian leaned down and delivered a passionate kiss to his favorite soft pink lips.
When they got back to the patio Cassie was gathering his daughters to leave for the day. Lily and Liam fed and with clean diapers were sound asleep. John and Peter were in the pool with Gus who requested his Daddy and Papa come in the pool with him. They laughingly agreed and Granny said she would keep an eye on the twins.
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Right after his disappointing call with Brian, Michael got a text from Ben asking when he would be moving out of the house. Michael suddenly thought of Emmett. They had been roommates years ago and always gotten along.
He knew that Emmett's house had 2 bedrooms. Even though Rusty was living there now, Michael felt like there would be room for him.
He called Emmett and had another disappointing phone call. Emmett told him that Rusty was using the second bedroom as an office and to get away from Emmett's catering business which occupied most of the first floor.
Emmett suggested Michael try the LGBT center which had a roommate matching. Michael was initially horrified by that suggestion but realizing he had few options he decided to give it a try.
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By Friday Justin was starting to panic about leaving Liam and Lily for the weekend. He noticed that Brian seemed to be spending as much time as possible with the twins. Justin thought it might help him to spend some time in the studio, but he lacked the motivation to paint.
When Justin got downstairs most of the family was outside on the patio. Cassie had Lily and Liam in the house with her daughters. Gus and Brian were playing ring toss while John and Peter floated on rafts in the deep end of the pool. Granny was reading a book under the awning.
Granny looked up as Justin came outside and gave him a smile. He walked over to her and gave her a kiss on the cheek. She gently touched his cheek.
"It is only for one night and it will be good for you and Brian to concentrate on each other."
"My mother has you brainwashed. I wouldn't have thought it of you."
Granny laughed.
"Just because I agree with her doesn't mean she brainwashed me."
Justin gave her a wry smile and went over to the pool. Gus announced he was just in time to play ring toss.
Lunch was pasta salad with chicken for everyone except Gus who had his favorite PB&J on Alice's honey wheat bread. After lunch John, Peter and an excited Gus went exploring by the creek.
Granny retired to the pool house while Brian and Justin relaxed on a shred lounger. Brian kept his arms around his sunshine.
"We don't have to go to the loft you know."
Justin chuckled.
"All my mother would have to do is give you her narrow eye look, and you will fold like a house of cards."
"Sunshine I resent that statement."
Justin turned enough to look Brian in the face.
"But you know that it is true."
Brian smirked.
"I didn't say I denied it, I said I resented it."
Both men laughed.
Liam and Lily gave their fathers a tough night with little sleep and much crying. At 6 AM Brian and Justin were in the kitchen, with their finally sleeping babies, drinking coffee. A bleary eyed Justin looked over his coffee mug at Brian.
"Lily and Liam know we are abandoning them and are punishing us."
"Justin, they are sensing that we are unsettled so they are too. If you really think it is the right thing to skip our weekend that is okay with me."
Justin sighed and took a big drink of coffee.
"No! We do need some just us time. Mom till take care of the babies. If things get out of hand, she can call us."
Brian chuckled.
"More likely she will call Alice and Charlie as reinforcements."
Justin smiled.
"That is probably true."
Both men were dozing on the sofa when Gus appeared. He climbed on the sofa beside Brian who put an arm around his son.
"Your brother and sister didn't let Papa and I get much sleep last night."
Gus leaned into his Daddy's side.
"They are quiet now."
Braun smiled.
"They are probably as exhausted as Papa and I are."
Gus giggled at that comment.
They were all surprised by the sound of the front door opening and closing. Brian quickly got to his feet. Jennifer, Tucker and Molly walked into the room each carrying bags.
"Mother Taylor, I don't think we expected you to arrive this early."
"Well, I wanted to be here in time to make breakfast. You look awful. Tough night?"
Justin stood up. "A very rough night."
Jennifer walked over and gave Justin a kiss on the cheek before walking over and doing the same to Brian.
"You two go up and get a little sleep. We are going to get organized and ready to serve breakfast. Gus can help us. If Liam and Lily wake up, we are officially in charge of taking care of their needs."
Brian and Justin followed Jennifer's suggestion.
Gus was happy when Grandmom Jen made him a Mickey Mouse pancake for breakfast, she included guts which delighted Gus. When Lily and Liam indicated they awake and hungry Gus and Grandpop Tucker gave them their bottles. Aunt Molly took care of burping Liam after Gus fed him half a bottle.
Shortly after the twins finished breakfast John and Peter arrived in the kitchen. Grandmom Jen suggested French toast and maple sausage links for their breakfast. Tucker filled juice glasses which Gus happily delivered to his cousins.
Molly got dispatched to see fi Granny wanted French toast for breakfast. She returned quickly with a smiling Granny who took her place at the kitchen table. Gus hurried over to give Granny a good morning hug and kiss while Molly made her a cup of tea.
Just as breakfast was winding down Brian and Justin reappeared. Gus went running over to them.
"Grandmom Jen has been making everyone an awesome breakfast. I'm sure she will make some for you. I really love Grandmom Jen, she does really great stuff."
Jennifer was having a wonderful morning, surrounded by her family she had been smiling all morning. Now she had tears of joy running down her cheeks at Gus's glowing endorsement.
Justin came over to give his mother a hug.
Jennifer announced she was ready to make an egg white omelet for Brian and French toast and sausage for Justin. John quickly prepared coffee using his uncles' preferences. Peter got their juices of choice and delivered them to table.
Once breakfast was completed for everyone Jennifer urged Justin and Brian to get on the road. They were ready to go. They both had clothes that they left at the loft so there was really nothing to pack. They even had a PC they kept there, and Justin had art supplies stored at the loft.
Gus came over to give Daddy and Papa a hug and kiss goodbye. Brian stooped down to hug his Sonny Boy.
"Gus, you know you can call Papa or me if you need us for anything."
Gus had a puzzled look on his face.
"Daddy, Grandmom Jen will be here. Kevin is coming for a sleep over and we are going to feed Liam and Lilly their bottles. Patrick is coming too. He and John promised to kick a soccer ball around with us. Grandpop Tucker and Aunt Molly are going to play fish with Kevin and me.
We are going to play in the pool and read to Granny. She really likes to get read to. I am going to be really busy this weekend. I hope you and Papa have fun on your romantic weekend."
Brian raised his eyebrows at his son's description of the week.
"Who said this was going to be a romantic weekend?"
Gus smiled.
"Aunt Molly told me. She said it meant you and Papa were going to kiss a lot. That seemed right to me."
Justin laughed at the expression on Brian face.
"He leaned down to hug Gus and give him a kiss."
"Have a great weekend Little Man. We'll see you tomorrow."
"Bye Papa, I hope you have a great weekend too. Grandmom Jen told me it is important for people who love each other to have time together. I know you and Daddy really love each other."
Justin smiled at his partner who raised his eyes heavenward.
Everyone else told Brian and Justin to have a nice weekend and they left.