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 29
Brian and Justin walked into the loft. For both of them a flood of memories ran through their minds. They had come a very long way from that first night when an innocent teenager met his experienced lover. It had been a bumpy road but now it seemed like it was smooth going even with five children to manage.
Brian pulled his favorite artist into a tight hug and delivered a passionate kiss. The artist was delighted to return the kiss. After a few moments Justin pulled back to look Brian in the eye.
"Brian?"
"What's up Sunshine."
"I'm not sure if this is the correct way to start out romantic weekend but can we start with a nap. I'm exhausted."
Brian raised his eyebrows at "romantic weekend" but smiled at the request.
"Actually, that sounds like a great plan. Lily and Liam gave us a pretty rough night."
Both men chuckled as they made their way toward the bedroom, dropping clothing along the way. Naked they climbed into bed and Justin snuggled against Brian who pulled him close. Sleep came very quickly for both of them.
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In Washington Township, Kevin and Patrick arrived in time for lunch. Molly couldn't help smiling at the expression of joy on her mother's face as Kevin rushed into the kitchen and threw himself in Grandmom Jen's arms. She had stooped down to accept the hug and kiss from Kevin. Patrick came over to her as she stood up and gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
Kevin moved on to give kisses and hugs to Granny and Grandpop Tucker. He looked around for Gus and was told that he was helping John and Peter put out the patio cushions. Kevin walked over to the patio door and called Gus's name. A moment later Gus came running up to the door.
Gus told Kevin to come out and help get the patio set up. An excited Kevin quickly joined his friend. Granny, who was overseeing Liam and Lilly, looked over at Jennifer with a smile.
"Who knew putting out chair cushions was so much fun."
Jennifer nodded.
"I think anything to do with interacting with big boys means big excitement for little boys."
Jennifer had already assembled a garden salad. She, Tucker, Granny and Molly got to work making a variety of sandwiches while the boys had "fun" setting the patio table. Granny was interested to learn about Kevin being gluten free. Jennifer let her know that Alice always had gluten free options ready for Kevin's visits.
Jennifer was aware that her mother was besotted by Gus and anxious to get to know Kevin better. She had made her mother laugh when she confided that Justin told her that Brian was a little concerned about Gus's fascination with "old ladies".
Once lunch was ready, John and Patrick took care of filling drink orders before everyone sat down. Gus and Kevin sat on either side of Grandmom Jen. Gus was happy to have Granny on his other side. Grandpop Tucker sat on the other side of Kevin. Molly joined the three older boys on the Tucker side of the table.
After lunch, the three oldest members of the group said they would take care of clean up. Everyone else moved down to the lawn to kick around some soccer balls. Molly had received some soccer tips from Brian over the years. She played on her high school soccer team. Gus and Kevin were very impressed with Aunt Molly's skill. She was able to hold her own with John and Patrick. Peter spent the most time with the little boys while the three "real" players competed.
After cleanup Granny observed the action from the edge of the patio. She cheered on Molly's efforts. Jennifer and Tucker got the now wide-awake twins changed and ready for their next bottle. Tucker went outside to let Gus and Kevin know that the babies were ready for their bottles.
Two excited boys hurried into the house. Grandmom Jen was waiting to give their hands and faces a quick wash before they settled on the family room sofa. Tucker handed Liam to Gus and Jennifer helped Kevin get Lily in position for her bottle. Both boys had huge smiles on their faces and kept up a one-sided conversation with Lily and Liam who looked up at them wide eyed.
Grandmom and Grandpop took care of burping duties. Gus and Kevin had big smiles on their faces the whole time. Feeding the babies and being with Grandmom Jen was just the best of the best for them.
As soon as feeding was done Grandpop Tucker took the boys upstairs to help them change into their bathing suits. Both Gus and Kevin fully embraced the "Grandpop" title which delighted Tucker. It really made him feel a part of the family. Jennifer had threatened death and dismemberment to Brian and Justin if Tucker ever found out his new title had been meant as a joke.
Everyone wound up in the pool. Even Granny, wearing an old shift, soaked in the hot tub.
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Justin was awakened by someone sucking on his dick. He smiled as his eyes opened. He lifted the sheet to look down at Brian.
"What a great way to wake up."
Brian paused for a moment to return the smile before continuing to pleasure his lover. He knew Justin's body so well it didn't take him long to bring his favorite blond to climax. Brian continued on to get ready for more serious activity.
Soon Justin's feet were resting on Brian's shoulders and he was urging him to fuck him faster and harder. It took a while for an exhausted Brian to drop onto the bed beside Justin. Both men were sweaty, out of breath and completely satisfied.
Justin reached for Brian's hand. Brian took the hand and gave it a squeeze. He looked over at the smiling Justin.
"Sunshine, that was amazing."
Justin looked over at the love of his life.
"It's interesting to be back here at the loft. This place seems the same, but we have seen so many changes. We are so different from that infatuated boy and experienced man who picked him up outside Babylon."
Brian just grunted.
"I know you hate when I get serious Brian. I know Michael is full of shit when he says I forced you to change.
The thing is when I think about our life now. Five kids, new babies, my grandmother living with us. I can't help wondering if it isn't all too much for you. I have no idea how we would change anything, but I love you so much and I want you to be happy."
Brian chuckled and raised himself on one elbow to look down at Justin.
"Justin if you have even mentioned any of those things that first night, I would have thought you were insane. I was so determined to keep everyone at arm's length, I was sure I would never have the life that I have now.
Every day when I wake up with you beside me, I am afraid I might be dreaming. I realize I don't say it enough, but I love you! I love the life we have built. I love Gus, Liam and Lily. Fuck, I even love my sister's kids and how nuts is that!
I think I would be dead without you and I am sure that if I was still alive I couldn't possible be as happy as I am with our life as it is right now. Put any doubts you have to rest Sunshine. I am happier and more content than I ever thought I would fucking be."
Brian leaned down and gave Justin a kiss just as Justin's stomach growled.
"Sounds like we need to get a shower and get some food into that bottomless pit that is your stomach."
Both men laughed as they went into the bathroom.
After their shower which involved a little more sex, they raided the refrigerator. The refrigerator had been stocked with goodies by Emmett. There was lobster & crab salad with dill and a light dressing for Brian.
Justin heated some fettucine alfredo with shrimp for himself. For dessert there was some fresh fruit for Brian and strawberry shortcake for Justin. Post dessert, they snuggled on the couch, watched a DVD of "Giant" and shared a joint. Both men had some DeJa'Vu moments from their early days in the loft.
After the move they decided on a trip to Babylon. They kept some of their "club clothes" at the loft. Once dressed it was a quick drive to the club. There was the usual Saturday line out front, but they used their key for the private back entrance. Both men smiled at the familiar thump thumpa as they walked into the main room.
Brian and Justin had only been dancing a short time when they heard a familiar squeal and a voice shouting "Baby".
Emmett enveloped Justin in a hug. Rusty stood to the side with a smile on his face. Brian had his signature smirk on his face as he pried Emmett's arms away from his Sunshine.
"Honeycutt! Justin and I were dancing."
Rusty chuckled as he felt obliged to say, "Don't call him Honeycutt". That made even Brian laugh.
Justin had a big smile on his face.
"Em, I'm so happy to see you. The food was delicious, thank you so much."
Emmett had a matching smile.
"I was hoping you would come here tonight. It has been such a long time since we danced."
Justin gave Brian a kiss. "You don't mind, do you?"
Brian just rolled his eyes and kissed Justin on the forehead.
"You and Honeycutt have fun, just don't tire yourself out."
Justin and Emmett started to dance. Brian turned to Rusty.
"C'mon, I'll buy you a drink."
The two men walked over to the bar. The bartender left customers in the middle of their order to walk down to see what Brian wanted.
Brian actually liked Rusty, and thought he was a good boyfriend for Emmett. They chatted easily while Brian watched Justin dancing.
Michael came through the door of Babylon, hoping to be cheered up. He had moved into a room he found through the GLBT center today. It wasn't much but it fit his price range and got Ben off his back.
Once inside, Michael looked around for a familiar face. He was shocked to see Brian standing at the bar and talking to a man Michael didn't recognize from the back. Michael hoped this meant that Brian had finally gotten tired of spending all his time with Justin. He hurried over to Brian.
Rusty was a little surprised to be almost elbowed aside. When he recognized Michael, he understood and smiled. Brian softly sighed.
"Mikey, you almost knocked over Rusty."
Rusty got a quick "Sorry" delivered over Michael's shoulder.
"Brian, I'm surprised to see you here. Surprised but really happy. Happy you finally got away from Justin as least for one night."
Rusty moved back beside Brian.
"Michael. Justin is dancing with Emmett."
Michael looked toward the dance floor and frowned when he saw Justin laughing as he danced with Emmett. He turned back to Brian.
"Brian why don't you and I dance. It will be like old times. When you were happy to be the stud of Liberty Avenue."
"Mikey, how can you be so clueless? I have absolutely no desire to return to the old times. I am happier now then I have ever been in my life. My life is not anything like I imagined it would be because I never thought I would be this happy."
"Brian, you are doing things that you never wanted to do. I don't understand why you can't see how Justin has changed you. I can't stand by and watch him destroy you."
The look on Brian's face frightened Rusty. He was afraid Brian was going to attack Michael. Justin wasn't facing the bar, but Emmett had been watching them since Michael showed up. Rusty waved at Emmett indicating he needed to come over to the bar.
Emmett quickly leaned toward Justin and told him Michael had arrived and angered Brian.
Brian put his hands on Michael's shoulders and looked him directly in the face.
"Mikey! I can't understand how the fuck can you stay so fucking clueless! We have been like brothers, but you are just so fucking clueless I don't understand you. I love Justin! Yes, my life has changed but Justin didn't force the change. Justin has always accepted me just as I am. I fucking like the changes in my life. I am happier now than I have ever been in my entire fucking life.
You have to drop this whole idea about Justin being a villain. I love Justin and I am slowly but surely starting to hate you!"
Before a shocked Michael could respond, Emmett and Justin arrived at the bar. Justin immediately leaned into Brian.
"Come dance with me."
Brian turned towards his partner and leaned down to give him a quick kiss before they walked to the dance floor.
Michael continued to stand where he was, staring at nothing. He felt that Justin just demonstrated his power to make Brian do what he wanted. Rusty looked at Emmett who shrugged.
"Michael Honey, take a breath."
"I don't understand Brian talking to me like that. I am just trying to help him."
Rusty was wide eyed with amazement. Emmett took Michael's hand.
"Honey, you have to try and understand that Brian doesn't want or need your help. You have some sort of mental block about this but the rest of us have no problem seeing that Brian is about as happy as a person can be.
He and Justin love each other, no one is making Brian do anything. He adores Gus and is besotted by Liam and Lily. If you continue to close your eyes to reality, you will lose any relationship with Brian."
Michael was silent as he wandered off. Rusty put his arms around Emmett.
"He is an enormous asshole, but I feel sorry for him. He just can't seem to get over his Brian obsession. That was intense! I was afraid for a minute that Brian was going to attack him."
Emmett sighed.
"I think Brian cares too much about Michael to attack him. Brian would have cut anyone else off by now, but he and Michael have too much history. He doesn't like Michael anymore but, on some level, he still loves him.
It's sad but if Michael would just accept Justin and his place in Brian's life; I think Brian would send more time with him. While Michael stays so annoying, Brian avoids him as much as possible."
Rusty shrugged his shoulders. "Let's dance Honey."
Brian and Justin spent a couple hours at Babylon, dancing and chatting with Emmett and Rusty, and enjoying all their memories, before going back to the loft.
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Part way through the afternoon Gus and Kevin abandoned the pool. They sat in either side of Granny and took turns reading from Gus's book about the knights of the round table. Kevin asked if Granny remembered King Arthur.
An amused Granny said he lived a little before her time. She thrilled the boys by telling them that she knew a real knight. He had been knighted by King George VI. Sir Malcolm Forbes-Kraigy had been a friend of Granny and her husband. She assured the boys that he did have a sword but didn't wear it all the time.
Gus and Kevin were awestruck when Granny talked about visiting Sir Malcolm in England. She told them that she had stayed in his "castle" and gone horseback riding with him. They were a little disappointed when she said he didn't wear his armor, but she did see where it was stored inside the "castle".
She told them about traveling over the ocean to England in a big ship. They were fascinated to hear about the restaurant on the ship and getting all dressed up for dinner. Granny even told them about the lifeboat drill, so they were prepared if something happened to cause the ship to sink.
John and Patrick took care of Liam & Lily's bottle before they all ate dinner. Jennifer and Molly had taken care of preparing dinner. Tucker and Peter played video games in the media room while dinner was being made. They appeared in time to help set the table.
After dinner, Grandpop Tucker took Gus and Kevin down to the creek. They saw some minnows in the creek and some small hop toads along the shore. Seeing a muskrat run along the opposite shore of the creek was real excitement for the boys.
By the time they headed back to the house dusk had started so Grandpop lead the way with a flashlight. Gus and Kevin thoroughly enjoyed their adventure. When they got back home Grandmom Jen gave them a snack while Tucker prepared a bubble bath in the big master bathroom tub. Granny went out to the pool house for the night after getting hugs and kisses from Kevin & Gus.
After their bath they got tucked into bed with their favorite stuffed animals by Grandmom Jen and she read them a story. Two smiling, happy boys drifted of to sleep after their perfect day.
Molly and Peter challenged John and Patrick to a pinochle tournament. Jennifer and Tucker spent time with the Lily & Liam. After they gave the twins their last bottle before bed, all four of them went upstairs.
Grandmom and Grandpop said goodnight when they took the twins up to the nursery. Once Liam and Lily were rocked to sleep, Jennifer and Tucker retired to the guest room with the baby monitor.
After pinochle, Molly took a bottle of wine out to the pool house. She and Granny were having a sleep over. Both of they were looking forward to a nice one on one visit. Mark was coming over the next day and Molly was anxious to tell Granny all about him. She was also looking forward to hearing what Granny thought of Mark after their meeting.
John and Patrick slept in Peter's twin beds and Peter slept in John's room.
Lily and Liam slept for 5 hours before waking up to demand attention. John. Patrick and Peter snuck into the nursery early the next morning and turned off the baby monitor. The twins were just starting to wake up. John and Patrick changed their diapers while Peter went downstairs to get the bottles ready.
A hungry Liam and Lily were a little fussy as they were loaded into their bassinet which John hurriedly carried downstairs. Peter was waiting with the bottle. John grabbed Lily and Patrick took Liam. They sat on the sofa and fed the babies their bottles.
John clearly adored his tiny cousins and Patrick was happy to go along with taking care of them. The only baby he had any experience with was Kevin. As a baby Kevin had quite few special needs and spent time in the hospital. There was not much opportunity for a young Patrick to help care for his brother. His mother was always so worried about Kevin that there was always a lot of tension about his care. Everyone here was so relaxed about Lily and Liam that Patrick enjoyed spending time with the babies.
When Jennifer woke up and glanced at the bedside clock, she was surprised and a little panicked that Liam and Lily had awaken her. She quickly sat up which woke Tucker. She got out of bed and put on her robe. Tucker smiled at her as he got out of bed.
"Did you hear the babies?"
"No. I am a little concerned about them not being awake yet."
Jennifer went out in the hall closely followed by Tucker. She smiled when she found the nursery empty.
"Looks like the boys got up early to make sure we got a little extra rest this morning."
They went downstairs. In the kitchen John, Peter & Patrick were sitting at the kitchen table eating breakfast. The bassinet was beside the table. Lily and Liam had recently "discovered" their hands. They were lifting their hands and moving their fingers, observing it all with wide open eyes.
The boys were very amused by the twins. They chuckled at their antics. Peter had his "baby journal" on the table and was recording his cousins' new development. Jennifer came over and looked at her newest grandchildren and smiled.
"Good morning. Thanks for the extra sleep this morning boys. That was so sweet of you, Tucker and I appreciate it."
John got up and said he would start their breakfast. Jennifer put a hand on his shoulders.
"Tucker and I can get our own breakfast. You sit down and relax."
Granny and Molly came through the patio doors, arm in arm. Both women were smiling which led Jennifer to believe they had a good talk together. She always felt bad that Justin was such a favorite grandchild of her parents. She hoped Molly wouldn't feel neglected. She had never been neglected by her grandparents and her grandfather in particular doted on her.
Both women hurried over to see what wondrous activity of the babies had everyone so transfixed. Granny laughed out loud which cause the babies to momentarily forget their hands and look her way.
Jennifer told her mother and daughter to sit down while she and Tucker made breakfast. A short time later Gus and Kevin appeared, after searching the second floor and finding it empty. They hurried over to get a good morning kiss from Grandmom Jen and Grandpop Tucker before going over to get the same thing from Granny.
The older boys cleared the table of their dishes. Molly moved to the opposite side of the table so Gus and Kevin could sit on either side of Granny.
It was a little overcast today, so everyone had a lazy morning in their pajamas. The older boys went down to the game room. Molly and Tucker played fish with Gus and Kevin. Granny and Jennifer relaxed in the family room, chatting and keeping their eyes on Liam and Lily.
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At the loft Brian was the first to wake up, as usual. He went into the kitchen and made coffee. He enjoyed his first cup before taking his second cup and a mug for Justin into the bedroom.
Brian lifted the pillow off Justin's face. He leaned down to give him a kiss. Justin opened his eyes and smiled as he took the mug of coffee from his partner.
"Thanks Bri, kind of nice to wake up on our own. No babies crying or Gus in the bed."
Brian smirked at him.
"Wow, I am not sure that is a very Papa-like remark to make. I was just thinking it was quiet and kind of lonely here."
Justin just shook his head. "Asshole."
Brian laughed as he climbed back in his side of the bed.
Justin slid closer to him.
"You wouldn't be walking around the house naked."
"Well I wouldn't want to startle Alice."
Both men chuckled as they sipped their coffee. Right on cue Justin's stomach growled which meant a trip to the kitchen for breakfast.
Justin munched on some homemade coffee cake from Emmett as he made an egg white omelet for Brian and regular omelet for himself. Brian poured juice, made wheat toast which he buttered for Justin and left his dry. Since neither man had bothered with clothes Justin wore an apron while he cooked, didn't want to chance any burns in sensitive areas.
Once they were fortified by food, they adjourned to the bedroom for a round of sex before a shower with mutual blow jobs. Brian checked his emails and Justin sketched as they relaxed.
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In Washington Township Jennifer insisted everyone get dressed before lunch was served. Tucker went with Gus and Kevin to help them get dressed. It had started to drizzle so it didn't look like this would be a pool day.
Once the boys were dressed Tucker got a quick shower and got dressed. When he got down to the kitchen Grandmom Jen was making lunch with assistance from Gus and Kevin. Molly and Granny had not reappeared from the pool house and the three older boys had returned to the game room.
Alice had left a big bowl of Chicken salad. Jennifer had filled another bowl with cut fruit and was assembling a garden salad. She chopped, Kevin put things in the bowl and Gus stirred the contents of the salad bowl.
Tucker came over to add the salad dressing as Gus continued to stir. He smiled at Jennifer who raised her eyebrows. Her helpers made this a much more complicated procedure, but she didn't mind.
Granny and Molly came back into the house just in time. Molly went downstairs to get John, Peter and Patrick. There was lots of banter and laughter at lunch. After everyone was finished eating the boys took care of clearing the table and clean up. The doorbell rang and Molly said she would answer it.
She was shocked to open the door and see her Taylor grandparents standing there on the front porch.
"Memaw, PaPaw, what are you doing here?"
Janet moved to hug her granddaughter, but Molly took a step back to avoid contact. Janet smiled.
"Molly dear, it so nice to see you. We thought we would surprise Justin and come meet our great grandchildren."
A shocked Molly wasn't sure what to say.
"Justin isn't here."
Ken took his wife's hand and smiled at Molly.
"Do you live here dear?"
"No, I am just here for the weekend. Justin and Brian are away."
Jennifer was curious about who was at the door, so she walked into the entrance hall. She was as shocked as Molly by who was standing on the front porch. It only took a minute for her to compose herself. She walked over to the door a "country club manners" smile fixed on her face.
"Ken and Janet, what a surprise to see you here."
Molly was relieved to have her Mother take over this awkward situation. Ken extended his hand, but Jennifer just looked at it and kept her hands at her side. Ken tried to step into the house, but Molly and Jennifer stood in the doorway.
"Hello Jennifer. Janet and I were able to find Justin's address. We thought we would surprise him with a visit. We've brought some things for our new great grandchildren. We're anxious to meet them."
Janet took Ken's hand and smiled as Jennifer replied.
"Unfortunately, we are staying here to give Justin and Brian a weekend alone. I can't let you meet Liam and Lily without Justin's permission. I know you have come from a distance, but I must consider Justin's feelings above anything else."
Granny accompanied by Gus and Kevin came in from the family room. Ken and Janet were shocked to see her since they knew she had moved to California and had an aversion to air travel.
"Ken and Janet, it's been years. What a surprise to see you."
Ken recovered first.
"Well, it is a surprise to see you also Elizabeth. I guess you are visiting from California."
Elizabeth smiled, she disliked Ken only a fraction less than she had disliked his son.
"Actually, I live here now. I wanted to be closer to Justin, Brian and the children."
Janet's eyes went wide.
"You live here in this house with them?"
"I am living in the pool house right now. We are going to build an additional garage with an apartment above for me. Brian, Justin and I have met with an architect and are just waiting to see the blueprints."
Ken and Janet were stunned. Janet couldn't believe Elizabeth was actually living here.
"Isn't that a big change for you. I thought you were settled in California with your daughter."
"It is a change, but you know I was always close to my darling boy, Justin. I don't like to fly but I just had to meet Lily and Liam. I planned to find a home. somewhere near here.
Once I got here, we all got along so well the boys made the offer to build here. They felt they were going to need the additional garage space anyway."
Gus who was leaning against Granny from one side, with Kevin on her other side, spoke up.
"Granny is so much fun. We love her living here. She likes me to read to her."
Elizabeth smiled and patted Gus's head.
"Gus and I have become good buddies and it has been so nice to get to know Kevin better this weekend. All the boys have made me feel so welcome."
Janet was working hard to keep her smile.
"All the boys, I thought the twins were Justin's only children."
Jennifer chuckled.
"I understand. You have been out of touch for so long and life marches on. Brian's sister has a lot of issues and actually is now in prison. Brian and Justin have custody of his teenage nephews, John and Peter. They are lovely boys.
This is Gus, he is Brian and Justin's son. He had been living primarily with his mothers but just recently came to live with his Daddy and Papa fulltime. This is our wonderful friend, Kevin. He is staying here for the weekend with his brother, Patrick, who plays on the same soccer team as John.
So Justin and Brian actually have five children they are raising. They range in age from almost sixteen to almost brand new. It has been such a gift to me to have all these grandchildren."
Gus and Kevin spoke at the same time. "Grandmom Jen is the best!"
Jennifer's smile became more sincere, and tears glistened in her eyes. Ken and Janet were completely shocked and didn't even know what to say. Mark arrived at that moment. He was surprised to see Ken and Janet who he recognized from Craig's funeral. He also didn't understand why they were outside on the porch.
When Molly introduced Mark to her grandparents. Gus was able to figure out who these people were, and he was curious about them.
"You are the Mommy and Daddy of Papa's Daddy. Papa's Daddy was mean to him. I love my Papa a really lot. Are you mean too?"
Grandmom Jen and Granny did their best not to laugh at the expression on Ken and Janet's faces. Molly had always had a great relationship with her Taylor grandparents prior to her parents' divorce. She did not approve of their treatment of Justin but still had fond memories of them. She answered Gus.
"No Gus, they aren't mean. They have just made some unfortunate choices over the years and missed out on a lot because of those choices."
Molly turned to her grandparents.
"I am serious about your bad choices. You continue to make them! To ambush Justin like this is guaranteeing you won't get to see my new niece and nephew. Justin is the most stubborn person I know. If you annoy him by trying to force yourself on him, he will be majorly annoyed and cut you off completely. Baby steps are called for if you want to meet the babies."
Ken and Janet said they were staying at a nearby bed and breakfast and hoped they could have lunch with Justin the next day. They just wanted to talk about how to rebuild a relationship with him.
Molly told them she would talk to Justin about this new plan and let them know what he thought.