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 34
Brian was never sorry to go to Kinnetik, but the day Justin's uncle was going to visit, Brian left the house with a bigger than usual smile. Of course, he would have to meet the uncle at dinner, unless Granny ordered her son out of the house. Brian had his fingers crossed for Granny to send Ed packing.
Jennifer had decided that it was better for her not to be at the initial meeting between her mother and brother. She and Tucker were coming later for dinner. Justin and the nephews were amused by the anticipation about this meeting. Gus was trying to wrap his head around the fact that Grandmom Jen had a brother, and that brother was going to visit Granny today.
Justin and Cassie had just fed the twins and put them in their bassinet when the doorbell rang. Alice asked if she should get the door, but Justin laughed and said he would let his uncle in.
Ed Endicott was impressed by the house. He had done a little investigation of public records and knew there was no mortgage on this property. Justin opened the door with a smile and he and his uncle hugged.
"Welcome to our home Uncle Ed. Did you have any trouble finding us?"
"Hope. Your Mom gave me great directions. Plus, those gate posts are hard to miss. This is a beautiful house."
"Thanks. We found it while I lived in New York. Well, actually Mom found it. Brian and I just approved her choice. We feel in love with the property. The house needed a lot of work and we pretty much gutted it. It seemed too large for us at first. Now we are almost full.
Granny is staying in the pool house. I'll take you out there."
When they got to the family room, Justin asked his uncle if would like to get a look at his new Great niece & nephew. Ed was enthusiastic about seeing the newest members of the family. He held both babies and was amazed that Lily looked just like her Papa. He pronounced them both to be perfect and adorable. Justin had a big smile on his face. He introduced Ed to Cassie and Alice.
Cassie took the twins up to the nursery. Alice finished preparing a tray with tea and some of her homemade cookies & cake. Justin grabbed the tray and Ed opened the patio door for him. Justin led the way, Justin was able to knock on the pool house door which was quickly opened by Gus. He had been reading to Granny and was intensely curious about this new "uncle" showing up today.
Justin smiled down at his son. "Thanks Gus!"
Gus looked up at his Papa. "You're welcome Papa. Granny has been waiting for Uncle Ed to get here."
Gus looked over at the visitor.
"Are you Grandmom Jen's brother and my new uncle?"
Ed looked down at the little boy holding out his hand to shake. He happily gave Gus a handshake and a smile.
"Yes I am Grandmom Jen's brother. You must be Gus. She has told me what good times you have together. I am you new Uncle Ed.
Actually, Gus I am your Papa's uncle so that makes me your Great Uncle."
Gus was interested in this new development.
"I have lots of uncles, but I never had a Great Uncle before."
Ed bent down to give Gus a hug.
"Well I'm happy to be the first. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Gus giggled and returned the hug. There was always new and fun stuff at this house. He enjoyed all the new relatives his Daddy and Papa brought into his life.
Justin put the tray on the table. His grandmother was sitting in her chair, unusually quiet.
Ed looked over at his mother, curious that she hadn't said anything to him.
"Hello Mama."
"Eddie? My son Eddie, is that you?"
Justin had a difficult time not laughing out loud, especially when Gus looked up at him with a confused expression on his face. His uncle was shocked by mother's apparent difficulty in recognizing him. Maybe Kate had been right after all.
"Come closer son. There's something I need to know."
Gus started to say something to his Papa, but Justin put his finger over his lips to signal his son to stay silent.
Ed went over and took his mother's outstretched hand and knelt beside her chair. He was astonished by the change in her demeanor. It seemed like old age had caught up with his always take-charge mother.
"It's Eddie. I came to visit you. What do you need to know Mama?"
"I need to know why you started to pay any attention to what your sister, Kate, has to say. You never did before."
Kneeling there with his mother's steely gaze upon him, Ed realized he had been played. He could hear Justin and Gus chuckling behind him.
"Mama. Was this charade really necessary?"
"Apparently it was! I do not appreciate my children discussing my mental awareness behind my back. I am hundred percent in charge of my life and will continue to do as I please which, I believe you are aware, I have done all my life.
Now get up. You look silly kneeling there."
She turned to her grandson and "love" great grandson.
"Gus, we'll finish our book later. I am going to have a visit with Uncle Ed. Justin we'll be in the house when we're finished our discussion."
Justin said he would see them later and he and Gus departed.
Granny stood up and led the way over to the tea & cookies.
Ed followed and sat opposite his mother. She filled their cups and sat back in her chair.
"I do still have the same question about when you started to pay attention to what Kate has to say."
"To be honest Mama when you act so out of character, I find it concerning. I don't necessarily believe Kate and I am well aware she is working on her own agenda. I am just trying to understand why you want to change your entire life. You chose to live with Kate and seemed settled there. You hate to fly, and you flew here. You said you were tired of East coast winters and now you are going to move back East. Surely you understand my concern."
His mother took a sip of tea and smiled at him.
"I do understand that I am making a lot of changes to my life. I have always done what I wanted and never paid attention to anyone's objections. That has not changed!
When your father died, I knew I could not stay in that house. After we sold the big house and moved into our retirement home all my memories there included your father. You children never lived there; it was just the two of us. It was just too painful for me, missing him, to be reminded every minute of the day what I had lost.
Kate wanted me to come and live with her. She was already divorced so there was no danger of interfering in a marriage. As a former daughter-in-law myself I didn't want to inflect myself on your wife or Jeff's. Jennie was still married to the loathsome Craig. I never wanted to live in close proximity to him!
I thought Kate and I understood each other. She seems concerned that I would spend money on my new home here but raised no objections to me paying for renovations to her home. She had no interest in sharing memories of your father. I understood they were never close.
I was never content there. I thought well I'm an old lady. The really happy part of my life is over. Then Kate found out I had a lot more money than she ever thought I did. That knowledge did something to her. I knew she had some financial issues, had cut back on things. I suspect those issues are worse than I ever imagined. It made things very uncomfortable for me. When Kate attempted to control me, I knew that was not where I belonged.
You know how much I have always loved Justin, your father and I just adored him from the time he was a little boy. I love all my grandchildren and worry about them and want them to be happy, but Justin is different."
Ed chuckled. "Yes Mama. You and Dad were always crazy about Justin. You are a good grandmother, but no one is in any doubt that Justin in is first position. There is often teasing among your grandchildren about who is in second place."
That made Granny chuckle too.
"Maybe I should start a family newsletter and give rankings to all my grandchildren. I was anxious to meet Lily and Liam and to see Justin as a father. I thought I would live in this area but had no firm plans.
My time here has been the happiest I have had since your father died. Life has become interesting again. This is a very lively household; something is always happening. You met Gus. I adore that little guy. He sits on my lap and reads to me and loves me to talk about when his Papa was a little boy. He is slightly overwhelmed if I ever talk about his Grandmom Jen as a girl.
Brian's nephews are lovely boys and have made me feel welcome here. Of course, I love spending time with Justin. He and I talk about his grandfather a lot. It is a joy to remember him and see him through Justin's loving memories.
I think Brian and I were both wary about each other. Maybe we thought there would be a competition for Justin's love. Brian is a fascinating man. He loves Justin so much that I rejoice in seeing them together.
After some initial tension we have become really fond of each other. We both like the best of everything so Justin tried to be the voice of reason when we met with the architect for the new building. Brian and I paid no attention.
I made it clear that I wanted my new home to be the way I wanted it to be. There will be no corners cut. Since I am so set in my ways it only makes sense for me to contribute to the cost. You need to understand that I am in no danger of running short of money.
I appreciate you worrying about me but there is NO need for that. I am happy and content and this is where I hope to live out the rest of my life."
Ed smiled at his mother.
"I will be happy to let Jack know you have not changed and are just as cantankerous as always."
His mother stood up.
"So we understand each other. Let's go in the house and you can meet everyone."
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Lindsay was in her studio when the doorbell rang. She wiped her hands and went to answer. She was shocked to see Leda standing in the front porch.
"Hi Lindsay. I'm in town for a wedding and I thought it was a great opportunity to catch up with you guys."
Lindsay kept one hand firmly on the door.
"Melanie is at work."
"Do you think she will be home soon?"
"No!"
Leda was not expecting this negative greeting from Lindsay. What happened between her and Mel was a long time ago. Lindsay had hardly been blameless in the situation.
"Well could you let her know I stopped by and would like to get together and catch up. I'll be in Pittsburgh all this week."
Lindsay shook her head.
"I have no intention of passing messages between my wife and her lover. Personally I have no desire to catch up with you."
"Lindsay, I understand what happened between Mel and I hurt you. I'm sorry about causing you pain. It was a difficult time for all of us. I was hoping we could put that behind us. Mel and I were friends for a lot of years.
I truly just wanted to catch up and see how you guys are doing. How's Gus, he must be getting big. He was such an adorable baby."
Lindsay closed the door a little more.
"Gus lives with his father. Mel was not able to refute Brian's custody case. I guess someone has told you about my issues and you thought this was another chance to seduce my wife. I would appreciate it if you would just leave us alone."
Leda was genuinely confused.
"Lindsay, I have no idea what issues you are having. I heard you and Mel had moved your family back from Canada. My cousin is getting married here and I thought this was a chance to get together with you and Mel. I honestly thought enough time had passed that we could put things that happened in the past behind us.
I have absolutely no desire to interfere in your marriage or cause any trouble."
Lindsay said nothing but closed the door and Leda could hear the deadbolt being locked. She walked back to her bike, started it up and left.
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The upcoming weekend was planned for Peter to host Josh, Jay & Joe. Aware of their common first initial the three boys had started to call Peter, Jeter. It both annoyed and amused him. There had been multiple texts about the weekend once it got the go ahead from Justin & Brian.
Brian did mention to Justin that it was good to get Ed's visit and the four-boy weekend over in one hellish week. Justin tried to look annoyed but couldn't help laughing out loud at the aggrieved expression on his partner's face.
Andrea initially forbid Jay to attend. It required a call from her parents in Florida, alerted to the situation by Alice Simpson, and Jay's father before she relented. Her grudging approval for Jay to visit the Taylor-Kinney home saved her a visit from Carl & Debbie, also alerted by Alice.
The "sorority house, was prepared to be a frat pad for the weekend. The mini fridge was stocked with juice and water. John got an invite to spend the weekend at the O'Briens. He told Patrick that he was happy to avoid the invasion of the nerds. Gus was excited about Joe coming to visit.
Peter worked with Alice on a menu, got Uncle Brian to agree to barbeque on Saturday night and asked his Papa's advice about what activities would be the most fun.
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Granny and Ed fed the twins their next bottle. Granny insisted that Gus talk with his siblings so Uncle Ed could see how the babies responded to his voice.
After bottles Granny & Uncle Ed sat on the patio watching the three boys enjoy the pool. Cassie had taken the babies back up to the nursery after their bottles.
When Jennifer and Tucker arrived, Ed enjoyed watching the excitement the appearance of Grandmom Jen engendered in her grandsons. A short time later Cassie delivered he babies before she left for the day. Grandmom Jen and Grandpop Tucker each took a baby. They expressed amazement that Liam and Lily had grown and were even cuter than the last time they saw them a few days ago.
Granny laughed at the antics of the boys in the pool and clapped when Gus did backflips into the deep end with the assistance of John. Ed hadn't seen his mother this at ease and animated in years. He had been worried about her after his father died. A lot of his mother's zest for life had disappeared. When she went to live with Kate, Mama seemed different. Ed had attributed that to the aging process, now she seemed more like her old self.
Brian arrived home and took his time getting changed before appearing on the patio. Gus and Justin both hurried over to welcome him home.
Ed found Brian fascinating. He was obviously completely comfortable with who he was. He briefly shook hands with Ed and moved on. Ed realized that Brian couldn't care less what Justin's uncle thought of him. Standing next to Justin while talking with Jennifer and Granny it was obvious that Brian's attention was always focused on Justin.
They ate out on the patio. Gus was delighted to be seated between Granny and Grandmom Jen. Everyone was amused by Gus's cat ate the canary smile. Brian did mutter to Justin that he was starting to be seriously concerned about Sonny Boy's fascination with old ladies.
Ed, sitting beside his nephew, was close enough to hear and laughed out loud. Justin turned to his uncle.
"Don't encourage him Uncle Ed."
Brian turned his attention to Ed.
"Look at our son, am I wrong."
Ed just continued to laugh. Jennifer looked over at her brother and Brian's amused expression. She announced that no one should ask what her brother was laughing about. Granny looked over at her son and laughed herself. Gus knew it must be some adult thing that Uncle Ed was laughing at, so he just concentrated on his dinner.
Amazingly everyone enjoyed Ed's visit. He even had a prospective customer for Kinnetik. He had a friend who owned several high-end resorts in Florida and the Caribbean. The friend was unhappy with his current advertising. Ed gave Brian his number and said to tell the friend Ed had given it to him.
Jennifer walked her brother out to the car when he left.
"So Ed what do you think about Mama."
Ed looked at his sister with a smile.
"She is happier than I've seen her in years. I think it is good for her to be around young people. Let's be honest, how much fun could it be to live with Kate. I wouldn't want to do that, and Kate certainly never wants you to do that."
Jennifer nodded.
"You are correct. I don't ever see Kate and I living together or even near each other. I have always found her exasperating. I can never forgive her for the visit here and how upset Mama was."
"Well baby sister I am sure Kate feels the same way. I honestly don't understand what she hoped to accomplish. Mama thinks Kate has some serious financial issues, I guess she was desperate.
After the short time I have spent here I can't understand how Craig could have ever felt that Brian controlled Justin. It is just so obvious how much they care about each other."
Jennifer shrugged her shoulders.
"I think the main problem was that Craig rarely saw them interact. He was so sure about his view of things he didn't open his eyes to reality.
Despite what Craig thought, and often said, I did not encourage Justin to spend time with Brian. After the bashing I actually asked Brian to stay away and he did. Eventually I just had to admit they belonged together."
Ed hugged his sister and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"I asked Brian if it was okay for me to visit again tomorrow. His answer was he didn't care since I wasn't visiting him. It was up to Granny to decide. He's an interesting, no bullshit guy."
Jennifer agreed and waved as Ed's car disappeared around the curve of the driveway. She went back out onto the patio. Brian was in a lounger with Justin sitting in front of him and Gus was on Justin's lap. They were chatting with Granny and Tucker. Lily and Liam were on their cushion, currently still fascinated by their hands. John & Peter were busy with cleanup
All three lounge occupants were surprised when Jennifer leaned down to give them each a kiss on the cheek. Peter came to the door to ask if he should heat bottles. Grandmom Jen said yes. She and Grandpop Tucker would feed the twins before they headed home.