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 35
JR looked over at the daycare door when she saw Mommy come inside. She was becoming accustomed to Mommy's mood swings and so she was glad to see it was "happy" Mommy who was picking her up.
When they got home, JR noticed a big pile of something in the backyard covered by a big piece of blue plastic. Once they got inside, Mommy played a few games of fish with JR and then they played Barbies. They had PB&J sandwiches for dinner with ice cream with chocolate sauce for dessert. As far as JR was concerned this had been a great day.
By the time Melanie got home from the law office, JR had been tucked into bed and read a story. The house was mostly in darkness, except for Lindsay's studio. Mel left her purse and briefcase in the hall and went to Lindsay studio. Just this morning it had been crowded with canvases, some finished, some in progress and some blank. Now they were all gone.
Lindsay was perched on the adjustable stool she used for painting. Mel gave a quick look around the room.
"Linds, where did you move all your paintings?"
Lindsay had a smile on her face, but it was not a happy one.
"Leda was here earlier today. I guess you thought I would fall apart when I saw that your lover was back in Pittsburgh. Well if that was your plan, it failed! I am not going to make it that easy for you. Hou could you betray me like this?"
Mel was completely confused and trying to figure out the link between Leda being in town and Lindsay's artwork disappearing.
"Honey, I have no idea that Leda was in town. Is she visiting someone?"
"She claimed she was here for a cousin's wedding. Who came up with hat story you or Leda? I wasn't fooled. I know you two are plotting against me. I let her know I wasn't fooled and sent her on her way."
Mel took a step toward her wife but the look of horror on Lindsay's face had her stepping back.
"Once again I had no idea Leda was in Pittsburgh. I'm not sure what scenario you have built up in your mind, but I have never plotted against you. We have both made mistakes in the past but agreed we had to put all that behind us. You're letting your imagination run away with you. I have not seen or spoken to Leda in years, not since she left town.
What does any of this have to do with your paintings? Where are they? Are they at the Bloom Gallery?"
Lindsay just shook her head. Suddenly Mel noticed a Tiki torch outside the open window behind her wife. Their neighbors spent a lot of time in their yard and had a number of Tiki torches they used regularly. As far as Mel knew she and Lindsay did not own any Tiki torches. It was odd to see one burning right outside the window.
"Linds where is JR?"
"In bed, as usual all the parenting is left for me. I wonder how many of those late nights were really spent at the office and how many were spent with Leda while I struggled to cope with two children and maintaining this house.
If I was married to Brian there would be household help. Everything wouldn't be left to me."
Melanie felt like she was in a nightmare, Lindsay wasn't making any sense. Maybe she should go up and check on JR.
"Linds why won't you tell me what happened to your art? I don't understand what you are talking about. You are never going to be married to Brian. I haven't seen or talked to Leda in years. You aren't making any sense. I'm just going to check on JR and then we need to sit down and talk."
Before Mel could turn and leave, Lindsay got up and went over to the window. She grabbed the Tiki torch and held it high over her head. Melanie could see the blue tarp covering a pile of something in the yard.
"There's my art, all my hard work over these months. I created beauty but you tainted it by cheating with Leda. I thought you loved me, but you cheated on me. You destroyed the beauty I created!"
Lindsay threw the torch at the blue tarp. Melanie staggered back at the boom followed by a burst of flames. She had no idea that the tarp and the canvases underneath has been covered with gasoline.
The flames soared into the air; the yard was as bright as day. Lindsay stood by the window crying and watching the fire. Melanie raced upstairs to JR room. The little girl was sitting up in bed with a terrified expression on her face.
"Mama, what's happening! What was that noise?"
Melanie scooped her up and went back downstairs. She grabbed the phone in the kitchen and dialed 911. By the time an operator answered Mel could hear the sirens getting closer. She stated her address and that she needed fire engines. She was told someone had already called and firemen were on their way.
Uncertain what to do, Mel stood with the phone in her hand. JR had her arms around her mother's neck, almost making it difficult for Mel to breath. She dialed Ted's home number; he was closest.
Blake answered the phone. Melanie told him that Lindsay had started a fire with her art in the backyard. She begged him to come get JR so Melanie could deal with what was happening. Lindsay was having some kind of episode and making no sense.
Blake could hear the panic and fear in Melanie's voice. Despite their recent estrangement he didn't feel they could ignore her request. He calmly told her that he would be there as soon as possible. He and Ted had been relaxing in the living room, Nina was in bed. He quickly told Ted what Melanie had asked and told him he would go pick up JR. Ted was too startled by the news to question his partner.
By the time Blake drove the few blocks to Melanie's house, the street, filled with fire trucks, was blocked off by the police. Blake parked in the next block and walked over to the policeman stationed at the intersection.
"Excuse me. I'm a friend of the people where the fire is. They asked me to come and pick up their little girl. She is friends with my daughter. My name is Blake."
The cop talked into his walkie talkie and got permission for Blake to walk down to the house. There was lots of smoke, but it seemed to Blake that the fire was mostly out. There was a strong smell of gasoline in the air.
At the house the police were talking to Melanie & Lindsay, but no one was having any luck getting anything sensible out of Lindsay. JR was still attached to her mother. Mel asked Blake to take JR up to her room and get some clothes and Mr Rabbit.
JR was willing to transfer to Blake's arms and she asked if Nina was excited about her coming to stay. Blake chuckled and told JR that Nina was already in bed asleep, but she would be happily surprised to see JR at breakfast.
Once they gathered what JR wanted, Blake took her back downstairs. She gave a kiss to her Mommy & Mama before they headed back to Ted & Blake's house. JR had been wide awake, but she faded fast on the ride back. Blake carried her and Mr Rabbit into the house and straight upstairs.
Since JR was still in her pajamas, Blake put her right into bed. Ted had turned down the bedding after Blake left. Ted had gone out to the car and brought JR's belongings into the room. He smiled at Blake before sitting on the side of the bed and gently stroking JR's hair as she drifted off to sleep.
Blake went back downstairs, and Ted followed a few moments later.
"She is fast asleep. What's going on over there?"
Blake shrugged.
"Hard to tell what happened, lots of confusion. Apparently, Lindsay had some sort of episode and set her paintings on fire, using gasoline. The police and Melanie were trying to get some information from her. I just gathered JR and some of her things and got out of there.
I have an easy day tomorrow so I should be able to take off without any issues. I think maybe we should plan on keeping JR a few days, for her sake!"
Ted nodded.
"I can work from home tomorrow and Friday. Nothing urgent going on right now. Brian was in the office today. Cynthia can handle whatever comes up."
"Teddy, I think you should call and let Debbie know what's going on. Carl may hear something about the fire through the police grapevine."
Ted agreed and quickly dialed Debbie's house. Joe answered and was relieved to hear what Ted had to say. Carl had indeed just heard about the yard fire. Debbie got on the phone and was grateful to hear that JR was safe with Ted & Blake. Ted told her they were planning to keep JR with them for a few days. She and Nina would enjoy some together time.
Ted heard Carl talking to Debbie before she suggested that she and Carl take the girls to the zoo on Friday. Carl had taken the day off and they planned to do something with JR. Joe would go with them. He had never been to a zoo.
Ted decided he should call Brian and let him know what was going on. Brian thanked Ted for the call and told him to take off whatever time he needed to deal with the situation. He expressed exasperation over Lindsay and Melanie's ongoing issues.
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Brian was in the study, doing some internet research, on the potential customer supplied by Ed when Ted called him. Gus was in bed, John & Peter in the media room and Justin in his studio, with the baby monitor. Lily and Liam were asleep in the nursery.
Brian sat for a few moments trying to make sense out of what Ted told him. He wondered what could have caused this latest episode of Lindsay's. He knew that if the Petersons had visited Lindsay and caused her to lose control, Mother Taylor would do her best to destroy their reputation.
He closed down his laptop and headed up to the studio. He stopped in the media room and told his nephews to turn on the alarm when they went up to bed. Justin looked up with a smile when he saw Brian come through the studio door. He was working on a portrait of the twins and Gus from photos he had taken.
Brian came over to examine the canvas while Justin cleaned his hands and took off Brian's cast-off shirt that served as his artist's smock. Brian was smiling when Justin came over and stood beside him.
"This is amazing Sunshine!"
Justin leaned into Brian feeling very happy, but he could sense the tension in his partner's body.
"What has you upset?"
Brian related the information Ted had supplied about the latest upset at the munchers' house. Justin was amazed.
"What could have caused this. Poor Lindsay. Sidney and I were just talking about making an appointment to go look at her paintings. To be honest I wasn't looking forward to that, but she deserved a chance.
How did we ever get to this point? I mean there were always tensions in our relationship with Mel and Linds, but now there's nothing left. Our lives have completely diverged. Do you suppose there will be any legal action for setting the fire?"
"I don't have any answers for you. Blake said there didn't seem to be any serious property damage so I don't think there will be too many legal issues but who knows. "
Justin sighed and Brian put his arm around him and pulled him close. Justin rested his head on Brian's chest.
"Thank god Blake went and picked up JR. They will take care of her and playing with Nina will hopefully distract her from what happened. Poor Debbie is going to go crazy when she finds out about this latest drama."
"Debbie knows. Ted called her before me. They were afraid Carl would find out about the fire and they wouldn't know that JR was okay."
Justin nodded.
"That was good thinking. I better call Mom and let her know. We'll have to decide what to tell Gus about this."
Brian didn't say anything, but Justin could feel his body tension increase. Just then they could hear the twins signaling they were awake and needed attention. Both men looked at each other and smiled, glad for the distraction.
Once Lily and Liam were cleaned up, changed, fed, and rocked to sleep, their fathers retired to their bedroom. Justin called his mother who was just as shocked as he and Brian about this latest development.
Jennifer mentioned the possibility of a confrontation with the Petersons as the cause of Lindsay's current issues. She made Justin promise to let her know if that actually happened. They didn't discuss it, but Justin knew his mother would be on the warpath if the Petersons behavior had set off Lindsay.
Brian was already naked in bed when Justin got off the phone. He was anxious to deal with their anxiety in their own way. Justin got undressed in record time and jumped on the bed to start sucking Brian's cock in the start to a session of lovemaking before the babies called for attention.
The next morning after Lily and Liam had their morning bottles while John and Peter were sitting on the family room couch holding them on their laps. Justin was smiling as he watched his youngest children fascinated by Gus as he sang songs and talked to them. When his siblings made what Gus considered a silly face, he would laugh which made the twins make more silly faces. Everyone was enjoying the show. Alice came over from the kitchen to watch and when Granny came through the patio doors she hurried over.
Lily and Liam seemed to enjoy being the center of attention and kept looking around before turning their attention back to their big brother. Justin's cell phone rang and when he saw Debbie come up on the display, he stepped into the dining room for privacy.
The first thing Debbie asked was if Justin had heard any news from Melanie. She was disappointed that he didn't know anything. Her real purpose was to invite Gus on the zoo trip with JR & Nina. Justin said he thought Gus would enjoy the zoo trip, but he had to check with Brian first. He said he would bring Gus up to the city for the trip as long as Brian was okay with the plan.
After he disconnected, Justin sat for a minute considering the zoo trip. He and Brian had discussed getting Gus together with JR. They hesitated to have her come stay with them because they were afraid, she would beg to stay. That would be a bad situation for everyone.
They also rejected having Gus stay with Lindsay and Melanie. Primarily because his mothers had never made that offer. He and Brian were also unsure how Gus would be treated if he stayed there. This zoo visit with Debbie and Carl could be a good solution to getting Gus and JR together.
When he went back out to the family room Cassie and her daughters had arrived. John suggested an expedition to the creek, Lucy, Violet and Gus all thought that sounded like fun. John and Peter led the way. Cassie and Granny took the twins out onto the patio and Justin went down to the study to talk with Brian.
As Justin suspected Brian was not fully on board with the idea of Gus going to the zoo with Debbie and JR. He wanted to control any reunion to be sure Sonny Boy was not upset. He felt badly for JR and the unsettled life she was leading, but Sonny Boy's happiness was most important for his Daddy.
Justin was also concerned about Gus, but he thought this meeting on what was really neutral ground might be the best way to get JR & Gus together. He suggested that if Gus was upset, one of them could go pick him up at Debbie's or the zoo. Brian had his doubts that Debbie would alert them to any issues but would attempt to solve the issues herself. He didn't trust her to make Gus's needs primary.
Justin couldn't really argue that point with Brian. Anyone who was aware of Michael's behavior would say there were some flaws on Debbie's parenting style, but no one could doubt her ability to love and protect. Justin knew that Brian, having lived through a hellish childhood, was determined his children would experience no unhappiness that he could prevent. Justin wanted his children to be happy but knew that some unhappiness was inevitable and could actually build character.
They sat quietly for a few moments each man lost in thought. Justin thought of a possible solution.
"Brian, Joe is going on the zoo trip. How about if he gets Peter invited to go along. We know Peter will look out for Gus and call us if things go south."
Brian didn't say anything, so Justin turned to look him in the face. Brian smiled at his partner.
"Sunshine that sounds like a plan. I know Peter will look out for Sonny Boy."
After some time spent kissing, Brian went back to his research and Justin went out to the patio. Cassie and Granny were having a lively conversation. Lily was in Cassie lap and Liam was held by Granny. Justin was delighted when he talked to his children, and they smiled. He warned the women not to dare saying it was because the babies had gas. He was sure they knew their Papa and were happy to see him.
Cassie and Granny agreed that must be true, even though they rolled their eyes while saying it.
When the explorers returned from the creek excursion Justin asked to talk to Peter and they went in the house. When Justin asked Peter about going in the zoo trip and why he and Uncle Brian wanted him to go, Peter smiled.
"Joe and I were just texting. He asked if I would go to the zoo, so he had someone to hang around with. I said I would ask you, but I thought you wouldn't care if I went.
I was thinking if we went that Joe could come back here with me after the zoo and just stay here Friday and Saturday. It would save someone having to pick him up Saturday and since you and Uncle Brian want me to go on the zoo trip; is it okay for Joe to stay here an extra night."
Justin chuckled. "Sure Joe can stay the extra night. It will save a trip for someone. No need for blackmail."
Peter and Justin chcuckled.
When Justin got back outside there was a crochet lesson in progress with Gus and Cassie's daughters. Lily and Liam were ready for bottles. Justin got those heated and he and Cassie fed the twins.
After the babies were fed, Justin and Brian sat down with Gus to tell him about the zoo trip. They also told him that Mommy had tried burning some trash and the fire got away from her. The fireman had to come and JR was spending a few days with Uncle Ted and Uncle Blake while Mommy and Mama cleaned up after the fire.
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It was not a restful morning at the Marcus-Peterson home. Lindsay didn't say much to the police. She told them she just wanted to burn her paintings and didn't mean to endanger the house. Mel tried to explain Lindsay's issues and finally just asked them to call Carl.
The policemen left after talking to Carl but did warn them that it was possible some charges would be filed, once the investigation was complete. The back of the house has been scorched by the flames. Mel called their insurance agent and someone was supposed to come out today to survey the damage and see if their homeowners policy would cover repairs.
After the police left Lindsay started in about Leda's visit again and how Mel was betraying her. She would not believe that Mel had not been in communications with Leda. They were both exhausted and when Lindsay went up to bed, Mel spent another restless night on the couch.
Ted called her the next morning to say they could keep JR a few days. He let her know that JR wanted her princess dress and doll. She and Nina wanted to have a tea party wearing the dresses. Blake would come over and pick them up. She said she would have the dress and doll ready.
Ted let Melanie know about Debbie & Carl's plan to take the girls to the zoo. He didn't mention that Gus was going along. She was grateful not to have to deal with her daughter until she resolved things with Lindsay. She had no choice but to stay home from the office to deal with the insurance adjuster. She also wasn't sure if the police would return and there was no way Lindsay could deal with them in her current condition.
After Blake stopped by for the dress and doll pickup. Mel sat at the kitchen table drinking coffee and working on a legal brief when Lindsay appeared. Her red eyes made it apparent she had been crying. Lindsay poured herself a mug of coffee and sat opposite her wife at the table.
Mel looked across the table.
"Linds Honey, we need to talk. You have to believe that I have not talked or seen Leda in years. There is no reason for you to be jealous or to act the way you did. You could have burned down this house with JR in her bed upstairs. How could you be so thoughtless?"
Tears streamed down Lindsay face, but she said nothing. Mel stood up, her patience exhausted.
"For fuck's sake Lindsay say something! This silent shit has to end. Do you understand that the police may bring charges against you? Do you even care? I can't go on like this."
Still silent Lindsay picked up the mug and raised it to her lips. Instead of drinking from it, she flung the mug across the table. It hit Melanie in the chest, stunning her. The hot coffee soaked the T shirt she was wearing which she quickly pulled off over her head.
Lindsay ran out of the room and upstairs. Mel was not in the mood to follow her. She went into the first-floor bathroom to wash and threw her discarded shirt in the bath tub. She went upstairs to get a clean shirt. The master bedroom door was open, but Lindsay was not inside. Mel got a shirt out of her bureau. She sat on the bed, head in her hands, trying to decide what to do.
Part of Mel wanted to pack her belongings and just walk out the door. She knew that wasn't the answer to her problems. She heard the water running and walked down to the bathroom door. Mel knocked and got no response. She tried the doorknob, but it was locked.
"Lindsay, we have to talk. Please unlock the door."
Still no response and Mel suddenly realized her feet were wet. She looked down and saw water leaking out under the door. Mel ran her hands along the top of the door jam. There was a key hidden there in case one the kids locked themselves in the bathroom by accident. She found the key and unlocked the door.
When the door opened Melanie screamed. There was a kitchen knife on the floor. Lindsay was half laying in the overflowing tub with blood dripping from her wrists into the bath water. Mel didn't know what to do first but quickly turned off the water. Next she ran into the master bedroom and used the phone to call for paramedics.
Mel hurried back to the bathroom, grabbed some towels and tried to apply pressure to the cuts on Lindsay's wrist. Lindsay struggled to get away despite Mel's pleas to stop. By the time the paramedics arrived Lindsay had calmed. She sat mute, staring straight ahead while they treated the cuts of her wrists. They pronounced the wounds not serious, but it was apparent that Lindsay was not well. The police arrived and they suggested that Lindsay be taken to the emergency room for evaluation. Mel had no choice but to agree.
Once she was washed and dressed Melanie headed to the hospital where they had taken her wife. As she left the house, she couldn't miss the water stain on the hall ceiling and the water still dripping onto the floor. Mel thought about getting a bucket or putting some pots under the drips but muttered "Fuck it!" and went out to the car.
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When Ed showed up at the Taylor-Kinney home he was told that the architect had called to say he could come to show them the revised blueprints, based on their last meeting. Granny was delighted that Ed would see the plans for her new home.
The architect was slightly apprehensive when he saw there was someone new for the blueprint review. After all the changes, after their last meeting, he wondered if there would be even more changes this time.
Alice knew that Granny was with her son's visit, especially since he was so supportive of her decision to live here. She thought it would be fun to have a "groundbreaking" for the new building while Ed was visiting. She had Charlie spray paint a shovel with gold paint and attached a big white bow to the handle.
The meeting with the architect went really well. Granny and Brian were satisfied that all their suggestion were included. Justin was pleased with the sketches of the exterior of the building. Ed thought it looked perfect. His mother was not 100% pleased when he raved about the glass wall of the main room, overlooking the pond and woods.
"Mama, that will be so great for you. You can sit and relax while watching the season come and go. The first green leaves of spring, the lush green of summer, the colorful fall foliage and the snow-covered trees of winter.
I bet Justin will want to spend some time painting there. It will be an amazing view. I look forward to visiting you."
Brian had a big smile on his face and said Ed had a lot of valuable input. Granny called her son a "Judas" since she still wasn't sure about living in a "fishbowl". Ed did ask just who she thought would be looking in at her which made Brian laugh out loud.
When the meeting ended, Alice and Charlie were waiting with the gold shovel. Charlie had staked out the rough dimensions of the new building. Alice said they all had to go out and turn over a shovel full of dirt. She had a camera ready to record the groundbreaking. Granny actually had tears in her eyes when she hugged Alice and thanked her for the great idea. They were all amused by the battered old shovel now painted gold.
John, Peter & Gus also got to turn over a shovel of dirt and afterwards everyone had a glass of, age appropriate beverage, champagne or club soda, to celebrate. Granny had a huge smile on her face the whole time.
Later when Jennifer and Tucker arrived for dinner, they enjoyed looking at the photos. Ed's visit had started with some apprehension and uncertainty but now everyone agreed it had been a good time. Ed was really glad he had come to see how happy and content his mother was. He has already spoken to his brother, Jeff, about the false information Kate had been feeding them. He emailed Kate some photos of the groundbreaking and told her how well Mama looked and how happy she was. He had not received any reply.
After dinner, Granny called Kate and let her know that they still had the lab results from the cookies she had brought to her. She let her daughter know that is she did stop trying to create trouble Granny would allow Brian to pursue having criminal charges brought against Kate. The call ended abruptly when Kate tried to explain her actions and her mother hung up on her.
Now that the twins were sleeping for a longer time between bottles, Brian was delighted that regular romance/sex was back on the agenda for him and his Sunshine. There was ever an added thrill in getting things done before Liam and Lily called for attention.
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For Melanie this emergency room visit had quite a few DeJa'Vu moments. Lindsay was just as uncommunicative and uncooperative as she had been last time. This time Melanie was alone without the support of Ted. She missed him. She tried to think of someone to call but came up blank.
Mel wasn't sure if it was her perception or if the staff was less friendly and more suspicious than last time. Last time Lindsay had been friendly towards her and this time her antagonism was painfully obvious to everyone.
Lindsay was judged a possible danger to herself, so she was admitted for 24 hours of observation. Melanie saw no point in remaining, so she went home.
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On Friday morning Justin drove Gus and Peter to Debbie house for their zoo visit. Gus had initially been very excited about the trip. He said he was anxious to see JR. Later he talked to Papa about some concerns. Gus was afraid that JR would be angry at him for leaving her alone. Papa assured him that it was not his decision, and he had no reason to feel guilty. Mommy & Mama's behavior caused the change in his custody. Gus was also concerned that he was coming back here after the zoo. Daddy and Papa both told that this was his home and nothing would ever change that.
Gus was happy to have Peter along for the trip and was looking forward to seeing Joe. He was excited that Joe was coming home with them after the zoo. Gus, Peter & Papa sang and laughed all the way to Debbie's house.
Gus hurried down the street to Grandmom Debbie's house and was first in the door. Debbie grabbed him up in a big hug and kissed his cheek. Gus thought Grandmom Debbie was a lot of fun. It always made him laugh when Daddy tried to avoid getting a hug and kiss from her. Justin also got a hug and kiss, but Peter hurried over to stand beside Joe.
As Debbie approached to greet Peter, Joe put up his hand. "Dial it back Debbie. Peter will be happy with a simple hello."
Carl burst out laughing. He knew that Debbie & Joe really cared deeply for each other. Joe had no problem curtailing some of Debbie's more over the top behaviors. The amazing part to Carl was Debbie usually paid attention to what Joe had to say. He knew he would get a dirty look and a cold shoulder if he ever said the things to Debbie that Joe did.
Peter was grateful for his friend's protection. Despite the uncles telling him & John that Debbie was harmless, they remained wary of her.
Blake and the girls arrived shortly after Justin and the boys. As soon as JR was through the door she screamed "Gus" and hurried over to him. Gus had his arms open wide to give his sister a hug. He told her he missed her. JR told him about the fire and how the house smelt smokey. She said she was scared until Uncle Blake came and took her to his house. She and Nina had lots of fun playing. Uncle Blake went and got JR Princess doll and dress so she and Nina could have a tea party with the dolls. They had real iced tea and cookies!
Gus expressed great interest while thinking to himself that having tea parties was one thing he did NOT miss. When he and JR had them, they mostly just had pretend tea and cookies. Gus thought if there were real cookies the tea parties might not have been so bad.
Everyone had to go potty before they left for the zoo. Justin and Blake decided to have lunch together and left during the line up for the bathrooms. Carl took the boys upstairs to the bathroom while Debbie and the girls used the first-floor powder room.
Blake let Justin know that he thought Lindsay had burned all her paintings. Justin was shocked by that information. He had glanced in the studio when he picked up JR. It appeared to be empty.
Justin sometimes painted over a painting that disappointed him, but he couldn't envision destroying all his artwork. Blake said that he could tell that Lindsay was angry with Melanie about something, but he didn't know what that was. He could still smell the smoke in the house when he stopped to get JR's dress and doll.
Neither man knew anything about Lindsay suicide attempt. As they chatted and laughed, Justin's cell phone rang. Both men hoped it wasn't bad news from the zoo trip. Justin saw Brian's name in the display. His phone display used to say "Stud" before the nephews moved in. Justin decided on a more PC personalized message once there was a chance others could see his phone..
"Hi Brian. Is everything OK."
He listened and smiled at Blake to let him know all was OK.
"Blake and I decided to have lunch and catch up. Sorry I should have let you know."
Justin chuckled, "Later".
He looked across the table at Blake.
"Brian was just wondering why I wasn't home yet. A year ago, I would have said that he was just anxious to have sex. Today he was worried about Gus! How times have changed!"
Justin and Blake laughed before deciding they needed to leave for home.
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The zoo trip was going great. Carl had borrowed a mini van from a co-worker. JR & Nina were in their booster seats, strapped to the second seat. Gus, on his own booster seat, was in the last seat with Joe & Peter.
Peter had them all singing silly songs and came up with several car games to pass the time. Debbie had a big smile on her face and patted Carl's leg. She had admitted to him that she was a little nervous about this zoo trip. She was not used to dealing with three little kids and two teenagers all at the same time. She just wanted everyone to have a good time.
She had even called Jennifer for tips. She knew that Grandmom Jen was a big hit with her grandchildren, even if JR was not a huge fan. JR, Nina and Gus were all perfectly happy to go along with Peter's suggestions. JR told Nina that Peter and his brother were always fun to be around. Of course, they were not in the same class as "her" Joey. JR planned to have Joey take the two girls to the playground and push them on the swings when they got home from the zoo.
At the zoo Nina & JR held Joe's hands as they lead the way. Peter stuck like glue to Peter. Carl and Debbie brought up the rear both smiling the whole time.
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At the emergency room, Melanie was told that her wife requested not to have her visit. Mel attempted to reason with the ER staff but had no success. She planned to go to the office after visiting Lindsay, so she just continued on to the office.
The staff didn't tell her that they had a domestic abuse counselor talking with Lindsay. At the office she found a phone message from Leda. Mel wasn't sure if she should call her or not. She decided to postpone that decision while she got to work. She didn't want to have to lie to Lindsay about not talking with Leda.
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When Justin got home, he found Brian and Granny feeding the twins. Granny was feeding Liam and Daddy cuddled his Princess while she drank her bottle. He was telling her that she and her brother that they were the most perfect and adorable babies in the world. Granny was laughing at the other end of the family room couch.
Alice and Cassie were smiling and filling bottles in the kitchen. Justin walked over and bent down to kiss Brian. He looked over at Granny.
"Just what are you laughing at?"
Of course, that made her laugh all the more. Justin asked where John was. Brian said he was off on a driving lesson. He mentioned that Justin was lucky to get home without encountering John on the road. That comment made Justin laugh.
Granny looked over at him.
"And just what are you laughing at?"
Justin walked over and kissed Granny on the cheek.
"Just for that; you get to ride along for John's next driving lesson."
Just then John, back from his lesson, walked into the family room and wanted to know what everyone was laughing at. Justin looked over at home with a smile.
"Your Uncle Brian is being silly."
John had no issue believing that story.