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 36
Debbie was relieved the zoo trip was going so smoothly. Little Miss & Little Miss Too were happy to hold Joey's hands and have him point out things in the exhibits. Gus and Peter were right behind them and often Peter would add some fact or observations to what Joe had to say. The three younger kids were delighted to have the "big boys'" attention.
Debbie whispered to Carl that she had been to the zoo lots of times but was learning new stuff from Joe & Peter.
When they got to the reptile house, Joe and Peter allowed a zoo staffer to drape a boa constrictor over their shoulders. Carl snapped photos with his phone. Gus, JR & Nina stood by Debbie who was trying not to show how horrified she was by the huge snake.
Peter smiled at Gus.
"Gus, come over and pet the snake. He is really neat and can't hurt you."
Gus, whose trust in his cousins was only slightly less than his trust in Daddy & Papa, walked over and gently stroked the snake. He started to giggle.
"He feels neat. I thought he would feel slimy."
He turned to the two girls who were closely observing him.
"JR, Nina come feel the snake, it is awesome. He can't hurt us."
JR's trust in Gus's ability to protect her was still intact. She took Nina's hand wand walked over to her brother. Debbie attempted to stop them, but Carl shook his head at her and frowned.
Gus held each girl's hand as they approached the snake. They tentatively touched the snake and started to giggle. Both girls felt very brave and felt secure enough to let go of Gus's hands. Peter and Joe laughed and congratulated all three little kids on their bravery.
Everyone enjoyed their zoo adventure. No one more than Debbie. She had been nervous about taking all the kids to the zoo together. She was delighted by how well the JR and Gus reunion turned out. She enjoyed getting to know Nina better and was thrilled when the little girl started calling her Grandmom Debbie.
Since Nina was such a sweet and cooperative girl, it made dealing with the headstrong JR easier. Debbie felt Nina was a good influence on JR and made up her mind to get them together more often. It also helped that JR never gave her Joey a hard time, she was always happy to do anything he suggested.
When they got home and Blake came to pick up his daughter, he was amused by Nina excitedly telling him about touching the snake. She told her Daddy that the big boys held the snake and first Gus touched it; then Gus held her and JR's hand and took them over to touch the snake. Blake smiled at how proud Nina was for this accomplishment. She couldn't wait to tell her Teddy Man all about her adventures. Daddy told Nina that Teddy would be amazed and very proud of her. Nina beamed and was in a hurry to leave Debbie's and get home.
Uncle Jus arrived just as Blake, Nina and JR were leaving, both girls hurried over to get hugs and kisses. They took turns telling him about touching the snake. He congratulated both girls for their bravery. He had a big smile when Gus and JR hugged goodbye. Both kids seemed fine with their get together and Gus told his sister he would see her again soon.
Both Joe and Peter were too cool to admit it, but Justin could tell they were excited to begin their weekend. They decided they would sleep in the "frat house" tonight, instead of Peter's bedroom. Justin had called Roxanne and suggested Kevin come to stay for the weekend. That would give John and Patrick more time to do what they wanted without Kevin feeling left out. When Roxanne said he and Brian already had too much to contend with, Justin told her that their weekend was already "ruined" and this way Gus wouldn't interfere with the teenage foursome's activities. Gus was thrilled that Kevin was coming to stay.
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Mel got a call from the doctors that were treating Lindsay. They asked her to come to the hospital to discuss Lindsay's treatment. Mel said she would be right over.
Now that the staff had an opportunity to review Lindsay's history, they had an entirely different attitude with Melanie. They asked if Lindsay's parents had recently made contact with her. Mel told them she didn't believe that happened but that an old friend, that both she and Lindsay had sex with while they were married, had stopped by the house. That is what appeared to set off Lindsay's latest breakdown.
Mel admitted that Lindsay thought she had been cheating with Leda but that wasn't true. She hadn't seen Leda in years or even heard from her. The doctors asked why Leda would have visited and Mel had no answer. She told them that Leda might not have had any idea about Lindsay's former breakdown and hospitalization and had innocently just stopped by the house.
The doctors allowed Mel to visit Lindsay, but she was unresponsive. It was apparent that Lindsay would require inpatient hospital care. Since Lindsay was now on Mel's medical insurance, she would need to look into what that insurance would cover. She knew that her plan was not as comprehensive as the Kinnetik/TayKin insurance.
When Mel got back to the office, she called Leda to ask her about her encounter with Lindsay. She was horrified to discover what her innocent visit caused. Mel assured Leda it was not her fault and Lindsay had been getting more and more troubled.
Leda was shocked when Mel started to cry. They agreed to meet later at Mel's house. Mel looked into the fine print of her medical insurance and as she suspected it did not provide the level of care that the art gallery policy had provided.
Mel also checked in with Ted who assured her it was no problem to keep JR for a few more days. He did ask about Lindsay but offered no serious support. Mel was honest enough to admit she had caused the schism between them.
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When Justin got home his mother called to ask how the zoo trip went. She was glad the Gus and JR reunion seemed to go so well. When Jennifer heard about Justin inviting Kevin, she decided that Kevin and Gus should spend the weekend with her and Grandpop Tucker. Justin said that wasn't necessary but quickly realized his mother was not going to be dissuaded.
Brian and John were in the pool with Gus when Justin went out to deliver the news about the weekend. Gus was so excited he actually cried with happiness. Granny was watching over Liam and Lily on their cushion under the awning.
Gus announced to everyone.
"Grandmom Jen is so awesome. I love her so much!"
Gus insisted on getting out of the pool to call Kevin and tell him about the new plan. Brian and Justin laughed as they heard Kevin screaming "Hooray."
Peter and Joe came down dressed for the pool, they and were amused by Gus's enthusiasm. Gus did say that he was sorry not to be able to spend more time with Joe. Justin could tell that Joe was touched by Gus's concern for him. Joe gave the little boy a hug and said he could understand not turning down a weekend with Grandmom Jen. All four boys got in the pool and Joe started to play ring toss with Gus.
Granny told Brian that his Sonny Boy was such a special child. She was so grateful to get to know him and spend time with him. Brian smiled and nodded. He was so proud of Gus and amazed by his son. As he often did, but seldom admitted, Brian thought about what an awesome life he had and how different it was from what he ever imagined his life would be. He looked across the patio at the blond man whose entrance into his life started so many changes. As usual Justin sensed Brian looking at him and turned towards his partner with a sunshine smile on his face.
Granny looked over at Peter who was also watching his uncles and smiled at her. She just loved being part of this family and knew this is where she belonged.
Peter let Joe know that Granny liked "good manners" and it was best to be careful not to be rude or vulgar around her. Since Joe lived with Debbie, Peter thought it best to warn him about how Granny liked people to act.
Joe was fascinated by this household. Having lived for years with just his mother and stepfather and now with Debbie and Carl, the Taylor-Kinney household was eye opening. The age range of this family was amazing from Granny at the top down to Liam and Lily as the youngest. Debbie talked a lot about Brian and how closed off he was as a young man. Joe had trouble reconciling that description with the Brian he observed.
The Brian, that Joe saw now, was closely joined to all the other members of this household. Brian and Justin were obviously devoted to each other. Gus adored his Daddy and Brian was totally involved in every aspect of Lily and Liam's care. John and Peter respected Brian, although Peter was slightly afraid of him. It was also apparent that Granny and Brian respected each other. Joe had seen Brian in action with his uncle. He knew that Brian played a major role in Joe's new life in Pittsburgh and also knew Brian would be appalled if Joe ever thanked him.
The ring toss games were still going on when Lily & Liam started to fuss. They were ready for a bottle. Gus was thrilled to have 3 big boys to play with but got out of the pool and went over to the twins. He talked to them telling them their bottles would be ready soon. He turned to his Papa and asked if he could feed Liam his bottle. Papa agreed with a smile.
In the pool Joe asked Peter if he could go see the babies. His experience with babies was nonexistent and he was curious about Liam and Lily. Peter smiled and said it made Papa happy when anyone expressed interest in Lily and Liam.
Gus noticed Joe walking towards him and his siblings.
"Joe come see Liam and Lily, they are really cute. I love them so much. I am going to give Liam his bottle. Do you want to feed Lily? She loves her bottle. Granny will burp the babies for us. She is great at burping."
Granny chuckled at her designation as a great burper. Joe looked over and smiled at her as he walked over to Gus and the twins. He looked down at the Gus talking to the babies and saw their eyes wide open attention on their brother.
"Wow Gus they are really little. I haven't been around babies very much, but these guys are really cute."
Gus smiled and nodded.
"Lily and Liam have grown a lot. I saw them in the hospital when they just got borned and they were really tiny. Papa showed me their hands and fingers to show how they looked just like ours but were so little with teeny tiny little fingernails."
Brian came put with the heated bottles which he handed to Justin. Justin smiled at Joe.
"Gus loves to feed his brother and sister. They seem to really know he is their big brother. Do you want to give Lily her bottle?"
Joe looked a little shocked.
"I don't know how to feed a baby. I'm afraid I might hurt her."
Granny spoke up.
"Joe, move a chair over and sit near me. Babies aren't really that easy to break. I'll give you some feeding tips and as you know I am a great burper. That will come in handy."
The thought of being observed by Granny made Joe a little more nervous about the whole feeding thing. She smiled at him and he felt a little better. He moved a chair next to Granny and Justin handed him Lily and showed him how to hold her.
Joe found himself smiling just at the sensation of this tiny human resting in his arms. Granny helped him position baby and bottle in a good feeding position. He couldn't keep the grin off his face.
Gus sat across from him with Liam. Daddy stood nearby, even though he knew Gus knew what he was doing. Gus told Joe that Lily and Liam liked to be talked to while they had their bottles. Joe was a little hesitant, but he listened to Gus and soon felt comfortable talking to Lily.
Granny and Daddy took care of burping duties. Once Lily was done her bottle Granny told Joe that she like to be snuggled. As he held the baby against his chest and kissed her head Joe couldn't believe how great it felt.
Granny smiled at him.
"So Joe, not much baby experience? No little cousins or friends with baby siblings?"
Joe shrugged.
"No baby experience at all but this is really great."
A short time later Justin came and retrieved his daughter who had fallen asleep in Joe's arms.
"Time for this little girl to have a nap with her brother."
Later at dinner Joe listened as lively conversation took place among the family. Granny smiled across the table to him.
"Joe, you are being so quiet. I hope we haven't intimidated you."
Brian smirked.
"He probably doesn't get much opportunity to talk when he is around Debbie."
Granny turned her attention to Brian.
"That is a rather unkind thing to say. It seems to me that Debbie is a loyal, generous, kind and loving person."
Peter was amazed.
"Granny. I didn't think you approved of Debbie."
"Debbie has a colorful way of expressing herself that I hope none of you would emulate. She does have many sterling qualities that we should all admire. Debbie has had contend with many difficult things in her life and has remained positive and cheerful. I don't know her very well, but I believe she is a good person. I'm sure Joe would appreciate not talking about her in a disparaging manner."
Justin bestowed a sunshine smile on his grandmother and the meal continued with Joe joining in the conversation.
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The next morning Bill Gardner and Josh pulled up in front of Andrea Fuller's house to pick up Jay. They looked at each other and shrugged. Both expected Andrea would try and create some issue with Jay's overnight at the Taylor-Kinney home.
They walked up to the front door which was opened by Andrea before they could ring the bell.
"Hello Bill, Josh. Come in."
Jay was coming down the stairs with his backpack.
"Hi Josh, Mr Gardner. I saw you drive up. I'm ready to go."
Andrea stood in front of her son.
"Jay! I am going to beg you one more time not to leave this house. You don't understand the damage that could be done to you."
Jay stepped around his mother and walked out the front door. Bill told Josh to wait in the car, he would be right out.
He pushed the door shut and turned to Andrea.
"You need to seek help before you permanently screw up your son. Brian and Justin are my friends. They are really great people who took in Brian's nephews who had no where else to go. You tried your best to ruin David's life but thank God he got away from you in time.
Somehow you think you are right and everyone else is wrong, that somehow you are the victim. That your venom and irrational hatred are justified. As far as I can tell you have no friends and even your parents felt it necessary to put miles between you and them. You need to take an honest look at your life before you wind up driving your son away."
Andrea's face was red with anger.
"Get out of my house!"
"Nothing could make me stay here!"
Bill left and made sure he put a big smile on his face as he approached the car, Josh and Jay looked grim sitting in the car.
Liam and Lily had their Daddy and Papa up early. By the time Peter, John and Joe made their way down to the kitchen, Justin was ready to make waffles. Gus showed up a short time later. He went over to his brother and sister to say, "Good Morning" and they should let Daddy and Papa sleep later in the morning. Gus informed Joe that Papa used to be a sleepyhead in the morning but that was before Lily and Liam showed up.
Justin just raised his eyes to heaven as everyone laughed. He reminded them that it was a mistake to annoy the cook before he started breakfast. Gus spoke up.
"Papa, Joe is a guest! We always have to make guests feel welcome. I don't think he will feel welcomed if he doesn't get waffles for breakfast."
At that moment Granny came thru the patio doors. She smiled at Gus.
"Good for you Gus. That is exactly correct, guests should feel welcomed."
Justin looked over at Brian. "Well we can be sure he is your son, manipulation is in his genes."
Brian smirked. "Country club manners are your specialty not mine."
Everyone started to laugh again at Justin's exasperated expression. Granny came over to give him a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
"Darling Boy, sometimes the truth hurts."
Justin frowned but gave her a kiss and started making waffles.
Bill arrived with Josh and Jay just as breakfast was winding down. Justin smiled at the new arrivals.
"I think the waffle iron is still hot. Are you guys hungry?"
Bill and Josh said they already had breakfast and Jay said he wasn't that hungry. Justin guessed that meant he hadn't really had breakfast.
"Jay sounds like you might have room for a waffle or two. Sit down. Peter get your guest a plate and flatware."
Bill was going to drop John at O'Briens' house, so he had a cup of coffee and a slice of Alice's coffee cake while John went upstairs to get his backpack.
Once Bill and John left, Brian suggested the other boys clean up the kitchen from breakfast. A short time later Grandpop Tucker and Grandmom Jen arrived to pick up an excited Gus. Everyone got a hug and kiss from Grandmom Jen as Gus was told to use the bathroom before they left. Gus's overnight bag was already packed and waiting by the front door.
Jennifer, Tucker and Gus all told the boys to have fun before they departed. At the O'Brien home Kevin was watching out the window and ran out to the car as soon as it stopped. After saying hello to Roxanne, Grandmom, Grandpop and two thrilled little boys headed for home. Greg had already left for paintball park with Patrick & John.
There had been numerous, emails, texts and phone calls in the past week among the foursome at the Taylor-Kinney home to decide what they should do on the weekend. After breakfast cleanup, badminton was first on the agenda. They wanted to play before the day got too warm. The boys were well matched, none of them were very good players. That had no effect on their enjoyment and there was lot of laughter. Papa/Uncle Justin had sent them out with partially frozen bottles of water. He explained that way the water would stay cold longer.
After badminton the boy went exploring by the creek and in the woods. Peter knew the best spots in the creek to see crayfish and salamanders. Peter and Josh were familiar with the creek and woods, but it was all new to Joe and Jay.
Granny and Daddy took charge of the twins while Justin assembled lunch for the returning explorers. There was chicken salad, a garden salad, fresh fruit salad, sliced chicken and ham for sandwiches, several varieties of cheeses, home made potato chips and bread. Alice had been busy the day before. For dessert there was cookies and cake along with a choice of apple or peach pie.
When the four hungry boys returned from their explorations, plates were filled and refilled. After lunch it was time for horseshoes so their lunch could partially digest before they got in the pool. Justin was grateful that there was enough food left for Granny, Brian and him to have lunch.
After horseshoes there was a stampede up to the frat house to get changed into swimsuits. On their way out to the pool thru the family room they were warned against any rough horsing around by Justin. He and Granny were feeding Liam & Lily, Brian had retreated to the study.
Granny looked over at Justin as they watched all four boys jump into the pool.
"So far the weekend is going great. They all seem like they are having fun."
Justin nodded.
"Let's just hope it continues."
They both chuckled as they concentrated on feeding the twins. Granny settled in the family room reading. It was just a little too noisy in the pool house as the boys enjoyed the pool. She enjoyed watching their antics thru the patio doors. Justin spent some time sketching and some time playing with his son and daughter.
Tired out from their activities the boys gathered around one of the patio tables and played cards. Justin took them out some iced tea and snacks. Brian appeared from the study. He examined Sunbeam and Princess in their bassinet, gave their Papa a kiss on the top of his head, gave Granny a quick pat on the arm and walked over to the patio doors.
"Glad it is nice weather; they haven't been much trouble at all."
Justin chuckled.
"Just what were you expecting Cowboys and Indians battles in the house?"
Brian shrugged.
"You never can tell Sunshine. Four young teenagers, full of hormones. They might have taken us prisoners."
Granny laughed at that statement and Justin just shook his head but smiled. Brian came over to sit beside his partner on the sofa. Justin leaned against him.
"Brian, you know they are good boys. I really don't see this foursome causing much mayhem."
Brian just rolled his eyes and Granny continued to laugh. Like Peter and John, she found a lot of amusement in observing Brian and Justin's interactions. Peter came in from outside.
"Papa, do you think the guys could see your studio. We were talking and none of them have ever seen a real artist's studio."
"Buddy, you know there really isn't much interesting to see in my studio."
"It's just to see what it looks like. We got talking about my cloud ceiling and I told them about your art shows. They just want to see what it looks like."
Brian rolled his eyes and Granny thought it was adorable. Justin agreed, he turned to Brian.
"Behave! You keep an eye on the twins while I am upstairs."
He did lean down and give Brian a quick kiss as the boys trooped into the house. Brian asked if their feet were dry and got positive responses.
Justin was amazed that all four boys did seem interested in his studio. They thought the fireproof safe for his art was awesome. He showed them the cabinets and drawers full of art supplies and told them about Peter helping him organize everything on spreadsheets.
They were surprised about how many different sizes and shapes of bushes he owned and that different brushes were needed for oil paint and watercolors. They were also amazed by the number of different pencils and pads he had stored. He showed them some of the recent work he was doing with pastels and talked about the different techniques he was trying.
All the boys actually did seem interested to see everything and admired the painting he was working on of Gus with Lily & Liam. When they got downstairs Justin suggested Brian get the charcoal started for dinner preparation.
The boys were anxious to see the different charcoal and wood that Brian had collected for his barbequing. They followed him outside. Granny and Justin got to work making a garden salad. They had just finished when Liam and Lily let them know it was time for a bottle.
The babies were still working on their bottles when Peter and the boys came into say Uncle Brian said it was time for the meat to be cooked. Justin smiled and said someone had to finish feeding Lily. Joe quickly volunteered. He sat on the sofa with a grin on his face and Lily was handed to him. It seemed to him that she looked intently up at him as if she wondered who this new guy was. As long as she got to continue to drink her bottle, she seemed happy enough with the change of feeders.
Granny smiled over at Joe.
"Now you are an experienced baby feeder."
He smiled and glanced over at her before returning his full attention to Lily.
"This a fun. Um.. I'm not really sure what to call you. Peter hasn't even told me your last name. I don't really want to address you as hey you."
"Why not just call me Granny, it's easier if you aren't too embarrassed."
Joe looked over and smiled again.
"I'd like that. I never knew my father's parents and my Mom's mother thought little boys should be all dressed up and sit quietly when they visited her. It wasn't much fun. You seem a little more laid back."
Granny laughed.
"I hope so! I enjoyed all Justin's hijinks when he visited as a little boy. It is fun for this old lady to be surrounded by all you young people. Justin and Brian have been so welcoming to me."
"Peter says that Uncle Brian really likes you. He was impressed that he kissed you on the cheek. I don't know Brian all that well, but I am really grateful to him. I'd like to tell him that but everyone tells me not to say anything to him."
Granny was intrigued.
"Why are you grateful to Brian?"
"My uncle wanted to send me to boarding school because he travels all the time for his job. I wanted to stay with Debbie and Carl. They are really good to me. Carl is really easy to talk to. Debbie took some getting used to.
I could tell my uncle didn't approve of Debbie and wasn't going to let me stay with them. Brian kind of annihilated my uncle. I think he could tell my uncle was looking down his nose at Debbie. Everyone says how loyal Brian is to the people he cares about so he made my uncle agree that I could stay with them. I hated the thought of boarding school."
Granny reached over and patted Joe's leg.
"Brian would hate you saying anything. He prefers to operate under the radar, but I know what you mean. He has been so nice to me and agreed to build an apartment for me over the new garage, so I am really grateful to him also. So we have something in common."
They smiled at each before finishing feeding the babies.
Justin handed trays loaded with hot dogs, hamburgers, drumsticks and corn on the cob to the other three boys who hurried outside. Justin looked out the window and saw Brian and the boys laughing. He could imagine in a few years three children, the oldest with dark hair and two little blondes, crowded around their Daddy while he grilled food.
Justin took the babies out to their cushion on the patio and sat talking to them while Brian finished grilling dinner. He told Peter to bring out the garden salad he had made and the potato salad that Alice made yesterday.
When they were ready to eat Justin put the sleeping Lily and Liam into their bassinet in the family room and brought the baby monitor out on the patio. It was a lively dinner which had Granny laughing and Brian rolling his eyes. After dessert Granny retired to the pool house.
The four boys cleared the table and loaded the dishwasher before heading down to the game room. Justin told them that the alarm would be set so they had to stay in the house. He reminded Peter that they had an alarm panel in their bedroom and would know if he disarmed the alarm.
Daddy and Papa spent time with their youngest children, gave them their before bed bottles and rocked them to sleep before they retired to their bedroom for some adult entertainment. They were happy two floors separated them from the basement activity and ensured them privacy for their own activity.
Liam and Lily were awake early the next morning. Two changed and clean babies were downstairs with their fathers a little after 7AM. Justin was secretly amused by Brian's serious case of bed head which his usually fastidious partner hadn't noticed yet.
Brian was trying to amuse the babies while Justin got their bottles warmed. The doorbell rang just as Justin took the bottles out of the microwave. Brian looked over at his partner.
"Were we expecting anybody this morning?"
"I'm not expecting anyone."
Brian groaned.
"Okay you start feeding the kids and I'll get rid of whoever is at the door."
When Brian opened the door, he was surprised to see a woman he didn't know standing there. It was too early for any salesperson or solicitor. Andrea was startled by this tall man with his wildly tousled hair. She was expecting Justin to answer the door.
"Who are you and what do you want?"
"I am Andrea Fuller, and I am here to collect my son."
"Jay is still asleep. My understanding was that his father is picking him up later. He and Bill Gardner are going to take the boys to the movies and out for pizza."
Andrea's frown deepened.
"I have been calling Jay's cell phone and there is no answer. He came here against my wishes. I am concerned about his safety. I want to see him immediately!"
Brian stared at the woman for a moment.
"People in hell want ice water but they aren't getting what they want and neither are you. I am thinking that if Jay hasn't answered your calls, it is because he doesn't want to talk to you. The plan is for his father to pick him up and that is what is going to happen.
I suggest you go home. When Jay comes downstairs, I'll let him know you want to talk to him. It will be up to him to call you or not. I am thinking it will be a not."
"I demand you get my son immediately. I have no idea what has been going on here, but my son is coming with me. You don't know me, but I know my rights as a mother."
Once again Brian just stared at Andrea and said nothing for a couple moments.
"I know you are an emasculating, sanctimonious, homophobic bitch. I have absolutely no interest in your demands and your supposed rights. This is our home and Jay is a guest of our nephew. The arrangements have been made with his father to pick him up later today. That is what is going to happen. Now go away, I need to help feed my babies."
Andrea tried to push past Brian. He blocked the doorway.
"You are trespassing and if you attempt to enter our home, I will physically remove you."
"You are certainly no gentleman."
"And you Madame are certainly no lady."
Andrea stepped back on the front steps.
"If you refuse to produce Jay, I will call the police."
Brian laughed.
"Good luck with that dear. I believe you know Alice and Charlie Simpson. They are our housekeeper and gardener. The Simpsons know every important person in this county. Last time the Sheriff showed up here without following procedures, Alice and Charlie called all those important people. I doubt the Sheriff will show up here without good reason.
If the sheriff calls here, I will get Jay to explain the situation and give him his father's phone number. You will end up looking like the fool that you are."
Brian firmly closed the door and left Andrea standing outside. He opened it again.
"If you don't leave, I am going to turn the hose on you."
The door closed again. Andrea walked to her car and left. She considered going to the Sheriff's office, but she did know Alice & Charlie wanted to avoid any encounters with them. She recalled her last conversation with Alice and had no desire to repeat that experience.
When Brian got back to the family room, he took Liam and continued giving him his bottle. He told Justin about his encounter with Andrea. Justin burst out laughing which had Lily looking at him wide eyed while she drank her bottle.
When the boys came downstairs Joe announced he was making his special French toast for breakfast. He had brought everything he needed with him. Justin told Jay about his mother's visit. Jay's face turned pick with embarrassment.
"I'm sorry she came here and bothered you. I knew she would try calling me, so I turned off my phone. I never thought she would actually show up here."
Peter chuckled.
"I bet after her encounter with Uncle Brian your Mom is the sorry one. He can be scary!"
Brian smiled at Jay.
"Well I don't like to brag but no worries about her showing up here. She understands now that is unacceptable behavior. Don't let it spoil your weekend. This is probably a once in a lifetime experience for you guys."
Brian said it with a smile, but he still got a dirty look from Justin.
"Uncle Brian is just kidding about that once in a lifetime thing. You guys haven't been any trouble."
Peter smiled at his uncles.
"I could always appeal to Grandmom Jen about another get together. I don't think Uncle Brian would give her a hard time."
Everyone, including Brian, laughed at that comment.