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 37
After breakfast was done and cleanup was in progress, Justin asked to talk with Jay. They walked into the Parlor.
"Jay, don't let your mother's visit spoil your weekend. I'm pretty sure Brian enjoyed the encounter, and your mother did not. I am going to call your dad and tell him to call your mom.
It isn't fair to have you deal with your mother. She needs to understand that now that you are getting older, she can't control you as closely. She is pretty homophobic, but you are not going to solve that issue. Just don't let her influence you. Homosexual and pedophilia are not synonymous terms."
Jay smiled.
"Thanks Uncle Justin. I really enjoy staying here. There is always so much going on. At home it is just my mom and me. We never have company. I am really enjoying getting to be friends with Josh again. We used to do a lot of stuff together before my mom and dad got divorced. Peter and I have a lot in common and Joe is a nice guy. This has been one of my best weekends ever. I'm really glad you and Uncle Brian let us come here to stay."
Justin assured him that they were glad he was having a good time and he was sure there would be other get togethers in the future. They got back to the kitchen just in time for the boys to head to the horseshoe pit.
Granny arrived from the pool house just as the boys were heading out. Led by Peter all four boys gave her a hug and kiss on the cheek which had her beaming as she walked across the room to her grandson.
"The boys seem to still be enjoying themselves."
Justin chuckled as Brian rolled his eyes. Granny was examining Lily and Liam in their bassinet. Granny redirected her gaze to Justin and Brian.
"So what's going on with you two?"
Justin told Granny about Andrea's visit while Brian smirked. Granny chuckled when she heard about Brian encounter with Jay's mother.
"Jay seems like a nice boy. What a shame he has such a mother. I know Jenny disliked her at the school award function."
Justin laughed.
"Mom left no doubt about her feelings. Alice knew Andrea's parents and she let her know what she thought about her homophobia when Andrea called from the hospital. Now she had the pleasure of meeting Brian. I could almost feel sorry for Andrea if she wasn't such a bitch."
Brian added, as he left the room, on his way to the study.
"An emasculating, sanctimonious, homophobic bitch."
Justin and Granny looked at each other and smiled. Justin called David Fuller and Granny sat nearby listening. She was surprised by how forceful her grandson was in expressing how he felt that Jay's father needed to step up and take some responsibility for how Jay was being raised. Justin made no bones about the fact that he believed David needed to play a more active role in Jay's life.
When Justin ended the call Granny applauded.
"Good for you darling Boy. Your mother would be proud of you and so am I. I completely agree that Jay's father has been neglecting his responsibility."
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Lena arrived at Mel's house shortly after she got home from the office. They sent out for pizza and sat in the kitchen eating the pizza, drinking beer and talking. Melanie was delighted to be able to confide in someone who had not ties to the "Pittsburgh family".
The only downside for Melanie was that Leda refused to let he villainize that "Pittsburgh Family" which did help Mel understand that she was not entirely honest about the amount of assistance/interference that had been provided.
They did some laughing, especially as more beer was consumed, both women avoided discussing Lindsay's most recent issues. Melanie did talk about JR and the problem of caring for her. She was grateful to Ted and Blake but knew she had to resume fulltime care for her daughter. She just had no idea about how that was going to happen.
Leda had planned to spend some time in Pittsburgh catching up with friends and family. Several of her cousins lived here. She volunteered to provide care for JR to give Melanie some time to see what was going on with Lindsay and figure out how to continue living her life with or without her wife.
At 1AM Mel and Leda went upstairs. Leda was insistent on maintaining a friends without benefits relationship at least for the time being. She was amused with sleeping in Gus's old room. Mel offered to help her move the bed so she couldn't see the wall mural, but Leda was fine with the mural.
The next morning after breakfast Melanie called Ted and arranged to pick up JR at lunchtime. She and Leda would have lunch with everyone and then go home with JR.
Ted was relieved that Mel had contacted him before he called her to say enough was enough. Nina and JR's relationship was getting a little fraught. Partially from JR's bossiness and partially from Nina not being at all happy to share Daddy and especially Teddy Man. Viola was surprised and amused by her granddaughter's propriety behavior. It just solidified her satisfaction with her decision to have Ted and Blake take custody of Nina.
Lunch went well and JR was happy to be returning home. She was curious about this new aunt that appeared so suddenly and was now going to be a big part of her daily life. She knew that Mommy was sick again. So much had changed in JR's young life that she had accustomed herself to constant change. Even Mommy's mood swings were just another change.
Part of JR really enjoyed being an only child. She liked having the spotlight on her. A part of her missed her older brother particularly when something frightened her. She was happy to have spent time with him on the zoo outing.
Once they got home, Leda asked JR to show her the playroom in the basement. JR was delighted with that idea. Aunt Leda was happy to play Barbies, have a tea party and even play with some of Gus's cars which had been stored out of JR's reach. Leda decided that Gus's toys needed to be packed up and given to him.
When it was time to think about dinner, Aunt Leda and JR went up to Mama's office. Mel tried to plead urgent work, but Aunt Leda told her that was "bullshit". Leda immediately told JR that was an "adult word" that shouldn't ever be used by little girls. JR giggled and said that she was used to hearing Grandmom Debbie's adult words.
Leda had no trouble telling Melanie that it was time for her to spend time with her daughter while the three of them prepared dinner. Mel tried the work excuse again, but Leda grabbed her arm and pulled her out of her chair.
"Dinner with your daughter NOW! Work can wait."
JR was astonished, Mommy had always agreed with Mama's need to work. This new aunt was amazing. JR had a big smile as the three of them went downstairs to the kitchen.
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David Fuller was annoyed when he got off the phone with Justin. He did not appreciate being lectured on his duties as a father from a virtual stranger. He was even more unhappy when his fiancée, who had been delivering the same message in a gentler way for months, told him Justin was right.
When they met in college, David had been attracted to Andrea's take charge personality. He had never liked making decisions and basically followed his parents' plan for his life without question. Once they were married David was happy to go along with whatever Andrea decided they should do. He sensed that his closest friend, Bill Gardner, and his wife Mary, were not Andrea's biggest fans. They never expressed any animosity, but Andrea was quite vocal with her disapproval of the Gardners.
When Mike Gardner got sick David spent a lot of time with Bill. Since Jay was a new baby Andrea mostly stayed at home. This was the first crack in their marriage. Andrea managed to imply that perhaps Bill & Mary had not been vigilant enough parents. David was so furious that for the first time he told Andrea there was something wrong with her.
Their marriage was never the same, but they struggled on for several more years. Finally, David had enough and decided he needed to leave the marriage. He was determined to have as little to do with Andrea as possible. That meant he saw little of his son. Andrea was happy to keep him and Jay apart.
Now that Jay was older and starting to have his own opinions about his life, David was starting to understand he was wrong to let Andrea have complete control of their son. Time to bite the bullet and actually have a conversation with his ex-wife.
Seeing David's name appear on her cell phone Andrea answered with an annoyed hello.
"Andrea we need to talk. I understand you showed up at the Taylor-Kinney home this morning. Surely you understand that was inappropriate."
"I don't think protecting my son is in any way inappropriate. I believe that is not a safe household for him to visit. The fact that he did not answer any of my calls left me with serious concerns about his safety."
David raised his eyes to heaven.
"You do understand that you are the only person concerned about Brian and Justin. Your parents' friends work for them and have no concerns about their trustworthiness. My close friends, Bill and Mary, have no problem with their son being in their care. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania investigated them and found no reason not to entrust John and Peter to their care.
They applied for permanent custody of their nephews and again there was no legal objection to their care of the boys. Greg and Roxanne O'Brien trust them to care for their sons. The faculty and staff at Washington Academy have nothing but praise for the nephews and their guardians.
How is it that you know better than all these people?"
"David, one of the few things I have admired about you since our divorce is that you understood that I am the better parent. I always kept my son's best interest in the forefront of my thoughts and actions. You have spent your time pursuing the tramp who destroyed our marriage."
David was quiet for moment before replying.
"I don't believe allowing you a free hand with Jay is in any way admirable. My main purpose was to avoid any contact with you. I have come to realize that was cowardly and I need to place greater emphasis on my son's welfare.
You are harming Jay by not allowing him to have any life of his own. He needs friends, he needs some interests in his life beside schoolwork. He is having a fun weekend with kids his own age. You tried to ruin that by showing up demanding to take him away from that fun weekend. You need to get a grip and loosen those apron strings before I see a lawyer about removing Jay from your custody."
Andrea's answer was to disconnect the call.
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On Saturday, Gus and Kevin were enjoying spending time with Grandmom Jen and Grandpop Tucker. At the park they got pushed on the swings and chased by Grandpop. Grandmom brought drinks, cookies (plain and gluten free) and some bird seed to feed the ducks in the pond.
One of Jennifer's neighbors stopped while they were having cookies.
"Well Jennifer there are two little boys who look like they are very happy to be spending time with you."
Jennifer smiled.
"No happier than I am to be spending time with them."
Gus added. "Grandmom Jen is the bestest Grandmom in the world!"
Kevin, always sensitive to people's feelings, spoke up.
"And Grandpop Tucker is the bestest Grandpop. He never pushed me too high on the swings."
Jennifer looked over at Tucker and thought she had never seen him look happier. He bent down to give Kevin a hug and a kiss.
The neighbor smiled and told all four of them to have fun.
Back at home Tucker took the boys down to his wood shop. He beveled the edges on two squares of wood. While the boys wore their safety goggles and watched from a safe distance. Kevin was not in love with the loud noises but held tight to Gus's hand and felt safe.
He painted the boys' hands and had them each press their handprint on the wood squares. He wrote the date and told them that tomorrow once the paint was dry, they would varnish over the handprints and give them to Grandmom Jen. He assured the boys she would love this memento of their visit and the fun they had.
When they got upstairs Grandmom Jen had a movie all set for them all to watch. After the movie they all went out to the backyard where Tucker grilled, certified gluten free hot dogs, served with baked beans and salad. After dinner they toasted marshmallows over the BBQ.
Inside there were several games of fish before bath time in the big master bathtub. Gus and Kevin were delighted as usual to sleep in Justin's old bed. Grandmom watched with a smile as Grandpop read a bedtime story.
In their bedroom Jennifer mentioned to Tucker how sweet Kevin was to make sure Grandpop Tucker didn't feel left out. Tucker had unshed tears in his eyes as he hugged Jennifer.
"That really meant a lot to me. He sure is a special little guy. We are lucky he came into our lives."
Jennifer agreed. She was struck, like her son, how sometimes things just worked out. Meeting the O'Briens came about from John and Peter coming to live with Brian and Justin. If the nephews hadn't come to live with their uncles, the family would have missed out on a lot of love & joy. Unlike Brian, Tucker was quick to agree with that sentiment.
On Sunday morning Jennifer announced they were going to church so she could show off her three men. At church the boys sat on either side of Jennifer and held her hands. Tucker sat on the other side of Kevin and was delighted when Kevin reached over to hold his hand.
Tucker was supremely happy in his relationship with Jennifer. His new Grandpop status really was the icing on the cake. He was a little surprised and extremely pleased that the new title was so quickly and completely accepted by Gus & Kevin. He had been surprised and proud when Justin assigned him Grandpop status with the twins, to be Grandpop to Kevin and Gus was a bonus.
Back home Grandpop made breakfast while Gus and Kevin sat at the kitchen table reading to Grandmom. After breakfast varnish was applied to the wood before a second trip to park. Back at home they all went down to the basement so Jennifer could see her gifts. She thrilled the Kevin & Gus when she said she was going to hang them in her office at work.
On the trip to take the boys home, Gus and Kevin sat on their booster seats in the back and sang silly songs. In the front seat Jenifer and Tucker smiled and Jennifer rested her hand on Tucker's knee. It had been a happy and fun visit for everyone concerned.
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The boys were still down in the game room when Bill & David arrived to pick up their sons. David took the opportunity to apologize to Justin.
"I'm sorry about my attitude when you called about Andrea. The error of my ways was pointed out to me by Kate. You are both correct that I need to step up and make it clear to Andrea that her behavior is damaging to our son."
Justin smiled.
"I sorry if it seemed like I was lecturing you. I am honestly worried about Jay. He's growing up and his mother needs to dial back her control."
Bill rolled his eyes just as the boys emerged from the basement door. Jay & Josh's backpacks were already in the entrance hall. Brian emerged from the study to say goodbye. Both boys thanked him for the weekend and gave Uncle Justin hugs before they left with their fathers.
A short time later Debbie and Carl arrived to pick up Joe. They spent some time admiring Lily & Liam and giving them their bottles. Debbie, Carl & Joe were getting ready to leave when Jennifer and Tucker came in the house with Gus. They had just dropped Kevin off at home and picked up John.
Gus was delighted to see Grandmom Debbie and Grandpop Carl and glad that Joe was still at the house. Everyone moved out onto the patio and Granny appeared from the pool house. Joe, John, Peter and Gus went got in the pool. Jennifer and Debbie raided the kitchen for some snacks.
Justin and Brian shared a lounger. There was a lot of loud talking and laughing before the city folks all headed back north. Brian announced dinner was going to be pizza. He and Justin made a salad while they waited for the pizza delivery.
Everyone, except Brian, had a slice of Alice's peach pie for dessert. John and Peter wandered off to their rooms after cleanup duty. Gus sat with Papa & Daddy and let them, and Granny, know all the fun that he and Kevin had. Every time Gus mentioned Grandpop Tucker, Brian gave Justin a little poke in the side. Out of Gus' sight, Justin raised his eyes heavenward when "grandpop" was mentioned.
Lily and Liam got their next bottles from Gus and Daddy. Daddy took the twins up to the nursery and brought the baby monitor back down to the patio.
When Gus's eyelids started to droop and he rested back against Papa, Daddy announced it was bath time. Tired out by his busy weekend, Gus made no objection. Granny and Justin sat chatting and laughing. Granny couldn't help pointing out that she liked Tucker and thought he and Jennifer had a wonderful relationship. Justin admitted that he knew that was true but still had trouble with his mother's relationship. Granny laughed and said he was still her darling boy even if he was a hypocrite.
After that pronouncement she gave Justin a kiss on the cheek and said she was going inside. Her grandson made sure she got settled in the pool house before he went up to read Gus his bedtime story.
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Jennifer and Tucker were relaxing on the patio with some wine and fresh fruit. Jennifer sat on the glider with her feet up. Tucker had his arm around her holding her close while he gently moved the glider back & forth with one leg.
Molly and Mark had spent the weekend in State College, visiting with some school friends. Molly texted her mother to let her know they would be back in time for dinner.
Tucker went to buy some steaks to grill while Jennifer made a pasta salad with shrimp. Jennifer also took one of Alice's peach pies out of the freezer and put it in the oven for dessert. Once the prep was done, they both went out on the patio. The charcoal in the grill was ready to light.
A short time later, Molly and Mark emerged from the house and helped themselves to wine. Tucker took care of getting the grill started while Molly told her mother about their weekend.
Mark joined in on the update.
"All anyone really wanted to know was how Molly's internship at Kinnetik was going."
Jennifer chuckled and Tucker rejoined her on the glider. She looked over at her daughter.
"And what did you tell them? Have you made up your mind about if you want to work there after graduation next year?"
Molly smiled.
'Yes Mother. Working at Kinnetik is one part of my post-graduation plans. It had been really eye-opening working there. You can tell how much everyone admires Brian, of course there is a little fear mixed with that admiration.
The person who everyone really fears is Cynthia. It is so interesting to know her as Brian and Justin's friend and see her in action as Brian's Enforcer in the business setting. Several people had expressed sympathy to me for having to work so closely with her. We have had some really good laughs about how people perceive her at work.
It has taught me a lot about female empowerment. Cynthia is not the business suit type. A lot of her summer outfits are very flowery and feminine. That does not diminish her aura of authority. She could get a job anywhere; she gets offers all the time. She adores Brian, and is proud of her role in Kinnetik's success, so I'm sure she would never leave.
How did your weekend with the dynamic duo go?"
Jennifer, with an assist from Tucker, let Molly and Mark know just how enjoyable their weekend had been. It made Molly smile to see the look of joy on her mother's face when she talked about Kevin and Gus.
It surprised both Mark and Molly to see the huge smile on Tucker's face when he talked about their weekend with the little boys. Mark directed his attention to Tucker.
"Does it bother you at all for the boys to call you grandpop. You are a little young to be anyone's grandpop."
The shocked looks on the faces of Molly and her mother had Mark wishing he hadn't asked that question. Tucker chuckled and pulled Jennifer against his side.
"Mark, everyone always says that raising children is hard work and pressure and uncertainty. Everyone also says what joy grandchildren bring. That you can just enjoy them and leave the heavy lifting to their parents.
I feel like Gus and Kevin are a gift to me. I can enjoy them and spoil them before they go back to their parents. I am so looking forward to Lily and Liam calling me grandpop. I can hardly wait. I also feel like that title makes me an official member of the family."
Jennifer squeezed Tucker's hand and smiled at him. Mark was relieved not to be in trouble. When Molly talked about learning female empowerment from Cynthia; Mark was amazed Molly didn't see that she had a perfect example of that empowerment living in the house with her.
Tucker went in the house to get the steaks since the grill was ready. Jennifer smiled at Molly and Mark.
"Kevin is really into the whole grandpop thing with Tucker. He said that Tucker was the bestest grandpop because he never pushed him too high on the swings. I'm sure willing a million dollars would not equal the pleasure Tucker got from that remark."
They all enjoyed the dinner and conversation. Molly mentioned at one point that Mark was spending the night. Her mother shrugged and said that was Molly's decision.
Molly looked at Mark who smiled and shrugged. Molly switched her attention back to her mother.
"Tucker's remark about being an official family members kind of leads to another post-graduation plan. Mark and I plan to get married next summer. I don't want an engagement ring. We'd rather save money to buy a house or condo.
The plan is to get married outside at Justin and Brian's house. I'd rather you let me tell them about our wedding plans."
Jennifer came around the table to hug and kiss her daughter and Mark. She told them how happy she was for them. Tucker shook Mark's hand and gave Molly a hug and kiss. He went inside and got a bottle of champagne to celebrate the news.
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There were two big events on Monday. First John got his driver license. That meant he and Uncle Brian would soon be going car shopping.
The second big event was the staking out of the new garage/apartment building. All the permits had been acquired with luckily no need for any variances. The architect and general contractor were coming out today to mark the outline of the building. The next step would be excavation and the pouring of the footings for the building.
Granny was the most excited, but Charlie was a close second. He had never had the opportunity to design a storage/workshop area from scratch. He had spent a lot of time with Chuck measuring and deciding on the best layout.
The whole family came out to witness the stakes being placed. Granny had a huge smile on her face and kept her hand on Justin's arm. He kept his arm around her waist. Justin was delighted to be doing something that made his grandmother so happy. During his growing up years, Granny and Granddad had provided him with lots of happy occasions.
Brian, although fond of Granny, was happy to think about her having her own home, separate from his home. Even if that separation was just the width of the driveway.
On Tuesday morning Justin and Brian were up early with their youngest children. Just as Liam and Lily were finished their bottles, Gus appeared. Papa amused the twins while Daddy & his Sonny Boy had breakfast. Brian patiently sat through another rendition of Gus weekend with the amazing Grandmom Jen with Grandpop Tucker in a supporting role.
Justin was amused by watching Lily and Liam make faces and wondering if Brian was actually going to scream. Gus saw a smiling Daddy sitting with him at the breakfast bar. Justin could see the tension in his partner's shoulders.
Alice arrived and a short time later Cassie came on duty. Brian announced he had to get ready to go to work. Justin told Gus to get dressed so they could spend some time in the studio.
At Kinnetik, Brian met first with Cynthia to get the rundown on how things were going and what potential issues they were facing. Just as he suspected Cynthia had a handle on Kinnetik operations. No big problems loomed on the horizon.
His next meeting was with Ted. Corporate and personal finances were in good shape. Ted told a surprised Brian about Leda's reappearance on the scene. He also let Bran know that, according to Mel, Lindsay seemed as deeply troubled as she did the last time she was hospitalized. Brian's first thought was sympathy for his old friend. Despite all their recent issues, he and Lindsay had a long history and had been close friends for a lot of years. His almost instantaneous second thought was gratitude that Gus was removed from the domestic chaos at the munchers' house.
Ted moved on to the precarious state of Melanie's finances. There were some needed repairs to the house caused by the fire Lindsay set in the backyard. Fortunately, the damage was not severe but there was some question about whether insurance would cover it since the fire was deliberately set.
Brian had a frown on his face, and he sighed because he couldn't bring himself not to care. He shrugged and looked over at Ted.
'Send a letter telling Mel she can skip the mortgage payment for three months without any penalty."
Ted smiled.
"That's really generous Brian. I realize it's not your problem to solve. I have a suggestion to make that won't solve her money issues but could provide some small help.
We both know that Michael has never contributed any money to JR expenses. Debbie has somehow come up with the money to pay her tuition for this school year. No idea where that is coming from, but from Michael nothing. I understand he is renting room in some woman's house. He makes an okay salary as a receptionist.
I think he should pay something to help support his daughter. What do you think about having him sign to deduct twenty-five dollars a week from his pay? A hundred dollars a month is not going to solve Mel's problems but it's something."
Brian chuckled.
"That is an excellent suggestion, Theodore."
Brian buzzed Carole and asked her to get Michael to come up to his office. She checked the reception desk schedule before calling down and asking Michael to come up to Brian's office.
Michael was surprised and delighted to get that call. Maybe Brian realized that he had been neglecting Michael. Maybe he was going to offer him a better job or allow him to move into the loft. He went upstairs with a big smile on his face.
He was startled when he saw Ted sitting with Brian on the sofa in the seating area. Maybe it was all about a job offer and Ted was going to explain his new salary.
Brian indicated one of the chairs.
"Have a seat Mikey."
Michael sat down still smiling, that smiled faded fast.
"Mikey, I guess you know that Lindsay is in the hospital again. It doesn't look good for her to come home anytime soon. Now that you have a regular income and don't have a lot of expenses other than your room rent; it is time for you to step up and pay some support for JR.
My suggestion is that we deduct twenty-five dollars a week from your pay and deposit a hundred dollars a month to Mel's bank account. Ted can handle the paperwork; we just need you to sign a form authorizing the deduction."
"Melanie never wanted me to pay support. That was our agreement. Why is she changing her mind now?"
Brian eyebrows went up. He couldn't believe Mikey could be so selfish and irresponsible.
"This is not coming from Mel. This is me reminding you that you have a daughter, and you have some responsibility to make sure she is being taken care of. The situation has changed since your daughter was first born."
"Mel and I signed an agreement that I would not be responsible to pay support."
Brian just shook his head.
"Michael, I am so disappointed in you. I don't even know who you are anymore. So let's just cut to the chase. You either agree to this or you are fired. Pennsylvania does not require any reason to terminate an employee."
Micheal couldn't believe Brian was talking like this to him.
"Brian, you can't be serious. We have been best friends since we were kids. How can you treat me like this."
"I have just told you that I don't even recognize who you are. I am not being interested in being friends with someone who wants to ignore his responsibility as a father. Make up your mind. Agree to pay this minimal support or I'll have your final check prepared."
Brian sat back with his arms crossed. Michael looked over at Ted who turned away. He could feel the tears forming in his eyes, this was unbelievable for Brian to teat him this way. He clumsily stood up and started towards the door.
"Fine. I'll sign."
Michael left the office and ran down the hall to the men's room to get himself under control before going back to the reception desk.
Brian and Ted stood up. Ted started to say something, but Brian stopped him.
"I don't want to discuss this. I know you won't tell anyone about this. Have Patti get him to sign the form."
Ted nodded and went back to his office. He emailed Patti to ask her to get Michael to sign the payroll deduction form. He also emailed Mel to tell her about Michael "agreeing" to the support and asking for her bank information.
He thought about calling Justin to let him know what happened but decided not to interfere in Brian's personal life.
Brian tried to concentrate to work issues, but he just couldn't get over Michael resisting paying any support for JR. He knew that Michael had been raised by moral people. Debbie and Vic were both kind and generous people. He knew they never had a lot of money, but Debbie never said a word about all the meals Brian ate at her house. Viv would occasionally slip both Michael and Brian a couple bucks. They both always gave Brian birthday and Christmas gifts.
How could Michael be so selfish and stingy after growing up with Debbie and Vic as examples. Brian just couldn't understand it. The way they had always treated him made Brian want to treat the people he cared about the same way.
Later in Washington County, Justin and Gus had just come downstairs for lunch. Granny saw them and came in from the patio. They were discussing lunch when Molly and Mark arrived. Alice got busy putting out sandwich fixings on the breakfast bar. Justin asked about their weekend in State College.
Molly smiled, Mark looked a little nervous, when she told her brother and her grandmother about their plans to be married next summer.
Justin and Granny were surprised by the news. They both knew that Molly thought Mark was the "one" but didn't know how far their relationship had progressed so quickly.
Justin and Granny grabbed Molly into a group hug and kissed her cheeks. Alice was next to hug and kiss her. Justin, Granny and Alice gave the startled Mark hugs. Gus got caught up in the excitement, especially when Aunt Molly told him that he would be ringbearer at the wedding. He was thrilled when Aunt Molly explained how important his role would be.
John and Peter arrived from outside for lunch. They congratulated the happy couple and Gus when he proudly reported his vital duties as ringbearer. After they made sandwiches, everyone moved out to the Patio to eat.
Granny was thrilled to be here for this family occasion. It was so much more fun than hearing it in a phone call. Molly assured them that she had told her mother the news last night but swore her to secrecy. Granny was looking forward to calling Jennifer so they could discuss this new development.
Granny laughed when Molly informed her brother that she was getting married here. She said she would call Emmett to start the planning process. Justin just shrugged and nodded. He wasn't surprised by Molly's decision on wedding location and was actually happy to host the wedding.
After Molly and Mark left, Justin called Brian to let him know the news. As soon as Brian answered Justin knew something was wrong and asked Brian what was bothering him. Brian told him about the meeting with Michael and how disappointed he was in his old friend.
Justin did his best not to tell his partner that he was not at all surprised by Michael's behavior. He just tried to be positive for Brian and not criticize Michael. He understood that Brian and Michael had a long history together.
Brian suddenly chuckled during their conversation. Justin asked what he was laughing at.
"I'm laughing at you Sunshine. You are trying so hard to be positive and not say anything bad about Mikey. I know you are not all surprised by his behavior, but you just want me to feel better. I can tell you are working hard at not saying anything bad about him. I appreciate it and you made me laugh which is a good thing. Why did you call?"
Justin told him about Molly & Mark's news. Brian laughed again when his partner told him that Molly hadn't asked to have the wedding at their house; she just informed him that it was going to be held there.
Brian knew Molly felt sure that her brother would agree to host the wedding.
"Sunshine, be sure and let Emmett know there is no budget for the wedding. Whatever little Sis wants she can have. We'll pay for everything."
Justin was shaking his head at home.
"I think my mother, and probably Granny too, will want to pay. I am sure Molly is not the least bit worried about a budget because she knows you will happily pay for whatever makes her happy.
She is on to you Mr Kinney. Molly knows you are a loving generous man, that secret is out."
"How horrifying."
Both men laughed and said "Later" before hanging up.
Brian sat for a minute and thought about the news. He was aware that Molly was certain that he and Justin would pay for whatever wedding she wanted. He liked Mark well enough but wasn't sure he was right for Molly.
His family was the issue. He hoped they wouldn't create problems between Molly and Mark. He wondered if they would even attend a wedding at the home of two homosexuals. He was confident that Molly would never allow anyone to dominate her and was sure she would never agree to change the location of her wedding.
He smiled as he thought about Mother Taylor and Granny and their reaction if Mark's parents tired to cause problems. His parents had no idea what hit them if they pissed off those two ladies.
That made him think about Debbie and how loyal and loving she was. Once again, he was puzzled by how Mikey could care so little about his daughter's welfare. He sighed as he got back to work. He had someone go and pick up his lunch, he didn't feel he could face Debbie today. Brian knew how hurt she would be if she knew Michael had to be forced to pay support for JR.