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 39
Jennifer sighed. Tucker leaned over and gave her a kiss before speaking.
"Well, it could have been worse at least there was no blood shed. I was a little worried with all those sharp implements on the table. However, it wasn't one of our most successful dinner parties."
Jennifer turned to look Tucker in the face.
"Were you actually worried about Allan or Gigi getting violent?"
"They weren't the ones I was worried about. When it comes to protecting family; I am never one hundred percent sure just what you or Molly will do."
Jennifer chuckled which helped break the tension. They went into the kitchen where Molly and Mark were starting cleanup. Jennifer went over to Mark and put a hand on his arm.
"You are welcome to stay here tonight. Might be better to let your parents cool down over night."
Mark smiled.
"I came with them. I would need a ride home if I was going. Molly already said I should stay over."
"I guess there might be something of Tucker's you could wear to bed. We could wash your clothes so you can wear them tomorrow."
Molly turned from the sink where she was rinsing dishes.
"I didn't think about clothes. Stores are still open, so we better make a quick run for essentials."
Molly and Mark left while Jennifer and Tucker took over cleanup.
Mark and Molly were gone so long that Jennifer got concerned and called Molly's cell. Molly said they were fine but had to make a stop and would be back soon. When they got back to the house both entered carrying boxes. Jennifer went out in the hall.
"Molly what is all this stuff?"
Molly grimaced.
"Alan called Mark's phone. He said they packed up his things and put them on their porch. We had to go pick them up. Alan said they understood that Mark no longer wanted to be a part of their family."
Mark had just come in with another box.
"I'm so sorry Jennifer. I'll try and find a place to stay tomorrow until we head back to State College. My father is very stubborn, so they are not going to change their minds about this."
Tucker came into the hall and said he would go get a box from Molly's car. Jennifer smiled at Mark.
"You are welcome to stay here until you go back to school, don't worry about that. I'm so sorry to be a part of this trouble with your parents. Perhaps we could have been more conciliatory. What about your car, you didn't bring that from your house?"
"The car is in my Dad's name. I gave him the money, but he thought it was best to put it in his name."
Molly rolled her eyes.
"That is just more control on their part."
Mark nodded and went out to get another box. Once all the boxes were in the house, Jennifer suggested they all call it a night.
QAF-QAF-QAF-QAF
When Ted called to say that he had picked up some of Gus's possessions from Leda, Justin decided they should have a cook-out on Saturday. He asked Ted to see if he & Blake could get permission to bring JR. The guest list included Emmett & Rusty, Debbie, Carl & Joe, the Gardners, the O'Briens, Cynthia and her man of almost a year, Molly & Mark, and of course Grandmom Jen & Grandpop Tucker.
Bill Gardner let him know that Jay was due to spend this weekend with his father. Justin texted David to see if they could come to the cook-out. David replied that he knew Jay would be happy to spend time with his friends.
Brian just rolled his eyes and chuckled when Justin told him about the guest list.
"So the four musketeers will be reunited. Good job on making sure all the kids have a playmate. That should allow me to spend time with my favorite playmate."
Brian leaned down and gave that playmate a kiss. Justin laughed.
"Always happy to have your approval."
A laughing Brian walked down to the study while Justin went to discuss a menu with Alice.
Ted texted Mel who was amazingly cooperative about JR going with Ted and Blake to the cook-out.
The night before when Mel came home and discovered Leda had packed up most of Gus's possessions she was not happy. Mel asked Leda why she thought she had the right to give away things that were in Mel's house.
Leda asked Mel why she thought she had the right to hang on to a little boy's possessions. Leda said she was sure that Brian supplied the money, directly or indirectly, that purchased those possessions.
That shocked Mel to silence. Leda was not silent.
"Melanie, I have known you for a long time. I am aware that you like to call the shots. I believe you have been missing out on some honest disagreement. An honest, no emotions, assessment of how you are conducting your life.
You certainly have serious problems that you have to deal with, but you are deluding yourself over the part you have played and are still playing in some of those situations. I am saying this as your friend, who has been trying to provide some support. Just because I am your friend that doesn't blind me to your mistakes and misjudgments.
The fact is that Brian and Justin saved you from financial ruin. Your children could have ended in foster care with you and Lindsay in a homeless shelter or on the streets. Whatever conditions they imposed for that help; you should have been happy to comply with.
They played no role in your financial troubles, no role in your relationship issue with Lindsay and no role in Lindsay's serious mental health issues. Somehow you have yourself convinced they are the villains in this drama. Personally, I think you need to get your head out of your ass and look at the facts."
Melanie was furious.
"How dare you say those things to me. You have no idea what I have had to contend with. There has been no one to turn to for help or advice. I appreciate your help over the past few days, but this is my house and there is no obligation for you to stay. You have no right to stand in judgement of me."
"Great idea Mel! Alienate one of the few friends you have left. Someone who is a good enough friend to tell you the truth. Ted is one of the finest men I know. He seems to have done his best to be a friend to you and Brian too, but somehow you managed to piss him off. Even so he and Blake were the ones you called to help with JR on the night of the fire.
It says a lot for what good people they are. They kept JR for several days. You should be down on your knees thanking them. Debbie had stepped up to do what she can for JR. Have you thanked her, or told her how much you appreciate her help?"
Mel didn't say anything. Leda stared at her.
"Mel, what have you done for anyone since you got back from Canada. What have you done to thank anyone for their assistance? I know you and Brian have never gotten along, probably never will get along, but the man pulled your ass out of the fire. You should damn well be grateful that he did that. Would you have done the same for him if the situation was reversed?"
When Mel still didn't say anything; Leda turned and went upstairs to pack her things. As she gathered her possessions, Leda suddenly stopped. No, she was not going to do this. She left Gus's old room and went back downstairs.
Melanie was in the kitchen making herself a sandwich, she turned as Leda came into the room.
"Mel! I am not leaving! I am not going to be another friend that you forced to abandon you so you can say how alone you are and how you have no support. You are behaving like a class A bitch. All the while justifying your behavior because some shitty things have happened in your life.
Guess what Mel, everyone has shitty stuff happen to them. What separates successful people from losers is how they handle the shitty stuff. Right now, my friend, you are behaving like a champion loser."
Melanie turned toward Leda, her face red with fury.
"How dare you say that to me!"
"Who are you the fucking queen of England? How dare I say something to you. I dare because I have been your friend for a long time. Sometimes more than just a friend. Because I am your friend I refuse to just stand by and watch you wallow in self-pity. This is your fucking life bitch, deal with it!"
"Deal with my wife's mental breakdown, caused by her abusive parents. Deal with my son being taken away from me by people who hate me and are probably turning him against me. Deal with trying to care for my daughter, all on my own. Deal with a mega-bitch boss watching and just waiting for me fail. Dare with Jennifer Taylor fucking up my plans to get my life back on track. Deal with Brian Kinney and his toady, Justin Taylor, holding over my head all the money they have loaned me.
That is a lot to deal with all alone, you have no idea how hard I have been trying to deal with all the shitty things happening to me."
Leda shrugged.
"So there isn't much you can do about Lindsay and that is really sad. So your son was taken away from you. Have you contacted him since he went to live with his fathers? Have you called him, or sent a card or note? NO! I sure he wonders why you have abandoned him, and I doubt very much Brian and Justin are talking you down. That is not THEIR style. You object to him having his possessions. Very loving!
So you have been largely ignoring your daughter. You will never get these years back; you have to start to prioritize JR. She is in real danger of becoming a brat from lack of adult supervision. Kids need structure and you are not providing any structure.
So you told me you have buckled down to work and things are going better there. You, of all people, should understand a mega-bitch. Does she have anything against you personally or was she just looking at the bottom line, which is her job, and observed you weren't contributing your share.
So let's be honest and say you tried to sneak out of town and Jennifer Taylor made sure you didn't take Gus away from his family. How horrible of her. Brian and Justin have been just awful too, bailing you out of your financial hole, that you and Lindsay dug on your own.
Now that horrible Brian has forced Michael into paying you some support. He also had Ted tell you to skip a few mortgage payments to help you cope with your finances. What depths will he sink to next.
What plans do you have to take charge of your life or are you just going to continue to host your enormous pity party!"
Mel wanted to quickly reply to what Leda said to her. Her mouth opened and then shut. Nothing Leda said wasn't something Mel had been told before. In the past she had been able to rationalize that people giving her advice had their own agendas or were sympathetic to Brian and not her.
She couldn't rationalize away what Leda had to say. Her friend has been providing support for Mel when she really needed it. Now she was telling Mel facts that were unpleasant but true. Mel needed to come up with a plan and stop just putting out each brush fire as it happened.
QAF-QAF-QAF-QAF
Jennifer called her son first thing on Saturday morning. She brought him up to date on the dinner with Mark's parents. Justin wasn't surprised but felt really bad for Mark. He pleased his mother by saying how great Tucker was for sticking up for Mark and supporting Molly.
Jennifer wanted to be sure that all the BBQ guests knew that it was good to congratulate Molly and Mark but avoid any reference to his family. She and Justin divided up the guest list for notifications.
Breakfast at the Taylor-Kinney home was very lively. Gus loved when they had company and was looking forward to playing with Kevin. Peter was delighted to have his three friends reunited so soon after their weekend overnight.
John had happily helped Alice make deviled eggs, potato salad and cupcakes. He felt sure there would be a soccer game or two played today. He and Patrick always enjoyed playing soccer with Uncle Brian, he always had some tip or even criticism for them to improve their game skills. Their summer league had another winning season, and they were looking forward to playing for the Academy soccer team in their senior year.
John and Patrick have discussed working hard on their academics this year. They both want to earn the trip to England with Grandmom Jen. She has been encouraging the boys and telling them how much she was looking forward to the trip.
Even Lily and Liam seemed excited about all the activity around them. Gus spent time telling them that the party would be lots of fun. Granny amused herself looking after the youngest members of the family and listening to Gus talk about how much he enjoyed it when his fathers had parties.
Mark's older, unmarried brother, who had attended Brian & Justin's holiday party called him to say he supported him. His brother told Mark that he told their parents that they were nuts. He also insisted his father sign over Mark's car. He told his father that Mark could use Brian & Justin's lawyer to sue him for the car ownership. He would testify on Mark's behalf. He also pointed out Mark could get a bank statement copy that showed the withdrawal for the car purchase.
Mark was surprised and touched by his brother's support. Molly was delighted. Jennifer and Tucker were relieved the car situation was resolved.
Molly informed her mother and Tucker that she could take care of Mark's housing expenses at Penn State from her savings. She wanted them to maintain separate residences while they were in school. They would both stay in their own apartments with roommates. She wanted a big wedding with all related celebrations. Molly didn't have any doubt that her mother would continue to pay for her apartment.
Molly always thought it was tacky when people lived together and then had an expensive lavish wedding. Getting married was fine but whites dress, bridesmaids and showers always seemed to be too much to Molly.
For his part, Mark was grateful to Molly and relieved not to start off his relationship with Molly's family owing them money.
Jennifer, Tucker, Molly and Mark were the first to arrive at Justin & Brian's house. Jennifer was anxious to help with last minute setup items. Molly wanted to spend some time with Granny and Mark before the crowd arrived.
Brian and Justin were feeding with twins when the early arrivals came into the house. All four came over to get a close look at Liam and Lily. Justin was feeding Lily and he asked his sister if she would be one her godparents.
Molly was delighted and gave Justin and Brian kisses as she smilingly agreed. Gus was pleased when Mark said hello to his "ring bearer" and said he knew Gus would do a great job at the wedding. Gus gave a hug to "Uncle Mark" who was left with a big smile on his face.
Mark and Molly followed Granny out to the pool house so they could have some time together before the crowd arrived. Justin, John and Jennifer got busy in the kitchen. Emmett was bringing some his special appetizers with him, the O'Briens were bringing a fruit salad and the Gardners were bringing a big tray of shrimp.
Debbie was bringing a couple pans of lasagna. Ted and Blake made a couple gallons of fruit punch for all the non-alcoholic drinkers.
Granny, Molly and Mark was just walking back in the house when the first guests arrived. The doorbell rang and Gus ran to answer. A couple minutes later he came back riding on Grandpop Carl's shoulders. Carl had an odd expression on his face which was explained when he was followed into the room by Debbie, Joe and surprisingly Michael.
Debbie looked embarrassed, Joe looked annoyed, and Michael had a big smile on his face. Debbie spoke first.
"Michael heard about the cookout at work. He showed up this morning and said he would ride down with us."
Carl put a giggling Gus down on the floor and announced even though it was early he was ready for a beer. Peter asked Joe if he wanted to play a game of ping pong before Josh and Jay arrived and they went downstairs.
John and Gus already had bathing suits on, so John suggested they go out to the pool. Jennifer and Granny gathered Lily and Liam and said it was such a nice day they wanted to go outside and enjoy it. Molly and Mark quickly followed.
Justin was still in the kitchen and got Carl a beer from the refrigerator. Brian was in the family room and walked over to Debbie and gave he a hug.
"Always good to see you Ma."
He turned to Michael who was carrying the lasagna. He took the dishes from Michael without saying anything and put them on the breakfast bar.
"Mikey, I am not going to even pretend that you were on the guest list. Since your mother brought you, there is no problem with you staying."
"Ted told me he was bringing JR today. I thought this would be a good chance to see my baby. I haven't seen her in a while, and I miss her."
Brian stated at his old friend for a minute.
"Have you called your daughter? Have you even tried to set up a time to see her?"
"I don't have a car. Its not easy to get around without a car. Sorry if me being here is a problem for you."
Brian smiled.
"There is a bus stop that is two blocks from the house where JR lives. She has spent time at your mother's house. Please don't try your bullshit excuses about you neglecting JR.
I suggest you be on your best behavior today, if not I will call our car service and have them take you back home. You could use that time to work on your resume because you will need a new job."
A shocked Michael was silent. Brian walked over to Justin and gave him a hug and kiss. He slung an arm around Carl's shoulders.
"I try never to argue with Mother Taylor. She said it was a nice day and we should be outside to enjoy it. Let's go."
Debbie looked over at Justin and shrugged.
"Sunshine. I'm sorry to upset Brian. I thought it would be okay for Michael to come after he showed up this morning."
Justin smiled.
"Deb, you are always welcome bring whoever you want with you. Brian is just a little annoyed and disappointed by the Michael in the matter of his payroll deduction for JR's support.
Brian takes responsibility for children very seriously. He is pretty unhappy with his oldest friend right now. You should both go out and join the others."
Debbie and Michael went out the patio door just as the Gardner family came thru the front door. Bill put the tray of shrimp into the refrigerator, Mary came over to give Justin a kiss on the cheek. Justin asked Josh to go down to the game room and tell Peter and Joe it was time to enjoy the great outdoors.
Justin looked outside and saw Brian talking with Carl and Tucker, Bill walked over to join them. Mark & Molly were sitting on the side of the pool talking with Gus and John. Granny, Jennifer, and Debbie were sitting under the patio awning and Mary joined them.
Michael was standing alone near the pool and Justin almost felt sorry for him. Justin was just about to head outside when Blake and Viola arrived with JR and Nina. The girls hurried over to get hugs and kisses from Uncle Jus. Blake smiled.
"Ted is outside. He pulled the car next to the garage. If we open the door, he and I can unload the boxes."
Justin told him which button to push for the door near an outside wall and asked him to stack the boxes by the wall. Neither man mentioned it was Gus's possessions in the boxes. That was a bridge to be crossed later with Gus and his Daddies.
JR announced she and Nina were thirsty. She asked if they could have juice and some cookies. Viola helped the girls up on the kitchen stools while Justin got juice boxes out of the fridge and put some cookies on a plate.
Justin let Viola know that his mother and Debbie were outside. He got a glass of iced tea for her, and Viola went out to join the ladies. When Michael saw Viola come outside, he looked into the house and say JR and Nina on the kitchen stools. He hurried inside.
"Honeybun! Surprise."
JR turned on the stool. Her Daddy was one more adult who disappointed her. She had seen little of him since he and Uncle Ben stopped living together. Uncle Ben had sent her several cards and a few gifts. He even took her out to lunch a couple times.
"Oh Hi Daddy."
Michael came over to give her a kiss. He started to lift her off the stool.
"Daddy! Nina and me, are eating the cookies and juice that Uncle Jus gave us."
As usual Michael ignored Justin.
"You can finish those outside with me. I came today so we could spend time together."
JR squirmed out of her father's arms.
"I want to sit here with Nina. Later on, Uncle Jus is going to help us finger paint. Maybe the big boys will take us to see the creek and we want to swim in Uncle Jus's pool.
Auntie Em is going to paint our nails. We have lots of stuff that we want to do. I'm not sure I'll have much time to spend with you today."
Michael's face showed how shocked and disappointed he was. He glared at Justin.
"I wanted to spend time with my daughter today. I'd appreciate it if you didn't interfere."
Justin laughed.
"Michael, the plans were made by the girls. I just complied with their request for juice and cookies. I also agreed they could finger paint later."
Ted and Blake came in through the garage door, startling Michael."
"What were you two doing in the garage?"
Blake chuckled.
"None of your business Michael. It doesn't concern you in any way."
Nina looked over with a big smile.
"Teddy Man, Uncle Jus got us juice and cookies while we waited for you."
Ted smiled at his daughter.
"That Uncle Jus is a pretty good guy isn't he."
Both girls smiled and nodded their heads. An annoyed Michael went back outside.
Emmett and Rusty arrived. Both girls greeted Auntie Em and made sure he brought nail polish. He assured them he was prepared to paint their nails later. He remined them that they had to finish fingerpainting before their nails could get done.
He and Rusty deposited containers with appetizers fixings on the counter. Emmett hurried over to give Justin a hug.
"Baby we never see each other any more. I miss you."
"I know Em. Lily and Liam have been keeping me pretty busy, but we have to make time to get together. I miss you too.
Since you and Ted are both here I have something I want to ask you both. Em, Brian and I would like you to be one of Lily's godparents and Ted, we would like you to be one of Liam's godparents."
Emmett screamed with excitement. Ted had a shocked expression on his face and quickly wiped away a tear. Blake hugged him and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
Both men hugged Justin and thanked him. They were happy to know that Molly and Daphne would be sharing the honor with them.
Nina was very possessive of her Teddy Man and wasn't sure she was happy with this godfather thing. She turned to Ted.
"Teddy Man what does it mean to be a godfather. Is baby Liam going to live with us at OUR house?"
Blake had to turn away, so Nina didn't see his smile. Ted went immediately over to Nina and gave her a kiss on the top of her head.
"No Honey. Liam with still live here with his Daddies. It is just a way of Uncle Justin and Uncle Brian showing that we are really good friends."
Blake chimed in.
"It also means that they think that Teddy is a good example of how to live correctly. They have lots of friends, so this is really an honor for him to be chosen."
Nina had a big smile. This godfather thing would not divert much of Teddy Man's attention from her. That was very important to Nina.
Emmett was starting to empty his containers and assemble things. Justin turned to him.
"Em I know this is kind of short notice. If you have a commitment for that date, we'll understand."
Rusty laughed. "Yeah, like that would matter to Emmett."
"Baby, even if I had something, I could have some of my people handle it. I know I'm free that date."
He glanced at Rusty, who smiled.
"You guys had plans for that weekend. Really it is okay, I understand if you have plans. This is kind of a last-minute thing. Something that Mom and Granny cooked up. You know that Brian and I are not really concerned about religious ceremonies."
Rusty answered.
"It was not a big deal, and we can easily reschedule. Being good friends is really important!"
Emmett went over to hug Rusty.
"Now you know why I love him so much. He is always thinking of other people."
Justin, Ted and Blake all smiled. They were really happy that Emmett seemed to have found someone worthy of his love.
"Oh Em, I wanted to let you know someone is going to book you today for an event next summer."
Emmett looked over, his excitement showing on his face.
"Miss Molly?"
Justin nodded and Emmett squealed.
"That's awesome. Has she thought about venues or dates."
Justin chuckled.
"I think the date is still to be determined. She has decided on a venue. One that you are very familiar with."
Emmett smiled. "Here?"
Justin nodded his head and Emmett squealed again.
Kevin ran into the kitchen which signaled the arrival of the O'Brien family. Kevin ran over to Uncle Justin to get a hug. Justin smiled as Kevin looked around the room.
"Gus and Grandmom Jen are both out on the patio."
Kevin smiled, thanked his Uncle, and headed outside just as the rest of his family walked into the room. Justin smiled and let them know that both Gus and Grandmom Jen were outside.
Greg, Roxanne & Patrick all chuckled as they came over and said hello to Justin, Emmett, Rusty Ted and Blake. Since the girls were done with their cookies and juice everyone, except for Rusty & Emmett, joined the group on the patio.
Cynthia and her date and the Fuller family came through the back gate. The older boys organized a trip to the creek. The four youngest of the group were very excited to go exploring.
Kate went over to where Jennifer was sitting.
"Jennifer, I wonder if I could talk to you for a minute."
Jennifer smiled.
"Of course Kate. Let's go in the house."
Granny spoke up. "Go in the pool house, it's closer."
Jennifer explained that her mother was currently staying in the pool house. Once inside they sat facing each other. Kate started.
"I know this is a social occasion and I apologize for asking to talk with you. It is kind of a sensitive situation, and this just seemed like the perfect opportunity to talk with you."
Jennifer smiled.
"It's fine. Gus and Kevin went creek exploring. I don't think anyone else will miss me too much."
"I have been with the same real estate firm for over eight years. Recently there have been some changes in management that has me looking for other options."
She reached into her purse and handed Jennifer a couple sheets of paper.
"As you can see those are my closed sales for this year and my sales totals for the last five years. I felt anything before six years was irrelevant. I have also noted my current commission cuts. I would not like to back to ratios for a novice agent. I am realistic, so I know a new agency may not be willing to match my current percentages.
I apologize for bringing business into a social gathering, but this was just such a perfect opportunity to meet with you without it being public knowledge."
Jennifer took a few minutes to look over the information.
"Talking about public knowledge, I have heard that the owner of your current firm has brought her grandson into the business. I have also heard the overall feeling among the agents is not overwhelmingly positive.
I won't disclose names, but you are not the first agent who has spoken to me about coming to my office. Kate, we have done a couple deals in the past. I always felt you were honest and ethical. I would be happy to welcome you to my agency.
We'll keep your ratios where they are for six months. After six months we'll review your production and reevaluate your commissions. If you have any listing that you are working on, they can be listed under my name until you come aboard."
Kate happily agreed. She had a sale closing in one week and would leave her current agency as soon as she got her commission check.
They rejoined the party and encountered a few curious looks which they ignored.
When the creek explorers returned a soccer game was organized. Nina and JR were judged too little to participate. Michael and Ted got in the pool with their daughters. Granny, Justin and Emmett took charge of Lily and Liam.
Everyone else either cheered or played in the soccer game. After the game Brian, assisted by Tucker, started grilling food. Jennifer and Debbie told Justin to relax, and they got things organized in the kitchen.
After everyone ate, it was time for finger painting. JR and Nina got their own table and paints. The other table had Gus and Kevin with most of the older boys stopping by to create their own artwork. There was lots of laughter and cheering for the created art.
Lily and Liam got bottles from Aunt Molly and, soon to be, godfather Ted. Granny oversaw the feeding and demonstrated her burping technique for Ted.
Emmett and Rusty organized coffee and dessert. As dusk approached the guests started to leave. Once it was just family, Brian collapsed onto a lounger and announced "Thank god, that's over".
Justin laughed as he settled on the lounger with his partner. An exhausted Gus came over and climbed on in front of Papa. He lay back and promptly fell asleep.
QAF-QAF-QAF-QAF
The atmosphere at Mel's house had been decidedly cool for a couple days, since Leda let Mel know how she felt about her behavior. Once JR was picked up on Saturday, Leda let Mel know she was going to stay with her cousin.
She said she would be back Sunday after dinner to take care of JR on Monday. Leda told Mel to text her if she preferred that Leda not return.
Mel very much wanted to dispute what Leda had said to her, instead she was honest enough to say there was a lot of truth in what Leda told her. She had an appointment with Lindsay's care team, so she got dressed and drove to the hospital.
The news was just as bad as she expected. Lindsay was once again slipping away from reality. She was uncommunicative and required medication to calm her. The staff she met with told Mel that Lindsay needed a level of care they could not provide as a general hospital. They recommended Lindsay return to the mental hospital where she had been treated during her last episode.
Mel explained that Lindsay's insurance was different now and would not cover the cost of that hospital. Even though they considered themselves married and had married under Canadian law, in Pennsylvania they were not legally married.
That meant that legally Mel was not responsible to pay for Lindsay's care. They did have a perfectly legal medical power of attorney, so Mel continued to be able to make decisions on Lindsay's behalf.
There was a meeting with the social workers at the hospital where they evaluated options for Lindsay's care. None of the options provided the level of care as the previous hospital but they were able to identify the best option. They recommended that Mel not visit Lindsay until after the transfer.
Lindsay would be transferred next week. A depressed Mel returned to the empty house. Lindsay was the homemaker and so everything about the house reminded Mel of her wife. Her first thought was to sell the house and make the move to Florida. Her second thought was that her daughter has had enough change and upheaval in her life. She thought about looking into a nanny or au pair who would accept a low salary in return for room and board. Mel hoped that the LGBT center might have some useful info.
Mel checked online and discovered there was a field day for kids scheduled for the next day at the center. She was able to sign up JR and hoped she could get information while her daughter had fun with the other kids. Now that she had some plan she felt better.
A sleeping JR was delivered by Blake who carried her upstairs for Mel. He let her know the girls enjoyed a very full day of activity. Blake also let her know that Michael had been there which had Mel raising her eyebrows.
Mel thanked Blake and asked him to thank Ted for her. She told him about the new treatment plan for Lindsay. She was surprised when Blake gave her a hug before leaving.
Once Blake left, Mel realized she hadn't even asked about Gus. She was ashamed she hadn't even thought about him. She had to wonder what was wrong with her that she could forget her son. She knew that he was well taken care of but Leda's comments about not contacting him hit home.
QAF-QAF-QAF-QAF
John and Granny fed the twins their bottles while their daddies and older brother relaxed. The twins seemed tired out from their day. There had been a lot for them to see and a lot of people interacting with them. Grandmom Jen & Debbie had even taken them down to watch the soccer game for a little while.
Justin laughed but his mother said it was never too early for them to get interested in soccer. Once the bottles were finished Brian picked up Gus who only half woke up, Justin loaded Liam and Lily in their bassinet, and they all went upstairs.
Granny went into the pool house. John said he would set the alarm and an hour later the house was dark, the occupants asleep.