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 40
That night Brian and Justin discussed what to tell Gus about his stuff getting delivered by Ted and Blake. Justin thought maybe they should wait and call the child psychologist for guidance. The discussion continued for some time.
Finally, Brian said they had to get some sleep before the babies woke them up. He felt that Sonny Boy would be happy to have his toys and he would just tell him in the morning that his Mama had sent them to him.
When Justin started to say something, Brian stopped him with a passionate kiss. In the moment of silence that followed Brian announcing the discussion was over and it was time to sleep. A silent Justin snuggled next to Brian still smiling from the kiss.
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Early Sunday morning Molly and Mark decided to go pick up Mark's car at his parent's house. They hoped by going early they could avoid any confrontation with Alan and Gigi. Molly drove and they were relieved that the car was still parked in front of the house where Mark had left it.
Mark got out of Molly's car and into his own to follow Molly back to Jennifer's townhouse. They had gone a few blocks when Molly heard police sirens and saw the flashing lights behind them. She pulled over so the police car could pass them and was surprised when the car stopped behind Mark's car.
Molly turned off her car and got. One policeman stayed in the car and the other was walking up to Mark's car. He told Molly to move along but she told that Mark was her fiancé, and they were together. He told her to stay by her car with her hands in plain view.
Mark was ordered out of his car and told to put his hands on the roof of the car. She heard the police officer tell Mark that the car had been reported stolen. Molly got back in her car and grabbed her cell phone.
She pushed the speed dial for Justin. When he answered she brought him up to date on what was happening. She guessed that Alan had reported the car stolen. Justin asked where Mark's parents lived and said he would call their lawyer and call her back.
Justin and Brian, feeding Liam & Lily, were the only household members awake. Justin called Larry Buchanan's cell phone and was surprised he answered. He laughingly explained that he was on his way to a golf foursome but should have someone from the firm call Molly.
A junior partner called Molly's phone and got all the information he needed. He told her that he would contact the precinct and it was unlikely they would detain Mark. She gave him Mark's brother's phone number and let the lawyer know he was willing to substantiate Mark's version of car ownership. The lawyer asked her to fax or email the bank statement showing the withdrawal to buy the car. If the withdrawal date matched with the date of the title transfer it was a slam dunk for Mark to keep his car. Molly thanked him for the fast response.
Molly got out of her car when she saw Alan park his car across the street and get out. Gigi stayed in the passenger seat of the car. By now the police were realizing this was more of a family dispute than a car theft. Alan walked up to the policeman and Molly moved close enough that she could hear what was being said.
Alan thanked the police for stopping Mark from taking the car and said he would drive it back to his house. The second officer got out of his car and conferred with his partner who turned to Alan.
"We have a tow truck coming to take the car to the impound lot. This appears to be more of a family dispute than an actual car theft. Ms Taylor's lawyer had already called our precinct chief and explained some areas of dispute.
The car will be held in impound until actual ownership is established."
Alan was not happy with that information.
"How could she contact a lawyer so quickly. What does her lawyer have to do with the ownership of my car? Something isn't right about this."
Molly smiled as she looked over at Alan.
"The lawyer is my brothers' lawyer. They have him on retainer. He knows that Mark's brother will verify that his money was used to buy the car. Their lawyer is very good at his job."
Alan turned to the police.
"She and her family have nothing to do with this matter. Why is their attorney allowed to intervene?"
"Sir, it is obvious there is more to this situation than just a car theft. The lawyer has apparently made a strong case that the car ownership is in dispute. You should just go home and contact your own attorney."
Alan turned to Molly and Mark standing together.
"You and the faggots are not going to get away with this."
Mark looked embarrassed by his father. Molly just shrugged.
"Time will tell but you better have a really good attorney."
The police tow truck arrived, and a disgusted Alan went to his car and drove away. Molly and Mark were walking towards her car when her phone rang. She glanced at the display and smiled.
"Hi Mom."
"Debbie called me. Carl heard that Mark's parents are accusing him of car theft. Where are you?"
"We are okay and getting ready to come home. I called Justin and he got his lawyer on the case. They didn't charge Mark with anything, and the car is going to the impound lot until ownership is decided."
A relieved Jennifer ended the call. Mark drove while Molly called Justin to bring him up to date.
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Lily and Liam lay in a blanket at their fathers' feet. Justin leaned against Brian as they drank coffee and smiled at their babies. Liam was busy examining his hand before sticking it in his mouth. Lilly held a small toy, that Daddy had placed in her hand, and waved it up and down following its movements with her eyes.
Gus came into the family room and plopped down by his brother and sister. He told them "Good morning" and both babies turned their faces to him. Gus also said they should let Daddy and Papa sleep later and that he loved them.
As his son and daughter stared at their older brother, Justin had a huge smile on his face. He was delighted to see all three of his children bonding. He gave Brian's hand a squeeze which made his partner chuckle.
Gus got up on the sofa and settled on Papa's lap. Justin handed his empty mug to Brian so he could put his arm around Gus. Brian leaned over to give Sunny Boy a kiss.
"Thanks for looking out for Papa and me and our sleep. The thing is babies are pretty selfish creatures. Once they are a little older, we will have to teach them about consideration and sharing. You will be a big help in that department."
Justin gave Gus a hug.
"Liam and Lily are so lucky to have you for a big brother."
John and Peter came down the back stairs. Gus gave them a big hello. The boys came over to take a look at the twins. Lily seemed to know she was the center of attention and continued to wave her toy around while her brother just sucked on his hand.
John chuckled.
"Lily already knows she is going to be Queen Bee around here with all of us functioning as manservants. I might as well prepare for the servant role. Anyone want scrambled eggs for breakfast?"
Gus gave an enthusiastic 'YES" to his cousin's suggestion. John offered to make Uncle Brian an egg white omelet, but Brian said he would stick to his toast for breakfast. Gus looked at Daddy, amazed as usual, that anyone would turn down a John breakfast. He was glad Papa was always ready to make or eat a great breakfast.
Peter & Gus helped with breakfast prep. When the food was ready Lily and Liam went into their bassinet. When breakfast was over, Brian and Justin sat and drank another cup of coffee, while the boys did cleanup.
When cleanup was done Brian looked across the table at Justin and nodded toward Gus.
"Hey Little Man, come over here so we can have a talk."
Gus hurried over and climbed on Papa's lap.
"What did you want to talk about Papa?"
Daddy and I wanted to let you know that Mama had some of your stuff packed up for you. Uncle Ted and Uncle Blake brought the boxes with them yesterday. They are out on the garage."
Brian and Justin had discussed how to present this is Gus. They wanted to be as positive about it as possible and perhaps give Melanie more credit than she deserved. They thought it was important for Gus to think that his Mama was thinking about him, even though there had been no contact with her.
Gus scrambled down with a big smile on his face.
"Can we go see what's in the boxes?"
Justin looked over at his partner, who he knew had been nervous about this announcement. Brian now had a smile on his face as he told Gus "Let's go take a look."
Everyone went out in the garage. Justin suggested they carry the boxes down to the game room and open them there. Brian, Justin, John and Peter all grabbed a box and followed Gus downstairs. Gus and his fathers started to open the boxes
The first box they opened had clothes inside and Gus was not very interested. Justin looked through the clothes and saw quite a few that Gus had outgrown. He remembered Molly being thrilled when she got to wear some of his hand-me-downs.
He started to put things aside to save.
"You know Gus, I am going to hold to some of these clothes. I bet Lily and Liam will be thrilled to wear some of your old clothes when they are bigger."
Brian looked over at Justin with a shocked expression on his face. He saw no reason for Sunbeam or Princess to wear old clothes, especially since most of these clothes were from bargain stores. Stores Brian hoped never to enter, let alone buy something there for himself or his children.
Justin chuckled.
"I remember Aunt Molly being very excited to wear some things of mine that Grandmom Jen saved."
Brian just rolled his eyes. He planned to throw this old shit out as soon as Justin tried to store it.
John and Peter arrived back with the last few boxes just as Gus yelled in delight when he opened a box full of his hot wheel cars and track. John came over to look in the box.
"Wow Gus! I had some cars when I was younger and some tracks but never as many as this. We could make a really neat long track for the cars."
Gus with a look of wonder on his face looked up at his cousin.
"Do you really want to do help me set up a new track?"
"Yeah! I think we'll have some fun doing that."
Hot Wheels cars and his big boy cousin helping him set up the track was a little taste of heaven for Gus. He knew Daddy liked things to be neat, so he looked over at him.
"Is it okay if we set up a track down here?"
Brian leaned over to give his son a hug.
"Sure that is okay. This is the game room. You and John can do whatever you want. Just try not to put something in the way of the ping pong or pool tables."
John smiled at the happy expression on Gus's face.
"Gus, there is plenty of room down here for the track. We can even put some under the arcade games, it won't be in anyone's way there."
Gus was so happy with John wanting play to hot wheels that he lost interest in the rest of the boxes. Justin suggested they wait to open more of the boxes until they had some shelves installed down here to hold stuff. His slightly OCD partner heartily approved of that idea.
Daddy, Papa and Peter went upstairs, leaving John and Gus to plan and set up the tracks.
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A furious Alan called his neighbor, George, who was lawyer as soon as he and Gigi got home.
"George, I'm sorry to bother you at home but I have an issue and need your advice."
"Sure Alan, what's up?"
"I think you know that Mark has been seeing a girl. Well they announced they want to get married next year. Gigi and I have been trying to talk sense to them, they are too young. We had dinner with the girl's mother and her young boyfriend.
The girl, Molly, was very disrespectful and her mother backed her up. Mark saw fit to side with them against us. I told him it appeared he didn't want to be part of our family anymore.
I had Gigi pack up his things when we got home, and I called him to come pick them up. The car he uses is in my name and I told him he couldn't have that. For some reason Zane involved himself. He called his brother and encouraged him to think of the car as his to have.
This morning Mark came with Molly and took the car. Of course, I called the police to report it stolen. Molly has a queer brother that lives with another queer who's rich. She called her brother, and he apparently was able to get in touch with a lawyer. The lawyer's probably queer too. You know how those people stick together.
This lawyer contacted the cops. He convinced them that there is some doubt about who owns the car. They wouldn't let me drive it back home. It is being towed to an impound lot."
George doodled on a pad of paper while he listened. His wife walked by, and he wrote "asshole" while pointing to the house next door. His wife chuckled. They tried to be pleasant neighbors while avoiding any social contact with Alan and Gigi.
"Alan, I remember you telling me that Mark had saved the money to pay for the car and responsible to pay the insurance, but you put the car in your name. If Mark can show proof, he withdrew the money then there is definitely a question about the ownership.
To dispute that is going to cost you some attorney fees and cause a greater estrangement with your son."
Alan wasn't in the mood for that advice.
"We've been neighbors for a long time. What would you charge to handle this car thing for me?"
George shook his head at his wife.
"You said that Molly's brother got in touch with a lawyer today to call the police. He must have someone on retainer to get that level of service on Sunday morning."
"I told you the brother lives with some rich queer. He owns some advertising company here in Pittsburgh. They live in a big house down in Washington County. Zane went there for a holiday party. He was impressed by that house."
George was starting to put some pieces together. Gigi had told his wife that Molly's brother was some kind of artist.
"Alan, what is Molly's last name?"
"Taylor. Her father killed himself a while ago. Her brother almost got kidnapped last year. It was in all the papers. She seemed like a nice girl, but we always had reservations about that family."
The puzzle pieces snapped together for George.
"Her brother Is Justin Taylor; he is a pretty well-known local artist. You know my firm has offices at PPG place. Justin painted some amazing murals for the redecorated lobbies. I met him at a reception at the unveiling. He is a very nice man. His partner, Brian Kinney, was also there.
I know their lawyer is Larry Buchanan. He is very good!"
"But the car is I my name, doesn't that mean anything? I'd appreciate your help. I can't let Mark just walk away with that car after the way he has treated us."
George took a deep breath; he knew he was about to alienate a neighbor he had never liked but had tolerated to keep harmony.
"Alan, even if I thought you had a chance to keep your son's car, I wouldn't involve myself in this matter. In my opinion you are completely wrong. Mark paid for the car and has paid all the expenses for the car. It is HIS car!
I would be more likely to testify in Mark's behalf than help you keep his car."
George hung up before Alan could reply. His wife chuckled.
"So much for the good neighbor policy."
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As it approached time for lunch, Justin took pity on John and went downstairs. He was surprised to hear both boys laughing and cheering on their cars. John and Gus had set up, side by side tracks so they could have car races.
When he spotted Justin, Gus came running over.
"John and I are racing all the different cars so we can see which one is fastest. We are having so much fun. John has such awesome ideas for how to set up tracks. Do you think we could buy some more track, it isn't real expensive."
Justin laughed.
"I'm sure that we can get some more track soon. It is almost time for lunch so you might want to wrap up the speed trials soon."
Justin looked over at John who smiled and shrugged. He realized John was enjoying his hot wheels time and Gus was certainly loving the one-on-one time spent with his cousin.
When Justin went upstairs, he went out on the patio where Brian was watching over the twins. Peter was floating in the pool, reading a book, one his favorite summer activities. Granny was relaxing in the pool house. Brian chuckled as his favorite blond told him about Gus and John having fun together.
Brian brought up Amazon on his cell phone and ordered more track that would be delivered the next day. Granny appeared just as her great grandchildren started to fuss. Justin assigned Granny & Brian bottle duty while he worked on lunch for everyone else. He heated the bottles and brought them out.
Justin wrapped some hog dogs in crescent roll dough and put them on a cookie sheet. There was an extra-large container of Alice's fruit salad in the refrigerator. He sliced one cucumbers and onions and put them in a shallow dish. He mixed red wine vinegar with some water and added sugar, sea salt and pepper. He poured the topping over the cucumber and onions and put it in the refrigerator. The final lunch entrée would be a garden salad and Justin cut up the ingredients waiting for Brian to add the perfect amount of dressing.
He turned on the oven to preheat and went out on the patio to check on the progress of his babies' meal. Brian talking to his Princess and Granny have a one-sided conversation with Sunbeam led to a huge sunshine smile from Papa. Brian winked at him with just the hint of a smile, and Justin went a little weak in the knees. He found Brian as a doting Daddy to be incredibly sexy.
Justin walked over to give Granny a kiss on the cheek and a more passionate kiss to Brian. Gus ran over to Granny and gave his brother a kiss on the forehead. Liam was a little startled but when Gus told him that he loved him; Liam looked up with a smile.
Granny tried very hard not to cry. Gus gave her arm a gently pat.
"Granny! You have to come down and see the awesome hot wheels track that John and I made. We had so much fun. Papa said we can get more track to make it even better."
Justin looked over at Gus with a smile.
"Daddy ordered more track it will be here sometime tomorrow.'
Gus ran over to give Daddy a hug and thank him. He also gave Lily a kiss and talked to her. His sister also recognized Gus's voice and looked up at him with wide opened eyes.
Justin said that lunch was just about ready which brought cheers from John, Peter and Gus. A new addition to the family room was a play pen with mesh sides. Papa had decided it allowed Liam and Lily a better view of what was happening around them. He was also anticipating when the twins would start to roll possibly in another month and wanted them to have room to move around.
The twins got placed on their stomachs which allowed them to use their arms to perform what Brian called "baby push-ups". Gus knelt by the side of the playpen and talked to his brother and sister while final lunch preparations were completed.
Brian was truly horrified by the idea of hot dogs cooked inside crescent roll dough. It was a firm favorite of John, Peter and Gus. Brian whispered "traitor" when Granny said she was looking forward to trying one. Usually, she was a healthy eating advocate. Justin came over and gave Brian a kiss while he added the dressing to the garden salad.
When Brian tasted the cucumber and onion salad, he leaned into his partner.
"Sunshine, your cucumbers and onions are even better than Alice's. Of course I will deny saying that if anyone tells her."
Justin chuckled.
"It's my Mom's recipe."
Granny spoke up.
"Which she learned from me. I'll have to make some for you Brian. I'm betting you will have a new favorite."
Brian winked at Granny, and everyone laughed.
Granny smiled as she gently shook her head.
"I meant a new favorite salad. I'm well aware that no one can replace my grandson as your favorite person."
That made everyone laugh harder as Justin blushed and Brian leaned over to deliver a kiss.
Just as they were finishing lunch, Grandmom Jen called. Since school would be starting soon, she suggested a bowling date with her grandsons followed by a Target trip to pick up back to school supplies. She had reserved a lane at the bowling alley for Tuesday.
When Justin announced Grandmom Jen's proposal there were three enthusiastic yeses! Granny smiled at how excited the boys were to spend time with her Jenny. She looked across the table at Brian who was rolling his eyes. Brian was, as always, mystified by the adoration of Grandmom Jen by his son and nephews.
Jennifer invited Granny to come along but she declined. She thought it was important for Jenny to have time alone with her grandsons. Granny did go downstairs to see the new hot wheels track setup.
Gus was thrilled and John was amused when Granny used a cushion off the couch to knell down on the floor with them and participate in the car races. John was looking forward to Uncle Brian's reaction when Gus told his Daddy all about Granny and the car races.
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Jr was excited to go to the field day at LBGT center with Mama. They rarely went any where together. This morning at breakfast she told Mam all about the fun she had with Nina at Uncle Bri & Uncle Jus's house. JR loved her Uncle Jus, he was always happy, always had time to listen, always smiled, always told the girls how special they were and what great artwork they made.
Nina's Teddy Man and Daddy Blake also played a big part in JR's narrative. How patient they were, how they always had time for Nina and JR. How they played in the pool with them but never "rough stuff" no dunking. Auntie Em painted all 10 of their nails after Uncle Rusty shaped them and pushed back their cuticles to give them half moons at the bottom of their fingernails.
Melanie was proud that she resisted the urge to scream. Of course, there were also praise for Grandmom Debbie ad Grandpop Carl but that was easier for Mel to accept. The best part of her daughter's chatter was she had nothing positive to say about her Daddy. He did NOT understand that she and Nina had plans for their day. He kept wanting JR to do stuff with him.
Thankfully the idea of the field day and JR's excitement when they got to the center brought an end to the tale of the magical day in Washington Township.
Almost immediately they ran into a couple who were friends of Lindsay and Melanie for years. They had renewed the friendship after their return for Canada. They had daughter a year older than JR and a son 2 years younger. They offered to look after JR while Mel checked into information on au pairs or nannies.
Mel was disappointed by the information available at the center office. She discovered that almost all nannies and most au pairs expected their own room with an attached bath. None were looking to work for just room and board.
JR and Heather, the friends' daughter, were just starting a three-legged race when Mel returned. The girls had no chance to win but all the parents cheered them on and congratulated them on their efforts.
JR placed third in her age group for the long jump. There were jump rope competitions, Mel won a second place for distance in softball hitting contest. Heather won her age group in hundred-yard dash and her parents were on the winning team for tug of war.
Everyone had a fun day. By the time Mel & JR returned home, JR was ready for a nap, not that she went willingly. Despite her protests JR was asleep in minutes after she lay down in bed.
When Mel got downstairs, she found Leda waiting in the living room. When Mel saw her friend and realized how much she needed loving, but honest, friends she burst into tears. A startled Leda walked across the room. Melanie grabbed her in a hug and continued to sob, releasing months of upset, fears, and disappointments. When she finally stopped crying Mel asked Leda if she could stay for a while until Mel could get a handle on her life and figure out how to go forward.
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Brian and John had been examining possible cars on-line and discussing the pluses and minuses of each. The final decision was to buy a small SUV from the same dealer where Daphne's car had been purchased. John was excited and grateful and could hardly believe he was getting a brand-new car. He had assumed the uncles would buy him a used car.
When Peter shared that information with his Papa, Justin laughed. He said that John still had a lot to learn about Uncle Brian if he thought Brian would ever buy anything used. He even objected to antique furniture. Brian liked his purchases to be new, shiny and have upscale name brands.
Brian told Gus that he was part of the family car buying team, since he had helped Daphne select her car. Gus was delighted to go along with his Daddy and cousin to buy John's first car. Brian had done research in car colors and told John that white cars are in the least number of accidents so he preferred of John would pick a white car.
Brian had called ahead so the owner of the dealership was waiting for them. Brian smiled as Gus shook the man's hand and said it was nice to see him again. The perfect little gentleman. John also shook hands and said it was nice to meet him. Brian felt like the family honor was upheld.
The SUV models they were interested in were lined up. One was a bright yellow. Brian thought it was hideous and Gus thought it was "awesome". He and John got in the car and Gus liked the brown upholstery on the seats. John smiled at his very enthusiastic cousin.
He got out of the car and walked over to Brian.
"Gus seems to really like this car. I know you wanted me to have a white car."
Brian locked over at his son trying out all the seats in the car and even climbing into the back.
"Actually, white and yellow cars are the easiest to see and have the lowest number of accidents. I just never imagined I would buy a yellow car. Are you sure you don't mind the color?"
John shrugged and smiled over at Gus who was now examining the exterior of the car.
"I don't want to disappoint Gus; he seems to love it so much. I didn't really think you were going to buy me a brand-new car so I can deal with the color."
Brian turned to the dealer.
"We'll take it."
The dealer was able to install the monitoring device that would allow Brian and Justin to see where the car was and if it was speeding. John rolled his eyes but kept in mind that he was getting a brand-new car for his sixteenth birthday. He could accept the monitoring was part of the deal. He couldn't stop smiling as Uncle Brian called Ted to transfer the money to pay for his car.
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Just as he finished wiring the money, Ted was surprised by a call from the reception desk telling him that Viola was asking to see him. He hurried downstairs, afraid something had happened to Nina or Blake and somehow Viola had been notified. He was too upset to realize how unlikely that was.
Viola smiled as he came down the stairs to the lobby and Ted felt like he could breathe normally again. To the amazement of the receptionist on duty, the normally buttoned up Ted, hugged Viola and gave her a kiss on the cheek. She already had a lanyard around her neck with a Visitor Badge.
When they got to his office Ted asked if he could get Viola anything and she asked for water. He took a bottle from his office refrigerator. She sat in a guest chair and he sat behind his desk.
"Thank you for seeing me, Ted. I needed to talk with you privately and this seemed the best way to do that. My recent blood tests revealed my cancer has reoccurred. I need another round of chemo.
This might not be the end for me, but it is coming soon. There are only a limited number of chemo drugs they can use. I know that as long as I am alive, no one can contest your and Blake's custody of Nina. When I am no longer here that is not true.
Now, while we still have some time, I want you to proceed with adopting Nina. If you adopt her then I know she is safe with you for always. Nina is so happy. She loves Blake and we can all see that she adores you."
Ted blushed and Viola smiled.
"That ridiculous name she has assigned you…. but you both seem happy with Teddy Man. From the first meeting Nina felt a connection with you. I think that children judge, not on intellect, but on their feeling. Nina sensed that you meant safety and security. I don't want to take any chances on my granddaughter not being raised by you and Blake.
I know that Brian and Justin have excellent lawyers, so I am asking you to start the legal process to adopt Nina. It will relieve any concerns I have about leaving Nina."
Ted's blush deepened. He opened his mouth, cleared his throat, and closed his mouth. Viola reached across the desk and took his hand.
"Ted, I know about your legal issues. I know about how you made your living for a time and the legal issues that resulted from that. Of course, I can't approve of that part of your life, but I also would never judge you. Everyone does what they need to do to survive, and we all have parts of our life that we are not particularly proud of. Hind sight is always 20/20.
Blake has been open about his addiction issues and how he survived during that time. I know that you helped each other get your lives back on track. I have observed how much you care about each other."
Viola smiled again.
"I can also see that you worry about deserving Blake's love. I think, as smart as you are, you are foolish to worry about Blake. I know that he loves you deeply and truly admires the man you have become over time.
You probably wonder how I know about your past. Those friends of my daughter who wanted me to give them custody of Nina told me all about it. I guess they did research or hired someone. I sent them on their way and told them nothing would ever make me hand over Nina to them. I never trusted them.
I'm afraid they may try to make trouble after I die. I'm asking you to talk to the lawyers and adopt Nina while I am still able to help with that any way that I can."
Ted was amazed. It never occurred to him that Viola knew about his porn business or his arrest.
"There is a busybody on our street who accused us of buying Nina. I put her straight on that and Blake told her off big time. I spoke to Anabel Harper, the lawyer, at that time. She suggested adoption as a way to insure Nina would always stay with us. Anabel was hopeful about an adoption being accomplished.
To be honest I hesitated because I would have to tell you about my past. I didn't want that to change your opinion of me or our suitability to raise Nina."
Viola nodded and gently squeezed Ted's hand.
"I should have told you I knew about your past. Like you I just didn't want to chance that effecting our relationship. You and Blake have been so wonderful not only to Nina but also to me. This has been such a happy time in my life. The happiest since my husband was killed. So much pressure and responsibility were lifted from me.
I knew Nina was safe and happy with you and Blake. I could trust you to raise her to be a good person and guide her through the trials and tribulations of life. In a selfish way I trusted you to help me when I needed it. I always worried about what would happen to Nina and me if I got sick or got bogged down with medical expenses.
I am so grateful to both of you."
"Nina has been such a wonderful addition to our family. We are both so grateful to you for the trust you have shown in us. It has been our privilege to get to know you and have you as an important part of our family. I'll talk to Blake, and we'll get Anabel to start the adoption process."
Ted walked around the desk and gave Viola a hug before he walked her down to the lobby.
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As they waited for the car to be ready John could not stop smiling. Brian just kept rolling his eyes. Gus was very excited about John getting a car. He was looking forward to getting driven to his new school by his cousin. It made him feel grown up not to have a parent take him to school.
Gus asked Daddy if he could ride home with John in the new car. Brian chuckled and said that was up to John. John was touched by how excited Gus was for him. He was slightly surprised and very pleased that Brian trusted him enough to let Gus ride with him. John told Gus that he would be happy to have him as his first passenger. John asked if they could stop at O'Briens so Patrick could see his new car. More excitement from Gus because he would get to see Kevin.
Torture wouldn't get Brian to admit that he was actually pleased that his son and nephew had such a good relationship. He decided he was spending too much time with Sunshine and his emotions were starting to rub off.
Patrick, Greg, Roxanne and Kevin all came out of the house when John pulled up in front. He had called his friend to say he was on his way. All four O'Briens admired the car. John announced that Gus had picked the color. Everyone said it was an awesome color and Gus beamed with pride. John and Gus didn't linger too long because they knew everyone at home would be anxious to see the car
When John and Gus pulled up in the driveway, everyone was outside waiting for them, the uncles holding Lily and Liam, Peter, Granny, Alice & Charlie. John was shocked that the garage door was open and there was an empty spot for his car. Construction on the other garage building was just starting.
When John and Gus got out of the car Uncle Justin told him that the new car deserved a garage spot. His old SUV could survive outside for a while. They hoped the new garage would be done before winter weather arrived.
Everyone examined the car, congratulated Gus on the great color, and wished John luck with the new car. Peter, Justin, Alice and Charlie piled in for a quick ride in the new car. John said it was silly, but the adults felt he was actually pleased.
Grandmom Jen arrived mid-morning on Tuesday for the bowling/school supply outing. Granny smiled as she could see how pleased her daughter was when all three boys rushed over to welcome her.
After hugs and kisses from the boys Jennifer was anxious to check out Lily and Liam. The twins were enjoying some playpen time. Daddy and Papa were sitting on the sofa and observing their son and daughter. Lily had started to actually reach for toys within her grasp. Liam would hold a toy placed in his hand, mostly just examine it but sometimes give it a shake.
Gus led the way to over to his brother and sister. He squatted down and sang:
"Grandmom Jen is here; Grandmom Jen is here…"
Both Lily and Liam looked over at Gus who added a little dance step to his song. Suddenly Lily started to laugh. Brian and Justin leaped to their feet. Liam joined in his sister's laughter. Every time Gus danced and sang the babies laughed. Everyone else was gathered around the playpen thrilled by this newest development. Peter started to write in the twin log. Justin and John both recorded the action on their phones.
Jennifer and Granny both had tears running down their cheek. Justin was too excited to cry, he just hung on to Brian's arm. Everyone was happy to witness this development milestone. Once the laughing baby excitement was over Grandmom Jen wanted a ride in the new car.
Jennifer was impressed by John's driving skills, and she could sense he was confident but not reckless. She wasn't surprised since Brian trusted him to have Gus as a passenger. When they got back from the drive, Grandmom Jen and her boys left for the bowling/shopping afternoon.
Bowling was fun and the Target trip was a repeat of the year before. Grandmom Jeb didn't even try and manage the shopping. She relied on John & Peter to buy what was on their list and to help Gus with his supply list. When the boys told her they had everything they needed Jennifer led the way to checkout.
Daddy checked to be sure Gus had everything he needed for the first day of school next Monday. John and Peter were both in the upper school this year and their first day would be Tuesday.
Free time was running out, so Gus was going to work with Daddy the next day. Gud was very excited and thrilled with the black pants, green shirt and dark patterned tie that matched Daddy's clothes.
The next morning Gus and Daddy left after Lily and Liam had their morning bottles. Papa gave them both a kiss goodbye and told them to be "good boys and have a nice day" which had Gus laughing as they went out into the garage.
When they got to the office, Uncle Mikey was on duty at the reception desk. He had a Kinnetik employee badge ready for Gus. Once upstairs Miss Carole brought Brian coffee and had a cup of hot chocolate for Gus. Daddy got the toy container out of the closet and Gus got busy while Brian worked at his desk.
Gus & Brian attended a business meeting with Miss Cynthia, Uncle Ted and Kevin's Daddy. Gus sat next to Daddy and drew on a pad while the adults discussed things. Gus drew a picture for Kevin and wrote him a note. Kevin's Daddy said Kevin would be very excited to get those from Gus, when he got home. After the meeting there was more office time before Gus and Daddy walked to the diner for lunch.
Grandmom Debbie greeted them in her normal fashion and told Gus he looked like a "Fucking little businessman and very gown up". Gus was delighted. He and Daddy talked while they had their lunch. Gus was excited about going to the same school as his cousins and looking forward to the first day,
The afternoon went by quickly. Daddy worked at his desk. Gus played on the floor, read a book and went to the employee lounge with Daddy to get a juice box and a couple snacks. By the time they left for home Gus was looking forward to telling Papa about his day at Kinnetik.
When Daddy and Gus arrived home Lily and Liam were just about ready for a bottle. They hurried upstairs to change out of their office clothes and came down just as Papa finished warming the bottles. Gus told Lily all about the neat stuff he did at Daddy's office. He told that one day she and Lian would get to go to work with Daddy and have fun..
Justin sat next to Brian and leaned against him smiling as Gus talked to his baby sister. Brian chatted with Liam as he fed him, but Justin could tell Brian was paying attention to everything their oldest son said. It had been a great day for both father and son.
Later that night, in the privacy of their room, Justin told Brian how sexy he found Brian as a devoted father. Brian was happy to use that sexiness for a spirited round of lovemaking.
Alice made the christening clothes for Lily and Liam under Brian's careful scrutiny. Both outfits were made from white satin. Lily's dress was full length with a scalloped hem. It had tiny lace trim at the throat and short sleeves. Liam's outfit was long trousers with a top that was made to look like a suit jacket with a dress shirt underneath and a tiny necktie.
Granny knitted white booties for both her great grandchildren to wear. Everyone in the household agreed the twins looked adorable.
On Saturday John drove Granny, Alice and Charlie to the church. Peter and Gus drove with Brian, Justin and the stars of the show. Gus and Peter kept the twins entertained with silly songs.
Waiting at the church were Grandmom Jen & Grandpop Tucker, Aunt Molly & Uncle Mark. Molly was wearing a pale pink dress. Godfather Emmett was there wearing a cream-colored linen suit and a shirt that matched the color of Molly's dress, of course Rusty accompanied him.
Godfather Ted wore a light gray suit with a bright blue shirt and Aunt Daphne's dress color matched his shirt. Blake was there with Viola, Nina and JR. Viola had made the girls matching dresses. JR's was her favorite pink and Nina's was the same blue as Teddy Man's shirt.
Grandmom Debbie and Grandpop Carl were also in attendance, along with the entire O'Brien family. Jennifer's minister and Father Bolton waited in the sacristy.
John was a more cautious driver than Brian, so he had left before the rest of the family. That way they all arrived at the church at almost the same time. The ceremony was brief. Liam and Lily behaved well. Gus and Kevin stood up close so they could see everything clearly. Molly and Daphne had huge smiles as they looked down at their godchildren. A few happy tears made their way down Emmett's cheeks. Ted stood very proud with a stern expression until after the christening was over and he took Liam from Daphne. He bent down and kissed his new godson with a huge smile on his face. Nina came over to get a good luck at the baby and to claim her own kiss from Teddy Man.
Everyone went back to Jennifer and Tuckers for lunch. Gus and Kevin got the job of giving the babies their bottles. After they were fed Gus got Kevin to sing with him and make faces to make his brother and sister laugh.