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 42
Jennifer wasn't sure if Brad knew what motel his mother was staying at. Despite her assurances to Janet, she preferred to not have another confrontation with Brad. She called Carl's cell.
When he answered she made a request.
"Hello Carl. I am calling to ask you for a favor. Janet and I had lunch. When we got back to my office Brad Taylor showed up. He came to Pittsburgh, hoping to find his mother and take her back to Ken. He seemed quite aggressive. I let him know how I took care of Lindsay's father while I was holding my pepper spray. He decided to leave before a repeat performance for me.
I want to go to the motel with Janet to get her things. She is going to stay with Tucker and I until I can get a secure temporary apartment for her. We have found one that meets her needs.
I prefer not to have to deal with Brad. Would it be possible for you to meet us at the motel and run interference?"
Carl was smiling while he listened to Jennifer. There was no doubt in his mind why Jennifer and Debbie were such good friends. On the surface they seemed very different. Carl knew both women had strong protective instincts for anyone they loved. They also were always ready to help an underdog. Jennifer had her pepper spray and Debbie had her baseball bat. Both er excellent deterrents for anyone who go on the ladies' bad side.
"Jennifer, I would be happy to help but I really have stuck here at the office. We have an important case we are working on. What I can do is call the precinct where the motel is located. I have a couple buddies that work there.
Let me give them a call and find out when they could have a couple cops meet you and Janet. I'll make sure they stay until you pack up Janet's things."
"That would be wonderful Carl. Thank you so much. I don't think Janet has a lot to pack so we shouldn't be too long."
Janet was nodding agreement at Jennifer. Carl ended the call and contacted the precinct. Two men could meet Jennifer and Janet in half an hour. Since it would take about 20 minutes to travel from the real estate office to the motel that would work out perfectly. Jennifer thanked him profusely, but Carl assured her he was happy to help.
Janet was impressed by Jennifer's willingness to help her and the circle of people that Jennifer could call on for support.
When Jennifer parked in the motel lot, she saw the police car. Carl must have told them the make of her car because two young policemen got out of their car and walked over to her car. She and Janet got out and Jennifer smiled and said hello.
One of the men spoke. "Mrs Taylor?" Both women answered "Yes."
The policeman looked confused for a moment then he smiled again.
"Sorry, I forget we were meeting two Mrs Taylors."
He looked at Jennifer and put out a hand to shake.
"You must be Mrs Jennifer Taylor."
Jennifer shook his hand and thanked him for coming to help them.
"Happy to do it Ma'am. Carl is a great guy. He told us your concerns. Serve and Protect, is what we do. If anyone shows up, we'll be sure be sure they don't harass you. Do you need any help carrying anything?"
Jennifer looked to Janet who quickly said there wasn't much to pack, and they could handle it. They went into the room and just as Janet said there wasn't much to pack. Less than 15 minutes later they walked back to Jennifer's car.
Just as they approached the car Brad came out from behind the motel. He didn't notice the two policemen standing by their car but they saw him. Before Brad got anywhere near his mother and former sister-in-law the police were blocking his way.
Brad was astonished when he was told to stay where he was. He tried the mother has dementia story but was informed that the police knew better. They told him to go on his way and they would make a report about his attempt to harass the Mrs Taylors.
"You don't understand my father is beside himself with worry. My mother has never been on her own. We are afraid she may be taken advantage of by unscrupulous people for their own purposes.
My ex-sister-in-law wants to use my mother to extract her revenge against my family. She drove my brother to suicide, encouraged her own young son to take up with a child molester."
Because of Carl's endorsement, the two cops were not inclined to believe what Brad claimed.
Jennifer stared into Brad's face with a slight smile.
"This man is interested in returning his mother to her abusive husband. He has been both verbally and physically abusive."
Brad's face got red with rage.
"You are twisting facts to suit yourself. One slap in the heat of an argument is not abuse!"
Both Policemen looked shocked. They turned to Janet.
"You husband slapped you?"
An embarrassed Janet nodded her head. "Yes, he did. He slapped me in the face because I didn't agree with him about a family matter. That is why I left him and came here to Pittsburgh."
Two stony faced police officers turned to Brad.
"A husband slapping his wife in the face is indeed abuse. You need to move along and stop bothering these women. Our report on this will include your admission of abuse. Now leave!"
Brad opened his mouth but thought better of saying anything. It was apparent he was not going to be allowed to take his mother with him. He started back behind the building, where he had parked his car. He had traced his mother from the credit card she used to guarantee her motel room.
Jennifer and Janet loaded the car with Janet's belongings. Jennifer thanked the police before they left for her townhouse. She called Tucker from the car to ask him to be out front when they got to the house.
Jennifer smiled when she pulled into her driveway. Tucker was standing by the front door, baseball bat in hand. A neighbor that Tucker played poker with was standing by his door with a tire iron. Jennifer almost wished Brad had followed them, but he did not appear.
Janet was taken up to Justin's old room. Jennifer told her to settle in and come downstairs when she was ready. Tucker was waiting with a full wine glass when Jennifer came down. She gave him a kiss and said she needed to call Justin. She went into her office and shut the door. If Justin gave her any trouble, Jennifer didn't want Janet to hear their discussion.
Justin and Brian were out on the patio with twins when his phone rang. He glanced at the display as he answered.
"Hi Mom, what's up?"
Jennifer brought her son up to date on Brad's activities and her plans to house Janet in a vacant apartment. Justin felt sorry for Janet. He believed that his grandmother was under the influence of her husband and sons and felt some sympathy for her.
Brian followed the conversation from Justin's side. He is not as ready as his partner to accept Janet's new attitude. There was quite a bit of eye rolling which both amused and annoyed Justin.
When Brad's actions were discussed, Brian's expression hardened. Always the champion of the underdog he was appalled by Brad's behavior. When he heard Justin talk about available apartments and renting furniture he simply said "loft". Justin looked at him and Brian nodded.
"Mom, Brian suggested Memaw living in the loft until things get settled. It's furnished, it has all the kitchen stuff and linens. The security is pretty good there. We just need to get there and clean some personal stuff out before she moves in."
Jennifer chuckled.
"Janet probably isn't interested in dildos, rubbers and lube. Good idea to get those out before she moves in."
Justin blushed and just said he would let her know when the loft was ready. Jennifer said she and Tucker could go and pack up things. Justin forbid his mother to do that which made her laugh.
When Justin got off the phone, Brian suggested they ask Emmett to gather their personal possessions. He could meet the cleaners there since they had a key. Justin called Emmett to ask for a good day and time and Brian got the job of getting the cleaners to meet Emmett and give the loft a quick cleaning.
When Jennifer told Janet that Justin and Brian volunteered their loft for her temporary home she cried. She apologized again for all the trouble she was causing. Janet hated imposing on her grandson. Jennifer assured her that Justin and Brian rarely used the loft. It was fully furnished and has everything you will need. It was the perfect temporary home for Janet.
Arrangements were made for Emmett and the cleaners to meet up the next day. He called Debbie to get some of her frozen soup and pasta sauce from her. He would drop that off with some prepared food that he had on hand.
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Michael had the morning shift at the Kinnetik receptionist desk. The art department had a new hire starting. The new employee packet was sitting ready in the desk drawer. Michael saw the tall blond man come thru the main entrance. His long hair rested on his shoulders. His clothing was tailored to show off his fit body. Four small gold hoops pierced his right ear lobe.
Michael had a big smile on his face as the man walked up to the reception desk. The man had a matching smile.
"Hello. I'm Axl Cane. It's my first day, my manager is Greg O'Brien."
Hi, I'm Michael. Here is your new employee packet. I'll call Greg to let him know you arrived."
Axl let his hand linger for a moment on Michael's hand. Michael called Greg who said he would be right down. He shifted his attention back to Axl. Although he wasn't personally very interested in fitness, Michael appreciated that interest in others. He smiled at Axl.
"Did you grow up here in Pittsburgh."
Axl chuckled.
"Nope. Native of Youngstown Ohio. Dreary place. Had a pretty big breakup recently and decided that was a good reason to start fresh somewhere. Went to college at Kent State, you know where those war protestors were shot during the Nixon years.
I haven't had much chance to try out any hangouts here in the city. Hopefully now with a paycheck I'll be able to check things out."
Michael's smile got bigger.
"Well let me know if you want any recommendation about good places to hang out. I've lived here my whole life."
Axl nodded. "I'll keep that in mind. Thanks."
Greg appeared at the reception desk. He thanked Michael before he and Axl headed up to the art department. They had a brief meeting to set expectations before Greg turned Axl over to Leon, who was his assigned mentor.
Axl was slightly disappointed to discover that Leon was not gay. When he applied for this job, he was expecting everyone at Kinnetik to be gay. Brian Kinney and Justin Taylor were well known as a successful gay couple. When Axl initially interviewed with Greg, he was slightly surprised that he was so obviously straight. He was still hopeful there would be lots of opportunities for hookups with fellow employees.
"So Leon. I'm kind of surprised there aren't more gay people working here. I thought Brian Kinney would have a company full of gays."
Leon shrugged.
"I think Brian and Justin really just want to hire the best people. Ted, who runs accounting, is gay. Ted and Greg are both friends of Brian and Justin."
"I didn't think Justin Taylor played much of a role here at Kinnetik?"
Leon shrugged again; he was wary of this new guy.
"Justin was never here day to day, but he and Brian are personal and business partners. He knows a lot about our software and more importantly he knows everything about how Brian wants ads to look.
These days Brian isn't here day to day. He is back parttime, but he and Justin have twin babies and Brian has been taking time off to be with the babies. I think we need to get to work on going over the software and how things operate here."
Axl got the message that Leon was not interested in gossiping about the Brian or Kinnetik. He settled down and listened to what Leon had to say. Axl found himself very interested in what Leon told him. It was obvious that Leon enjoyed his job and was completely loyal to Kinnetik and its owners.
Leon announced it was time for coffee break. He let Axl know that after the break he could complete the online training required by HR. That would take at least a couple hours and Axl could break for lunch whenever he wanted.
Axl was not particularly attracted to Michael but thought he was the best chance to find out about some Pittsburgh gay hot spots. He headed down to the lobby and found Michael alone at the reception desk, who smiled as Axl walked up to the desk.
"How is your first day going?"
Axl smiled back.
"So far so good. I have some online training to do so I can choose my lunch time. I thought maybe you would know a good place for lunch."
"The Liberty Diner is a short walk away. My mom has worked there for years."
Axl chuckled.
"I'm not sure I'm ready to meet your mom. Maybe we should get to know each other better before families get involved."
Michael smiled wider.
"I thought we were just talking about lunch. I'm scheduled to go at 11:30."
Axl nodded.
"That works for me. I'll meet you down here at 11:30."
Michael agreed and Axl went back upstairs to the art department. Leon showed him to his new cube and Axl signed into the networks and got started on his training. Axl was down at reception a couple minutes before 11:30. Michael was ready to go, and they walked down to the diner.
Debbie was on duty and surprised to see Michael arrive with someone she did not know. The manager sat them in a booth and Debbie came over to take their orders. Michael told her that Axl was a new Kinnetik employee in the art department and had just moved to Pittsburgh.
Debbie smiled at Axl; she sensed her son had some interest in this young guy.
"You are working for Greg. That's lucky, he is a great guy."
Axl was shocked that Debbie knew his boss. Maybe he had been wrong about Greg's sexual preferences.
"How do you know Greg?"
"He and his wife are friends of Brian and Justin's. They have two sons, one is friends with my little grandson, Gus. Their older son is friends with Brian's nephew John. They play on a high school soccer team together. I've met them all a few times at Brian and Justin's house.
Justin's mother is also friends with the O'Briens, and she speaks very highly of them."
As soon as Debbie left t put in their orders Axl started asking Michael about how Debbie knew so much about the owners of Kinnetik. He was amazed by what Michael had to tell him about his long-time involvement with Brian. Axl didn't understand how Michael could be such good friends with Brian but was a receptionist.
Michael talked about Babylon and all the great time he and Brian had there. Axl had heard about Babylon but was discouraged by the long line waiting to get inside on the weekend. Michael told him that he had a VIP pass to Babylon that allowed him to use the private rear entrance, no lines.
Michael was thrilled when Axl suggested they go to Babylon together on Saturday night. When Debbie dropped off the lunch check she gave her son an appraising look. She correctly sensed that Michael was interested in this new guy. At least he had a good job. She considered telling Michael to be cautious until he knew Axl better, but she decided she needed to let her son make his own mistakes.
Michael had a smile on his face as he and Axl walked back to Kinnetik. He hadn't spent a lot of time recently at Babylon. He didn't attract a lot of attention and he couldn't help thinking about former days when Brian spent more time at Babylon and Michael had been part of his inner core group. He was looking forward to spending time there with an attractive young guy like Axl.
Axl had zero interest in having a relationship or even a friendship with Michael. However, he thought Michael could be useful in helping to get accepted in the Pittsburgh gay community. He was happy to finally get into Babylon without having to wait in a line.
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Since Gus started back to school Justin was always downstairs for breakfast and to see the boys off. John and Peter were impressed since Justin's attendance at breakfast before Gus living here was rare. The twins' arrival had drastically cut back on their Papa's mornings relaxing in bed in bed, but breakfast attendance remained sporadic.
This morning Justin and Gus arrived together. Alice had breakfast ready, so Gus sat at the table with his cousins. Justin put two bottles in the microwave. Alice was keyed into her employers and their needs and wants. She poured Justin a cup of coffee.
"Everything okay?"
Justin shrugged,
"Liam and Lily had a restless night. He didn't even finish his last bottle. Liam is really cranky this morning and I think that has Lily upset too."
Justin smiled over at Gus who was observing him.
"Even Gus couldn't work his usual magic with his brother. Brian and I think maybe a new bottle will soothe him. I know this sounds silly, but Lily looks a little confused by the way Liam is acting."
Brian's arrival was announced in advance by Liam's crying. He came into the room looking kind of frazzled. Justin went over with the bottle and they each grabbed a baby and sat on the couch.
Brian tried his best to get his Sunbeam to drink his bottle. Liam was not cooperating. After a few mouthfuls he turned his head and refused to open his mouth. Brian let out a loud exasperated breath, Liam whimpered and grabbed at his right ear. Gus came over to talk to his brother. Lily turned her head towards her twin and also stopped sucking on her bottle. Alice walked over to observe the action.
She put a hand on Liam's forehead.
"Liam feels a little warm. The way he is grabbing at his ear makes me think he has an ear infection."
Looking at Brian, Alice was amazed at the change in his expression. He was not able to maintain a no emotion face. For a brief moment Alice thought he might cry.
"AN EAR INFECTION! How could he have a ear infection. Should we call an ambulance? Could it affect his hearing."
Seeing his Daddy's reaction, Gus started to cry.
"Poor Baby Liam I don't want him to be sick."
John and Peter came over with concerned expressions on their faces. Justin quickly came over and put a hand on Brian's shoulder.
"Babies are susceptible to ear infections. Their ears are smaller than ours and their eustachian tubes aren't as slanted. Sometimes fluid gets trapped, and an infection starts. Unusually not a big deal.
Sucking on the bottle makes the ear hurt more. That is why Liam won't take his bottle."
He grave Brian's shoulder a gentle squeeze and turned to the boys.
"You guys don't have to worry. This is a big deal."
Gus still looked upset, so Justin stooped down.
"Your brother will be fine Little Man. No sense you not eating your breakfast just because Liam won't."
He gave Gus a kiss followed by a quick kiss to his Daddy who was still looking upset.
Alice thought Brian's concern for Liam was adorable. She couldn't wait to tell Charlie and Granny. She smiled as she commented.
"Chuck used to get ear infections. Makes for cranky babies but are rarely serious. You just need to call the pediatrician. He'll want to take a look at Liam."
Brian was still not happy.
"If Liam has an infection, he might need antibiotics. If he inherited Justin's allergies that could be a big problem."
Justin was still holding Lily with one arm and had, what he hoped, was a comforting hand on Brian's shoulder.
"He might not need antibiotics. Ear infections can cure themselves. If he does need some, we'll just need to keep an eye on him. We can handle this; everything will be ok."
Alice took Lily from her Papa, so he could call the doctor. Lily was hungry enough that she started back on her bottle. Alice walked over to the kitchen. She thought a little distance from her brother would distract Lily. She got Gus to talk to his sister, hoping to distract him too.
Granny appeared and was surprised by all the gloomy expressions. Alice gave her a smile and brought her up to date on Liam's ear. Granny walked over to give Liam a kiss on the head and a pat his Daddy's shoulder.
"I now this really doesn't help but all my babies had ear infections. I thought at the time, they were harder on me than on the babies. I'm sure you feel the same way, but this too will pass."
An unconvinced Brian just shrugged. Justin came back into the room and announced the doctor could see them in an hour. Alice looked at Brian, and suggested Charlie could drive them to the city. Justin smiled and said that Daddy would drive. Brian stood and announced they should get Liam. Lily and themselves cleaned up and dressed. Twenty minutes later they were on the road.
Brian drove with white knuckled hands clutching the steering wheel. Justin sat in the second seat between two out of sorts babies, trying his best not to cry with frustration.
At the house Alice and Granny were trying to convince John, Peter and especially Gus that everything would be okay, and they needed to head to school.
At the doctor's office, Bran was able to keep his no emotion expression in place. Justin could feel the tension radiating off his partner. He stood with his body against Brian's side as the Liam and Lily were examined.
Lily had no signs of any infection and Liam's symptoms, were according to the doctor mild. Brian did snort at the mild diagnosis. Daddy and Papa were happy that the doctor thought they could avoid antibiotics. He suggested they use some liquid Tylenol or acetaminophen to relieve Liam's pain and hold him as upright as possible during feeding.
If the fever spiked or he refused his bottles they were to call the doctor or take Liam to the emergency room. Liam got some pain relievers before they left. Brian and Justin were pleased that Liam did seem happier, and it was a quieter ride home. They stopped at a drugstore to pick up the baby pain medicine.
At home Alice and Granny sat in the kitchen and drank tea. Neither of them had ever seen Brian that upset before. Granny called Jennifer to bring her up to date. Alice decided to make some banana bread which was a favorite of Brian's. Granny opted to make her pickled cucumber and onions. They both felt a little foolish but couldn't think of anything else to do for Brian.
When Brian and Justin walked into the kitchen carrying Lily and Liam, Alice and Granny were waiting to hear what the doctor had to say. Both were relieved to hear the doctor's prognosis.
Alice offered to prepare lunch, but Brian said he had to check his emails first and he escaped to the study after the twins were put in their playpen. Justin was happy to see that Liam seemed less agitated. Granny came over and stood beside. She placed a hand on his arm.
"It's so hard when babies aren't feeling well. They can't tell us what is wrong with them. I did let your mother know you took the babies to the doctor. I hope that is okay."
Justin chuckled.
"That's great. I didn't even think about calling her. She'd be hurt if I kept in the dark anything going on with any of her grandchildren. When Peter got punched by a bully, she arrived to take care of him as soon as I called her."
"I did tell Jenny that she didn't need to be concerned. You and Brian were handling things. Is Brian alright?"
Justin smiled.
"Still waters run deep. Most people think of Brian as a little cold and absolutely unflappable. You are among the few who have witnessed Brian unmasked. Brian hates to see anyone he loves injured or sick. I'm pretty sure that it brings back painful memories of my bashing.
We both still deal with the aftermath of that event."
Granny leaned over and gave her grandson a kiss on the cheek. Cassie arrived and was brought up to date on Liam's ear issue. She got a couple of bottles heated and she and Justin got ready to feed the twins. Of course Justin chose to feed Liam. Everyone was relieved to see him drink most of his bottle.
After feeding Cassie took both babies up to the nursery. After a restless night and a busy morning both babies were yawning. Justin and Alice started on lunch prep when the house phone rang. Alice and answered and almost immediately handed the phone off to Justin.
"It's Gus's teacher. She asked to talk to you or Brian."
Justin grabbed the phone. "Hello Mrs Connors, this is Justin Taylor. Is Gus okay?"
"Gus is fine. I'm sorry to upset you but I could tell Gus wasn't himself today. He is usually such a happy little guy and always participates in class. At lunch dismissal, I asked Gus to stay back and erase the board for me. I use that as an excuse to talk privately with any student I am concerned about. Amazingly they haven't caught on to my ruse yet.
I asked Gus if something was bothering him. I thought he was going to cry. Gus told me that his baby brother was sick and had to go to the doctor and he was worried about him. I hope you don't mind the call, but I thought if the baby was feeling better, I could relieve Gus's concern."
Justin chuckled.
"Gus is such a good big brother. He can usually calm Liam and his sister. I think it bothered him that he couldn't sooth Liam this morning. Liam just has a mild ear infection. The doctor isn't concerned, and the over-the-counter pain relievers have really helped him.
You can let Gus know Liam is much better. I appreciate you giving me a call."
"If it is alright with you, I'll let Gus know Liam is better. He is so proud of having twin siblings."
Justin chuckled again.
"Yes he is! I think he feels like it is a personal accomplishment to have twin brother and sister. Thanks again for calling."
"I have a kind of awkward question for you. Are you Papa or Daddy. I know Gus will ask who I spoke with."
"I am Papa. I think you are correct Gus will want to know where you got your information."
Justin and Mrs Connor ended the call. He let Granny and Alice what Gus's teacher had to say.
He immediately called the headmaster at the Academy to praise Gus's teacher. Norm Mooney thanked him for the call and said it was a relief to get a positive call from a parent.
After the call Mrs Connor located Gus in the schoolyard and let him know that his Papa said that Liam was doing fine. The smile she got from Gus had her smiling back. During the afternoon she was pleased to see Gus was acting more like himself.
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Emmett arrived at the loft with a couple of plastic storage containers. He was pretty amused at being asked to gather Brian and Justin's personal possessions. He thought they were good sports to allow Justin's somewhat estranged grandmother to live here. He was pretty sure that somehow Jennifer figured into this equation.
He knew Brian had to love Justin a lot, to allow this influx of relations. Granny at the house and Janet Taylor here in their loft. He knew they rarely used the loft anymore and mostly held onto it out of sentiment, but it was still nice of them to allow Janet to live here.
He brought some food and had stopped at Debbie's for some frozen soap and tomato gravy. He knew Debbie would never refuse to help someone in trouble, but her disapproval of Janet was plainly in display. Emmet who had his own doubts about Janet understood Debbie's feelings.
Justin told him where to look to, to locate the to be packed up items. Truthfully, he was disappointed that the items were, in his opinion, fairly vanilla. It gave him ideas about possible birthday and Christmas gifts. He had to decide if those types of gifts fit into his new role as Lily's godfather. After all he wasn't going to ever give anything like that to his goddaughter.
Once everything was packed, Emmett put the containers on his car and drove to Kinnetik. Carol had been alerted to unlock Brian's office and Emmett had been warned not to disclose what was in the containers. He felt Brian didn't really care but Justin had made it clear that he was interested in keeping the contents on a need-to-know basis.
Michael was on duty at the reception desk when Emmett left. He handed in his visitor badge and told Michael he had dropped off from stuff for Brian and Justin. Michael let Emmett know he would probably see him at Babylon on Saturday night with his new friend and co-worker Axl. Emmett said he was looking forward to meeting Axl. He said that he and Rusty planned to stop by Babylon on Saturday.
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When Jennifer arrived home from her office, she was greeted by the combined scent of dinner cooking and lemon furniture polish. She told Janet to just relax and think about how she wanted to move forward. Obviously, her ex-mother-in-law ignored that advice and spent the day cooking and cleaning.
Janet emerged from the kitchen with a smile on her face.
"I remembered how much you used to enjoy my coq au vin. I hope that hasn't changed. The food market delivered what I needed. I'll pay for the ingredients."
Jennifer gave Janet a hug.
"I am looking forward to tasting that again. Yours was the best I ever tasted. You went to all the trouble to prepare it. No need to pay for the ingredients."
Janet shook her head. Further discussion was delayed by the arrival of Tucker. He came over to bestow a kiss on Jennifer and remark that something smelled delicious.
Once Jennifer and Tucker changed to comfortable clothes, they all sat down to dinner. The coq au vin was just as good as Jennifer remembered. Over coffee and dessert, they discussed plans to get Janet settled in the loft. Tucker understood Jennifer well enough to keep his suspicious to himself. He just hoped that Janet stayed strong and didn't cave into her husband and son.
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Brian picked up Gus at lower school dismissal. Gus was delighted to see his Daddy awaiting for him in the car. He as glad to hear that Liam was doing much better. Brian knew about Justin's call with Gus's teacher, so he wasn't surprised by Gus saying his teacher had already let him know about Liam.
John had soccer practice and Peter was tutoring in the library. Both boys called Justin to check on Liam once they retrieved their phones from their lockers after classes were done. Both boys said how happy they were that Liam was feeling better and left Justin with big smiles on his face after the calls.
Gus hurried into the house and over the playpen where his siblings were wide awake and looking around. He was pleased when both babies focused on him with wide open eyes. He turning to his fathers pleased to announce that,
"Liam must be feeling better he is looking at me like usual."
His Daddy and Papa both smiled.
Granny used to hanky to wipe a tear off her cheek. She walked over to Gus and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"You know Gus, I think your brother and sister know how lucky they are to have you as their big brother. I believe you are the best big brother in the whole wide world."
Gus looked up at Granny with a big smile on his face before he turned his attention to his brother and sister. Daddy interrupted sibling time to remind Gus to go change out of his school clothes.
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At Washington Academy Mrs Connor was surprised to see the headmaster walk into her classroom just as she was locking her desk and preparing to leave for the day.
"Mr Mooney. What can I do for you?"
Norm smiled at the nervous teacher. Often a visit from him was not all good news.
"I wanted to stop by and let you know I got a call from Justin Taylor. He wanted to let me know how pleased he was that you knew Gus was upset and helped releive his worry about his brother. Mr Taylor was full of praise for you.
Often I get calls from parents to question or complain about something so it was a pleasure to get Justin's call."
The teacher smiled.
"Well Gus is such a pleasure to have in my class. He does well with his studies and already has made friends with many classmates. He is a wonderful little boy."
Norm returned her smile.
"The Taylor family has become a great addition to the Academy. John is the star player of the soccer team, Peter is one of our best students and it seems Gus is ready to follow in his cousins' footsteps. Plus Mr Kinney and Mr Taylor support all our fund raising activities. So I truly appreciate you helping keep them happy."
Norm had his own reason to be delighted by the Taylor-Kinney family. They drove Ed Dennison crazy. Ed's awkwardness over John and Peter attending school here is well known. It tarnished his reptation with the board of directors and that made Norm's job easier. He didn't have to spend as much time checking his back to be sure Ed was trying to cause him issues.
Norm actually liked Justin and Brian and did not like Ed very much, so it was a win win for him.