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 43
Daddy and Papa fed the babies while Alice and Granny put the finishing touches on dinner. Peter was helping Gus with his homework in the study. John was up in his room working on an extra credit project. He and Patrick were serious about doing well in school. They wanted to go on that English trip with Grandmom Jen.
They had to both maintain at least second honors for the entire year in order to get taken on the trip. Justin felt sure that his mother would take the boys to England even if they fell a little short on the scholastic standard. He had no intention of sharing that opinion with John or Patrick.
Lian was obviously feeling better, Daddy was able to get him to finish his bottle. Lily, as usual, finished first. She amused her Papa by grabbing his finger and trying to shake it like she did with her toys. He laughed at her determined efforts which made Lily look at him with a smile.
Gus burst into the room which captured both twin's attention. Justin and Brian agreed that it was good that Gus was with them all the time. They were sure his brother and sister would miss him if he was only with them on weekends.
The twins went into their playpen with some colorful toys to grab their attention. As the food started to get put on the kitchen table Brian turned to Justin with a look. Baked crab cakes, cucumber and onion salad, roasted asparagus and corn on the cob. All were some of Brian's favorite foods. Gus was not a big fan of crab so Alice made some chicken nuggets for him with ranch dressing for dipping. Brian spotted the banana bread on the breakfast bar ready for dessert, shook his head and turned to look at his partner.
Justin shrugged.
"I played no role in the dinner menu."
Granny frowned at Brian.
"For goodness sakes Brian! Yes, Alice and I made some of your favorite foods because we felt bad that you were so upset about Liam. I understand that your life experience means you never want to appear to be vulnerable.
Yes, Alice and I saw you lose that Kinney cool. If you think that makes us, think less of you that is ridiculous. We love and respect you more than ever for being a wonderful, caring Daddy. A Daddy who loves his baby so much he has trouble dealing with that baby being sick.
Everyone in this household loves you and respects you. We all feel better knowing you are there to help us deal with anything that happens. So don't you dare feel anything but love."
Only Justin could sense how truly moved Brian was by what Granny had to say. Brian smiled at Granny.
"So is this the grandmother experience you promised me?"
Granny came over to him and gave him a hug, Justin joined them in the hug followed by Peter and Gus. Alice came over to also become a part of the family hug huddle. John came down the backstairs and was wide eyed by what he saw. He stayed where he was.
"Is everything okay?"
Granny turned to face him.
"Everything is perfect, and you are just in time for dinner."
Justin was slightly shocked by Brian's reaction to Granny dressing down. He had been afraid he was going to have to referee Brian and Granny during her stay. Now it turns out that Granny had somehow managed to break through Brian protective bubble.
Dinner was the usual noisy affair. Peter and Gus both had lots to share about their school day. Brian and John often had double edged responses. Justin smiled sometimes and sometimes delivered annoyed looks, mostly to Brian. Granny was often expressing amazement about the fascination information delivered by Gus and Peter. Sometimes she was shaking her head but smiling at what John and Brian were saying.
One everyone was done eating Granny asked Brian how he had liked the cucumber and onion salad she has made.
Brian smiled and said it was very good. Granny was still smiling when she asked.
"Whose salad tastes better mine or Justin's?"
Brian hesitated for a moment.
"To be honest Granny, I enjoyed Justin's version a little more. Sorry."
Granny chuckled.
"That is okay. I don't think that choice was made completely by information from your taste buds."
John and Peter burst out laughing, Gus looked a little confused. He guessed this was one of things he would understand when he was older.
Peter was sitting opposite Gus, he stopped laughing for a moment.
"Gus, what Granny meant is that Uncle Brian liked Papa's salad better because he so adores him, not because it was really tasted better."
Gus joined in the laughter which got louder when Brian leaned over and kissed his Sunshine. Then he announced the table should be cleared so he could have banana bread for dessert.
Daddy and Papa were relieved that Liam was more interested in drinking his bottle. He still pulled at his ear on occasion but was much happier. Later than night Brian and Justin got into bed after giving the twins a late bottle. Justin was snuggled against Brian's side with Brian's arm holding him close. Brian cleared his throat.
"I'm sorry about how I acted this morning. I left everything to you and that wasn't right. I just wasn't prepared for one of the babies to be sick. I'll be more help that next time it happens."
Justin sat up and smiled at Brian.
"You have nothing to apologize for. I understand that it is hard for you to deal with the illness of the people you love. I'm sorry that Granny made such a big deal about this morning. I'll talk to her about boundaries."
Brian chuckled.
"No you don't have to say anything to Granny. I like how she speaks her mind and takes no prisoners. I told you before, she is like Mother Taylor on steroids. She is pretty amusing."
Justin leaned down to kiss his partner.
"I do really love you Brian Kinney."
"Of course you do."
It was two contented, amused men who drifted off to sleep.
QAF-QAF-QAF-QAF
The next morning Jennifer drove Janet to the loft, after a quick trip to Giant Eagle for groceries. Although she would never admit it Jennifer was uneasy about Brad Taylor. She had her pepper spray in her purse, readily available. Tucker had suggested waiting until the afternoon when he would be able to go with them but Jennifer was determined not to let anything Brad did or might do control her action.
The area around the loft was not the best that Pittsburgh had to offer but it was far from the worst. Janet, more accustomed to suburban life, looked around nervously as Jennifer parked in the lot. Jennifer smiled.
"I know this is not the type of neighborhood you are used to living in. It is quite safe here in the daytime and not really dangerous even at night. The building itself it secure which is good for you at this time."
Janet smiled back at her.
"You are right. I am a suburban dweller but looking forward to new experiences. I'm sure this will be fine. I know you wouldn't take me anywhere that is really unsafe."
Jennifer had written down the elevator code and had Janet enter it so that she was comfortable with the process. They got off the elevator at the third level. Janet was amazed by the industrial metal door to the loft. She wondered if she would be living in a warehouse. She unlocked the door and pushed back the door. She immediately turned to the beeping alarm panel to enter the code.
When she turned to get a look at her new temporary home and gasped.
"Oh my goodness! This is beautiful."
Jennifer chuckled.
"Brian does have exquisite taste; this was his bachelor paid. Lucky for you these walls can't talk!"
Janet just kept looking around, trying to take it all in.
"They just leave it like this all furnished? How often do they stay here?"
"They use it occasionally when they want to stay in the city. Much less now with the babies to care for. I did make them come here for a weekend together, not long ago. Tucker and I took care of the boys and Lily.
It has everything you need. Our friend Emmett, you met him at my house, dropped off some prepared food for you. He is a much sought-after party planner and Debbie sent a few things too."
Janet looked a little surprised.
"I got the impression your friend, Debbie, didn't really approve of my visit here."
Jennifer shrugged.
"Debbie is very loyal to the people she loves. It is no secret that your family has not been supportive of Justin and Brian. She also looks out for the underdog, so I would say at this time she is giving you the benefit of doubt."
Janet nodded as she continued to explore her temporary home. She was impressed by the quality of the furnishings and the gourmet kitchen.
"It is so generous of Justin … and Brian to let me stay here. I'm not sure if I should offer to pay rent. There is no need for them to pay for my lodgings."
Jennifer looked directly to her former mother-in-law, there was no hint of a smile on her face.
"We'll see how long you stay here but for right now there is no need to pay anything. Justin and Brian own this building so the rent for the other units more than covers any expenses. They own quite a few properties in Pittsburgh. My firm manages their properties.
I am going to be completely frank with you. The pause before including Brian was noticeable and absolutely unacceptable. If you want to have any kind of relationship with my family you must accept every member of the family. You need to show that total acceptance or we need to re-evaluate your plan to stay in Pittsburgh."
Janet was startled and slightly annoyed.
"I didn't mean to imply disapproval. Elizabeth appears to have been welcomed with open arms. I am Justin's grandmother just as much as she is. I guess I feel a little like a second class citizen here, having to prove myself."
Jennifer's posture stiffened and he facial expression hardened; eyes narrowed.
"My mother never cut off contact with anyone in my family. She does not like to travel so her support was remote but constant. Since she arrived to stay, she has completely accepted every member of Justin and Brian's family. That includes their son, Gus, their nephews, John and Peter and of course Liam and Lily. She and Gus have become great friends, she has an easy relationship with John and Peter. Of course she is besotted by the twins.
Your behavior since Justin came out as gay and Craig and I divorced has NOT been loving or accepting. I understand you were influenced by you husband and sons to behave a certain way. That is certainly an extenuating factor but in no way erases all that behavior. If you feel we owe you instant acceptance you are doomed to disappointment. You need to show your total acceptance and accept that you need to prove yourself worthy of our trust.
Your hesitation before even speaking Brian's name does not signal total acceptance to me. I suggest you always use the alarm system here and check the landing camera before opening the door to anyone. I am going to leave now and let you think about what next steps you wish to take.
You have my phone number, call if you need anything."
Janet moved forward to give Jennifer a hug. Jennifer turned and went to the loft door.
"We'll talk tomorrow."
Once Jennifer left, Janet set the alarm system and made herself a cup of coffee. She sat by the window looking outside, deep in thought.
QAF-QAF-QAF-QAF
When Lily and Liam announced they were awake, via the baby monitor, Justin groaned. Brian chuckled.
"Grab a little more sleep Sunshine. I'll get our babies changed and ready for bottles. Alice is probably on duty."
Justin felt like he should get up and help but Brian had kept him "up" until late last night. He grunted his agreement and rolled over. That prompted another chuckle from Brian.
In the nursery Brian said good morning to his Princess and Sunbeam. He told them how adorable they were and that their Papa was a sleepyhead. He assured them that they could always depend on Daddy. He started with Lily, talking to her while he changed her diaper.
He held up two onesies and asked his daughter to pick the one she liked best. When she didn't indicate which she like better Daddy chose one for her. He told Lily she would look beautiful in the one he chose. Next, he turned his attention to Sunbeam. Daddy didn't bother to give him a choice of outfits. Once Liam was clean and dressed Daddy told him he looked very handsome. He told both babies that it was never too soon to think about your appearance and dressing well. He took the babies downstairs.
Justin found himself laughing in bed at Daddy's conversation with twins.
Charlie was sitting at the breakfast bar drinking coffee. Alice quickly got two bottles into the microwave. While Brian fixed his own mug of coffee, Charlie grabbed a bottle and picked up Liam. Alice picked up Lily and told Brian to relax while the twins were fed.
Bottle feeding was still going on when Gus, John and Peter arrived for breakfast. Since Alice was busy, Brian organized breakfast. Alice told him that Gus's lunch was ready and waiting in the refrigerator. After breakfast Brian went upstairs with Gus to supervise dressing for school.
Cassie arrived shortly after the boys left for school. Brian fixed a mug of coffee for Justin and went upstairs. He found his partner sitting up in bed and sketching. Smiling he walked over to deliver the coffee and a kiss.
"Thanks for the coffee and for a relaxing morning. I appreciate both! Don't you think you might be rushing things a bit trying to get Lily to choose what outfit to wear?"
Brian smirked as he climbed into bed beside his partner.
"It is never too early to develop a sense of style and how important it is to look your best. Obviously it was too late to deliver that message to you. I couldn't live with myself if our children selected their clothing at the Gap."
Justin laughed.
"Would you love me more if I wore only designer label clothing."
Brian considered for a moment.
"I couldn't love you or our children any more than I already do, but I would be happier if you took more interest in looking your best at all times."
That comment made Justin laugh with a mouth full of coffee, some of which got spit back into the mug. Brian sighed.
"Let's not even get started on your eating habits. That is simply a cross I know I have to bear. By the way Liam didn't do much ear pulling so that is good news."
Brian was a little surprised by Justin looking over at him with a soft, dreamy expression.
"You are such a wonderful Daddy."
Brian shrugged but Justin knew he was pleased by his comment. Brian rolled toward his partner. Justin put this coffee mug on the bedside table. Soon both men were naked and smiling. Justin turned onto his back. It didn't take long for Justin's legs to be resting on Brian's shoulders and his hard dick was in Justin's colon.
After a quick shower both men dressed and wandered down to the family room. Liam and Lily were in the playpen. A happy Granny was sitting next to the playpen. She was observing her youngest great-grandchildren. She was carrying on a one side conversation with the twins and they appeared to be completely focused on her. Cassie was standing nearby enjoying the interaction.
Daddy and Papa came over to enjoy the baby show. Cassie smiled at them.
"I think it is great that Lily and Liam have so many different people interacting with them. I'm thinking they will skip that making strange phase of development."
Granny chuckled.
"I think they must be trying to figure out who all these giant creatures are that keep making noise at them. We have quite an age spread here, from big brother Gus to this old lady. They are lucky to have so much love and interest directed at them."
Daddy came over and looked down at his babies.
"So Princess, Sunbeam, do you have us all figured out?"
For some reason, this amused the twins. They both started laughing.
Brian smirked. "I am not going to get my feeling hurt and instead think that just means my children are happy to see,"
Justin put his arm around Brian's waist.
"Everyone is this household is always happy to see you, me most of all."
Brian smiled and gave the blond head leaning against him a kiss. Liam and Lily apparently enjoying this entire interaction, continued to laugh.
Charlie walked in the patio doors.
"Perfect timing! You are all here. The contractor just told me that the stairs are in and the upper level is floored. We can take a look at the second-floor space."
Granny, Brian and Justin were thrilled. Alice and Cassie volunteered to watch Lily and Liam. As they approached the new building Justin immediately spotted a problem. He turned to Charlie.
"This door is wrong. Who is the foreman of the crew. I need to talk to him."
Charlie went in the garage space to find Harry. Brian and Granny were checking out the exterior of the building and Justin walked around the side where the entrance to the new garden storage entrance was located. He immediately spotted the door, steel with small, frosted glass windows at the top, that belonged on the front entrance.
Justin walked back to the front just as Charlie emerged with Harry, the contractor on-site manager. Justin smiled and shook Harry's hand.
"We have an issue, that door is not correct. The door that is on the storage room belongs here on the front entrance. The storage room gets a plain steel door, no glass."
"The spec sheet calls for that glass door on the front entrance."
Justin's smile dimmed.
"Do you have the spec sheet that we can check because I know this door is wrong. Spec sheet calls for the steel door with the frosted glass. It doesn't make sense for that door to be on the storage room entrance."
Harry shrugged.
"I clearly remember the spec sheet calls for glass entrance door."
Brian, Granny and Charlie started towards the two men. Granny started to say something, but Justin turned to them. He gave Brian a "look" and said to Granny.
"I've got this."
Brian nodded and suggested to Granny & Charlie that they wait upstairs. Justin turned back to Harry.
"You don't have a copy of the speech sheet here?"
"No but as I said I remember what doors go where. If you want to change something that may mean an extra expense and a delay."
Justin took a deep breath.
"I find it difficult to believe that you don't have the spec sheet here. Quite honestly that makes NO sense to me. I am not interested in your memory. I am interested in facts. I know for a fact that this door is wrong!"
Harry shrugged and had what Justin considered a condescending expression on his face. Justin was not happy.
"What you need to do first, is call the architect and ask him what is on the spec sheet. Secondly, I want a copy of the spec sheet to always be here on site to refer to when questions come up.
When I come back down, I want you to have an answer on what the spec sheet says about that door!"
"I remember what…"
Justin interrupted.
"I am NOT interested in hearing about your memory again. Find out what exactly is on the spec sheet."
Justin went inside before Harry could say anything. When he got upstairs, Brain and Granny turned to him with smiles.
Granny spoke first.
"Darling boy, I think you have spent too much time around me. I am so proud."
Brian chuckled.
"I have seen Justin, the pit-bull, in action before today. Having observed you and Mother Taylor, my money is on genetics."
Justin raised his eyes to heaven.
"I hope you both understand that it is not a good idea to provoke an angry pit-bull."
All three laughed and continues to investigate the second floor. Charlie went exploring in another area of the second floor. Granny was delighted with the space. Standing looking out at the pond and woods, she told Brian he was correct, the view was magnificent. She said she could hardly wait for the trees to start to change colors.
When they got back outside another worker was talking to Harry, since their backs were turned, they didn't notice their return. It was easy to overhear the man, holding some papers, talking to Harry.
"I told you there was a copy of the specs in the trailer. There is also the solid steel door in there that belongs on the storage room. That glass door is meant for that side balcony off the main bedroom."
Justin strolled over, surprising both men.
"Harry, I hope you weren't lying to me about not having a spec sheet on site. It certainly makes sense to have one here. I suggest you use it to keep track of what needs to be done here. The next time Brian or I question you, we are not all interested in hearing about, your obviously flawed memory, we want to see what is written down.
Are we clear on what I expect?"
The second worker couldn't keep the smile off his face. Harry looked annoyed.
"Anyone can make a mistake."
Justin nodded.
"Yes, I know that. You made several mistake earlier, not only about the door but also how to deal with the people paying the bills. You need some help in your customer service skills. If something like this ever happens again, I will have you replaced."
Harry just nodded. Justin smiled.
"Yes, you desperately need to be working on those skills. Get those doors switched before you leave today."
Justin turned and walked back to the smirking Brian and smiling Granny. Brian put his arm around Justin's shoulders as they walked back into the house.
Later when Justin was leaving to pick up Gus at school, the other worker was installing the correct door on the front entrance. He spotted Justin and gave him a wave and big smile. Justin returned the smile and the wave.
Justin sang along with the radio as he waited in the pickup line at the Academy. When he got to the front of the line a smiling Gus happily climbed into the backseat. When his Papa asked how his day had gone, Gus's reply was a restrained "Okay I guess".
Justin was surprised by his usually boisterous and talkative son's tone and reply.
"Gus, did something happen today that bothers you?"
The back seat was quiet. "Gus?"
"Can we have a talk Papa?"
"You know I am always happy to have a talk with you. Let me park so I'm not distracted."
Justin pulled into a Juice Pod and parked.
Let's go in and get a couple juice smoothies, we can drink while we talk."
Gus took Papa's hand as they walked across the parking lot. Inside they each ordered a juice smoothie. Justin suggested they sit outside while they talked and Gus happily agreed.
"So Gus, what happened today that you want to talk about?"
"My friends and I were having a catch at recess when a bigger boy came over to us. Tommy thinks he is a fifth grader. Anyway, the big kid tells me that Peter got his cousin kicked out of school. He said I better watch out because Peter did something to his family so there has to be payback."
Gus looked puzzled.
"I didn't know what that boy was talking about. Tommy said he was threatening me, and I should tell Mrs Connor. I didn't want to be a tattletale and maybe Tommy was wrong. I'm not sure what to do."
Justin counted to 10 in his head so he wouldn't scream. The Harkins family appeared to be the gift that just kept giving. He felt sure this kid that confronted Gus was Joe's cousin.
"Buddy, last year a bully tried to make Peter help him cheat on a test. Of course Peter refused to help him and the bully punched Peter. Because it was the third time the bully had been caught picking on other kids, he got expelled.
It really had nothing to do with Peter. You actually met that bully at John's birthday party. The school has very strict rules about bullying. That is one of the reasons Daddy and I decided to send John and Peter to the Academy. After three incidents of bullying, the bully is expelled, that is the school's rule. I am so happy and proud that you knew the right thing to do was talk to me or Daddy.
We will take care of it from here. If that boy does say anything else mean to you then you should tell Mrs Connor. That is not being a tattletale that is making sure everyone obeys the rules."
Gus now had a big smile.
"Thanks Papa. You always know the right thing to do."
Justin leaned across the table to give Gus a kiss on the cheek.
"Little Man, you can be sure that Daddy and I are always available to have talks and to help with any issue you have."
They were both smiling as they finished their smoothies and headed home. Brian and Granny were amusing the babies when Gus rushed over to say hello to his sister and brother. As soon as they heard Gus's voice Liam and Lily turned their attention to big brother.
QAF-QAF-QAF-QAF
The mental hospital called Meanie and asked her to come for a meeting. When she arrived, they told her that Lindsay seemed to be getting worse. She slept much of the day and refused food. They were relying on liquid supplements to get nourishment into her.
Melanie asked about their future plans for treatment, but the response was blank stares. Melanie was told that everything possible was being done for Lindsay, but they wanted to be sure Melanie didn't have any illusions about Lindsay's progress.
Melanie was permitted to stop by Lindsay's room but was unable to rouse her wife. She sat by her bed for a while before driving home, crying the entire time.
She parked in the alleyway behind the house and took a few moments to get herself under control before going inside. A laughing JR met her at the back door. Melanie bent down to give her daughter a kiss.
"Hi Mama! You are just on time. Aunt Leda and I are almost finished making dinner."
Mother and daughter walked into the kitchen. JR returned to tossing the salad and Leda was taking a casserole out of the oven. She looked over at her friend.
"Hi Mel. Did you want to change before dinner?"
"No, I'm actually pretty hungry and anxious to hear JR's school report went."
Leda smiled.
"Why don't you pour us a couple of glasses of wine. Milk for JR."
The three of them had a pleasant dinner. After dinner Melanie helped JR with her homework and later after watching a cartoon video Aunt Leda took JR up for a bath and bed.
When Leda came back downstairs she found Melanie sitting in the living room with a bottle of wine on the table beside her chair and half a glass of wine in her hands.
"No work tonight Mel? Want to watch some TV or play a few hands of rummy?"
Melanie shook her head as the tears started to flow down her cheeks. Leda came over to kneel beside the chair. She asked Mel what was wrong. At first Melanie was reluctant to say much, just that it was a bad day. Eventually she related her visit to the mental hospital and how horrifying that has been.
Leda took a sobbing Melanie in her arms and murmured how sorry she was that Lindsay was not improving. She gave Mel a comforting kiss on the cheek. After that, things moved quickly. Lips met, tongues tangled, clothes were removed. The women and the wine moved to the bedroom.