Post Fractalization
Chapter 1
“But...”
“I know, sweetheart, but it’s for the best.”
“But we always spend Christmas together.”
“Not always but I can’t remember a time when we haven’t. The doctor said I really shouldn’t be in a car for more than fifteen minutes. I don’t see how...”
“Then we’ll come to you. We’ll load everything up and...”
“Kiddo, that’s not very practical, now is it? And I doubt if the Morrison family is going to want to travel into Pittsburgh on Christmas day.”
“But...”
“Listen to me. Are you listening?”
“Yes, Maw.”
“Think of it as just a slight change of plans. And you’ll have a quieter, calmer Christmas. You hate when we invade the cottage.”
“No, I don’t, not really. We have all this food and the biggest fucking turkey I’ve ever seen!”
“Brian, honey, cooked turkey freezes well. Besides, Emmett will be there. He’ll organize everything.”
“But...”
“Sweetheart, the doctor said I should be right as rain in about a week. Why don’t you all come for Little Christmas? We can exchange presents at that time.”
“But...”
“Brian, you’re beginning to sound like a motorboat. Now the girls have decided to stay here; they’ve organized everything. Michael and Ben will do Christmas here too. And Hunter and his handsome doctor are staying in Pittsburgh. Danny even volunteered to cook. And frankly his lasagna is almost as good as mine. The girls can’t cook for shit. Emmett and Drew are already up there as well as Ted and Allen. I already spoke with Claire; she’ll help Emmett and I know I can count on Jenn. So you’re all set.”
“But Maw!”
“What honey?”
“I’ll miss you,” Brian said softly, disappointment and frustration evident in his voice.
“Oh sweetheart, that has got to be the sweetest thing you’ve ever said to me. I have to hang up now; the pain pills are starting to kick in. I haven’t been this stoned since that day I shared that joint with you.”
“Deb, are you really going to be all right?”
“Yes, kiddo, I wouldn’t lie to you.”
“I can arrange for a private nurse to take care of you.”
“No need, honey. Lacy and Kat have been here since I fell. And my Carl has been very attentive to all my needs.”
“TMI, Deb.”
“Brian, just spend Christmas with your family. Between Jennifer and Seth, Molly and Owen, the Bridgeton family, and the boys, the cottage will be full enough without us. Sweetheart, I have to hang up now, I’m very sleepy.”
“Okay, Deb, you take care of yourself and we’ll see you on the 6th. I love you, Maw.”
“Love you too, kiddo.”
“I’m calling you every day until we do Christmas.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything else. Bye, honey.”
“Bye, Deb.” Brian stared angrily at his phone as if it was solely responsible for ruining his Christmas instead of a greasy French fry.
It was two days before Christmas 2017. The plan was to have the whole family come to Edna’s Treasures to spend the holiday together. Jennifer and Seth had come up mid-week. They were spending time with Emmett discussing their wedding plans set for April. They had brought Gus with them. He was off from school and wanted to spend time at the cottage. Molly and Owen were planning on coming, as well as most of the Liberty Avenue family.
The newly formed Angles-Sanchez-Samuels family was spending the Christmas break in St. Augustine, thanks to Brian’s wizardry. Sarah Kingsley had commandeered Sharon and Owen Sr. to her condo for the holiday. Joan was spending the holiday with Brian’s sister’s family. That left the Bridgeton contingent and they were more than happy to spend the holiday at the cottage.
But even with knowing how much of the family was planning to spend the day, Brian suddenly felt very lonely. Debbie wouldn’t be there.
“Hey Pop,” Gus called up to the attic office. “I got a weird phone call from the moms. They’re gonna spend Christmas in the Pitts. Said something about Grandmaw Debbie flat on her back. What’s up with that?”
Hearing Gus bellow up in the air, the family all converged in the sun porch. From the balcony, like a king addressing his subjects, Brian explained.
“Debbie had an accident yesterday,” Brian started. A collective gasp came up from the family below. “She twisted her back. She’ll be fine but her doctor gave her strict instructions to rest. She also got the good drugs. She was flying high by the time we hung up.”
“So are we going there for Christmas?” Justin asked the 64,000 dollar question.
“No, she can’t handle it. So we have a slight change in plans.”
Brian then recounted his conversation with Debbie, about who was staying where.
“Sonny Boy, do you want me to take you back to the Pitts to do Christmas with the moms?”
“No, that’s what they called about. I’ll stay here, if it’s okay with you,” Gus said with a small smile.
“Okay, Gus, I appreciate that. Deb said she should be up and bitching in about a week. She wants to do Little Christmas, so we’re invited to her house on the 6th,” Brian told them.
“What about food? How is Debbie going to feed everyone?” Emmett inquired.
“Well, according to her, Danny makes a mean lasagna, so she won’t be forced to eat the Muncher’s food.”
“It’s not that bad, Pop.”
“I’ve had your mother’s two hundred cloves of garlic chicken, Sonny Boy.” Brian made a face as Emmett made a gagging noise. Bree laughed as did most of the family. "Besides, you know Debbie starts cooking early then freezes everything. Between that and the rest of the family, they have the dinner menu covered. She ordered that we carry on as usual,” Brian said as he walked down the spiral staircase and into the porch.
“I’m going to miss her,” Justin whispered as he met Brian at the bottom of the stairs. The lovers hugged. They were already feeling sad that their surrogate mother wouldn’t be joining them for the holiday.
“Well, then I say we party like we’ve never partied before,” Emmett spoke up as cheerfully as he could.
“What?” Brian growled.
“Did not Debbie say for us to carry on as if she were here? It’s not like she died. She’s too tough to let a little accident stop her. By the way, what caused the fall?” Emmett asked.
“A French fry. She was carrying a bunch of pink plate specials and didn’t notice a fry on the floor,” Brian told them. The present company cringed.
“Ouch,” Bobby said.
“Yeah, big ouch. They took her to the emergency room, did the usual tests and x-rays. She’s just badly bruised. They gave her some anti-inflammatory and lots of pain pills then sent her home with instructions to rest.”
“That’s probably hurting her more,” Jennifer commented.
“Probably,” Brian agreed.
“So I say we party in Debbie’s honor,” Emmett reiterated, and the family readily agreed.
*****
“Dada, is it time to get our tree yet?”
Brian groaned. Bree had been asking him that question every couple of hours for the last three days. The family had agreed that they were going to get the tree on Christmas Eve, but now Brian was wondering if it wouldn’t just be easier to go get one right now.
“Justin!” Brian called. “The princess wants to go get our Christmas tree. Are you up for that?’
“Why don’t you and Bree and Patrick go get the tree and I’ll haul all the decorations out while you’re gone? It’s time we got some Christmas spirit going around here.”
“I agree,” Jennifer said. “Seth and I will help you.”
“Sure,” Brian griped. “Send me out with the infants and you guys stay here and have eggnog and keep warm by the fire.”
“You hate eggnog,” Justin retorted.
“That’s beside the point.”
“I’m not an infant,” Bree declared.
“Me either,” Patrick threw in.
“I’ll go with you, Pop,” Gus volunteered.
Brian heaved a sigh. “Oh for fuck sake! Let’s go.”
“Yay!” Bree squealed. “Can we take Ashley?”
“Ashley?” Brian asked, aghast at the thought of another child being under his care.
“You know the short dirty blond kid that goes riding with us,” Gus laughed.
“I know who the fuck she is,” Brian bellowed.
“Pweeze, Dada?” Bree begged batting her eyes at her father.
“Ashley will be your responsibility,” Brian said glaring at Gus.
“Great. Ashley and I get along fine,” Gus giggled knowing that his Pop was beat.
“Call the child and let’s get this fucking show on the road.”
“Have fun,” Justin chuckled as he kissed Brian’s lips.
Soon they were all in the SUV on their way to pick up Ashley. Gus was driving until they got to Ashley’s house, and then Brian would take over.
“You drive good now, Gus,” Bree told him as they pulled up at Ashley’s.
“Much better,” Patrick added.
The door to the house opened and Ashley came running out to the car. Her mother who looked slightly harried waved at Brian and Gus as they changed positions and got back in the vehicle.
“Hi, Ashley,” Bree said happily as her friend got buckled in.
“I’m glad you’re coming with us,” Patrick told her.
Ashley smiled blissfully as they took off.
*****
Seamus Griffin, owner of the Piece of Plenty B & B in St. Augustine Florida was just starting to decorate his Christmas tree when the front door of his house opened and the Angles-Sanchez family came in.
“Hello, family,” Seamus called from his living room. “How was the tour of St. Augustine?”
“Just great,” Raph replied. “Oh my, you have a real Christmas tree?” Raph said in surprise.
“I certainly do,” Seamus replied.
“I kind of thought everybody in Florida would have an artificial tree,” Raph explained.
“A lot of people do, but I’m old fashioned and I love the smell of pine.”
“Smells really good,” Curtis said sniffing the fragrant air around the tree. “I never smelled a real Christmas tree before.”
Hector noted the wistful note in Curtis’ voice. “Did you have a Christmas tree at the … place you used to live?” He refused to say the Hardigan’s name if he didn’t have to.
“They had an ugly white artificial tree,” Curtis said with distaste. “I hated it, but they thought it was okay. I thought it made Christmas … ugly.”
Hector and Raph looked at each other. What a life Curtis must have had.
“Maybe we should have stayed home for our first Christmas together as a family. I never thought...” Raph said his voice trailing off with uncertainty.
“It’s okay,” Curtis said quickly. “I like it here.”
Seamus watched the newly formed family. They had told him the story of how they came to be together when they first arrived at the B & B. “I’ll tell you what,” Seamus began. “I could use some help decorating this tree, and I’d like nothing better than having you spend Christmas Day with me … if you’d like to.” The smiles on the faces looking at him told Seamus that they would very much like that. “I have a neighbor coming over on Christmas. We always spend the day together so that we’re not alone. Neither of us have any family. I think we should make this a real family Christmas, and that includes your family. How does that sound?’
“It sounds positively wonderful, if you’re sure we wouldn’t be intruding,” Raph said.
“I’m very sure you won’t be intruding. It will make it seem like a real Christmas. Usually it’s kind of lonely. I don’t often have people stay in the B & B over Christmas. They’re with their families.”
Hector nodded. “That’s very generous of you. It would be lovely to have a real Christmas with you and your friend.”
“Then consider it done,” Seamus said with a big smile. “Grab a box of ornaments and let’s make this tree into a masterpiece.”
Curtis picked up a box of the fragile looking ornaments. He lifted one out and very carefully hung it on a branch. He stood back to admire the placement. Then he went to the tree and gently turned the ornament so that its best features were shown. A wide smile lit up his face before he reached for the next ornament.
Hector, Raph and Seamus watched the young lad with smiles on their own faces. They were each thinking that this might turn out to be the best Christmas ever. That’s what Christmas was – family and friends, and they seemed to have found both.
*****
“That’s the one,” Patrick said decisively.
“Do you think it’s big enough?” Brian asked sarcastically. He looked up at the tall evergreen. It had to be almost twelve feet tall, twice as tall as he was.
“I think it’s perfect, Dada,” Bree said.
“We need a big tree for the sun porch. The roof’s very high,” Gus contributed. “I think it will look great. You don’t want some dinky little tree.”
Brian stared at his son. “What do you think, Ashley?” he asked the little girl.
“It’s awful big,” she said seriously, “but it will be … wonderful.” There was awe in her voice.
“Then the consensus wins. Let’s cut this puppy down,” Brian said.
“Yay!” Bree and Ashley said at the same time.
“I’ll get the tools,” Gus said as he headed back to the booth at the tree farm where you could get tools or someone to help you cut down your selected Christmas tree.
“Uncle Bri, will this tree fit on the roof of the car?” Patrick asked.
Brian smiled. “I was wondering the same thing, but I think we can manage. It’s not that far back to the cottage.”
“We’ll have to tie it tight,” Patrick added.
“Absolutely,” Brian agreed. “Wouldn’t want it flying off the roof of the car. You sound just like your father when you say things like that.” Brian tousled the red hair.
Patrick grinned. “I want to be an architect just like my Dad,” Patrick replied.
“Good for you.”
“I thought you wanted to be a lawyer like your Poppa,” Bree supplied.
Patrick frowned. “Yeah, that would be okay too.” Brian smiled at the boy who had two great fathers to emulate.
“What do you want to be, Bree?” Patrick asked.
“I want to be a artist like my daddies,” Bree declared.
“Don’t you mean like your Daddy?” Patrick asked her.
“Nope, bof my daddies are artists.”
“We are?” Brian asked with a chuckle.
“You make good advertising, Dada. Very pretty. Daddy told me all about what you do at Kinnetik. I be an artist just like you and Daddy.”
“You can be anything you want to be, Squirt,” Brian chuckled. He was silently pleased to be included in the ranks of the artists in the family.
“What do you want to be, Ashley?” Patrick asked the quiet little girl.
“I’m going to be a doctor,” Ashley stated decisively.
“That’s a worthy goal,” Brian said.
Ashley nodded her head. “My mommy gets really bad headaches, and I want to help her.”
“That’s good, Ashley,” Bree told her with a very serious expression on her face. “Maybe I should be a doctor too.” Bree looked very thoughtful.
“You don’t have to make a decision just yet,” Brian said gently.
At that moment Gus returned with a saw and an axe to chop down the tree.
“Let’s get to work, team,” Brian said. “We have a tree to fell.”
“Silly Dada,” Bree laughed. “The tree won’t fell by itself. We have to chop it down.”
“Right you are, Squirt,” Brian chuckled. He didn’t want to try to explain to his daughter what felling a tree meant.
Gus shook his head. “Want to chop or saw?” he asked his father.
“If you hold the branches up. I’ll start the process with the axe,” Brian said.
Before long they had the huge tree down. Brian sawed off the bottom of the trunk to make it even.
“Grab the top, Gus,” Brian instructed. “I’ll take the bottom. Each of you children take a limb and we’ll carry it back to the car.”
The little troop moved along the path. When they reached the booth, Brian paid the exorbitant amount demanded for the very large tree. The workers at the lot helped get the tree strapped to the roof of the SUV.
“Hot chocklet,” Bree said as soon as they were finished.
“Yes, Squirt. Let’s go inside and get five hot chocolates. I think my toes have already frozen into little blocks of ice."
“Maybe I should be a foot doctor,” Bree said, as Brian took her hand and Gus took Ashley’s. Patrick brought up the rear. They all walked over to the shed where hot chocolate was on tap.
Post-Fractalization
Chapter 2
“How’s it look, Squirt?” Brian asked Bree. The assembled family stood back to admire Brian’s handiwork in resurrecting the tree in the sun porch. Even without decorations, the full evergreen was a sight to behold. The aroma of fresh pine filled the porch.
“It’s bootiful, Dada!” Brian didn’t bother to correct Bree. He knew she was teasing but he agreed; the tree was indeed beautiful.
“Hi, hi, hi!” Emmett said as he breezed into the sun porch with Drew, Ted and Allen in tow. “Oh my, that’s a lot of wood!” Emmett exclaimed as he looked the tree up and down.
“Thank you,” Brian snarked as he handed Emmett a cup of eggnog and waggled his eyebrows.
“Oh you,” Emmett said as they all laughed.
“So are we going to decorate it?” Ted asked.
“That’s the plan,” Justin said. “And since my he-man hunted down the tree and erected...”
“I excel at erecting, Sunshine,” Brian interjected.
“Yes, you do,” Justin said as he wrapped his arms around his lover then gave his he-man a kiss. “And since you did such an outstanding job of obtaining our tree and securing it in the stand, it’s only fair that we do the decorating.”
“And what am I supposed to do while you’re all decorating?”
“Oh I don’t know, maybe sit, relax, watch my country ass as I work on the tree,” Justin said seductively.
“Mmm, my favorite pastime, Sunshine watching,” Brian purred. Justin helped his mate settle back on the chaise then joined the family in decorating the tree.
*****
While the family wrestled with tree ornaments and the task of turning the sun porch into a Winter wonderland, Brian decided that sitting idly by just wasn’t for him. So he began to make a simple dinner consisting of a huge salad, a large pot of tomato soup and dozens of grilled cheese sandwiches. John thought it prudent to help.
“What’s wrong, big bro? That’s the third time I’ve seen you grimace tonight. You been taking too many dips into the holiday cookies?”
“No, I haven’t. As a matter of fact, food has lost its appeal lately.”
“How long has this been going on?”
“Not sure. I was fine throughout the Summer but then about a month ago my side began to ache. Not a lot and not every day. Since it happened around Thanksgiving, I just thought I overdid it.”
“We do have a habit of celebrating large,” Brian commented.
“Yes, we do. Then it all went away. About a week ago, the pain returned.”
“Appendix?”
“Nah, had that removed when I was twelve.”
Brian flipped a bunch of sandwiches as John stirred the pot.
“I think you should talk to Doctor Dan. Have him check you out before it gets any worse. If anything happened to you, you’d have one really pissed off red-head on your hands.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“Can you handle having the soup? Maybe you should skip the cheese.”
“I can handle the soup. The salad shouldn’t be a problem either.”
“Okay, but if the pain gets any worse, I’m taking you to the hospital,” Brian growled.
“Don’t get all tough with me, Kinney. I can still take you.”
“Maybe, but if I squeal on you, that angry red-head will be all the backup I’ll need,” Brian said smugly. John nodded; he might be strong enough to bully Brian but not Bobby.
“Okay, you win. When Dan visits on Christmas I’ll speak with him. If he recommends I go to his clinic on Tuesday, I will. No argument.”
“Good enough. Now let’s go feed our Christmas angels.”
Brian and John began to bring the dinner fixings out to the porch.
*****
“So are you good with telling the family that we’re expecting in May?” Owen Jr. asked his wife. They were packing an overnight bag for their trip up to the cottage. Brian had insisted that they prepare to stay the night.
“Yup, I think it’s best. Although most of Liberty Avenue won’t be there,” Molly replied.
“I know. How is Debbie?”
“Mom spoke to her earlier today,” Molly laughed.
“What’s so funny?”
“Apparently, Debbie had taken a pain pill. Mom said she was stoned.”
“Now there’s a scary thought,” Owen chuckled then he gently patted Molly’s tiny baby bump. “I’m so happy, Mol, are you?”
“Yes,” Molly whispered, “I’m very happy.”
*****
It was Christmas Eve and everyone was sitting around in the sun porch. The abbreviated family who were going to be at Edna’s Treasures for Christmas was all there. The tree was decorated and the lights were twinkling on the branches. All assembled were quiet looking at the beautiful tree and the lightly falling snow outside.
“I hope we don’t get another storm for Christmas like we had last year,” Seth said.
“You don’t want another adventure like our shoveling escapades of last Christmas?” Brian chuckled. Justin was snuggled up against him on the chaise. He kissed the top of the blond head.
“I like shoveling,” Bree piped up.
“Sure you do, Squirt,” Brian replied. “You moved one shovelful of snow for every ton I moved.”
Justin pinched Brian and whispered, “That wasn’t very nice.”
“I still have sore muscles form all the shoveling,” Brian griped. Then he frowned and looked at his daughter. She looked ready to cry.
“I tried to help, Dada,” Bree whispered.
“I know you tried to help, sweetheart. And you did help, you and Patrick. Everybody helped. I’m just being grumpy,” Brian said regretting his hasty remark. “Come give me a hug, Squirt.” Bree crawled up on the chaise with her daddies. “And you better pray that we do not fucking have another snowstorm like last year,” Brian added once the princess had settled down on his lap. All seemed to be forgiven.
“As the resident weather predictor, I would say we don’t have anything to worry about,” John told the group. He popped his finger in his mouth and held the wet digit up in the air. “All clear,” he declared.
“Is the wind in the sun porch that predictable, Uncle John?” Gus laughed.
“Absolutely!”
“I need a drink,” Brian stated after a minute. “How about the rest of you?”
Most people nodded and mumbled their agreement. Brian and Bobby got up to go get drinks for everyone. Bobby brought in the huge bowl of eggnog that Emmett had prepared.
“It’s laced with the best rum money can buy,” Emmett announced. “I’ll have a large one please, Master Bobby.”
“Coming right up,” Bobby replied as he ladled a cup of the creamy liquid for Emmett.
“Beer?” Brian said from the doorway. A few hands went up and he distributed the bottles to those who wanted them.
Bobby was still dishing out the eggnog when Brian came back with a bottle of wine and also a bottle of very old scotch. He doled that out to those who wanted it. Bobby went and got some apple cider for the children.
“Pop, can I have a glass of wine?” Gus asked before Brian set it down.
“I don’t see why not, Sonny Boy. It’s the holiday season. But only one.”
“Sure, Pop,” Gus said with a big smile. He was finally getting to be treated like an adult.
Brian poured his son a half glass of red wine. Gus sipped it and made a face.
“It’s an acquired taste,” Brian said with a smile.
“I’ll keep trying,” Gus said. He really didn’t like the wine very much, but he didn’t want to admit it in front of everyone.
“Everybody got a drink?” Brian asked.
“Molly, you don’t have anything,” Jennifer said as she looked at her daughter. “Here, have my wine and I’ll get another glass.”
“No thanks, Mom.”
“But…can I get you something else?” Seth asked.
“Only some juice,” Molly said with a radiant smile.
“Juice? On Christmas Eve? That’s not allowed,” Brian declared.
“It is if one is pregnant.” Molly grinned.
“Pregnant?” The question echoed from all over the sun porch.
“You…you’re pregnant?” Jennifer asked, her mouth dropping open. “But you didn’t say anything.”
“I’m saying it now,” Molly stated.
“But … how far along…?”
“Not quite four months,” Owen said wanting to have a part in this discussion.
“Oh my God, Molly! That’s wonderful!” Jennifer squealed. “I’m going to be a grandma.”
“Congratulations, you two,” Justin said coming over to hug his sister and shake Owen’s hand.
The congratulations and questions flew around the sun porch for the next several minutes, until everyone had been filled in on all aspects of the good news.
“This is the best Christmas present,” Jennifer gushed. “I’m so happy.”
Brian sat down on the chaise where Bree still remained. He noted the troubled look on her face. “What’s the matter, Squirt? You like babies, don’t you?”
“Don’t know,” Bree pouted.
“Sure you do.”
“Dada, will Gamma Jenn still be my grandma if Molly has her baby?”
“Of course she will.”
“She forgot all about me,” Bree continued to pout. “She just wants the new baby.”
“That’s not true, Bree. She’s just excited because Molly made her announcement. It was a surprise to everybody,” Brian explained.
“Can I still be the flowergirl at the wedding?”
“I would think so. The baby won’t even be born by then, if my calculations are correct,” Brian chuckled.
“Good,” Bree said emphatically.
*****
Hector, Raph and Curtis were sitting in the living room of the Piece of Plenty. Seamus had invited them to join him for Christmas Eve. Christmas carols were playing softly in the background. They each had a drink and were looking at the finished tree, watching the lights as they blinked on and off.
“How do you like our tree?” Seamus asked.
“I love it,” Raph said. “We’ll have to start getting a real tree when we have Christmas at home.”
“Would you like that, Curtis?” Hector asked.
Curtis nodded. “I love the tree.” He stared at it for a minute or two. “I didn’t know anything could be so beautiful.”
Raph and Hector looked at each other, their eyes filling with tears. Raph reached over and took Hector’s hand giving it a warm squeeze.
Seamus watched them and smiled. “Christmas brings out the best in us. We feel things much more intensely than we do any other time of year. Especially the love of family and friends.
Everyone nodded at that statement knowing the truth of Seamus’ words.
“Is this normally how you spend Christmas Eve?” Hector asked.
“Sometimes I go to a party at a friend’s, but I’m much happier here with you tonight,” Seamus said.
“That’s lovely to hear,” Raph replied. “We couldn’t ask for a better Christmas Eve.”
“One thing will make it better,” Seamus stated. The three people in the room stared at him wondering what could possibly be better than what they were doing. “I’m going to midnight mass. It’s always so beautiful, the music and the service. Would you like to join me?”
“We’re not Catholic,” Raph said.
“I used to be,” Hector added ruefully. “But I haven’t been to church in a very long time. They didn’t want me when they found out I was gay.”
“My church is very forward looking. If you’d like to come, I’d like you to be there with me. The service really is lovely.”
“Won’t they object to a couple of fags and their new son being in their church?” Raph asked.
Seamus shook his head. “As far as I know, they don’t ask about sexual orientation when you come through the door. You won’t be able to take communion, but then I rarely take it either.”
“What do you say, Curtis?” Raph asked.
“I’ve never been to a Catholic church, but you make it sound nice,” Curtis said slowly.
“Looks like you’ve got company for midnight mass,” Hector grinned.
“That’s great,” Seamus replied with a warm smile.
*****
“Bree, come sit beside me,” Molly requested. She had seen the unhappy look on the little girl’s face, and she thought she knew the likely source.
Bree walked slowly to the couch and climbed up beside her Aunt Molly. Everyone else kept talking, trying not to look like they were watching to see what Bree might do.
“Are you worried about me having a baby?” Molly asked as Bree snuggled up against her.
Bree nodded. “Don’t want a baby.”
“Really?” Molly asked. “I’m really looking forward to it.”
“Why?” Bree asked.
“Because it will be part of Owen and me. Having children is a great experience. Your daddies wouldn’t have such a great life without you in it. That’s what I want from my son or daughter,” Molly explained.
“Is it a son or a daughter?” Bree asked.
“I don’t know yet.”
“Why not?”
“It’s too tiny to tell.”
“Where is it?”
“Right here,” Molly said placing Bree’s little hand on her tummy. “Inside there.”
Bree frowned. “How does it breathe?”
“It’s connected to me and I give it oxygen and blood and food.”
“Oh?” Bree said in wonder.
“Babies need lots of care when they’re little.”
“Do you want it to be a girl or a boy?” Bree asked.
“I don’t know,” Molly said. “It doesn’t really matter.”
“Yes, it does,” Bree declared. “I have mostly boys around here, except for you and JR, and Michelle and Cindy. But they’re hardly never here no more, and neither are you. I think it should be a girl.”
“Hm, that’s a good point,” Molly agreed. “But it might be a boy.”
“No, a girl!”
“I can’t guarantee that,” Molly chuckled.
“Could you trade it for a girl if it’s a boy?” Bree asked in all seriousness.
Molly laughed. “No, I’m afraid I’m stuck with whatever I get.”
“Okaaay,” Bree agreed reluctantly. “I guess a boy would be all right.”
“When it gets a little bigger you’ll be able to feel it kicking inside me,” Molly explained.
“Really?” Bree asked in surprise. “But I’m not apposed to kick anybody. How come the baby gets to kick?”
“The baby isn’t really kicking,” Molly said gently. “It’s just moving around inside me, and it feels a bit like it’s kicking.”
“Does it hurt?”
“No, it’s kind of fun actually.”
“Okay,” Bree agreed.
“Do you feel better about me having a baby now?”
“Well, if you have to have one, yes,” Bree stated.
“I do have to, and I want to. I’ll always love you, Bree, but I have enough love for the baby too.”
“’Kay, Auntie Molly.”
“Good girl.”
Post-Fractalization
Chapter 3
“Yay, it’s Christmas!” Bree screeched as she dashed out of her room and into the sun porch....at five...in the morning.
The Bridgeton family was due in at noon. They were planning to stay at Rachel and George’s house when the Christmas celebration was over before heading back home the following day. Jennifer and Seth were sleeping on the attic pull-out leaving the brass bed for Molly and Owen. Ted and Allen were staying at Drew and Emmett’s.
“Justin,” Brian murmured as he poked his lover with his elbow.
“Mmm,” Justin grumbled as he rolled away from the offending bony protuberance.
“Justin, your daughter is out there making a racket.” Justin rolled toward Brian then cracked open one eye. Brian gazed at the glaring blue orbit.
“Why is it when Briana is making a racket, she’s my daughter?” The eyelids surrounding the blue orbit narrowed on their prey.
“For the same reason she becomes my daughter when the Squirt is covered head to toe in mud,” Brian said smugly recalling the afternoon when their waif decided to water her plants all by herself. Justin groaned. Brian’s logic was impeccable as always.
“So what do I do with an excited five year old at the crack of dawn on Christmas morning?” Justin asked in frustration.
“I’m sure you’ll come up with something.” Justin began to frown. “But if I were you, I’d try to reason with the Squirt. She’s a smart cookie. She’ll understand that even though it is Christmas morning and there appears to be thousands of presents under the tree all with her name on them, we should wait until a decent time before we scream the house down.”
Justin nodded in agreement. Bree could be a very reasonable child when she wanted to be.
“On the other hand, I find bribery often helps in situations like these. Offer Bree one present on the proviso that she goes back to her room for the next three hours and plays quietly.”
Again, Brian’s logic was solid. Justin left Brian’s warm arms to slip into a set of warm sweats then left their room to deal with the whirlwind in the porch before she woke up the whole cottage. Brian watched Justin leave the room as he settled back down.
“Bree,” Justin whispered as he entered the porch looking for his wayward child.
“Shhh,” Molly shushed. “She’s here and asleep,” Molly said drowsily. Briana had climbed up onto the brass bed, nestled between Molly and Owen then promptly fell back to sleep.
“Do you want me to take her back to her room?” Justin asked quietly.
“No, please let her stay,” Owen said, his eyes shining with love. Bree reminded Owen so much of Molly and especially Molly as a child. Jennifer had showed Owen most of Molly's baby pictures. He envisioned his own daughter with bright blue eyes and strawberry blond hair. He gently swiped the wisps of the fine blond hair off Bree’s face.
Justin smiled then went back to his room.
“All under control, Sunshine?” Brian asked as Justin crawled back under the covers to snuggle next to his lover.
“Yes,” Justin confirmed. “And I think Molly and her husband will make wonderful parents,” Justin murmured as sleep retook him.
“Just like her brother,” Brian whispered, kissing the blond mane then drifting back to sleep.
*****
“Helll-ooo!” Emmett called out as he let himself in through the front door of Brian’s end of the cottage. “Anyone awake?”
“Yes, as you can see, we’re all awake,” Brian groused as he was making breakfast. The whole cottage was indeed awake, and at a more respectable hour. “Where are Tweedledee and the other boys?” Brian asked after Ted, Allen and Drew.
“They’ll be down soon, some last minute gift wrapping or some such. I’m here to help with breakfast.” Emmett stepped up closer to the stove. Brian smiled appreciatively at his loyal friend of so many years. Together they quietly continued to make the family’s breakfast.
*****
Christmas dinner although somewhat short on family wasn’t short on food or fun. Brian played Santa, Emmett his faithful Christmas fairy and Bree, his angel. It was close to midnight when John sent Beau to accompany the boys back to Emmett and Drew’s cottage. John walked with the Bridgeton family back to Rachel and George’s house.
“This was a beautiful Christmas, Jackie,” Claire said as she kissed her son who escorted them all to the door.
“You, Brian and the boys did a wonderful job, son,” Steve affirmed as he patted John on the shoulder. “A real fine job.” John blushed at their praise.
John kissed Rachel and Emily and had a bear hug for George. Taking Dan aside, John had a few words with his father-in-law doctor.
“Dan, I, um...” John wasn’t quite sure what to say.
“John, I’ll be at the clinic bright and early on Wednesday. Just rest tomorrow then come to the clinic fasting. We’ll draw some blood and do a sonogram.”
“But how?”
“I’ve been a doctor for a long time. You’ve lost a little weight and you’re off your feed. Anyone with eyes can see that you’re hurtin’ too. Now go home, rest, ease off any heavy meals and tell my son that you’re not feeling well before he figures it out and gets angry that you’re hiding something,” Dan advised his son-in-law.
“Yes, sir. Goodnight, sir,” John said contritely then went back to Edna’s Treasures.
“Trouble?” Claire asked Dan before entering the bedroom she and Steve were going to use for the night.
“No, no,” Dan reassured the astute woman. “I think John is experiencing a bit of a gall bladder problem. I instructed him to come to my clinic on Wednesday. If that’s what it is, it’s an easy problem to fix. He’ll be back building houses in no time.”
“I’ll hold you to that.”
“Don’t worry, Miss Claire, that boy of yours is tough as nails.” The in-laws bid each a good night then retired to their rooms.
*****
“Hey,” Brian greeted his brother as John came through Brian’s door. Brian watched John lock up just out of habit. Only family ever came to their lane.
“Hey,” John replied. “Did Beau come back?”
“Yup, a few minutes ago. I gave him a piece of turkey as a reward,” Brian admitted. “We’re making hot cocoa,” Brian said as he stirred a pot. John gave Brian a look.
“The kids are out for the count, even Gus. Jenn and Seth have turned in. Molly had a craving,” Brian said as if he really needed an excuse to make hot cocoa. “So do you want some?”
“Yeah, maybe a little, it’s cold out there.”
“Here.” Brian poured two mugs. “Bobby’s on your side. Take this back to him and tell him.” Brian had eyes. John took the mugs of cocoa to his end of the cottage.
“Is John all right?” Justin asked as he came into the kitchen. Brian was pouring the remaining cocoa into four mugs. He set the pot into the sink to soak then handed Justin two of the mugs.
“Not sure, but he will be,” Brian said.
“Okay,” Justin said, taking whatever Brian said as gold.
“Come on, Sunshine, let’s go bring the breeders their cocoa then go to bed,” Brian snarked. Justin rolled his eyes as he followed his spouse out to the porch.
*****
“Babe,” John began as he opened the door to their room with his offering of cocoa.
“Mmm, I thought I smelled chocolate,” Bobby said as he inhaled the rich aroma of the cocoa.
“I wish I could take credit for it but Molly had a craving that Brian could not say no to.”
“I like hot cocoa before I go to bed, makes me feel warm inside.”
“I thought that was my job,” John smirked.
“Always but cocoa can’t hurt.”
“No it can’t.” John paused as he sipped the warmed milk. “Bobby, I haven’t been feeling well lately. Nothing specific but something’s off. I have an appointment with your father on Wednesday.” John held his breath while he waited for Bobby’s reaction.
“Finally!” Bobby exclaimed.
“Huh?”
“I knew something wasn’t right, and did you think I wouldn’t notice the weight loss?”
“Why didn’t you say anything?”
“Because, you big lug, I was hoping you’d tell me on your own.”
“Oh,” John said contritely.
“What time do you have to be there?”
“Early.”
“I’m coming with you, no argument,” Bobby said sternly.
“No argument,” John agreed.
“Good, then finish your cocoa and let’s go to bed. I need you to keep me warm,” Bobby said with love in his voice.
“Yes, sir,” John said with a smile.
The lovers finished their cocoa then snuggled down to sleep.
*****
Meanwhile in Pittsburgh, Christmas was winding down at the Novotny-Horvath household.
“Here, sweetheart, have another glass of wine,” Carl said to his wife. She had been sitting on the sofa shifting restlessly and grimacing for the last hour.
“Thanks,” Debbie said having a long drink from the full glass. That was at least her fourth, but she didn’t have to drive anywhere. All she had to do was get up the fucking stairs to her bed. She glanced over at the stairs and groaned to herself. They suddenly looked very long and daunting.
“I think you should take another pain pill,” Carl told his wife.
“No, I’m fine,” Debbie said curtly.
“Maybe we should go,” Lindsay said. “You look uncomfortable, Deb, and we’ve been here all day.”
“You fucking stay where you are. I want to spend all of Christmas Day with my family … even if it is a smaller family than usual.”
“Then take a pill, Maw,” Michael said sticking a pill in her face. He had decided he had watched her suffer for long enough.
“They make me loopy,” Debbie sighed turning her head away. “Just ask Carl.”
Carl chuckled. “It’s kind of an interesting performance actually.”
“Shut the fuck up, honey, or I’ll have to hurt you,” Debbie threatened.
“You’ll have to be able to get off that couch by yourself first,” Carl chuckled again.
“From your lips to God’s ears.”
“Maw, take the damn pill,” Michael repeated.
“Oh, for fuck sake, all right.” Debbie grabbed the pill and stuck it in her mouth washing it down with the remains of her glass of wine. “Another wine, garcon!” she ordered Carl.
“Yes, ma’am.” Carl took her empty glass and replaced it quickly with a full one. Debbie took another drink.
“You should be careful with wine when you take those pills,” Melanie warned.
“I’ll be out of it any minute now anyway,” Debbie replied.
“Well, dinner was great as always. It was kind of nice having a smaller group for Christmas,” Lindsay observed. “But I did miss Gus.”
“He’s growing up just like my Michael,” Debbie said looking fondly at her son. “Soon he’ll be going away and you won’t see very much of him just like Michael.”
“Maw, I’m here all the time,” Michael protested. “And we just live a few streets away.”
“I know, but it’s not the same as having a little one around,” Debbie said becoming rather maudlin as the drug kicked in. “Even my granddaughter is growing up.”
“Yes I am, grandma,” JR piped in.
“Sweetheart, you’re so beautiful, I … I just love you so mush.” Debbie was starting to slur her words.
“I think we better go,” Lindsay said softly.
“No, no, please shtay.”
“Come on, Mel,” Lindsay prodded.
They stood and looked at Carl for permission. He nodded in agreement.
“I’ll get your coats,” Carl said heading upstairs to retrieve the pile of coats on their bed.
“Bye, Deb. Christmas was lovely,” Melanie said.
Debbie yanked the mother of her grandchild down into a bone crushing hug. “Thank you for being here, and for giving me my wunnerful, wunnerful granddaughter.”
“You’re very welcome,” Melanie said trying not to laugh. It was hard to tell if Debbie was sloshed or stoned, but they seemed to be having the same effect whichever it was.
Everyone hugged Debbie and donned their coats. Debbie held on tightly to each of her guests and whispered increasingly unintelligible comments to them before letting go. JR was the last and it seemed like Debbie might not let her go at all.
When they were finally able to pry the girl out of Debbie’s grasp, everyone except Michael and Ben headed out. They were going to stay and help Carl get his wife up the stairs.
“Okay, Deb, let’s get you to bed,” Carl said after he closed the door on their guests.
“It was a wunnerful party,” Debbie sighed.
“Yes, wonderful,” Carl replied. “Sit up, honey.”
“Wunnerful, wunnerful,” Debbie mumbled as she let Carl help to get her to the edge of the sofa.
“She sounds like Lawrence Welk,” Ben laughed as he helped to hoist his mother-in-law off the sofa.
“You’re just so wunnerful, Benjie. The bestest son-in-law in the whole wide world.”
“That’s great, Deb. Now, one foot ahead of the other. Come on, atta girl,” Ben encouraged. He had one of Debbie’s arms and Carl had the other. Michael brought up the rear as they tried to get Debbie to climb the stairs.
“Wunnerful, wunnerful Christmas,” Debbie muttered as she continued to plant a foot on each step at Carl’s direction.
“Almost there, Deb,” Ben said as they approached her bedroom.
“Wunnerful,” she mumbled as they lowered her onto the bed.
“I think she’s already asleep,” Michael said as he looked at his mother sprawled across the bed.
“Cover her up, and say a prayer of thanks,” Carl chuckled. “I couldn’t have done it without you.” He spread a blanket across his wife.
“Merry Christmas, Carl,” Michael said with a smile as he headed for the door.
“Wunnerful,” Debbie mumbled in her sleep.
*****
“It’s getting late,” Raph said looking at his watch. “You should be getting to bed, young man.”
Curtis made a face. “I’m not tired. I’m too excited.”
“Let him stay up. We can sleep in as long as we like in the morning,” Hector advised.
“It sounds like you all will have so much to remember about your first Christmas together,” Seamus said. “I don’t see the problem with enjoying it for as long as possible.”
“Me either,” Curtis said with a big smile.
“Looks like I’m overruled,” Raph laughed. “But that’s okay. Christmas only comes once a year.”
“What did you like best about your first Christmas with your new dads, Curtis?” Seamus asked.
“Um…”
Seamus frowned and was about to ask if there was a problem when he felt Raph touch his arm. He looked at the man, as Raph shook his head indicating for Seamus to wait.
“I liked being here,” Curtis began. “It’s nice and warm. Last year I was on the streets of Pittsburgh and I was freezing.”
“My goodness, I didn’t realize…” Seamus responded.
“That’s all over with now,” Hector said with a comforting smile at his son.
“Yep,” Curtis agreed. “I liked Christmas dinner, Mr. Griffin. Everything was delicious, but especially the apple pie.” Seamus smiled. “And I love my new iPod.”
“Sounds like you have had a very good Christmas, Curtis. I’m glad to have been part of it,” Seamus said honestly.
“I’m really glad you were too,” Curtis said with a big grin. “That pie really was awful good.”
“That sounds like a hint,” Seamus laughed. “I think there’s just enough for another small piece for each of us before we call it a night. What do you say?”
“I say yes,” Curtis agreed immediately.
“I’m going to have gained twenty pounds by the time we go home, but I’m in,” Raph said.
“Me too,” Hector added, as he got up to go help Seamus get the pie and drinks.
When they left the room, Raph turned to his son. “Has this really been a good Christmas, son? I wanted it to be something you would remember.”
“It’s been great, Dad. I’ll have so much to tell Billy when I go back to school. All the kids will be jealous. I’ve never had that happen before.” The smile on Curtis’ face threatened to split it open.
“Then we’re good.”
“Absolutely. Merry Christmas, Dad.”
“Merry Christmas, son.”
And it definitely was.
Post-Fractalization
Chapter 4
“Sweetheart!”
“Gamma Deb!” Bree screeched as she ran into Debbie’s arms. “You all better, Gamma?” Brian and Justin had brought Bree to visit Debbie and Carl on January 6th as promised, to celebrate a belated Christmas.
“All better, honey. How was Christmas?”
“Good, but I missed you and Auntie Molly has a baby in her belly and Unca John is gonna have a oporashun and I be flower girl for Gamma Jenn and Gampa Seth and I’m gonna be six,” Bree said all in one breath as she held up her hands to demonstrate six to Debbie.
Debbie looked up at Brian, who was wearing his patented smirk and Justin, who merely innocently shrugged.
“Well, I guess we can go home now,” Brian snarked. “That about sums up our lives for the next few months. See ya, Deb!” Taking Justin’s hand, Brian pretended to leave Debbie’s house.
“Hold it right there, mister,” Debbie commanded. Brian turned, still smiling. “Now sit, both of you, and tell me what the fuck is going on.”
Brian and Justin sat, making themselves comfortable while Carl brought over a tray of beverages and snacks.
“First, thank you, both of you, for the fruit baskets and the food deliveries and anything else you had your elves do for me and Carl these past couple of weeks.”
Brian maintained his neutral expression.
“Don’t even try it, kiddo. This has the hand of the master written all over it.”
Justin snorted.
“And you, Sunshine, don’t think I didn’t know about your involvement too. Sending over those twin bookends of yours to shovel and clean up the front walk. So don’t even try that oh so innocent look on me. I’m wise to you both. Now, what’s this about John?”
“He hasn’t been feeling very well for a few months and he finally took his stubborn ass to the doctor,” Brian explained.
“And?”
“Gall stones,” Brian confirmed.
“Is that all?”
“Yes, but you know all about those macho stoic types, Deb,” Justin quipped as he bit into a cracker with cheese. “He thought it would go away on its own.”
“Which it won’t, according to Doctor Dan,” Brian added. “John is being scheduled for surgery on the 11th. He’ll come home the next day.”
“But that’s next week! So soon?”
“Dan said it’s best to take it out before any real trouble starts. He says John is one healthy hunk of man, and he should come out of this with flying colors.”
“Do you want me to come to the cottage? I can stay for a few days to help,” Debbie offered.
“Thank you, Deb, but between Claire, Rachel and Emily, I think we have it covered.”
“Are you sure, Brian? I don’t mind.”
Brian reached over the coffee table to touch Debbie’s hand. “I’m sure, Maw. You know how John gets. He wouldn’t want a bunch of people hovering. It took a lot for him to agree to having his own mother stay with us let alone anybody else. The stubborn son of a bitch.”
“Isn’t that the pot calling the kettle black, kiddo,” Debbie said smugly and Justin nodded in agreement.
“Be that as it may,” Carl interjected, “I think you should just concentrate on getting better before you offer to take care of anyone else.” Carl shot Debbie a pointed look.
“Is there something you’re not telling us, Debbie?” Brian glared at his surrogate mother.
“No,” Debbie squeaked then shoved a slice of apple in her mouth.
“Carl?” Brian turned his gaze onto the retired officer and current manager of Babylon. Carl sighed then took a seat next to his wife.
“Brian, Debbie is healing very nicely, according to her doctor.”
“But?”
“But, he did recommend that Debbie hang up her apron for good. She could have been hurt a lot worse than a bruised back and pulled muscles.” Before Debbie could protest, Carl continued. “Of course, the lady in question has other ideas. And I, for one, think it’s time. We want to travel, see some sights that this country of ours has to offer and never got around to seeing.”
“We,” Brian knew what was coming next.
“Yes, Brian, we. Look, you gave me a purpose, something to do with myself while Debbie was still out there being Earth Mother to Liberty Avenue. But in case you haven’t noticed, we’re getting old.”
“No, you’re not,” Brian said softly, “you’re some of the youngest people I know.” There was a hitch in Brian’s voice that he couldn’t conceal. “What will I do without you?” Brian arose from his seat.
“Oh sweetheart, it’ll be okay. I promise,” Debbie said she got up off the sofa. Debbie drew Brian into a hug and hung on for dear life.
Just then Michael and Ben with JR came into the house. The two girls immediately ran off to sit near the Christmas tree, giggling as girls would do and began to seek out the gifts that were there waiting for Bree.
“He knows,” Ben whispered to Michael as they greeted Carl.
“You knew about this?” Justin asked as he greeted the two men.
“We had an idea,” Michael began. “Ma gets a real loose tongue when she takes the good drugs.” Justin giggled. “It’ll be hard going into the diner knowing Ma’s not there anymore but...”
“But, Carl and Debbie should be enjoying life at this point in time, not worrying about the lunch rush,” Ben said.
“Or what color glitter should rain down on the dance floor,” Michael added.
“I agree, Debbie should have retired years ago, but Brian is not going to want to let you go. You’ve been invaluable to Brian since you took over Babylon,” Justin said to Carl.
“I’m sure Schmidt will have some ideas, Sunshine,” Brian growled as he gave Debbie a kiss then went to shake Carl’s hand. “What the fuck am I going to do without you, officer?”
“Brian, you have a good bunch of people at the club. There are several who can take over, but I do have a couple of ideas of my own. But this is a party, no business talk at a party.”
“I agree, Monday will be soon enough,” Brian affirmed. “Now who wants presents?” Brian asked loudly as he whipped out his Santa hat and plopped it on his head.
“YAY!” JR, Debbie and Michael called out as Justin retrieved a large shopping bag from near the front door.
*****
By the end of the evening, Debbie’s house was all cleaned up. The ornaments and Christmas decorations were boxed up and stowed away in the attic for next year. Ben and Michael were leaving to take JR back to Muncherville. Brian was sipping a cup of coffee in the kitchen as Debbie was spreading her kisses and lipstick on the departing family.
“I never liked Little Christmas,” Brian grumbled.
“Bite your tongue, Brian,” Debbie admonished Brian sharply then cuffed his ear. “This is the Epiphany,” Debbie said as if that explanation would mollify Brian.
“I don’t understand,” Justin said as he looked back and forth from Debbie to Brian.
“The Epiphany...” Debbie was about to go into her explanation regarding the meaning of the day. Brian stopped her.
“I’m sure there’s some religious mumbo jumbo surrounding this day, Sunshine.”
“Brian, one of these days...”
“I know, I’m going straight to hell. Probably the only straight thing I’ll ever do. But to me this day means the end of Christmas. From the first time I met Debbie and Mikey, I got roped into helping them decorate this house for Christmas. I always hated the holidays at my house. Back then Jack and Joanie did nothing to mark the day or the season. Jack usually drank away his holiday bonus money and Joan, well, she had her reasons. The point is...”
“The point is,” Debbie took over. “When Brian became a part of my family, I tried to make Christmas even more special. And since I tried to have a real tree each year, we put it up as close to Christmas as we could to keep it fresh and always took it down on Little Christmas.”
“So that’s why you hate Little Christmas,” Justin said with new understanding into his spouse’s psyche. Brian shrugged then opened his arms for Justin. “I love you,” Justin whispered.
“I know,” Brian said softly into Justin’s ear. Brian gently kissed Justin then pushed him back. “Come on, Sunshine, time to take our elf home. We have our own undecorating to do. Deb, we’ll take the tree to the curb on our way out. And I’ll see you both on Monday to discuss our options.”
“All right, kiddo. You be careful driving home.”
“Yes, Maw,” Brian sing-songed as he got his own sloppy, lipsticky kiss.
With hugs and kisses all around, the Kinney-Taylors drove back to Edna’s Treasures.
*****
“What’s all this?” Brian asked as they entered the sun porch which miraculously was in its pre-holiday state, minus any signs of Christmas.
“A set of elves descended on the cottage not long after you left this morning,” John explained.
“I imagine the head elf was in fact a tall skinny fairy?” Brian snarked. John and Bobby nodded. “Hmm,” Brian mumbled. “I think I need a drink,” he grumbled then went to pour himself a small glass of brandy.
“What’s up with him?” Bobby asked.
“He found out that Debbie and Carl are planning to retire and do a bit of traveling. He’s experiencing separation anxiety,” Justin said.
“Ah,” John said then went to seek out his brother who he found making a fire. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah. Just feeling...”
“A little lost?”
“Yes. This had to happen sometime. Debbie and Carl are not getting any younger, but I just wasn’t ready for it to happen now.”
“I understand. When Gordon wanted to pull up stakes and move to the Village, I thought I was going to lose him. They’re not moving away, Bri, and they deserve this time together.”
“I know. I’m just being selfish.”
“No, you’re not. And from what I can see, there’ll be a lot of men and women out there feeling the same way. Debbie and Carl, especially Debbie, have been fixtures on Liberty Avenue for a lot of years. And for most of your life, that woman has been a mother to you. No one can blame you for feeling lost. You’ll get through this, I promise.”
John crossed the room to give his brother a hug. Brian readily accepted the love and support.
“John, you’ll do what the doctor says, won’t you?” Brian murmured as he hung on to his brother.
“I will, I promise. You can’t get rid on me that easily.”
“Bite your tongue,” Brian growled. “Can you join me in a drink?”
“Just a small one.” Brian poured his brother a small snifter of brandy. The brothers settled in front of the fire to silently count their blessings.
*****
“Hey, Gus, got a minute?” Curtis called over to Gus who was walking down the hall of the high school.
“Yeah, I was heading to the cafeteria. Are you on lunch? Want to join me?”
“Sure.”
The two boys walked down the hall towards the cafeteria where they would be having lunch. When they had each got their meal, they found a table to sit at.
“Did you just get back?” Gus asked. He knew that Curtis and his new parents had gone to St. Augustine over the Christmas break.
“Yesterday,” Curtis grinned. “My dads decided to stay a little longer. They didn’t think missing a few days of school would make too much difference.”
“By the look on your face, I’d say you had a good time.”
“It was … great.”
“So, what did you do?”
“We had Christmas with Seamus Griffin who owns the B & B that we stayed at. He was great and the B & B was great too. He took us to midnight mass and I got an iPod and some new clothes. It was … great!”
“You’ve used the word great at least fifteen times,” Gus chuckled.
“Have not,” Curtis countered good-naturedly. “But it was … great!”
“I got that,” Gus assured him. “What else did you do?”
“We walked around a lot and ate out and saw the lighthouse and Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and a whole bunch of stuff. The weather was nice and warm, but not really warm enough to swim.”
“That’s too bad. After all your swimming lessons,” Gus commiserated.
“That’s okay. I can swim pretty good, but I’m not sure I’m ready for the ocean yet.”
“I’m sure you will be the next time you go there.”
“What makes you think there will be a next time?” Curtis asked.
“My Pop and Justin really liked it there, and then he sent my moms to the same B & B, and now you and your dads.”
“Did you go to St. Augustine with your father?”
Gus frowned. “No, they took Bree and Uncle John and Bobby and Patrick.”
“Oh!” Curtis replied in surprise. “I thought you would have gone too.”
“Pop took me to New York right after they came back. I guess he felt a little guilty about leaving me behind,” Gus said thoughtfully.
“I’d like to go to New York someday,” Curtis observed.
“I’m sure you’ll get to go there. Talk to your dads about it,” Gus advised. “There’s a million things to do there.”
“Maybe I will,” Curtis said thoughtfully. “Where would you like to go if you could pick a place anywhere in the world?”
“Hm,” Gus replied thinking about all the possibilities that he might choose. “Hawaii would be great,” he said finally.
“Oh, yeah! I never thought of that.”
“But I think I’d really like to go to Europe,” Gus admitted. “There’s so much history there. And the art! It would be great if my Pop and Justin could go too. Justin knows a lot about art history.”
“Maybe that’s what you should ask for when you graduate,” Curtis suggested.
“You may have a good idea there,” Gus laughed. He decided to file that away for future consideration.
*****
“Brian, where are you?” Justin shouted.
“Up here,” Brian said looking down from his attic office.
“How come when I was in Pittsburgh all the time, you were grumping around here and bemoaning that I wasn’t here? And now that I’m here, you hide away up in your office.”
“Is that what you think I’m doing?” Brian asked with a bemused smile.
“Yep.”
“You couldn’t be more wrong.”
“What do you mean?”
“Come up here and see.”
“What are you up to?” Justin asked as he started up the steps.
“Just a little something I whipped up,” Brian chuckled.
“What? What is it?” Justin asked eagerly as he entered the office.
Brian turned his computer screen for Justin to see. There on the screen was a huge bouquet of beautiful long stemmed yellow roses.
“They’re beautiful,” Justin said softly. “Is this part of an advertising campaign?”
“I guess you could say that,” Brian smirked.
Justin frowned. There seemed to be something that he wasn’t getting. “What’s the product?” Justin asked.
“I’m looking at it.”
Justin turned towards Brian only to find himself staring into the gold flecked eyes that he loved so much. He frowned and grinned and shuffled a foot. Usually he was onto Brian as soon as anything happened, but there was definitely something happening here that he wasn’t cluing into. “Tell me what’s going on.”
“Push F5,” Brian instructed.
Justin leaned over the computer and did as instructed. The white bow on the bouquet of yellow roses untied and revealed a message.
For my Sunshine, since real roses make him sneeze. I’m so happy to have you here with me.
“Do you like it?” Brian asked. Justin could almost feel Brian’s shyness at asking that question.
“I love it,” Justin said turning back to his husband. “You made it for me!” His smile was radiant.
“I did,” Brian grinned. “I may not be as computer savvy as your twins, but I can do a few things.”
“It’s wonderful, Brian. Thank you so much. I love my flowers.”
“I almost bought you roses a long time ago,” Brian said wistfully.
“When?” Justin asked in surprise.
“I … I changed my mind and didn’t get them for you. I wish now that I had.”
“What happened to ‘No apologies, no regrets’?” Justin asked.
“More of my bullshit,” Brian admitted. “Do you really like your virtual bouquet?”
“I couldn’t ask for anything better.”
Brian smiled warmly and found himself with his arms full of Sunshine.
“Do you think my mother and Seth would mind if I ravished you on the futon they so recently vacated?” Justin asked huskily.
“With apologies to your lovely mother, but who gives a fuck what she thinks about it?” Brian laughed. “Go for it, Sunshine.”
And Sunshine did.
Post-Fractalization
Chapter 5
“The ubiquitous Richard Connolly, thank you for meeting me,” Brian said with a bit of a flourish as he shook the young reporter’s hand.
“Mr. Kinney.”
“Brian.”
“Brian, I was surprised to receive your call.”
“Good, I’m full of surprises. Let’s sit and order lunch,” Brian suggested.
“I’m also surprised at your choice of eating establishments,” Richard said as he looked around the diner.
“What? You don’t like diner food?”
“I love diner food. I guess it surprises me that a man of your stature likes diner food.”
“It’s all right.”
“Isn’t the Village Diner a little out of the way for you? Kinnetik’s on the other side of town.”
“True, but then I would have had to meet you at the Liberty Diner. Considering you barely survived your foray into Fag-land, I didn’t want to shock you.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Heteros are in the minority in the land of Liberty,” Brian explained.
“Oh, well, I...” Richard blushed. Brian held up his hand.
“No need to say anything, but I do need to say something. I wanted to thank you for the series of articles you wrote about Justin, and about the two of us. Not only were they well written but they were done with a professionalism that’s rarely seen today. I appreciate the effort you put into them. Although you had me on pins and needles for two months waiting for them to be published.”
“I’m sorry about that. What I learned about you, Justin and your family couldn’t possibly fit into just one article. I had to find a way to publish the series. The magazine seemed to be the way to go.”
“Well, I do thank you. Justin thanks you and the same goes for the rest of the family. Bree insisted on having her own copy of the magazine. I had the whole family running around town buying up whatever copies they could find. You righted some wrongs and I am forever grateful. But enough about me. Let’s have lunch then I want to hear if you managed to weasel out of your wife what sights she witnessed when she visited Babylon as a wee lass,” Brian said with a put up brogue.
Richard laughed and blushed at the same time.
“Uh huh, so she did spill the beans. Justin and I haven’t been dancing for a very long time, but if you want first hand experience of Liberty Avenue at its sexiest, glitziest, and at its gayest, you just say the word. We’ll personally escort you.”
Richard’s blush became deeper as their lunch arrived.
“Eat now, all you want to know about hot man on man sex, later,” Brian whispered, enjoying the varying deep tones of red on Richard’s face.
They ate their lunch in companionable silence.
*****
“Mr. John Anderson?” the admitting clerk called out into the waiting room on the appointed day for John's surgery. John and Bobby stood up. “This way please. Just Mr. Anderson for now, we’ll call you in a minute,” she addressed Bobby.
John gave Bobby a discreet peck on his temple then turned to follow.
“I’ll see you in a minute, Babe,” John said bravely to Bobby then disappeared through the door. Bobby stood there staring at the door for a second then returned to his seat.
“Mr. Anderson, just follow me, and please put these on. One gown with the opening to the back and you can use this one as a robe. I managed to find an extra large one. You are tall,” the woman exclaimed. John merely nodded as he accepted the hospital gowns with dignity. He appreciated the robe; he wasn’t fond of the thought of his worldly assets on display.
John placed his clothes in a bag that was coded for him, put on the gowns and then the booties on his feet. He waited a few minutes then was escorted to the prep area.
“Please have a seat and could you state your name for me?” a nurse in surgical scrubs asked, verifying her patient.
“John Anderson,” John said as he sat in a hospital chair.
“Mr. Anderson, my name is Nancy. I’ll be your scrub nurse today. What’s the procedure you’re having today?”
John gave her a curious look then answered. “I’m having my gall bladder removed.”
“Very good. In a few minutes your surgeon will be here to go over the procedure with you. You’ll also meet your anesthesiologist and we’ll start your IV. Is someone with you today?”
“Yes, my partner, Bobby Morrison, is in the waiting room,” John replied.
“I’ll go out and get him. He can stay until we take you into the operating suite,” the nurse said then turned to get Bobby.
“Thank you,” John murmured. Knowing he was going to see Bobby eased John’s nerves.
“John, good to see you again,” Dr. Kaplan said as he came into the prep room. “As you know we’ll be doing this procedure laprascopically.” The surgeon then went into detail of how he was going to perform the procedure. “It should be all over in about an hour.”
Just then Bobby walked into the prep room.
“Bobby?” the surgeon asked as Bobby took John’s hand.
“Marc? Marc Kaplan? You always said you wanted to be a doctor and you did it. It’s good to see you,” Bobby said as he shook the doctor’s hand. “John, Marc and I went to high school together. He was a football jock,” Bobby laughed.
“Well, I tried baseball but I kept dropping that stupid little ball. I needed something bigger.” The former classmates laughed. “Wait a minute, Morrison. You’re Dan Morrison’s son? Oh man, I got a call from him this morning. Said something about his son-in-law and that I better do right by him. Your old man still has privileges here and he’s on the advisory board. He’s a good doctor. He left a big hole when he decided to go back into private practice. Well, I have to do those doctor type things before John gets into the OR suite. I’ll take good care of him and see you later. John, I’ll see you in a few minutes.” The surgeon turned then disappeared through the curtains.
Before John or Bobby could say anything, the anesthesiologist came in and began to ask John a whole bunch of questions. He spoke so fast it was making John’s head spin. The nurse who was supervising chuckled then told the man to slow down. The anesthesiologist cleared up any questions John had then he also left the room. The last to come in was the nurse anesthetist. He explained what he was going to do then started the intravenous line in John’s left hand.
“We’re all set,” the scrub nurse said. “I’m going to take you in now. Mr. Morrison, if you would go back to the waiting room, we’ll let you know when the procedure is done.”
“Thank you,” Bobby said softly, gazing into John’s eyes. John took Bobby’s chin in his right hand, tilting up Bobby’s face. John placed a chaste kiss onto Bobby’s forehead.
“I love you,” John whispered.
“I love you, too,” Bobby replied. “See you when it’s all over and don’t give anyone a hard time,” Bobby teased. John smiled then followed the scrub nurse into the OR suite.
“John, I want you to step up here and lay down,” the nurse anesthetist indicated a small stool for John to use to step onto the table. “We’ll make you comfortable then I’ll give you something to make you sleep. It’ll all be over in no time.”
John laid back, watched all the masked faces perform their designated tasks then fell asleep.
*****
“It’s over, Babe,” John heard Bobby say. He was a little groggy, his throat felt slightly raw and his abdomen felt like he went a few rounds with Muhammad Ali, George Foreman and both Sugar Rays. “You did fine.”
John watched the nurse adjust his IV line and the alternating pressure wraps on his legs then he fell back to sleep.
*****
“So what room is he in?” Brian asked Justin as he looked around admiring some of the hot young doctors.
“Three forty-one and behave yourself,” Justin replied rolling his eyes, nonplussed at the wandering eye of his spouse. Surviving all the gossip that surrounded the couple before the holidays had only cemented Brian and Justin’s already strong relationship. But Brian being Brian and still the sexiest man on the planet, he had to flirt when the opportunity ‘came up.’
“There.” Justin pointed then slipped into the hospital room. John was scheduled to stay overnight then be discharged after the doctor’s rounds the next morning.
“Very attractive, big bro,” Brian snarked. “I love the blue spots,” Brian teased, referring to the typical blue spots on the hospital gown. “Anything good in here,” Brian went on, gently thumping the IV fluid bag that was pumping fluids into John’s arm.
“You know if I wasn’t stuck in this bed...” John tried to growl but his throat was still sore and the simple act of talking tired him. Brian stopped his teasing, then began to straighten out John’s sheets and blankets which were rather disheveled since being transferred into the bed.
“Thank you,” John whispered. Brian smiled his genuine smile. The one he only showed to his closest family.
“Where’s Bobby?” Justin asked noting the absence of his red-headed brother-in-law.
“I’m allowed clear fluids so he went to get me a cup of tea. I’m feeling a little cold,” John explained. Brian immediately took the extra blanket that was draped at the bottom of the bed and added it to John’s covers. “Thanks,” John said.
“Anytime, can’t have you catching a chill, now can we?”
“Bobby’s also calling Patrick,” John explained. Both Patrick and Bree were nervous about John’s operation so they needed a little reassurance. Bree decided it was her job to look out for Patrick.
“Hey!” Bobby called out as he breezed into the room. He had John’s tea and a can of warm ginger ale.
“Hi,” John said with a smile.
Pushing the right buttons on the bed rails, they helped John to sit up so he could sip his tea.
“What’s for dinner?” Brian asked as an orderly brought in a tray and set it on the bedside table. Brian arched his brow at the silent delivery then began examining the items on the tray.
“Hmm, yummy. Apple juice and look! Two favors of Jello. Um, my mistake, gel-type dessert. We have yellow and red. Oh goody. Better eat it quick before it un-congeals,” Brian said, making a look of disgust on his face. “You made it through your little operation with flying colors only to be killed by some artificial gelatin. Yech!”
Bobby and Justin giggled.
“Making someone who just had abdominal surgery laugh, is NOT good. Justin, take him home before I bust a gut or something,” John groused.
“Fine, I can take a hint. Let’s go home, Sunshine, and leave mister grumpy pants to his hubby,” Brian grumbled good-naturedly. “We’ll be back in the morning to help take you home,” Brian whispered into his brother’s ear as he kissed John’s temple, patted down an unruly bit of hair then readjusted John’s pillow and blanket. “Come along, Sunshine!”
Justin gave John a kiss, hugged Bobby then accompanied his spouse. “See you later, Big Red,” Brian commanded as he and Justin left the room.
“Your brother certainly knows how to make an exit.”
“Yes he does.”
“Drink your tea before it gets too cold.”
“Yes, sir.”
An hour later John was peacefully sleeping as Bobby slipped out of the room.
*****
“Auntie Rachel, is Unca John going to be okay?” Bree asked. She and Patrick were sitting at Rachel’s kitchen table having cookies and milk.
Patrick looked up with a worried frown. “My daddy will be fine,” he declared.
“Absolutely,” Rachel said in support of her nephew. “Having your gall bladder removed nowadays is pretty routine.”
“But doesn’t he need his gall badder?” Bree asked.
“Bladder, dear,” Rachel chuckled. “And no you don’t need it.”
“Then why do we have it?”
Rachel stared at Bree. She had no idea how to answer that. “Maybe you should ask Dr. Dan that when you see him.”
“’Kay,” Bree agreed. “Should I be a gall badder doctor when I grow up?”
“You want to be a doctor?” Rachel queried. “I haven’t heard you say that before.”
“Ashley wants to be a doctor,” Patrick piped up, “so now Bree does too.”
“I see,” Rachel smiled.
“My Dada said I can be anything I want,” Bree declared, a little miffed that Patrick thought she was copying Ashley.
“And you definitely can be anything you want,” Rachel said trying to mollify the little girl.
“See,” Bree retorted to Patrick.
“When will my dad come home?” Patrick asked changing the subject. “I miss him.”
“He’ll be home tomorrow,” Rachel replied gently. “Don’t worry, Patrick. You heard what your Poppa said. The operation went fine.”
“It’ll be okay, Patrick,” Bree said taking the little boy’s hand into hers. All of her resentment about Patrick thinking she was copying Ashley melted away, as she realized how worried Patrick was.
Patrick squeezed her hand and smiled at his cousin and best friend.
*****
“Ma, how are you?” Michael asked as he entered the familiar house that his mother and Carl shared.
“I’m fine, sweetheart. How are you and Ben?”
“Is your back giving you any problems?” Michael asked ignoring her attempt to redirect the conversation.
“Just an occasional twinge. Almost as good as new,” Debbie said cheerfully.
“Ma, I want you to take it easy. I’ve been telling you that for years.”
“I know, but I need to feel useful.”
“You said you were going to retire,” Michael jumped in quickly. “I’m not letting you back out of that promise.”
“It wasn’t a promise,” Debbie said screwing up her face with distaste. “I merely said that Carl and I were thinking about it.”
“You said you were going to do it,” Michael insisted.
“I … we … Carl and I … we have to make some decisions.”
“They’re already made. You’re retiring.”
“But the boys of Liberty need me,” Debbie protested.
“And I need you, Ma,” Michael told her gently. “I need you around … and healthy. It’s time to give up working at the diner.”
“I know,” Debbie sighed. “My back aches all the time, and it isn’t just from my fall.”
“It’s from carrying all those heavy trays all those years,” Michael reminded her.
Debbie nodded, knowing he was right. “But what about the street kids and the gay boiz whose parents kick them out? They need someone to look out for them.”
“You can still help them,” Michael said. “I was talking to Hunter, and they could use volunteers at the clinic. You could help them over there.”
Debbie looked thoughtful. “Yeah, I guess I could. And I need to get our PFLAG group mobilized. I want you and Ben to be able to marry … legally, before I die.”
“Don’t talk about dying, Ma. You’ve got a lot of good years ahead of you yet.”
“Yeah, I do,” Debbie replied, suddenly sounding a lot more positive than she had a minute ago. “And I have a lot to do.”
“And you’ll do it … after you and Carl have that long vacation that you’re both entitled to,” Michael said.
Debbie gave her son a big hug and whispered in his ear, “I love you, Michael, and I know you’re right. It’s just hard to let go of everything I’ve done all my fucking life.”
“Just think of it as a new phase of your life, where you can do all the things you want to do without having to work your fingers to the bone to make ends meet.”
Debbie released her son from the hug and looked into his eyes. “I lived so much of my life that way that I don’t really know anything else,” she admitted.
“Then maybe it’s time you did.”
“Yeah,” she agreed. “Maybe it is time.”
Post- Fractalization
Chapter 6
“Hey big bro, top of the mornin’ to ya?” Brian greeted his brother who was stretching his legs in the sun porch. “I come bearing tea.”
“Thank you,” John said as he gratefully accepted the steaming brew and the kiss to his cheek.
It was the Monday following John’s surgery. His appetite finally returned; however, his abdomen was still very bloated and while he was hungry, nothing was very appetizing at the moment.
“Where’s your harem?” Brian asked referring to Claire, Rachel and Emily who had buzzed around John since he came home from the hospital.
“They’ve been dismissed, all with excellent references and explicit instructions to stay away from me for at least a week. Brian, I love them, I really do and I appreciate all they did but I’m not sick, just a little weak. I swore to them that I wouldn’t lift anything heavier than my toothbrush. So the ladies are cutting me some slack, for now. Rachel warned me she’ll be dropping in from time to time and reporting back to mom and Emily.”
“Man, you are so whipped!” Brian teased. John shrugged, not bothering to deny it. “Have you eaten?”
John shook his head.
“The kids are off today. We’re all home, so I thought I’d do brunch. Do you think you could manage some eggs and toast?”
“Yeah, that sounds good.”
“Then make yourself comfortable and...”
“Helll-oooo!” Emmett called out from somewhere near Brian’s front door. The families on the lane all had copies of each other’s keys for emergencies. Or not. Emmett never hesitated to use his.
“Oh for fuck’s sake,” Brian grumbled.
“Hey, be grateful he stayed away for this long,” John mentioned. Emmett was fully aware that the ladies in John’s life had intentions of ‘helping’ during his initial recovery. Emmett was also aware of when they had been dismissed.
“Aren’t there laws regarding breaking and entering,” Brian groused.
“Only if one does it without a key,” Emmett countered cheerfully waving his key as he shoved a basket of goodies in Brian’s hands then gingerly gave John a hug. “How are you feeling?”
“A little better each day.”
“Good to hear, honey. Now both of you sit and relax and let your fairy godmother handle everything!”
The brothers, Kinney shrugged, unable to argue with their friend. They sat back as Emmett took over the meals and mothering for the day.
*****
“Hi, Michael.”
“Hey, Boy Wonder, are you here to work on more Rage cartoons?”
“Um, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about,” Justin said pensively.
“I can’t believe we’re already into the third printing of the Diversity issue and we’re receiving orders for extra DVDs. I’ve been getting calls from LGBT and PFLAG groups across the country ordering the DVD to present at their meetings.”
“Yes, um, Sidney’s been contacted too.”
“And even some public schools are calling. Are you and the twins going to work on an adult cartoon soon?”
“No.”
“NO?! Why not?”
“Uh, just for the reasons you’ve said.”
“What do you mean? Justin, I don’t understand. You said you guys wanted to animate some of our comics. The timing is right. Our sales are going through the roof. I can’t keep enough of them in the store. Practically every distributor is calling me asking for more!” Michael’s voice was getting higher and higher the more excited he got.
“Michael, I’ve just come from PIFA. They asked to meet with me and I had Bobby come along with me.”
“Why did you need a lawyer to talk to PIFA?”
“They requested that we don’t make adult versions of Rage until the Donahue boys and Lacy graduate.”
“But...”
“I know. Lacy will be finished soon but the boys, they’re sophomores. We have at least two more years before they graduate.”
“I hope you and Bobby told them where to stick it.”
“No, we didn’t.”
“You WHAT!”
“Listen, Michael. While the Institute has learned a lot more tolerance since I went there,” Justin tried to explain to his irate business partner. There were still those at PIFA that remembered Justin’s involvement in Stockwell’s campaign and that Justin refused to back down on his position. “The Institute has policies on decency. The kids have to be careful or they could be suspended or expelled.”
“This coming from the man who had JT sucking off Rage on the front cover of our second issue,” Michael snarked.
“But that was me. I was responsible for only me. Now we’re responsible for those kids.”
“Lacy is not a kid.”
“No, she’s not, but she is a student at the Institute and therefore subject to their rules. Do you want her to be suspended? You know how long it took for her to become the woman she is now. Do you want to be responsible for damaging her confidence?”
“Of course not.”
“Then we wait for them to graduate. And we continue to produce ‘G’ rated DVDs. As you said, there are a lot of organizations who are looking for something on Diversity.”
“So what, now you want Rage and JT to have a baby?”
“Why not? Or maybe Sateeena and Kitty have one or Zephyr. What difference does it make? There’s a need out there waiting to be acknowledged and filled.”
“Justin, what the fuck are you talking about?”
“Who’s buying Rage?”
“Gay kids.”
“And?”
“And the customers who were with us from the beginning.”
“How old are those customers?”
“How the fuck should I know?”
“Michael, think about it, they’re our age. Well, anywhere in between. The point is that they’re aging just like us. They have families just like us. You know as well as I do that you would not be showing Rage to JR anymore than I would give a copy to Bree. But they’ve both watched the Diversity DVD and have the comic that goes with it. Bree even brought it to school for Show and Tell. Now do you see where I’m going with this?”
“I think so.”
“Michael, talk to Ben about it, talk to Brian or Mel. Talk to Debbie! Get their opinion. We don’t have to do anything about it just yet. And the guys already have an idea for a sequel to Diversity.”
“Yeah?”
“Something about adoption. I think they were inspired by Curtis.”
“Oh. Justin, I’m not ready to give up on Rage.”
“Neither am I and that’s why you have Lacy. She’ll keep Rage on the cutting edge. But we’ve grown up, Michael. And so has Rage.”
“I guess he has.”
“You say it as if it’s a bad thing.”
“No, it’s just sometimes I wish Rage never grew up.” Justin realized Michael wasn’t speaking entirely about their comic hero.
“Michael, even Peter Pan grew up. But you know there’ll always be a little part of Rage that will never grow up. He’ll always be snarky, devious, protect Gayopolis one fuck at a time, sexy as all hell and looking to get his dick sucked,” Justin said with a twinkle in his eyes.
“Yeah, you really think so?” Michael’s forlorn look suddenly transformed into a bright expression.
“Yeah, I know so.”
“Okay. I can get with the program. I was kinda proud when I got a call from my old elementary school. One of my old teachers became the principal there. She wants a copy of Diversity to show the students at assembly. She even contacted Ma to tell her how proud she was that I turned out so well.”
“See, Michael, Rage will turn out to be important for so many reasons. And to a new generation.”
The friends and business partners parted ways with a better understanding of Rage and of themselves.
*****
“Morning, Miss Jennifer,” Emmett said as Jennifer walked into Emmett’s Place.
“Morning,” Jennifer smiled.
“Ready to make some decisions?”
“I guess so. I wish I had a clearer understanding of what I want for the wedding,” Jennifer sighed as she slid into Emmett’s booth.
“That’s my job,” Emmett said confidently. “We’ll talk and you’ll tell me things and then I’ll know exactly what to do.”
“If only it was that simple.”
“It is, sweetie,” Emmett told her. “Now, let’s have some coffee and a…” Emmett didn’t finish that sentence waiting for Jennifer to tell him what she would like to eat.
“Oh, one of those horribly sinful popovers,” she sighed. “I’ll never be able to get into a decent wedding dress.”
“That’s something else we should discuss,” Emmett said setting the tray of coffee and popovers on the table. He slid into the booth beside Jennifer. “What do you have in mind for your wedding dress?”
Jennifer let out another big sigh. “I don’t know,” she said. “I keep changing my mind.”
“Okay, have a popover and I’ll play twenty questions with you.”
Jennifer took a bite of the popover. “Oh fuck, these are good,” she said. “And I quote my son-in-law on that.”
Emmett giggled. “He does love my popovers.” Emmett sat with a goofy look on his face for a minute. “Ahem,” he finally said clearing his throat, “so what color do you want?”
“Your popovers come in colors?” Jennifer asked munching on her second tasty treat. They were so light and airy that they seemed to melt in her mouth.
“No, silly, your wedding gown.”
“Oh, sorry,” Jennifer laughed. “These things make me lose my train of thought. The only thing I know for sure is that I don’t want a white dress. That would be beyond tacky for someone my age.”
“Not anymore, sweetie,” Emmett informed her. “Nowadays women get married in whatever the fuck color they want.”
“Well, I’m still rather old fashioned,” Jennifer said. “Having been married once already, I think white would be totally inappropriate.”
“I actually agree with you,” Emmett said confidentially. “But I have to be careful about what I say to my clients.”
“Yeah, I suppose you would.”
“So how about ivory or a creamy beige?”
“Hm, maybe.”
“Or a pale rose, like one of the flowers in Brian’s garden?”
“Oh,” Jennifer said in surprise, “I hadn’t thought of color.”
“You look lovely in pink,” Emmett said.
“Do I?” Jennifer asked coyly.
“Yes, Miss Jennifer, although you look lovely in almost anything you wear.”
“Or in nothing at all, if you can believe Seth Harris.” Jennifer blushed mightily at her own words.
“My, my, my,” Emmett cooed. “You are a caution, Miss Jennifer.”
“I do like the sound of pink. Do you think we could find something in that color?”
Emmett nodded. “I’ll make some calls and see what I can line up. Are we going long or short with the dress?”
“Oh my, so many decisions to make.”
“If I might suggest…”
“Certainly.”
“Since the wedding will be in spring and we’re going with pink, how about short and flirty, but also elegant?”
“Do they make such a thing?”
“I can certainly find out.”
“Okay,” Jennifer said.
“Let’s look at some wedding cakes and the menu.”
“Shouldn’t I bring Seth to help make these decisions?” Jennifer asked with a frown.
“Has he chosen what he’s wearing?” Emmett asked pointedly.
Jennifer chuckled. “At the moment he’s waffling between buying a new suit and using one he already has. He has his moments of frugality.”
“Don’t we all, but send him to me if he chooses the suit he already owns. That is just so wrong. I’ll give him my ‘once in a lifetime event requires new suit’ lecture,” Emmett explained.
“You got a deal on that one,” Jennifer said.
“So, my point was that men do not care what the wedding looks like. They just want it to be over, the woman they’re marrying to be happy and the honeymoon to begin.”
“Emmett Honeycutt!”
“What? That’s the truth.”
“You’re supposed to be a romantic,” Jennifer replied.
“I am a romantic, and I’m also gay. Most men are not gay and therefore, are no romantic.”
“Seth is romantic,” Jennifer said with a frown. “Sometimes.”
“Then consider yourself lucky, sweetie. Most men are only as romantic as it takes to get a woman into their bed.”
“I’m already there,” Jennifer laughed.
“And he still shows you romantic gestures?” Jennifer nodded. “Then you’ve got a live one,” Emmett chuckled. “Hang onto him.”
“I intend to.”
“Good girl.”
“I guess you’re telling me that I should make all these decisions myself, and that Seth will be fine with them. In fact, he would probably prefer that I make the decisions.”
Emmett nodded. “That’s what I’m saying.”
“Okay, let’s do it,” Jennifer said decisively. She suddenly felt much better. All the worry and indecision started to fall away as she chose the menu she knew both she and Seth and their guests would like. She looked at sample bouquets, but decided she’d really like to have some of the flowers from Brian’s garden. Emmett assured her that he had someone who could make her a beautiful bouquet using those flowers. They looked at table linens and decorations for the sun porch. Then she had to decide between chairs, covered or bare, for the guests to sit on. The list of things to decide went on and on.
An hour passed and Jennifer heaved a sigh of relief, as Emmett shut his notebook that held all his jottings on Jennifer’s preferences.
“Time for another coffee and a popover,” Emmett said.
“I shouldn’t have another one,” Jennifer said wistfully.
“I see Sean pulling a fresh batch out of the oven,” Emmett observed. “Don’t tell me you can pass those up.”
“You are truly evil, Emmett Honeycutt,” Jennifer sighed. “Bring me one … but only one.”
“Your wish is my command, fair maiden,” Emmett said as he slid out of the booth.
Jennifer sat thinking about making all the choices she had just told Emmett. She reached into her purse and pulled out her cell phone. She hit number one and waited.
“Seth Harris,” the voice replied.
“Hello, Mr. Harris, this is the future Mrs. Harris, calling you from Emmett’s to tell you that I have spent the last hour making all kinds of decisions about our wedding. I just wondered if you would like to come over here, have some lunch with me and verify that you agree with what I’ve done.”
“I’d love to have lunch with you, darling, but I’m sure whatever choices you made will be exactly right.”
“How could you know that?”
“Because you’re my fiancée and it’s your wedding and you have good taste and…”
“And you don’t really care?”
“And I don’t really care,” Seth laughed. That was one of the things Seth loved about Jennifer. She could get to the point like no other woman he had ever met. He added, “I want whatever makes you happy.”
“Emmett was so right,” Jennifer chuckled.
“Right about what?” Seth asked.
“Everything.”
“Care to explain?”
“I’ll tell you later. Oh, and Seth, Emmett says you should definitely get a new suit for the wedding. He’ll go with you if you want.”
“I am perfectly capable of picking out a suit.”
“I know but…”
“But you think I might conveniently forget to do so. Emmett will make sure I do.”
“Precisely.”
Seth laughed. “Do you still want to do lunch?”
Jennifer sighed. “Emmett has been stuffing me with popovers. I’m not really hungry.”
“You’re eating popovers without me?” Seth asked in horror.
“’Fraid so, and they’re delicious too.” Jennifer took a bite out of the fresh one that Emmett had just set in front of her.
“Treachery!”
Jennifer laughed. “You could have had your fill if you had come with me.”
“Buy me one to bring home,” Seth asked.
“For you, sweetheart, two!”
“That’s my girl. I’ll see you at home. I love you.”
“I love you right back.” Jennifer snapped her phone shut with a satisfied look on her face.
“Was I right?” Emmett asked with a smirk worthy of Brian Kinney.
“One hundred percent. I think he was relieved that we’d made all the decisions. “Oh, and he’s getting a new suit. He’ll call you.” Emmett laughed. “And I need two popovers to go.”
“His reward for being so good about everything.”
“Yes, and then he’ll get his real reward later tonight,” Jennifer said suggestively.
“Lucky man!”
“You got that right,” Jennifer said. “And I’m one lucky woman too.”
Emmett couldn’t help but smile at the lovely woman who seemed finally to have all the happiness she deserved.
Post-Fractalization
Chapter 7
“Do you want to know what it is?” Molly’s obstetrician asked.
“No!” Molly said.
“Yes!” Owen said simultaneously.
“Which is it?” Dr. Solomon asked the couple.
“No,” Owen acquiesced. “If Mol doesn’t want to know then I don’t either,” Owen said, clearly making the sacrifice for his wife.
“Owen, I really don’t care what sex the baby is as long as it’s healthy,” Molly stated.
Owen smiled softly. Yes, he wanted to know but he wanted Molly’s happiness more. “I can wait.”
“Thank you,” Molly said. Her eyes sparkled with unshed tears of joy.
“Would you like to hear the heartbeat?” the doctor asked as she rolled the ultrasound instrument over Molly’s swollen belly.
“Yes!” Molly and Owen said.
The doctor adjusted the volume, added a little more gel to Molly’s abdomen then zeroed in on the right spot. The speakers vibrated with the sound of their unborn child’s strong heartbeat.
“Oh!” Molly gasped as she squeezed her husband’s hand then burst into tears.
The doctor let them listen for a few more seconds then turned off the machine. She gently cleaned off Molly’s belly, handed Owen a box of tissues then left the overjoyed parents-to-be alone to celebrate the sounds of life privately.
*****
“Brian,” Jennifer said the minute Brian answered his cell phone.
“Mother Taylor, to what do I owe the pleasure?”
“Do I need an excuse to speak with my first son-in-law?”
“Am I still your favorite son-in-law?” Brian snarked.
“You’re my pain in the ass, son-in-law.”
“I can live up to that. What’s up?”
“It appears that Emmett and I have come to a meeting of the minds regarding my wedding. At least regarding my dress, the flowers and the menu.”
“Sounds like you have it all under control.”
“I guess so.”
“I’m sensing doubt. You’re not having second thoughts are you? Seth is a wonderful man, for a het. And he loves you.”
“Yes, he does and I love him. I didn’t think I could ever be this happy again, not since...”
“Don’t,” Brian barked then immediately regretted his anger. He took a deep breath. “Jennifer, we’ve both lived through a lifetime of pain, disappointment and stupidity. But that was a long time ago. We’re both different people now. You have a good man in Seth and I...”
“You have a good man too, and so does my son. You deserve your happiness.”
“Jenn, what is it?”
“The wedding, I’ve decided to make it as intimate as possible. Seth has little family, just his brother. I want this wedding to just be our family.”
“We’ll do whatever you want, however you want it.”
“Really?”
“Really, whatever you want. You want it small and intimate, then we’ll do it small and intimate. You want me to have John build a pavilion, then I’ll do it!”
“I don’t think that will be necessary,” Jenn chuckled.
“I’m serious. You gave me the most precious thing of my entire life, it’s the least I can do,” Brian said, his voice cracking, unable to keep up the great Kinney wall.
“I love you, Brian Kinney,” Jennifer whispered, tears of pride and joy slipping down her face. Jennifer was glad she was having this conversation on the phone with Brian and not in person. She hated the notion of runny mascara and a red puffy nose.
“I love you too, Mother Taylor.” Brian paused to get himself under control before he continued. “Let me check with the brat, but why don’t you, Seth and the party fairy come over this weekend? We can go over your plans.”
Jennifer blew her nose before answering. “Sounds good to me. I’ll call Seth and Emmett.”
“Emmy Lou will probably be up here anyway. He and his jock take long weekends during the off season.”
“I’ll confirm then call you later.”
“Very good. By the way, when is Molly due?”
“Not until some time in May. Why?”
“I don’t want to be birthing no babies in the middle of the wedding!”
Jennifer laughed. “There’s little chance of that. We’ll have almost a month before she’s due.”
“You’re sure?”
“I’m sure.”
“Okay. Later, Mother Taylor!”
“Later, Brian. And Brian...”
“Yes, Jennifer?”
“You are my favorite son-in-law,” Jenn whispered into her phone.
“I knew it, you so love me!”
Brian and Jennifer laughed heartily as they cut the connection.
*****
“Mom, I need to go the library,” Gus said as he arrived home from school.
“So go,” Lindsay replied.
“I … um … I was wondering if you could go with me and I could drive.”
“Oh?”
“I don’t get to practice much since I got my license. I know I’m not supposed to drive alone. So, could you go with me?”
“I think that might be arranged, lambskin,” Lindsay said with a smile.
“Great! Can we go now?”
“Isn’t there something you’ve forgotten?”
Gus frowned. “What?”
“Your sister.”
“Oh, her! Do we have to wait till she gets home?”
“I think that would be advisable. She can come with us.”
“But I get to drive, right?” Gus asked. That was the whole point of this exercise.
“Yes, Gus.”
“When will she be here?”
“Any minute. You know how long it takes to walk from her school.”
“But what if she stops off at one of her friends’ places?”
“Then we wait.”
“Mom!”
“I’m not leaving here until JR comes home and that’s all there is to it.”
“Maybe I can walk down the street to meet her and hurry her along.”
“That would be nice,” Lindsay smiled.
“Okay, I’m gone, but I’ll be right back and then I get to drive.”
“Yes, Gus.”
Gus raced out the front door and down the street. When he turned the corner he saw JR standing on the sidewalk about halfway down the block. She was talking to some girl.
“JR,” Gus yelled. “Come on home.”
“Why?” JR called turning to look down the street at her brother. She didn’t budge.
“Because I need to go to the library and Mom won’t go without you.”
“You just want to drive. I’m busy.”
“Don’t be such a fucking brat!” Gus yelled. He was just about at the end of his rope with all the women in his life.
“I’m not a brat, and stop yelling at me in the street.”
“Then come on home.”
“Oh, for fuck sake,” JR griped as she said goodbye to her friend. She ambled towards Gus.
“Hurry up,” Gus urged her as she drew near.
“I’m not your slave. I don’t have to do what you tell me,” JR retorted.
“Why are you being so mean?”
“Because I don’t like being bossed around,” JR said softly. “I was just talking to Janie.”
“I … I didn’t mean to boss you,” Gus apologized. The two siblings started walking towards their house.
JR kicked a stone that was on the sidewalk and stared down at the ground. She didn’t say anything.
“Are you going to accept my apology? I don’t like fighting with you.” JR remained silent. “I didn’t do anything that bad, did I?”
JR let out a big sigh. “No, I guess not. It’s just that…”
“What?” Gus prompted.
“Since you got your license, it’s like you’re a different person … a grownup.”
“You think I’m a grownup?”
“Seems that way.”
“But that’s a good thing,” Gus replied.
“Not when I’m still a kid and you boss me around.”
They were approaching the house. Gus stopped and so did JR. He felt like they needed to finish this discussion before they went into the house.
“JR, I can’t help that I’m older than you, but I like having you as a sister. You were great when I had all that trouble with … Cole.”
“Thanks,” JR said looking up into Gus’ eyes. “I liked when you’d talk to me about what you were feeling. You don’t do that anymore.”
“Don’t I?” JR shook her head. “Then I’ll try to make sure I do from now on.”
“Okay,” JR said happily. “Can I count on that?”
“Sure, but…”
“But what?”
“You realize I’m going to be talking about cars and college and then more cars and more college and after that more cars and…”
“Stop,” JR laughed. “I get the point.”
“Good.”
“But you will talk to me seriously sometimes?”
“I promise, when the occasion arises.”
“Then let’s get going before the library closes and you miss your chance to drive,” JR giggled before she ran into the house.
Gus shook his head and followed her.
*****
Debbie pushed open the door of the Liberty Diner. She was there to clean out her locker finally and make sure all the work schedules were up to date. There would be no more heavy trays for her to carry or long hours on her feet. God, she was old!
The thought hit her like a ton of bricks. She didn’t want to be old, didn’t even want to think about it. If it hadn’t been for that fucking French fry that she slipped on, none of this would be happening. She could be working as a waitress like she’d always done. Why the fuck did she have to injure herself?
“Hi, Deb,” Lacy said as she came out of the back carrying a tray of food. “Grab a booth. I have something I’d like to talk to you about.”
“Sure,” Debbie said uncertainly. She wasn’t sure what was up, but it couldn’t be anything good.
Debbie poured herself a coffee and carried it over to an empty booth at the back of the diner. Lacy finished delivering her orders and joined her in the booth with a glass of soda in hand.
“How’s it going, kid?” Debbie asked.
“Pretty good. How are you doing? Your back, is it okay?”
“Getting better every day. What did you want to talk about?”
“I’m going to be graduating from PIFA in a couple of months.”
“Fuck, already? It seems like just yesterday that you were applying.”
“I know,” Lacy said with a smile. “And I owe you big time for so many of the good things that have happened in my life.”
“And you deserved every one of them,” Debbie said patting Lacy’s hand affectionately.
“Thanks,” the girl smiled. “I really appreciate that you let me stay with you and that you encouraged me and helped me hook up with Justin. My life is so different from what it might have been.”
“Don’t go there,” Debbie cautioned. “Be grateful for what you have, and forget about the bad things from the past.”
“And I guess that’s what I need to talk to you about.”
“Okay, shoot.”
“I have a tentative offer to draw and color a major comic,” Lacy said shyly.
“Fuck! Which one?”
“Green Lantern,” Lacy said.
“Is that thing still around?”
“Yeah, but I’m not sure I want to do it.”
“Why the fuck not? It sounds like a great job opportunity.”
“I guess it is … in a way. They want me to come to L.A. to work,” Lacy added, finally getting to the crux of the matter.
“And you don’t want to leave Katerina.”
“That’s a big part of it, but it would also be someone else’s work that I’m taking over. I love Rage and my own character of Sateeena.”
“And…?” Debbie asked sensing there was more.
“And it’s old fashioned. I like doing cutting edge stuff, like what we’re doing with Rage.”
“But it’s a big opportunity, isn’t it?” Debbie asked.
“Yes, and if it was Wonder Woman I might consider it. I just don’t think I want to do the Green Lantern.”
“Okay, so if you turn it down, what does that mean?” Debbie asked, prodding Lacy to examine her options.
“That’s why I wanted to talk to you.”
“Okay, what are you cooking up?”
Lacy giggled. “You know me too well. I have been putting out some feelers about freelancing, and I think I can get a partial income from that, but it’s not very reliable.” Debbie nodded and waited. “I want to continue Rage. Michael and I make a nice penny from that.”
“And…?”
“I want to make my own comic someday. Maybe Sateeena could have her own comic, or something else. I’m not sure.”
“And you want to stay here with Katerina?”
“Right.”
“So, where do I come into all this?”
“If you’re going to be traveling…”
“Who the fuck told you that?”
“A little bird…”
“Named Michael Novotny.”
“Yes,” Lacy grinned. “I was wondering if I might manage this place while you’re away. It would give me a steady income, and I could still waitress if I’m needed.”
“Say no more!” Debbie ordered. “That’s the best news I’ve heard all day. You would make a great manager. In fact, that’s what you’ve fucking been doing since my accident.”
“You mean you like the idea?”
“Hell yes!”
“Oh, Deb, that’s great. Thank you so much.” Lacy gave Debbie a big hug. “I better see to my customers.”
Debbie watched Lacy hustle around the diner filling coffee cups and clearing tables. That girl reminded Debbie of herself. She never shirked and nobody worked harder. Debbie sighed. She better go get her things from the locker. It looked like she was definitely going to be traveling.
Post-Fractalization
Chapter 8
“I’m in the office, Brian!” Carl called out when he saw Brian on the catwalk of Babylon. Brian had come to the infamous club to confer with Carl regarding his retirement. It was sometime in February. Debbie had turned over the reins of the diner to Lacy, but made herself available, just in case. Now, it was Carl’s turn and Brian was experiencing some separation issues.
“So you’re really going to leave me, leave all of this,” Brian said as he waved his hand toward the dance floor, “to travel and spend 24/7 with Debbie!” Carl’s expression immediately changed from a look of amusement to horror.
“See, I was right, you haven’t thoroughly thought this through. Think, Carl, 24 hours a day with that crazy woman. Knowing her, you’ll be eating at every diner and truck stop from here to Tacoma. You really don’t want to do that, now do you? Give the woman some traveling money. I’ll even buy her a new set of luggage. We throw her on a plane and then it’s business as usual,” Brian said with a straight face.
Carl glared at Brian. “You know, you have some fucking set of balls,” Carl growled.
“Thank you,” Brian said proudly. Carl burst out laughing.
“I’m getting too old for this, Brian. It’s time. Please don’t think I don’t appreciate all you’ve done for me and Debbie. She never really had to keep working, you know. She just did it because she loved it and those kids on Liberty. Between my pension and the salary you pay me to run this place, she should have been home with her feet up. Not carrying heavy trays and sweating in that place. But she is the stubbornest... Well, you know Deb.”
“Yeah. So I guess I can’t change your mind then?”
“No, I guess you can’t.”
“You said you have an idea regarding who should take over. Carl, you can never be replaced.”
“Thank you, Brian. I really mean that. I always thought of myself as just an average schmo. I was just a cop. Then you gave me this opportunity and for ten years I’ve been running this place and I joined the Pittsburgh Business Society. Me, a retired cop, and I have store owners and managers coming to me for advice! I never dreamed I could do something like this. And I owe it all to you.”
“Carl, I just want you to know that I’m working something out with Ted. You’ll have a pension from Babylon. I know Debbie wasn’t covered under your health insurance from the force but she’ll continue to be covered from us. You’ll both be taken care of. I...” Brian was having trouble keeping his emotions in check. He turned his back on the man he respected and loved.
“Fuck, I must be going through the change, everything sets me off lately,” Brian groused, angry at himself for losing control. Carl patted Brian on the back then waited, standing quietly beside him.
“Now, tell me your idea,” Brian turned abruptly, all business and again in control.
*****
“Sunshine, you’re not planning on leaving me anytime soon, are you?” Brian asked his mate. He sounded extremely pitiful.
They were in the sun porch. Brian was reading the Sunday newspaper while Justin was sketching. John and Bobby had bundled up the kids to go visit Grandma Claire and Grandpa Steve. Brian had suddenly thought back on his conversation with Carl and began feeling sorry for himself.
“Of course not, and what the fuck brought this on?” Justin stopped his sketching to snuggle up to Brian who was sitting on the chaise. He took the afghan that was draped across the back of the chaise to cover them both.
“I don’t know,” Brian mumbled.
Justin cupped Brian’s chin in his hand. “Yes you do.”
“Gus is driving, and Debbie and Carl are going to throw a dart in a map then drive to where it lands. They’re all leaving me. Soon the Squirt is gonna get married, have babies and leave me too. And, FUCK! I sound like a bitter old man.”
Justin chuckled then kissed Brian senseless.
“No, you don’t. You sound like a man whose family is changing. They’re not abandoning you, Brian, just growing and moving on.”
“I’m not ready.”
“I know. Bri, my baby sister, my annoying the shit out of me when we were growing up baby sister, is going to have a baby! My mother is getting remarried. The woman who gave me a home when I had none, is going globetrotting. And while I’m thinking about it, let’s forbid Briana to grow up,” Justin said as he kissed Brian’s nose, making Brian smile in spite of his misery.
“I’m being stupid, aren’t I?”
“Not at all, big guy.”
Justin began to butterfly tender kisses across Brian’s face until he landed onto Brian’s lips. Brian opened his mouth to Justin who began to suck on Brian’s tongue. The lovers moaned, needing more, wanting skin on skin contact.
“Let’s take this to bed, Sunshine.”
“Mmm.”
The lovers abandoned the chaise for the comfort and privacy of their room. They made love for most of the afternoon.
“I love you, Justin,” Brian murmured as he curled his long frame around the man he adored.
“I’ll never leave you, Brian,” Justin reaffirmed, hugging Brian tightly. “Never.”
*****
About a month before the wedding Brian had brought his brood into Pittsburgh to do some shopping and have final fittings for their suits. Briana loved her Gamma’s pink wedding dress and just as with Molly’s wedding, the flower girl to be, selected another pink dress. Bree was also having her final fitting.
“Kinney,” Brian said into his cell phone as he sat watching Bree twirling. She then took off so she could see if her ‘train’ was long enough to flow. Justin and the tailor were chasing her through the store.
“Brian, sweetheart, is there something you want to tell me?”
“I don’t know, Maw, is there?”
“Honey, do you know anything about this ‘boat’ that we found parked in front of our house this morning? The keys and the owner’s manual were inside our door.”
“Boat? Damn! I distinctly remembered ordering a Winnebago.”
“Brian!” Debbie roared into her phone.
“Happy retirement, Maw. Now, remember to use the good gas and no long trips until after the wedding. I want regular phone calls to let me know you’re both all right, and no tricks after midnight.”
“Asshole!”
“I love you, Maw. Later!” Brian cut the connection as Debbie cursed him every which way till Sunday. A minute later, Brian’s phone rang again.
“Kinney.”
“I love you too, kiddo. Thank you.”
“Thank you, Maw.” Brian closed his phone as Bree ran into his arms.
“You like my dress, Dada?”
“Very much.”
“I am pretty?” Bree asked, her little cheeks flushed pink from running, her violet blue eyes, sparkling.
“You’re beautiful, just like your Daddy,” Brian said as Justin sprinted up to them with an irate tailor in tow. “As beautiful as your Daddy,” Brian repeated as he scooped up his daughter then hugged her closely to Justin. "I so love you," Brian whispered to his blonds.
*****
“Jennifer, is that you?”
“Oh hello, Madge, I haven’t seen you in ages.” Madge Wilkinson used to live down the street from Jennifer when she was with Craig.
“Not since your engagement party.”
“Yes, I guess that was the last time.” Jennifer was shopping in one of her favorite clothing boutiques, looking for some new clothes for her honeymoon.
“I’ve been expecting an invitation to the wedding ever since the party.”
“Really?”
“You and that lovely man didn’t break up. Did you?”
“No, Seth and I are still together.”
“What about the wedding, or are you two going to live in sin,” Madge laughed.
“I guess we’re living in sin,” Jennifer said with a wan smile. She hated saying that. She certainly didn’t consider her relationship with Seth sinful. In fact, it was the most perfect thing she could imagine. But she wasn’t sure she wanted to mention the wedding, since Madge seemed to expect an invitation. Jennifer wasn’t intending to invite any of her old neighbors.
“Oh, I was just teasing, dear. I thought you and Seth made a lovely couple. I thought you would have been married by now.”
“Actually, we’re getting married in about a month, but it will be a small ceremony,” Jennifer added hoping that would stop Madge from hinting that she wanted to come.
“Oh, I hope that doesn’t mean I won’t get an invitation,” Madge said pointedly. “I would love to be there on your big day.”
“Well, thank you for saying that, but it is a second marriage.”
“Hell, some of the women in our group are on their third or fourth.”
“Oh really? I can’t say that I’ve much kept up with the goings-on in the old neighborhood.”
“Well, a bunch of us girls were playing bridge the other day, and we were wondering where things stood with you and Seth. We like to keep on top of things, you know,” Madge said smiling sweetly.
‘More like having your nose into everything,’ Jennifer thought. “Well, as I said it will be a small ceremony.”
“I’ll expect an invitation,” Madge said. “Gotta run.” She dashed out of the store.
Jennifer frowned. She had not intended to invite any of the people from her old neighborhood, but since she had invited them all to her engagement party… She supposed it was only natural that they might expect an invitation to the wedding. Fuck! How did she get herself into these things?
She walked out of the shop not having bought anything. On the sidewalk she stopped and pulled out her cell phone. She dialed a number.
“Brian, I need to talk to you and Justin.”
“What about?” Brian asked.
“I’m coming to the cottage this afternoon.”
“What is this all about?”
“You remember that pavilion that you offered to build for my wedding…”
*****
That afternoon Seth’s car pulled up to the front of Edna’s Treasures. Justin opened the front door to welcome his mother and her fiancé. Brian and Emmett had coffee and treats all laid out for them. Justin ushered the couple through the house to the sun porch.
“Oh Emmett, I’m glad you could be here. I just don’t know what to do,” Jennifer said with a weary sigh.
“I’m at your disposal, lovely lady, and kind sir. Tell me what the problem is and we’ll see if we can solve it for you,” Emmett told her, trying to be reassuring.
Brian shook Seth’s hand and kissed Jennifer’s cheek. They all sat down with a cup of coffee and a popover, which Emmett had very thoughtfully brought from Pittsburgh with him.
“I hope you can calm her down,” Seth said looking at Justin. “She’s going to make herself ill with all this worrying.”
“What the fuck happened?” Brian asked. Up until the rather frantic call from Jennifer earlier in the day, everything had seemed to be just fine.
“I don’t know,” Jennifer sighed. “I thought I had it all figured out and then this morning I met Madge.”
“Who the fuck is Madge?”
“Madge Wilkinson from down the street?” Justin asked. Jennifer nodded. “She’s the biggest busybody from our old neighborhood,” he supplied.
“So what did the lovely Madge do?” Emmett asked.
Jennifer looked at Seth who nodded and squeezed her hand indicating she should tell them. Taking a deep breath, Jennifer began, “I met Madge at a boutique this morning. She wanted to know when the wedding was. I told her in about a month, and that I was having a small ceremony. She said the old neighbors had been talking about us, Seth and me, at their recent bridge game. She asked if we had already got married or had Seth and I broken up or were we living in sin.” Jennifer paused to breathe. It seemed like all that had come out in one breath.
“I hope you told her to go fuck herself,” Brian said before biting off a piece of popover.
“I don’t have quite your way with words, Brian,” Jennifer replied.
“What did you say to her, Mom?”
“I’m ashamed to say that I told her we were living in sin, but we were getting married soon,” Jennifer said looking worriedly at Seth.
“We are not living in sin,” Seth stated. “We’re living in love.”
“Oh, Seth, that’s why I love you so much,” Jennifer said staring at her husband-to-be with eyes filled with tears. He always knew the right thing to say, and what was more important, he meant it.
“Why the fuck do you care what this Midge person says or thinks?” Brian interjected.
“That’s exactly what I’ve been asking her,” Seth said. “She sounds like an awful woman.”
“She’s not really so bad,” Jennifer said softly. “I think I used to be a lot like her in my old life.”
“You will never make me believe that,” Seth said adamantly.
“You were never as bad as Mrs. Wilkinson,” Justin threw in. Jennifer smiled at her kind son. “Now, will you tell us what all this crap about Madge Wilkinson has to do with your wedding?”
Jennifer sighed. “She got me thinking.”
“Fuck! Women and thinking are never a good combination,” Brian said, earning him a glare from Jennifer and another one from her son.
“Tell us what you’re thinking, sweetie,” Emmett encouraged Jennifer.
“Madge wanted to know if she was getting an invitation to the wedding. She said all the people we invited to the engagement party were looking for invitations.”
“And this Midget person speaks for all of them?” Brian asked pointedly.
“Of course not, Brian. But I did have friends in that community. It got me thinking that maybe I should invite them.”
“Hence, the call about the pavilion,” Brian said sarcastically.
“It was a knee jerk reaction,” Jennifer replied. “But it made me wonder whether I’m doing the right thing keeping the wedding so small.”
“Jennifer,” Emmett said softly, “you’ve told me what you envisioned for your wedding, all the things that would make it perfect. And Madge Wilkinson wasn’t one of them.”
“I know, Emmett, but…”
“There is no fucking but,” Brian interrupted. “I will have a pavilion erected for your wedding if that will make you happy, Jennifer. You know that. But I don’t see inviting all these people from your old neighborhood making you one particle happier. In fact, I see just the opposite.”
Jennifer frowned and studied Brian thinking about what he had just said.
“Jennifer, darling, he’s right,” Seth said gently. “You had the perfect wedding all laid out and then this person has made you doubt yourself. You know what you want, and I don’t give a fuck what Madge thinks about it. And neither should you.”
A smile started to brighten Jennifer’s face. It grew and grew until it rivaled one of Justin’s best. Brian was reminded where Justin must have got his radiant smile from.
“By George! I think she’s got it,” Emmett quipped as he breathed a sigh of relief.
“I love you, Seth Harris,” Jennifer said touching Seth’s cheek.
“And I love you, Jennifer Taylor. I’d marry you in this sun porch or in the woods or we can elope to Las Vegas. I don’t care. I just want you to be happy and I want the day we get married to be the best day of your life.”
“And I don’t need to prove a fucking thing to Madge Wilkinson or any of her so-called friends,” Jennifer said happily.
“So, we don’t need a pavilion?” Brian asked, hoping that was the case. Even though he had promised one to Jennifer, he didn’t have the foggiest idea of how he was going to pull that off if she decided that was what she wanted.
“No, Brian, we do not need a pavilion. We’re going with the small, intimate wedding that we planned, Emmett.” Jennifer flashed her smile at the wedding planner who looked greatly relieved.
“Thank you, Miss Jennifer,” Emmett sighed.
“That will soon be Mrs. Harris,” Seth stated.
“I can hardly wait,” Jennifer gushed.
“Your mother’s something else,” Brian whispered to Justin.
“This is nothing compared to some of the things I remember,” Justin giggled.
“And you won’t tell him any of them,” Jennifer ordered.
“Of course not, Mom.”
“Would you like to walk through the gardens?” Brian asked, changing the subject. “Things are starting to come up.”
“That would be lovely,” Jennifer said standing up. “I feel so much better.”
“Maybe we should have a society reporter cover the wedding,” Emmett said out of the blue. “That way your old friends could enjoy your big day through the Pittsburgh newspapers.”
“Emmett, bite your tongue,” Brian jumped in.
“Oops, sorry, thinking out loud,” Emmett backtracked.
“I like that idea,” Jennifer said. “What about that nice man who did the piece on you and Justin?”
“He’s not a society reporter,” Brian said quickly. “He’s an art critic.”
“You could find someone else, couldn’t you, Emmett?” Seth asked.
“I suppose…” Emmett said starting to wrack his brain.
“Maybe Richard and his wife would do it,” Justin said quickly, seeing Brian’s temper starting to flare. He was probably envisioning Seymour Finkelstein arriving to cover the wedding. “You could talk to Richard, couldn’t you, Brian?”
“I guess so,” Brian said reluctantly, but he understood the viselike grip Justin had on his hand. “Let’s look at the gardens,” he said quickly.
They made their way outside where everyone could see the beginnings of the spring flowers that would be in full force at the time of the wedding. There were appropriate oohs and ahs to mollify Brian.
“A pavilion would have been nice,” Jennifer said looking around. “But we wouldn’t want to have anything detract from the gardens,” she added quickly when she saw the look on Brian’s face.
Post-Fractalization
Chapter 9
“Oh hell!” Jennifer cursed as she arose from her bed, wrapping her robe around her to look out the window. It was a week until Jennifer's wedding to Seth and the month of April was living up to its reputation.
“What is it, sweetheart?” Seth asked as he got out of bed.
“April showers,” Jennifer grumbled.
“Ah, but just think how beautiful Brian’s garden will be.”
“But what if it rains on the day of the wedding?”
“What of it?”
“It’s too late for Brian to build that pavilion,” Jennifer deadpanned.
Seth laughed. “If you really want that pavilion, Brian would find a way.”
“Yes, he would,” Jennifer said in a soft, wistful voice. “There was a time when Brian and all he represented terrified me. I had never met anyone like him before, gay or straight. He can be so in your face and mysterious at the same time. He’s impressive and not just for his stunning good looks.”
“Hey!”
“You’re a very handsome man, Seth Harris. I’d love you even if you were purple with green spots. But Brian grew up thinking he wasn’t worthy of love.”
“That’s so sad.”
“Yes, it is.”
“What changed him?”
“Justin. He saw through the facade to what lay beneath. It wasn’t easy, for any of us. Brian can be stubborn.”
“I bet Justin is just as stubborn.”
“More. But when it comes to getting things done, no one surpasses Brian.”
“Like getting Justin to Chicago.”
“Yes.”
“Building you a pavilion if you really wanted one.”
“Yes.”
“And buying a Winnebago for Debbie and Carl!”
“Yes!” Jenn and Seth laughed.
“He’d find a way to chase away the rain if you’d ask him.”
“I believe he would.”
“He’s a very good man. I hope I can live up to his example.”
“You already have,” Jennifer said as she gave Seth a kiss then led him back to bed.
*****
“Hellooo, Emmett Honeycutt’s Event Planning. Emmett speaking, how may I help you?”
“Mr. Honeycutt, my name is Jeremy Sacks. I’m the city editor of the Times.”
“Yes, Mr. Sacks, what can I do for you?”
“I understand your company is handling the Taylor-Harris wedding.”
“That’s correct.”
“Jennifer Taylor is Justin Taylor’s mother, is she not? Her daughter is married into the Kingsley-Brenner family and Seth Harris is a prominent businessman.”
“All true.”
“The Times would like to send a reporter and photographer to cover the event.”
“If this wedding was being held in Pittsburgh, I believe the participants would welcome the Times.”
“I’m sensing a ‘but.’”
“The venue is a private home over an hour away from the city. The homeowners value their privacy.”
“I can guarantee discretion.”
“You don’t know the homeowner.”
“Tell me who he is. I’ll call him, make a personal appeal.”
“Brian Kinney.”
“He invited my reporter to his home!”
“We’ve met. But if I remember correctly, Richard Connolly is your art critic. You want to send someone who writes gossip. That is unacceptable.”
“Get me permission and I’ll send the Connollys.”
“Mr. Sacks, give me time to consult with my clients and I’ll get back to you.”
“I’ll be waiting for your call,” the editor said hopefully then hung up the phone.
Emmett did some fast dialing to conference with the primary players.
“Hellloooo!”
“Hi, Emmett,” Jennifer responded cheerfully from her home.
“Hi, Emm,” Justin said just as cheerfully on his cell phone. He was shopping for art supplies.
“Hello, Emmett,” Seth chimed in. He was wrapping up some last minute details at his office.
“What the fuck do you want now?”
“A little testy, aren’t we, your majesty? Justin, sweetie, you’re not keeping up your end of the bargain.”
“I’m trying, Emm.”
“What bargain, Sunshine?”
“Not now, Brian,” Justin whispered.
“Ah-hem, can we focus, people?” They all murmured their consent. “I just got a call from Jeremy Sacks, the editor for the Times. He wants to cover the wedding for the society section. Even though we’re keeping this intimate, family only, this is an important alliance.”
“You’re making my wedding sound like some sort of detente,” Jennifer snarked.
“Believe it or not, Miss Jennifer, your hand is highly desirable and sought after,” Emmett tried to explain. “And the fact that your hand and the rest of you will be officially off the market in a week is news.”
“So why did it take years, and Brian’s influence, for me to get a date with a respectable and desirable man?”
“Fear,” Brian contributed.
“What?” Jenn, Emm and Justin asked at once.
“Fear and ignorance. Mother Taylor is a beautiful woman. She’s also business savvy and whether she believes it or not, her resilience and independence is intimidating to most men. Present fiancé and past boy toy excepted.”
“But that makes no sense,” Emmett chimed in. “I love Jennifer’s abilities and her way of looking so beautiful without even trying.”
“Oh for fuck’s sake, you’re gay! Of course you love it. Breeder boys have other agendas.”
“Brian’s right,” Seth spoke up. “I almost didn’t pursue you. I didn’t think I was interesting enough for you. I’ve been told that I’m too old fashioned.”
“But that’s what I love the most about you.”
“Before this turns into a lovefest, can you please get to the point, Emmett. Some of us have lives,” Brian growled.
“Sorry, silly me. So the editor wants to cover the wedding. I told him that I’d have to clear it with all of you. He assured me that he’d send the Connollys.”
The attendees of the conference call became very quiet in anticipation of the eruption of Mount Kinney.
“Brian, I’m very honored that the Times thinks my little wedding is newsworthy but I know how you value your privacy. I won’t consent unless you agree.”
“Sunshine, what do you think?”
“It’s my Mom’s wedding.”
“Seth?”
“Whatever makes Jennifer happy.”
“Emm?”
“I think the Connollys will do a fabulous job.”
“Mother Taylor, are you sure I can’t just build you a pavilion instead?”
“No, Brian.”
“All right. The Connollys can come. Just make sure they bring their pj’s.”
“Will do! Meeting adjourned people,” Emmett gushed. He wanted to call back the editor before Brian had a chance to change his mind.
Everyone said their goodbyes then hung up.
“Sunshine?” Brian said quickly before Justin closed his phone.
“Yes, Bri?”
“What bargain?”
*****
“Oh Mom, I look like a whale,” Molly cried in despair.
She and her mother were at the dress shop having their final fittings for their dresses. Molly was very pregnant and feeling huge and bloated.
“You look beautiful, sweetheart,” Jennifer tried to reassure her.
“No I don’t. I look like a hideous, huge whale,” Molly cried.
“Honey, that’s just the hormones talking.”
“Why did you ask me to be your matron of honor? Your pictures are going to look horrible. You’ll have to have me Photo-shopped out,” Molly wailed.
“Don’t be silly, honey,” Jennifer sighed.
“Silly? You think I’m silly. Look at me!”
“I … I didn’t mean it that way, Molly. You look fine, beautiful.”
“I look like a fucking piece of shit!’
Jennifer laughed even though she tried to stifle it. “Oh, Molly…”
“What? How can you laugh at me, Mom?”
“You sounded so much like Brian when you said that.”
Molly stared at her mother and then she burst out laughing. “Fuck! I did, didn’t I?”
Jennifer nodded and leaned over to hug her daughter. “You really do look beautiful, and just remember what you’ll have at the end of this … a happy, healthy little bundle of joy.”
Molly smiled and hugged her mother. “I do look like a whale though, don’t I?” she asked with a chuckle.
“Well maybe just a bit,” Jennifer laughed.
That’s how the salesgirl in the shop found them minutes later, hugging each other and laughing hysterically.
*****
“Brian, I thought I’d touch base with you about the wedding,” Richard Connolly said into his phone.
“Yes?”
“You sound … distant … pissed off,” Richard observed with a frown. “You really don’t want me there, do you?”
“No.”
“Then why did you agree to it?”
“It’s my fucking mother-in-law. What else was I going to do?”
Richard laughed. “You certainly have a way with words, Mr. Kinney.”
“Mr. Kinney?” Brian asked wondering why Richard had switched from Brian to this more formal appellation.
“You sounded like being friendly wasn’t an option,” Richard explained.
“I’m in a pissy mood. You can come to the wedding and cover it for the Times.”
“Thanks, I think.”
“Look, this means a lot to Justin’s family. I could give a shit about the fucking society pages, but the family wants this. So, don’t make me regret saying that you were the only one I’d consider having do the article.”
“I wouldn’t dream of letting you down.”
“Good.”
“And I already have pajamas in an overnight bag,” Richard laughed.
“Did Emmett tell you that?” Brian chuckled.
“Yep.”
“It was a joke.”
“After my last visit, I thought I should be prepared.”
“Bite your tongue! If we have a Nor’easter on the day of the wedding, Jennifer will commit suicide or worse, cut off my balls.”
“Why your balls? The weather’s not your fault.”
“You obviously don’t know my family very well, in spite of that article you wrote,” Brian chuckled. “Everything is my fault.”
“I guess I have a lot more to learn about your unique family.”
“Or, you could run screaming down the lane and try to save your sanity,” Brian advised.
“I’ll take that under advisement,” Richard laughed. “See you Saturday for the wedding.”
*****
“You’re okay with being my matron of honor?” Jennifer asked Molly as they left the dress shop. She was willing to forego having Molly stand up with her if her daughter really felt that uncomfortable about doing it.
“I’m fine now, Mom,” Molly said linking her arm through Jennifer’s, as they started walking down the sidewalk to where they had parked the car. “It was just a temporary meltdown.”
“You’re sure?”
“I’m sure. I want to be there for you and Seth.”
“And I want you there, sweetheart.”
“Ooh, look at that outfit,” Molly said as they passed another dress shop. “Someday, when this is all over, I’ll be able to wear something like that again,” Molly sighed.
“You’ll look fabulous in it too. Do you want to go in and look at it?” They stopped and viewed the outfit through the front window.
“No, it’ll just make me feel huge all over again.”
“You look wonderful, and this has been a pretty easy pregnancy,” Jennifer told her.
“Yeah, I guess I’ve been lucky. Hardly any morning sickness and no complications.”
“You are lucky.”
“Did you have problems with Justin or me when you were pregnant?”
“No, thank God. In fact everything went very smoothly just like your pregnancy. Except…” Jennifer said with a frown.
“What?” Molly asked in alarm.
“I almost didn’t get to the hospital before Justin was born.”
“Really? I thought first babies took forever and are notoriously late in coming. I’m really ready for this baby to be born,” Molly said as they resumed their walk.
“They are, but not Justin, and you were pretty quick too.”
“Hm, I wouldn’t mind if this baby came tomorrow,” Molly stated.
“Hey, I need you at my wedding.”
“I know, Mom, and it’s not due for a bit yet, I think.”
“You think?”
“Well, there is some problem establishing the exact date.”
“You and Owen having so much sex that you don’t know when my grandchild was conceived?” Jennifer laughed.
“Mom! You do say some scandalous things.”
“So do you, my darling.”
They both laughed as they arrived at the car.
“Ow,” Molly gasped as she got into the passenger side.
“What? Are you okay?” Jennifer asked in concern.
“Yeah, I guess I twisted the wrong way. Got a shot of pain.”
“Be careful,” Jennifer advised. “You want this baby to be full term.”
“I will, Mom,” Molly promised. She wondered if she should be more concerned about the jab of pain she had just experienced. Then she dismissed the idea. There were no more pains as they drove home.
Post-Fractalization
Chapter 10
“Shit!” Emmett said as he stood at the door of the sun porch looking out at the rain that continued to fall.
“What?” Brian asked as he came up behind the tall queen.
“Jennifer really wanted the wedding outside and just look at that,” Emmett responded gesturing at the inclement weather. “We’ve had so much rain lately. Your grass is going to be a fucking quagmire, even if it stops raining.”
“My grass is never a fucking quagmire!” Brian declared. “It absorbs water efficiently and quickly. It’s supposed to stop raining tonight.”
“We’re going to have to hold the ceremony in here,” Emmett said ignoring Brian. He looked at the stacks of chairs which had just been delivered and placed in the sun porch because it was raining outside. “Just look at all these fucking chairs. The guests will be packed in like sardines.”
“Well, we do have a rather large family,” Brian snorted.
“You’re a big fucking help. Why didn’t you build that goddamn pavilion that Jennifer asked for?”
“Hey, you big old nelly bottom, don’t take this out on me.”
“Who else can I take it out on? This is a disaster.”
“What’s a disaster?” John asked as he entered the sun porch having just got off the phone. He was working from home so he could be of any assistance that might be needed by the wedding planner. “And did I hear mention of a pavilion?”
“Yes,” Emmett said looking pointedly at Brian. “Some person, who shall remain nameless, promised a pavilion, and this weather indicates that we are going to need it.”
“I would have built a pavilion,” John said seriously. “It would have been beautiful.”
“Can you whip one up by tomorrow morning?” Emmett asked.
“That might be cutting it a might fine.”
Emmett heaved a huge sigh. “This fucking wedding,” he griped. “Look at it out there.” He pointed out the windows of the sun porch at the continuing downpour.
John licked his finger and held it up in the air. He gave a mischievous wink to his brother. “Wind will switch around tonight and start things clearing out.”
“Wha…What are you talking about? How do you know?” Emmett asked in amazement.
“My index finger just told me,” John chuckled.
“Fuck! Does everybody think this is a fucking joke? I can’t do everything inside this sun porch, as spacious as it may appear to be,” Emmett said his eyes getting full of tears. “What am I going to do?”
“You’re going to go to your cottage and get Drew to fuck you senseless,” Brian declared taking Emmett by the shoulders, turning him around and shoving him gently towards the front door of the cottage. “Then you will have some lunch and a beauty sleep, so you can look fabulous tomorrow.”
“But…”
“Go, get out of here, Emmy Lou. You can’t control the weather.”
“But…”
“I said go! Get Drew to work his magic.”
“But…
“What, for fuck sake?”
“Drew’s in Pittsburgh.”
“Shit!” Brian reacted. He had been counting on Drew to calm the big fairy down.
“Don’t you have things to do for the wedding?” John jumped in.
“Yes,” Emmett said mournfully.
“Then go do them. The weather will take care of itself.”
“You promise?” Emmett asked hopefully.
“I promise,” John said crossing his heart.
Emmett disappeared out the door without a further word.
“Do you realize what you just promised?” Brian asked.
“Yes,” John smirked.
“What will happen if the weather doesn’t change?”
“We’ll deal with it.”
“But…”
“Now you’re sounding like Emmett.”
“Fuck!”
John laughed. “It will be all right, Brian. It will be what it will be.”
“Why did you promise Emmett the weather would change?” Brian asked with a frown.
“Just heard it on the weather report on the radio,” John chuckled.
“And they’re right … what? About point zero, zero seven percent of the time?”
“It’s a little higher than that.”
“Can you build a fucking pavilion by tomorrow morning?” Brian asked hopefully.
“You won’t need it.”
“You are fucking nuts, big bro’.”
John stuck his finger in his mouth and held it up. “It will be fine.”
“You and that fucking finger,” Brian said shaking his head. John merely laughed.
*****
“Easy, Mol,” Owen said as he helped his very pregnant wife from the car.
“I can’t fucking move,” Molly groaned as she finally got vertical. She was having more of those twinges and she had just had another rather strong one. “I want this baby out!”
“I want the baby too,” Jennifer said as she came around the car. “But I don’t want it today or tomorrow.”
“Maybe if I forced it out right now,” Molly said hopefully, “I could be ready for the wedding tomorrow.”
“I don’t think so, sweetheart,” Jennifer replied kissing her daughter’s cheek as she held an umbrella over their heads. “Then your dress wouldn’t fit.”
“I could put a belt around it,” Molly suggested as she waddled towards the front door of Edna’s Treasures beside her mother. Owen brought up the rear with their bags.
“Mom, Molly,” Justin said as he opened the door for them. “Glad you made it in one piece. Come in out of the rain. Hi, Owen.”
“I think it was a great idea that we come up here today and not wait till tomorrow morning,” Jennifer said as she kissed her son and shook the rain off the umbrella she had been carrying.
“We had to keep you and Seth apart for tonight,” Justin chuckled.
“Where’s Brian?” Molly asked.
“Out in the sun porch with John.”
“Are they planning what the fuck we’re going to do if this rain keeps up?” Jennifer asked.
“I think they’re designing a makeshift pavilion,” Justin giggled.
“Oh, Justin, it’s going to be such a mess,” Jennifer said, her eyes filling with tears. “I wanted everything to be perfect.”
“It will be,” Brian said as he and John came in from the porch.
“How can you say that, Brian?” Jennifer groaned. “It’s still raining.”
“I have it on good authority that it’s going to clear off tonight and it will be beautiful tomorrow.”
“And what authority is that?” Jennifer asked with a quizzical look. At least the tears had been pushed away for the moment.
“My big brother,” Brian smirked.
“John!” everyone said.
“I did predict the big snowstorm at Christmas,” John said with a grin. “Have faith.”
“From your lips to God’s ears,” Jennifer said.
“I’ll be sure to tell Him,” John said with a smile.
“Hey, pregnant lady here!” Molly spoke up. “I need to sit the fuck down.”
“Come on, Mol, I’ll help you,” Owen said dropping their bags and taking his wife’s arm. He led her into the kitchen where she could sit at the kitchen table. She preferred a harder chair that made it a little easier for her to get out of.
“Is she going to make it through the wedding?” Justin asked. “She looks like she’s ready to pop.”
“I know, sweetheart, but she has a couple of weeks before her due date.”
“Let’s hope they calculated correctly,” Brian piped up. “I don’t want no babies being born in this house.”
“Shut up, Brian,” Molly yelled from the kitchen.
“Don’t cross her,” Jennifer warned. “She’ll cut off your balls.”
“Pregnancy hormones,” Brian smirked. “Thank the gods, you didn’t have any of those when we were having Bree.” Justin gave his husband a death glare that would rival one of Brian’s best.
“I heard that,” Molly called out. “I’ll get you, Kinney, when I don’t weigh nine hundred pounds.”
Brian chuckled.
“Be careful, Brian, she’ll make you pay,” Justin warned. “I know from experience.”
Brian’s smirk suddenly left his face.
*****
Bree came home from school and everyone’s spirits perked up as a result. Her smiling face and infectious laughter made them all feel better on the gloomy day.
Everyone settled in at Edna’s Treasures and Justin started dinner. The rain was still falling but not as hard. Jennifer was standing in the sun porch staring out at the rain.
“It will clear,” John said gently as he walked up behind her.
“I wish.”
“It will be a beautiful wedding whatever happens, Jennifer. You can bank on that.”
“Thanks, John. That’s what I needed to hear.”
“If it’s still raining, I’ll start the pavilion in the morning,” John said with a gentle smile.
“You promised it was going to clear,” Jennifer smiled.
“Oh, right!”
“You are as bad as your brother,” Jennifer chuckled.
“That puts me in fine company.”
“That it does.”
“Gamma,” Bree called from the doorway, “come play with me.”
Jennifer laughed. “Yes, sweetheart, I’ll be right there.”
“What else would you be doing on the eve of your wedding?” John asked with a smirk.
“I can think of one or two things that involve Seth,” Jennifer said feeling much better. “But since we’ve been banned from seeing each other, playing with my granddaughter is the next best thing.”
John watched a happier Jennifer walk into the house to play with Bree. His work there was done.
*****
“What time will Seth be here?” Justin asked as they sat around in the sun porch after dinner.
“He’s coming up in the morning. I’m not sure what time,” Jennifer replied.
“Is he bringing his brother?”
“Yes, his brother’s flight gets in at ten and they’ll come here as soon as Seth picks him up at the airport.”
“What’s his brother’s name again? I don’t remember,” Justin asked.
“Samuel,” Jennifer said. “And it is Samuel. He never shortens it to Sam.”
Brian snorted. “I wouldn’t either.”
“Brian, you be nice to him. He’s a part of the family now,” Jennifer warned.
“Not for a few more hours.”
“Brian,” Justin warned arching an eyebrow at his less than politically correct husband.
“If the weather would only cooperate,” Jennifer sighed as she looked out at the rain.
“It’s tapering off,” John said with a wink.
Jennifer couldn’t help but smile.
“Auntie Molly, can I sit with you?” Bree asked as she stood beside the chaise where Molly was relaxing after dinner.
“I think I can squeeze a bit of room for you,” Molly said as she shifted her heavy body over. Bree climbed up beside her. “The baby’s kicking field goals,” she said to her niece. “Want to feel?”
“Yeah,” Bree said her eyes getting very big.
“Put your hand right here,” Molly said, taking Bree’s hand and placing it on her belly.
“Ooh,” Bree laughed as she felt the baby make her hand bounce on Molly’s tummy. “Cool.”
“Can I feel too?” Patrick asked having watched Bree’s reaction.
“Sure, there’s always room for one more.”
Patrick climbed up on the other side of Molly. She placed the boy’s hand so he could feel the kicks too.
“Neat,” Patrick responded with a smile. “When will the baby be here?”
“Any minute,” Molly laughed.
“Bite your tongue,” Brian told her.
“I want this baby out.”
“How does the baby get out?” Bree asked.
“Basically I push it out from down here,” Molly said matter-of-factly. She pointed to her crotch.
“Gross!” Patrick reacted.
“Will it hurt?” Bree asked with a frown.
“You bet your ass,” Molly replied.
“I thought I could be a baby doctor,” Bree told her aunt. “But maybe not.”
“I wouldn’t be an obstetrician either, Bree,” Molly chuckled. “There are lots of other things to be.”
“Yeah,” Bree said thinking about that.
“Are you ready to be a flower girl tomorrow?”
“I’m ready,” Bree declared.
“Good girl,” Molly said as she gave Bree a hug.
“She’s going to be a great mother,” Owen said to Jennifer as he watched his wife with the two children.
“She certainly will.” Seeing Molly with the children made Jennifer realize that it didn’t matter one iota what the weather was like for the wedding. Children were the important things.
*****
The wedding day dawned gray and windy, but not rainy. It had stopped raining overnight and the breeze had dried up a lot of the water. Brian came in from the gardens where he had been surveying the state of his plants. Everything looked great, having benefited from the prolonged April showers. All they needed was some sun to make the flowers look positively magnificent. Brian had been working on his gardens for weeks to have them in top notch condition for the wedding day.
“Your gardens look great, Brian,” Justin said as he walked into his husband’s arms.
“If only the sun would come out,” Brian frowned.
“Can’t you wave your magic wand and make it appear.”
“I usually save my magic wand for you,” Brian smirked.
“I’d share … just this once,” Justin chuckled.
“Then let there be sunshine for my Sunshine,” Brian said grabbing his crotch.
“You are so bad.” Justin laughed at the antics of his husband before kissing him. But when he looked up the sun was shining.
Post-Fractalization
Chapter 11
“Is this it?” Samuel asked his brother as they slowly made their way down the lane. It was late morning. Seth had called the minute he turned onto the private lane. He was instructed to stop at Emmett’s cottage, that’s where Seth and his brother were going to spend the time until they were required.
“This is Emmett’s cottage. The wedding will be at Brian’s cottage just at the end of the lane,” Seth explained as they got out of the car carrying their suits and other bags.
“That big house at the end?” Samuel was referring to Rachel and George’s house.
“No, look toward the right. See the cottage?” Samuel nodded. “That’s it. The other house belongs to Brian’s in-laws.
“Is the cottage going to be big enough?”
“You’d be amazed how many people can fit in that place,” Seth laughed. His brother looked rather perplexed. “I’ll explain later. Now I did tell you about Emmett. Sometimes he’s a little over the top, but he’s the friendliest person you’d ever want to meet. His partner is Drew Boyd.”
“Drew Boyd, the retired quarterback, Drew Boyd?” Samuel asked as Seth knocked on the front door to the cottage.
“The one and only!” Drew said as he opened the door to greet the groom and his brother.
“Hi, Drew!” Seth greeted the man. “Allow me to introduce you to my brother, Samuel.”
“Very nice to meet you, please come in. I’m afraid you’re stuck with me till the wedding. Emm’s down at Brian’s doing his planning thing. And probably very relieved at the moment since the sun came out.”
“Yes, we were following it all the way here. Someone must have worked a miracle,” Seth chuckled.
“Probably Brian,” Drew joked. “Would you like some brunch?” Drew offered the brothers mugs of Emmett’s finest coffee and several of his delectable muffins. “You boys relax. Plenty of time for excitement later,” Drew counseled. Seth and Samuel took a seat in the kitchen to have something to eat.
*****
“Will you look at that?” Claire exclaimed.
“Yes, Molly is quite far along,” Steve agreed.
“Yes, she is, but that’s not what I was referring to.”
“What then?”
“That behemoth parked across the lane,” Claire pointed to the Winnebago that had just pulled up and parked. Debbie and Carl were planning to leave on their trip on Sunday.
“It has to be thirty feet long! And Brian bought it for them?”
“Apparently. You know how much he loves Debbie and Carl. They said they wanted to travel.”
“I always wanted my own crop duster, do you think...”
“Don’t even try it!” Claire scolded then they laughed. Claire and Steve joined the rest of the family that were strolling through the gardens and enjoying Emmett’s delicacies as they waited for the wedding to begin.
*****
“Father Tom! I’m so glad you’re here,” Jennifer said with relief. She was hiding herself in the attic office bedroom. Tom and Emmett had gone up for some last minute instructions. Molly was resting in the master bedroom.
“Jennifer, I am very honored to officiate,” Tom said as he kissed the woman’s cheek.
“You’re not offended that we decided on a nonsectarian ceremony, are you?”
“No, of course not. I’ve performed hundreds of unions this way. Your wedding will still be legally binding.”
“Thank you,” Jennifer said serenely.
“Do you have any last minute instructions?” the good father asked Jennifer and Emmett.
“None that I can think of,” Jennifer commented. “Emmett?”
“You’ll be standing at the far end of the garden so that Miss Jennifer can be escorted through it. Of course, Seth and Samuel will be standing with you. Miss Briana will go first, followed by Molly who may be moving a tad bit slow but we’re in no rush. You’ll do your ‘dearly beloved’ thing and poof! The happy couple are married and we can all relax. Oh and just in case you didn’t know, Richard and Morgan Connolly will be here covering the wedding for the Times. This union is news!” Emmett gushed proudly.
“I wish you wouldn’t remind me,” Jennifer grumbled.
“No sad faces, it causes wrinkles. Now I must check on my minions and on the matron of honor. When you hear your cue, you start down the spiral staircase and for heaven’s sakes don’t catch your heels in the steps. Tootles!”
Emmett swished himself down the staircase to tend to his guests.
“Can I get you anything?” Tom asked.
“I guess a scotch and soda is out of the question?”
“I imagine it is after five somewhere in the world but in our corner, it’s only twelve-thirty. Tea, perhaps?”
“That would be nice.”
“I’ll have someone bring you up some.”
“Thank you, Father.”
“Tom, today I am Tom.”
“Thank you, Tom.” Jennifer smiled at the man, who had, over the years, become a part of the family.
*****
“Your sister has taken over our room,” Brian grumbled to Justin who was busy making tea for his mother.
“She hasn’t taken over; she’s just resting her feet. Give her a break and go out there and play host! Most of the family is here already.”
“Why is that, Justin? The invitation distinctly said two. It’s twelve fucking thirty. I’m already in my suit and a pregnant woman is lying in my bed! Explain that!”
“Our bed and I have no fucking clue, Brian. It is what it is. Now, behave yourself. I have to bring Mom her tea.”
“I’ll do it; you be host. They all like you better anyway.”
“No, they don’t, they love you.” Brian scowled. “On second thought, maybe you’re right. You handle the tea; I’ll deal with the guests.”
“That’s what I love about you, Sunshine, always the practical one.” The lovers kissed then temporarily parted ways.
*****
“Richie, is that the Sarah Kingsley?” Morgan Connolly whispered into her husband’s ear. She quickly snapped several pictures.
“Yes, it is. Jennifer Taylor’s daughter is married to Kingsley’s grandson,” Richard whispered back as he jotted down a few notes. “She looks like she’s attending a cotillion.” Sarah Kingsley was wearing a flowing chiffon dress with a huge hat. The outfit left Morgan speechless.
Richard kept scribbling notes as several more guests arrived. He and Morgan meandered through the gardens, quietly interviewing some guests and taking pictures.
“Hey, Pop! Why are you hiding up here?” Gus had snuck up to the attic office to find his father and the bride to be sitting side by side on the pull-out. Their shoes were off, they were each sipping a very small glass of sherry and playing footsie. “Oooo, I’m telling!” Gus teased. He was shushed by both of them.
“Pop, she can’t be drunk at her own wedding!”
“Who says?” Jennifer asked as she giggled. Gus was horrified.
“Don’t worry, Sonny Boy. It’s barely an ounce and Jennifer had a good breakfast. I promise, Mother Taylor will be as sober as a judge when our Sunshine walks her down the garden path.”
“She better be, Pop, or your Sunshine will have your ass in a sling,” Gus warned his father as he turned to go back downstairs.
“Ooooo!” Jennifer and Brian said at the same time, then broke out into hysterical giggles. Gus fled the scene of the crime.
*****
Precisely at two, the string quartet that had been playing quietly in the garden, entertaining guests since noon, began the wedding march. Justin stood at the base of the spiral staircase with Bree. They watched as Brian gave Jennifer a kiss. She gave her favorite son-in-law a hug just before he came down the stairs. Brian kissed Justin deeply then led Bree to her starting point where she'd begin to fulfill her duties as flowergirl. Owen had gone into the master bedroom to help Molly. She wanted her husband to walk with her. Molly’s twinges kept coming faster. She knew she shouldn’t have had that third popover. It was giving her indigestion.
Jennifer slowly descended the stairs as Molly and Owen walked out of the sun porch door and into the garden. Justin held out his arm for his mother.
“You look so beautiful, Mom.”
“You think so?”
“I know so and I’m very happy for you. Are you ready to take that walk now?”
“I’m ready.” Justin escorted his mother out to the gardens.
*****
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the sight of Mother Earth and in the presence of our family and friends to join Jennifer Taylor and Seth Harris in matrimony.”
“Oohh,” Molly moaned.
“Are you okay?” Owen whispered.
“It’s this damned indigestion; my stomach keeps cramping up,” Molly grumbled.
“Jennifer and Seth come now to be joined, to unite two hearts and lives, blending all interests, sympathies, and hopes....”
“Ssssss,” Molly hissed as another cramp hit.
“Mol, you sound like you sprung a leak,” Owen commented.
“Can’t help it.” There were tears in her eyes.
“Molly?” Jennifer stopped paying attention to Father Tom as she turned to face her daughter. “Molly, sweetheart?”
“Oh God, Mom, I think my water broke!” Molly exclaimed as she looked down then burst into tears.
“By the power vested in me by the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I now pronounce you husband and wife!" Tom said rapidly. "Seth, kiss Jennifer and I’ll owe you the rest of the ceremony later. We need some help here!” Tom said loudly into the crowd.
Doctor Dan, who was attending the wedding with his wife, rushed to Molly’s side. “How far apart are they?” he asked Molly.
“I don’t know, I thought it was indigestion,” Molly cried. Owen had her right arm while Dan took her left. They were walking Molly into the house.
“Bring her into our room,” Justin suggested. Brian paled.
“Oh for fuck sake, my sheets!” Brian scooped up Bree then dashed into the house to transform his bedroom into a maternity suite.
“What’s wrong, Dada?” Bree asked her father. Brian had set his daughter down on the overstuffed chair in their room. She watched with fascination as her father flew about the room, stripping his bed of his Egyptian cotton sheets and blankets.
“Auntie Molly grossly miscalculated her dates and now she’s about to have her baby here in my room! On my BED!” Brian took it as a personal affront. However, Briana had no idea what her father was talking about. She just the thought the colors that her father’s face were turning were rather interesting.
“Why are you taking the sheets off the bed? Is it laundry day?”
“No, Squirt, I’m trying to prevent a lot of laundry.” Brian suddenly stopped. He was folding a blanket and trying to figure out how to waterproof the bed. He realized how ridiculous, or worse, frightening his behavior was, especially in front of his daughter.
“Bree, when women have babies, it can be messy. I want Auntie Molly to be comfortable....”
“OOOOOO!” Brian and Bree heard Molly’s cries become louder as she was getting closer to the house. Molly was in active labor and had to stop walking every few feet. It was taking her a long time to reach the sun porch door.
“But I don’t want my bed to be ruined.”
“Oh. Picnic blankets, Dada.”
“What?”
“Picnic blankets. They’re so soft and my hiney doesn’t get wet from the grass.”
“Out of the mouths of babes!” Brian picked up his daughter then swung her around the room. “You are a genius, Squirt!” Brian said as he kissed his brilliant daughter.
“I know, Dada. I help, I’ll go get the blankets for Auntie Molly!” Brian set Bree down then she rushed to the closet where they kept the blankets. The rest of the guests were all abuzz with the news and were offering to help or just stay out of the way.
Bree came back with the blankets and helped her father to arrange them on the bed. Brian put back the pillows then waited. Shortly, Dan, Owen, Molly and Jennifer arrived. Claire also joined them to help.
“Come on Squirt, its time for us to amscray.”
“Okay, Dada.”
“What do you have there?” Brian asked John as he was carrying a bunch of long aprons, the kind they used when grilling, toward the bedroom.
“Aprons. They’re all in there wearing their good clothes. It’s the least I can do,” John said as he hurried into the room. After a few minutes, John came out.
“Doesn’t all that birthing stuff scare you?” Brian asked his brother.
“Nah! You haven't seen a real birth until you've helped a mare give birth. Talk about a mess!” John laughed as the color drained from his brother’s face. “Don’t worry, my mother used to help out old Doc Adams when some of the local farm women decided to have their babies at home. Molly is in the best hands,” John reassured his brother.
“Hey!” Justin said as he came into the porch.
“Where have you been?” Brian asked as he arched a brow. Justin had been suspiciously absent for the past few minutes.
“Emmett is having a minor meltdown. He’s convinced that the gods are conspiring against him. He feels personally responsible.”
“For what? How could he know that Molly would decide to have her baby ahead of schedule?” Justin shrugged. “Go out there and tell the big fairy to get his ass in here and help me. Have his minions start serving and we’ll turn up the music. Let’s bring this baby into the world our way!”
Justin flashed his sunniest smile then rallied the family. Within minutes the party was hopping as a new life was entering the world.
“One last push, Molly. Make it a big one. This baby wants to be born,” Doctor Dan instructed the mother to be.
Owen was sitting behind Molly holding her up, encouraging her to push. Jenn and Claire were helping and ready to receive the baby.
“Deep breath, now PUSH!”
Molly let out a mighty roar as she pushed with all her might.
“That’s it. PUSH!” The room became hushed as Dan took the baby and placed it on Molly’s abdomen. He cut the umbilical cord then wrapped the baby up in a towel. He handed the infant to Claire who went about the business of making sure the baby was breathing and then cleaned up. Dan tended to Molly.
Within the hour, the new mother, father and baby were all peacefully sleeping in Brian and Justin's four posted bed. Dan and his ‘mid-wives’ left the new family to rejoin the wedding party.
“Your family certainly knows how to throw a party,” Samuel remarked to his brother.
“That they do,” Seth agreed as Jennifer came out of the room to join them, beaming from ear to ear. He hugged his new wife closely as they all laughed and cried with joy.
“So, is it a boy or a girl?” Brian asked impatiently as he handed a glass of champagne to Doctor Dan.
“I am happy to announce that Molly and Owen are the proud parents of a healthy baby....!”
*****TBC*****
Ladies of Liberty
Chapter 1
“Brian, thank you for meeting me here.” Drew stood as Brian walked into the broadcast booth at the Ironmen stadium. Drew had called Brian earlier in the day to arrange the appointment.
“Always willing to lend a helping hand when I can,” Brian replied as he shook the former quarterback’s hand. Brian took delight in flirtatious behavior as his eyes swept the room. Drew was clearly the handsomest and fittest man in the room. He was also the only other gay man in the room. “What’s this all about? And why the subterfuge?”
Drew led them out of the booth and into a private office to explain.
“It dawned on me during all of the celebrations that have gone on lately that me and Emm should be celebrating too.”
“And what should you two be celebrating?” Brian had some idea but he wanted to hear it from Drew. Drew fidgeted back and forth on his feet as he felt his face heat up. Brian’s smirk grew wider. “Ah, yes, the course of true love.”
Brian slapped the man on the back. “So, me lad,” Brian began in his best brogue. “You’d be wantin’ to show the love of yer life a good time now. Wouldja be wantin’ me to be lendin’ you a hand?”
“Yes, Brian, I would,” Drew stated seriously, his smile waning. Brian was puzzled.
“Drew, what’s wrong?” Brian realized this was no joking matter to his muscular friend.
“I love Emmett with all my heart. He was my first true love and he took me back when I grew up enough to make a commitment. He’s always doing for others and never asks for anything in return. We’ve been together for seven years. Seven! Which was my number when I was playing. And he was wearing a seven on his jacket when I first met him. The night I made the mistake of announcing my engagement to Sierra and he had the balls to chew me a new one. Brian, I want to do something special for him. He deserves it.”
Drew’s plea tugged on Brian’s heartstrings, the strings that Brian pretended not to have, but which everyone knew about.
“Drew, I will do anything within my power to help in anyway, but give me a clue. What do you want to do?”
“That’s just it, I have no idea. What do you do for a man who has arranged power luncheons for the rich and famous? Or weddings for the stars? He’s a better chef than anyone that’s come through the Culinary Institute of America, and the most creative.”
“His impeccable timing and creations have certainly pulled my ass out of the fire more times than I’d like to admit,” Brian mumbled, but also realized Drew heard every word. Brian closed his eyes then pinched the bridge of his nose for a moment. “What kind of surprise can one plan for the ultimate planner?”
“Exactly.”
“Time frame?” Brian wondered if they had to work around the Ironmen schedule.
“Not an issue.”
“Vacation or gift?” Brian threw out some options.
“I’m leaning toward vacation. He...” Brian held up his hand to forestall the unnecessary explanation. Emmett had never forgotten his modest roots. That combined with a strong work ethic made Emmett Honeycutt a fairly wealthy man. He really didn't need or want anything that he couldn't afford to buy for himself.
“Cruise.”
“Excuse me?”
“A cruise. Take Emm on a cruise. He would never arrange it for himself and he deserves the best that money can buy. I’ll give you the name of my travel agent. She’s very perceptive. She’ll tailor your vacation to your special needs.”
“Special needs?”
“Ixnay on a breeder cruise,” Brian snarked.
Drew quickly got with the program.
Brian rummaged through his wallet to retrieve his travel agent’s business card. As they exited the office, the men hugged. Brian was happy for his friend, Emmett, whom he held in high regard. And for Drew, the man who kept Emmett Honeycutt happy.
“Can I call you if I have any more questions?” Drew asked.
“Anytime,” Brian said in a sultry tone. Drew chuckled, knowing how Brian loved to tease and flirt with the football idol. Drew went back toward the broadcast booth as Brian turned to leave the stadium.
“Isn’t that Brian Kinney?” one of the stadium security guards asked his partner.
“Yeah, he went up to see Boyd.”
“Did you read about him in the Dispatch?”
“Yeah, but that’s old news.”
“Then why is he sniffing around Boyd?”
“I don’t know, maybe he wants Boyd for another ad.”
“Maybe. Boyd still looks good in his tighty whities!” The guards laughed then got back to work.
*****
“Are you ready, Babe?” Carl asked as he settled in behind the wheel of the Winnebago. They had stopped just outside of Memphis on their way to see Graceland. This was the first leg of their month long trip.
“Fuck!” Debbie reacted.
“What?”
“Maybe we should turn around and go home.”
“What the fuck for? We agreed that we were going to take this vacation. See the U.S.A. in our Winnebago.”
“Shouldn’t that be in our fucking Chevrolet?” Debbie griped.
“This is much more comfortable,” Carl said happily.
“Oh shit! Let’s get going,” Debbie said with a sigh.
Carl started the engine. He was about to step on the gas when an unsettling thought hit him. “Are you afraid to be stuck inside this thing with me for a month?” he asked with a worried look on his face.
“What?” Debbie demanded.
“You heard me. Is that why you don’t want to continue this trip?”
“It’s not that. I want to go on our trip,” Debbie said gently.
“Then what the fuck is the problem?” Carl pulled the Winnebago over to the side of the gas station lot and turned the engine off. The huge gas guzzler didn’t need to be running if they weren’t going anywhere, and he didn’t intend to move on, or back, until they got this straightened out.
“I’m … missing everybody,” Debbie admitted finally when she saw that Carl meant business.
Carl had to smile at his wife. “So am I,” he replied. “But they’ll all be there when we get back home.”
“Yeah, I suppose,” Debbie sighed.
“No supposition about it. They’ll be happy to see us back, but happier because we took the trip in the first place.”
“I guess,” Debbie agreed. “JR was so cute when she said goodbye to us after Jennifer and Seth’s wedding.”
“Yeah, that was quite the wedding.”
“Trust Sunshine and Brian to throw a shindig like that,” Debbie laughed, as she recalled the events of that day.
Carl laughed too, happy to see that Debbie seemed to be in a better frame of mind. “That little baby was as cute as could be.”
“Molly was a real trooper, having the baby without any drugs.”
“It was Owen that I thought was going to pass out.”
“He did turn several shades of green until the whole thing was over,” Debbie chuckled.
“The baby will be a month old when we get back, ready for a visit from his favorite grandmother,” Carl suggested.
“That would be Jennifer, not me. I’m not his grandmother,” Debbie protested.
“You’re everybody’s grandmother,” Carl told her.
Debbie smiled fondly at her husband. “I guess I am.”
“You know you are.”
“Okay, let’s go. Elvis is waiting,” Debbie said decisively. She was feeling much better all of a sudden.
“Isn’t Elvis dead?”
“They say his spirit is at Graceland. It was his home for Priscilla and their baby. He’s still there,” Debbie informed her husband.
“Then let’s go find him.” Carl started the Winnebago and pulled out into traffic.
*****
“Seth,” Jennifer said.
“Yes, my darling.”
“I’m thirsty.”
“I’ll be right back,” Seth said, getting up from his lounger beside the pool at their hotel in Aruba.
Jennifer leaned back and closed her eyes. She was under an umbrella so that her fair skin didn’t get fried by the hot Caribbean sun. She was so happy. She and Seth had flown to Aruba for their honeymoon, after they had made sure that Molly and her new baby were fine.
She smiled as she thought about their wedding. Everything had been so perfect. The gardens at Edna’s Treasures were so beautiful and the day had turned out to be glorious after all the rain. All their family and friends were assembled, and were so happy for them. Molly had made it down the aisle, and Bree had performed her duties as flowergirl impeccably. Justin had walked her proudly down the aisle. She had looked into Seth’s eyes and seen the love he had for her. And then all hell had broken loose as Molly’s water broke.
Jennifer chuckled to herself. Father Tom had rushed them through their vows before Dr. Dan took over and walked Molly back to the cottage. Brian was having apoplexy about a baby being born in his bed, but he couldn’t stop the course of nature. Molly had been so brave and had a beautiful baby to show for all her efforts. Both mother and child were doing fine. Another grandchild, Jennifer thought to herself. She was so lucky to be blessed with grandchildren. If the new baby was anything like Briana, she would have two very smart and creative grandchildren. But better than that she would have two very loving grandchildren.
“Here you are, sweetheart,” Seth said as he held out a frosty island concoction in a large glass.
Jennifer took it and sipped tentatively. “It tastes divine,” she cooed happily. “What do they call this one?”
“It’s today’s special, Pineapple Aruba,” Seth informed her as he sat down on his chaise and sipped his own drink.
Jennifer took a bite of the pineapple piece that adorned the lip of her glass. “The pineapple’s almost as good as the drink.”
“Maybe better,” Seth said as he nibbled on his own pineapple.
“I may have to have another one of these later on,” Jennifer replied as she ate the rest of her pineapple and took a long sip of the delicious drink.
“Just be careful,” Seth advised. “I have a feeling these things could sneak up on you without any warning.”
“You could be right,” Jennifer laughed.
“Are you having a good time here?” Seth asked extending his hand so Jennifer could take it. He liked nothing better than touching his new bride at every opportunity.
“I’m enjoying every minute of it. It’s lovely to be away … just the two of us.”
“But…?” Seth asked. He could hear the “but” at the end of her sentence.
“I was just thinking about Molly and her first child.”
“Missing them a bit?’
“Just a bit.”
“I’m sure they’re fine or we would have heard otherwise.”
“Yes,” Jennifer agreed. “That old adage about no news being good news is usually true.”
“But you’d like some verification for your own peace of mind?”
“I would,” Jennifer stated.
“Then why don’t we call them when we go back to the room?”
“I’d like that.”
“And you can tell them what a wonderful time you’re having here,” Seth said with a big smile.
“That I will,” Jennifer agreed, “because I really am having a wonderful time. You’ve made this the perfect honeymoon, although I only have one other one to compare it to.”
“I hope this one measures up favorably.”
“It’s been great so far, and I’m sure it will continue to be that way.” Jennifer squeezed Seth’s hand. “You know, I’m suddenly feeling like a little nap before dinner.”
“I could go for that too,” Seth smiled.
“Then let’s go back to the room.”
Seth stood up and offered Jennifer his hand to help her up. She set down her now empty drink glass. “After our nap, we can call Molly and then have another one of those delicious drinks.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Seth agreed, as he escorted his beautiful new wife back to their room.
*****
“Molly?”
“Mom, is that you?”
“Yes, honey, can you hear me? Oh, these are horrible connections,” Jennifer grumbled.
“I can hear you fine, Mom. Is something wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong, sweetheart. I just wanted to call to make sure you and the baby are all right. Am I calling too late?”
“We’re fine, we’re all fine,” Molly said as she rolled her eyes at Owen. The new father was blissfully changing a nasty diaper. “It’s only eight o’clock; it’s not like we’re in a different time zone.”
“We just wanted to call to see how you all are. Seth and I were about to go to dinner.”
“Dinner? I though you liked your meals a little earlier than this?”
“Well, we were napping.” Jennifer blushed as she heard her daughter chuckle.
“Napping. Is that what they’re calling it now,” Molly teased. “Mom, we’re fine, I promise you.”
“But we had to leave and I was worried.”
“I know but Doctor Dan said that babies were coming into this world just like ours since the beginning of time. And he said even though it was years since he delivered a baby, it was just like riding a bike. Besides, Claire was there and she used to mid-wife for Bridgeton.”
“Honey...”
“Mom, Brian arranged for an ambulance to take us into Pittsburgh. Doctor Dan and Claire rode with us. We met our doctor at Allegheny and we’re all fine.”
“You’re sure.”
“Yes, Mom, I’m sure. The baby is perfect. Taylor has ten fingers and ten toes and a set of lungs that would make Debbie proud. Now don’t you think it’s time for you and Seth to go to dinner so that you can both keep up your strength for all that napping? You’re a beautiful woman, Mom, and he is a virile man. Isn’t he? There should be lots of napping and less phone calls.”
“All right, if you insist.”
“I insist. We’ll see you in a couple of weeks and I expect details.”
“Molly!”
“Of the island, Mom.”
“Oh,” Jennifer giggled. “Of course with all this napping, I haven’t seen much of it. But they do keep a clean ceiling in our room.”
“Hanging up now, Mom. I love you and all my love to Seth.”
“Love you too, sweetheart. You kiss my grandchild and my son-in-law for me. Bye, honey.”
“Bye, Mom.”
“Your mother and Seth really going at it that much?” Owen asked.
“Apparently. Scary, isn’t it?”
“Not at all. I hope we’ll still be napping when we’re their age,” Owen said with a wistful smile.
“I wish I could do some napping now and not the kind with my eyes closed.”
“Mol, you’ve just had a baby. You need time to heal and to get strong. I can wait. And there’s other things we can do besides napping. For now, I’m happy just to cuddle with you and Taylor.”
“I love you, Owen,” Molly said as she yawned.
“Love you too,” he whispered as he held his wife close as she dropped off to sleep. With the baby peacefully sleeping in the crib, Owen joined his family in slumber.
Dear Sunshine Files Fans
By a majority of 2:1 (26:13 and one vote for twins), Molly and Owen have a baby boy, Taylor Brenner!
Thank you all for your feedback and votes. We hope you will enjoy the "Ladies of Liberty."
Thyme and Sabina
Ladies of Liberty
Chapter 2
“Gonna cum,” Justin groaned. Edna’s Treasures was back to normal. Their room was their own once again. Brian had the need for some Sunshine loving and Justin was more than willing to give Brian all he had.
Justin reached around Brian’s slim waist to give Brian’s dick some attention as he fucked Brian’s tight ass. Justin tried to maintain his control, wanting Brian to come first. His diligence was soon rewarded as he felt Brian’s cock swell impossibly harder in his hand then shoot the sheets below them. Justin’s own orgasm was then triggered by Brian’s tight muscles clenching around him. He filled his lover with his own hot cum.
“Holy fucking shit, Justin,” Brian exclaimed when his brain made its way back into his head. Justin had collapsed atop his back, his left hand entwined with Brian’s fingers. Justin had no intention of moving anytime soon. Brian had no intention of letting him.
“Love you, Brian,” Justin murmured sleepily into the back of Brian’s shoulders. Brian chuckled softly not wanting to lose his Sunshine blanket.
“Wha’s so funny?” Justin mumbled.
“Not funny, cute,” Brian said risking Justin’s wrath.
“I’m too old to be cute.”
“You’ll never be too old to be cute. You’ll be the cutest ninety-nine year old on the planet.”
“I'll hold you to that,” Justin said emphatically.
“Hold me to what?”
“The only way for you to know that I’m going to be the cutest ninety-nine year old on the planet is for you to be there to tell me. So I’m holding you to your promise.”
“Justin, when you’re ninety-nine, I’ll be...fuck!”
“And we’ll still be fucking.”
“You, maybe. I don’t think I’ll be in any position to be fucking.”
“You will be if you stay like this for the rest of your life.”
“So you intend to hold me captive in our room for the rest of our lives?” Brian asked, even though he realized that they were having the silliest conversation they’d had in a very long time.
“Yes. I think I like it up here,” Justin said as he snuggled down more into his lover’s back. His softened cock had slipped out of Brian; they both groaned at the loss.
Brian turned his head in an effort to see Justin’s face. “Kiss me,” he whispered. Justin reached up to oblige him. They shared a sweet tender kiss.
“Bri, you okay?” Justin asked when they finally came up for air.
“Yeah, must be all those female hormones still on the loose in our room,” Brian groused making Justin giggle. “You learned your lessons well, Sunshine.”
“Yeah?” Brian felt Justin smile smugly against his shoulder.
“No fishing, but yes, I could go for this more often,” Brian admitted.
Justin began to slowly rut up against Brian’s ass; his dick was filling again.
“More like this?” Justin purred as he slipped into his lover’s loosened ass.
“I’ve created a monster,” Brian squeaked as he held onto Justin’s hand allowing his mate to thoroughly love him.
*****
“Touch down!” Drew cried out as he came deeply in his lover. Emmett and Drew had come home from a long day of working. They were hungry but not for food. Drew found himself incredibly hard and horny. He wanted his lover and on every flat surface imaginable in their apartment. Emmett was currently on his back on their kitchen table with his legs up in the air and spread eagled.
“Oh my,” Emmett panted. “What’s gotten into you?”
“You, I hope after we get into bed,” Drew replied. They rested for a bit before Drew helped his lover up off the table. They gathered up their strewn about clothes then retired to resume their lovemaking in their bedroom.
*****
“Wasn’t Graceland … magical?” Debbie asked as she and Carl sat outside their motorhome in the RV park they had found outside of Memphis.
“Magical,” Carl replied.
“You didn’t like it?’
“It was okay.”
“Okay? Fucking okay! Elvis lived there and he and Priscilla had Lisa Marie there. It was his home.”
“Deb,” Carl said calmly, “I know you’re a big Elvis fan and I liked him fine, but I’m not fanatical about it.”
“Meaning that I am?”
“No, just meaning that it means more to you than it does to me.”
“I see.”
“What does that mean, Deb? Are you mad at me?”
“No,” Debbie conceded. “It would be stupid to get mad over how much you liked or didn’t like Elvis.”
“Good,” Carl said breathing a sigh of relief.
“But you have to admit Elvis sure knew how to decorate a house.”
“You think so?” Carl had to ask.
“That den with the cloth ceiling was just … magnificent.”
“You liked that?’
“Yes, I’d love to do something like that at our house,” Debbie said her eyes filled with wonder as she thought about that possibility.
“But we don’t have a den,” Carl reminded her.
“We could put fabric on the ceiling of Michael’s old room … or our bedroom,” Debbie suggested as that thought hit her. Her eyes lit up with excitement. “Wouldn’t that be great?”
“Well,” Carl started.
“Well what? You don’t like the idea?’
“I think it’s the kind of thing that works well in a house like Graceland, but not so well in a house like ours,” Carl said carefully.
“When did you learn to be an interior decorator?”
“I’m not. You’re much better at that than I am.”
“And when did you get to be so fucking diplomatic?”
“After working at Babylon with tweaked out twinks and horny gay guys who weren’t really doing anything all that bad, but were on the verge of getting themselves into serious trouble, I learned how to diplomatically diffuse the situation and send them on their way.”
Debbie smiled fondly at her husband. That was effectively what he had done with her. “I love you, Carl Horvath. I hope Babylon will be just as safe now that you’re not there any longer.” She reached out her hand so that Carl could take it in his. She had never had anyone to look after her until Carl came along. She had spent her whole life looking after herself, and then Michael and finally Vic when he got sick. It was nice to feel safe and protected with her big, ex-cop man around. “I love you a whole bunch,” she added.
“Your approval means a lot to me, Deb, and I love you a whole bunch right back.” He squeezed Debbie’s hand gently.
“So, where are we going to go next on this cross country tour we’re fucking on?” Debbie asked deciding she’d start bawling if they continued to discuss how much they loved each other.
“I thought we’d head up to Missouri and see the arch at St. Louis,” Carl said.
“An arch?”
“You know the big one that’s there.”
“And you thought I was nuts laying flowers on Elvis’ grave. You want to see an arch?”
“I want to see this arch.”
“Well, you brought me to Graceland, so I guess the least I can do is go see an arch with you,” Debbie chuckled.
“That’s my girl.” Carl smiled at her.
They realized the sun had gone down while they had been talking.
“What do you say we hit the hay early so we can start out first thing in the morning?” Debbie asked.
“I’m not really sleepy.”
“Neither am I, but there are other things we can do in bed.”
“Oh! Okay!” He stood up and pulled Debbie into a hug. He kissed her cheek. “You do have good ideas.”
Debbie giggled. “That’s not what you thought about my decorating ideas,” she said.
“Some of your other ideas are much more … captivating.”
Debbie chuckled and wrapped her arm around Carl’s waist, before they went into the RV and locked the door behind them.
*****
“Hey, Lacy,” Melanie said as she and Lindsay came into the diner.
“Hi, Mel, Lindsay, what can I get you?”
“Coffee and one lemon bar.”
“You sharing?” Lacy laughed.
“Yes,” Lindsay replied. “We’re watching our figures.”
“Or no one else will,” Melanie laughed. She was as slim as she had always been, although Lindsay had put on a couple of pounds.
Lacy brought the coffeepot over and poured them each a cup. “Where have you two been this time of night?’
“We just came from a movie,” Lindsay said as she stirred her coffee.
“Oh, was it good?” Lacy asked.
Melanie made gagging sounds to show what she thought of the movie. “Absolutely awful.”
“That’s too bad.” Lacy went to get their lemon bar.
“I’m glad we went out for the evening,” Lindsay said sipping her coffee.
“Even if you had to sit through that horrendous movie?” Melanie asked.
“It’s good to do things together … outside of the house.”
“We do things outside of the house,” Melanie said with a frown.
“But rarely together,” Lindsay said. “When was the last time we went to a movie or a concert or an art show?”
Melanie frowned and thought about the question. “Other than an occasional event at the GLC and Justin’s latest art show, we don’t very often go out together, do we?”
“Not unless we’re going to Edna’s Treasures for a family get together or to Debbie’s for a meal.”
“What are you saying?” Melanie wanted to know.
“I’m saying that one of our promises when we came back from St. Augustine was that we’d do more things together … as a family,” Lindsay reminded her.
“And we have,” Melanie stated.
“To some extent. We do more things with JR, but not much more with Gus.”
“He’s a fucking teenager and he can drive. What does he want to do with us?” Melanie demanded.
“But that’s just the point. What do we ever do together, just the two of us? When the kids are gone, where does that leave us?” Lindsay asked.
“We just went to a fucking movie.”
“I know, but how many times did I have to twist your arm to get you to go with me?”
Melanie scowled. “A few, I guess.”
“I think we need some other interests that we can do together. Work and the kids are not everything?”
“Since when?” Melanie asked sarcastically.
“Since now. I want to broaden our horizons.”
Lacy set the plate containing the lemon bar down on the table. “I couldn’t help but overhear,” she said. “If you’re looking for something to do, I have a couple of pieces in an art show at PIFA. It’s this Saturday. I could get you a couple of tickets.”
“That would be great, Lacy,” Lindsay said with a smile.
“Yeah, great,” Melanie responded not thrilled about another art show. It wasn’t long ago since they had to make a command performance at Justin’s show.
“I’ll get a couple of tickets tomorrow and you can pick them up here,” Lacy said happy to have some friends coming to her show.
“Thanks, Lacy,” Lindsay said as she broke a piece off the lemon bar with her fork.
“Couldn’t we do something other than an art show?” Melanie asked pointedly.
“Of course we can. What would you like to do?”
“I don’t know … just something else.”
“When you think of something let me know,” Lindsay said before popping the bite of lemon bar in her mouth.
*****
“Daddy?” Bree called out as she slowly walked into the sun porch clutching her grey bunny in her hand. It was way past her bedtime but she woke up coughing, sneezing and needing her daddies.
Bree’s daddies were snuggled together on the chaise. The early Spring night air was still a little cool so they were cuddled under an afghan. The full moon was their only light.
“We’re here, baby girl,” Justin said as he got up off the chaise. He was at his daughter’s side in less than a second. “What’s wrong, baby?” Justin was feeling Bree’s forehead as he noted her stuffy nose and puffy eyes.
“Does she have a fever?” Brian asked.
“I don’t think so. She kinda looks like me when my allergies are acting up.”
“Makes sense. She is your daughter and we had enough April showers to help the flowers make pollen.”
“She’s never had allergies before.”
“Sometimes things change, Justin. You know that.”
“I just don’t want her to suffer like I did.”
“You’ve gotten it under control and so will the Squirt. For now, let’s give her a little medicine to clear up her nose so she can sleep. If she’s still miserable in the morning, we’ll take her to the doctor.”
Justin nodded his head in agreement then picked up his pitiful looking daughter to take her back to bed. Brian got out the children’s decongestant from the medicine cabinet. When he opened the door to Bree’s room, he found his lover gently rocking their princess. Bree took her medicine without complaint then fell asleep in her Daddy’s arms.
“It’s times like this that I wish I was an artist like you.”
“Why?”
“Because I would paint you both.”
“Even with her stuffy nose?”
“Stuffy nose and all. She’s beautiful, an angel in my angel’s arms,” Brian said softly. “I’d love a portrait for the attic office.”
Justin smiled serenely. ‘And he thinks he doesn’t do romance. He’s the most romantic man I know,’ Justin thought to himself. “Bri, if you take a picture, I’ll paint that portrait for you.”
Brian nodded then quickly took out his camera phone. He took several pictures before turning to leave the room.
“Stay,” Justin whispered. He was still rocking Bree who seemed to be breathing a lot better.
Brian made himself comfortable on Briana’s bed so that he could gaze upon his two angels.
Ladies of Liberty
Chapter 3
“How does a walk along the beach in the moonlight sound?” Seth asked as he and Jennifer finished their very late dinner at the resort in Aruba.
“It sounds like the perfect end to a perfect day,” Jennifer cooed as she pushed back her chair.
Seth was immediately there to take it out of her way as she stood up. He replaced it under the table.
“Good evening,” their waiter said as Seth signed the bill. “I hope you enjoyed your meal.”
“Everything was wonderful,” Jennifer stated.
The waiter beamed with pride and then hustled away.
“The staff here are very solicitous and really seem to take pride in their jobs,” Seth observed.
“Yes, I would very much recommend this place for anyone who wants a relaxing, beautiful vacation,” Jennifer replied as they walked out of the restaurant and down towards the beach.
“You’re enjoying yourself?” Seth asked.
“Very much, especially our naps.”
Seth laughed out loud. “I love you, Jennifer Taylor.”
“Hey, it’s Jennifer Harris now, and you better love me now that we’re married.”
Seth shook his head as they slipped off their sandals and started to walk along the beach in their bare feet. Seth put his arm around Jennifer’s shoulders. The warm sand felt lovely as it squished between their toes.
“I’ve called you Jennifer Taylor for so long now that I can’t get used to calling you Jennifer Harris, although Jennifer Harris does have a very sweet sound to my ears.”
“What’s that old joke?” Jennifer chuckled. “You can call me whatever you like, just don’t call me late for dinner.”
Seth laughed. “I’m suddenly starting to feel like another nap.”
“I want another one of today’s island specialty drinks, and then I’ll be ready for a nap too,” Jennifer said with a warm smile for her new husband.
“Then let’s head back,” Seth said as they turned around and headed back to the hotel. The huge tropical moon glistened down on the sand and the lovers who walked upon it.
*****
“Molly,” Owen sighed as his eyes opened. “Molly! The baby’s crying again.”
“I know. I have ears. What do you think is wrong this time?” Molly asked tiredly.
“Hungry,” Owen mumbled as he buried his head in his pillow.
“Then go feed Taylor,” Molly stated crossing her arms on her chest. “I’m exhausted.”
“You’re breastfeeding. I can’t do it.”
“Why don’t you grow a pair?” Molly demanded. She was so tired. It seemed like Taylor wanted to be fed every few minutes, and then would be hungry again right after. She wasn’t sure how much longer she could keep doing this without any sleep, without ever feeling like she was satisfying her child. She felt like shit and she was sure she looked like shit. Having a baby and looking after it wasn’t supposed to be this hard.
When Owen made no signs of getting out of bed, Molly threw back the covers and marched out of the room. “Prick,” she mumbled, as she left the bedroom. She hoped her husband heard her.
She picked up Taylor and sat down in the rocking chair in the baby’s room. She offered her breast and watched her child latch on. The baby sucked away for a while and then fell asleep.
“Great,” Molly said as she laid Taylor back in the crib. “That ought to keep you satisfied for the next fifteen minutes.” She rubbed her eyes as she looked at her son. Then she gently ran her hand over the baby’s mop of unruly hair. Although she loved her child so much, she was almost at her wit’s end about what to do with these constant feedings.
Wearily she dragged herself back to her bedroom and climbed in beside her sleeping husband. “Asshole,” she felt compelled to say to his back. She laid her weary head on her pillow and dozed off.
She was sure she hadn’t been asleep for more than ten minutes when Taylor started crying again. She didn’t bother to fight with Owen this time; she merely threw back the covers and got up.
“Taylor, what’s wrong?” Molly asked softly as the baby continued to cry when she entered the nursery.
She gently lifted him up and sat down in her rocker. She brought out her breast and watched Taylor latch on. Something had to be wrong. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. She knew there were supposed to be a lot of feedings, but this was way too often, and the baby never seemed to get filled up. She watched her child suck at her breast and wished that this would be the satisfying feeling she had read about in all the books. She was supposed to be bonding with her child, but that wasn’t what was happening.
When Taylor fell asleep again after a couple of minutes, she laid him back in the crib and went to the living room. It was only ten after eleven, but it felt like four in the morning. She so wanted to call her mother and ask her what to do. She needed some advise, some help. But she didn’t want to interrupt her mother’s honeymoon and worry her about what was happening back home.
With a weary sigh, she stared at the TV which was not turned on. She was praying that an answer might suddenly appear on the blank screen. Nothing came. She closed her eyes and then leaned her head on the soft back of the sofa. That was when inspiration struck.
“Justin,” she said aloud. She grabbed the portable phone that sat on the coffee table. She hit number two on the speed dial and let it ring.
“What?” an angry voice demanded. It was Brian.
“Put my brother on,” Molly demanded with no preliminaries.
“Justin,” she heard Brian say. “Justin! It’s your bitch of a sister.”
That made her laugh and she suddenly felt better than she had in days.
“Molly, what’s wrong?” Justin’s voice came to her.
“It’s the baby. All I do is feed Taylor every fifteen minutes and it’s never enough.” The tears started down her cheeks and she couldn’t stop them. “I don’t know what to do,” she wailed.
“Molly, Molly!” Justin repeated. “Listen to me. Are you listening?”
“You sound just like Brian,” Molly cried dejectedly.
“Stop it! Listen to me.”
“Okay, what do you want to say, Jester, and platitudes won’t cut it,” Molly sniffled getting a hold on her fragile emotions.
“You and Taylor need to go see the pediatrician tomorrow,” Justin stated. “Tell her what’s happening and she will be able to help you with what to do.”
“But why won’t the baby ever get satisfied when I breastfeed?” Molly asked. “I don’t understand what I’m doing wrong.”
“Maybe you’re not doing anything wrong,” Justin suggested. “Maybe you don’t have enough milk. Maybe you need to put Taylor on formula.”
“Formula? But breast milk is supposed to be better. I don’t want my baby on formula.”
“Bree grew up on formula,” Justin told her.
“She did?”
“Well, who did you think was going to breastfeed her, me or Brian? Ow!”
“What?”
“Brian just pinched me for saying that.”
“Sorry,” Molly sighed. “Do you really think I might need to switch to formula?”
“I don’t know, Mol, but you need to go find out. And formula’s not so bad.”
“How do you figure that?”
“Then Owen can do the feedings too. I made Brian do it. Ow!”
“What now?”
“He pinched me again.”
“Did Brian really help with the feedings?”
“Of course he did, and he was pretty good at it too.”
“I was excellent at it,” Brian’s voice said over the phone as he leaned in so Molly could hear him.
“Like you are at everything,” Molly chuckled.
“Of course.”
“Oh shit, he’s crying again. I have to go,” Molly said standing up.
“Go look after the baby and go to the doctor tomorrow,” Justin advised.
“I will. Thanks, Jester.”
“Night, Mol.”
*****
“Molly! How’s little Taylor doing?” the baby’s pediatrician asked as she came through the exam room door.
“I don’t know. I guess all right but he’s hungry all the time and I don’t think I’m making enough milk and I don’t want Taylor to grow up on formula and I’m sooo tired,” Molly cried all at once.
“Shh, it’s going to be fine. You’re not the first new mother to have this problem. Let’s check the baby out and then I’m going to make an appointment for you to see our maternal/child nurse. She’s just down the hall and I’ll have my receptionist call right now. You can see her right after we’re through.”
“Maternal/child nurse?”
As the pediatrician examined Taylor, she explained to Molly what the specialized nurse would do.
“But what about all the special nutrients and immunities I read about in the colostrum?”
“That’s only present in your breast milk for about a day or two. Taylor got it already. Don’t worry, Molly, not all women are made to breast feed. That’s why there were wet nurses. We’ll find the best way to keep Taylor happy. It doesn’t make you a bad mother. In fact, you did right by bringing the baby to me so quickly before he could lose any weight. That says to me that you’re a very good mother.”
Molly gave the doctor a slight smile. When the doctor was finished with her exam, Molly bundled up the baby and took her to the maternal/child nurse.
*****
“Justin?”
“Hey, Mollusk. Everything okay?” Justin asked his sister over the phone.
“It is now. Can me and Owen come up to see you? I really need you.”
“Sure. You want to stay for a few days?”
“Can we? Do you think Brian would mind?”
“He won’t mind. Besides, you know his bark is worse than his bite. Ow! Quit it, Bri.” Molly giggled at her brother-in-law’s antics. “I love you, Jester. We’ll see you soon.”
“Sure, Molly. I love you too.” As brother and sister cut the connection Brian made a call.
“Claire, do you think you can tear yourself away from your he-man for a couple of days?”
“I believe so. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing really but I think a certain very new mother needs a little motherly advice. And since her own mother is soaking up the sun somewhere and getting la...”
“TMI, Brian. I’ll be there soon.”
“Thank you, Claire.”
“Brian, what are you doing?”
“Justin, did your mother breast feed you?”
“I don’t think so.”
“So she probably didn’t give much advice to your sister. And as much as you wanted to grow a pair of tits to feed Bree with, we were very lucky that she took to the bottle right away and we had absolutely no problems feeding her. She had no problems with her formula either. Molly has no frame of reference and I’m not sure she’ll feel comfortable whipping out her tits in front of us. Even if we are fags. Now Claire has birthed hundreds of babies and I’ll bet my bottom dollar, she either breast fed John or has given lots of advice to new mothers.”
“But what if Molly ends up bottle feeding?”
“We can help with that. We’ve all had plenty of experience,” Brian said indicating John and Bobby too. “But sometimes a woman needs another woman and the best woman for the job in this instance is Claire.”
“Okay. I see your point. Molly sounded so tired, Bri.”
“I know. I remember those two a.m. feedings and the Squirt teething in the middle of the night. But we survived and so will your sister.”
“I love you, Brian,” Justin said as he wrapped his arms around his very wise and loving spouse.
“I love you, too, Sunshine.”
*****
“Molly, why did we have to come all the way out here? My parents are going to have a fit,” Owen grumbled. They had just pulled up in front of Edna’s Treasures. It was just about dinnertime. Both Owen and Molly were tired, hungry and very grumpy. Taylor had slept for the ride but was beginning to stir. Molly was beginning to dread the baby’s next feeding.
“Because my brother invited us.” A little white lie, but Molly just didn’t want to say that she needed her brother and even Brian right now. Owen was trying to help but only managing to get on her nerves.
“Auntie Molly!” Bree screeched as she ran out of the front door. “Hi, Unca Owen.”
“Hi, princess,” Owen said sweetly.
“Hi, short stuff. Is your daddy inside?”
“Uh huh and Gamma Claire is here too. Can I see the baby?” Bree was straining on her toes to see the baby in Molly’s arms.
“Let’s go inside first so I can sit down. I’m a little tired.”
“Okay, Auntie Molly.” Bree gently took Molly’s hand to lead her inside. Owen, who was carrying all their bags was dutifully following.
“Hey, Mollusk,” Justin said softly as he took Taylor from his very weary sister. He kissed his sister’s cheek then turned Molly over to Claire.
“Oh, Claire,” Molly managed to say before she burst into tears. Claire whisked the distraught new mom into her son’s end of Edna’s Treasures. Owen stood there helpless to act. Taylor began to fuss.
“Owen, did you bring the formula?” Justin asked the exhausted new dad.
“Yeah,” Owen sighed.
“Bri?” Justin called over his shoulder. He heard Brian come through the hall.
“Got it,” Brian said as he reached for the baby bag that was brimming with all manner of baby supplies including bottles and formula. Justin was walking and cooing to the baby as Brian quickly made up a batch of formula. “I’ll take the baby, Justin, you handle dear old dad,” Brian snarked as he slipped the bottle into his back pocket then took Taylor from Justin’s arms. Brian then took the baby into Bree’s room as Justin steered the harried father over to the sofa in the living room.
“Drink?” Justin asked Owen.
“I, uh...I should check on Molly and Taylor,” Owen stuttered.
“What you should do is have a drink, at the very least, a beer. Claire will take care of Molly for now. And Brian will take care of Taylor. When was the last time you slept through the night?” Justin asked as he got a cold beer from the fridge and gave it to Owen.
“I don’t remember. Seems like months.”
“The baby’s less than two weeks old,” Justin said with a knowing smirk.
“Yeah.” Owen took a few sips of beer then began to drift off. Before the bottle could fall out of his hand, Justin caught it. He threw a light blanket over Owen then quickly left the room. He met Claire in the sun porch.
“How’s Molly?”
“Exhausted. She’s out cold on John’s couch. Bree and Patrick are playing quietly in Patrick’s room. She’ll stay with Patrick tonight.”
“Owen’s out too on our sofa. They were trying to do it all by themselves,” Justin sighed. Brian and Justin had had lots of help when Bree was an infant as had John and Bobby with Patrick.
“I know. And she thinks she’s a bad mother because she’s not making enough milk. I think she’s just dehydrated. She won’t make milk if she’s not hydrated enough.” Justin nodded. “Where’s the baby?”
Justin indicated that Claire should follow. They opened the door to Bree’s room where they found Brian softly humming to a very contented baby as he rocked Taylor in the same rocking chair they used for baby Briana.
“Three angels,” Brian cooed with a beatific smile as he looked down on the blue eyed baby in his arms.
Claire and Justin left the room to finish preparing dinner, leaving the proud uncle with his charge.
Ladies of Liberty
Chapter 4
“Morning, Owen,” Brian said as he continued to whip up breakfast.
“Morning,” Owen said groggily. “What time is it? It’s daylight.” Owen was still wearing the clothes he had arrived in and looking rather rumpled and unhappy.
“That would be correct. It’s a little after seven a.m.”
“Seven? A.M.?”
Brian nodded. “Let it sink in,” he chuckled.
“But, we got here at dinnertime,” Owen said in bewilderment.
“You’ve been asleep ever since you arrived.”
“But … that’s over twelve hours.”
“Correct again,” Brian replied as he slid his scrambled eggs into a casserole dish and put them in the oven to stay warm.
“How … how is that possible?” Then one horrible answer to his question hit him. “Where’s Taylor? Did something happen to the baby? Has Molly gone to the hospital?”
“In Bree’s bedroom with Justin, no, nothing happened to Molly or the baby. Molly’s over in John’s side of the cottage.”
“But…”
“Owen, sit down and drink this,” Brian said shoving a cup of coffee at the man.
Owen took it and sat down at the kitchen table. “What day is it?” he asked.
Brian laughed. “Thursday.”
“Oh … good … at least I didn’t lose a day.”
“You and Molly looked like you could use a whole day of sleep. You don’t have to do everything by yourselves, you know,” Brian counseled. “Justin and I had all kinds of help with Bree.”
Owen studied Brian taking in what he had said. “I guess we just thought we should be able to do it. We’re both intelligent, capable people.”
“Dada!” Bree screeched running into the kitchen. “Taylor made this gigantic belch!” she giggled.
“That’s a baby for you,” Brian said with a smile.
“Hi, Unca Owen. You sleep real good,” Bree stated as she climbed up onto a chair beside him.
“Thanks Bree. I was very tired.”
“You need lots of sleep to feel good,” Bree told him with all the wisdom of her six years, and the constant reinforcement from her fathers about the importance of sleep.
“Ready for breakfast, Squirt?” Brian asked his daughter.
“Yep, should I get Patrick and his daddies?”
“Yes, and Auntie Molly if she’s awake.”
“Okay,” Bree said sliding off her chair.
“Bree, don’t wake Molly if she’s still asleep,” Brian cautioned. Owen gave him a thankful look. “Owen, can you give me a hand setting all this out in the sun porch? There’s more room out there.”
“Sure,” Owen replied.
Soon the whole group was assembled on the sun porch enjoying breakfast. Molly had woken up when the house started to stir. She had rushed into the kitchen as confused and worried as Owen had been. The new parents had gone to see their sleeping angel in Bree’s room before sitting down to some breakfast.
“I can’t believe that Taylor is actually sleeping and has been for over an hour,” Molly sighed. “I couldn’t get him to sleep for more than fifteen minutes at a time.”
“I’d say the child was hungry, dear,” Claire told her gently. “You should be fine now that you’re using formula.”
“I so wanted to breastfeed,” Molly replied sadly.
“You did breastfeed,” Claire said gently. “You could still offer Taylor your breast, but you may need to supplement it with formula.”
“Um … could we talk about something other than breasts and milk and formula?” Brian requested. “I think I may be ill.”
“Shut up, Kinney,” Molly retorted.
“We’ll talk later, Molly, when the squeamish men aren’t around,” Claire said.
“Thanks, Claire, I’m so glad you’re here.”
“Hey, what about us?” Brian asked.
“You’re okay, Kinney. You’ll do in a pinch,” Molly laughed.
“And he knows how to pinch,” Justin replied, happy to see his sister laugh. Brian gave his husband a pinch just to emphasize that point. “Ow!” Justin squirmed out of Brian’s reach.
“Time for school, kiddies,” Bobby said standing up. “Get your book bags.”
The children ran off to get ready for school.
“How do you get them to obey so readily?” Molly asked watching the children race out of the sun porch as Bobby had directed.
“We only produce obedient children,” Brian said with a smirk.
“You are so full of shit, Kinney,” Molly said shaking her head. “Seriously, how do you get them to this stage?”
Justin smiled. “It was a lot of hard work and perseverance, and never letting them feel unloved.”
“And disciplining them when they need it,” Brian threw in.
“Yeah, right, like the first time we had to correct Bree and you sat outside her door for hours while she was in time-out,” Justin laughed.
“Just wanted to be sure she stayed in her room,” Brian said tongue in cheek.
“Yeah,” Justin said not prepared to mention the torment he knew that incident had put Brian through. A crying Bree had sent Brian into total desolation.
“I hope we can do it as well as you guys have,” Owen said taking Molly’s hand and squeezing.
“You’ll both do fine,” Claire said encouragingly.
Owen and Molly tried to smile, but they looked worried.
“Just take it one day at a time,” Brian stated gently. Then he added, “We’ll be here for sage and tested advice whenever it’s needed.”
Molly giggled. “Sometimes I love you, brother-in-law dearest.”
“And sometimes you’d like to throttle me,” Brian smirked.
“Exactly!”
*****
“That arch wasn’t half bad,” Debbie said as they made their way outside.
“See,” Carl said.
They had gone inside the north leg of the arch and ridden the tram to the top. It was an interesting place with a great view of the city. There had also been displays about the history and building of the arch that they took the time to look at.
“Hey, want to grab lunch before we head out?” Carl asked.
“Yeah, parking that beast is a bitch,” Debbie said.
“I understand why we’ve seen other Winnebagos towing small cars.”
“It’s something to think about for next time,” Debbie mused, as they walked along the street.
“You think we might do this again some time?”
“Maybe … I haven’t hated being alone with you and seeing new things every day.” Debbie gave her husband a flirtatious look.
“I liked the first part of that statement,” Carl smiled.
“I love you, Carl Horvath, you know that.”
“Yes, but it’s nice to hear it every once in a while.”
“True. I’ll remember that.”
“This diner looks like a good place to eat.” They stopped in front of a diner that looked not unlike the one on Liberty that Debbie had worked at for so many years. They stood outside for a minute, sizing the place up.
“Diner food is the best,” Debbie stated.
“Yeah, as long as I don’t meet another red-headed waitress when we go inside,” Carl joked.
“You’ve already got your red-headed waitress,” Debbie declared.
“My point exactly.”
“So, let’s have lunch,” Debbie said as Carl pulled open the door of the diner and they entered.
*****
“Kinney,” Brian said into his phone.
The kids were off to school. Bobby was at work and John had gone into Pittsburgh to further inspect the Village. A few more boutiques wanted to open up and they called on Anderson Construction. Molly, Owen and the baby were napping. Claire took the opportunity to visit with Rachel. Justin decided to start on the portrait he promised Brian. Since it was quiet, Brian decided to do some work from his balcony office.
“Brian, it’s Drew.” Drew had his head in his refrigerator rummaging around for a snack.
“Hey Big Fella, was my travel agent helpful?”
“Very helpful. She was able to book us a ten day Caribbean fantasy cruise. Emm and I haven’t gone clubbing in a hell of a long time but this is a vacation. I figure he deserves a few dances. Don’t you?”
“Yes, he does. Make sure you book at least one spa day for him. Massage, manicure, pedicure, the full monty. He’ll be putty in your hands afterwards, although I’m sure he is already.”
“I can’t tell you enough how much this means to me,” Drew sang Brian’s praises. “I’d really love to reciprocate,” Drew drawled in a flirting tone. He never noticed Emmett standing behind him wearing a perplexed expression.
*****
“Owen,” Sharon began sternly, “I have been ringing Junior’s home phone since last night and all this morning, and all I get is that damned answering machine. Where do you suppose they are?”
“Perhaps they’re resting or taking a drive.”
“Resting?! With a newborn in the house! Taking a drive? The baby should not be out in this weather.”
“Sharon, it’s May and quite beautiful. A little fresh air is not going to hurt the baby or Molly and Junior, for that matter.”
“Owen, you’re not helping. And that’s no excuse for not returning my calls.”
“Perhaps they went away,” Owen offered.
“Away? With an infant? That’s unforgivable,” Sharon said indignantly.
“Did you try Junior’s cell phone?” Owen asked matter-of-factly.
“You know I don’t remember all those different numbers.”
“Sweetheart, Junior’s cell phone number is programmed into our phone and labeled. As is Molly’s cell phone number. You could have called either one,” Owen replied as he pushed the button for Owen Jr. After a few rings their slightly groggy son answered the phone. “Junior?”
“Hi, Dad.”
“Are you all right? Your mother has been trying to reach you. Are you home?”
“No, but we’re okay.” Owen Jr. was trying to shake the cobwebs from his brain. He and Molly had fallen asleep in Brian and Justin’s room. Taylor was sleeping in the portable crib at the foot of the bed. Molly wanted to keep the baby close after ‘passing out’ the night before.
“Where are you, son?”
“At Edna’s Treasures,” Owen blurted out as he carefully and quietly snuck out of the room so not to wake his wife and child.
“Junior, your mother...”
“Dad, not now. I don’t want to be rude. I love you and Mom but I can’t go into it now. Molly needed her brother, so we’re here. We’ve just gotten the first full night’s sleep since Taylor was born. And we’ve actually been able to take naps longer than ten minutes. Please, Dad, I’ll explain later, I promise. I just need some more sleep.”
Owen Jr.’s pleas got to his father. “All right, son. You call as soon as you’re able.”
“Thank you, Dad. Thank you. Tell Mom I love her.”
“I will, Junior.” Father and son hung up.
“Well!” Sharon exclaimed, looking extremely miffed at her husband. “Why didn’t you insist that I talk to him? And where is my grandchild?” Sharon demanded.
“First of all, I must insist that you calm down. They’re all up at Edna’s Treasures.”
“Edna’s...! Why in all that is holy are they up there? In that wilderness?”
“All I know is that Molly needed her brother so they drove up yesterday.”
“I demand that you drive me up there this instant. That’s no place for a baby.”
“Honey, you forget, Briana has spent her whole life in that cottage. And you have to admit, Briana is a remarkable little girl.”
“Well, I’ll give you that. But really, Owen, taking the baby all the way up there...”
“Sweetheart, Junior said that last night was the first night they all slept since the baby was born. And they were taking a nap. Let’s cut them some slack. I’m sure he’ll call when they’re able.”
“Fine, but I am very displeased.” Sharon turned then huffed away.
“I’m sure you are, my love,” Owen murmured as his wife walked away.
*****
“Jester?” Molly called out softly. She was placing the baby’s carrier on one of the sun porch tables then made herself comfortable on a chaise.
“Hey, Mollusk,” Justin replied with his sunny smile. He had just finished preparing the canvas for his portrait for Brian. “How are you feeling?”
“So much better. I can’t believe the baby is still sleeping.”
“Where’s Owen?”
“He’s still sleeping too.”
“Claire said you should be drinking more fluids. Would you like some juice?”
“Yes, please.” Justin went to the kitchen for a pitcher of juice and glasses. He set down a tray of juice, fruit and other snacks on an end table close to his sister.
“There. Do you need help?”
“No, I can manage. Jus, did Brian really get up at two in the morning to feed Bree?” Molly still had trouble reconciling Brian fucking Kinney, the stud of Liberty with Brian Kinney, Dada.
“Yes he did. And at four in the morning too. I also have pictures of him making a presentation at Kinnetik with Bree strapped to his chest. Of course he was wearing Armani while she was wearing Donna Karin!”
Brother and sister shared a quiet chuckle over that one.
“Contrary to popular belief, Brian Kinney has a heart.”
“I know he does. I do remember some things from back then.” Molly’s face took on a wistful expression.
“Mol, what is it?” Justin asked as he sat at Molly’s feet on the chaise.
“I didn’t think this was going to be so hard,” she said with a stuttered breath. Tears began to slip down her face. Justin reached out to hold his sister’s hand.
“It’ll get better, I promise. But Mol, ask for help. There’s no reason to do this all by yourself, and tell Owen what you need from him. He’s a wonderful man but he’s not a mind reader.”
“Brian is!”
“Brian … is different.”
“That’s for sure. I’ve never met anyone who knew how to get things done like him or with the uncanny knowledge of what someone needs. He can take care of anything.”
“Except himself, but he’s learning,” Justin said with a smile.
“You love him so much, don’t you?”
Justin nodded. “He’s my life.”
“I read that series of articles about you and him. That writer did a great job but there’s no one who truly knows him except for you.”
“I don’t know about that. You pinned him out good.”
“That’s because I had a crush on him.”
“So did Daphne and every other girl that meets him.”
“Sucks to be you, doesn’t it.” Molly’s smile turned into a yawn.
“Go back to sleep, Mol. I’ll keep an eye on Taylor.”
“Okay,” Molly answered without complaint. She snuggled back down into the chaise then fell asleep.
Justin took a peek into the baby’s carrier. Taylor was still sleeping peacefully as only a contented happy baby could. Justin smiled broadly. He liked being an uncle. He bent down to kiss the tiny forehead then went back to his canvas. Justin didn’t notice his husband smiling proudly from the balcony rail.
Ladies of Liberty
Chapter 5
“I’m going up there!” Sharon Brenner declared.
Owen Sr. let out a sigh. He had thought that he had been able to calm his wife down about Molly and Owen Jr. being at Edna’s Treasures. However, Sharon was not pleased and now seemed ready to do something about it. “What good would it do for you to go charging up there?” Owen asked. “It will only cause trouble in the family.”
“I want to know why our son would go to two men, two gay men, for help rather than come to me, his own mother.”
“I’m sure it was Molly who wanted to go to Edna’s Treasures, not Junior.”
“Molly would have wanted her mother, who’s away on her honeymoon. Why wouldn’t Junior want me?” Sharon asked really hurt by her son’s actions.
“As I said, my dear, I’m sure it wasn’t Junior’s idea. When Molly couldn’t have her mother, she turned to her brother.”
“That doesn’t make it any better,” Sharon pouted. “I don’t like being left out.”
“No one does, but sometimes things happen. I’m sure it wasn’t an intentional slight.”
“Do you think I could call them now? Surely they’ve had enough sleep,” Sharon said.
“If it will make you feel better, let’s call,” Owen replied, hoping this was the right thing to do, and not something that would only make matters worse.
Sharon smiled at him and handed him the phone. He hit the number for his son’s cell phone.
“Hello?”
“Hello, son. You sound wider awake than the last time I talked to you,” Owen Sr. said.
“I am, Dad, and so is Molly, and Taylor’s doing just fine.”
“Sleep always puts things into a different perspective,” Owen Sr. said sagely.
“You got that right, Dad.”
“Your mother would like to talk to you.”
“Okay.”
“Owen, dear, is everything all right? Is Taylor okay?” Sharon asked worriedly as she grabbed the phone from her husband.
“We’re good, Mom. No need to worry.”
“Why didn’t you come to me if you were having problems?” Sharon accused.
“I’m sorry, Mom. I just never thought about it. Molly and I thought we should be able to look after everything ourselves, and then we were so tired when Taylor wouldn’t sleep, that neither of us could think straight.”
“But the baby’s sleeping now?’
“Very well, and Molly and I are just about caught up on our sleep too.”
“What was wrong?” Sharon asked wondering what had precipitated the journey to Edna’s Treasures.
“Taylor was hungry, not getting enough milk to satisfy him, so the pediatrician advised us to start using formula.”
“Oh, I see.” Sharon couldn’t keep the disapproving note out of her voice.
“The baby’s thriving. It was the right decision,” Owen replied.
“When are you coming back to the city?”
“We aren’t sure but soon.”
“Could I speak with Molly?”
Owen looked at his wife who was sitting on the chaise holding the baby. He gave her a questioning look and she nodded that she would take the phone. He handed it to her.
“Hello, Sharon,” Molly said.
“How are you, dear?”
“Much better now that I’m here and we’ve gotten a few things straightened out.
“That’s good,” Sharon said rather icily.
“I’m sorry that we didn’t call you. I called Justin out of desperation. I was so tired and worn out,” Molly told her. That was the truth.
“I see.”
“Taylor says hi,” Molly interjected hoping that would make Sharon smile.
“Give him a kiss for me.”
Molly could hear Sharon’s voice soften as she mentioned the baby’s name. “I was thinking that when we get back to Pittsburgh maybe you and I could have a day together with Taylor. Maybe go to the park or something.”
Owen Sr. watched the smile on his wife’s face start to spread. “I’d love that,” Sharon said sincerely. The iciness in her voice had been replaced with a mother’s warmth.
“That’s great,” Molly said with a wink at her husband. “I’ll call you when I get back.”
“Please do, and I look forward to our day together with my grandchild.”
“So do I.”
“And if there are any further problems, please feel free to call me.”
“I will, Sharon, and thank you.” Molly cut the connection and handed the phone back to her husband.
“You didn’t have to do that, Molly,” Owen told her.
“Do what? Go out with your mother and our child? I didn’t have to but I wanted to. Taylor is her grandson and I want her to be a part of our baby’s life,” Molly said honestly.
“Thank you anyway. I knew there was some reason I loved you so much.”
Molly laughed. “I’m glad you can remember why. I was so tired the last few days that I wanted to kill you for ever getting me pregnant.”
“Let’s hope that’s all over with and the baby will keep doing fine.”
“Taylor will. I know it … now.”
“I love you.”
“And I love you right back.”
*****
“Feel better now?” Owen Sr. asked his wife as she set down the phone.
“Much,” Sharon said with a big smile. “Molly said she wants the two of us to go out for a day with Taylor. That will be fun.”
“See, I knew everything would be all right.”
“You always know best,” Sharon said kissing her husband’s cheek.
“It’s nice to hear that every once in a while.”
“I do appreciate you, dear.”
“Thank you.”
“I’m going to call mother and tell her what’s going on. I think I worried her when I called a little while ago.”
“Please do,” Owen sighed. Sharon grabbed the portable phone and hustled out of the study to make her call. Owen leaned back in his chair. Another crisis averted in his wife’s life. That seemed to be a large part of his day lately. Something was always setting his wife off. She obviously needed more to do. Maybe some time spent with Molly and Taylor would fill the space that was empty in her life. Owen turned and started to review his stock portfolio until the next crisis arose.
*****
“What am I doing here?” Melanie whined as she and Lindsay were strolling the long display hall that held all manner of paintings, drawings, and sculptures in various mediums. Lindsay had insisted they take advantage of the tickets that Lacy had given them.
“You’re looking at the wonderful artwork,” Lindsay said with a sigh. Lindsay once had to make some tough decisions regarding her own potential art career. Long ago she decided to adopt Brian’s adage of ‘no apologies, no regrets.’ If Lindsay couldn’t be that special artist, she would work damn hard to promote that special artist. She aspired to follow in Sidney Bloom’s footsteps, become an agent and represent her own ‘Justin Taylor’ one day.
“But do we have to look at all of it?” Mel continued to complain.
“Mel, do I not go to your office holiday parties year after year?” Lindsay asked her spouse. She so wanted to bring up the horrendous 4th of July party of last year but thought better of it.
“Yes you do,” Melanie conceded.
“Then you can be here with me,” Lindsay said in a tone that would brook no argument.
“Yes, dear,” Melanie replied as she hooked her arm with Lindsay’s. The two took their time strolling the hall.
“Lindz, what material is this?” Melanie asked as they approached a large framed canvas. The ‘painting’ was under glass to protect it.
“It’s paper,” Lindsay replied after examining the picture closely and reading the small placard that accompanied it.
“Paper? This is amazing, it looks like paint. Very thick paint. It’s so detailed.”
“Yes, it is. The artist shows a great attention to detail. I’d love to meet him or her,” Lindsay said mainly to herself.
“Hello, I’m Jamie,” a tall stately androgynous looking woman said as she held out her hand. “I’m the artist,” she explained.
“Lindsay Peterson,” Lindsay said as she shook Jamie’s hand. Jamie was as tall as Lindsay but with short brown hair and light brown eyes. Her slim build gave her almost a masculine quality; however, her delicate features made her feminine.
“I know who you are,” Jamie said. “I’ve visited the Sidney Bloom Gallery several times.”
“Aren’t you a little old to be a student?” Melanie snarked, feeling ignored and not wanting to be left out of the conversation.
“My philosophy is that we’re all students, every day of our lives, but you are correct in the literal sense. I’m one of the instructors here at the institute. We’re allowed to enter one piece of our own in designated shows. It’s my turn this time,” Jamie explained.
“Hmm,” Melanie snorted. She was jealous and not bothering to hide it.
“Your work is beautiful; you should exhibit more often. Here’s my card,” Lindsay said as she handed Jamie her business card. “Please call me. Perhaps the gallery can feature some of your work.”
Jamie’s face lit up. “Thank you. That would be fantastic. I’ll be in touch. Soon!” Jamie said without hiding her enthusiasm. Seeing one of her students with his parents, Jamie excused herself.
Lindsay felt Melanie tug on her arm. They proceeded to the next display.
*****
Debbie and Carl were strolling through the Jesse James house in St. Joseph, Missouri. They had headed northwest from St. Louis because Carl said he wanted to see Jesse James’ home. It was the place where the famous outlaw’s life had come to an end.
“Look,” Carl said, “there’s the bullet hole in the wall made by Jesse’s killer.” He stared at the spot.
“I don’t know what you find so fascinating about a hole in a fucking wall,” Debbie told him.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the old west. Why do you think I have all those Louis L’Amour paperbacks?”
“I didn’t realize it was the criminal element of the old west that interested you,” Debbie said looking at her husband in a new light.
“I was in law enforcement for most of my life. We all have our fascinations,” Carl stated.
“I like Elvis, and you like Jesse…” Debbie sang to the tune Let’s Call the Whole Thing off.
“And we’re not calling the whole thing off,” Carl laughed.
“You bet your ass we’re not,” Debbie crowed giving Carl a big hug.
“Can you imagine what Jesse’s life must have been like, running from the law, robbing and terrorizing, him and his gang?”
“Makes me think of Brian fucking Kinney for some reason,” Debbie said suddenly.
“Brian?”
“He’s always been a bit of an outlaw, living by his own rules, and fuck society.”
“Hm, I suppose, but I don’t see Brian as a criminal,” Carl mused.
“You didn’t know him way back when.”
“But I know him now and I would see him as more of a Wyatt Earp than a Jesse James.”
“What’s the difference?” Debbie asked.
“Wyatt was a sheriff in the old west, not an outlaw like Jesse.”
“Brian is a bit of an enforcer,” Debbie chuckled.
“My thoughts exactly.”
“Are we done here?” Debbie asked as they returned to the entrance to the house.
“I think so.”
“So what famous person are we going to investigate next?” Debbie asked as they exited the building.
“I’ll have to think about that,” Carl said.
“Maybe we should find one of those internet cafes and check out what famous people are buried around here.”
“I think they have brochures that we can look at.”
“Let’s go see what we can find.”
Debbie slid her hand into Carl’s and they walked along the street together.
*****
“Seth, look at these colors,” Jennifer exclaimed as they looked at some of the clothes in the window of a shop in Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba. They had decided to leave their resort and spend the day in town. “I wonder if we could get a little outfit for Bree and one for Taylor.”
“I’m sure we’ll be able to find something,” Seth replied.
Jennifer smiled at her husband as they walked along hand in hand. “It’s lovely to have you come shopping with me. Craig would always tell me to go by myself. Shopping is so much more fun when you can share it with someone.”
“And dish about what’s pretty and what’s ugly and what people look like?”
“You’re sure you’re really a man?” Jennifer asked raising a brow at Seth’s unexpected comment.
“I thought I proved that to you every night since we’ve been here,” Seth chuckled.
“And a couple of afternoons, if my memory is correct,” Jennifer agreed.
Seth blushed. “Being alone for so many years, I had to do my own shopping. I never really minded it. I like to think I got quite good at it too. And you’re right, it’s a lot more fun doing this with you than by myself.”
“Let’s go in here,” Jennifer said. “They have kids’ clothes in the window.”
When they left the shop some time later, Jennifer had found the perfect outfits for her grandchildren. They walked across the square to a little restaurant where they could sit down and have a drink and some lunch. The bright Caribbean sun reflected off the colorful buildings in the historic Dutch capital city. They could look out at the tall multi-colored houses. There were lots of carved wooden doors and the traditional Dutch tiles on all the buildings.
“It’s so beautiful here,” Jennifer said with a sigh.
“Yes, it is. You’ve enjoyed your honeymoon?” Seth asked.
“I don’t want to leave. Everything has been wonderful.”
Seth smiled warmly at his wife. “For me too.”
“Maybe we should just stay here, and live in bliss,” Jennifer suggested.
“Ah, bliss, what a lovely word!”
“And that’s exactly how I feel.”
Seth reached across the small table and took Jennifer’s hand. “The day I met you I was the luckiest man in the universe … and the day I married you I became the happiest man in the universe.”
“You sure know how to sweet talk a girl, Seth Harris,” Jennifer said with another brilliant smile.
“Finish your drink and then let’s go over to that jewelry shop across the plaza.”
“Okay,” Jennifer agreed as she sipped the last of her fruity drink. “Are you looking for something special?”
“Very special.”
When they came out of the shop a while later, Jennifer was wearing a new gold bracelet that her new husband had just purchased for his brand new wife.
Ladies of Liberty
Chapter 6
“Seth.”
“Yes, my darling.”
“Do you like it here?” The honeymooning couple having returned from town, took a quick shower together and decided to have a nap before deciding on dinner. Jennifer was comfortably ensconced in her husband’s arms.
“I love it here,” Seth replied giving her a little squeeze.
Jennifer giggled like a schoolgirl. “No, silly, I mean here, in Aruba.”
“Yes, I like it here very much. It’s warm, no humidity to speak of, the people are friendly and I don’t have to worry about an exchange rate. I’d come back here again. Why do you ask?”
“What would you say to a time share?”
“You mean us, buying a time share here?”
“No, Toronto. Of course here. We can vacation here anytime we wish and rent it out. It’s a wonderful investment. Don’t you like the idea?”
“I love the idea.”
“Then why the perplexed look?” Jennifer asked as she turned in Seth’s arms to see his face.
“The thought never occurred to me to go off and vacation somewhere.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Sweetheart, I’ve been alone for a very long time. Going on a vacation has always meant taking a few days off to work on my apartment or something like that. Other than our trips to Edna’s Treasures, I haven’t really been away from home or office.”
“But you’re not opposed to it?”
“Not at all. I guess I had no one special in my life to share it with.”
“I hope that’s changed.”
“You know it has. Now this is going to sound like a silly question but who would we rent the time share to? I really don’t like the thought of strangers staying in our bed.”
“Seth, honey, you just married a woman who happens to have hundreds in her extended family. I think we can find someone to take advantage of it. Maybe even Sharon and Owen Brenner might want to rent from us,” Jennifer chuckled.
“Okay, you’ve convinced me. So what do we do first?”
“First, we continue our nap then we shower...”
“Again.”
“Again,” Jennifer laughed. “And then we go have dinner. We’ll have to wait for Monday to conduct any business down here.”
“Monday is soon enough for me,” Seth murmured as he rolled himself atop Jennifer. He marveled at how well their bodies seemed to fit together. His wife was a willing and generous lover. “I love you, Mrs. Harris.”
“I love you, Mr. Harris.”
*****
“Oh my fucking god!” Emmett screamed as he was tackled as soon as he entered the apartment he shared with Drew. As soon as the door was closed Drew had Emmett pinned up against it. He thoroughly kissed his lover, rutting his hard body and hard cock against Emmett. “Mr. Boyd,” Emmett panted, “whatever do you mean to do with me?”
“I mean to fuck you into unconsciousness,” Drew growled into Emmett’s ear as he turned the man around to face the door. Emmett’s ass twitched in anticipation. Sometimes it paid off being a nelly bottom queen.
“Then my ass is yours,” Emmett drawled low and sultry. Drew was quick with the preliminaries and in moments he was balls deep within Emmett. “Oh my fucking god!” Was the last coherent thought Emmett had for the rest of the evening.
*****
“Hey, Mol, how long you been sitting out here?” Justin asked. Molly had taken Taylor outside into the garden. They strolled quietly then took the path toward the stream. The current was still very strong from winter melt-off and the stream bank was rather swollen with water, however, the path to the big rock was clear. Molly was sitting on it holding her baby.
“Not sure. Does Owen need me?”
“No, we were just wondering where you got to.”
“It’s so peaceful out here,” Molly said wistfully. “I understand why you all love it.”
“Molly, are you okay?” Justin had never seen his sister quite like this.
“I’m fine, really,” Molly reassured her brother. “You’ve helped me and Taylor so much. I don’t know how to repay you.”
“Repay me? Molly, you’re my sister, I love you. I’d do anything for you. I know I haven’t always been the best brother...”
“That was so long ago and I’m so over it. You are the best older brother a little sister could ever ask for. Even if you are a pain in the ass.” Brother and sister laughed.
“The baby still asleep?” Justin asked as he peered down into the receiving blanket.
“Yes, still sleeping and very happy too. I owe it all to you, Claire and that wonderful man of yours, and if you ever tell him I said that I will sic Debbie on you.”
“My lips are sealed, I promise.”
“Jus, what’s it like?” Molly asked softly.
“What’s what like?”
“Being loved by Brian.”
“Physically or emotionally?”
“Either one, both.”
“He makes me feel safe, like there’s nothing in this world that I can’t do when he’s around. He accepts me just as I am and he helps me to grow. You know how much he supports my art.” Molly nodded; she did indeed know. “And physically, he completes me. I can’t explain it anymore than that. You’re not a gay man so whatever I say won’t make sense to you. But when we fuck or make love it’s like we’re whole. I never want to be disconnected from him.”
“Does he let you, you know?” Molly asked. Her face heated up and turned a bright shade of red. Justin’s face turned a similar color.
“Yeah, he does and a lot more than anyone knows about,” Justin whispered. “And if you tell anyone I’ll sic Debbie and Mom on you.”
“What’s that like?”
“Heaven,” Justin replied. Before Molly could ask any more questions the sky began to darken and the wind picked up. “Molly, a thunderstorm is coming. We need to get back to the cottage.”
Justin took Taylor so that Molly could get down off the rock easier. They quickly walked back to the cottage.
*****
“Wow, where did this storm pop up from?” Molly asked. The family turned their collective heads toward John.
It was dinnertime and the storm was still raging on outside. The wind had died down but it was still teeming. And every once in a while they heard a clap of thunder.
“Don’t look at me,” John grumbled. “I didn’t make it rain.”
“No, but you usually know when it’s going to rain,” Brian said matter-of-factly.
“And he did,” Bobby said sticking up for his spouse. John smiled. “He said, ‘Ooo, I think it’s going to rain,’ as a rain drop hit him in his eye.” The family laughed.
“Har, har. Laugh it up, people. At least I do better than the weatherman,” John stated.
“Yes, you do Unca John. You always know when the bad weather’s coming.” Bree defended her beloved uncle.
“Thank you, Princess. I knew you loved me.” John pouted.
“Awwww,” the family said collectively.
“Cretins. Just you wait until the next storm. Maybe I won’t warn you. In the meantime, who’s for dessert?” All hands were up. “Good, you all can sort it out then,” John dismissed them all as his family groaned. Bobby, Brian and Justin got up to clear the table then sort out dessert as ordered. Owen helped the little ones who were going to have cookies and watch a little TV.
“Well, little lady,” John addressed Molly, “how are you and the baby getting along?”
“Fine. So much better now. I can’t thank you or Claire or all of you enough. It’s like night and day. Sometimes, I...”
“What is it?”
“John, do you think...if I asked Brian...oh, I...fuck!”
John looked at Molly who was trying to spit out whatever was on her mind but it wasn’t getting out. “Molly, you like it out here, don’t you?” John had a clue.
“Yes, I do. I love living in the city, but right now I wish I had some place like this to come to.”
“Even when it storms?”
“Especially when it storms.”
“And Owen?”
“What about him?”
“Have you discussed this with him? Does he know how you feel?”
“No, I’ve only just discovered it myself.”
“Then this is what I propose. You talk to your husband and I’ll talk to my brother. I’m sure we can arrive at an agreement.” At that point Molly jumped up from her seat to give John a big hug.
“I love you Kinney men,” she whispered in John’s ear then kissed his cheek. Just then Taylor woke up and demanded attention. Molly went to take care of her baby.
“What was that all about, brother dearest?” Brian asked as he came into the porch laden with cake and pie. He had caught the hug.
“I think we may get some new neighbors,” John said as he dipped his pinky into the cake’s icing for a taste. Brian said nothing but cocked his head and arched a brow.
*****
“Oh my, you are so masterful,” Emmett purred. He was currently bent over the back of their sofa, deliciously being plowed by his lover.
“You inspire me,” Drew grunted as he playfully smacked Emmett’s ass.
“I aim to please,” Emmett shrieked as Drew’s cock raked over his prostate.
“My aim is pretty pleasing too,” Drew crowed as he hit Emmett’s sweet spot time and time again. Emmett saw stars as he passed out.
*****
“Where the hell is this place?” Carl griped.
“On the outskirts of Topeka is all I know,” Debbie replied.
“Couldn’t you have gotten a map?”
“If you would stop someplace we could ask,” Debbie retorted.
“I thought you knew where we were going.”
“I sort of do.”
Carl snorted. “Sure doesn’t seem like it.”
“Pull into that fucking gas station up ahead,” Debbie ordered.
Carl let out a long breath and drove the Winnebago into the Shell station that Debbie indicated. He decided he might as well fill it up, since they always seemed to need gas. “Go ask for directions and I’ll fill this behemoth,” Carl stated.
Debbie got out of the vehicle and walked into the building. After a brief talk with a couple of people inside she returned with a smile.
“So where is this thing?” Carl asked as he put his credit card away and got back in the Winnebago.
“Less than ten miles,” Debbie said smugly.
“Okay.”
“Turn right and keep going the direction we were going.”
Carl did as directed. Soon they pulled into a long lane that led to what looked like a farmhouse. “We’re here,” Carl said as he pulled the RV to the side of the lane and turned off the engine. “Wherever this may be.”
As they climbed out of the RV, the door of the house opened and a man came walking over to them. “Howdy, folks,” he said.
“Good afternoon,” Debbie said sizing up the man.
“Come to see Truckhenge?” he asked.
“Yes, are you the one who built it?”
“I am. My name’s Ron Lessman and it was my idea to build Truckhenge. If you’ll follow me, I’ll take you out to the structure.”
“How did you decide to build it?” Carl asked as they walked along.
“It’s kind of a long story, but I’ll give you the short version. It’s based on Carhenge over in Nebraska, which of course, is based on Stonehenge across the pond.” Carl and Debbie nodded. “I never thought about building no such thing until the local government got on my case about removing some of the old vehicles I had on the property. They seemed to want to thwart whatever I tried to do.”
“So you stuck it to them good,” Debbie said with an admiring glint in her eye. She loved people who stood up to authority and could make something out of nothing.
“I guess some people would say that’s what I did, but I never intended to do that … at first. I just wanted them to leave me alone. After the floods many years ago, our farm was ruined and we had to do something to survive. I started a fishing business on the property and then the county told me I couldn’t have my old buses and cars on the site. I had to ‘pick up’ my trucks. So I picked them up and buried them nose down,” Ron chuckled.
“How are they anchored?” Carl asked as they walked along the line of megaliths created by the derelict trucks and buses.
“There’s several tons of concrete inside each vehicle,” Ron explained.
“I love the slogans,” Debbie laughed, as she scanned the various words painted on the vehicles. She read several of the slogans aloud: Rise Up, Freedum Isn't Lost, Truth
“I believe in personal freedom,” Ron said. “They tried to threaten me and fine me, but no government is telling me what to do.”
“Did the county back off?” Carl asked.
“Finally … my Truckhenge caught the fancy of the Shawnee County Preservation Association, which awarded me a Kaw Region Art Park marker in 2006. That gave me some repectablility,” Ron laughed. “Like I want their approval.”
“Good for you,” Debbie said. “I read about your project in one of the local tourist brochures. I just had to come see it.”
“Well, thank you very much for coming to visit,” Ron said. “Feel free to wander through the vehicles, and don’t forget to stop by the beer bottle tree over there,” Ron pointed. “If the winds right, it hums.”
“I like it,” Debbie said with a big smile. She headed over to have a closer look at the tree.
“That’s quite a woman you’ve got there,” Ron said to Carl.
“She’s a force to be reckoned with.”
“Her idea to come here?”
“Yeah,” Carl said. “She’s a fighter. She stands up for what she believes in.”
“I can identify with that,” Ron responded. “You’re a lucky man.”
“I surely am.”
“Have a good trip wherever the road may take you,” Ron said sincerely.
“Thanks,” Carl replied. “I’m sure we will. Don’t you charge for people looking at your Henge?”
“There’s a donation box out near where you parked. Contribute something if you want to.”
“We will,” Carl said as he shook Ron’s hand before going to join Debbie.
Some time later Carl and Debbie were back in the Winnebago heading towards an RV campground that wasn’t too far away. They had both found their latest stop very interesting.
“I enjoyed seeing Truckhenge,” Debbie said thoughtfully.
“I have to say I did too,” Carl agreed with a smile.
“Maybe we could get Brian to let us make one of these out near Edna’s Treasures,” Debbie laughed.
“Brian would have apoplexy if you suggested any such thing.”
“I know, but I think seeing his reaction would be worth the price of admission.”
“You might be right about that,” Carl laughed. “His queen outs are legendary.” The two shared a hearty laugh at Brian’s expense as they continued their journey.
Ladies of Liberty
Chapter 7
“Fuck!” Molly said.
“What is it, sweetheart?” Owen asked.
Taylor was sleeping and Molly was relaxing on the chaise in the sun porch. Now that the baby was sleeping and everything seemed to be returning to normal, Molly had decided to check her messages. She held her cell phone in her hand.
“My father left five messages,” Molly said. “He sounds pissed in the last few.”
“Shit! We should have told him we were coming out here.”
“We didn’t tell anybody. Neither of us was thinking straight.”
“We were so tired and frustrated. I never thought about what the grandparents might think. You better call him.”
“I guess I should,” Molly agreed, but she knew she wasn’t looking forward to what her father might say when he found out where she was.
“Do it now,” Owen advised. “It won’t get any easier if you put it off.”
“I know you’re right,” Molly sighed, “but I really don’t want to get chewed out.”
“Hang up if he’s rude.”
Molly laughed. “Then he’ll come storming out here and cause more trouble.”
“Brian will kick his ass.”
“What about you?” Molly giggled. “You want Brian to do your dirty work for you?”
“That would be nice.”
Molly shook her head. “Here goes nothing,” she said as she punched in the numbers.
“Hello?”
“Dad, it’s Molly.”
“Molly, where the fuck are you? I’ve been calling and calling. Is something wrong with you or the baby?”
“I’m okay, Dad, and Taylor’s fine.”
“Why didn’t you answer your phone?” Craig demanded.
“The baby wouldn’t sleep and I was trying to breastfeed and Taylor was hungry all the time, and Owen and I were exhausted, and I didn’t know what to do,” Molly said, her voice hitching as the memory of those first few days with her newborn all came to the surface once again.
“Why didn’t you call me?” Craig asked. “Susan and I could have helped.”
“I didn’t know what to do, Daddy,” Molly admitted in her little girl voice.
“So, where are you? I tried the apartment again this morning and there was no answer.”
“I’m at Justin’s.”
“Justin’s!” Craig roared. “What the hell are you doing out there?”
“Justin and Brian and Claire, and everyone, have helped me a lot,” Molly said. “I think Owen and I and our child are just about ready to go back home.”
“Molly, I don’t like you taking my grandson out there, especially without telling me.”
Molly drew in a breath as she felt her blood pressure rise. “Dad,” she said firmly. “I don’t have to ask you about what I can or cannot do. I made the decision to come here, and it was the right decision for me and my family.”
Craig was about to yell at his daughter when her words registered in his brain. Molly was an adult. She didn’t have to answer to him. And he certainly didn’t totally want to alienate her. “I … I’m sorry, Molly. I shouldn’t have got so excited, but I was worried. You’re sure you’re all right?”
“We’re all fine,” Molly replied. “And when we get back home, I’ll call, and you and Susan can come over and see Taylor.”
“Is he getting bigger?” Craig remembered the little bundle he had held the day after Taylor was born.
“Very much,” Molly said with a smile. “I’m sorry I worried you.”
“You take care of yourself and that baby. I’ll see you soon.”
“Okay, Daddy,” Molly said. “Bye.” She flipped her phone closed and leaned back on the chaise.
“How did it go?” Owen asked as he brought her a glass of iced tea from the kitchen.
“It could have been worse,” Molly sighed.
Owen shook his head. “It’s hard enough dealing with the baby without all this other family shit,” he observed.
“And my mother isn’t even here,” Molly replied as she sipped her tea.
“Do you think we could just stay here and have Brian tell them all to go away?” Owen asked.
“I’ve been considering asking him that.”
Owen leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I love you, Mol. Never forget that.”
“I won’t,” she said with a small sigh as she leaned back and closed her eyes.
*****
“Brian, it’s Drew,” Drew whispered into his phone.
“I kinda figured that when my caller ID read, Drew,” Brian snarked also in a whisper. “And why are we whispering?”
“I don’t want Emm to hear us,” Drew continued to whisper into his phone. “I just fucked him into oblivion. I don’t want to wake him.”
“Drew, far be it for me to criticize; however, if you’re on your cell phone, why don’t you just walk outside?”
“DOH!” Drew whispered a la Homer Simpson. Brian heard some shuffling, a door opening and closing, then another and then the sound of traffic. “I’m outside,” Drew said in a normal voice.
“Well good for you! I thought all those tackles had finally gotten to your brain. Now to what do I owe the pleasure?”
“I think he’s getting suspicious.”
“Suspicious of what?”
“Of us.”
“Us? What us? There is no us! There’s you and the fairy godmother from hell and there’s me with my perpetual stalker. See, no room for us!”
“Brian, calm down. I think he overheard us talking and someone told him that they saw you with me at the stadium. You know he’s a little insecure.”
“Why? You love him, any fool can see that.”
“He’s no fool. Brian, I wanted to surprise him but I think I’m going to have to tell him. I don’t want him to learn about it the hard way.”
“Drewsie, honey, why are you out here?” Emmett asked as he opened the main door to the apartment house. He was visibly upset and very perplexed.
“Oh shit,” Drew jumped at Emmett’s voice.
“It’s been nice, gotta go,” Brian said quickly then hung up. “Well fuck me!” he exclaimed as he stared at the cell phone in his hand.
“Love to, Bri,” Justin said with a grin as he came into the attic office. “What’s going on?”
“I think our favorite fairy godmother is going to hear about his surprise a little earlier than intended. Drew thinks that Emm thinks we’re fucking.”
“Of course we’re fucking. We fuck every night, twice on Sundays,” Justin teased.
“No, my sweet little blond. Emmett thinks that Drew and I are fucking.”
“Ooohhh. I’d hate to be you if that were really the case. No more popovers, no more pear and blue cheese canapés and no more of his barging in at the crack of dawn. Wait, that might not be so bad,” Justin chuckled.
“Let’s change the subject, Sunshine. When are the breeders leaving? Their essence is invading my space.”
“Have a craving for snatch?”
“Bite your tongue! It’s time to cut the cord, Justin. They need to go home.”
“Bri, I think Molly wants to live here.”
“Here!” Brian’s eyes grew wide.
“Not right here but here like next door.”
“Does Rachel know?” Brian snarked.
“Can it, Kinney. I think Molly is seriously considering asking you about buying a plot of land to build her own cottage. She seems to be preoccupied about the possibility.”
“Yes, I know. John mentioned it the day of the storm. I guess we should call a family meeting to discuss it.”
“Brian, if Molly really wanted a cottage...”
“Then she’ll have one, Sunshine. But on the other side of the lane. Being so close to hets...” Brian gave a mock shiver. “…gives me the creeps.”
Brian was favored by his husband’s sunshine smile. “I’m so onto you!” Justin laughed as he hugged his man and planted a searing kiss on Brian’s lips. “I love you, Brian.”
“I know.”
*****
“Drewsie, honey?” Emmett asked as they shut the door to their apartment.
“Now, Emm, it’s not what you think.”
“And what do I think?”
“I don’t know. What do you think?”
“I think that my soon to be ex-lover is fucking my soon to be ex-best friend.”
“NO! No, no, no! NO! There’s no ex’s anywhere and no fucking. Well there is fucking...” Emmett gasped. “NO! I mean we’re fucking, you and me and Brian is fucking Justin. No other fucking going on, I mean there’s fucking going on but not the way you think....and Baby, please. I love you! There’s been no one else but you since we got back together, I swear.”
“So what’s with the ‘secret agent man’ act?”
“Baby, I wanted to surprise you,” Drew said contritely.
“Well, consider me surprised. Now tell me what you’re up to,” Emmett demanded.
An hour later. “Touchdown!” Emmett cried out as he came deep within his lover.
“I love you, Emmett Honeycutt,” Drew purred.
“Love you too, honey,” Emmett cooed as the sated lovers cuddled then went to sleep.
*****
“We meet again,” Jamie said with a smile. She had gone to the gallery to view Justin’s exhibit.
“Is this your first time here since his show opened?” Lindsay asked.
“No, but I don’t normally come in when you’re here. I love his work. He makes me feel, you know what I mean?”
“Yes, I do. What do you think about the Fractal movie?”
“Ingenious and very original. The colors are amazing. He’s so young and so talented.”
“Do you know him?”
“A little. He visits the institute regularly and I know he donates. Several kids have been able to get an education through his scholarships.”
“He always finds a way to give back to his community.”
“I’ve never understood why. PIFA kicked his ass out.”
“Yes, they did and then he came back to finish. PIFA had a change of heart when Stockwell crashed and burned. But that was a long time ago. Did you bring your portfolio?” Lindsay batted her lashes. Jamie more than obliged.
*****
The family at the cottage had assembled in Brian and Justin’s living room. Taylor was quietly amused in the baby carrier as Molly and Owen put forth their proposal.
“Owen and I would like to know if you guys would consider selling us a small plot of your land. And if you say yes, John, would you consider designing us a cottage?” Molly asked with hope in her voice.
“What do you think about all of this?” Brian narrowed his gaze on Owen.
“Whatever Molly wants...”
“That’s not what I asked. We have room for a dozen more cottages, what makes you think you want to live here?”
“We don’t,” Owen answered honestly. “One day I will be taking over Brenner Industries; I need to be in Pittsburgh. And Molly wants to go back to work when her leave is up. However,” Owen began and with a little more authority in his voice, “we both like the peacefulness here. You have time to think and re-evaluate what’s important. Sometimes in the city, with so many people pulling on us, we don’t have the time for the quiet, or to think clearly. If we did then maybe our crisis wouldn’t have gotten so out of control. Or maybe we would have called for help sooner. I don’t have all the answers. What I do know is that we both love it up here and would like a small getaway place where we can breathe and regroup.”
“Nicely said,” Brian said proudly. “I knew Molly had picked herself a good man. You just proved it. Well, brother dearest, think you can muster up a little getaway for the children?” Brian said with a smirk.
“I believe I have just the getaway they need,” John crowed.
“Well then, I call this meeting adjourned. We’ll reconvene when the plans are drawn and the lawyer here can submit the details. Who’s up for ice cream?”
Everyone laughed as all hands went up. Edna’s Treasures Lane was getting some new neighbors.
*****
“Carl,” Debbie began.
“Yes, dear.”
“What do you think about heading to Chicago and then going back home?”
Carl frowned and took a sip of his coffee. They were sitting in lawn chairs outside the Winnebago, enjoying the morning sun. The campground where they had parked for the night was very quiet and very pleasant.
”Aren’t you enjoying the trip anymore?” Carl asked.
“I am, but I also feel a little … homesick,” Debbie admitted.
“We were going to be gone for a month,” Carl reminded her.
“I know, but it’s already two weeks and if we go to the west coast, it’s going to take more than a month to go there and back.”
“True,” Carl said thoughtfully. “So, what do you want to do?”
“As I said, if we went to Chicago, which I’d really like to see, then we could turn around and head back to Pittsburgh. That would get us back in just under a month.”
“Not if you keep finding weird and wonderful places to stop,” Carl laughed.
“We have seen some interesting sites,” Debbie chuckled.
“That we have. They’re actually the best part of the trip. That, and being with you.”
Debbie beamed at her husband. “You’re such a smooth talker, Carl Horvath.”
“Of course I am. All those years interviewing criminals trained me well.” They both laughed.
Then Debbie grew serious. “I miss Michael and JR and Ben…”
“And Brian and Justin and Hunter and Nick…”
“Okay, okay,” Debbie chuckled, “I miss them all.”
“I know you do, and truth be told, I miss them too.”
“So, should we head to Chicago and then … home?”
“I like the sound of that plan,” Carl agreed.
“Me too.”
“So, let’s get this show on the road.”
Carl stood and closed his lawn chair. It was time to hit the road.
Ladies of Liberty
Chapter 8
“Are you happy, my dear?” Seth asked as he reached across the table to take Jennifer’s hand in his.
“Very,” Jennifer said with a wistful sigh.
“You looked very thoughtful … far away.”
“Sorry,” Jennifer apologized. “I was thinking that we only have a couple more days here before we have to leave.”
“Pittsburgh will be beautiful when we get back. All the trees will have their leaves and there will be a million shades of green,” Seth said softly.
Jennifer studied her new husband. “That was beautiful, Seth. Most men wouldn’t notice all the shades of green.”
“When you’re alone for a long time, you start to notice things that you wouldn’t otherwise.”
Jennifer shook her head. “I’m sure there are a lot of men that could be alone forever and wouldn’t notice the color of the leaves at all.”
Seth stared into Jennifer’s eyes. “Perhaps you’re right,” he admitted softly.
“And that’s just part of what makes you so special, Seth Harris. I am such a lucky woman.”
“I’m glad you still think so,” Seth said as he gave Jennifer’s hand a little squeeze. “This has been a wonderful two weeks.”
“It’s not over yet,” Jennifer told him. “We still have a couple more days.”
“And what would you like to do to fill those days?”
“Don’t we see the time share people this afternoon?”
“Yes, we do, at two.”
“I think buying into the time share will be perfect. We’ll be able to come here and have our honeymoon over and over again,” Jennifer said with a big smile. She sipped her coffee having enjoyed the late breakfast they had just finished.
“I’m pleased you think our honeymoon is worth repeating.”
“Of course it is, silly,” Jennifer chuckled. “It has been perfect; I hope you know that.”
“Hm, perfection is hard to live up to.”
“Not for you, Mr. Harris. This bracelet is just one of the ways that you have made it perfect.” Jennifer played with the gold bracelet that she had not taken off since Seth had bought it for her. “I love it.”
“I’m glad you do,” Seth said with a smile. “I love you so much, Jennifer.”
The seriousness in Seth’s tone made Jennifer look into his eyes again. “If I didn’t already know that with every fiber of my being, everything you’ve done here in Aruba would certainly have convinced me.”
“Then my work here is done,” Seth laughed, pushing back his chair.
“Hey, what’s that supposed to mean?” Jennifer asked standing up too.
“You do realize that I will not be this romantic everyday, when we get back home.”
“You won’t?” Jennifer asked with mock horror. “I’ve totally come to expect it.”
“Well, Mrs. Harris, we may have a rocky road ahead then,” Seth said shaking his head.
“I’ll settle for romantic a few times a month,” Jennifer advised him.
“You’re way too easy to please.”
“It’s one of my better qualities,” Jennifer laughed as they walked out of the restaurant.
“You have many, many fine qualities, and I don’t want you to ever forget that.”
“Thank you, kind sir, I will try to remember that.”
“What would you like to do with this beautiful morning?” Seth asked, as they entered the lobby of the hotel.
“This beautiful morning is mostly gone.”
“True, but we can still fit something in.”
“I vote for lying on the beach.”
“Sounds good,” Seth said, but I need to go talk to the concierge for a minute.”
“You do? What about?”
“It’s a surprise.”
Jennifer smiled. “I’ve grown to love your surprises.”
“Then I’ll have to keep you guessing.”
Jennifer chuckled and smiled at her husband. “I’m so glad I found you, darling man.”
“And I still can’t believe I found you.”
“Enough,” Jennifer declared, “or I’m going to need another nap.” She winked at her husband.
Seth laughed heartily. “Why don’t you go put on your swimsuit and I’ll have a quick word with the concierge and meet you in our room.”
“Okay, but don’t be too long.”
“I won’t,” Seth replied as he watched her walk over to the elevator to go up to their room. When she stepped into the car, he hurried over to the concierge desk to get some advice on the best restaurant for a romantic candlelit dinner.
*****
“So Molly, Owen and the baby are back home?” Debbie asked Brian on her regularly scheduled ‘call-in.’
As promised, Debbie and Carl called Brian daily to regale them with their day’s events. Brian didn’t give a rat’s ass about what the Winnebago traveling duo were up to or how many gold plated toilets there were in Graceland. Brian just wanted to be reassured that his ‘Maw and Paw’ were safe.
Molly and her family had gone back home. Brian decided to spend the day at Kinnetik.
“Yes, thank the gods! My house is my own again. Any longer and I would have needed a vacation or a move back to the loft.”
“I know you, kiddo, you loved every minute of it. But is Molly feeling any better about the whole breast versus bottle thing?”
“Fuck, Deb, no more about tits, okay? The only nipples I want to know about are Justin’s. Now, what’s this I hear about you coming home? The whole purpose of getting that mansion on wheels is for you and the big guy to tour this vast country of ours in style and comfort. You’ve been gone for what, two minutes? And already you’re driving back?”
“You sound angry, kiddo.”
“What gives you that impression?” Brian asked as he scowled at the phone.
“Oh, I don’t know, maybe the fact that I need gloves to hold the phone and the temperature outside reads 72.”
“Maw...”
“Sweetheart, I miss my family,” Debbie whined.
“And we miss you but that doesn’t mean you have to cut your vacation short. We’re all fine here. Your daily phone calls help.”
“About that. These cell phones you bought us, just what kind of plan did you get?” Debbie asked suspiciously.
“The type that allows the Earth Mother of Liberty to call any one of her children at any time of the day. That plan. Are you going to argue with me about that too?”
“No, honey.” Debbie could hear the determination in Brian’s voice. She also knew there was no arguing with Brian Kinney. He was a rock once his mind was made up.
“Where are you?” Brian asked after a moment. His voice had softened a bit.
“Just outside of Chicago. Carl has a friend out here who just retired from the force. They’re at the local cop bar exchanging war stories.”
“He left you all alone?” Brian’s eyebrows had risen into his hairline.
“Yes, honey, and I can take care of myself. But my Carl arranged for me to spend the day at a spa.”
“Getting your wig re-strung?” Brian snarked.
“As a matter of fact, I just got me a new one!” Debbie answered proudly and they both laughed.
“I love you, Maw. And I do miss you but I want you and your old man to do the things you never got to do. Please, Deb, it’s important to me.” Brian couldn’t help the hitch in his voice.
“All right, kiddo. I’ll let my old man know about the change of plans. Who knows, maybe we’ll make a right turn somewhere and visit the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone before it blows up.”
“You do that, Maw. Just remember, no accepting used picnic baskets from bears wearing a hat and a tie, and call me every day. I live vicariously through you.”
“Huh, that’s what we all said about you! And since when did you get so good at using guilt? I love you, sweetheart.”
“I learned from the master. Love you too, Deb.” Brian was wearing a smile when he cut the connection. Then he immediately hit number two on his speed dial.
“Hey, Bri!”
“Hey, Mikey, mission accomplished.”
“Used the voice on her?”
“Yup!”
“And it worked?”
“Big time.”
“So where are they going to now?”
“Deb mentioned something about the Grand Canyon.”
“Wow, that’s deep!” Michael made a feeble attempt at a joke.
“And that sucked, Mikey.” Brian was about to go on when a loud disturbance in the outer office got his attention. “Um, I gotta go, Mikey. Later.”
“Later, Bri.”
“I know he’s in there. YOU CAN’T HIDE FROM ME, BRIAN KINNEY!”
Emmett cut through Kinnetik like a linebacker. Drew was hot on his heels trying to calm the man down, but Emmett wasn’t having any of it. Even Ted got sidelined in the melee.
“Now, Emm, remember he’s your friend and neighbor,” Teddy stammered trying to get in front of his incensed friend to protect his boss and friend.
“Teddy, honey, if you know what’s good for you, you will step aside. I don’t want you to get hurt,” Emmett said calmly.
“Baby, there’s no need for violence,” Drew began but was cut off by his lover’s raised hand.
Brian steeled himself for the worst as Emmett, wearing a hot pink and fuchsia angora sleeveless sweater, barged into his office.
“There you are you, you...” Emmett pushed the ad exec back from his desk. Grabbing Brian by his Armani lapels, Emmett lifted him out of his chair, hugged him close then planted a big wet kiss on Brian’s lips with just a hint of tongue for effect. Then gently lowering the stunned businessman back into his chair, Emmett thanked Brian profusely while smoothing down any wrinkles before exiting the office. Drew thought it wise to quietly follow his vision in pink. They were on their way to the airport to catch the plane that would take them to meet their cruise ship.
Ted and Cynthia very wisely left Brian’s office to retire to the privacy of their own respective offices before laughing their asses off.
Brian sat back, desperate to regain control as he spent the rest of the afternoon spitting out pink angora.
*****
“Deb, this is Chuck, my first partner before he moved out here, and his wife Denise.” Carl and Debbie had met up with Carl’s friend at the local steakhouse to enjoy dinner and continue to catch up on old times. The men decided to take their wives with them. Carl was making the introductions just outside the restaurant.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Debbie said as she shook hands. “Hope this place is good. I’m in the mood for a nice thick hunk of meat,” Debbie quipped. Carl tried not to chuckle at Debbie’s turn of phrase. After years of working at the diner, Debbie couldn’t help the sexual innuendos. It was second nature to her. And while Carl still had a tendency to talk like a cop, after years of managing Babylon, he was quite used to hearing sexual innuendo.
“This restaurant comes highly recommended,” Denise stated genteelly.
“Shall we go in?” Chuck asked as he held the door for his wife and friends.
*****
“So let me get this straight, this Kinney character was responsible for the downfall of Stockwell and then later when you retired, you went to work for him?” Chuck asked, rather dumbstruck at the idea. Chuck wasn’t really homophobic but he was very conservative. His wife was looking rather bilious.
“You work in a gay restaurant?” Denise asked, addressing Debbie. “And what do you serve at a gay restaurant?” Denise whispered.
“It’s a diner and it’s not gay, just the clientele. And we serve what any other diner in this country serves. But I try to push the greens and keep the protein on the plates. We already have enough fruit and nuts to go around.” Debbie and Carl cracked up.
Seeing a bit of disapproval in their hosts’ eyes, Debbie and Carl calmed down. Carl waved over the waiter to order another round of drinks.
“Would you like to see pictures of our kids and grandchildren?” Debbie asked as a peace offering. Denise smiled and immediately went for her purse that was stuffed with her own family’s pictures. “But before I take them out, you have to understand. My son is gay as are the majority of our whole extended family. If this offends you then I’ll say good night now and take my steak to go.”
Carl patted Debbie’s hand as a show of support.
“Debbie, Carl, I’m not offended but you must understand that I come from a very conservative family, and although Chuck was exposed to many lifestyles in the city, I was not. But children are children. I’d be very happy to see photos of your family and proud to show you ours,” Denise explained. Chuck nodded in agreement.
Carl smiled at his wife.
Debbie and Denise got better acquainted over the ribeye and their family photos.
“You’re telling me that this handsome man is gay?” Denise asked as she looked at a picture of Brian holding baby Gus. Deb then slid over a picture of Brian holding baby Bree. “Oh my, he only gets better with age, doesn’t he?” Denise noted the date stamp in the corner of the photo.
Chuck was doing his best not to show jealousy. “Not to worry, Chuck,” Carl reassured the man. “Brian Kinney gets that reaction from men and women everywhere. You get used to it.”
“I don’t know how you did it, Carl. I don’t think I could have put up with it for all those years.”
“I had no choice. I love my Debbie and she loves her family.”
“But aren’t you confused with all the different relationships?” Denise asked. She was having trouble getting the couples and their kids straight.
“Not really,” Debbie answered then rearranged the photos to show each couple. She even had a photo of Molly, Owen and Taylor.
“This young man…” Denise pointed to the picture of Justin. “Where have I seen him before?”
“This is Justin Taylor; he’s an artist,” Carl explained. “Maybe you saw his ‘Old Masters’ show. I believe it’s still here.”
“That’s it. Chuck and I went to a private viewing. The proceeds were for the Policemen’s Benevolent Fund. He was such a sweet young man.”
“Yes, he is and a little spitfire too.” Debbie and Carl then began to tell some of their own Brian and Justin stories.
*****
Later that night Brian and Justin were cuddling on their sofa in the living room. Briana had gone to bed. The cottage was quiet. And it was still cool enough at night to allow for a small fire. They were each sipping a brandy, warmed by the fine liquor, the fire and by their love.
“So Deb and Carl decided to keep traveling?”
“Yes.”
“How did you manage to convince her?” Justin turned in Brian’s arms to kiss Brian’s lips. Brian tasted of brandy, the roasted veal they had for dinner, the cherries they had for dessert and his own unique taste that Justin craved.
“Just used the same technique Debbie and Michael used on me over the years,” Brian replied, taking the glasses out of their hands so he could properly kiss and grope his lover.
“Guilt?” Justin chuckled against Brian’s lips.
“Yes.”
“I want you,” Justin purred as he ground his groin into Brian’s. Justin ran his fingers through Brian’s lush hair. “What’s this?” Justin murmured as he pulled a bit of pink fuzz out of Brian’s hair. Brian turned a lovely shade of red.
“Brian?” Justin asked pushing himself up so that he could see his mate’s face. “Got something you’d like to tell me?” Justin smiled smugly as he waited. Little did Brian know that Ted had spilled the beans hours before. “Bri, is this pink angora?” Justin teased.
It only took a second for Brian to realize that Justin was yanking his chain. It took only minutes more for Justin to be stripped, playfully spanked then expertly sucked off.
After a while Brian wriggled himself out from under Justin who had fallen asleep. He brought Justin a pair of sleep pants, scooting them up his gently snoring spouse. Brian turned off all the lights then snuggled back down next to Justin, throwing an afghan over them.
The lovers peacefully slept in their quiet cottage.
Ladies of Liberty
Chapter 9
“Is the baby asleep?” Owen asked.
“Yes, like a little angel,” Molly said with a smile as she sat down beside her husband on the sofa.
“Our beautiful baby.”
“We didn’t think so a week ago,” Molly reminded him.
“Taylor was beautiful even with no sleep.”
“We are very lucky.”
“Yes, Brian and Justin and Claire, and everyone was wonderful.”
“Are you really okay with the idea of building a cottage out there?” Molly asked, her face serious and her eyes shining with love. “If you really don’t want to do it, we don’t have to…”
“Molly, I understand what the cottage would mean to you, and I’ve actually been looking into our finances. I think we can keep this apartment for when we’re in the city and have the cottage for when we want some peace and quiet or to get away from…”
“Your mother?” Molly giggled.
Owen shook his head. “Well, I love my mother, but sometimes…”
“She becomes too much like your grandmother.”
Now it was Owen’s turn to giggle. “No one’s like my grandmother. Don’t ever let Sarah Kingsley hear you compare her to anyone else. She’s one of a kind.”
Molly laughed. “I was totally planning to go up to her and say, ‘Sharon is so much like you. You’re no longer one of a kind.’”
“You remember the withering looks you used to get when you were first introduced to her?”
“Back when she was sure I was after you for your money?” Molly winked at her husband.
“Exactly. You’d see those return in a heartbeat.”
“Ooh, I’m so scared.”
Owen shook his head. “We really should invite my grandmother over to spend a little time with the baby.”
“She might get spit-up on her suit. That would never do.”
“Molly…”
“I know. I’ll invite her tomorrow. I was just kidding.”
“I like having my old teasing and sarcastic Molly back,” Owen said as he gave his wife an affectionate squeeze.
“I like being back. I felt so…”
“Lost?”
“Yes, that’s it exactly. I was lost. I didn’t know what to do.”
“Sometimes it’s good having your enormous and crazy family around. They come in handy.”
“Like Brian and Justin with the baby, and Brian letting us buy the land out there…”
“And John designing the house.”
“They are an eclectic group,” Molly giggled.
“I love being here with you in our home,” Owen said softly.
“And our son sleeping peacefully in the bedroom.”
“It’s just about perfect,” Owen agreed.
“Just about perfect! It is perfect, and don’t you forget it, mister.”
Owen laughed and pulled Molly over on top of him. “I love you, Molly Brenner.”
“I love you right back.”
*****
“Seth, have you got any room in your suitcase?” Jennifer asked.
The newlyweds were trying to figure out how to pack everything they had bought in Aruba. They would leave the next day for their flight back to Pittsburgh.
“I don’t think I can squeeze in one more thing,” Seth sighed.
“Damn! What am I going to do?”
“I seem to remember Brian talking about how he shipped things from St. Augustine,” Seth suggested.
“Yeah, but that was within the U.S. Shipping from here might take weeks, and I want to give my gifts to people when we get there.”
“Then there’s only one solution,” Seth said with a smile.
“Oh, and what might that be?”
“We go into town and buy another suitcase just for our purchases.”
“Oh, good idea. Now, why didn’t I think of that?”
“That’s what you married me for,” Seth chuckled.
“Just one of your many fine attributes.”
“Let’s get ready and go into town for lunch,” Seth suggested.
“Okay, and maybe I could find another little outfit for Bree and Taylor,” Jennifer said as she thought about their excursion.
“Maybe we need to buy two suitcases,” Seth said as he shook his head.
*****
“Well, hello again,” Lindsay greeted Jamie as she strolled into the Bloom Gallery.
“Hi,” Jamie smiled brightly.
“No, classes today?”
“Not today. I was wondering what you thought of my portfolio.”
“I think your work is lovely.”
“Just lovely?”
“More than lovely. The gallery sponsors exhibits of local artists. We have an area of the gallery devoted to them. I’d like to show a few of your pieces including the one I saw at the Institute. I think that one is exquisite.”
“When would you like them?”
“Tomorrow soon enough?”
“Really?” Jamie asked excitedly.
“Yes, really. Is paper your only medium?”
“For now. I make my own paper and dye it to match my moods then store it until I’m ready to ‘paint.’ Do you think my work will garner any interest?”
“I believe it will or I wouldn’t have asked. The Bloom Gallery regularly sends out emails and flyers notifying our patrons and the community of new artists. Our flyer goes out in a few days; your name will be on it.”
“I don’t know how to thank you,” Jamie gushed.
“Just keep working at your craft, that’s all the thanks I need.” Lindsay smiled back at the young woman.
“The woman that night, is she your partner?” Jamie asked softly.
“Yes.”
“She didn’t look too happy to be there.”
“Art is not Mel’s forte.”
“She’s pretty.”
“Yes, she is.”
“You’ve been together long?”
“Twenty years, give or take.”
“Wow.”
“Yes, wow. Well, I have paintings to hang. You bring me three of your best pieces and yours will be hung too.”
“I will and if you think of a way for me to thank you, please let me know.” Lindsay’s beatific smile was her only reply.
*****
“Drewsie?” Emmett and Drew were lounging pool side as their fantasy cruise ship was sailing toward the Caribbean.
“Yeah, baby?”
“Have I told you how much I love you?”
“Not in the last ten minutes, Babe.”
“Then I must correct that oversight. I love you, Drew Boyd. I love you with all my heart even without this fabulous vacation.”
“I love you, Emmett Honeycutt. And I had to give you something that you wouldn’t have gotten for yourself.”
“This is perfect,” Emmett said as a sweet young bronzed waiter brought the partners cold drinks. Beer for Drew and something fruity in a large goblet with pineapple and umbrella for Emmett.
“Babe, I know something that would make this more perfect.”
“How can this possibly get any better?”
“By making this a honeymoon cruise.”
“What?” Emmett sat up straight.
“Marry me, Emm,” Drew said as he got up off his lounger, threw a towel onto the deck and knelt upon it. “Emmett Honeycutt, would you do me the honor of committing to me and becoming my life partner.”
“Oh my god!”
“Is that a yes?”
“Yes, oh yes!” Emmett shrieked as he reached down to get Drew up off the deck. “Yes, I’ll marry you!”
With the strength of ten line backers, Emmett picked his man up off the floor to give him a hug. The men at poolside who realized what was happening let out a rousing cheer as the lovers kissed confirming their promise.
“Emm, if we can arrange it, let’s do it here,” Drew suggested when they came up for air.
“Honey, I haven’t had sex in public in a very long time.”
“Not that, our commitment. Let’s see if the captain of the ship will perform a commitment ceremony.”
“Are you serious?”
“As a nun.”
“Poor choice of words, honey.”
“You know what I mean. I’m going to send a note to the captain. Who knows, maybe he’s a football fan.”
“Couldn’t hurt to ask. But sweetie, while we’re waiting for his answer, let’s do a little more honeymooning,” Emmett suggested in a very sultry tone.
“I’m down with that, Babe.”
Hand in hand the lovers went back to their stateroom to continue their honeymoon.
*****
“Hi Dad!” Molly exclaimed as she opened her door to see her dad and Susan standing there. They were holding several boxes and bags.
“You going to invite us in?” Craig asked.
“Yes, sorry, please come in,” Molly said as she stepped aside to allow her father and step-mother inside her apartment. “Forgive the mess; I haven’t had time to clean lately.”
“Sweetheart, your apartment is as neat as a pin. Besides, you have more important things to do than cleaning, like taking care of my grandson. Where is Taylor, by the way?”
“Sleeping. He’ll be ready for a bottle soon. Would you like to see the nursery?”
This was Craig and Susan’s first visit to Molly and Owen’s apartment since the baby was born.
“Dad, Susan, I’m sorry I didn’t invite you over sooner but...” Molly had recovered from her exhaustion but she still was a little tired. Since she and Owen had gotten home, this was Molly’s first day alone. Owen had gone back to work.
“Honey, we understand,” Susan said as she guided the young mother to the sofa. “Molly, we brought lunch and something you can reheat later for dinner. I know you must be very tired so we won’t stay long. We just wanted to bring over some things for the baby and for you too.”
Molly was very grateful that Susan seemed to understand the situation. A quiet gurgle emanating from the nursery signaled Taylor’s awakening. Molly immediately went into the baby’s room. A few minutes later Molly emerged with her son. There was ‘ooing and aahing’ as Craig and Susan fawned over the baby while Molly warmed up a bottle.
“Would you like to feed Taylor?” Molly asked her father. Craig had missed out on Briana’s baby years; he wasn’t going to pass up this opportunity. Craig made himself comfortable on the sofa. Molly handed him the baby and then the bottle. A smile lit up Craig’s face.
“Taylor looks a lot like you when you were an infant,” Craig said as he fed his grandchild.
“Yeah?”
“And your brother too. You were both such happy babies. Peach fuzz for hair and big blue eyes. So beautiful, both of you,” Craig whispered with tears in his eyes. “So much wasted time,” he mumbled as an afterthought.
“Dad.”
“No honey, I made some awful mistakes and I have to pay for them but I promise to not interfere. Just allow me to spend some time with this baby.”
“Anytime, I promise,” Molly reassured her father. Molly could see some of the dad she and Justin had grown up with before Justin had made his declaration and changed Molly’s world forever.
“Dad, you can be a part of Bree’s life and Justin’s for that matter. They both love you.”
“I don’t know if I can.” Taylor was sucking strongly at the bottle then had come up for air and a burp. Craig wiped his tiny mouth then offered the remainder of the bottle to the tiny cherub.
“Daddy, they’ve been together for a very long time,” Molly said gently, referring to Brian and Justin’s relationship. “Justin loves him as much today as he did back then. I’ve always known that, but I’ve been witness to the proof this past week that we spent with them. Brian takes care of them, Dad. And he helped to take care of me, Owen and the baby.”
Craig snorted at that remark.
“He did, Dad. You should have seen him with Taylor, feeding, bathing, playing and changing a dirty diaper. Justin told me Brian was the one who was up at two and four with Bree. I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes. But it was all true.”
“But he stole my son.” Craig mumbled the same words he had spoken for eighteen years.
“No he didn’t, Dad. Brian just allowed Justin to be the man he was born to be. Don’t let your prejudices and your pride get in the way of enjoying your family. My silly stubbornness nearly ruined mine. Dad, Brian Kinney is the most exasperating man I have ever met but he’s also the most caring, compassionate, not to mention, smartest man I know. He loves his family and will do almost anything to keep them safe and happy. Please give him a chance.”
Craig gave Molly a sideways grin then blew a raspberry on Taylor’s tummy. The baby gurgled a giggle then burped. They all cheered loudly, even as the sounds he continued to make began coming from the other end as well.
*****
“Drewsie?”
“Yeah, Babe.”
“Isn’t this night divine?” Emmett and Drew were currently in their stateroom drinking champagne, courtesy of the ship, and feeding each other tidbits of fruit dipped in dark chocolate. Also courtesy of the ship.
“Yes, it is and it isn’t over yet,” Drew murmured as he kissed his newly committed life partner.
Drew’s request to the captain of the ship had been granted. In a private ceremony just before dinner the captain presided over a simple commitment ceremony between Drew and Emmett. The lovers exchanged words of love and fidelity. Then enjoyed a scrumptious dinner in their room.
“Touchdown!”
Ladies of Liberty
Chapter 10
“Did you enjoy Yellowstone?” Carl asked as he headed the Winnebago in the direction of home.
Debbie sighed. “You’ve seen one geyser, you’ve seen them all.”
“You’re just homesick,” Carl chuckled.
“Yeah, I am.”
“Well, if we head straight through, we’ll be home in a few days,” Carl advised.
“Sounds good to me.”
“Deb, I really have enjoyed this trip. We’ve seen a lot and met some interesting people.”
“Yeah, we have,” Debbie agreed touching Carl’s arm as he drove. “When we take the next trip I promise not to get homesick on you.”
“You think there’ll be another trip?” Carl asked.
“Don’t you want to go on another one?”
“Yes, yes I do.”
“But…?” Debbie asked raising an eyebrow in a manner worthy of Brian Kinney.
“But I don’t want to force you into anything you don’t want to do.”
“Since when have I ever allowed myself to be forced into anything?”
“I got you to marry me, didn’t I?” Carl smirked.
“Well, that was a very special circumstance.” Debbie smiled at her husband.
Carl smiled back. “How can you promise that you won’t get homesick?” Carl asked. “I would think it just happens. How can you prevent it?”
“I’ll know that things are stable at home before we go anywhere again. We left right after Jennifer’s wedding and Molly had her new baby and the kids will almost be through school by the time we get back and…”
“Okay, okay!” Carl said throwing up his hands.
“Keep those hands on the steering wheel,” Debbie ordered immediately. “This thing drives like a tank. I don’t want to end up in the ditch.”
“I got it,” Carl said straightening the course of the big vehicle. “So, when do you think this calm and stable period in our lives might be?” he asked after a minute.
Debbie laughed. “Tomorrow, next month, next year, never.” She looked at Carl’s face which showed his displeasure at that answer. “We’ll play it by ear, honey, okay?”
“Yeah, I guess that’s what we will have to do.”
“I promise we’ll take another trip,” Debbie said crossing her heart. “How about the fall?”
“I may hold you to that.”
“That’s fine. I love being with you whatever we’re doing.”
Carl stared at his wife and smiled broadly. “You are quite a dame.”
“And don’t you ever forget that!” Debbie replied with her familiar laugh.
*****
“We should be landing in about an hour,” Seth said looking at his watch.
“I can hardly wait,” Jennifer said scrunching up her shoulders in anticipation.
“I’ll have to hire one of those extra large vans to transport us and all our luggage from the airport to my condo,” Seth said winking at Jennifer.
“Thanks for calling it our luggage,” Jennifer laughed.
“Well it is. I hope I’ll get some credit for helping you make all your purchases?”
“I’ll give you as much credit as you’d like.”
Seth laughed. “Nobody will believe I had anything to do with it.”
“Why? A man can’t enjoy shopping?”
“Of course he can, but most men don’t. And I like to think ‘the family’ has gotten to know me well enough to know I wouldn’t be the one who bought all the stuff we’re bringing home.”
Jennifer giggled. “But you are the one who bought the time share.”
“Yes, I am.”
“It was a lovely gesture, Seth. I look forward to going back to Aruba many times. I had such a wonderful time there.” Jennifer reached over and laid her hand on top of Seth’s.
Seth picked up her hand with his other hand and pressed the back of it to his lips. “I still love you, Mrs. Harris, even after spending weeks alone together.”
Jennifer laughed and then her face sobered. “What does that mean exactly?” she asked with a puzzled look on her face.
“It means that we passed the honeymoon test.”
“There’s a test?”
“Oh yes, I have it on good authority that once the passion of the first few nights of sex wears off, many couples find they really don’t like each other very much, let alone love each other.”
“And just who would this authority be?”
“He shall remain nameless,” Seth declared staring straight ahead.
“It wouldn’t be a certain son-in-law of mine, would it?” Jennifer asked.
“Owen would never say something like that.”
“I didn’t mean Owe…” Jennifer stopped. “You’re teasing me, aren’t you?”
“Yes, my dear, I’m teasing you,” Seth chuckled.
“It did sound like something Brian might say,” Jennifer said in her own defense.
“I thought you might think that,” Seth chuckled.
“You have a wicked side, don’t you?” Jennifer looked at her husband with appraising eyes.
“Are you just figuring that out, my dear?”
“Don’t you ‘my dear me’, Seth Harris,” Jennifer threatened. “I can sic Brian Kinney after you.”
“Idle threats will do you no good. Brian and I have an agreement.”
“An agreement?”
“Yes, an agreement. He likes to think he’s responsible for getting us together, and I tend to let him think so,” Seth stated.
“Well, he did sort of get us together,” Jennifer had to admit. “So, what’s this agreement?” she asked with a frown.
“I make you ecstatically happy and he doesn’t kill me,” Seth said keeping a straight face.
Jennifer let out a laugh worthy of Debbie. “God, you are a nut. I love you so much.”
“It’s lucky for me that I love you just as much or more in return,” Seth chuckled.
“Very lucky, I’m sure,” Jennifer said with love in her eyes for her husband. “And I’m just as lucky having you in my life.”
“I think that was the perfect ending to a perfect honeymoon,” Seth observed, as the pilot announced they would be landing in Pittsburgh in the next few minutes.
“Yes, perfect,” Jennifer agreed, and she meant every word of it.
*****
“Do we really have to go home?” Emmett pouted.
“Our week is up,” Drew said reasonably.
“Couldn’t we see where the ship’s going next and just stay aboard?”
“I guess we could,” Drew replied slowly. “But you have parties to plan and businesses to run, and so do I.”
“You’re in party planning now?” Emmett asked with a big grin. He could never pass up a chance for a joke, even when he was feeling down.
Drew laughed, as he always did at Emmett’s sense of humor. He loved his new husband so much. “I don’t think anyone would pay me for my party planning skills.”
“This was a pretty great party you invited me to,” Emmett declared referring to the cruise and the proposal.
“Well, maybe for once I did it right. But don’t count on it ever happening again.”
“That’s okay. I think one commitment ceremony will be plenty for me.”
“I should hope so,” Drew said as he wrapped his arms around Emmett’s waist. They stared out at the ocean over the rail of the ship. Each thought that this trip couldn’t have been better. It was just perfect.
“So, are we going to stay longer?” Emmett asked after a few minutes.
“Don’t you want to go home so that you can tell everyone our big news?” Drew asked, deciding to take a slightly different tack.
“Hm, let me think. No!”
“You are so full of shit, my love. You know you can’t wait to tell them.”
“They are going to be so pissed.” Emmett couldn’t help but grin.
“They won’t be pissed,” Drew averred. “They will be very happy for us.”
“You think so?”
“I know so.”
“You … you didn’t tell Brian, did you?”
“How could I tell Brian when I didn’t even really know that I was going to ask you to marry me?”
“It was spur of the moment?” Emmett asked, his face clouding over. “Didn’t you really think it through?”
“Emmett, I love you. I’ve been thinking about this for a while. The timing seemed perfect … finally, so I asked you.”
Emmett smiled, his toothy grin lighting up the deck of the ship and reflecting the setting sun. “I’m ready to go home,” he said out of the blue.
“You are, but…?”
“This has been lovely, Drew, but it isn’t real.”
“What do you mean, it isn’t real?”
“This ship and sailing from port to port is nice, but our life is back in Pittsburgh and out at Edna’s Treasures. This was a lovely fantasy, and I enjoyed the break very much. However, it’s time to go home. As you said, I’ve got parties to plan and businesses to run.”
“I see,” Drew said, although he was having trouble figuring out which way the wind was blowing where his mercurial mate was concerned.
“I like my life at home. I’m ready to go back to it,” Emmett restated.
“I guess that’s good.”
“But maybe we could go on a cruise next year?” Emmett wheedled.
“I don’t see why not,” Drew laughed.
“Oh Drewsie, you’ve made me the happiest bride in the world.”
“Happy to oblige, ma’am,” Drew laughed as he hugged Emmett tight and swung him around.
The other people on the deck watched with amusement and maybe a touch of envy. The pure happiness of the two men was evident to all of them.
*****
“So, what did Debbie have to say?” Justin asked as he finished putting his brushes away. He was quite pleased with the portrait of Molly, Owen and Taylor that was almost finished. He stood back to admire his work.
“She and Carl are on their way back. They think they’ve done enough traveling for now. Maybe they will go off again in the fall.”
“I hope they do. Debbie deserves to enjoy some of the finer things in life.”
“They’re going to love that,” Brian said as he looked at the painting.
“I hope so,” Justin said wistfully.
“What?” Brian demanded. “What brought that note to your voice?”
“Do … do you ever think about us having another child?” Justin asked hesitantly.
“No.”
Justin laughed in spite of himself. “You don’t? Ever?”
“No, I don’t. Gus and Bree and Patrick and JR and Taylor and Ashley and…”
“Okay, okay, you can stop the list,” Justin chuckled. “I see what you’re getting at.”
“We don’t need more kids. There’s plenty around when you want one,” Brian declared. “And then they go home at the end of the day.”
“Except for Bree.”
“Except for our daughter,” Brian agreed.
“And that suits you just fine.”
“We have two great kids of our own. I see no need for more.”
“It’s just that having Taylor around kind of got me thinking,” Justin said.
“Taylor is cute, but we don’t need another child.”
“I know. It will be great having Molly and the baby out here once their cottage is built.”
“It might be okay,” Brian smirked.
“You are incorrigible. You know you love that baby.”
“Taylor’s okay.”
“Better than okay.”
Brian sucked in his lips and merely stared at the portrait.
“Has John drawn up any plans for their cottage?” Justin asked as he covered his painting.
“I think so. I imagine it will look something like ours.”
“You think so?”
“Everyone wants a cottage like ours,” Brian said smugly. “Cottage envy.”
“What the hell is cottage envy?” Justin laughed.
“It’s what you get when you visit Edna’s Treasures and see how … okay our life is here.”
“Okay! Okay? Our life is not okay. It’s fabulous!”
“See, we have everything we could want. We don’t need another child,” Brian reminded his mate.
Justin shook his head. “There is no point in arguing with you,” he said.
“That’s because I’m always right,” Brian smirked.
“Mom and Seth should be home by now,” Justin said looking at his watch and deciding it was time to change the subject. “I could use a drink.”
“Sounds good. Beer?” Brian asked heading for the kitchen.
“Yeah.” Justin followed him out to the kitchen and they took their beers and sat at the kitchen table.
“I wish they had let us pick them up at the airport,” Justin said after he had a long drink of his beer.
“We wouldn’t have had room for them and all their luggage. You know your mother will have bought half the island of Aruba.”
“My mother is not a spendthrift,” Justin objected.
“I seem to remember a time or two that she took you shopping and you came back laden with bags of every description.”
“Well, maybe,” Justin had to admit.
“And she certainly bought enough outfits and things for Bree.”
“Yeah, I guess she did.”
“So, given her track record, I’m sure she will appear with multitudinous gifts for Bree and Taylor and … everyone.”
“Okay, I can’t argue with you there. I just hope they had a good time.”
“How could they not on their honeymoon?” Brian snarked.
“It’s not all about sex, you know,” Justin told his husband.
“Of course it is.”
Justin shook his head. He sure wasn’t winning any arguments with Brian today. “I guess Drew and Emmett will be back soon too.”
“Yep.”
“Why didn’t you tell me when you were helping Drew organize the surprise for Emmett?”
“Because then it wouldn’t have been a surprise.”
“It was supposed to be a surprise for Emmett, not for me.”
“Same difference,” Brian declared.
Justin stared at his husband. Sometimes Brian could be very exasperating, but mostly Justin loved the big goof. “Should we have a get-together this weekend, so everybody can tell us about their exploits while on vacation?”
“I suppose … if we have to,” Brian said in his long-suffering voice.
“You are so busted. You know you enjoy hearing all about the fruits of your labor.”
“Fruits of my labor?” Brian asked. He wasn’t at all sure what Justin meant by that.
“Yes, fruits of your labor, O mastermind of the gay cruise, purveyor of the Winnebago and matchmaker extraordinaire for my mother.”
Brian couldn’t help but laugh. “I guess I can’t fool you.”
“Better not even try.”
“Daddy! Dada!” a little voice screeched, as Bree came bounding through the front door of the cottage closely followed by Patrick. “I’m home!”
“Now you see why we don’t need another one,” Brian whispered.
“Come tell us about your day at school, sweetheart,” Justin said as he got up to get the children a snack, and a beer for Bobby who had just walked in behind them.
Ladies of Liberty
Chapter 11
“What the fuck is going on here?” Debbie exclaimed in her own unique style. “The lane looks like a construction site!”
It was the Memorial Day weekend, all of the happy travelers were back in the land of Liberty. And they all wanted the opportunity to exchange gifts, show off photos of the wonderful places they visited and regale the family about their exploits. However, instead of doing it individually, they all decided to wait for the Edna’s Treasures annual Memorial Day barbecue. The whole family was looking forward to it.
Debbie and Carl had driven up with Ben and Michael.
“Deb, apparently Molly and Owen loved their visit to the cottage a little too much,” Ben explained. “They ordered one.” Ben and Michael snickered.
“They ordered a cottage?” Carl asked.
“You’re shitting me, right?”
“No, Ma. John’s crew just started to clear the land. He said it should be done by the end of the summer,” Michael stated.
“Soon half of Liberty Avenue will have a cottage up here,” Carl chuckled. “Look at all that equipment,” Carl said as he pointed across the road. In the clearing that was once piled high with plowed snow, were bulldozers, cranes and other building materials. “Kind of reminds me of ‘Truckhenge’.” Carl and Debbie broke out into belly laughs.
“What’s ‘Truckhenge’?” Michael asked.
“Later, honey. We have plenty of pictures,” Debbie teased.
“We also have plenty of pictures of Graceland,” Carl contributed. Michael tried not to groan too loudly as Carl laughed even louder.
*****
“Drewsie, honey, when should we let them in on our little secret?” Emmett whispered as he and Drew were helping to arrange all the garden furniture. Brian’s gardens were in full bloom, the tables and chairs were strategically placed to show off each arrangement of flowers and shrubs.
“Maybe as we’re showing the pictures you took of the ship. You know, here’s our stateroom, this is the pool and here’s where my Drew proposed and here’s where....”
“Ah ha!” Brian exclaimed as he stepped out from behind the table umbrella he was holding. “I knew something was up with you, Emm. So that’s why you’ve been avoiding me,” Brian growled as he narrowed his gaze at the flaming queen. “So you finally got your ring,” he added smugly as his eyes spied Emmett’s left hand.
“Honey,” Emmett said deeply, “I’ve always worn a ring. It’s just this one you can actually see.” The three men laughed as Brian’s eyes quickly scanned down the front of Emmett’s shorts and then back up again.
“I’m happy for you both,” Brian said sincerely as he gave his two friends a hug. “I take it you’re going to reveal your news a little later?”
“We thought it best over dessert,” Emmett confirmed. “And we have plenty of pictures.”
“Gay porn, I’m always up for that.” Brian leered suggestively.
“I’m afraid you’ll have to settle for pictures of our ship and of the islands,” Drew explained.
“Damn!” Brian said as he snapped his fingers. “To tell you the truth, I’d rather look at pictures of your ship than Graceland. Debbie must have taken hundreds of them.”
“Can’t be any worse than Michael and Dr. Dave’s trip to Paris,” Emmett confided in a whisper to Brian’s ear. Brian nodded conspiratorially.
The three friends continued to arrange the garden furniture.
*****
“Susan, why am I here in this god-forsaken lane?” Craig griped at his wife.
Both Justin and Molly had invited Craig and Susan to the barbecue. Jennifer posed no objections and Brian promised to behave. Molly hoped that for her sake and for Justin’s that both their parents would be stable fixtures in Bree and Taylor’s lives. If Brian had any doubts about Craig, he swore to keep them to himself. But that wasn’t going to stop Brian from watching Craig like a hawk for the day.
“You’re here because your son and your daughter, both of whom are parents of beautiful children, are hoping that you’ll put aside your ridiculous prejudices and be a grandfather to your grandchildren,” Susan said succinctly and precisely.
“Yes, Susan,” was all that Craig could reply. Craig was coming to the realization that if he wanted any contact with his grandchildren, he would have to try to be civil to his son’s partner. Partner, not a word Craig Taylor ever thought he would use to describe someone other than in the business arena.
“Good, because you see that clearing over there?” Susan pointed to the cleared tract of land that Molly and Owen’s cottage would be built upon. Craig slowed down as they drove by. “Your daughter is having a cottage built and they plan on using it … often.”
Craig remained silent but he got the point.
*****
“You both look so tanned and so relaxed!” Emmett gushed as he greeted Jennifer and Seth. Even though they had been back from their honeymoon for a couple of weeks they still retained that sun kissed glow. Jennifer and Seth had just come through the front door of Edna’s Treasures laden with bags of gifts and several salads. Molly, Owen and baby Taylor had ridden with them.
“I could say the same about you,” Jennifer remarked as she eyed the tall queen. “Something’s different about you.”
“You’re not pregnant, are you?” Molly joked as she gave Emmett a kiss. “You’re positively glowing.”
“Heavens no!” Emmett stammered, waving his hands.
“Hold it right there, mister,” Jennifer commanded. “Hand it over,” she said as she reached for Emmett’s left hand. On it was a simple gold band. “Emm, something you’d like to tell us?”
“Um, it is what you think,” Emmett said quickly and in a whisper. “But I really want to tell everyone later, okay?”
“Okay, Emm. Mum’s the word. But be prepared to give details,” Jennifer smiled.
“Thank you, Mrs. Harris, and I will if you will,” Emmett smiled broadly as he winked.
“Oh, Emm,” Molly began, “my mother had a very boring honeymoon. All she and Seth did was nap!” Molly said as she burst into laughter.
“Ooooo!” Emmett squeed. “You must tell me all about it,” Emmett demanded as he spirited Jennifer away toward the kitchen. Seth had the good sense to blush.
*****
“Craig, Susan, come in,” Brian said as he opened the front door of Edna’s Treasures to Justin’s father and his wife. He would gladly have had Justin greet them, but Justin seemed to be nowhere around, so the task fell to him. He had known that it must be Craig, because none of their other guests would knock, except for the Brenners and they were already there.
“Brian,” Craig said curtly.
“Hello, Brian,” Susan said with a sigh meant for her husband. “I see the site for Molly’s cottage is being prepared.”
“Yes, John is wasting no time.”
“I can’t understand why Molly would want to be in such an isolated spot,” Craig griped.
“It’s called peace and quiet,” Brian said pointedly. “If you choose to visit her and your grandchild, you might see why we like it here so much.”
Craig shook his head, knowing that the look on his wife’s face told him he better not say anything more.
“I brought chocolate chip cookies,” Susan said holding out the plate heaped with her cookies.
“Bree will be ecstatic,” Brian said. “All the food is in the sun porch, if you wouldn’t mind adding your cookies to the banquet.”
“Not at all,” Susan said as she grabbed Craig’s arm and dragged him out to the porch.
*****
“Gamma Susan, Gampa,” Bree shrieked as she saw her grandfather and his wife come into the sun porch doorway. She barreled over to them wrapping her arms around his legs. “I don’t see you in forever.”
Craig laughed at her enthusiasm. He reached down and picked her up, kissing her cheek. “I love your welcomes.”
“Me too,” Susan laughed.
“You’re getting so big,” Craig said as he hiked his granddaughter higher into his arms.
“I know, Gampa.”
Craig smiled at Bree. He loved this little girl so much. She was smart and kind and happy. He couldn’t fault Justin and that man in the way they had raised her. “Is Taylor here?”
Bree bobbed her head. “Filled his pants,” Bree giggled.
“Really?” Susan asked with a smile.
“Yep, that’s what Auntie Molly said before she went to change him.”
“How do you like Taylor?” Craig asked wondering if Bree felt her position in their lives was being threatened by the new arrival.
“Taylor’s all right,” Bree said thoughtfully. “Doesn’t do much.”
Craig laughed. “No, babies eat and sleep and poop.”
“Yep, a lot of poop,” Bree agreed as her grandfather put her down.
*****
“Hey, Emm,” Ted said approaching Emmett who was arranging food on the large table in the sun porch.
“Hey, Teddy,” Emmett said with his toothy grin.
“You’re looking very happy. That cruise must have really agreed with you.”
“You have no idea!” Emmett gushed.
Teddy studied his longtime friend. “What happened?” he asked after a minute. “Something’s different.”
“O, observant one!” Emmett waved his hand that sported the wedding band in Ted’s face.
“Oh, my God! You and Drew…?”
“Of course, me and Drew,” Emmett giggled. “Who else would it be?”
“That’s great news,” Ted said pulling Emmett into a warm hug.
“Sh, you can’t tell anyone until we make out announcement.”
Ted nodded before grabbing a beer and heading back outside.
*****
“And this is Elvis’ bedroom,” Debbie said pointing to the picture in her photo album. “And the kitchen, and the living room.”
Brian nodded. “Nice,” he said dryly. Debbie had managed to corner him and bombard him with all her pictures of Graceland. They had been working their way through Elvis’ home.
“And here’s the games room,” Debbie continued. “I just love this room. I’m trying to talk Carl into letting me make a room like that at home.”
“Where the fuck would you put it?” Brian demanded. He thought the room was butt ugly.
“I’ll figure something out,” Debbie declared. “This is Elvis’ grave. It was so strange and holy standing there on the spot where the King is buried.”
“I’m sure it was,” Brian snarked.
“Oh, let me show you some of Elvis’ costumes. They have a whole museum of the things he wore.”
“You’ve seen one rhinestone encrusted jumpsuit, you’ve seen them all,” Brian observed.
“Asshole! Elvis was a real trendsetter.”
“Dada,” Bree interrupted. “Daddy wants you to start the barbecues.”
“Thanks, Squirt. Remind me to give you an extra cookie for rescuing me from Gamma Debbie’s picture extravaganza,” Brian said taking Bree’s hand and walking towards the barbecues.
Bree giggled as she walked with her father across the yard.
*****
“Emmett, everything looks wonderful,” Claire said watching the tall man rearrange some of the dishes on the long table in the sun porch.
“Everybody always brings way more food than we need. Brian and Justin have leftovers for weeks.”
Claire laughed. “Brian would have you believe that he doesn’t do leftovers.”
“Don’t tell anybody, but Justin freezes a lot of it and then hauls it out without telling Brian where it came from.”
“Justin is a very clever man.”
“That he is, just like my Drewsie.”
“Your Drewsie?”
“My Drewsie is the handsomest, smartest, most romantic, sweetest…”
“Whoa there, my boy,” Claire laughed. “I have the greatest respect for your partner, but…”
“No buts, and he’s no longer my partner.”
“What? What do you mean, Emmett? What’s happened?” Claire said with worry in her voice.
Emmett flashed his ring and Claire’s mouth opened in surprise. “He’s your husband!”
“Correct on the first guess,” Emmett laughed as Claire hugged him in a manner worthy of Debbie.
“But you can’t tell anyone until we make the official announcement.”
“You can count on me,” Claire said with a big smile.
*****
“There’s Sharon and Owen,” Craig said when he and Susan had their drinks. “Let’s sit with them.” Craig led his wife over to the Brenners.
“Good to see you,” Owen said standing up and making sure everyone had a seat.
“They certainly get a crowd for these barbecues,” Sarah Kingsley observed with her nose in the air. She had finally agreed to come to one of these get-togethers.
“Yes, the group seems to be getting bigger all the time,” Craig agreed as he looked around at the motley crew of attendees.
“I think it’s lovely that everyone wants to spend time together,” Susan threw in. She hated the snobbery of her husband and Mrs. Kingsley. If she had her choice, she’d go sit with Molly, but she hadn’t reappeared from changing the baby.
Craig snorted and took a long drink of his beer. “I wouldn’t be here at all if it wasn’t for my grandchildren.”
“Then you’d miss a really good time,” Owen said studying Craig Taylor with eyes that perhaps saw him for the first time.
*****
“Emmett, do you know how to make a Long Island Iced Tea?” Carl asked coming over to Emmett.
“Why yes, I believe I do, and they’re very yummy. Would you like one?”
“Not for me. Debbie discovered them while we were traveling.”
“I’ll be happy to whip one up, and make one for myself as well.”
“Thank you,” Carl said as he followed Emmett to the bar area.
Emmett started whipping up the concoction adding all the kinds of alcohol that were required. “And some iced tea,” Emmett said adding the last ingredient.
“No wonder she likes those things. They must pack a punch.”
“They slide down really easy, and after four or five the sledgehammer falls,” Emmett laughed. He held out the glass waving it in front of Carl’s face so that the man would be sure to see his wedding ring.
“Is that…?”
“Oops, I wasn’t supposed to tell till we make out announcement,” Emmett giggled.
“I won’t tell a soul,” Carl pledged. “And congratulations.”
“Thank you muchly,” Emmett grinned.
Carl made his way back outside.
*****
“Come and get it!” Brian called as his first batch of burgers and dogs was ready for consumption.
“Great day for this,” Carl said as he walked down the line. “Did you hear Emmett’s news?”
Brian raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, but no one’s supposed to know.”
“Emmett’s not a great one for keeping a secret, especially about something like this.”
“Yeah, ain’t that the truth.”
Carl moved away and Claire and Steve held out their plates. “It really is great news,” Claire said with a big smile.
“You know too?”
“I think Emmett has had trouble containing himself. He’s too happy. It’s written all over his face.”
Brian shook his head. It seemed like the news was out.
“Bri, can I get a couple of hotdogs for Bree and Patrick?”
“Sure, Sunshine,” Brian replied. He waited for Justin to say something about Emmett’s wedding. He dished up the hotdogs and when Justin still didn’t say anything, he concluded that Justin might be one of the few who didn’t know the big news. “Here you go,” he said handing his husband the plates for the kids. “And ask Emmett about his new jewelry.”
“Okaaay?” Justin said giving his husband a quizzical look.
Brian chuckled to himself. He could hardly wait for Emmett’s big announcement.
Ladies of Liberty
Chapter 12
“Michael, how’s married life these days?” Emmett asked as he nibbled on his burger and salad. Michael had been heading for the bathroom, but he chose to stop and speak with his old friend.
“It’s great. Why do you ask?” Michael wanted to know. He sat down in the chair that Drew had vacated to go get his new husband a drink.
“Because…” Emmett paused for dramatic effect. “Drew and I got married while we were on the cruise.”
“You what! Oh Emm, I’m so happy for you.”
“I’m very happy for me too. Don’t tell anybody though. Drew and I are going to announce it in a few minutes.”
“Wouldn’t dream of spilling the beans … and congratulations.” Michael continued on his way to the bathroom.
*****
“Taylor is already so much bigger than at the hospital,” Craig said as he nursed the baby, feeding the little bundle a bottle so Molly could eat her burger.
“Hungry little devil,” Molly laughed.
“You both seem to be doing much better,” Susan said.
“Things were rough for a while, but it’s all great now.”
“Are you sure you want to move out here to the middle of nowhere?” Craig asked.
“I’ve never been more certain. And we’re also keeping our condo in Pittsburgh.”
“But … why? What’s so great about this place?”
“I felt so comfortable and so at peace when Owen and I and the baby were staying here. It’s a wonderful spot,” Molly told her father.
“I just don’t see it,” Craig replied.
“If you choose to spend some time in our new cottage with Taylor and me and Owen, maybe you’ll find out.”
Craig shook his head and then noticed the smirk on his wife’s face. Everyone seemed to have the same advice for him today. Well, fuck their advice. He’d make up his own mind. He concentrated on feeding the baby.
*****
“Hey, Emmett, Bobby and I are available for clean-up duty,” John said as he approached Emmett.
“I always count on you guys,” Emmett said with a big smile.
“You’re very chipper today.”
“Yes I am, aren’t I?” Emmett giggled.
“What’s up?” John asked with a frown.
“Can you keep a secret?”
“I like to think I can.”
“Then come closer,” Emmett whispered. When John leaned down, Emmett spoke softly into his ear. “Drew and I got married on our cruise.”
“You did? That’s terrific. I highly recommend married life,” John stated.
“I like it pretty much too,” Emmett grinned. “But don’t say anything.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” John said before he walked away to find his own husband.
*****
Brian had been watching all the people who spoke with Emmett. He couldn’t help but wonder how many of them had been told Emmett’s big secret. He watched John walk away with a smile on his face. It seemed evident that Emmett had told Brian’s brother the big news too.
*****
“And this is Elvis’ tomb,” Debbie said reverently.
“Sounds like you really enjoyed your time at Graceland,” Justin said graciously. Debbie had been showing him her pictures of the place for the last hour or two, or that’s what it seemed like anyway.
“What’s this?” Justin asked as Debbie turned the page.
Debbie laughed. “Truckhenge. It’s a fucking work of art.”
“Work of art? It looks like trucks turned on their noses and half buried,” Justin observed.
“That’s exactly what it is, Sunshine,” Debbie declared. “Trust the artist’s eye to notice.”
“What’s it supposed to be?” Justin asked.
“What does the name make you think of?”
“Well, Stonehenge in England,” Justin offered.
“Exactly. The guy who made it did it as a protest.”
“He went to all that trouble as a protest? What was he protesting?”
“The powers that be. You can identify with that, can’t you?”
“Yeah, I can,” Justin said studying the pictures of the strange arrangement of vehicles.
“Hope it doesn’t give you any ideas of what you might want to make,” Debbie said with a wink.
Justin stared blankly at her.
*****
“Auntie Emm,” Bree said as she sidled up to one of her favorite people.
“What is it, little one?” Emmett asked with a smile.
“Dada said I could have an extra cookie.”
“He did?”
“Yep,” Bree stated bobbing her head.
“That doesn’t sound much like your Dada.”
“But he did tell me that.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“So, what do you want me to do about it?”
“Remember that Dada told me I could have an extra cookie, in case I forget.”
Emmett laughed loudly. “It doesn’t seem likely that you’ll forget about your extra cookie.”
“I might.”
“Then I’ll be sure to remind you.”
“Thank you, Auntie Emm,” Bree said reaching up for a hug.
Emmett’s arms came around the little girl just as Justin approached.
“Is that a ring I see on your finger?” Justin asked.
“Why yes, it is,” Emmett replied happily.
“And it’s significance?”
“Drew and I got married on the cruise,” Emmett whispered to Justin.
“Auntie Emm!” Bree screeched at the top of her lungs. “You got married without me! I wanted to be the flowergirl.” She pouted mightily.
The whole yard grew silent as they heard Bree’s plaintive wail. Everyone turned to look at Emmett.
“Surprise!” Emmett called out. “Drew and I are married. I guess Bree blew our big surprise.”
“What surprise, you big fairy!” Brian shouted. “You’ve already told ninety percent of the people here.”
Heads nodded in agreement all over the garden.
“Congratulations,” John called out, breaking the awkward moment. Everyone added similar good wishes, while Drew managed to find his way back to his mate’s side.
Brian walked over and gave each man a hug and a kiss. “Be happy,” he said.
“Drew has made me the happiest little woman in the whole world,” Emmett joked.
Brian took Bree’s hand and led her aside to explain why she couldn’t be the flowergirl at her Auntie Emm’s wedding. Everyone else descended upon the happy couple to continue their well wishes.
*****
“Father Tom,” Drew began.
“Just Tom, today I’m just Tom,” Father Tom answered.
“Well then, just Tom, I was wondering if you’d do me and Emmett the honor of saying a blessing for us. I realize our union is not legal, but Emm and I take it very seriously.”
“I know and I still harbor the hope that one day same sex marriages will be recognized as being legally binding as heterosexual marriages are. However, until then, there’s nothing stopping me from blessing your commitment. Did you want to do it today?”
“I don’t see why not. The whole family’s here to bear witness,” Drew replied.
“Then let me prepare while you gather the family. Would you like to do it here in the garden or at the stream? Miracles have happened at that blessed site,” Tom said referring to Briana’s christening.
“The stream. I can’t think of anywhere closer to the Almighty than there.”
“Then at the stream it will be. I’ll go there now to prepare.”
“See you in a few minutes, Tom,” Drew winked.
“Father Tom,” Tom winked back as he turned to walk toward the stream.
*****
“And where might ya be goin’ there, Father?” Brian asked in a brogue-ish lilt as he spied Tom walking toward the garden path.
“Well, now, I might be goin’ down to the stream, me lad,” Tom answered in kind. Brian arched his eyebrow.
“Drew has asked me to bless his and Emmett’s commitment. He requested it be done by the stream. But perhaps we should have asked for your permission first. It appears we’ve taken over,” Tom said with a sigh as he indicated the huge assembled mass of family. The family had broken off into several small groups as they all visited with each other and updated everyone on the happenings in their lives. Debbie was having fun corralling people to show off Truckhenge and Graceland. Even the mighty Sarah Kingsley could not escape from Debbie’s clutches.
“Emmett and Drew are two of my closest and dearest friends. I’m honored that they chose our stream to have their blessing,” Brian said in all seriousness. “You go and prepare for your voodoo. I’ll help get this motley crew down by the old mill stream.”
“Brian, I don’t think Sarah Kingsley would consider herself motley,” Tom chuckled.
“True, so we’ll be keepin’ that little tidbit between us, won’t we now, Father,” Brian said with a twinkle in his eye and a bit of the blarney in his voice. Tom smiled broadly as he returned to the path.
*****
“Ladies and gentlemen, and I use those terms loosely,” Brian began as he banged a large serving spoon against a metal tray to get everyone's attention. He was soon joined by Justin, Drew and Emmett. “Our latest couple to have joined the ranks of ball and chain-dom, would like you all to join them down by the stream to bear witness to the blessing of their commitment. If you all would follow Justin…” Brian stated as the family gathered closely to start following Justin toward the stream.
“Brian, where are you going?” Justin whispered.
“Don’t you worry your pretty little head about it, Sunshine. You just get this bunch down by the stream,” Brian said with a kiss to Justin’s lips. Justin smiled sweetly then continued to shepherd their family toward the stream.
“Hey, Squirt, come with me a minute.”
“Okay, Dada,” Bree answered, trusting that her Dada would not let her miss whatever was going to take place at the stream.
“Why are we being a party to this farce,” Craig grumbled under his breath.
“Because,” Owen Senior began, “we’re a family and that means you love and respect their choices. You don’t necessarily have to agree with them, but you can choose to keep your objections to yourself.” Owen’s tone would brook no argument. Craig nodded then extended his arm out for his wife. Craig and Susan followed the family down to the stream.
*****
Eventually the whole family was assembled by the great rock near the stream. Father Tom had Emmett and Drew standing with him, ready to receive their blessing. Tom was just about to begin when he saw Brian and Briana approach. Bree was carrying a large bouquet of flowers freshly cut from Brian’s garden.
“Here, Auntie Emm, for you!” Bree said as she held up the bouquet for Emmett.
“Oh thank you, sweetheart!” Emmett exclaimed as he took the bouquet then burst out into very loud happy sobs.
“Oh for fuck’s sake,” Brian groused as he held out the box of tissues he was carrying. Emmett took several, daubed at his eyes then blew his nose with a loud honk. He then handed the soiled tissue back to Brian who took it with a look of distaste.
Emmett then quickly divided up his flowers to hand a bunch back to Bree.
“Stay here with me, Miss Bree, and be my flowergirl.”
“Oh thank you, Auntie Emm!” Bree cried and the whole family laughed with the child’s delight. Emm then took a purple cone flower, breaking the stem short and stuck it in Drew’s breast pocket.
“We’re ready now, Father!” Emmett said.
“About fucking time,” Debbie was heard grumbling.
“Dearly beloved friends and family, I have had the honor to perform several ceremonies for this wonderful family including the christening of this child,” Tom said as he patted Bree on her head. “And I never tire of bestowing a blessing of commitment, especially when one has been truly earned and deserved. If anyone here knows why this blessing should not take place, speak now or forever hold your peace.”
Brian and several family members turned to glare at Craig. Craig wisely kept quiet.
“Emmett Honeycutt and Drew Boyd, as witnessed by your friends, family, Mother Earth and the Almighty, we bless this commitment that you have made to each other. We wish you both long life and long love. A-men.”
“Amen,” the family repeated and then cheered the happy couple loudly.
As Emmett burst out into another round of happy tears, Brian handed him the box of tissues.
*****
“Deb, can I take another look at your pictures of Truckhenge?” Justin asked.
After the ceremony at the stream the family had moseyed on back to the gardens and sun porch to continue the celebrations. Libations of all sorts flowed freely as did food and desserts. The whole family was having a wonderful time celebrating their good fortunes.
“Sure, Sunshine. Finding inspiration?” Debbie joked, as she handed the packet of pictures to Justin.
“Sort of,” Justin said with a strange look on his face. He began flipping through the array of pictures.
“Justin, baby, are you all right?” Debbie asked with concern seeing his expression.
“I’m fine, Deb,” Justin said as he began walking toward the lane with the pictures in his hand.
Debbie watched him go then called Brian over.
“What is it, Maw, run out of victims to show your pictures to?”
“No, asshole. Something’s up with my Sunshine. And it’s your job to find out what,” Debbie said seriously as she looked up into Brian’s eyes. Brian nodded, knowing that look meant business. He sprinted away to catch up with Justin.
*****
“Hey, Sunshine,” Brian said as he approached Justin. Justin was sitting on a pile of lumber that would eventually become the frame for Molly and Owen’s cottage.
“Hey,” Justin replied softly. Beau was sniffing around all the big equipment. He was in charge of this lane and he marked several huge tires accordingly.
“Debbie is under the impression that something’s wrong.”
“Nothing’s wrong.”
“Then why are you sitting on a bunch of wood while our house is overrun with our cwazy family?”
“What? You upset that I’m not sitting on your wood?”
“I’m sure we’ll rectify that situation later.”
“We will, Bri. I have no doubt,” Justin said as he kissed Brian’s lips.
“So what gives with the contemplation of rusty old trucks and buses stuck into the ground?”
“They speak to me somehow.”
“And what do they say? Please haul me off to be recycled?”
“No,” Justin smirked as he swatted Brian lightly in the gut. “But I understand why the artist did what he did.”
“Are you about to turn an abandoned truck into a work of art?”
“No but working in metal and on a scale this big is...”
“Tempting?”
“Yeah, very.”
“You’re serious.”
“Yup,” Justin said as he jumped down off his perch of wood and began pacing the yard trying to explain his vision to Brian. “For my first project I see a large metal sunflower maybe five feet across and twenty feet high. Of course I’ll have to learn how to weld and work with base metals and...”
“Whoa, slow down, Sonny Boy! And what do you mean by first project?”
“I mean to do a whole garden!” Justin said with his arms outstretched as he gazed out on the empty meadow. He envisioned it filled with his metal flowers. Brian gulped then pulled himself together. He always supported Justin’s art and this was no different even if Justin was about to turn his peaceful lane into a ‘henge.’
“Um, and what do you plan on calling your garden, Sunshine?” Brian asked cautiously. Justin turned and flashed his sunniest smile at his bilious looking spouse.
“Brian-henge!”
TBC