The Letters

 

Chapter 1 September-October

 

November 1, 2021

 

Most Reverend Colm O’Hara

Bishop of St Anthony’s RC Church

Pittsburgh, PA

 

Your Excellency,

 

Again I wish to sincerely thank you for approving my vacation and granting my application for a year’s sabbatical.  Rest assured, I am content and well looked after here on this small lane.  The family has opened their hearts and homes to me.  They have issued an invitation allowing me to spend my entire year here in quiet contemplation, as well as including me in their family activities if I so choose.  I have rooms to myself in their spacious guest cottage.  And while they refuse any monetary remuneration, the family has allowed me to participate in basic maintenance chores, tutoring the children and occasionally cooking a family meal. 

 

The weeks I’ve spent here so far have afforded me the time to reflect on my experiences as a priest and to appreciate God’s wonders in the surrounding countryside.  In the first two weeks and with much help, we constructed a small cabin in the woods where I may pray to our Lord for guidance.  It’s little more than a room with a potbelly stove for heat, but I feel humbled as I sit within its walls.  It reminds me of the time we spent in that small monastery on the outskirts of Rome.

 

Colm, you are not only my bishop but you are my friend and have been my mentor for more than twenty years.  I know you will not condemn me when I say that I find myself longing for more than what the church allows me.  On this lane I see a life that could have been mine had I chosen a different path.  But as a good friend has taught me, I have no apologies to make and no regrets.  I will take this year that has been granted me to live amongst the world as a man, but I promise you I shall always keep my God within my heart.

 

As part of my agreement with you, I shall keep a diary and send you a monthly letter chronicling my experiences of the previous month.  I promise to be frank and open with you, conveying not only what has transpired but including my feelings as well.

 

With deep respect and regard,

 

Thomas Butterfield

 

P.S.  Enclosed is my accounting for October.  Who knew Halloween could be so complicated?

 

*****

 

“Father Tom!  Father Tom!” Bree called out as Tom’s car pulled up in front of the B&B cottage.  Tom parked then got out of his car.  Bree raced down the lane toward him.

 

“Good morning, Briana, and while I’m staying here, my name is just Tom,” Tom said as he looked down at the petite child.  It was still very early on the lane; the morning air was chilly.  Bree had run out of her house still dressed in her pajamas and thick fuzzy slippers, wrapped in a warm hoodie robe.

 

“But I can’t call you just Tom,” Bree said with a very serious expression on her face that almost made Tom laugh.  He kept himself under control so not to risk insulting the child.  Bree extended her hand.

 

“Why not?” Tom asked as he took her hand and allowed Bree to take him back to her cottage.

 

“Because you’re an adult,” Bree explained.  “And adults hafta be addressed as Mr. or Mrs. or Auntie or Uncle,” Bree said.

 

“I see,” Tom said.  “That is a dilemma.”  Tom mused about it as he entered Edna’s Treasures.  It was Sunday morning and Brian was up and cooking breakfast.  The rest of the cottage was still asleep, except for Beau who was dutifully watching his human just in case any tasty morsel should land on the floor.

 

“Give it a rest, Beau.  In all the years we’ve been here, did I ever drop something?”  Brian asked the big dog.  Beau gave Brian a put upon sigh.  Taking pity on the dog, Brian snuck him a nice piece of perfectly cooked bacon.  Beau took his treasure to his dog house in his corner of the sun porch to savor it in private.

 

“Don’t say I never gave you anything,” Brian said to the dog’s retreating tail.

 

“You really are a big softy, you know that?” Tom commented.

 

“One of my failings as I grew up,” Brian quipped as he waved an empty mug in Tom’s direction.  “Tea or coffee?” Brian asked.

 

“Coffee, please,” Tom replied.  “Too bad it’s too early for something stronger.”

 

“It’s not even eight in the morning,” Brian observed as he dished up plates of bacon, eggs and toast for Bree and Tom.  “Where have you been?”

 

“Confession, then mass,” Tom mumbled around a slice of toast.

 

“Giving or taking?” Brian asked with a smirk. 

 

Tom ignored the innuendo when he replied, “Giving.”

 

“Dada, we have a problem,” Bree announced, interrupting the conversation that didn’t apply to her.

 

“Do we now?” Brian said as he placed a glass of juice in front her then sat to sip his coffee.  Breakfast was done and sitting in the warming oven.  He had no doubt that the aroma would soon wake the sleeping cottage.

 

“Yes, we do.” 

 

Brian resisted the chuckle that was bubbling in his throat.  He knew if Bree was standing up and not preoccupied with breakfast, she would have stomped one dainty foot and her little hands would be on her hips.  “Do tell.”

 

“I don’t know what to call Father Tom!” Bree said in exasperation.

 

“That is a problem.  Did you ask Father Tom how he wishes to be addressed?”

 

“Yes, and he said I was to call him Tom.  But I can’t cause he’s an adult and I’m not.”

 

“I see, that is a very big problem.  How about Uncle Tom?  You certainly have many uncles; I don’t think they’d mind if you added one more.”  Both Bree and Tom vehemently shook their heads, no.  “No?  Why?” 

 

Before Tom could open his mouth, Bree spoke.  “We read this book in school, Dada, and...” Bree said in a tiny voice.  Brian could see she was uncomfortable discussing it.  He came around to her chair, lifted her up then sat with Bree in his lap.

 

“I understand,” Brian said in a soothing tone as he kissed a blonde temple.  Brian glanced at Tom who had a similar pained expression on his face.  “How about something a little bit more dignified such as Thomas.  Would Uncle Thomas be more agreeable to you both?”

 

Bree turned her head to look at Tom.  When she saw his nod and smile, Bree looked up at her father.  “Oh yes, Dada!” Bree declared with happy exuberance.

 

“Then Uncle Thomas it is, and welcome to the family,” Brian said as he gave Bree another kiss then extended his hand out to Tom.  They shook and breakfast continued.

 

“Hey,” Justin said as he shuffled through the hallway a few minutes later, wiping the sleep from his eyes and leading a parade of hungry men.  They all took seats around the table as Tom and Brian arose to serve up breakfast.

 

“Hey, Sunshine,” Brian said as he gave Justin a peck after Brian placed Bree back into her chair.

 

“Good morning, Daddy,” Bree said cheerfully, knowing her younger daddy wasn’t a morning person, whatever that meant.

 

“Morning, Baby Girl,” Justin mumbled as someone placed a mug of coffee in front of him.

 

“You’re up early,” John said to Tom.

 

“Church,” Tom said.

 

“Ah, coming or going?”  John asked.

 

“He just got back when Bree rescued this obviously starving man and brought him here for breakfast,” Brian teased.

 

“I’m not starving but breakfast is very much appreciated, thank you,” Tom said as he handed a couple of mugs of coffee to John and Bobby then refilled Brian’s mug.  “What are your plans for today?” Tom asked as everyone was seated again.

 

“It’s Halloween!” Bree and Patrick shouted together.  The parents grimaced as Tom laughed.

 

“I see and how are you going to celebrate this major event?”

 

“The school is having a Halloween party in the gym.  Since the neighboring houses are a bit far away from each other the school thought it would make sense to bring the kids to one place,” Bobby explained.  “The parents are donating snacks and other kid safe treats.  A decorating committee has been preparing the gym for most of the week.”

 

“Yeah, a decorating committee of one, a certain Pittsburgh party planner,” Brian growled as he threw a glare at Bree and Patrick.  They gave him innocent smiles in return.  “Someone blabbed.”

 

“He just wanted to help, Uncle Bri,” Patrick explained.

 

“Uh huh.  I think you guys just wanted to show off,” Brian countered.  The kids blushed.

 

“Brian, stick a sock in it,” Justin ordered.  “Emmett called last week; he was bored.  His assistants have all his events under control including Babylon.  Emmett wanted to do something low key, so when I told him what the school was planning, he volunteered.  The school will know it’ll be done right and busy parents won’t have to take the time out of their schedules.  The parents who had the time are the ones who helped.”

 

“Fine,” Brian huffed.  “What time does this event take place?” Brian asked with a roll of his eyes.

 

“We should leave around noon,” John responded.  “And you will be attending,” he added.

 

“Yes, sir,” Brian saluted his brother, making the kids giggle.  “Thomas, as an honorary uncle, I think you should join us,” Brian said with a gleam in his eyes.  The kids agreed.

 

“It will be my pleasure,” Tom replied.

 

“Since we’re all together,” John began before anyone got up.  “I’d like to propose something.”

 

“Too late, we’re already married,” Bobby said with a laugh.  John leaned over to bestow a loving kiss to his spouse.

 

“Yes we are but I have another proposal to make,” John said as he looked around the room.  “I’d like to bring the treehouse here.”

 

“Really?”

 

“All right!”

 

“Can you do that?” 

 

Were some of the reactions John’s suggestion received.

 

“We were able to move a couple of houses here, I don’t see why we can’t move the treehouse,” he said.  “We just have to find the right tree.  We lucked out with that old maple at my mother’s house.”

 

“Dad, can we look for a tree after breakfast?” Patrick asked.  He was practically bouncing in his chair.

 

“I don’t see why not,” John replied, pleased that Patrick still wanted to do ‘guy’ stuff with his old man.

 

“Poppa, can you come with us?”

 

“Sure can!” Bobby answered with a big smile.

 

Bree was about to ask if she could go too but Brian caught her eye and shook his head.  Bree said nothing as she finished her juice.

 

When breakfast was over, Tom volunteered to wash up then go back to the B&B to change into something less formal for the Halloween party.  John, Bobby and Patrick went back to their side of the cottage to get dressed.  Justin went to shower then dress.  That left Bree and Brian alone in the kitchen for a few minutes.  Bree climbed up to sit in her Dada’s lap.

 

“Dada, I wanted to go to find the tree too,” Bree confessed.

 

“I know, Squirt, but do you remember how you feel when you want to spend time just with me and Daddy?”  Bree thought about it before she nodded her head.  “Well, that’s how Patrick feels right now.  Sometimes boys just want to be with their dads.”

 

“Did you do stuff with your dad?” Bree asked in all innocence. 

 

Brian thought carefully before he answered her.  “My father worked weird hours when I was young and I left home as soon as I was able so I didn’t get a chance to do guy stuff with my father.”  The only guy stuff Brian ever did with Jack was meeting up at the bar and passing him a few hundred bucks.  Or bowling when he was a kid which usually ended up with Jack berating Brian’s gutter balls.  Bree didn’t need to know any of that.

 

“Oh.”  Bree seemed to understand and didn’t question Brian any further.

 

“Go take your shower then put on your costume.  Daddy wants to take pictures,” Brian said to Bree as he held her close.  He gently kissed the blonde head before letting her go.

 

“Okay.  I love you, Dada,” she said hugging his neck then running into her room.

 

“I love you too,” Brian whispered.

 

*****

 

“Dad, is this a good one?” Patrick called out as he stood under a great big tree that reminded him of the maple in his Grandmother’s front yard.

 

“You know this just might do,” John said as he and Bobby walked up to the tree.  “It certainly looks sturdy enough,” John commented as he walked around it, studying the branches.

 

“It looks good to me,” Bobby said.  “But I’m not an expert.”  Bobby took John’s hand when John was back at his side.  “What do you think?” he asked John.

 

“I think I’ll call some of the Harrisburg crew tomorrow and have them take some measurements at Mom’s house and over here.  Once they do that, we can verify if it’s a close enough match.  Then I’ll have them dismantle the treehouse and bring it here,” John said with a grin.

 

“Yay!” Patrick shouted.  “I’m gonna tell Bree,” he said then ran back to the cottage.

 

“Put your costume on!” Bobby yelled after him.

 

“I will!” Patrick yelled back, never breaking his stride.

 

John and Bobby grinned in Patrick’s direction and then at each other.

 

“I love you,” Bobby said as he hugged his man.

 

“Mmmm,” John murmured as he buried his face in Bobby’s neck, hugging the younger man tight.

 

*****

 

“What are you doing?” Justin asked Brian as he came into their bedroom.

 

Brian was standing in front of the open closet staring into it.  “Remembering,” Brian mumbled.

 

“Remembering what?”

 

“Oh … nothing.”

 

“Hey, big guy, tell me what’s going on.”  Justin wrapped his arms around Brian’s still slim waist and stared into the closet with him.

 

Brian sighed barely audibly but Justin knew him so well.  He hung onto Brian’s waist waiting till he got an answer.  “I was looking at my old leather jacket,” Brian finally said.

 

“Your Hugo Boss?” 

 

Brian nodded.  “I was remembering some of the things that happened with it.”

 

“Like what?”

 

“I lent it to Mikey to go on a date.”

 

Justin chuckled.  “How did he look?”

 

“Better than the way he looked when Emmett dressed him.”

 

“I can only imagine,” Justin said.

 

“I doubt you could imagine what he looked like,” Brian contradicted.

 

“I have a very vivid imagination.”

 

Brian snorted.  “I doubt even your vivid imagination could have conjured up the apparition that was Michael Novotny when he appeared at my door that night.”

 

“That bad, huh?”  Brian nodded.  “But you transformed him.”

 

“I did my best.”

 

“With your Hugo Boss.”  Brian nodded again.  “Was the transformation successful?”

 

“He ended up with Dr. Dave.”

 

“Ah, a moot point then.”

 

“I used to wear this to Babylon for Halloween,” Brian said fingering the still soft leather of the jacket.

 

“Your idea of a sexy costume?”  Brian’s raised eyebrow was the only response.  Justin smiled.  “Why don’t you wear it today?”

 

“I doubt it even fits anymore,” Brian said with a scowl.

 

“You look just as good as you did in your Babylon days.  Try it on.”

 

Brian shrugged but slid the jacket off its hanger.  He put one arm into the sleeve and held his breath as he added the other arm and the jacket fell into place on his shoulders.

 

“See,” Justin said straightening the collar.  “You look hot as ever.  You could wear your Rage mask with the jacket.”

 

“I’m not going to be the only one dressed up,” Brian protested.

 

“I could go as JT.  We wouldn’t actually be in costume because no one will get it,” Justin laughed.

 

“I like the sound of that,” Brian replied as he found his black jeans and a white wifebeater.

 

*****

 

The children were going around the gym with their little plastic pumpkins, collecting treats from the various tables.  Many of the parents had made homemade candies, cookies or candied apples.  No one ever did that anymore as too often they would be thrown out for fear of some kind of contamination when they were collected from a stranger’s house.  Here in the safety of the school with all the parents knowing each other, the old fashioned Halloween was proceeding nicely.

 

Emmett had done the decorations proud with bales of hay that also acted as seating areas, lots of fall flowers and leaves and several scarecrows.  The gym looked great.  He had also set up many of the old fashioned Halloween activities like bobbing for apples, trying to bite apples hanging from a pole and apple peeling to see who could create the longest continuous apple peel.  He had a game of pass the apple going where you had to pass the apple from under your chin without using your hands.  He had some pies ready for a pie eating contest, and was currently signing up contestants.

 

There were many more activities that Emmett had lined up as well.  He had roped Father Tom into helping him with the Push the Peanut race.  That was accomplished using your nose.  The children were laughing so hard they could barely breathe as they watched Bobby and Patrick race each other.

 

“Daddy, Dada!” Bree cried as she raced over to them.  “My Patrick won!  Did you see?”

 

“Yes, sweetheart, he beat his Poppa fair and square,” Justin replied.

 

“I’m thirsty,” Bree declared.

 

“One glass of punch coming up for the little princess,” Brian said as he ladled out some punch for his daughter.  Emmett had placed Brian and Justin in charge of making sure the refreshment table stayed well stocked.

 

“That’s good,” Bree replied as she finished off the glass of juice punch in a flash.  More!”  Brian raised an eyebrow.  “Please,” Bree added as she got the message.

 

Brian gave her another glassful.  “Are you having fun?”

 

“Oh yes, Dada.  I wish…”

 

“What?”

 

“That Gamma Joan could be here.  She would really like it.”

 

“Yes, I think she would,” Brian agreed as a tear appeared in his eye.

 

“Ooh, Patrick’s in the pie eating contest.  I gotta go,” Bree stated before she ran off to watch.

 

“Emmett has really outdone himself,” Justin observed.

 

“I have to admit that the old fairy has done an admirable job.”

 

“I think so too,” Tom said as he joined them.

 

“Are you enjoying yourself?” Justin asked.

 

“I haven’t had this much fun in years,” Tom replied.  “I better get back to help Emmett.”

 

Brian and Justin watched him go, pleased with the look of joy and contentment on the sometime priest’s face. 

 

*****

 

“Hey!”  Todd called out to Brian as he entered the gym.

 

“Hi, Todd, how’s it going?” Brian teased.

 

“Fine,” Todd automatically replied then glared at Brian. 

 

Brian snorted out a laugh.  “If you were any more more queenie than you are, you would have stomped your foot.”

 

“You’re lucky I’m not any more queenie as you put it or I’d hit you with my purse then scratch your eyes out,” Todd growled out.

 

“Point taken.  Not that I’m not happy to see you but what are you doing here.  The shindig is just about over.”

 

“I know, I’m here to pick up the hay and the scarecrows.”

 

“Why?”

 

“The All Things Happy Garden Center rented them to Emmett for this event,” Todd proudly stated.  “And we have more accounts that have hired us to decorate for other events and a lot more Fall landscaping.”  Todd wore an ear to ear grin.  “I always wanted to be able to do something like this but never got the chance in Chicago.”  Brian clapped Todd on the back.

 

“I knew you had brains!” Brian announced as if he had something to do with it.  Todd just rolled his eyes and laughed.  “Do you need help?” Brian asked as he eyed the large bales.

 

“Naaa, brought the big guys with me.  They’ll have everything cleared out and swept up within thirty minutes.  The gym will be back to normal in plenty of time for school.  But if you don’t mind, I see someone I’d like to take to dinner,” Todd said with a waggle of his eyebrows.

 

“Uh huh,” Brian said.  “You behave and play safe.”  Brian wiggled a finger under Todd’s nose. 

 

“Yes, Dad,” Todd teased and laughed, getting away with little more than a glare in response from Brian.  Todd realized just how good a friend he had in Brian.  Todd patted Brian’s shoulder just before he made his way across the gym to Tom who was still helping Emmett.

 

“Hi, Todd, how’s it going?” Emmett cheerfully asked.  “Oopsy!  Silly me,” Emmett cried out as he blushed and put his hand to his mouth.

 

Todd answered with an obligatory, “Fine,” as he waved his hand in the air.  This was just something that was going to happen whenever the guys saw him.  And in a funny way, Todd was kind of proud of it.  Emmett was known for being way out there.  Ted for being on the nerdy side.  Brian would always be the stud no matter how old he got, because Todd was convinced that Brian would always look that good.  Michael was just Michael.  And Todd was once Babylon’s number one backroom bottom.  It is what it is.

 

“Are you done here?” Todd asked Emmett and Tom.

 

“I think I can manage the rest,” Emmett said.  The big stuff was being handled by Todd’s men and the parents who had volunteered had the rest.  Emmett had packed up his new SUV with a little help from Tom.  “There’s really not much more to do,” Emmett added as he looked around the gym.  Brian and the family were speaking with the principal while they were waiting for Tom.

 

“Then may I have the pleasure of your company tonight,” Todd addressed Tom.

 

“Oooo,” Emmett squeed, clapping his hands.  Todd and Tom both blushed.  “Carry on!” Emmett ordered as he shooed the men away then busied himself by gathering up the last bag of trash to take out to the outside dumpster.

 

Tom watched Emmett do a lousy job of NOT snooping as he replied to Todd.  “I’d be delighted, but why don’t you come over and I’ll cook us dinner.  I’m getting the hang of meatloaf,” Tom proudly declared.

 

“Only if you let me make the mashed potatoes.  I have a way with spuds,” Todd said.  The two men kind of grinned at each other for a few seconds then said goodbye to Emmett.

 

“Play safe!” Emmett called after them then he sighed with a sappy grin.

 

“We’re leaving,” Brian announced when he made his way over to where Emmett was standing.  “What’s got you grinning like an idiot?” Brian growled.

 

“Young love,” Emmett sighed again.  Brian followed Emmett’s gaze.

 

“They’re not that young,” Brian snarked.

 

“Yes, but their love is and you leave them alone,” Emmett snapped at Brian.

 

“Hey, this is me, leaving them alone,” Brian said with his hands up in the air.  “I’m the one who invited the good friar to stay on the lane, remember?”

 

“Yes, and a good thing too,” Emmett stated.  “Brian, do you think they’ll be all right?” Emmett asked in a very serious tone.

 

“I honestly don’t know.  We’re just going to have to trust them to make the right choices and trust in the gods,” Brian said as he watched Tom speak with John just before he and Todd left the gym.

 

“A-men, brother,” Emmett quipped before grabbing the trash bag and leaving.

 

“Yeah,” Brian mumbled as he walked over to his family then left with them to go back to the lane.   

 

*****

 

“That was good!”  Todd declared as he patted his full belly then let out a belch.  “Oo, pardon.” 

 

Tom laughed as he shook his head.  “I’m glad you enjoyed your meal.”

 

“I did a lot and I’m enjoying your company,” Todd said.

 

“So am I,” Tom said as he put the kettle on for tea.

 

“Have you made any decisions?” Todd asked as he began to clear the table.  Tom didn’t need to ask what Todd meant, he already knew.

 

“No, I still have a year yet so there’s no need to rush,” Tom said in hushed tones.  Todd came up to Tom’s back to circle his arms around the older man.  Tom felt his body lean back into Todd’s embrace.  “I have to do what’s right, for both our sakes,” Tom whispered.

 

“Do it for yourself; I will never stop being your friend,” Todd assured the older man as he rested his head between Tom’s shoulder blades.  Tom nodded as he took Todd’s hands and held them to his heart.

 

The tea kettle whistled, demanding attention.  Tom and Todd separated as they answered the call.

The Letters

 

Chapter 2 October-November

 

December 3, 2021

 

Most Reverend Colm O’Hara

Bishop of St Anthony’s RC Church

Pittsburgh, PA

 

My dear friend, this lane has become a wondrous place for the holidays.  I never realized what it took to decorate a home.  I've lived in the world and yet remain sheltered from everyday life.

 

Immediately after Halloween, Patrick, who is being raised a Christian, asked me about Halloween.  I found it comforting to be able to tell this very perceptive young man how modern day Halloween evolved from Samhain and about All Saints and All Souls days.  He in turn instructed me in the fine art of carving pumpkins.  We made a mess but I can't remember when I had so much fun.

 

On November 4th, Patrick turned twelve.  For his birthday, his father John Anderson, the same man who has come to the rescue of our church on many occasions, gave Patrick a treehouse.  Not just any treehouse but a rather extraordinary treehouse, one that was instrumental in bringing a fractured family together and cementing it into something strong and wonderful.

 

The day after we celebrated Patrick's birthday...  

 

 

With deep respect and regard,

 

Thomas Butterfield

 

 

*****

 

"Good morning all," Tom called out as he approached the men of Edna's Treasures who were standing just outside the front door and looking down the lane.  John kept glancing at his watch.

 

"Good morning," they all responded somewhat distractedly.  Tom stood next to Bobby then looked down the lane as well.  Nothing appeared out of place; the lane was quiet.  The construction on the cabin had been completed and furniture finally delivered and set up to Michael’s satisfaction.  Unfortunately Michael and Ben hadn’t been able to spend more than just a day at a time in the new cabin but were looking forward to the long Thanksgiving weekend.

 

"Uh, what are we looking for?" Tom whispered, leaning towards Bobby as he did.

 

"A truck," Bobby succinctly replied.  Tom nodded as if he fully understood.

 

"What's on the truck?" Tom further whispered.

 

"The treehouse," Bobby explained.  Tom did some mental mathematics and put two and two together.

 

"Why are we waiting out here?"  Tom ventured.  After all it was November and even though the sun was out, it wasn't exactly warm.

 

"Because we are," Bobby said with a sigh and a glance toward his partner.  John took another look at his watch.  Tom looked at the other men that made up this interesting quartet.  Brian just rolled his eyes as Justin sort of bounced in place while wearing a big grin.  The kids had already gone to school.

 

All of a sudden John cocked his head toward the front door.  The signal that someone triggered the gate sounded and Beau came bounding around the side of the house.  John took a deep breath and then transformed into a foreman complete with hard hat and work gloves.  He took off toward the road waiting for the truck to make it up the lane.  The truck was followed by several more vehicles containing the crew that was going to put the treehouse back together.   Bobby sighed then followed his anxious and anal spouse.  Brian snorted, mumbling something about not ruining his grass while Justin giggled like a big kid.  Tom decided it was safer to stay out of the way and make himself useful by making a fresh pot of coffee so he went inside.

 

"Hello?" Tom said hearing the clanging of pots and pans, not expecting someone in the kitchen.

 

"Hellooo!" Emmett replied.  The two men hugged.

 

"When did you get here?" Tom asked.

 

"Late last night, Justin called me about the great move so I thought I’d come up to see if I could be of any help,” Emmett said cheerfully and with a twinkle in his eyes.

 

“Uh huh,” Tom said dubiously.  “You just want an opportunity to ogle some good looking men,” Tom surmised.

 

“I may be married but I’m not dead.  Besides, I missed all the fun when the cabin was being built.”  Emmett knew the cabin didn’t go up easily and decided he was much better off in Pittsburgh until the cabin was finished.

 

“How long are you staying?” Tom asked.

 

“I’ll go back Sunday night.  Drew’s on the road with the Ironmen and I don’t like leaving Richie home all by himself.”

 

“He’s not a little kid,” Tom commented.

 

“I know and Teddy’s around, but I waited a long time to become a father and I don’t like missing a minute of it,” Emmett said with a grin and a slight hitch in his voice.

 

“You’re a good father, Emmett.  Any kid would be proud to have you and Drew as parents,” Tom said.  Emmett’s smile grew bigger then he turned and concentrated on making a large urn of coffee.

 

“I think the men can use this,” Emmett commented after he cleared his throat.

 

“I agree.  Do you know if the snack truck is coming?  If not maybe I’ll go to the general store to pick up some donuts or something,” Tom added.

 

“Oh no, no, no, I brought muffins and other nibbles but they’re at my cottage,” Emmett stated.  “I just needed Brian’s cart,” Emmett explained as he took the utility cart out of a closet.

 

“I would be very happy to help,” Tom said, volunteering his services.

 

“Then let’s go,” Emmett said as he turned Tom around toward the door.  Tom laughed as he went willingly.

 

*****

 

“Is this it?” Brian griped as he studied the designated tree with a critical eye.

 

“What?  You don’t like it?” Bobby snapped back ready to defend John’s choice.

 

“It’s all right,” Brian stated with his usual nonchalance.  Justin stood in the background out of the way of the contest of wills and with a sketch pad in his hands.  He wisely decided that sketching the rebuilding of the treehouse would be a hell of a lot safer than actually participating.  Brian had suggested the use of his toolbelt with a waggle of his eyebrows, but Justin declined, promising that they’d get to use it later in private. 

 

Justin let the macho men have their macho moments.

 

Like a swarm of bees building a new colony, John and his men began to attack the tree.  Brian and Bobby took several steps backwards as the guys began to bring in the treehouse parts laying them out in the yard in an order only they knew.  One man carefully drove in a small “cherry-picker,” he lowered the basket and another man jumped in.  As the basket was raised, other men began to put up the scaffolding.

 

Justin sat on a stump several yards away happily sketching.

 

Within a few hours the tree had been prepared, the scaffolding erected and the treehouse bolted and secured to the tree.  As John and his men inspected each joint, plank and bolt, Emmett and Tom had prepared the sun porch for the hungry men.  They kept the coffeepots filled and the table laden with muffins, bagels and fruit.  Then as the day progressed, Emmett came in with all the fixings for lunch.

 

“How do you do that?” Tom asked Emmett in awe of just how efficient Emmett was at keeping the men stoked with energy packed food.

 

“I really don’t know.  I’ve always had a talent for cooking and just knowing when to show up with snacks.  Maybe all those years hanging out with Debbie,” Emmett said with a grin. 

“There’s something satisfying about seeing someone with that well fed look on their face,” he said with a chuckle. 

 

Tom caught the innuendo and laughed.  He knew he was hanging around the guys too much but he loved it.  And was happy that none of them appeared to censor themselves around him, as many did when there was a priest in their midst.

 

“Come on, let’s go raid Brian’s freezer.  I know for a fact he has several steaks and large pieces of chicken begging to be grilled.  These guys deserve something hearty for dinner,” Emmett commented as he led Tom toward the kitchen.  “We can grill.”

 

“Grill?  Isn’t it a bit too cold to grill outside?” Tom asked.

 

“Watch and learn,” was the only thing Emmett would say.  Tom knew when he was in the presence of a master; he stood out of the way and learned.

 

*****

 

“Dad, when can I go up there?” Patrick asked his father when the men had finished the final clean up and inspection.  John and Patrick were the last two in the yard looking up at the reconstructed treehouse.

 

“Give it a day to settle then let me take one more look at it.  When I give you the go ahead you can go up, but not before,” John said sternly, giving his son a poignant look.

 

“I understand, Dad,” Patrick said with a big grin, resisting a roll of his eyes.  Sometimes his father was too protective, Patrick thought.  John gave his son a glare, knowing what Patrick was thinking.  Patrick burst out laughing as he threw his arms around John.  John hugged his son tight and laughed along with Patrick in spite of himself.  John then ruffled his son’s red hair.

 

“Come on, let’s go inside, it’s getting chilly and I’m hungry,” John said.

 

“Yeah,” Patrick agreed as they turned to go back into the cottage.

 

*****

 

“Halloo!” Emmett called as he walked into Edna’s Treasures.  “I’m here to decorate.”

“Aren’t you always?” Brian said as he looked up from reading his newspaper at the kitchen table.

“Oh pshaw, whatever would you do without my decorating?”

Brian smiled just slightly and waited a few seconds.  He looked unusually thoughtful.  “We’d be lost without you,” he finally admitted in a soft, gentle voice.

“Wha…?  Brian, was that you speaking?” Emmett asked in disbelief of the compliment.

“I can be nice you know,” Brian snapped back, already regretting his previous words.

Emmett slid into the chair across the table from Brian.  “What’s going on?” he demanded.

“Nothing.”

“Are you okay?  Brian … it’s me, Emmett.  I know you, remember!”

“Really, it’s nothing,” Brian repeated hoping that Emmett would leave it alone.

Emmett studied his longtime friend for a couple of minutes, waiting for Brian to speak or to reveal something that would help him figure out what was wrong.  When neither of those things happened, Emmett drew in a deep breath and took a chance on what he suspected might be troubling his friend.  “I know everybody can’t make it for Thanksgiving this year,” Emmett ventured.  Brian raised an eyebrow and looked annoyed.  “Debbie isn’t feeling up to snuff, but lots of people are coming.”

“I know,” was the terse reply.

“So what’s got you in this … mood?”

“I don’t have moods,” Brian replied tersely.

“When I walk in here and almost the first words out of your mouth are a compliment, something’s not right on this lane.  I know something’s wrong, so you might as well tell me.”

“Emmett!” Brian snarled.

“Fine, don’t tell me.  I’ll find out some other way.”  Emmett stood up from the table and was about to go out to the sun porch.  He hesitated and studied Brian for a minute longer.  “We don’t have to do Thanksgiving here,” he suggested.  “I could set up at the B&B.”

“It’s fine having it here,” Brian replied.  “Go work your magic.”

Emmett shrugged and headed out into the sun porch.  Justin was standing in front of a painting studying it.

“Justin,” Emmett said gently, not wanting to startle his friend who seemed deep in thought.

“Oh hi, Emmett,” Justin said.  “Need some help to get ready for tomorrow?”

“It’s always fun to work with you and your artistic sensibilities,” Emmett responded with his gap tooth grin.  “Let’s get started.”

They began moving tables around and getting the set up arranged in the sun porch.  Emmett half expected Brian to come help them, but the man did not appear.

“Is something bothering Brian?” Emmett finally asked.

Justin made a little face.  “He’s feeling a little down,” Justin replied.

“Then we’ll have to cheer him up,” Emmett said enthusiastically.

“I … I’d just leave it alone,” Justin said hesitantly.  “He’ll be okay.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Please, Emmett, let it go,” Justin asked.

“Okay,” Emmett said with a frown.  He didn’t want to interfere, but he didn’t like what was happening with his friend.

*****

Everyone who was attending the Thanksgiving dinner at Edna’s Treasures had arrived.  The smaller group was very convivial, and less raucous without Debbie and some of the other Pittsburgh people.  The other grandparents were all there and the residents of the lane.  Drinks were doled out.  Emmett had purchased some delicious apple cider from a local farm.  The group seemed to be enjoying some quiet talk as they sat around the sun porch waiting for dinner to be served.

Emmett glanced up from his duties and realized that Brian was nowhere to be seen.  He walked out into the sun porch and looked around.  No Brian.  He scanned the backyard and noticed that Brian was over by the Wendy house staring at one of his gardens.  He was about to go out to the man when he saw Bree come from behind the Wendy house and place her hand in Brian’s.  Emmett decided it was best to leave father and daughter alone.  He went back to refilling the cups of cider.

*****

“Dada,” Bree said looking up at her very silent father.  “I miss her too.”

“I know,” Brian replied.

“I wish she was here.” 

“Yeah.”

“But I don’t think Gamma Joan would like it that you’re sad,” Bree stated with all the wisdom of her nine years.

Brian turned to his daughter and looked into the clear violet eyes.  He thought about her words.  “You’re right,” he said slowly.  “I don’t think this will ever be a happy day for me, but it can be a … family day.  We’ll think about her and remember, but nobody else has to know.”

“I think they know, Dada.  We can always talk about Gamma Joan together … by ourselves.”

“True, my brilliant Squirt,” Brian said with a smile finally turning up the corners of his mouth.  “Let’s go stuff ourselves with turkey.”  Brian turned towards the house.

“You never stuff yourself, Dada.  Neither do I.  I think we eat sensibly.”

Brian chuckled.  “Yeah, sensibly.”  It seemed supremely ironic that his nine year old daughter should arrive at such a conclusion.  But of course she was absolutely right, and he had become much more sensible in his … middle years.  Who would have thought?

“Happy Thanksgiving, Squirt.”

“Happy Thanksgiving, Dada.”

Father and daughter walked hand in hand to the sun porch to finally join the holiday celebration.

*****

“Have you settled in?” Emmett, the unofficial host of the lane asked Ben as he stood at the sun porch window watching the sun set.

“Yes, I think we have.  It’s beautiful here,” Ben said with a wistful sigh.

“I agree.  Do Hunter and Nick like their room?”

“Considering they hardly left it since they got here, I think they like it just fine,” Ben chuckled.  Emmett giggled.

“No JR?” Emmett commented.

“She decided to stay with Lindsay and Candy this time.  They’re at Deb’s today.  She and Candy will be spending the Christmas break here.”

“Good.  I know Debbie didn’t feel up to driving up here but she and Carl shouldn’t be alone,” Emmett said.

“Believe me they have a full house,” Ben assured his friend.  “I heard that Gus decided to spend this weekend in Pittsburgh, and Ted and Allen are there too.”

The two friends were quiet for a few minutes before Emmett asked about Michael.  “How’s Michael doing, really?”

“He’s fine, Emm, he really is okay.  Sometimes he gets a little achy,” Ben said.

“Don’t we all,” Emmett said as he placed his hands on his back then leaned back.  He and Ben heard a pop. 

“I guess we’re all getting older,” Ben said.

“Except for Brian and Justin,” Emmett said as he and Ben glanced over to where Brian and Justin stood speaking with Claire and Steve.  Ben looked at his special friends who truly appeared ageless.  Justin’s hair was still a bright blond and his youthful looking face unlined, at least as far as Ben could see.  Brian may have had a few grays at his temples but it didn’t age him.  He just looked more gorgeous and certainly more distinguished.

“How do they do it?” Ben asked himself.

“Only the gods know,” Emmett replied with a grin.  “Come on, let’s join the party.”  Emmett said as he led Ben back into the fray of their family.

*****

“Uncle Bi!”  Taylor ran through the sun porch dodging the adults, chairs and tables to throw himself at his uncle.

“Whoa, little man!” Brian exclaimed as he caught the blond tornado and hoisted him safely into his arms.  “And where are you off to?” Brian asked noting that the child was bundled up in his coat, hat and gloves.

“Bee and Patwick are taking me to the tweehouse!” Taylor told him.

“Are they now; and did you get permission from your mommy and daddy?” Brian asked.  Taylor nodded vigorously.  Brian looked to Molly who walked over.  She had a small flashlight in her hand.

“It’s okay, Brian, really,” Molly assured Brian. 

“It’s cold,” Brian stated the obvious.

“They won’t be out there long.  Owen and Bobby are going with them,” Molly said before Brian could ask.

“There will be plenty of other days that Taylor can play in the treehouse; he doesn’t have to go out there now,” Brian said softly.  Molly smiled; her big bad brother-in-law who never thought he could ever be a good father was one of the best fathers Molly ever knew.

“He’ll be fine.  He needs to work off some of this energy or else he’ll never get to sleep tonight.  He’s so excited to be here.  This is really his first Thanksgiving that he understands.”  Molly smiled up at Brian, giving him her own sunny smile.  The corners of Brian’s mouth couldn’t help but turn up.  Molly had that Taylor smile and he in no way could resist.  Brian leaned down, giving her cheek a kiss.  He then put Taylor down as Patrick and Bree approached with Owen and Bobby.

“Behave yourself, young man,” Brian said to Taylor, giving the tot a stern look.

“Okay!” Taylor promised looking sweetly up at his uncle.  Brian shook his head not believing that innocent look for a second.

Bree and Patrick each took one of Taylor’s tiny hands as they all walked out and around to the treehouse. 

Brian smiled as they left.  Somehow life was coming full circle.

*****

“Was Brian okay today?  He seemed a little, I don’t know, quiet,” Todd asked Tom as they entered the B&B.  Tom gave him a look.  “I mean even more quiet for Brian,” Todd said with a slight roll to his eyes.

“His mother has been gone a year; perhaps he’s feeling the loss a little too keenly right now,” Tom offered a possible explanation.

“Maybe you’re right,” Todd agreed as he stood by the door not sure of what to do.

“Coffee?” Tom asked. 

“Decaf?” Todd replied with a grin.

“I think that can be arranged,” Tom grinned back as he headed for the kitchen.  He was beginning to like ending the day with Todd.

“I like it here,” Todd admitted.  “With you,” he added.  “I mean I like it here on this lane and with you.”  Todd blushed deeply.

“I can get used to being here with you too,” Tom whispered.  Todd slowly approached Tom then leaned in for a chaste kiss.  Their eyes met for a brief moment.

“Coffee?” Todd said.

“Coffee,” Tom repeated as they went to the kitchen.