"Can you really think of a reason that Peter would suddenly turn on how he feels about you?" Justin asked, trying to begin the conversation pragmatically. "He knows how your sister is, and she knows, at least to some extent, that the two of you are acquainted now. Don'tyou think she'd have tried every weapon she had if she was running a smear campaign against you?"

"I don't know," Brian said tiredly, rubbing his eyes. "I wouldn't put anything past her."

--

When Brian's nephew Peter and his girlfriend Alexis come to spend Christmas in New York, things are off to a great start -- until they're not. Soon, it becomes apparent to everyone that old Kinney family scars run deep.

Hello, my dear readers.  Today, I have something brand new for you.  Before anything else, I want to dedicate this story to one of my dearest readers and friend, Vicki, for entrusting me with her plot bunny for this story.  I couldn't have done it without her support.  Also a big thank you to Judy, my fantastic beta, and Marika, my talented banner maker.

Now, as to this story, this is for all you animal lovers out there.  What happens when Brian becomes the 'somewhat' reluctant (yet willing) rescuer of a pair of brutally abandoned dogs?  How will this one act of kindness change his life and that of his beloved husband and son?

P.S.  I've chosen Irish Setters in this case as a tribute to Vicki, a proud Irish lassie.

When Justin’s travel plans take an unexpected turn due to weather and he falls ill, Brian is there to help. 

"In a year, probably not even that long, you won't even remember my name. Oh, what happened to that kid who wouldn't leave me alone? Who thought he was in love with me. If you fucking think of me at all."

For some unknown reason, three years after Justin left for New York, Brian still hung onto Britin. He spent weekends there, rented it to wealthy gay couples who wanted an elegant place for private functions and used several of the rooms and the grounds for photo shoots. Britin wasn’t a total loss, just not being used as Brian had intended. Still, Brian kept the huge mansion and although he would never admit it, he kept hope well buried in his heart.

Justin sees something he wishes he hadn't. Brian swoops in to the rescue.

After surviving years in a long-distance relationship, they finally marry only to be separated again. Just as they’re finally about to be reunited their relationship is tested once more. But they’re always stronger together, determined to make things work.

There's a new king of Babylon and, honey, he's not getting overthrown any time soon!