CHAPTER 61 - COMFORT AND JOY...WELL FOR SOME

OUTSIDE PITTSBURGH AIRPORT - TUESDAY MORNING

LINDSAY

Well that was another waste of my fucking time! I went to New York to speak to Rathman. They were not taking my phone calls seriously so a face-to-face was called for! When they said that Justin was now on the Pittsburgh part of his residency, I almost screamed! What’s in fucking Pittsburgh that requires him to be here?! When I look at the long line of people waiting for a cab, I wish I had a gun!

LINDSAY’S APARTMENT - AN HOUR LATER

I am finally home to yet another message from Michael, bleating about Rage as usual. Then there is one from Mel, reminding me about the weekend and one from mother. Well all of those can wait!

I run my fingers along the dresser in the kitchen. It’s so dusty that I know I have to clean but am not looking forward to it! I head to the lounge just to rest when my eyes fall on the lease. As I read it, I am incredulous and feel stupid! They provide a cleaner! Not only that, but also a concierge service that Michael refused, despite them being fucking included in the rent! The amount of times he watched me clean and lug shopping in single handed while he was conveniently busy...that fucking turd! He probably had mounds of entertainment at my expense. After all, why have a housekeeper when I’m here, right? I sit back and think that if he’s done this to me, what else has he done?

I logon to our household account and while the money hasn't been touched since he paid the year’s rent, I decide to check historically and my anger mounts. I am fucking outraged! He took out money as well! Whereas I used the money I took as an investment in our future; after all I have to look the part, I bet he used his for fucking toys!

I take a soothing breath and sit back.

“Right Peterson, focus!” I say out loud and stand up. “Now first things first, get in touch with the letting agents and get this place cleaned from top to bottom! Then call mother and Mel. Unpack and order food from Delicious Food, oh I have missed that food, then bath!”

With a plan in mind, I pick up my phone.

PETERSON RESIDENCE - TWO HOURS LATER

LOUNGE

LINDSAY

“Can you say that again? I don’t understand.” I stare at my very happy looking parents.

“We are going to Australia for a month on Friday, but we have a present for Gus and Gummy, from our trip to the East Coast. We’d like you to give it them on Sunday when you see them.”

“H-how do you know about me going to…”

“Well Mel, of course. Now let me go and get it.” Mother trills and trots upstairs.

“Daddy, what on earth is going on with you two?” I demand. “Since when have you…”

“What are you getting hysterical about? We are simply taking a leaf out of your book and travelling.”

“Hysterical?” I gasp indignantly. “I was assisting Justin with Rathman and the collaboration he has with Sam!”

“Of course you were dear.” Mother seems to be mocking me. “Now here. This is for Gus and this for Gummy. Now Mel knows they are coming and I suspect she’s going to be a bit cross when she sees them but we couldn’t resist. Actually let me just call her and give her a heads up.”

Heads up...since when does she say heads up? And is she wearing chinos and a tank?

“Mother, I’m more than…”

“Mel, its Nancy, how are you all? Wonderful. Yes we’re all good here and looking forward to Australia. It’s going to be interesting travelling with Lynette and Gerald, as it’s our first holiday together. The reason for my call…”

They are going on holiday with Lynette and Gerald?! Yet another thing for her to lord over me...thank you very much mother!

“...right I will do that. Bye Mel and give them a kiss each from both of us. Right, Lindsay...Lindsay? Are you alright?”

“Yes, yes I’m fine, just a bit tired as I landed this morning. So what am I doing with these?”

“Let me box it up and then just give it to Mel and she’ll do the rest.” She heads out again.

“Lindsay, you do look exhausted. You shouldn’t be over-exerting yourself.” Daddy smiles kindly at me...finally some compassion!  

“I am. Looking after artists of Justin and Sam’s calibre is so draining, both mentally and physically.” I sigh. “And of course, trying to deal with the fallout from Michael’s actions... I just could not believe how he behaved.”

“Yes it was a shock to us all. Did you see any of his vlogs?”

I shake my head...his live whining was bad enough!

“They were interesting!” Mother laughs, handing me the box before pausing to look at me carefully. “Hmm...you know what I think? I believe you need a full face to feet treatment. Those bags beneath your eyes are doing you no favours, darling.”

“Thank you mother.” I drawl.

“Why not book into Heavenly with us? We’re going on Thursday for a full body ritual before our flight.”

“We?”

“Yes, the four of us. I’m sure they could squeeze you in.”

“No thanks. I’m going to be much too busy. The bonus is that Justin is in Pittsburgh so at least I’m not flying!” I stand up abruptly as I can feel the tears of frustration and rejection pricking my eyes. I mask that with a huge yawn. “Oh I am so tired. I’m just going to go home and go to bed! Have a wonderful holiday...think of me while you’re lounging on the beach.”

“Oh we will. We will definitely do that. Actually, shall I give you a lift?” Daddy asks and I am so relieved that I don’t have to fuck about with a cab.

“Please daddy that would be wonderful.”

“Goodbye dear, we will send you a postcard.” Mother kisses my cheek and escorts us to the door.

BRITIN - THURSDAY AFTERNOON

HARPER & LEE’S NURSERY

BRIAN

I can’t help it, I start to smile at the meticulous way that Justin is doing Harper’s nappy. I know my little lady and start counting down.

“Harper, you little devil!” He laughs as she promptly fills it again.

Lee is gurgling in my arms having sailed through the nappy changing process without any problems.

“Icky itty bitty princess.” He coos at her and then catches my expression and blushes. “Shush or no facial and head massage for you!” He scoops her up as she sucks on her fist in contentment. “I still can’t believe Teddy. I thought we would have to use a crowbar to get Lee out of his arms.”

“Don't think it has quite hit him yet or that he’s in charge of the company with Cyn until we're back.”

“Hmm.” He murmurs, swaying Harper and my heart melts, as only he can make it do so. He strokes her head as she starts to drift off. “Five more minutes?” He pleads, but I shake my head firmly. “Please Brian.”

I place Lee in her crib and wrap my arms round them. “Justin, we made a pact and they need their nap. Both grandmas have said that letting them nap in our arms will only cause future problems for us. If you're like this now, what are you going to be like on Saturday?” He nods before kissing me under my chin. “Now put her down and come back here.”

He snuggles back into my arms and sighs. “They just feel so good in my arms.”

“Mine too, but something else feels better.” He looks astounded at me. He’s about to defend his cubs when I squeeze him and start to smile.

“Oh! Seriously, I did score 1500, I can show you the certificate and everything.”

“Come on, get the monitor and let’s sort stuff out for Saturday.”

“What is there left to sort? We’re all packed, though we might need to pack some silk scar...not a word just get their case!” He flounces off in embarrassment and oh dear god, that ass just looks so succulent when he flounces!

BRADMAN AND WALL ATTORNEYS, OHIO - FRIDAY MORNING

FLETCH BRADMAN’S OFFICE

MICHAEL

“So what does all of this mean?” I sigh, hoping for good news about this restraining order. “Can I go back to Pittsburgh without any restrictions?”

“Yes you can without notice, but there are restrictions. You have to report to a designated police station. Failure to do so immediately will lead to your arrest and reinstatement of the previous order. The other restrictions are that you can't go to any business premises owned by Brian and Justin Taylor-Kinney.”

My heart sinks a bit at that, but then have a thought. “Owned or in?”

“Not sure I follow.” Fletch looks again at the papers in front of him. “Oh wait, I get it. Definitely only owned by them but if they are conducting business in Pittsburgh, you again, are not allowed to be in the vicinity of that building. As for their personal properties, you have been barred from all of them as you well know. They still haven't gotten restraining orders against you approaching them personally, which surprises me…”

“That's most likely down to Brian. All these orders are the idea of Justin, which clearly Brian doesn't agree with or the personal ones would be in place, too. He’s my best friend, after all.”

He furrows his brow but whatever he is thinking of he doesn't share.

“So what about Jenny Rebecca? Can anything be done there? I paid support and…”

“That’s very noble of you…” He looks at me somewhat frostily. “But from this paperwork, that only covers last year. You’ve not paid anything since?”

“I’ve had my rights taken away.” I point out.

“Only In the last three months; you had them 4 months prior to that. It is also claimed by the mother, Ms Melanie Marcus, that your visitations to Jenny Rebecca were few and far between due to your Rage fixation. Explain that to me.”

I roll my eyes at her exaggeration then tell him about my creation of Rage and how I want that to be recognised, as it is my due. For a moment, he doesn’t say anything. “Well?”

“If I were you, I would start paying the support to show myself willing and hopeful for visitation. And even if they agree to that, I suspect it would be supervised.”

I slump back in my seat and nod. I would actually like to see JR again. Now that I have been forced out of her life by Justin having me exiled and Mel by being an on the rag bitch, I realize just how much I miss her. “Okay, so would you contact them on my behalf and let them know I’m willing to do that?”

“Yes and a heartfelt apology would go some way to smoothing the way. And…”

“I am not apologising to Justin Taylor! If it wasn’t for him…”

“I meant Ms Marcus. Now if you could have that letter prepared and back to me by the middle of next week, Wednesday the latest, then we can start proceedings.”

“Okay. Well thanks, Mr Bradman. I’ll see you next week.”

“Yes Mr Novotny, I look forward to it.” He gets up to shake my hand and I head out. When I pass his assistant, she doesn’t even look up from the papers she’s reading,

“Bye then.” I say to her but again nothing. “Well aren’t you just charming!” I snipe and am about to say something else when Bradman steps out.

“Mr Novotny, two things: please can you settle part of your bill relating to the restraining order before you go?”

“Of course. Would I deal directly with you?” I cut my eye at the still-yet-to-notice-me assistant.

“No, you can deal with Amber here. And the second thing Mr Novotny, is that Amber is indeed charming. However, she is also proofreading a document via audio, hence the headphones. So she most likely didn’t hear you speak.” He taps the desk and her head shoots up.

“Sorry Fletch, had you been standing there long?”

“No not at all. Could you deal with Mr Novotny’s bill, just for the restraining orders? The parental rights is a separate case.”

“But they are related. Because of…”

“Mr Novotny please. They are in no way related, Mr Taylor-Kinney was not named in this case. This is specifically between you and Ms Marcus.”

“But if he had just…”

“Sorry Mr Novotny, I really do have to go. See you next week.”

“Hi Mr Novotny. Let’s get this bill settled, shall we?” Now she smiles at me!

RUTH’S CONDO - SATURDAY MID-MORNING

ARNO

I know I am completely biased but they really are the most beautiful babies! Harper is still sleeping but Lee is practising her tongue poking out skills with Brian, which Justin doesn’t know about! Apparently, it is something Justin did at the start of their relationship, which Brian found endearing though never told him. Now he is waiting for Lee to surprise her daddy with it.

I can see that Ruth is starting to get a little cross as yet again as Justin goes through the list with her.

“Okay, stopping now!” He looks a little tearful. “It’s just that we’ve had them to ourselves all this time and…”

“First time is the hardest.” She softens her expression. “You are just up the road and I promise to come get you if anything…”

“Do you think something is going to happen?” He gulps.

“Anything can happen, but no I don’t. Calm down and go enjoy your time off. You can be proud, beaming papa tomorrow. Now I have booked a dinner to be brought to the room for you at about six. Do you think you would’ve screamed off some steam by then and be able to go slow?”

He grins and looks at Brian, who is swaying with Lee by the window. “Just a bit. But we can’t get too carried away, unfortunately. We need our wits about us for tomorrow when she comes riding into town.”

“Which is why I said you should’ve booked from yesterday, didn’t I Lee? But daddy wasn’t having it.”

“Oh, don’t you start that mister! I’m onto you! You asked it in that I don’t want to do this but will if you say yes tone and then the puppy eyes!”

“I do not do puppy eyes.” Justin cocks an eyebrow. “I do not!”

“Can you work your argument off in Heavenly? I wish to be with my goddaughters and their…” I stumble over what to say. We’ve never referred to her as anything when it comes to them and it hits us all like a ton of bricks!

“Oh…!” Justin looks as stricken I feel and turns to Brian, who looks remorseful.

“Ruthie.” She smiles. “Just like Gussie calls me.”

“Perfect.” Brian smiles back. “Now come on twat! Let’s let them have their time.”

After they leave, I gather her into my arms as the enormity of what she’s done finally sinks in and she sobs her heart out.

“You will always be part of their lives.” I soothe. “Believe me?”

“I know and yes I do.” She hiccups, finally calming. “And I wouldn't change a thing. It was just the pause...don’t know why it got to me but it did.” She shakes herself and then smiles a genuine, if watery, smile. “Right, let me get cleaned up and takes these little Caramels for a tour!”

I would give everything to give you what you gave to Brian and Justin... anything!

LINDSAY’S APARTMENT - SATURDAY AFTERNOON

LINDSAY

Now this is more like it! The apartment is now spotless! I found a storage receipt that Michael left in the desk drawer and have had all of his stuff sent there. Not a speck of him remains but I have been thinking of what to do should he be able to come to Pittsburgh unconstrained by legalities. It’s obvious that he would want to stay here... well tough shit! That is not going to happen! I have already explained away the change to the locks due to a break-in while we were away. Aha I have it! I will put us both in my parents’ house for the duration of his visit!

I clearly looked a lot more tired than I thought because before they flew out yesterday, daddy had the keys to the car dropped round here so I can use that for a month. So that’s great, although I would rather have had to turn Australia down. For them to not ask me at all was insulting!

I have already spoken to Mel and Gus about tomorrow. Everyone who can be there, will be there. I have also tried to speak to Brian and Justin but they keep sending me to voicemail...galling!

Naturally, I have to look my best for tomorrow especially since I want to show Mel what she could have back, if she’s willing to play by my rules. I flick through my wardrobe and am surprised to see that Debs is calling me.

“Hi Debs. How are you? Oh I am coming to lunch, yes. Is there a problem?” I clench the door hard. “Oh I see. Well yes, I do have access to Ron...I mean daddy’s car, so yes I could be driving. As a matter of interest, why can’t Mel get this? It’s fairly early in the afternoon and...oh I see. Gus wants his mommy to get it. Anything for my little Gus, what is it that he wants?”

I write down the items quickly. And despite the frisson of pride I feel that he wants me to get it instead of his momma, I do find it annoying that I have to go across town and then to Delicious Food. Not that it’s a hardship going there but it’s going to horrendous traffic. Oh, the things I do for my son!

HEAVENLY RETREATS

BRIAN AND JUSTIN’S SUITE

BRIAN

“Med gip larm.” Justin mumbles through kiss ravaged lips.

“If you said need lip balm then I say you don’t. Your lips are soft and kissable as I am demonstrating.” I kiss a trail to his neck to give him some respite.

“Question.” He gives a sigh and squirms underneath me. “Why exactly haven’t we ripped off each other’s clothes and started screaming the place down while rutting like stags on this gorgeous bed?”

“Because we want to take our time…” I answer, starting to unbutton his shirt and kiss the skin as it is exposed.

“Well the problem with that is...why did you wear a jumper today of all days?” He grumbles, pulling it over my head. “Where was I?” He mutters as I return to sucking on his pulse point.

“Rutting, screaming, taking our time and this being a problem for you.” I whisper in his ear.

“Yeah. That is a problem bec-because...did you just kiss the inside of my elbow?”

“Mmm hmmm. You seem to have a little sensitivity there.”

“Oh, I...that feels so nice.” He purrs as suck on his fingers. “But you could suck on something else…”

“Play with your nipples; make them hard for me. I want to taste myself on you after.” His eyes go from light to dark in seconds as he quickly obeys. I hear his breath hitch and he arches into my mouth as I ravage his nubs...nipping, licking, kissing, sucking and biting. “I should’ve asked you to pack your ring.”

“I did...but you pounced before I could put it on.” He giggles softly and arches then writhes as I place open mouth kisses and hickeys on his chest, stomach and sides. “Turnabout is fair play…” He warns softly as I start to unbutton his jeans and I pause. “You place hickeys on me then I put hickeys on you. Now…” He bats away my hands. “Naked now please!”

“That is what I am trying to do!” I pout and sit down on my haunches. He sighs and stands up right in front of me. I look up with a smirk and divest him of his jeans in my own slow way.

“Brian!” He pants, trying to get me to stop sucking and licking him, taking him just to the brink and pulling back. “No more, please. Please can you...oh yes!” He arches his head back into the pillow as millimeter by millimeter, I slide into him. He wants this quick because he’s so turned on. His cock is almost flat against his belly and purple, his pre-cum is sliding down his sides...he has never looked so sexy!

“Is this...pause...what...pause...you...pause...want?” I ask and he just nods, his enraptured expression giving me the answer I need. It’s taking every ounce of self-control not to cum there and then.

“Oh god! Oh...thank you!” He finally articulates when I am fully seated. I pin his hands above his head and go back to kissing, slowly, deeply and relentlessly. He is breathing hard but starts to calm himself down. Slowly, with the surety of a dance we’ve done a thousand times before, we rock and gently thrust towards one of the most exquisite, ridiculously romantic and explosive orgasms in a while.

We both just stare at each other. “So this date night idea of yours...” He brushes away a tear from my cheek and I reciprocate. “If it ends up like this, we should definitely do it more often.”

“Hmm, and no puppy dog eyes required.” I chuckle, batting my eyes at him.

SUNDAY MORNING

JUSTIN

He, well we, both had a bit of a fidgety night’s sleep despite the hard love making we did last night. We’re worrying about Lindsay’s reaction. He’s been hit with a series of sucker punches from her over the last couple of years and now that we have our Caramels, as Gus has taken to calling them as there is only one Gummy, Brian’s got that haunted look again.

“Come on. Lie down.” I order.

“Justin…” He starts to protest.

“Lie down.” I repeat and he stretches out on the bed in all his glorious nakedness.

“Where to start?” I murmur, marvelling at the gorgeousness of his body. “Oh I know. Champagne, just a small glass, please?” With a sigh, he takes it from me and sits up to drink. “Did you enjoy your shower?”

“Mmm.” Again, he looks at his watch.

I scoot down to the bottom of the bed and start to massage his feet. At first, he tries to pull his foot away as he’s a little ticklish, but soon he just lies back and relaxes a bit. As I make my way up his long legs, he smiles down at me. “Feel free to stop along the way.” He drawls but I just ignore him and his cock for the moment. But judging by the way he is purring, he doesn’t mind!

After over 60 minutes of massage, front and back and a mani-pedi, I look up and smile. His eyes are closed and the haunted expression is gone. I close the curtains knowing that a sure sign when he’s stressing is that he opens the curtains to force the day to start, never giving himself a chance to hide in the shadows of what he’d rather not face. So when he doesn’t move from his contented spot on the bed, I call down for a wake-up call in two hours. “Make it three.” He mumbles. “Now come back here.” He rolls on his back and I nestle into his chest.

DEB AND CARL’S HOUSE - SUNDAY LUNCHTIME

LOUNGE

DEBS

We’re waiting the arrival of her highness. She called me this morning to say that since she had to drive, she decided to eat at home and then come and see her Gus and JR. We’re relieved because that meant we had an excellent lunch and Blake only had to point out that Harper and Lee are Brian and Justin’s daughters to Teddy twice! It took Brian telling him that he would bring Harper over during one of her crying fits for Teddy to hand her back. Seems she definitely takes after Brian in the angry yelling department!

Brian and Gus have taken Gus, Gummy and the dogs for a walk to burn off some energy as they were a little excitable. Not sure if that is due to their sisters or Lindsay, although I suspect the former.

Despite her protests, a lot of love has been lavished on Ruth after yesterday’s realisation. She took delivery of her Buick when they came to pick up the girls and of course, she had to drive over in it. Carl is currently making sure it is cop-proof!

My darling granddaughters are upstairs having just woken from their nap. Godfather and godmother are happily on nappy duty.

Daph comes downstairs laughing and we all look at her for an explanation. She places Harper in Ruth’s arms and clears her throat. “Seems that Lindsay spotted Gus and pulled over to pick him up but when she saw the dogs she baulked. Gus then promptly said that he would rather walk with the dogs, his sister and daddies than sit in a hot car. So she’s got that pinchy twitch thing going on because she had to concede to Gus’ wishes. They are all now in the car on the way back.”

“Seriously Ruth, you are one lucky woman.” Carl beams as he comes in with Mel and Leda. “Gorgeous car, drives like a dream.”

“Yeah, can't think how they knew I was looking for one?” She side eyes Arno, who just shrugs and blows her a kiss.

“Look Mel.” Daph shows her the text. “Hmm, isn't that one of her infamous pieces?” She looks at Leda.

“Is it?!” Leda looks at Mel and then grins. “You wicked lady.”

“It looks better on you.” Emmy decrees. “Though not as good as it is going to look on the bedroom floor later…”

“Ems!” Leda gasps, already firm friends with him. “Just because it's true it doesn't mean you should say it out loud!”

“Oh honey, you have fitted right in!” Ben laughs and then gawps. “Did I just say oh honey?”

“When you get home you will be suitably chastised for channelling Debs when wearing that shirt!” Xavier growls and Ben bites his lip.

The door opening brings in Justin carrying Gummy, who is in the middle of a crying fit. “What happened?” Carl demands, taking her off of Justin.

“She banged her knee against the car door.”

“Ga-Ga-Ganka!” She whimpers and buries her tearstained face in his neck.

“Okay Gummy, let Ganka help make that boo-boo better.” He soothes and heads upstairs.

“When it comes to boo-boos and he’s about when she gets one, only Ganka will do.” I explain to Leda.

The next ones through the door are Brian and Gus. “Where’s Gummy?” Gus asks concerned and heads upstairs when we all point the way. “Where is my silly goose Gummy?!” He calls out. “I’m coming to help Ganka!”

“I saw that.” Mel teases him gently and he gives a shy smile. “We’ve done good.”

“Can someone help me please?!” Lindsay calls out from the porch. “I can't bring my things in and those dogs!”

“Just open the door, whistle and point at the door, they’ll understand you perfectly.” Ruth calls back.

“They’re your dogs, you whistle!” She snaps back over her shoulder and I shake my head as Ruth follows her onto the porch and leans against the door. The room goes quiet as we wait. “You can whistle now!” We hear Lindsay call out and then there is an outraged gasp and Ruth is smiling!

“Aww clever boy. Come on you two, let's get in.” They trot inside and head to their bowls.

“Uh, aren't you going help me?” Lindsay shouts as Ruth makes her way back inside. “I have several things!”

“Then make several trips!” Ruth shouts back and retakes her seat. “What?” She asks, looking round.

“We’re so glad that motherhood has not mellowed you!” Justin laughs and squirms as Brian jabs him in the side.

“As if!” Ruth scoffs.

“Seriously we’re not going to help?” Leda asks and everyone shakes their head.

“If you help her, she’ll come to expect it.” Blake advises with a grimace.

“Now all better Gummy?” Carl comes down with a beaming Gus and Gummy, who nods and then reaches for Mel. “Oh I’ve served my purpose then!” Carl laughs as he hands her over. “I see!”

“Where’s mommy?” Gus asks, looking round.

“She’s just unloading the car Gus. Then she’s coming in.”

“Okay Uncle Ben. Can I sit with you and read until then?” He asks, already clambering on his knee.

“Yes of course.”

For the next 15 minutes, we hear exasperated and exaggerated huffing and puffing and Leda looks increasingly uncomfortable.

“I can’t just let…” She begins.

“Okay, but do me favour go out the back and come up the path and offer to help.” Mel asks and when Leda nods she leads her out.

Mel doesn’t even pretend to sit down and heads straight to the window followed rapidly by Blake, Ems and eventually, after squirming free, Justin. “Don’t make it obvious!” I hiss, trying to see over Ems’s shoulder!

“Why not just close the door while she, and I say this with tongue firmly in cheek, flirts. See what happens?” Daph’s eyes glint with malice.

“Um Ben…” Carl begins and Ben nods and carries Gus to the kitchen to carry on reading while Xavier plays with Gummy. “I get that you all have your reasons but not in front of Gus or Gummy, okay?” Carl tells us sternly and we nod before he muscles in between me and Ems. “Now what’s happening?”

“She’s observed my, now greatly improved, taste in women and is playing with her hair. And the hook is on...oh dear god, did you see that?!”

We all exchange incredulous looks. “Okay, I’m weak and short so I can’t see a damn thing back here! What happened?” Ruth demands.

“The button of her shirt popped open...after the third attempt!” Daph snorts.

“Everyone sit! They’re coming in!” Carl orders and Mel is snickering. “What?”

“Lindsay keeps looking at that jacket and frowning!”

We all fling ourselves into our seats and instantly fall quiet. “Oh for heaven sake!” Carl grumbles. “Act normal! Well as normal as we can for us anyway.” He chuckles.

“Speak for yourself.” Brian replies tartly while folding himself into a lotus position and putting Harper and Lee in the crook of his knees. Justin looks so proud and a bit jealous.

“My legs are too short.” He pouts when Ems frowns at him.

“You’re long in the length that matters.” Brian reassures him and gets a kiss and he sits behind him in their chair.

Ten minutes later, there is a knock at the door. “Hi everyone!” Lindsay goes for preening, ends up squealing, when I open it and sweeps in virtually dragging Leda in after her. “I would like to introduce you to…”

“Mommy, we knows who she is. She’s mommy’s girlfriend.” Gus pipes up from Ben’s lap. “What have you been doing for so long?”

“Mommy’s girl…” She glares at Leda, who is looking a bit shellshocked.

“Yes. But mommy I want…” Gus starts to explain.

“Well let me bring the things in.” She sniffs.

“Do you still want me to…” Leda asks.

“No, I don’t want you at all.” She snaps and stalks out.

“Thank fu...fudge!” Leda sighs and sits down.

“Leda, you okay?” I ask as she inhales her drink.

“Three buttons. She managed to undo three buttons by the time we got to the top step.” She whispers. “Which is great but why not…”

“Hint, not advertise?” Ruth suggests.

“Minesy mine!” Brian declares. “I like the irony of that line. Okay need to walk around, godparents!” Daph and Arno immediately swoop in.

“Oh my, I had forgotten that!” Ruth laughs.

“What Ruthie?” Gus asks and then huffs. “Uncle Xavi, please can you move nearer to papa? I can’t make sure Gummy is okay over there while my Caramels are over here. It makes my neck tired.”

“Seriously, bottle that kid.” Xavier replies as he moves closer to Justin.

Gummy does protest slightly at being moved but she soon settles down.

“Ruthie? Daddy? What had you forgotten?”

“Minesy mine.” Ruth grins as he clambers into her lap. “Was a game that we played when we were little, but a bit older than you. If we saw something that we both liked at the same time, the first person to say minesy mine could have it without the other person being upset.”

“Speaking of upset, what is Lindsay doing?” Blake asks. “The stuff was on the step…”

I look out of the window. “She’s on the phone and judging by that expression, she’s talking to Michael!”

Another five minutes later, she’s making her way up the stairs. “Gus, your mommy is coming. Xavier, you want to put Gummy upstairs? She’s out.” He nods and carries her up. “Four Men and a Little Lady. He should be ashamed!” I bite out.

“But he won’t be.” Mel sighs. “Sorry Debs, you know I…”

“Yes, I know.”

“Come on Stud.” Justin orders and pulls Brian out the back. The fact that he goes without protest has Teddy glowering and he heads outside with Blake.

“Of all people.” Ems sniffs. “Teddy. Teddy has his back. So proud, so very proud.”

“Sorry about that.” Lindsay sighs as she finally comes in. “I was talking to Michael, he’s…oh where’s Brian and Justin?” She asks. “Have they gone home?”

“No, just out back.” Daph replies, causing a stiffening in Lindsay’s spine.

As she turns to acknowledge her, her face is a picture. “Oh my goodness. She is beautiful. Arno, you must be so pleased!”

“I am indeed.” He returns.

“This is for you Mel from my mother. She said you’d know what to…” Even I can hear that tone!

“If it’s what I think it is, they are lucky they are away for a month!” Mel chuckles.

“Daddies, you okay?” Gus asks as they and Teddy come back in.

“Yes. Just needed some fresh air.” Justin smiles at Gus but Brian is still tense.

“Now before I sort my presents out....” She brags. “Tell me how this exquisite darling happened.”

“They.” Ruth comes down with Harper. “They happened.”

“Oh my God...twins!” She gasps. “Arno…”

“They aren’t mine.” He interrupts her and her jaw drops as they give them back to their daddies.

“I…” She’s has gone pale.

“Mommy, isn’t it great? We have Caramels!”

“Daphne? Well...you’ve got your shape back amazingly quickly for having twins. How old are they? May I hold one?”

“They’re due a bottle. So maybe after that. You are at the back of a very long queue.” Blake replies, coming in with their bottles.

“Okay missie. Oh you see it, don’t you?” He laughs as Lee waves her hands about. “Yeah, she’s definitely mine!”

But we are all looking at Lindsay’s expression as she watches Brian feed Harper. He’s back in his lotus position and is solely concentrating on her. Briefly I look at Mel and for once, see what she used to see, and now know how it hurt her. “Gus. Go get the towels for your daddies please.”

“Here you go daddies.” Gus hands them over with a smile and then sits on the floor to watch his daddies feed his sisters.

“We have bubbles!” He exclaims. “Lee’s full!”

“Lee?” Lindsay finally finds her voice.

“Yes mommy. Papa has Lee and daddy has Harper. They are so pretty, aren’t they?”

“Yes darling they are. But Daph, when did this happen?”

“It’s Daphne, Lindsay. We’re not close and it didn’t. They’re not mine either.”

“But they have to be yours Daphne…” Lindsay demands with narrowed eyes and gritted teeth. The alternative is clearly abhorrent to her.

“Mommy, you were there when I asked for my birthday present.” Gus reminds her. “Daddy ‘splained why it took so long so you must remember, right?”

“Remember?” She says weakly.

“Yes, Ruthie gave us the Caramels.”

“Ruth?” She turns to look at Ruth, who simply looks back. “You look amazing for a woman of your age who has…”

“Mommy, what does your age mean?” Gus interrupts.

“It means to…”

“How old are you mommy?”

“That doesn’t matter sweetheart. What…”

“But I want to know. Because Ruthie looks so young so she can’t be much older than Daph, but you must be way older than that.” Lindsay opens and then closes her mouth. “Oh daddy, Harper’s full!”

LINDSAY

Babies?! She had fucking babies for them!

“Please may I hold one?” I ask again and Brian and Justin exchange a look before Justin nods.

What the fuck is that about? Why are they treating me like I am some kind of monster?

I start to approach Brian but Justin gets up and places Lee in my arms. “So why Lee?”

“I knows! Daddy, can I say?”

“Yes you can.”

“It’s after the person who wroted To Kill a Cockingbird, she’s called Harper Lee so Harper was going to be called after her, but then Lee was in there too so they split the names.”

“Gus, it’s wrote and Mockingbird.” Justin corrects as he clambers into his lap.

“Mommy!” JR calls from the stairs, rubbing her eyes and I gape as Leda gets up and goes to get her.

“She asked for her mommy. “I point out tartly.

“Le-we.” JR holds up her arms and allows her to pick her up.

“Who is busy right now and Gummy sees that.” Daphne retorts and I look at the empty space where Mel was.

“Are you going to stand up all the time or sit down?” Blake demands.

“Daphne, if you could move please so that I can sit down?” I smile sweetly expecting a bitchy retort but she simply gets up.

“Oh well that was fun to hear.” Mel sighs as she comes back in.

“What’s happened?” Carl asks.

“That was M...” Mel replies.

“Is this about him being able to come back to Pittsburgh or about him trying to get the parental revocation reversed?” I ask and wait for their reaction.

“No, we were fully prepared for him to do that. But since you have forced my hand Lindsay; come on in!” She calls out.

Everyone turns to the kitchen and Blake gasps. “What’s…?”

Ted is coming in with a cushion on that cushion is a box but it’s the fact that he’s singing that has stunned us into silence. We all remember him at that restaurant. The he approaches a starting to weep Blake still singing and kneels in front of him. “Will you marry me, Blake?”

“But-but…” He looks between a weeping Emmett and a tearful Ted.

“The ring shopping was for you.” Emmett pulls himself together. “He was so worried that he would pick wrongly that he asked me to look for him.”

“At the risk of sounding obvious…” Daphne sniffs. “But Blake hasn’t answered.”

“Yes!” Blake weeps. “Absolutely yes!”

“Excuse me, Lindsay.” I look up at Justin and before I know it, he’s taken our, I mean his daughter out of my arms. “Come here, my darling girl.”

“But…” I stand up, but the look he gives me is chilling...actually chilling! I hurriedly sit back down, seething with resentment. My time will come, I think to myself!

“So Brian, are you saying yes?” Ted asks and I pull myself out of my thoughts.

“Yes, to what?”

“Schmidt, it will be my honour.” Brian replies.

“Okay, so where and when? Oh wait, I have an idea…” Justin beams.

“Perfect. That idea like you is perfect.” Brian tells him.

“Some of us aren’t mind readers!” I try to keep the snark out of my voice.

“Debs, since you love my Teddy almost as much as me, would you mind sharing...ooof!”

I didn’t think it was possible for Debs to move that fast as she sweeps Blake into her arms.

“So we have Carl and Debs, Blake and Ted then the little ones in one day is that what’s happening?” Emmett has finally stopped snivelling.

“Yes.” Brian smiles. “And the answer the other question Teddy is also yes. Now you just need to tell him.”

“Th-thank you Brian.” Ted turns to Gus and clears his throat. “Gus, you know you and Gummy are going to be ring bearers at your Gamma and Ganka’s wedding?”

What?!

“Yes, Uncle Teddy.”

“Would you like to do the same for me and Uncle Blake?”

“Oh yes! Yes please! Gummy and I would love it!” Gus exclaims and he runs to Blake to hug him too.

“So let me understand this properly!” I cut across their glee loudly to make myself heard and the room goes quiet. “There are going to be two weddings and a christening and Gus is going to be at all of them?”

“And Gummy. Yes.” Mel replies.

“So who are the godparents?”

“Arno and Daph.” Mel is smirking. Why is she smirking?! “Brian and Justin said that if Ruth didn’t get pregnant then she and Daph would be godmothers and Arno, for giving his blessing, would be the godfather. But Ruth got pregnant from a mixed sample first time, so she’s mommy, they’re daddies and Daph and Arno…”

“Thank you Mel, I understand.” I snipe before I turn to Ruth. “You are going to be overrun. When is it?”

“Why would I be overrun?” Ruth looks confused.

“Well this is obviously going to be held at Heaven…”

“Mommy, we’re not having them at Ruthie’s. We’re having them at my daddies’ house.”

“But…”

“Well it’s outside in the garden and then we all go inside to eat.” Gus explains before turning to look at one of the mutts, who is heading to the door. “Oh, I think its poop time!”

“I’ll take them. Gummy, you want to come too?” Ben’s boyfriend asks and in minutes, they are out.

“But I’m barred from Britin and…”

“That’s why you’re not coming.” Brian interrupts coldly. “After what you’ve been up to for the last seven months, don’t look surprised or hurt. But we’re going to video all the events so you can watch it later. But know this Lindsay... if you even attempt to make yourself look like an angel and cast us as the devils in your melodrama, seeing Gus is going to be a problem for you…”

“Because unlike you, we have no problem telling Gus the truth.” Justin glares at me. “Now put on that WASP party face and enjoy the rest of the day with your children...well your children, for now.”