Chapter 12

“Daddy J., are Uncle Em and Uncle James really coming home today?” Gus climbed up on the stool next to Justin in the kitchen.

“Yes they are and so is Ronni?”

“Is Ronni really going to have a wedding, too?” 

“Yes, Gus.  She is going to marry Dante.”

“I like Dante.  They are going to build a house so she can live here?”

“Yes, Gus.  They are going to have a house by the back gate.”

“I like Dante.”

“So do I, Gus.” 

“There you are, Gus,” Nate came down the stairs carrying Aaron, who still looked sleepy.  Aaron reached for his daddy and Justin took him in his arms, kissing his rosy cheeks. “I thought you had followed me upstairs.”

“I wanted to be here in case someone came home.”

“It will be a bit, yet.”

“What am I going to do? I need to do something.”

“Why don’t you draw James and Em a picture? All your art supplies are right over there.” Justin pointed to the child size table that was off in the corner.”

“Can I use paint and real, what are those things called?” He pointed at one of Justin’s paintings.

“A canvas?”

“Ya that’s it. Can I paint on that?”

“Sure.  I will go grab one.” Justin noticed Nate held onto the edge of the counter.  “Nate, are you alright?”

“Ya, just feeling a little weak for some reason.”

“Why don’t you get yourself some juice and lie down on the sofa? Can you hold this guy while I run upstairs for Gus’ canvas?”

“Ya,” he said as he poured a glass of orange juice, and walked to the sectional.  Justin sat Aaron on Nate’s lap and moved toward the door.  “I’ll be right back, Gus. How big a picture do you want to paint?” Gus reached out as wide as his arms. “If I get one that big you won’t be able to put it on the table.”

Justin came back down with a canvas board that gave him enough room for his paints. That would keep Gus busy for a long time.

“Nate, I think we need to talk.”

“I know.  I should have told you I wasn’t feeling well.”

“If you have fallen with Aaron…”

“I know.  I am sorry.  I promise.  I will never….who am I kidding?” Nate drank half of the glass of juice. “I will help Ronni until you can find real help and I will start packing up my stuff and find a place to move.”

“Do you like living there, Nathan?”

“I love that little house.  There is something so peaceful about hearing the running water of the pool.”

“It is yours until you choose to move. I will talk to Ronni and if you are willing to help with the food, Ronni will have the boys and I will have the cleaning crew come in more frequently.”

Nate put his head on Justin’s shoulder and Justin put his arms around him and held him.  “You are just too nice to me. Damn hormones,” Nate said as tears flowed. “I don’t know why I am crying.  I just don’t have control anymore.”

“You will again and we will always be here to listen if you want to talk or hold you if you need a hug.  Brian should be at the airport now picking up all four of our travelers. It was great they came in at nearly the same time.  Did I see you making a lasagna earlier today?”

“Oh, ya, I should put that…” 

“I got this.” He set Aaron on the floor within reach of Nate and went over to the oven, popping the pan in the oven.

For the next hour, Gus painted.  He didn’t say a word as he created his masterpiece.  Nate dozed off for a while and when he woke he felt much better. “I’ll finish getting dinner ready.”

“Are you sure?”

“I am good, Justin. I feel fine now.  I wonder if this is how a woman feels when she has her period?” 

Justin got a text from Em saying they would be home in fifteen minutes and they were starving. “Gus, your picture looks amazing.  Are you finished?”

“I think I am,” he looked at it with a discerning look. 

“That is good because it is time to go wash your hands and the paintbrush.. They are almost home.” Gus took the brush with him and cleaned it along with his hands.

When Gus came back in the kitchen, Nate laughed.  “Hey, Gus, come over here for a minute, buddy.” Nate wet a paper towel and wiped Gus’ nose and forehead and showed it to Gus who giggled.  You had blue in one spot and red in another. All clean now.” Gus hugged Nate’s waist.

“Do you feel better now?”

“I do, Gus.  Thank you.”

“If you need any help, just ask.”

“Thank you, sweetness. I am good now but I will remember that.”

The next few minutes were chaotic. Brian laid on the car horn as they pulled in and soon Ronni, Dante, Em, James and Brian were in the house. Gus was a whirlwind running from one adult to the other.  James scooped him up and put him on his shoulders.  “Everyone looks so happy. I am so happy you are all home where you belong,” Gus said.

“Dinner is ready.” Nate said as he gave his uncle one more hug. “I am so glad you are back. I want to hear all about the honeymoon.”

“Well, maybe not all…” Em winked at James. “I’ll help you grab the food.” 

An hour later, everyone was talking about their adventures.  Brian and Justin told everyone about their planned trip to Atlanta.  Em and James passed a tablet around the table so everyone could see the pictures they had taken. Em looked behind him to hand the tablet to Nate and he wasn’t there.

“Where’d Nate go?”

“I saw him slip out to his place a few minutes ago.” James commented.

“Maybe I better go check on him.  He wasn’t feeling that well earlier.  His hormones were up in the air but he took a short nap and he was good.” Justin stood and walked toward the door.  “Oh, he’s coming back. He is carrying a box.”  He opened the door and Nathen walked in.   

Ronni cleared a spot in front of her and opened the box when Nate walked over.  Ronni picked up the cake and set it on the table and turned it so everyone else could see what it said.  

Ronni had let Nate in on their secret so he had baked the cake for them that morning. It was decorated beautifully.  All the adults were silent.  James' eyes got big and he rushed around the table and hugged his mom.

“What does it say? What doesn’t it say?” Gus started jumping up and down and Brian picked him up.

“It looks like  Ronni and Dante got married!” Brian said as everyone realized what was really happening and everyone was hugging again.

“Jamey, you aren’t upset, are you? You know we were planning on it and neither of us wanted anything big.”

“Oh Mama, as long as you are happy.  You know I love Dante.” James turned and hugged his new step father.

“We will have to have a party!” Em said.

“No party.  We will have that when our new home is built at the end of the summer. We just wanted something quiet. I am a little worried about how I am going to be in two places at once.  In July Dante is going to be at his place in Chicago and I really don’t want to be apart…”

“Well, I guess that is perfect since we are going to Atlanta for most of July,” Brian said.  “We may stay for the whole month. We are flexible. We hope to do a house swap so Em and James, you will be in charge of keeping an eye on the place.  Nate, if they want a cook are you willing to do that?”

“Sure, I can pull myself together long enough to have groceries and meals ready for them.”

“That is all we ask.  Whoever stays here will be paying for a cleaning service and you can work out with the guests what you do for them.”

The evening broke up early. Em and James had real jet lag and Ronni and Dante, so in love, wandered back to her room.  Brian and Justin headed upstairs to get the boys down for the night.  Em kissed James, I am going to help Nathan clean up.  I will be home in about an hour?”

James hugged his husband, “I  will get our suitcases home and start the laundry.  I love you, Emmy.”

“Love you, too, James. I promise not to be too long.”

“Take your time, love.  We have the rest of our lives.” James kissed him and by the time they separated, Emmett was weak in the knees and almost followed him out the door.  James gently turned him around and pushed him  toward Nate. 

“Uncle Em, you don’t have to help.  I can manage.”

Em hugged him from behind, “I have no doubt you could but we need to catch up.  How is it going?”

“I’m Ok. I am just a little scattered. Justin is so nice and now that Ronni is back she is in charge of the kids.  I would kill myself if either of the boys were hurt because of me.” 

Em and Nate worked side by side at the counter.  “They know that. And Tom? Has he been around?” 

It was very subtle but Nathan’s shoulders slumped a little.  “Tom is great.  He has been so kind but, Uncle Em, I don’t know why he keeps coming out and I won’t even have sex with him.  I just am not in the mood and he will lay there and hold me all night. He is just…”

“Nate, you know you are in love with each other, right?”

“He is such a kind man.  I am glad you are back!” He turned and held on to Emmett.  “Tell me if I bother you too much.  I just don’t want Tom to feel like he needs to be out here so much.”

“You are welcome and we will tell you if we have plans,” for a split second Em smiled thinking about his husband, “but I don’t think you are making Tom come.”

“Em, I really don’t think he is in love with me.  He is just a great friend.”

“How often does he come out?” Nate shrugged.  “Twice a week? Four times? Almost every night?”

Em and Nate heard a tap on the door and both turned to see Tom.  He walked in and hugged Em, “Welcome back! Did you leave that handsome husband somewhere?”

“I am heading to him now. We are done anyway,” he said as he wiped off the last spot on the counter. Em kissed Nate’s cheek and whispered, “Be careful.  His heart is involved.”

Em walked in the door and found James in the kitchen.  James walked over and handed Emmett a mug as he kissed him.  “I know this isn’t something we drink often but I wanted a cup of coffee  so this is decaf with a large shot of whiskey and some cream.” 

Em took a sip.  “This is really good! You are so thoughtful.”

“I am afraid I am just exhausted. I am thinking the whiskey will take the edge off so we can sleep.” James led Em to the sofa where they talked about their honeymoon and drank their Irish coffee. 

Em rested his head on James’ shoulder, “I am the luckiest man in the world.”

“I’ll argue with you about that!” James rested his head on Em’s and closed his eyes for a second.

Tom and Nate walked hand in hand to the pool house. “I didn’t know you were coming tonight.”

Tom kissed his temple, “I wasn’t planning on it but my meeting got done and I drove to a drive thru for dinner and I ended up here.”

“Tom, I feel fat and gross.  The hormones are making me feel moody and weak.”

“Nathan, you know I am not looking for anything. I just enjoy being with you.” Tom stopped talking,  “I should have called.  Let me use your bathroom and I will go.”

Nate kissed him, “Tom, don’t you think it’s odd that you drove here instead of your own place?”

“Well, I thought about turning around when I realized it but my bed is so empty.”

“Tom, maybe…..well with Em and James back...They walked into the small house and they didn’t bother turning on the light in the living room and walked into the bedroom. Nate turned and touched Tom’s cheek. “Let’s go to bed.  Will you make love to me?”

“You never have to ask that but I didn’t think you really wanted to.  I...damn, it’s been a while.” Tom pulled off Nate’s shirt and then his own. He ran a hand down Nate’s chest and he shivered when Tom took a nipple in his mouth.

“Tom, maybe you should….” he couldn’t focus when Tom ran his teeth over the other little bud.  “God, that feels different.”

“In a good way?”

“Um, ya…. I may not get hard. My treatment is starting to affect me.”

“We don’t have to.”

“Yes we do.  I want you.  Even if I don’t have the normal reaction it will feel good.” 

Soon they were in bed and as they made love Nathan’s mind wandered, not away from Tom but to him.  Em was right, he loved him and he had to let him go.  He couldn’t ruin Tom’s life. This was never supposed to be love.  He knew Tom was cumming.  He could feel his stomach muscle contract and Tom shouted as he thrust once more. Nathan knew what he had to do. He absorbed all the love he could coming from Tom as they fell asleep.

Nate didn’t sleep long.  He couldn’t stop thinking about what he was going to do. He let the tears run for a while and eventually slipped out of bed and after pulling a blanket around his naked body, he went out and sat on a lounger. He sat in silence letting his tears flow.  He knew he was doing the right thing.  He knew he was really Natalia but he knew, even as a woman, Tom wasn’t available for him.

Nate had been so in his own thoughts he didn’t hear Ronni’s footsteps. “Here.” She handed him a cup of tea.  “Couldn’t sleep?”

“Tom’s here.”

“And that explains why you are out by the pool.  You have a man in your bed and you are out here in the chill?”

“You are up and have a new husband in your bed.”

“Touche,” she reached over and touched his arm.  “What is it, Nate?”

“I can’t ruin Tom’s future when we really don’t have one together.”  He sipped the warm tea.

“You fell in love, didn’t you?”

“I did but worse than that, I think he is in love with me, too. Why are you out here?”

“I’m a middle aged woman who has just had a major change in my life.  There is just so much going on in my life.  We have a house to design and build.”

“I am glad you came out and thanks for the tea.  What is it?”

“It is a calming mix.” They reached toward each other and held hands as they drank their tea. When Ronni had finished hers she reached for Nate’s empty cup.  “Honey, I have know idea what you are going through but your big heart is showing.  And remember, if you ever need some girl talk or have questions, I am here for ya.”

“Oh, Ronni, thank you. I will probably need that.”

“I am going to go back to my wonderful husband.  Maybe I will wake him up.” She smiled over at him.

“Tom will probably be up soon.”

“I am going to make him breakfast and break the news.”

Ronni gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Look me up later if you need to talk.” As she headed to the house, Nate noticed her steps quickened.  Then he noticed Dante open the back door and she rushed into his arms.

An hour later Nathan, wearing a robe, was pulling biscuits out of the oven.  He had sausage gravy finishing in the pan while he started a pan to fry some eggs as he heard the shower start.

Ten minutes later, Tom came out of the bedroom dressed in his jeans and shirt he arrived in last night.  He put his arms around Nathan’s waist and looked over his shoulder.  “This all smells so good.  Did you have trouble sleeping? I woke up a couple hours ago and you weren’t here.”

“I was restless and didn’t want to wake you up.  Grab some coffee for us and I will bring you a plate of food.”  As Nathan took the first bite he realized he couldn’t eat.  He just sipped his coffee.

“Are you not feeling well? Is that why you couldn’t sleep?”

“No, I feel fine.” He took a bite of the biscuits but set his fork back down. He listened to Tom talk until he was about done eating and then he took a big breath.  “Tom, we need to talk.”

“Oh, those are ominous words.” Tom reached over and took Nate’s hand. “What is it, babe?”

“That’s it. This was supposed to be friends with benefits.  And I know I owe you so much for all the support you have given me but I think it is time we part ways.  You have your own life and it can’t include me and if we keep this up we will be more than friends and neither of us need that so when you go today, please make sure you take your stuff with you.  I hope we can still be friends.”

Tom looked a little stunned but he nodded. “I …. I’ll miss you but we talked about this.  I….” He drained his coffee cup and went to the bedroom. Nate bagged up the biscuits and cleared the table.  When Tom came out Nate turned from the sink. Tom said, “I guess we’ll see each other?” Nate walked over and gave him a quick hug and a kiss that went longer than he meant it to. “Nate, if you ever…”

“It’s best if we make a clean break. I have to get dressed so I can bring the rest of the breakfast to the main house. I’ll catch you later.” Nate walked into the bedroom and shut the door. 

Tom wasn’t sure what had just happened.  He stood there looking at the closed door hoping everything would go hazy and he would wake up with his arms around Nate. But when he realized he wouldn’t hurt this bad if he was sleeping, he walked out the door.

Everyone was worried about Nathan the next several days.  He only left his place to do his job and then went right back to bed. Justin had gone out to talk to him.  Em was sure he wasn’t eating anything but he couldn’t convince him to do that either. Even Ronni failed although he drank some of her tea which kept him from dehydrating.  Everyone was concerned. 

Friday night Ronni and Dante were out and Gus missed Aunty Molly so the boys had gone over to grandma’s house. That left Em and James and Brian and Justin to discuss the situation with Nathan. “I understand why he did it. Love makes us follow our hearts not our cocks but he was so fragile anyway.  His hormones are all over the place and it is killing me to see him like that and if something happens to him my sister in law will kill me!” James put his arms around Em when he finished talking.

“Shit, enough of this. Sunshine, put some food in a container. I’m going to take a piss and then I am going to settle this.” Brian stood up and so did Justin.  

“Daring, I trust you with this but remember how fragile he is right now.” He said as he put his hands on Brian’s shoulders.

“What do you think, I’ll beat him into submission?” Brian shrugged Justin’s hand off and went to the bathroom.”

“Justin, do you really think Brian should…” Em started.

“Em, we both know as bad as he thinks he is at this kind of stuff, he is really good.” Justin filled a plate with leftovers and without a word, Brian walked past, took the plate, and without a word walked out the house.

Brian knocked and walked in, “I don’t really care if you want me to come in or not.  I’m here.” Nate was laying on the sofa.  The TV was on but Brian could tell Nathan wasn’t watching it.

“Sit up, Nathan.” Brian put the plate in the microwave and filled a glass with water. He carried both in and handed them to Nate. “Here. Eat.”

“Brian, I just can’t eat. I just don’t know if I can…”

“Nate, I can’t say I know exactly what you are going through.  I can’t imagine living in the wrong body and the confusion trying to get in the right one.  I think you did the right thing for both you and Tom right now.” Brian looked at Nate who had stopped eating again.  “Eat! When I was told Justin was dead, I think I felt the same way.  I lost my love but Jenn reminded me that Justin wouldn’t want me to waste my life.  He would want me to do something that would make him proud.  Tom isn’t dead.  Tom wants you to be happy and he wants you to be the you you were meant to be. If Natalia is who you are, become the best Natalia you can be.”

“But I hurt him so badly.”

“You did it for him.  As long as he is a priest, he cannot be in a relationship.  If his heart takes over, he’ll be back.”

“Do you really think he would leave the priesthood?”

“Well, Natalia, show him you are a person he would leave his profession for.” Brian looked at Nate’s plate and it was nearly empty.  “Now, I expect you at the house tomorrow morning to make us breakfast and we expect you to join us.  Those men in the house are driving me crazy worrying about you.”

Nathan leaned over and kissed Brian’s cheek. “Thank you, Brian. I can’t imagine how you felt when Justin was gone.”

“It was unbearable, but I am a better person for it. It showed me what was really important. You will make it through this.  Both of you will figure out who you are meant to be. Now Sunshine is waiting for me and the boys are away. Damn, he makes me hot.” Brian walked to the door, “See  you in the morning.”

“Brian, you make a lot of sense when you don’t scare the hell out of me.”  Brian flipped him off over his shoulder.

James and Em were just coming out of the house as he got to the patio by the door.  “So?” Em asked.

“He ate his plate of food and he will be making us breakfast in the morning and eating with us.” Brian looked at them, “And, no, I didn’t touch him.” He glanced through the window, “Where’s Sunshine?”

“He said he was running a bath,” James said.

Without another word, Brian was through the door and, grabbing a bottle of bourbon, headed up the stairs. He walked into the bedroom and could smell Justin’s favorite oils coming from the bathroom.  He also noticed some toys and scarves laying on the nightstand. He set the bottle down and started undressing as he walked into the bathroom. Justin was just coming out of the shower. “Damn,” Brian kicked his pants off and pulled a slick Justin against him. “Are we going to be so dirty that you need both a shower and a bath?” 

“We have a night to play, the shower is cleaning the inside of me.  Get in the tub.  I need to get rid of this douche and then I will join you.” Justin ran his hand across Brian’s already erect cock.

“Fuck,” Brian pulled Justin against him so their dicks began to dance against each other.  He crushed Justin’s mouth with his own.  He ran his hands down Justin’s back and when he got to the globes of perfection he pressed his pelvis to Justin and gyrated against him. 

“Damn, Bri, I need to…” Brian rubbed his hand against Justin’s belly that was protruding slightly, holding the water.

“I love you so frickin’ much.” Brian let Justin go and he rushed to the toilet room while Brian moved to the tub. By the time Justin came back, Brian’s head was resting on the back of the tub and he was breathing deeply trying to keep his breathing even as his need was growing just thinking about him. Justin stopped by Brian’s head and began to massage his scalp, neck, and shoulders. “Oh, that, god, please get in here.”

Justin stepped in the tub and getting down in the water slithered up Brian’s body. When his cock passed Brian’s, he stopped and then slipped back allowing Brian to guide his cock into Justin. As he pushed past Justin’s sphincter, Justin sat down so Brian was soon all the way in. Then he began to slowly lift himself up and down using his arms and the sides of the tub.  He would start and stop and he was contracting around Brian and knew it was time when Brian grabbed his hips and thrust upward several times before pulling him tightly against his as he filled Justin. He relaxed against Brian and listened to Brian’s heart flying in his chest.

When their hearts went back to normal Justin slipped his arms around Brian.  “So how did it go with Nathan?”

“I have to feel sorry for him but he ate the plate of food and he promised he would make us breakfast and join us.”

“What did you say to him?”

“I don’t know.  I did tell him a little bit about how I felt when I thought you were dead and how your mom showed me what you would want me to do with the rest of my life.  And know I didn’t say Tom was dead but I mentioned now probably wasn’t the best time for those two to be playing with emotions.”

“You always know what to say.” Justin’s mouth caressed Brian’s lips and then moved around his face, along his jawline and then to the hollow of his neck. He inhaled deeply, “I love that smell, the lavender and sandalwood and you.”

“What all do you have planned for me tonight? I saw toys and scarves.”

“I hope you will play with me.  I want you to drive me crazy to the point of insanity.  I want to feel like that time Joan showed up at your loft. She brought you that cake and we had been fucking for hours.”

“Damn, I am the luckiest man in the world!” He kissed him and said, “Let’s go see what you have planned.”

“I don’t have anything planned.  You get to be as creative as you want. The boys will be back mid afternoon.”  Justin stood and stepped out and then offered his hand to Brian who got up and stepped out.  

They took their time and dried each other completely.  They lingered as they moved the towel and followed with strokes of the hands or lips. As Justin dried Brian’s back and ass, he had him put his hands on the tub and Justin dropped to his knees and began to run his tongue along the valley dividing his ass. As Justin began to probe Brian’s bud and worked his way inward, Brian cried out. “Don’t make me cum. Please.  I want to feel the pressure as you cum over and over.”

“Brian, I think we are both dry, for now.” He stood and smiled at Brian.  “Please tie me up and drive me crazy.”

“Damn…” Brian spanked Justin hard enough to sting and make him move much faster.

Ten minutes later Justin was laying on his stomach. His wrists were tied to the headboard and his ankles were attached to a spreader bar which spread Justin’s cheeks far enough for Brian to have a perfect view of his bud.  He also couldn’t help but think about the cock rings they were both wearing which vibrated ever so slightly. Brian began to play with small vibrating beads and then worked in bigger and  bigger ones.  As he left them in place he ran a feather along Justin’s spine but then switched to his hands because he needed to feel his skin.

Both men were drenched in sweat. They were both panting, unable to cum because of the cock rings but both were in exquisite pain.  Justin was whimpering as Brian slowly pulled the balls out one at a time and then released his ankles. He ran his finger around the rim of Justin’s asshole and as he brought his tongue to replace his finger Justin nearly passed out. 

When Brian was worried Justin may pass out, he undid the scarves and turned him over.  To add more intenseness to his own discomfort, he straddled Justin’s body and lowered his cock into Justin’s willing mouth. Justin eagerly put his tongue to work until Brian pulled away, unable to handle anymore. 

Justin quickly removed Brian’s cockring and then Brian did the same for him. Brian moved between Justin’s legs.  Brian put one leg on his shoulder, “What do you want …”

Justin knew he was wondering what to do with his other leg.  He placed his free ankle on Brian’s other shoulder, “Like the first time.”

“Like the first time but it is so much better now!” and with that Brian was inside him.  There was no pain for Justin, only pleasure.  Both men were so on the edge it only took a few moments before they both cried out and shook violently as they exploded in rapture. Brian dropped to the side and they lay looking at the ceiling.  They  webbed their fingers together and both of them fell into a blissful sleep.

Justin woke up about midnight shivering.  The heat of their lovemaking was long gone and the air in the room was chilly.  He moved as little as possible but grabbed a blanket from the side and pulled it over them.  As he did, Brian’s arms came around him and pulled him close, kissing his temple.

“Sorry, I didn’t want to wake you.”

“I don’t mind waking up when you are beside me,” he ran his hand across Justin’s ass.

“Thank you for playing with me tonight. I love making love with you no matter what but, lately we have both been so busy we don’t neglect each other but ….”

“We are fathers.  We are businessmen.  So, thank you for reminding me we are still young, well you are, and need to play.” Brian pulled him closer.

“Things are changing a bit and not just Nate. What are your thoughts about Nate and Tom?” Justin rested his head on Brian’s shoulder. “I don’t think Tom ever thought this would happen.  He and Nate have something special and if he lets that slip away... “

“Sunshine, could you love a woman? I mean… gross.” Brian shivered.

“If the woman was you. I love you, the person. Your soul wouldn’t change.  They are in love and I think Tom will realize he needs Nate or Nat, no matter what.”

“Well, right now they have to figure that out on their own.  Dante called me earlier today.  They have their house plans ready.  Since he had house plans already, it only needed Ronni to add her touches.  They will start building while we are in Atlanta and they should have it done by the end of the year.”

“I am so glad she will continue working for us.  With Gus in school full time next year she will have a little less to do and I bet she will spend some days at her place with him.” Justin moved so he could kiss Brian. When he tried to move away, Brian pulled him closer and kissed him again. When they separated Justin said, “Bri, have you ever thought about having another?”

“Having another what?”

“Another baby.”

“Oh!” Brian went quiet for a minute. “You know I love the boys but they both came to us after some thought.  Of course, Gus was planned.  We didn’t ‘plan’ Aaron but as soon as we knew of his existence we planned for him.  I am not against it but….”

“That’s enough, babe.  I just wanted to mention it.  I don’t need another child but I think we have enough love for another.”

“Are Em and James still talking about a baby?” Brian’s hand was roaming over Justin’s body again.

“I asked because before the wedding they said they were going to start planning as soon as they got home from the honeymoon but when I asked the other day, Em changed the subject.  Maybe they just want some time for the two of them. Did you talk to your dad today?”

Justin loved to see the look on Brian’s face when he talked about Kevin. “Ya, he said they got the wing remodel  you paid for done and now, with the beds he got up here, they can house almost double what they could before.”

“Did you get our trip dates set?”

“I thought we could leave the last week of June and take our time going down.  We can spend a couple days in West Virginia and some time in North Carolina. I just want to take our time and enjoy ourselves.  Gus and Aaron will enjoy it, especially Gus but Aaron just loves being with us.”

“I think that sounds like a great family trip. And we are staying most of the month?”

“We will play some of that as we go.  Britan was snatched up on the Airbnb site and we have a place to stay down there.  As long as they don’t have someone else sign up for August, we can stay two months, if we want.  I would never do this if James, Em, and Nate weren’t here.” 

“Can you believe everything that has occurred this year? I mean it isn’t even June and there have been two weddings, Nate has made a big decision, and of course you now have Kevin.  No, we have Kevin. I love him so much.” Justin was having a harder time focusing. Brian’s hand had moved lower and was now trailing his finger through his pubic hair. 

“Are you going to get an art show setup while we are down there?” 

Justin took hold of Brian’s hand and brought it up, kissing the palm.  “I am having a hard time thinking.  I promise we will be making love again soon.” He placed Brian’s hand over his heart. “I did talk to a gallery Kevin told me about and they are very excited to host a benefit for the shelter. I will start packing up my work next week and they are taking care of getting more artists to join.  Your dad is very respected down there.  They said they would have no trouble getting enough together.” Justin’s voice drifted.

“Sunshine, you good? You didn’t play too hard, did we? Your head isn’t bothering, is it?”

“No, darling.  I guess I am just thinking about our wonderful life. Did you realize my dad could get out this fall?”

“Do we have to think about that? You haven’t talked to him, have you?”

“No, I just got that letter you read.”

“You aren’t thinking about having a relationship with him, are you, Sunshine?”

“I don’t plan on a real relationship but I do think I have to talk to him.  If for no other reason, Molly has said she wants to see him.”

“And Aaron?”

“He is not getting anywhere near Aaron.  Not now anyway.  If he can show he really has changed, maybe someday, but he will never be alone with him. I could never trust him.”

“Sunshine, you still amaze me everyday.  The fact that you will even think of seeing him…”

“It is for Molly.” He hesitated. “Who am I fooling, I don’t know why but I need to see him.  I need to show him I made it.  I need to show him I have a beautiful family and that his ‘gay’ son is happy, loved, and successful.” 

“He doesn’t deserve kids like you and Molly.” Brian’s hand began to move down again as he moved over Justin and kissed him.  “I think we need to sleep but first…” 

Brian and Justin made love.  This time it wasn’t desperate and physically taxing.  This time there was passion and patience, knowing they are not going anywhere and there is no reason to rush.

As they drifted off, Justin said, “I love you, Brian.”

“I love you, Sunshine,” and with that Justin spooned against Brian they both fell asleep.

Coming Soon

A Son’s Admiration

Atlanta prepare!  Brian Kinney and Justin Tayler will be bringing their boys to see their grandfather.  They will be making a splash in Atlanta’s high society.  Justin’s artwork will take off making a lot of money for Kevin’s shelter.  Brian will meet the ‘girls’ Kevin considers family, and they will bond as a family.

While the Kinney-Taylor-Cain family become a strong unit, Britin will be well taken care of with the family that stayed up there.  Dante and Ronni will be building their house while Em and James debate how they should create a family that includes children.

And what will happen with Nate and Tom when Nate begins to live her life as Natalia.  Will they go their own way or will Tom’s love for Natalia win out over his love for the church.