Chapter 7

Justin and Brian dropped in bed at 3:00 and they talked about Kevin until they both drifted off. When Justin woke at 9:30 he found Brian looking down at him. He slowly lowered his mouth until it brushed against Justin’s. Nothing was said but the kiss ignited both of them and soon they lay naked in a sheen of perspiration as they used their hands and mouths bringing each to orgasm over and over.  They finally both lay on the bed with arms and legs wrapped around each other as their body temperatures and heart beats returned to normal. 

“So Kevin is coming to Em and James' wedding?”

“He wasn’t sure he could cover his job but if he can, I am sure he will be here.”

“Damn! That’s only like ten days away.”

“If you would rather not, he would understand.  I know he would. We could…”

“No, if he is ready to come, it is fine with me.”

“He wants to see Anna but he didn’t mention your mom.” Justin rested his head on Brian’s shoulder.

“I like him already. Are you going to talk to the hospital?”

“Yes, and to Anna. I hope she will see him.”

“Justin, I can’t believe I am even saying this but, I am going to be gone tomorrow.  I hope to get back tomorrow night.”

“Did something come up for work?”

“No, I am flying to Mississippi. I called Bennett and am going to have lunch with him.  I will fly right back home.”

“Oh, Brian, you are going to be in the air most of the day. You couldn’t talk to him on the phone?” Justin now hovered over Brian.  “I know you need to do this. And I love you all the more for it. One more round?”

Brian responded by grabbing Justin’s hips and began to lower him as his erection reached to meet him.

As Brian and Justin pulled on clothes after a long hot shower there was a timid knock on the door and a small voice came through it, “Daddies are you awake.  Ronni said I can’t wake you up but I really want to see you.” Justin tugged his shirt over his head and went to open the door.  Gus flung himself into his arms.  “Oh, Daddy J, I missed you so much!” Justin picked him up and held him tight. 

How could he love this small human so much? “Oh, I missed you, too, Gus.  And I missed your brother.”

Justin looked over at Brian and winked, “Didn’t your Daddy take good care of you?”

“Of course he did and I took care of him but we both need you to take care of all of us,” Gus said.

“Gus, that is one of the nicest things you have ever said.”

Brian walked over and took Gus throwing him in the middle of their big bed and then dove on the little boy, catching himself on his elbows so he wouldn’t actually hurt  his son. And then shrieks and giggles came from Gus as Brian began to play with him.   Through the giggling Gus finally said, “Oh, ya, Ronni said if you are ready, it’s lunch time.”

“Well, we better get moving.  We don’t want Ronni mad at us.” Brian said as he scooped the still squirming Gus up and the three of them moved toward the kitchen. 

Just as they entered, Justin’s phone rang.  “I’ll be right back.” Looking at the display, he saw it was Kevin.  “Hey, Kevin. I hope you slept well last night.”

“Glad you made it home safely.  I wish I could say I did sleep well. I have to admit I went into the office and stalked my son, well all of you. Do you think Emmett really meant to invite me to his wedding?”

“Oh, yes.  I know he did and I think it is the perfect time to meet Brian. Kevin, we are just up to have lunch with the boys.  You start making plans and we will talk later and get plans in place.”

“I can’t wait to meet your boys. Justin, I am just so excited.”

“So are we, Kevin.  We haven’t told Gus yet but he will be so excited to have a grandfather.”

“I will talk to you soon. Go enjoy your family.”

“Don’t eat mine!” Justin called as he walked into the kitchen.

Brian and Justin spent the day with the boys.  They sent everyone else out of the house for the day.  Ronni was scheduled off at noon anyway and they knew Emmett could use Nate for wedding plans. Brian and Justin touched and kissed as often as they could as they passed each other.   While Aaron napped and Gus ‘rested’ on the sofa watching a show, Justin led Brian to the other side of the room and softly said, “Kevin is coming to the wedding.  I will talk to him tomorrow to get details.”

Brian’s first reaction was excitement but then Justin saw the tension seep in.  “Is he going to stay here? Is he coming alone? Is he…”

Justin wrapped his arms around Brian’s waist. “Brian, he can’t wait to meet you.  You are the victim here and in some ways, Kevin is a victim, too.  He is not going to blame you for who you are.  In fact, he likes who you are. You do not need to prove yourself to him.”

“Can it really be that easy? I have never just….”

“I loved you the day I met you. I could see your heart.  I am so glad I remember that.”

“Daddy J, is Daddy sad about something?” Gus had walked up without them noticing.

“No, son,” Brian said as he picked Gus up and set him on the kitchen counter. Sometimes I just need your Daddy J to remind me he loves me.”

“I love you, too, Daddy.”

“I know, I am a very lucky guy.  I just sometimes forget that.”

“Do you forget it because of my grandma? I know she isn’t very nice to you.“

“But that’s Ok because I know all of you love me and who could need more than that?”

“Can we go outside for a while?” Gus asked.

“You two go ahead.  I am going to check on Aaron and he and I will decide what to have for dinner.”

It was definitely feeling  like spring outside.  The snow had all melted and as Brian and Gus walked hand in hand, Gus noticed some flowers coming up in some of the beds. As they walked, Brian noticed Gus had gotten quiet.  As they walked past the back side of the pool Brian led him over to one of the chairs and sat down pulling him onto his lap. “Gus, I get the feeling you have something on your mind.”

“Daddy, did I do something wrong?”

“Why do you ask that, Gus?” Tears started streaming down his face and Brian held him close. “Oh, Gus, what is wrong? Did someone hurt you?”

“Daddy, why don’t my mommies want to see me?  Don’t they love me anymore?”

Brian’s heart shattered.  He knew they had been having personal issues but it had been over a year since they had seen him.  How could they do that? “Well, Gus, I am waiting to hear from them but I think at least one of your moms is coming for the wedding but if for some reason they can make it, I promise you that this summer we will go visit them.”

“But, Daddy, what if they don’t want to see me? What if that is why they are staying in Europe?”

“Oh, son, how could that be?” Gus shivered. “Why don’t we go see what your daddy and brother are up to?” Brian wiped Gus’ eyes and then his own. He carried Gus to the house and, once Gus was distracted with his trucks and Aaron, he walked over to Justin.

“Bri, what’s going on? What’s wrong?”

“I need to call his mothers, now.”

Justin didn’t need anything else.  They would talk about it later but obviously Gus said something.  As he watched Brian walk to the office he was glad he wasn’t going to be on the other end of that conversation. He also hoped Brian nailed them to the wall. He hated being away a day and they had been gone a year.

Brian was incensed.  He poured a large whiskey and drank it before pouring another one. He then called Lindsay.  She talked to Gus once or twice a month but it was to the point Brian and Justin just passed the phone to Gus because they were both tired of excuses. 

“Brian, is something wrong? Has something happened to Gus?” Lindsay asked when she saw who was on the line.

“Would you care if there was?”

“Brian, you are talking about my son.”

“No we are talking about our son and by ours I mean Justin and mine.”

“Brian, are you drunk? It isn’t even dinner time.”

“Fuck you! No I am not drunk.  I have been dealing with a heartbroken boy who thinks his mothers don’t love him anymore.”

“Brian, you know that isn’t true.  Of course I love Gus.  I miss him.”

“It has been a year since you saw him.”

“Well, you could have brought him to see me!”

“So it is me? Where is Mel?”

“Not here. Are you avoiding me? You could have brought him here!”

“If you remember Justin tried to set up a trip but you couldn’t possibly make it work when it would have worked for us.”

Now Lindsay started to whine, “Well, Mel left me here and I had to find a roommate and that meant I don’t have room for Gus, and…”

“Lindsay, here is the deal. If you don’t make it for Emmett’s wedding, we start custody procedures. Your son still loves you but I will not let you string him along. No mom is better than one who doesn’t care.” With that Brian hung up.

Brian circled Justin’s shoulders and kissed his neck.  “Everything Ok, Bri?”

“I told Lindsay if she doesn’t show up for the wedding, I’m starting custody procedures,” he whispered. “We can’t tell him until we know it is a sure thing.”

“I agree. If you could change Aaron’s diaper, I will finish getting dinner ready.

Nate made Emmett a martini and told him to sit down and drink it. He had brought him down several times. Emmett kept asking Nate if he had talked to any of the family.  Nate knew the only person his Uncle Em really wanted to know about was his dad and that he didn’t know.  

James walked in and saw Em with the martini and glanced at Nate.  Nate mouthed the word ‘family’ and James poured himself a soda and sat down next to Em. Before Emmett could say anything he kissed him all the way down to a prone position.  After kissing for several minutes, James said, “When is dinner going to be ready?”

“30 minutes.  Tom will be joining us to review the final wedding details.”

“Emmett Honeycutt, will you join me in the bedroom for 30 minutes?”  James didn’t give him time to respond.  He pulled him up and pushed him down the hall to their room. 

Nate hoped Tom would be able to stay the night. And if he did he felt tonight would be the night for Tom to introduce him to the other side of lovemaking.  He had been preparing himself with the help of some of Emmett’s toys.  Now he wanted to feel Tom….god, he got hard thinking about it.  He loved being inside Tom but he had a feeling it could even be better, although he wasn’t sure how.

By the time Emmett and James came back to the main room 40 minutes later, they found Tom and Nate in each other's arms but the second they realized they weren’t alone they separated.  Emmett, who was much more relaxed after time with James smiled at his nephew and the priest. “You know I understand why the two of you are as careful as you are but please know that whatever goes on in this house will not leave this place.”

“We know that Uncle Em but if we are too friendly in front of you, who knows if we will accidentally do the same in front of others.  I love kissing Tom but we aren’t in love. We love each other but totally know that neither of us need to be in love right now. Why don’t you pour the wine.  The food is ready.”

Two hours later, Tom and Nate walked side by side to the poolhouse.  “That meal was awesome.  If I keep eating here so much I am going to have to get bigger clothes.”

“Or we could go to a nudist colony and just not wear any.” Nate kissed his cheek. “Tommy?”

“Yes?” Tom smiled over at him, patting Nate’s ass.

“I’m ready.”

“Ready?”

“Yes, ready.”

Tom took a couple more steps and then stopped and reached for Nate’s far arm so he could turn him to look directly at him. “Nate, are you sure? I mean you don’t need to for me.  I love it when I feel you up my ass.”

“And I love being there but I just think….well, I have a feeling, damn!” He took Tom’s hand and put it on his crotch so he could feel his erection.  “This week all I have to do is think about you screwing me and this happens.”

“Well, who am I to deny you.”

“Be gentle, but not too gentle.” Nate started sprinting to his place with Tom right behind him.

Brian and Justin went to bed as soon as they had the boys down.  They hadn’t gotten a lot of sleep last night and by the time the boys got up Brian would be on a plane to Mississippi. “Brian, do you have a plan? Do you know what you’re going to say?”

“Stop being a jerk and come to your son’s wedding?” Justin swatted Brian and Brian pinned him to the mattress. He brought his mouth down on Justin for a lingering kiss.  “I am going to tell him what a good man his son is and how many people love him and how much he could use his dad there.”

“You met his dad.” Justin pushed Brian back down on the bed and laid his head down on him. “I think Bennett has always known  Emmett is the child most like him.  Em is passionate about what is important to him.  The problem is Bennett’s passion was misled and now he doesn’t know how to redirect it.”

“You’re the one that should be going.  You are so much better at that kind of stuff.” Brian tilted Justin’s head up and claimed his lips again.  This time he was much more demanding. “Well, if you’re going to make me do this, you are going to need to share some of your knowledge.”

“Well, the only knowledge I can think of right now is what I know about sex.”

“Just what i am looking for.” Justin slid down Brian’s lithe body and claimed what he wanted.”

“Bend over, Nathan.  I am going to take this nice and slow. If you want me to do anything different just tell me.” Tom squeezed some lube on his finger and reached around Nate and began to stroke his cock and as he did so he began to run his fingertip down the the valley between his cheeks, Tom began to apply pressure and let his finger slide in, first only up to the first knuckle but then he began to sink in further and then focused on Nathan’s prostate.

“Oh, god!” Nate whimpered.

“Yes, he made our bodies a wonderful playground, didn’t he?” Tom began sliding a second finger in with the first. “Am I hurting you?”

“Hurt me, please! Hurt me!”

Tom removed his fingers and had him lay down on the bed.  “You are so much more flexible than I am.  Let’s try this,” Tom placed Nathan’s ankles on his shoulders and then looking directly into Nate’s eyes and as he did he slipped on a condom and slid in, in a slow, steady movement and as Nate couldn’t hide his discomfort, Tom claimed his mouth and thrust in all the way causing Nate to cry out. Once Tom gave him a minute he started to move and soon Nate’s cry was anything but pain.  Within moments, Nathan climaxed so hard, Tom was worried he had passed out. 

Tom dropped next to him and collected him close. “That was beyond everything I could ever imagine.  Is it always like that, Tom?”

“Just like everything in life, things are rarely the same twice, but with the right person, it is always good.  Even when you don’t see stars as you lay together like this, maybe it is the heat from the body next to you that keeps your inner soul smoldering. Now, let’s shower and put on some fresh sheets.  And then I want to smolder next to you until morning.”

Justin woke up at 4:00 a.m. and reached for Brian.  The bed was still warm but it was empty.  Then he heard the water in the shower start so he got out of bed and as quietly as he could he slipped into the shower just as Brian stuck his head under the water.  Justin picked up  the bottle of shampoo, squeezed some out  and when Brian moved a step out of the spray, Justin began massaging his head.  Brian jumped but then relaxed as Justin’s fingers rubbed the shampoo through the thick hair. Brian turned as he stepped back under the water and pulled Justin against him.  

“I didn’t mean to wake you up but damn, I’m glad you’re here.” Brian kissed Justin as they slid their hands over the other’s slick body. 

“You know you are going to be back for dinner.”

“I know but just seeing my gorgeous husband naked and,” Brian’s hand slid across the head of his erection, “seeing he is happy to see me, is making me feel better.” Brian pressed Justin against a glass wall and slid into him.  Brian’s mouth was by Justin’s ear and said, “God, how can I love you more every day?”

“I love you, too, Brian.” Justin said as he shot cum all over the glass of the shower. Brian wrapped his arm tightly around Justin’s shoulders as he climaxed.

A half hour later, Justin was again in bed as Brian drove out of Britin to the airport. Justin’s body still tingled from their lovemaking. He drifted back to sleep.  He would need to be up soon enough.

When his phone rang, Justin was confused.  Had he just fallen asleep? Had he been sleeping hours?  He picked it up and saw 6:00 and saw it was Mel.  He pressed answer.

“Where the hell is he? Why isn’t he answering?”

“Well, Mel, nice to hear from you.  I’m fine, thanks for asking?”

“Justin, I don’t have time for this shit. What the hell is Kinney threatening?”

“I don’t think he is threatening anything.  Neither of you have found our son important enough to come see him and it is destroying him a little every day.”

“Don’t be so dramatic.  We’ve been really busy and, well, we don’t see each other all that often.  I have been in Spain and Lindz has been in Greece most of the time.”

“Ya, it has been a breeze here with me having brain surgery and Brian’s mom having a stroke and living with us for three  months but I am sure we could have found time to take two small boys to Europe because their fucking, selfish mothers couldn’t come visit there 5 year old!”

“That’s not fair or true. Justin we…”

“If both of you aren’t here next weekend for Emmett’s wedding, don’t plan to see Gus again and even if you are here, this isn’t over. If you need a hotel room, I’ll text which one we have rooms available at.”

“We thought we would stay there with…”

“Sorry we don’t have any rooms available. I have to go.  I have boys that are waking up.”  And with that, Justin hung up on her.

He almost felt a little giddy as he got out of bed.  “Daddies!” Gus came running in and stopped short. “Where is Daddy.  He was supposed to be home all week.  Did he have to go to work?”

Justin picked Gus up and gave him a cuddle.  “I think I hear your brother. We can talk while we get him.” He walked across the hall.  “Your daddy is doing something very nice for your Uncle Em but he will be home by dinner tonight.”

“Ok.  As long as he will be home today.”  Justin set Gus on the floor and picked up Aaron who was all smiles this morning. As Justin changed him, Gus kissed him and talked to his brother making it easier for Justin to get him changed.

The three moved downstairs and Justin was so happy to smell bacon and then he realized he heard Tom and Nathan’s voices. Gus disappeared from Justin’s side the moment he heard Tom.

“Hey, Gus!” Tom quickly moved from Nathan’s side and high fived his little friend.

“Father Tom, did you have a sleepover again?”

“I came to talk to Emmett and James about their wedding next week and it just got a little late and Nate said I could stay with him.”

“I wish you could live here all the time.”

“Well, I have to be by my church most of the time but I will be here from time to time.” 

Justin put Aaron in his chair before walking over to pour a cup of coffee. He noticed Nate’s movements as he made eggs and knew what he was feeling this morning. He gave him a hug. “If you want to soak in our tub later or the hot tub outside would feel good, too. Your muscles are probably a little tight this morning.”

“Oh, but it was so worth it. It was So amazing.  I had no idea it would feel…”

“It has been so long since my first time.  I am almost jealous. Bus seriously, after Tom leaves take a soak. We have some great oils by the tub that helps you relax your muscles.”

“I think I will take you up on that.” Nate looked up and smiled at Tom, “The food’s ready if you all want to sit down.”

Before they finished eating Em walked into the kitchen. “Where’s Mr. Ad Man of the year?”

“Daddy is doing something for you.  Didn’t you know?” Gus said to Em, who was pouring himself a cup of coffee and filled a small plate with some of the leftovers.

“What’s he doing?” Emmett, looked at Justin.

“That is none of your business.  Your special day is almost here and if we want to do something for you, you can’t ask questions.” Nate stood, moving slowly as he started to clear the table.  Tom got up to help. 

Emmett watched  Nate move and all of the sudden realized what he was seeing.  He got up and rushed over to him and hugged him.  “You and I need to talk but answer me this, what is good?”

“It was SO good.” Nate reached for more dishes.  “Help me clean this up and we can start with your wedding apps.”

Brian disembarked from the plane and soon he was in a cab heading to Emmett’s childhood home. When Brian had talked to Bennett earlier in the week he had been surprised at his willingness to speak to him. Bennett had sounded apprehensive but to Brian’s surprise, he agreed right away.  Brian notified him he was on his way and on the way he had the cab stop at the little bakery he and Justin had found when they were there for the funeral.  He remembered Emmett saying it was one of his family's favorite places.  He bought a box with a half dozen pastries and two dozen cookies. One dozen for Bennett and the other to bring home to his boys. 

When they were there for the funeral they had not been to the house.  It was a small, quaint house and Brian was trying to imagine all of Emmett’s siblings living in that small place. He raised his hand to knock but before he touched the door, it opened. The slim older man opened the door.

“Mr. Kinney, I feel like I have a celebrity visiting.  You have made the news all the way down here last week.”

“I am hardly a celebrity.It’s Brian and I did have a very good year this past year which I hope means I will be able to spend a lot more time with my family.”

“Oh, Enid would have my hide.  What am I thinking? Come in.” Brian walked through the open door and then handed Bennett the pastries and one dozen of the cookies.  

“This box is for my boys.” Brian said as he followed Bennett through the cramped living room. Brian noticed all the family pictures on the walls.  He saw Emmett as a kid with his big goofy smile and then as he got older, the smile wasn’t always as candid but then he found one of Em with his mom in his high school graduation and the love he had for her was so obvious.  

“I know our house isn’t much.  I saw a few pictures of your place when Emmy was here for his mama.”

“You have a very comfortable home, Mr. Honeycutt.  The house I grew up in was not much bigger and there was no love.  These walls show the love you gave your family.”

“Bennett, please.” Bennett said as he got some plates and mugs and then came back with a carafe of fresh coffee.  “I was never very good at this kind of thing.  Enid was the perfect hostess. Can you still say the word hostess? Or is that not correct? Should it be host? It’s so hard these days to know what to call people.”

Brian could hear the heaviness in Bennett’s voice.  “Sir, how are you doing?”  He looked up and saw Bennett swallow hard a couple times.

“I’m alright.  My kids and grandkids come over but the house is always empty.”

Brian wished Justin was here.  He always knew exactly what to say and do. Jenn had taught him how to open his heart.  They drank coffee and ate a pastry in silence for several moments. 

“Brian, I am benefitting from your visit,” he raised his cookie, “but I know you didn’t leave your busy life just to go to the bakery. I know I’m not as quick as I used to be but I am guessing this is about the wedding coming up.

“Bennett, do you remember the day you married Enid?”

“I will never forget it.  That was the day I became whole.  She completed me.  Everytime I looked at her, before the wedding, at the wedding and the 50 plus years we were together. I always knew my life was good because of her.”

“I feel the same way about my husband.” Brian saw Bennett flinch a bit at the use of the word husband. “The day I met Justin, I knew how special he was and I never thought I would deserve anyone like him and then I lost him for almost two years. He had changed my life in the nine months I knew him and I knew there would never be another for me.  When I found him again, I knew I would never lose him again.”

“I can’t say I understand but I can see how much you care about each other.”

“Bennett, what if your father had come up to you the week before your wedding and said if you married Enid, your family would no longer support you, what would you have done?”

“I would have married her.” Bennett sat up straight.  I couldn’t be happy without her.”

“Would you have been happy without your family?”

“No, but Enid was part of me.  I would have made the adjustment even if I would have hated it.”

“Emmett’s been doing it for years.  He has had to adjust because his father, you, have been confused for years. Emmett has found his Enid.  Emmett became complete the minute he met James but when you find your other half, doesn’t mean you don’t need your father, your family.”

Brian filled his coffee mug and took another bite of the cookie. “I can’t tell you what you need to do but, Bennett, please think about it.  What would Enid want you to do? Nathan’s mom has all the details.  We have a hotel room for you and we have a plane that will pick you up right here.” Brian stood, “I have a plane to catch soon so I need to get going but if you don’t mind I am going to say one more thing.  I see all the pictures on your walls and the love you have for your family is obvious to me.  I know I would do anything I could for my boys.  Seeing them happy is all that is important to me and I would do anything to make sure they were.  I think, Bennett, you feel the same way for your family, and not just some of them, all of them.” He picked up his box of cookies and walked to the door, Bennett following.  “Sir, I hope to see you soon.”  With that, Brian walked out the door to the waiting cab.

As he rode back to the airport to catch his flight back home he reviewed his conversation and hoped he had done enough.

It was later in the afternoon before Nathan and Emmett sank into the hot tub out on the pool deck.  “Damn, that feels great.” Nathan said as he sank up to his chin in the hot bubbling water.  

“Was it good for you?”

“Emmy, are you asking me about my sex life?”

“No, Nate, I want to make sure he treated you well.” Emmett draped his arms around the edge of the spa.

Nate moved close to Emmett and Em pulled his nephew close. “Tom is so sweet. And he is so worried about my reaction.” Nate dropped his head on his uncle’s shoulder and sat there quietly for several moments. “Are you nervous?”

“Nervous? About the wedding? No.  I’ve been dreaming about my wedding most of my life and my husband was never as beautiful as James.  What I am nervous about is marriage. What if James wakes up one morning and says ‘What the hell was I thinking? I am a Jamaican god and I’m here with this scrawny chicken.’”

“James would never do that!  He loves you so much.  You two are perfect for each other.”

“I hope you’re right,” Em kissed his cheek and Nate gave them a little space. “Nate, you and Tom, I don’t want you to get hurt.  Are you alright with that situation? I have seen the way he looks at you and the way you look at him.”

“We really like each other.  No, we love each other but we are not in love with each other.  Tom will never leave his profession and I would never even think about asking him but I am not ready for that.  I don’t even know who I am. I don’t know what I am.”

“You are a wonderful, loving human being.  Have you had a chance to work on a gown?”

“I have been sketching but with the wedding I decided to wait. I do like the ideas I have come up with.” Nate looked at him, “I get so confused sometimes.  I look in the mirror and I just don’t think the person looking back is really me.”

“Who should be looking back?”

“I called her Natalia back home.”

“Well, Natalia, we can find you someone to start talking to any time you want to.”

“Thank you, Uncle Em.  I will think about it. I have to be ready.”

“Just know I am here when you are ready. You have all our support.”

“I love you, Emmy.”

“I love you, too. I’m getting out of here before I turn into one big wrinkle.”

“Ya, I think I will go do some sketching.” The two climbed out of the tub and while Nate grabbed a towel and made a dash to the pool house,  Emmett went into the main house to dress before heading home.

Brian was so happy to be home.  It was only 5:00 pm but he had left twelve hours earlier and had flown 1,000 miles. He wanted an early dinner, snuggles on the couch and an early bedtime with Justin.  Maybe a long soak in the tub would be nice, too. He pulled into the garage and as the door went down, Justin came into the garage, shutting the door to the house.

Justin opened the door to the SUV and pulled Brian out by the front of his shirt. Justin demanded a kiss that made Brian’s insides melt. Brian moved so he could shut the door and Justin started leading him away from the vehicle. “Sunshine, I need to grab cookies I picked up.” Brian took the cookies off the seat as they walked toward the house door. Justin took the box out of Brian’s hand and set them on a table near the door but pulled Brian toward the stairs. 

“Ronni had the boys.  Dinner is in an hour and you and I are going up to the studio.”

Moving up the steps, Brian was already tugging at Justin’s pants.  Justin had managed to get his own shirt off by the time they entered his workroom.  He turned and started unbuttoning Brian’s button down and as he kissed the skin beneath the shirt as he exposed it.  And when the shirt was unbuttoned, Justin started on the fly.  Slowly they moved toward the murphy bed and by the time Brian pulled the bed down, Justin was on his knees and pushed Brian down on the mattress. 

“No, Sunshine, get up here.” Brian made short work of Justin’s pants and then threw him on the bed.  Brian covered Justin’s body with licks and kisses. When he drug his teeth along Justin’s erection, Justin shivered.

Brian positioned himself and then put one of Justin’s legs on his shoulder and moved the other to the side before moving slowly, he entered him in one swift motion all the way inside of him. Justin cried out in surprise and the initial hit of pain but as Brian watched his face he saw it change to a look he had only ever seen on Justin’s face. He nearly glowed as he got lost in their  lovemaking and as, together, they climaxed, he pulled Brian down needing to feel the full weight of his body on him.

As Brian rolled off, Justin kissed him lightly. “That was so amazing.  I never get tired of you.”

“You better never get tired of me,” Brian said, pulling him in for one more kiss.

“How did your trip go? Did you talk to Bennett? Is he coming to the wedding?”

“I really am not sure but if I had to guess, I think he will come.”

“Really?”

“Sunshine, Bennett loves Em.  It was obvious on his face when I talked about him.  The only time Jack looked at me like that was when he knew I had an envelope full of cash in my pocket.”

“Brian, I can’t wait for you to meet Kevin.  I saw that look on his face every time he looked at a picture of you and the boys. He is the father you always deserved.” They lay together a few more minutes before Justin said, “I hate to say this but dinner is going to be ready any minute.”

They both dressed and headed toward the door. “This is perfect timing.  I missed my boys today.  But after dinner and some play time, they will be ready for bed and…..”

“And then we’ll be ready for bed, too.”

“We were both born ready for bed.” They laughed as they hurried down the stairs and Brian grabbed the cookies off the table as he walked past.

Brian hadn’t realized how hungry he was until the smell of Ronni’s Eggplant Parmesan wafted through the great room. “Well, you pushed it to the very last minute? Any longer and it would have been burnt.”

“It is just us tonight?”

“Yes, my boys want a quiet night alone and when I talked to Nathan,” Ronni looked out at the pool house, “he just said he needed to think. Do you think he is homesick?”

“I’m not sure but I’ll try to talk to him tomorrow and see what’s up. Maybe he is just tired or sore after last night’s activities.”  Justin smiled at Ronni.

“I don’t want to know anything about this activities,” Ronni said, acting shocked.

“What did I miss?” Brian asked.

“How about I tell you later?” Justin kissed Brian, who took him in his arms but before Brian could kiss Justin again, Gus rushed against them.  

“Daddy, did you forget about us.  Aaron and I missed you today.”  Brian dropped a quick kiss on Justin’s jaw and then bent and snapped Gus up. “Did you have a good trip, Daddy? What did you do?”

“I talked to a daddy that I think loves his boys as much as I do.” 

“That’s good, Daddy.  Is it someone I know?”

“Well, you don’t but you might get to meet him at the wedding. I think you will get to meet a few new people that day.”

“I’m so excited I get to be the ring bear.  Do I get to wear a bear suit?” Gus was already giggling.  They had this conversation a couple of times already but Brian had to laugh each time. 

“I think we better sit down to dinner.  We don’t want Ronni to get upset.” As Brian said it he saw the little curl to Ronni’s lips.  When it came to their boys, Ronni’s heart was always on their side.

There were laughs and smiles and after dinner there was time to play with the boys.  And then both boys fell asleep.  Aaron’s head was on Brian’s shoulder while Gus’ feet were on Brian’s lap and his head was on Justin’s lap. “Does life get any better than this?” Justin said.

“The only thing better would be if I could kiss you right now.” Brian smiled over at him. “I think we should get these two to bed. It’s late for them and for me.  We both have been up a long time.”

Once the boys were in bed, Brian and Justin felt the exhaustion and just talked softly.  “Bri, I almost forgot, Mel called early this morning.”

“Let me guess, she was telling you why she couldn’t make it for the wedding.” Brian growled a bit.

“Exactly and I told her that if her ass wasn’t here, they would no longer have any custody.”

“I bet that went over well.” Brian smiled down at Justin.

“It felt so good to tell her they had to find a room and then I hung up on her.”

“Just another reason to love you so much.”

Justin turned into Brian and both men drifted off to sleep.

Nate answered his phone. “Hi Tom.”

“You weren’t too sore today, were you?” Father Tom said softly.

“No not at all, Tommy.  I was a bit stiff but Em and I spent time in the hot tub and this evening I just relaxed.”

“I am thinking I might be able to come out tomorrow.”

“Oh, I don’t think that will work.  Until after the wedding I am going to be really busy so maybe we should…”

“Nate, did I do something wrong? Did I hurt you last night?”

“Oh, NO.  It isn't you.  I guess I am just a little overwhelmed with my parents coming and helping with the food for the wedding and trying to keep Em calm.”

“Of course you are.  I should have realized that. I do understand.  I will be out a couple times between now and the wedding.”

“Tommy, you aren’t mad, are you?”

“Oh, not at all.  I will see you soon,” Tom said and the phone went dead. 

Nathan lay in bed and wondered, would Tom still be interested in him if he became Natalia?