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Chapter 7 

 

The morning dawned but the sky was full of dark, menacing  clouds. Justin pulled the blanket up and then realized he wasn’t in bed. He sat up and looked around getting his bearings.  He saw Brian as he felt the first drop of rain.  “Damn, Brian, wake up and get inside.”

 

Brian blinked his eyes as the sky opened up sending down a torrential downpour.  Brian stood shakily, and as hard as he tried to move quickly, his leg was not cooperating this morning. Justin rushed to his side and, pulling one of Brian’s arms around his shoulders, started moving toward the house.  By the time they managed to get under the awning, they were both soaked.

 

 

“We sat outside all night with me?”

 

Brian tried to pull Justin to him but he resisted. “Sunshine….DAMN….that is an oxymoron today.” Wind blew around them in strong gusts. “Let’s get inside.” Brian said loudly to speak over the thunder.” They both rushed into the house just as Gus came flying down the steps and Ronni walked out with Jessi.

 

Gus rushed over to his fathers and grabbed both Brian and Justin’s hands. “Daddies, it’s really loud and..." more thunder and Gus’ grip was tighter. “Why are you all wet?”

 

 

Justin snapped out of his daze. “Your daddy and I went out for an early walk and got caught  in the rain.”  Justin started walking and Gus let go of Brian and walked toward Ronni.  Jessi was fussing in her arms. “Let me take her and..."

 

“No father in his right mind would take a babe in his arms when he is as wet as you are.  I have these two. You quickly go up and get some dry clothes.  Get your other son.  This storm could get vicious and we don’t want the little one up there by himself.”  Brian hobbled to a chair and sat down.  “Looks like he needs you to grab some clothes, too.  Now go, before that wee one wakes up.” Justin didn’t argue and rushed upstairs.

 

Ronni walked around and kissed Gus’ cheek, setting some warm hot chocolate in front of him.  “It is a chilly morning.  I thought some hot chocolate was perfect to start the day.” 


“Thank you!” Gus said a little calmer but still a bit jittery when it thundered again. 

 

Ronni sat down across from Brian and started feeding Jessi.  “So do you want to tell me what caused all this?” She looked him up and down.

 

“We had a fight last night.  I shouldn’t have said what I said but… It was about his dad.”


“You haven’t had a row in a long time.”


“Not like this.  He fell asleep out by the pool and I couldn’t leave him out there alone.  I covered him and then fell asleep myself.  But this morning my leg started acting up.”

 

“Once you get in dry clothes I will make some tea for you. I have something that will help your muscles relax.”

 

Justin’s voice came from the stairs talking to a sleepy Aaron.  He had pulled on shorts and a T-shirt.  He threw Brian’s clothes in a chair and walked to the changing table near the entrance of the laundry room and talked comfortingly to Aaron as he changed his diaper and then his clothes.  Brian stood and, grabbing his clothes, limped down the hall to change in the bathroom.


Ronni placed a happy Jessi Anne in the cradle and then turned to Justin. “So your side?”


“Did he tell you he thinks Molly should see our dad? How could he ever think that my sister should ever have a relationship with him?”

 

“And I understand he was horrible to you. But Molly is a young woman.  I think if she doesn’t face him and make her own decision, she will never have closure.”

 

“But…”

 

“What were you suggesting that Brian disagreed with?” Ronni asked.

 

Justin picked up Aaron and looked defiantly at Ronni but then he took a deep breath.  “I want to pay him off. I wanted to keep him away until she was out of college.” He looked into her eyes.  “It’s for her own good.” 


Ronni heard Brian’s footsteps behind her.  Let me take Aaron and get both boys some breakfast. Just as she took Aaron, the lights flickered and went out. Gus whimpered and Ronni said, “Your discussion will have to wait. We need to get these children in a safe place. I think the laundry is the safest place to be. Brian took Gus’ hand and Justin lifted Jessi out of the cradle.  Just as a lawn chair blew into the pool, Nat came falling into the main room.  He rushed to the laundry himself.


“They said there is a tornado moving our way.  I thought this place was much safer than that little place that doesn’t have nearly the foundation this place has.” 


Justin nodded at Nat.  “Grab a towel.  You’re all wet.” They heard the wind whipping outside and things flying around. The adults all sat on the floor and tried to entertain the kids.  Gus carefully crawled onto Brian’s lap.  He turned to face his daddy and wrapping his arms around Brian’s neck he clung to him. Brian wrapped his arms tightly around the young boy.


“Daddy,” he whispered, “I’m scared but I don’t want Aaron to know.  I’m the big brother. I need to be brave.”

 

“Gus, when your dads and Ronni and Nat are here, you can let us be brave,” Brian whispered back.

 

“I love you, Daddy.”


“I love you, too, Gus.” Brian kissed his cheek. Gus relaxed a bit and laid his head on Brian’s shoulder.


Nat helped Ronni entertain Aaron which wasn’t easy with a 14 month old. He was hungry and tired of sitting in the dark. Justin was glad that Ronni had managed to feed Jessi before and she was napping now.  It slowly got quieter outside and Nat went to take a look.  “It looks clear.  It is still raining but the sky is much lighter and the wind is down.”


Gus stood up and offered his dad a hand up. Brian wasn’t sure if it helped or hindered but he had to love his son’s heart. “Gus, do you want to help me get these lights back on?” 


“Yes, please!” 

 

Brian walked near Justin and wanted to reach out and touch him but his look told him he was still mulling over last night.  He could see it. Instead he bent and kissed Jessi’s chubby cheek and then let his fingers brush Justin’s laying on her chest. For a fleeting second their eyes met before Justin looked away.

 

 

“Daddy J!  Daddy let me turn on the big, noisy gentiraror. Did I say that right, Daddy?”


Brian lifted him up and then cringed, “Generator.  You were very close. And you were a great help and I can tell Ronni is already working on breakfast. Ronni, aren’t you supposed to be off today?”


“Yes, but Dante is delayed because of the storm so I figured it was safer for me to just stay here for now. James let me know they are fine and they will be here in a little bit. He and Em are looking over the estate.  They don’t have electricity, of course. I will make plenty of scrambled eggs and toast.  I already have bacon and sausage in the oven.”


Nat cut up some fruit and set several pieces in front of Aaron in the high chair. She gave Gus some cleaned strawberries. “Thanks, Nat. Strawberries are my favorite.”


“I know, my young friend. That’s why I gave them to you.”


Brian and Justin did their best to avoid each other. Ronni finally brought Brian the cup of tea she had promised before the storm went through. She then walked back where Justin was sitting by the counter. She handed him a cup of tea for his headaches and then said, “Enough.  It is time to talk to him.  You need to work it out before I leave.”


Justin walked over to the sectional.  He looked at Brian and the chair that was next to the sectional but ended up sitting next to him.  He decided he would rather not see his eyes. They both sat there sipping their tea. 


They both started to talk at the same time.  “Sunshine.” “Is your leg …”  They both stopped but then Justin continued, “Is your leg just stiff or does it feel reinjured?”


“It just feels stiff.  The night was chilly and the air was damp.”


In a quiet voice Justin said, “Who told you to sleep out there? I was getting away from you.”


“Sunshine, you were so angry.  And although I know you were mad at me, it was aimed at your father as well, and I couldn’t let you storm off and not know where you were.”


“So now I’m crazy?” Justin finished his cup of tea and set the vessel down.


Brian sat back and finished his cup as well. He set his cup next to Justin’s and then turned ever so slightly toward him.  “I never said that and just because you want to fight someone doesn’t mean I do.”


“You seem to have forgotten what he did to me.  He was cruel and kept me locked away.”


“Can you see Molly falling for that? You had a brain injury when he took you.  You don’t give her enough credit and I don’t want him to get a penny from you.  He doesn’t deserve your anger. He doesn’t even deserve a thought.” Brian reached out and brushed Justin’s hair off his forehead and then let the back of his fingers brush his cheek.


“Brian, I can’t just…. I thought I was over this but…”


“Sunshine, you will never be over this but you have to get around it.  You can’t let him do this to you.  And he won’t do it to Molly.  You won’t let him.” Brian pulled him closer and met him in the middle.  Once their lips met, Justin’s whole body collapsed against him. Brian’s hands went down Justin’s back.


Just as Brian was pulling him closer, Ronni said, “My boys are here.  Time for breakfast!”


“Don’t forget where we left off.” Brian ran his hand over Justin’s ass and then moved to stand up.

 

“Don’t worry, I won’t.” Justin stood and put his arm around Brian’s waist and together they walked to the table.

 

“How did we fair, James? Any damage?”


“Nothing I can’t deal with.”


“Hire a couple day workers.  You don’t need to do all that by yourself.  You have the number.  Obviously, things blew around.  What is actually broken?” Brian continued to talk as he first kissed Aaron’s head and then ruffled Gus’ hair before sitting at the table along with everyone else. 


James had pulled his mom’s chair out before sitting down next to Em and kissing him.  “A couple of the cameras are down.  That is my first priority when I am done eating.  I will find out if they are working order and if they are not I will get new ones ordered and delivered hopefully today.” James looked from Brian to Justin.  “We can talk about that after breakfast.”


Em smiled at Gus, “I made sure we checked on the playground and one of your swings is down and the slide needs to be repaired but James can fix it up for you.” He smiled over a very serious looking Gus.


“Thank you, Uncle James.  I love my play area and Aaron is just getting big enough to play.”


James' eyes softened and he smiled at Gus, “I will have it play worthy by tomorrow.” 


The conversation lightened and after the meal, Em patted James’ shoulder. “I have the day worker’s number.  I’ll see if I can get a couple people out here.”


“And, Ronni, you get out of here.  It is your day off and I will take over here,” Nat said.  


“Yes, Ronni, go spend time with Dante and we will see you on Monday.  The last week of summer.  I can’t believe Gus is starting kindergarten a week from Tuesday.”  Justin pulled Gus on to his lap.


“I am going to school all day.  Will we talk to my teacher soon?” Gus asked.


“Yes, your daddy and I and you will go to the school on Tuesday evening so you can meet him and know where your room is.”


“Ok.” Gus kissed Justin’s cheek, “Daddy J don’t worry I can handle school.”


“You might be able to but I am not sure what I will do all day without you.” Justin hugged him tight.


“Gus, if your daddies can watch your sister, how would you like to go for a walk with Aaron and me and you can see what the storm did.”


“That would be fun!  I’ll go get his stroller.” Gus rushed off.


“Brian, can we talk a little business in the office?” James asked as he walked with Brian down the hall.


“The boys will love going out.  Thanks, Nat.” Justin was talking to Nat but watching James and Brian.  He wondered what they were up to. He wasn’t sure why he felt uneasy; they talked business often.  Between last night and the storm this morning, he was just out of sorts a bit.  He felt a bit of a headache so he made some tea for himself and a bottle for Jessi and curled up in a chair with her and after both finished their drink they fell asleep.


 


James sat down across the desk from Brian.  “I just wanted to find out if you knew when Justin’s father was getting out.  I am going to do my best to get the cameras up and running but I know at least one of them will need to be replaced and possibly two.  Do I need to be worried if it takes a few days? I am afraid there will be a lot of cameras needing to be replaced around here after that wind.”


“We have not got the formal letter and I was going to tell Justin last night but….well, we had a blowup but yesterday I found out his father will be released on Wednesday.  I honestly don’t know if we need to be scared.  Unless the man learned something in prison, Craig is nothing more than a bully who is all talk.” Brian looked at James and took a deep breath, “But do your best to get the cameras replaced and if you can’t at least move the working cameras to the most sensitive areas.”


“I am on it, Brian, and with your permission, I will talk to the guards at your office and see if any of them want overtime.  A couple guys roaming around might deter anyone from expecting us not to have security up and running.”


“Thanks, James. I would like that.  My leg is still messed up and this is a lot of property. Offer them a bonus if no one volunteers. And James, I have something I would like to run past you.”


“What is it, boss?”


“Are you happy?”


“How could I not be happy? I am married to the love of my life and we are having a baby?”


“Ok, I worded that wrong. Do you plan to keep working in security and other side jobs? If you are happy, I will have you work for me as long as you want, but you are so intelligent and could do so much …. I know you used to have some self confidence issues but that is gone now.  You have matured so much since I hired you.”


“What are you thinking?”


“I know you have been taking some courses online in psychology and, you are so good with people…” Brian stopped.

 

 

“Brian, I have no clue what you are thinking and I really have a lot of work…”


“I’m sorry, I am hoping my dad will start a center up here.  I am going to talk to Blake about being the lead therapist but he could use a level headed second in charge. If you are interested in taking schooling, I will gladly pay for it. If not, I still think you would be a big asset there.”


“Wow, that’s a lot to take in.”


Brian walked around the desk and laid a hand on James’ shoulder, “Just think about it and talk to Em.  We have plenty of time to think about it but if you’re interested, I am sure I could get you into a few classes.  I know you have a college degree in criminal justice and some business courses but let me know if ….”


“Brian, I really appreciate all of this and I am very interested in the job but if I choose to take courses, I will pay for them myself.  I am a man who needs to pay his own way.  I already feel like…” he stood up and moved toward the door.


“James, you are on duty 24 hours a day to protect my family.  You and Em earn your lodging not to mention the friendship you offer us and the kids. You are a good man, James. You and Em are perfect together and you are going to be great parents.” 


James walked out the side door and Brian went down the hall to find his family. Brian found Jessi and Justin still asleep. He gently lifted his daughter off Justin’s chest and held her close. He remembered the first time he held Gus in the hospital the night he met Justin. He hadn’t known it at the time but it was the being of his life.  Oh, it hadn’t been a smooth transition but once he realized what love was, he was a good father and when Aaron came and now this beauty…. He would make sure she knew she was not allowed to date….well not as long as he was alive. He lowered her into her cradle before he dropped on the sofa and raised his leg. He had forgotten how much it hurt until he laid flat.  


Twenty minutes later Gus walked in. He tapped Brian on the shoulder, “Daddy,” he said softly.  “Are you awake, Daddy?”


“I am now.”  He smiled up at Gus.


“Nat said to let you know that he, I mean she has Aaron.  He fell asleep and she has him in the shade. Daddy I know I should say she but sometimes I forget. I don’t want her to get mad at me.”


“Oh, Gus, Nat wouldn’t get mad at you.  She knows you love her and if you say he accidentally, she will understand.


“She told me that, too.” He looked over at Justin who was starting to wake up. “Why are you both sleeping? You don’t usually nap. Are you sick?”


Justin held out his hand for Gus and Gus climbed on his lap.  “Neither of us slept very well last night and your daddy’s leg is hurting so we are just taking it a little easier today.” Justin noticed how Gus snuggled in.  “Gus, you may be starting kindergarten but I hope that doesn’t make you too big to sit on my lap.”


Gus threw his arms around Justin’s neck.  “I never want to get too big to sit on your lap.”


“You don’t know how happy that makes me,” Justin said as he wrapped his arms around their son, holding him close.


When Aaron woke, Nat brought him into the house. Soon afterward they heard the generator kick off and everything went back to full power. Nat made a big batch of popcorn and they spent the rest of the day watching movies and munching.  Nat made them a light dinner after all the popcorn. No one was very hungry.  


Nat went back to her house after cleaning up the kitchen and Brian and Justin took the boys in their big bathtub and let them play until Aaron started to fall asleep.  Justin lifted him out and carried him to his room.   He didn’t know it but this would be the last night he would sleep in this room.  They had decided he was a little young for a toddler bed so they were moving the crib into Gus’ room and Jessi would be sleeping in the nursery in her small cradle for now. Justin put him into his pajamas and after kissing him on both cheeks he laid him down.


“Good night, Aaron, we love you.”


Aaron smiled up at him with sleepy eyes and said, “Dadada,” and Justin’s heart was full.


By the time he shut the nursery door, he heard Jessica Anne.  He sighed, wanting to spend time with Brian  but then he thought of the smile Aaron had just given him and he moved into his room.  Brian was in Gus’ room tucking him in and Justin wandered to the door. He eavesdropped as he jiggled Jessi to keep her quiet.


“Daddy, it was a scary day but it was a love day, too.” Gus said, reaching up and touching Brian’s cheek.


“It was scary for a while this morning but what is a love day, Sunny Boy.”


“It was a day when we got to sit around and love on each other.  We had popcorn and movies and we all spent time together. It was all five of us.  I wish Grandpa and Aunt Brandy and Aunt Sally could have been here.”


“We will see them before you know it.  And tomorrow we can do a video call with Grandpa.”


Justin blinked back tears.  Why was he being so sentimental tonight? Then he realized it was all tied to his own father. Did his father ever tuck him? He had.  He remembered him tucking him in and kissing his forehead.  How could a parent turn off the love for their child?  Did his dad love Molly? Did his heart hurt from missing her?


“Gus, I think it is time for you to get some sleep and for me to check on Daddy J.”


“He’s at the door. I can see his shadow.”


Justin stepped in and moved to the bed. “I didn’t want to interrupt your conversation.” Gus sat up and kissed Jessi on the cheek before Justin handed her to Brian. He wrapped his arms around his son and kissed him.  “I love you so much, Gus.  Get some sleep and in the morning we can call your grandpa so he can get some of your love over the phone.”


“I love you, too, Daddy J.”


Knowing Brian was hurting, Justin took Jessi back and slipped the other arm around Brian’s waist as they crossed the hall. Brian sat down on the bed and Justin passed the baby back to him.  “I better go down and grab her bottle supplies.  I forgot we were out of it up here.”


Brian held on to Justin’s wrist as he started to step back. “Sunshine, is everything alright?”


He smiled weakly, “It will be when I can get in bed with you.” He drug a hand along Brian’s jaw.  “I’ll be right back.”


Justin took a deep breath as he started water in the kettle and then put the bottles and supplies on a tray along with two cups, each with their own kind of tea bags. Could he really still love his father? Did he miss the man he had been once?  The water started to boil and he poured it into a carafe.


When he heard Jessi cry he snapped out of it and headed upstairs with the tray.  “Sorry, Jessi, Daddy’s coming.” Justin walked in and after setting the tray down, he handed Brian the bottle. He had maneuvered himself  so he was sitting against the headboard and started feeding their daughter. Justin poured water into the cups, making them each some tea. Brian watched him move silently.  He wasn’t his normal chatty self.  He didn’t look angry.  He just wasn’t his Sunshine. He watched him take the teabags out of the cups and set Brian’s within reach on the nightstand.  Justin set his cup on his side of the bed and walked into the bathroom.


Brian stood and, kissing Jessi’s head, he laid her in the cradle. He looked at the bathroom but as he debated whether to go in, Justin came out in one of Brian’s T-shirts and some old shorts.  For a moment it took Brian back to when he had met Justin.  He looked so young and a little scared but with a fire deep inside of him. For now he was going to deal with the scared little boy. The rest would wait. 


Justin sat down and picked up his cup of tea, taking a sip.  Brian followed suit and started drinking his tea. When Justin finished the beverage, he opened the drawer of the night stand and pulled out a small tin box and then opened it and took out a joint.


“Sunshine, what is going on in that beautiful head of yours? Smoking with Jessi in the room?”


“Oh, shit,” he said under his breath, and after putting the joint away, he turned to Brian who was ready with open arms.


“Do you want to talk about it? Did I say or do something?”


“Oh, no, Bri. I was just mulling over last night and spending the day with the kids after a scary morning, and then Aaron smiled at me after snuggling. He smiled at me and my heart just ….if it wasn’t for my father we wouldn’t have him.  And your conversation with Gus about the love day.  Promise me we'll keep having love days.”


“Everyday we are together, is love day.” Brian tilted Justin’s head up and ever so gently brushed his lips against his forehead, cheek, and finally, against his lips. Justin melted against him and together they slid down onto the mattress. Their movements appeared to be in slow motion as they touched and tasted each other for more than half an hour and then they linked.


As Brian continued in slow motion, he whispered, “Damn this leg.  I wanted to do it like the first time.”


“I don’t care, my love, as long as we are together.” They moved in tandem and, although not insanely physical, the passion was worth so much more. Their climax was as much a melding of souls as bodies.


Justin turned into Brian’s arms and they kissed but Justin pulled back and dropped his head on Brian’s shoulder. “You are right.  Molly needs to make her own decision.  And, although he is never going to be in his life, I need to thank my father for giving us Aaron.”


“Justin, you don’t have to…”


“I’m not doing it to be kind.  I’m doing it to let him know that, even though he thought he had it all, I ended up the winner.”


“There is something else. What is it?”


“How can I still love him? When you were with Gus, I remembered my dad doing that. I don’t think he did it often but he did it and he kissed me and tucked me in.  How do you turn off loving someone like that?”


“Some people, like my parents, never knew how to really love.  I don’t think they loved themselves either and your dad...I don’t think he knows how to love anyone but himself. I am sure he did at first but when it wasn’t easy, he looked out for himself.”


“Why can’t I just drop it? I have an amazing family and my mom is the best.  Between us we have parents. And our kids….we hit the jackpot with our kids.”


Brian took a deep breath, “Justin, James and I…”


“Oh, I was going to ask you what you two talked about.”


“Mostly your father.”


“My father?”


“He wondered if we had to worry about him, especially since cameras are down and he isn’t sure when they will get replaced. I don’t think he would get violent but, if he is low enough, he might come and see if Dani is still here. Or to try to see Aaron.” Justin started sitting up.  “Don’t worry, Sunshine. There are two guards on duty every night until the cameras are up and running and then we will re-evaluate the situation. If we need to have a security company check out the place every night we will.  If we need to have a night guard we will but we can’t jump the gun.  You plan to take Molly to meet him and we will see what his reaction is at that point.  Whatever you think after the meeting we will do.”  Brian kissed him  and softly said, “We can deal with this, together.”


“You’re right. We can handle anything together.”


“Remember, there is still a court order keeping him away from you, I think.  If Mel would get her ass back where she belongs….anyway.  Monday I will talk to our lawyer and check what we need to do to make all this legal but for now…” Brian’s hand moved down Justin’s chest and his mouth followed. “Sunshine, relax, let your mind wander.  Let me…”


Brian’s mouth came down on Justin’s penis and all of his troubles melted away.


Sunday morning, Gus had a long conversation with his grandpa and Aaron babbled and waved at him.  Brian and Justin both talked to him and he blew kisses at Jessi.  “Dad,” Brian asked, “Have you thought any more about opening another center?”


“I am talking to the Church about funding.  It isn’t looking good.”


“Dad, don’t worry about the money.  If you are willing, Blake is already excited and I spoke to James about it, too.”


“We’ll talk more later.  I have to get to the center now but do I ever miss all of you.  I swear all three of the kids have grown in the last week. I love you all.”


“We love you, too, Dad. I will talk to you soon.”  And the call ended.


 


Time went on and they kept Labor Day low key. With Gus starting school the next day and Craig getting out on Wednesday, they decided it was best to just keep it small, the people on the estate and Molly and Jenn.  Justin wanted to talk to Molly and then he would set up whatever he needed to do for a visit with Craig.  Molly wanted to see him with Justin and if she wanted to talk to him alone he would give them some time and vice versa.  Justin promised to call Molly on Tuesday after her first day of her senior year and let her know what he found out.


Tuesday morning, Gus woke up very early.  He crawled into bed with Justin and Brian. “Dads, you awake?” He asked as he kissed each of them and patted their cheeks.


“Son, the sun isn’t even up yet.” Brian said very groggily, putting his arms around Gus.  “Are you sure you don’t want to sleep another hour?


Justin rolled over and smiled as he watched Gus snuggle against Brian. “Daddy, I don’t think I can sleep right now.  I mean I know I met my teacher and he was nice but what if I can’t find my classroom and what if I don’t find anyone to talk to?”


“Oh, Gus, you will be fine. You just have to remember that everyone else in your class is probably a little scared, too.  Just be nice to everyone and I bet by the end of the week you’ll have a new friend or two.” Brian kissed his son.


“Hey, guys, can I get in on the snuggle fest?” Justin moved close and Gus turned and had one arm draped over each of them. He pushed their heads together and they kissed. “Good morning, Brian.”


“Good morning, Sunshine.” Brian said and kissed him again. 


“Daddies, do you need to check on the babies?”


“Ronni kept Jessi in her room last night and Aaron was still sleeping, wasn’t he?”


“He was.  I’m glad he is sharing my room now. I love him.” He flipped over and snuggled down between them for about 2 minutes before he sat up again. 


Justin smiled over at Brian.  “Gus, why don’t you go get the clothes we laid out for you last night and bring them in here so you don’t wake Aaron up when you get ready.”


“Ok, Daddy J.” Gus said as he crawled over Brian.  Brian’s reaction told him Gus had nailed him in his morning hard on.  Justin quickly moved over and kissed him as he let his hand move down, “Do I need to kiss it?”


“Fuck, I will expect that later.” He pulled him close and kissed him


“How is your leg feeling?”


Brian moved his leg a bit.  “It is still a little stiff but it is definitely better than yesterday.  I texted Ted last night that I wouldn’t be coming in first thing.  I figured I would take it slow this morning and go in late and then I can pick up Gus at the end of the day so I will have a few minutes with our boy.”


“What about your boy?” Gus asked as he walked into the bedroom.


“Your daddy is going to pick you up after school today,” Justin said.


“Really, Daddy? You would leave work to pick me up?”


“Gus, you know if I could I would pick you up every day but I have to work sometimes. But today, I will pick you up at the end of the day.”


Gus and Justin dressed and Brian pulled on his trunks and a robe.  “I thought the hot tub might help my leg. You go ahead and eat breakfast.  I will eat before I leave for work.” Brian walked out the back door and Justin watched him lower himself into the hot water. 


“Alright, Gus, what would you like for breakfast?” As Gus ate his breakfast Ronni handed Jessi over to Justn and he fed her while Ronni got Aaron. 


“Daddy J.  I am going to miss her.  I haven’t ever been away from her.”


“Oh, Gus, I think you know how I will feel.  I know you have been away and you lived with your moms part of the time but you are my son.  I think about you all the time and I know you are ready for school and I know you will do so well.” Justin stood up and handed Jessi over to Ronni. “Why don’t you go say goodbye to you dad and I will grab your backpack.”


Gus ran out of the house and looked at Brian over the protective fence.  “Bye, Daddy, you won’t forget to pick me up, will you?”


“I will be there at 2:30. I love you, Gus. You have a great day.”


“I love you, too, Daddy. Bye!”


Justin drove Gus to school and walked him into the building.  “Do you remember where your room is?”


“I think so,” Gus started down the hall. Soon they were in Gus’ room and after the teacher greeted him, it was time for Justin to say goodbye.  “Bye, Daddy J. I will see you when I get home.”


“Alright, Gus.  You have a great day.” Gus hugged him and Justin walked rapidly out of the building and got into the SUV. He took a couple very deep breaths. How did their little boy grow up so fast? But he was a great kid.  They were doing a good job.  He didn’t want to think about Lindz coming back.  She could have visitation but she was not taking him from their family.  Just then his phone pinged and he looked at the message. It was Molly, reminding him he had to call the lawyer’s office.  He assured her he would.  


When he arrived home, Brian was dressed in a suit and finishing some fruit and yogurt.  “Damn, I was hoping I could catch you before you were dressed.”


“I tried to hold off but Cynthia texted and I have to get to the office.”


“Let me know if you can’t pick up Gus.” Justin walked over and kissed him.


“I will make it to pick him up. I don’t care what I am doing, I will get there on time.  I have the timer set on my phone.” He drained his cup and then stood up, taking Justin in his arms.  “I love you.  Let me know how your phone call goes.”


“Love you, too.”


Brian stopped and scooped Aaron up and kissed his head.  “I will see you when I bring your brother home.” He set him back down and rushed out the door to the garage.


Ronni walked out of her room.  “That little sweetheart is sleeping.  Did Brian leave?”


“He did.  I’m glad he isn’t limping as much as he was.”


“Brian is doing fine.  He is still wearing the boot for a reason.”


“You’re right.  I am going to go make the call to my father’s lawyer. Our lawyer contacted him so he is expecting my call.” He walked back to the office.  Justin made the call.  By the time he got off the phone, he and Molly were meeting their father at the law office at 4:30.  The lawyer assured him that Brian’s lawyer had contacted the judge and the restraining order was waived as long as they were there with the lawyer. Justin had to stop himself from laughing when he said Craig had changed so much.


“Sir, we both know that isn’t true.  I am doing this for my sister and to assure him he is not welcome anywhere near me or my family.  I will be there with Molly tomorrow.” Before leaving the office, he texted his mom and Molly the details.


Justin spent most of the day painting.  He ate lunch with Aaron but then went back up to the studio while he napped.  Justin had finished the wedding painting for Em and James before they had gone down to Atlanta so now he had started a picture of his little girl and had another one planned for all three kids. 


 


Brian left his office right on time and was parked in the pickup line as the school bell rang. Soon Gus had gotten in the back seat and Brian made sure he buckled up. “So how was the first day of school?”


“Oh, Daddy, it was so much fun.” Gus told him about the activities and the kids.


“Gus, how does some ice cream sound? We can eat it and talk so I can see you while you talk.”


“Yes, PLEASE!”


A half hour later Gus had talked himself out and Brian picked up the tired, sticky boy and carried him to his car.  The extra weight didn’t help his leg but once Gus was snapped into his car seat and Brian got back behind the wheel it felt much better right away. By the time they arrived home, Justin was waiting for them. He walked into the garage and saw Gus sound asleep in the backseat. “I figured you were alright but, where the hell were you!” He wasn’t yelling but his tone of voice let Brian know he messed up.


“I am sorry, Sunshine.  You are right.  I should have called you.  Gus was so excited we stopped for ice cream so he could tell me all about his day. Am I forgiven?” Brian pulled Justin close and wrapping his arms around Justin’s waist pulled him tightly against him. His lips traveled down Justin’s neck as his hands undid his fly. He pulled Justin by the hand to a corner of the garage. Justin quickly undid Brian’s fly and soon both of them had their pants down and Brian pressed Justin against a work table and entered him.  It was quick and rough and when they had finished they stood in each other’s arms.  


“I can’t think of a better way for you to apologize.” They kissed just as they heard the car door open and shut.  They quickly zipped up and went to meet him.  Justin scooped up the boy and Brian was forgotten as Gus repeated his day to Daddy J.


 


Natalia had taken over for Ronni with the kids and Ronni put dinner together before she finished for the day. After dinner, there were baths to give and then it was bedtime.  By the time Brian and Justin fell into bed, they were both tired and Justin hadn’t even told him yet about the meeting. They lay together after making love in the shower and Justin told Brian about the meeting.


“Do you know what you are going to say to him?” Brian held onto him tightly.


“Most of it will depend on what he says to Molly.  But I am guessing I will tell him he is never welcome at our house ever.”


“Do you want me to go with you?”


“Thanks, Bri, but I need to show him I am man enough to do this without you and I can take care of my family.  I am not a faggot.  I am a gay man who has done well and am just as strong as any straight guy.”


“I know that darling.  You are the strong person I know and no matter what happens, you are the strongest person I know.”


“I love you, Brian.  I think Gus was as excited to have ice cream one on one with you as he was about his first day of school.” 


“Now that I am thinking about it, didn’t you promise to kiss something and make it better this morning?”


“Well now that you mention it…” Justin slipped under the blankets and within seconds Brian felt Justin’s warm mouth close around his cock and as Justin went to work Brian’s back began to arch and soon he cried out as Justin milked him.


Justin came back up and kissed Brian deeply, sharing his own taste with him.  “And that, my darling husband, is why our boys are sharing a room and our daughter is in the nursery.”


“I think we better get to sleep.  I have to go in early tomorrow.  Gus will be riding the carpool, right?”


“Yes, he will be picked up at 7:45.  I plan to work in my studio most of the day. I think it will be the best way for me to center myself. I ….I am too tired to talk about it.  I will figure out what needs to be said.  I know why I am saying it.  It is knowing I am helping Molly and whatever I do is for my family and family is always there for me.”


Soon Justin was asleep but Brian couldn’t seem to sleep.  If Craig did anything that hurt his family he would make him regret it.  He planned to meet him at the gate of the prison tomorrow and Craig would have no doubt Brian meant it. 

 

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