Chapter 12

October was gone in a flash and soon Thanksgiving was upon them. Shadow had been living on the estate for about a month and, although she still missed her old school, she loved living there.  Charly was loving the new job. She had the flexibility to work on her degree as long as she got her work done.  She had the chance to help out with Jessi Anne a couple times and as Ronni got further along she would be asked to help out a little more. She didn’t mind. She loved the kids and working with Ronni and Connor.   She knew Connor was just out of college.  That made him about ten years younger than her but the more time she spent with him the more she wondered if he felt the draw to her like she did to him.

Natalia was getting stronger every day. She and Tom were going to drive down to Atlanta after Thanksgiving so Tom could start learning his role at the shelter because as it stood now, Kevin planned to move by the first of the year. It would be awhile before she would be ready to go back to work but she should be able to set up their new home over the next few weeks. At this point she planned to go to work after the first of the year.

Ronni and Charly were reviewing the menu and the ingredients they already had on hand. It was Monday morning and they had three days to make sure everything would be perfect. All of Britin would be there as well as Justin’s family, Ted and Blake, and everyone coming up from Atlanta on Wednesday.  

“I think we have everything covered.  Emmett is working on a couple salads for us and with some help Natalia is making bread.  Her bread is so amazing.”

“I can’t wait to try it.  I will make the pies.  I know there will be pumpkin, pecan, Dutch apple, and maybe chocolate or something,” Charly said.

“That sounds like a great variety. I know Dante will be thrilled there is pecan.  That is his favorite.”

“How are you feeling? I know you have had a couple of rough days.”

“The biggest issue I have is if I am on my feet too much.  I can do a lot sitting at the counter and I know there will be so much help here I will be able to take it easy.  You haven’t met Sal and Brandy but they are great women and know their way around a kitchen.  I am sure you will like them.”

“It’s hard to believe that I have only been here two months and yet they treat us like family.”

“I thought you might want to go to your parents for the holiday,” Ronni commented.

“We never had holiday dinners on the holiday.  They run a hotel and catering service.  I think we will go there on Saturday for our family dinner. It will be nice to just be with a small group.” Charly hugged Ronni who hugged her back.  “I am just so happy here.  It really does feel like home.”

Ronni smiled at her.  “May I ask you a question?”

“Sure.”

“You and Connor, is there something…”

Charly flushed, “He is way too young for me. I mean he….

“Age means nothing.  What is your heart, your soul telling you?”

“You are too good.  I wish I knew.  He is a great guy but neither of us have said anything.  I just watch him with the kids and I just feel something.”

“He is staying for the holiday, too.  There will be nothing for him to do.  Trust me Brandy and Sally will be attached to one of the kids the whole time and the third will probably be in Kevin’s arms.  “Is Shadow staying with her grandparents at all?”

“Well, yes, they are picking her up on Friday so she can shop with one of her friends.”

“So, you will invite him to your place Friday evening for a little peace and quiet.  The house will be loud and crowded.  Make a pizza and ice cream sundae.  Find a movie or turn on soft music and talk. Get to know each other.”

“You’re right.  I’ll do it.”

Justin was up in his studio when his phone sounded.  He finished what he was doing and then wiped his hands on a towel and went to pick up his phone. He expected it to be an itinerary from the family or a friend with a question about the holiday but he was wrong.  He stopped when he saw he had an email from their lawyer with a file attached. After being paranoid his father would try to take Aaron, now he was scared to see what it was. He was worried his dad had filed papers to get Aaron.  He wasn’t sure he could look at them alone.  It would wait until Brian came home.

That night Gus couldn’t stop talking. He was so excited he could barely handle it.  He knew his grandpa and his aunts were coming up for four days and he would be able to play with them. Brian noticed Justin was quiet so when Gus and Aaron were done eating Brian asked Connor if he would mind taking the boys upstairs and getting them ready for bed. Gus complained a bit.  “We will come up for story time,” Brian assured him.  With that Gus agreed and went upstairs.

“Spill it. What is bothering you?” Brian asked as he held Jessi, making faces at her so she would smile.

“I got an email today.  It is my father’s response about Aaron.”

“What did it say?”

“I couldn’t read it alone.  I don’t know what I will do if…”

“Sunshine, you won’t do anything.  We will handle it.  Our lawyer has been outlining your dad’s case showing all the reasons he should never be allowed near him.” Brian stood and handed Jessi to Ronni who had been cleaning up silently in the kitchen and then he took Justin’s hand, having him stand up. “We will read it together after the kids are down. Justin, he is not going to succeed.  He has no claim.” Brian kissed him.  “Let’s go read a couple stories and let Connor off for the night. We can read to the boys and get them in bed. Then with a glass of wine we will see what Craig has to say.”

“I know you’re right. It’s just that…”

“No justs. No buts.  We have nothing to worry about.” As they walked up the stairs he hoped he was right.

Ronni said from behind them, “I will heat water while I put this one to bed.” Ronni kissed the sleeping baby and said to herself. “Such a perfect human being.”

Brian and Justin walked into the boys’ bedroom and thanked Connor for putting them in the bath.  After finishing in the tub, Brian and Justin helped the boys into their pajamas.  Brian let Justin focus on Aaron.  When it was story time, all of them sat on the bed as Brian and Gus picked the books.  Aaron snuggled closer to Justin’s chest and Justin’s arms tightened around his warm body.  

By the time Brian finished the last story, Aaron had fallen asleep in Justin’s arms.  “Goodnight, Daddies, I love you.” Gus said as Brian tucked the blanket around him.  As Justin laid Aaron down, Brian put an arm around his waist, kissing his temple when he stood back up.  They left the room together.

“Let’s go get the tea. I am sure Ronni has it waiting for us and we can go to the office to read the email.” Ronni did have cups waiting and they carried them to the office. Brian sat down and pulled Justin onto his lap. Justin signed into his account and clicked on the email and then opened the attachment as he turned away.

“I’m not sure I can read this,” he said.  

Brian looked at the screen. “Sunshine, there is nothing to read.  It appears your dad has sent us a video message. Are you ready for it?”

“Brian, do you mind if I listen to this myself?” He stood up. “I know I just begged you to read this to me and now I…” 

Brian stood and picked up his tea. “I’ll be in the kitchen, Sunshine.” He walked to the door. “I love you.”

“I love you, too, Brian.”

Once the door shut Justin drank some of his tea and took a deep breath before pulling the rolling chair close to the desk.  He picked up the cup again and then clicked on the play button.  

The screen lit up and then his father came into camera view and sat down.  He started talking,

‘Justin, I know you expected something from me probably a month ago. I almost sent something earlier but I was torn.  I still don’t think it is right for men like you to raise children.  I’m not a perfect father. I know that but I wouldn’t expose my son to the things you and Kinney do.

But your sister let me know he was a happy boy.  She told me you have  nannies and housekeepers.  She also said they spent lots of time with your kids. I know your mom ditched me but she was always a great mother to you kids.

Anyway, what I really want to say is your sister showed me I don’t have anything to offer the boy right now. I need to get my life together now.  I am not saying I am giving him up permanently but right now I know you will take good care of him.

One more thing, that also means I will quit checking out your place. I saw you upped security.  I did sit out of sight across the road a couple times. Your cameras seemed to fail to catch movement that far away although there was a time a deer… well, anyway, I plan to follow the restraining order and when it expires we will talk again.

Justin, I do want what is best for all my children. A father always loves his children.’

Justin felt both relief and fury. It sounded like Molly hit a nerve with him and he would thank her on Thursday but he thought he could just leave him there until he got back on his feet. Justin stood. He needed to talk to Brian.  Brian would help him think straight. He moved quickly out of the office and then to the kitchen.  Brian opened his arms and without a word Justin stepped into them.

“What did he say?”

“It was him across the road the night James saw the deer.”

“I’ll call the police…”

“Brian, he isn’t going to do anything right now.  Molly convinced him he needed to get his life together before he tries for any custody of any kind.  He hasn’t given up but he has for now.”

Brian kissed him.  “I don’t think Molly realizes what she did but his ‘postponing’ this will show the courts he isn’t serious about raising Aaron. Make sure you save that video and that our lawyer will keep it for the future and now, you and I need to sleep before that perfect baby of ours wakes up for a bottle.

“Bri, you go up to bed.  I think I’ll just stay up until her last bottle.  I need to think.”

Brian pulled him close, “Don’t worry but I understand.  Tomorrow is my last day before the holiday so I need to get to bed now.” They kissed once more and then Brian went upstairs and Justin walked over to the bar but then went to the kitchen instead and reheated the water for another cup of tea.  He dug in the back of Ronni’s tea and located what he was looking for.  He brewed a weak cup and then added a few leaves of another flavor.  He knew he would be very relaxed but this wasn’t enough to make him high.  He needed to get his father’s voice out of his head.  He kept hearing the words ‘the things you and Kinney do’ and ‘a father always loves his children’.

His father only loved his children if they did what he thought was right.  So kidnapping a man was fine but loving your soulmate wasn’t. He just couldn’t understand. He drank more of his tea.  Justin was in such deep thought he didn’t hear the footsteps.

“Justin, what’s up?” Justin jumped at Connor’s voice. “I’m sorry.  I didn’t mean to surprise you?”

“Not your fault.  I was just …. In my own world. I wasn’t quite ready for bed and Jessi will be awake for her last bottle and then I ….”

“Justin, are you high?” 

“No, well on the edge. I drank some of Ronni’s tea.  I needed something to …. My father has given me his word that he will not try to take Aaron.”

“Well, that’s great news so why are you so…”

“First, he’s not the most reliable person but a couple of the things he said on video Brian is sure will help us.  I just…”

“He’s your father and even though he’s an asshole you miss the relationship?”

Justin looked at him, “Yes, it’s that exactly. I have such a great family so why do I care about that shit?”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

“Because the good part of him is in your memory? He couldn’t have such an amazing family without having something good inside of him.”

“I think my mother brought out the good in him and they separated because of Brian and I.”

“No, that would not be the reason the marriage ended.” When Brian had gone up he turned the intercom on in Jessi’s room so now they both heard her making little noises. Now both Connor and Justin heard her.  Justin got up and started to make the bottle.

“Go to bed, Justin.  I will feed her and put her down.”

“No, I need to hold her.  I need to remember what being a father is really like. Thanks for the offer, but I’ve got this. I will see you in the morning.” With that Justin went upstairs to feed his daughter. He lifted her up and after sitting down, rocked gently as she drank greedily.

“Slow down, sweetheart.  You are eating too fast.  You are growing so quickly.  You’re our last baby.  I will miss this time.”

Connor listened to Justin talk to his daughter and couldn’t imagine what would happen if his father tried to take Aaron away.  Justin was fierce when it came to his children.  And he would be right there to back him up. He shut off the intercom and went to bed.

Justin put the sleeping babe back in her cradle and walked back to the master, getting into bed with Brian.  In his sleep, Brian reached for him and Justin willingly went into his arms.

Tom lay next to Natalia.  He held her close although he still was very careful, knowing she was still not 100%.  She turned to face him and kissed him. “Do you know how happy I am to wake up with you next to me?”

“No happier than I am.  I totally believe in the priesthood but why you are not allowed to marry just makes no sense. I am so glad Father Kev is giving me a chance to still do what I love and now I can do it with the one I love.”

“I am thinking about taking a walk to the main house.  Thanksgiving is tomorrow and it would be a lot easier to make the bread with their counter space and Charly said she would help me. I don’t think I can do all the kneading.”

“I will join you.  I know the Atlanta crew will be here around noon but until then I bet Gus is going to be wound up.  I will try to entertain him for a while.”

“You are such a good man.”

Tom got up and gave Nat a hand.  She tried not to show it but she still had twinges of pain. Tom offered the second hand and pulled her up wrapping his arms gently around her waist.  “Do you want to share a shower?” Tom asked.  It was a very tight fit in the small shower but he knew it hurt her to wash her hair.

“Does my hair look that bad?”

“Not at all.”

“Let’s both take a change of clothes along and sneak into Brian and Justin’s bathroom later.  That shower is big enough for an orgy and it has a seat in it.  Then you can help me wash my hair and I can,” she ran her hand along his cock, “enjoy a large treat.” As she finished the sentence his cock got rock hard. 

“Just the thought of…” Tom pulled her to him and his lips claimed hers with a crushing force.

When he let her go she said, “I am sorry. I know you want more and…”

“Oh, no Nat!  Don’t ever feel that way. We have the rest of our lives to make love, but we are in love and being free to be in love …. I can have the patience of Job waiting to make love to you.”

“I have a lot to learn about the Bible.  I hope you’ll teach me.  I want to learn to love what you love.”

“You don’t know how happy that makes me.” Tom smiled at her. “Want me to help with your top?”

“Yes, please.”

The two got ready to go to the main house.

As they got to the main house Gus seemed to be everywhere at once while Aaron tried to keep up with his big brother. Connor was trying to keep up with them. “Gus, I have a favor to ask.  Would you be willing to help me with something outside?”

“Gus stopped and looked at him.  Um, how long will it take? My grandpa and aunts…”

“Oh, I know they will be here in about three hours.  We will be back by lunch. That will be plenty of time.”

“Ok, I would like to do that then. I better go ask my dads.”

Ronni had been eavesdropping, “Gus, I will let your dads know you are with Tom.  They will be fine with that.”

“Ok, Ronni.  Thank you.”

“Go get your jacket. It is cold out.” As Gus bundled up, Tom walked to Ronni.  “I am not sure what we are doing but I could tell he needed to get out for a bit.”

“Thank you,” was all Ronni took time to say as she continued her work.

Tom and Gus walked back to Emmett and James' house. Before going in Gus asked, “Tom, can we look at Dante and Ronni’s house?”

“I think as long as we are careful we should be able to take a look. It is getting close to being finished.”

“I will miss Ronni living in my house but I know she will still be here during the day.” Gus smiled up at Tom.  “Nat is looking very pretty, isn’t she.”

“Yes, she is and I love her very much.”

“Are you going to marry her?”

“Sometime.  We are in no rush.  Both of us have had big changes so we need to get used to the new us and then we will start planning our future.”

“I’m glad.  Nat has always loved you, even when she was Nate.”

“Did she tell you that?”

“No, she didn’t but I could tell.” 

“You are a very smart boy.”

Dante happened to be at the house so he gave them a tour.  After that, they went to see Em.  “Uncle Em, do you need anything at the store? Tom and I are going to the store.”

“Actually, I did realize I forgot to buy pecans.  I was just going to leave them out but it is so much better when I put them in.”

“Well, Gus, are you ready to go shopping?”

“Can I get a treat? And one for Aaron?”

“I think that sounds like a good idea.” Tom smiled at Gus.  We will have to go take one of your dad’s cars.  I don’t have a car seat.”

“There is one in Ronni’s car and that is right here.”

“So it is.” Tom texted Ronni and five minutes later they were on the road.

Brian and Justin, along with Jessi, were on their way to the airport. “Are you feeling any better about your dad’s message?”

“I am.  I have to. I can’t let him win.  I talked to Molly and she promised she would keep me informed if he says anything and of course she will keep telling him he doesn’t want to raise another child.” 

“Which I would guess is very true.” Brian touched Justin’s cheek. “I really feel like we are good, at least for a year or so.”

“Yes, and your father and his girls will be here and starting the first of the year, Kevin will be up here half the year. That will be so nice.” Jessi cooed in the back.  “Yes, beautiful girl, you are excited to see your papa more often too, aren’t you.” Justin looked back at their little girl and she smiled at him.

They were just pulling into that airport pickup lane when Kevin, Sally, and Brandy came out of the doors.  A few minutes later, the suitcases were in the back, Justin was in the back seat. Brandy and Sally sat on either side of Jessi while Kevin rode up front with Brian.  As they rode, Sally and Brandy fawned over Jessi while Kevin and Brian talked about the Legacy center.  Justin curled up on the back seat and fell asleep.

Tom and Gus arrived back at the house.  Ronni put Gus to ‘work’ having him carry towels upstairs bathroom by bathroom.

“Ronni, Do you think Brian and Justin would mind if Tom and I used the master bath shower?It is so hard for Tom to help me wash my hair in our small shower.”

“Go ahead.  If they get home I will tell them.  And, Gus should have just brought a bunch of towels up there. After that, you need to get some rest. If you don’t, you will be too tired to enjoy tomorrow.” 

“But I want to see Sally and Brandy before tomorrow when there are so many people around.”

“I will send them your way to visit sometime this afternoon. I will talk to them and I will let you know when they are coming.” Ronni assured her.  “I know they want to see you.”

Nat kissed Ronni’s cheek.  “Thank you, Ronni, I will.”

They walked up the stairs, hand and hand.  Once they were in the large shower stall Tom pulled her to him. He let his mouth travel down to Nat’s newly created breasts. “I am just making sure all your nerve endings are working.”  When he felt Nat shiver, he knew that was from pleasure not pain. He had Nat sit and, with a hand held shower head, he wet her hair down and then massaged shampoo in and then followed by conditioner.  Once the conditioner was in, Natalia put her hands on his hips and pulled him close.  She welcomed his erection into her mouth. He placed his hands on her shoulders and enjoyed the feel of her mouth on him.  He put his hand on the back of her head as he filled her mouth with cum. 

Tom bent and kissed her long and deep. “I love you.  I love you so much.  I can’t believe I almost let you go.” 

Nat stood and wrapped her arms around him. “I am so glad you didn’t.”  

Soon they dressed and Tom drove her back for a deserved rest.

Connor managed to get Aaron down for a nap while he sat with Gus, working on his reading. “Connor?”

“Yes, Gus?”

“Is my grandpa here yet?”

“Not quite but he will be soon.” Connor gave him a little hug.  “What do you say you practice one of your favorite books and then you can read it to your grandpa or your aunts or all of them.”

“I don’t know if I can read good enough.”

“Gus, you can do anything you want to do so if you want to read a story to your grandpa, you can do it.”

Gus scampered off his bed and grabbed one of his favorite books and crawled up next to Connor where they stayed practicing until Aaron woke up.

“Bro, is Justin sick? He has been sleeping the whole way home.” Brandy asked quietly not wanting to wake him.

“No, he has just been working a lot and the asshole made him wait over a month to respond to him about Aaron. It appears for the time being he isn’t going to push for custody.”

“Thanks to Molly,” Justin’s voice came from the back.  “I am sorry.  That was really rude of me.”

“Not at all!” Sally said.  “Just because we are the ones traveling doesn’t mean you haven’t done anything. We want to see you keep yourself healthy. None of us want to deal with him without you,” she pointed at Brian. “By the way, Brian, it is good to see you on both legs again.”  Jessi started fussing.  “I just want to scoop her up and…”

“Well, since we are now on the estate scoop away.” Before Brian had fully stopped the car, Sally had Jessi in her arms.

“She has grown so much since we saw her in August!” Sally kissed her plump cheek and then passed her on for Brandy to get a snuggle in. Brandy made sure Jessica was all bundled and made a dash for the house. Sally followed while Brian, Justin, and Kevin carried in the bags.

As soon as they entered the house became a beehive. When Gus heard the extra noise he looked at Connor who nodded but put a finger to his lips.  Aaron would wake soon enough and this way Gus had a few minutes alone with them.  Gus ran right into Kevin’s arms and Kevin picked him up and twirled him around and then held him tight.  “Gus, you have grown.  It is obvious you are learning a lot in kindergarten. You look smarter.”

“Grandpa, someone can’t look smarter but I do want to read you a story sometime.”

“Well, how about at bedtime tonight? I would love to hear the story.” Kevin said as he set Gus down so his aunts had a chance to hug him and he took the baby for a little walk.  She was getting fussy.

“I am sure little miss is hungry. Would you like me to take her?” Ronni said as she gave Kevin a kiss on the cheek.

“I would love to feed her if I had the bottle.”

“Sure, have a seat and I will bring it to you.”

As Kevin fed Jessi, Justin introduced everyone to Charly and Shadow.  “We were just leaving,” Charly commented.  “Ronni, I will be here early tomorrow morning.”

“Charly, are you coming back for pizza with us?”  Ronni asked.

“We don’t want to intrude.”

“You aren’t intruding.  James and Em are coming for sure and Connor will be here so you are more than welcome.”

Charly looked at Shadow who nodded quickly.  “Looks like we will be here. What time?”

“Probably around 6:00. If we change the time I will let you know.”

Charly and hurried out the door to the pool house.

“Oh, that reminds me, Sally and Brandy, Natalia was wondering if you could stop by sometime this afternoon. She doesn’t want to wait until tomorrow to see you.”

“Sure.  How is she doing?”

“She’s doing great.  Having Charly here, another young woman, has helped her, I think.  She may have questions for you, too.  There are a lot of men in this place and she has all new parts.”

“Point us in the right direction and we need a tour of this place soon.” Before Brandy finished the sentence Connor came down with a sleepy Aaron. He looked at all the people and beamed.  Aaron, give me a hug.” Brandy took her nephew from the stranger in front of her. “Hey, I’m Brandy.  That gorgeous woman over there is Sally, and she is MINE.” Brandy glanced at Sally and smiled.

“She knows very well, even though I think you are beyond cute, I may drool, but I always go back to the woman I love.”

“I’m Connor, I’m the manny for the boys.”

“Give yourself credit, Connor, you help with all the kids and anything else we ask of you.” Brian said. 

“We were just talking, we will have pizza for dinner but I am betting everyone needs some lunch.  It is still five hours until then and I would guess none of you had too much on the plane.” Ronni pulled out platters of meats and cheeses and brought out breads and condiments.  “I will let Nat know you are going to be there in an hour and a half or so.”

“Thanks, Ronni.  You are everything they said you are including a grandmother to be.  I am sure Em and your son are so excited.” Sally said as she made a sandwich.

“”Well, I am so excited to be a grandmother. I can’t wait to spoil her.”

“Her? They are having a girl?” Brandy asked as she followed Sally.

“No, I just have a feeling.” 

“Well, whatever you have it is a very lucky baby.” Brandy said.

The girls went and spent a couple hours with Natalia.  They started planning some of the desserts Nat planned to make and how once she was 100% the back room was going to be made into a bakery.  When Sal  and Brandy left James and Em’s house they were both flying high about their future.  They also met Tom and liked him very much.  They said they would start looking for a place for the two of them to live.

As afternoon turned into evening pizzas were ordered and Em and James, along with Connor, Charly and Shadow, joined the family for pizza.  Dante took Ronni out for a relaxing dinner and Tom and Nat ordered a pizza but Nat was worn out after cooking with Charly earlier.

After Tom texted Justin what kind of pizza they wanted, they sat on the sofa.  “Did you do too much today?” Tom asked Nat as she laid her head in his lap.

“Maybe a little but I loved it. I am so tired of not doing anything and I have to admit, as much as I am enjoying having them, breasts really do get in the way. I had to knead my dough differently.” Nat was silent for a minute.

“What is it, beautiful?” Tom stroked her hair.

“I just wonder if I will be sorry I didn’t have a full reconstruction.  I mean I am glad to get rid of my penis and those balls, I love so much on you, but just never felt comfortable with them. Am I going to be sorry someday?”

“I know you didn’t ask my opinion, but…”

“Of course I want to hear what you think.”

“You know I would always love you but I am not sure I would know what to do with a vagina.  I know we would have figured it out but, I don’t plan to let you go.  I love you, your soul, and your body.” He ran his hand along Natalia’s thigh and over her ass. “I do have to admit, I will be thrilled when you are ready for us to go a step further.

“Tom, I was thinking about that.  I am trying to figure out where we are going to get married.  “What would you think of getting married on Christmas? I am sure James and Emmett would come to Atlanta and I could invite my parents.  I don’t think they will come but my mom might. And Brian and Justin and their kids are already going to be down there.”

“Really? Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure and I think we should wait until then to have sex again.  I know that sounds silly but by then I am sure I will be more than ready and I can’t imagine not feeling your hands on me but…. I talked to Sally and Brandy about some of this today and I am going to move in with them until we are married and you can stay with Kevin until we can find our own place.”

There was a knock on the door and Nat sat up so Tom could get the pizza. He set the pizza on the coffee table and then grabbed them each a beer.  “I love your idea.  Do you think we can find a place to get married?”

“I don’t care.  It will be a very small group.  I don’t care if we get married in the diner but I bet if we get married in the early evening, with Father Kevin’s connections, I bet we could find a chapel with Christmas decorations that would let us use it for an hour.  Just think, no cost for decorations.”

Tom handed a beer to Nat and kissed her as he sat down.  “I love your plan and I love you. Now, let’s eat!”

“And then you will move into the extra bedroom upstairs?”

Tom looked surprised for a moment but then nodded. “And then I will move upstairs.”

“If you want pizza you better all get in the kitchen,” Brian called as he held Jessi against his chest.  “And you, pretty girl, have been spending far too much time with your aunts and grandfather.  I have hardly had a chance to hold you today.”

“Well, you can hold her any day,” Brandy said as she snatched the baby from his arms. “I can’t believe how big she is already. And Aaron is getting to be such a little man.  He has moved from a baby to a toddler.  Does that make sense?”

“Yes, it definitely does. He is learning new words and skills every day,” Justin said as he walked past carrying a couple pitchers of drinks and putting them on the table.  

Soon family and near family were all sitting around the table eating and laughing. Instead of reading his story to just his grandpa, after he had finished his pizza he whispered something to Connor and Connor nodded.  Gus ran off.

“I hope it is alright. I gave him permission to get something. He has something he would like to share with everyone. We talked about it earlier.”

“What’s he up to now?” Brian smiled at Justin.

“Don’t ask me.”

A few people were still eating a little of the pizza but when Gus came back he had everyone’s attention.  He was holding a book. “I,” Gus looked at all the people at the table. “Never mind.”  He ran out of the room and up a few steps before he sat.  Connor stood up and followed him, sitting next to him on the step.

“What’s wrong Gus?”

“There are so many people in there.”

“There are quite a few but you know what?”

“What?”

“Every person in that room loves you SO SO much. They are proud of you already and no matter what, they will always love you.”

“But what if I forget a word?”

“Would you like to sit on my lap while you read? If you get stuck, I’ll whisper it to you.”

“Are you sure I can read good enough?”

“I know you are.”

They walked hand in hand back to the table and Connor lifted him up onto one knee. And then Gus opened a book and read every word of a book about a Puppy for Peter.  When he finished everyone at the table clapped and cheered.

Brian stood and lifted Gus off of Connor’s leg and hugged him tight.  “That was amazing! I didn’t know you could read that well! When can you start work at my office.  Kinnetik could use a guy like you.”

“Daddy, you are so silly.” Gus wrapped his arms around his neck.

While Charly and Shadow dipped ice cream for everyone and set out topping for sundaes, Gus ended up getting hugs from everyone.  And after sundaes, the girls took Gus and Aaron up for a bath while Kevin gave Jessi a bottle. Emmett and James said goodbye and shortly after that Charly and Shadow left, too.  Soon the children were in bed and Connor said goodnight, leaving the five adults sipping wine and catching up.

“I don’t know if we should,” Brandy said to Sal.  Sally pulled out her phone and texted someone.  Shortly after she received a text back.  She nodded at Brandy.

“So, I just texted Nat and she gave me the go ahead.  Tom and Natalia are getting married on Christmas evening. They are hoping you will marry them, Father Kev? They are hoping we can find a little church or chapel….”

“Of course I will marry them and I think I know a perfect place!  There is a small church near the shelter…”

“Why didn’t we think of that?” Brandy asked, swatting at Sally playfully.  That church just two blocks down the road.  It would be perfect!” 

“We have been to a couple weddings there.  It is perfect.  Why didn’t we think of that?”

Kevin already had his phone out and was texting. “I just texted the pastor to see if it is free for a small wedding that evening. They aren’t expecting a crowd are they?”

“I am sure they aren’t. It sounds like Tom doesn’t have family and Natalia hopes his mom might come but if not, I am sure Em and James will be there.” Brandy said as she and Sally were now snuggling Jessi as she slept.  “Why don’t we go put her down for you and we need to get some sleep. We promised to be up early to help. We are going to have twice as many cooks as we need but it will be so much fun.”

The women waved and walked up the steps, leaving Justin, Brian, and Kevin alone for the first time since they arrived.  “So, Justin,” Kevin draped an arm around his son in law. “I hear it is sounding more positive that your father will be leaving you alone for now anyway.”

“I am hoping so.  I am afraid I have to acknowledge his ‘good will’ somehow but I don’t want to give him too much attention. I do think he doesn’t have a prayer of getting him living in a small rundown apartment a couple months after he got out of job.  Our lawyers say it is very unlikely he would get custody.  He may be able to get visitation but even that, unless it is chaperoned, would scare me to death.”  He took a deep breath and laid his head on Kevin’s shoulder, “But I am not going to let it bother me.  We need to live.”

Kevin tightened his arm around him and kissed his head.  “I can tell you, I pray for all of you every day and I will definitely ask for extra protection for Aaron.”

“Thank you.  I know we don’t do the church thing but I believe there is some kind of higher power and I know you have a direct line to him or her.”

They all got up for one reason or another and when they sat again, Brian was leaning back and Justin’s arms were wrapped around him. Kevin smiled to see his son so happy.  “You two are definitely happy. That is obvious.”

“Dad, how could I not be? Since you came into my life, I can't be anything but happy,” Brian said. “And could you believe Gus reading like that tonight? I knew he could read a few words and we have had him read those super small books but this was a whole book.”

“Any child who gets as much attention and love as yours do, are going to feel supported and strive for the stars.” Kevin had been very proud of him and felt blessed to be able to see it.

“To think it was only a year ago that I knew you existed.” Brian had to take that in.

“That is hard to believe.”

“I hope to get to the hospital and see Anna Claire while I’m here but I know after Christmas I will be able to see her regularly, if she will let me.”

“Last time I saw her she asked about you so that means she is thinking about you. We will call on Friday and see what her mood is.  If you don’t see her this visit, I will start priming her for you moving here.”

“Thanks, Justin.” The conversation then switched to the Legacy Center they were going to open after the first of the year.  It was midnight when they walked up the steps together. Justin kissed Kevin on the cheek and ducked in their room. Brian and his dad hugged for a full minute.  

“Dad, I am so glad you are here and that soon you will be here a lot more.”

“Brian...son, I can’t put into words how much this means to me.  I had my girls, and I love them like my own, but you are mine and that can never be taken away from me.” They said goodnight and Brian and Kevin separated.

Brian entered the bedroom and found Justin in the shower. He joined him. Wrapping his arms around him from behind, Justin leaned against him.

“I hope you don’t mind not having sex tonight.  It is late and I have a headache.  I took one of my pills and thought the warm water would relax me.”

“Do you have your tea up here?”

“Ya, I have the water heating in the electric kettle over there,” he pointed toward the counter. “Don’t worry, darling. It isn’t a bad one.  It was one too many drinks and the need for sleep.” He turned to face Brian.  “We have so much to be thankful for.”

Brian kissed him.  “Yes, we do and it is only going to get better. Now, let’s get you into bed.” He turned off the water and helped dry Justin’s back and ass and then handed him the towel and Justin finished drying himself as Brian quickly dried off, too.  “Go lay down.  I will bring your tea.”

A couple minutes later, Brian strode from the bathroom, still naked, with a cup of tea in his hand. He handed it to Justin and then, after shutting off all the lights except the one on the nightstand, Brian got into bed next to Justin.  As soon as Justin finished his drink, he laid his head down on Brian’s chest. 

"Sleep, Sunshine. I'll get up with Jessi. You just sleep." Soon he heard the deep breaths of a man asleep. Damn, he wasn't sure how but this moment with all his family around him, he felt more loved than ever before.

Brian slipped out from under Justin's head when he heard Jessi waking up, not wanting her to wake Justin.  He sat in the rocking chair as she drank her bottle and he said, "You know, little one, last year at this time I didn't know your grandpa oryour aunts or you.  I don't know what I did to deserve this life, but whatever the hell it was, I am thankful.