Should Old Acquaintance

Chapter 18

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Brian paced his bedroom. He had escaped in there to get away from Emmett and his continual string of instructions to everyone. The tall queen had become very good at his party planning and catering job, but Brian didn't appreciate the way Emmett had taken over the house. In fact, Brian didn't appreciate much of anything that was going on.

His house was starting to fill with people and he just wanted to be alone. Jennifer was dressing Briana in a new dress she had insisted on buying. Brian had already found what he thought was the perfect christening outfit. However, it was going to get wet when Bree was dunked in the stream. So, a compromise had been reached. Briana would wear Jennifer's dress for the baptism and then change into Brian's outfit for the rest of the party.

Then there was the whole problem of the Central America contingent. Apparently their plane was late and Bobby was delayed at the airport waiting for them and guests were starting to arrive and Brian wished for a pistol so he could blow his fucking brains out. This had to be the fucking stupidest thing he had ever agreed to do.

"Brian," Justin's soft voice interrupted his morbid thoughts. Brian turned to look at his husband. "I brought someone to see you." Justin gently pulled Briana through the door. "Show Dada how pretty you look," Justin encouraged her.

Briana shyly stepped forward and then did a little pirouette almost pitching over at the end of it. Brian couldn't help but grin. "That's my girl," he said with all the pride in the world. He had to admit that Jennifer had selected a beautiful dress. He carefully picked up his daughter and smoothed her dress so that it didn't get wrinkled.

Bree's arms went around Brian's neck. "Love you, Dada," Bree whispered in his ear.

"Love you right back," Brian whispered kissing her little cheek.

"You okay?" Justin asked.

"Now that I have the Squirt in my arms, I feel much better."

"People are starting to arrive."

"Oh, who?"

"The usual culprits, Debbie and Carl and Michael and Ben. I'm sure Michael wants to talk to you."

"And why is that?"

"You know Michael," Justin said. "He'll have something important to tell you whether you want to hear it or not."

Brian made a face. "Let's go face the music," Brian said with a smile. "Or the wrath of God or whatever else the fucking Fates have in store for us."

"The Fates have good things in store for us, Brian. It's going to be a happy day," Justin said as Brian pulled his husband into a hug. They walked out of the bedroom together.

There she is, little sweet one," Debbie cooed seeing Briana. She rushed over to give Briana a kiss and then wipe off the smudge of red her lips had left all over the little girl's face. "You look good enough to eat," she added, finishing rubbing off the lipstick. "And you done good, kiddo," she said to Brian giving him a kiss and then continuing the procedure she had used on Bree. Briana giggled and hid her face in her father's shoulder. "And Sunshine, you have the most beautiful daughter in the whole wide world, except for my Jenny Rebecca, of course," she added and began swiping at the lipstick she had now left on Justin's cheek.

"You better go fix your makeup, Deb," Brian said. "Or you won't have enough lipstick to go around."

Debbie gave him a little swat, and then asked, "Is your mother here yet?"

"She probably won't come," Brian said staring at the front door.

"Is she coming with Claire?" Debbie asked ignoring his pessimism.

Brian nodded and decided to say no more. Claire hadn't arrived yet, and he was sure she would be minus Joan when she got there.

"Brian," Michael said reaching up to give Brian a hug. "Haven't seen you for ages."

"How are you and the professor these days?"

"Just fine," Michael smiled. "I wanted to tell you that I think it's great you put aside your own feelings about religion and are doing this for Bree."

Brian looked into Michael's eyes. He could see that Michael meant every word he had said. "Let's hope I can agree with you when this is all over."

"Don't be a pessimist. The baptism will be great, and everyone's going to have a lovely time."

"Tell the powers that be," Brian said as the front door opened and Claire and Steve McNally entered. He carried Briana over to welcome them. At least he'd have two of his surrogate moms there when his own fucking mother failed to show.

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Joan Kinney sat in the backseat of her daughter's car. She watched Claire and her husband. They seemed happy. Claire seemed content for the first time in her adult life. Maybe her children had finally grown up too. She wondered why they had so little time for her though.

"I thought Peter and John were coming to the baptism," Joan said.

"John's driving down with his girlfriend and Peter," Claire said.

"When did he get a car?"

"It's not his car," Claire sighed. "It belongs to his girlfriend."

"Must be nice," Joan sneered.

Silence ensued for many miles. Joan smoothed the skirt of the new dress she had bought for this occasion. She wondered if she looked all right. She had asked Claire, but Claire had merely said, "Of course you do," like it meant nothing. Nobody really cared what Joan looked like, but she did. She knew Brian had made a name for himself in the business world. She wondered if there would be any famous or important people attending. She wanted to look nice, better than nice, so that Brian wouldn't be ashamed of her.

With a start, she wondered where that thought had come from, but she knew. She had always felt inferior to Brian. He took every occasion to let her know that she didn't live up to his standards, like he had any standards. That was one of the reasons she had always told him he was going to Hell. He thought he was better than her.

She wanted to show him that she could interact with his uppity-up friends. She wouldn't be bested on this day. And she certainly would be able to hold her own with that Novotny woman. Joan wondered if Brian had invited Debbie. Most likely he had. He seemed to think more of her than he did of his own mother.

Joan felt a little twinge at that thought. Maybe she shouldn't have come. Maybe Brian would snub her in front of all the people he had invited. If he did, she would be mortified. But she was doing this to meet her grandchildren. That's what she really wanted. Maybe they could finally connect and she would be able to see them occasionally. It was so lonely at her house every day. This could be a day to change all that. She just had to look good and act like she belonged there. Joan half snorted to herself. The world really was topsy-turvy when she was trying to act like she belonged in a house full of homosexuals. It didn't matter though; she could do this for one day. Joan straightened her back and sat rigid in the backseat. She could do this. She would show them all.

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One o'clock and all was not well, not well with Brian. Everyone else appeared to be having a grand old time. Emmett's canapés and other wonders were a big hit. The wine was flowing and the family was in lovefest mode, all hugs and smiles. Brian, on the other hand was a nervous wreck. Outwardly, Brian appeared cool and in control. No one, other than Justin, was aware that inwardly, Brian was worried. Worried that his mother wouldn't show. Worried she would appear and make a scene. Worried that she'd be drunk, get drunk. Worried that halfway through the ceremony Joan would produce a legal document declaring she was suing for custody of Bree. Worried that his mother might actually be nice for a change. Brian was just plain worried.

The whole family was there, admiring the newly conjoined homes, the pleasant gardens and landscaping and overall, enjoying each other. Father Tom was getting reacquainted with Briana then went to take a peek at the stream. He wandered down the path. Father Tom had seen pictures of the area but nothing prepared him for the serenity of the clearing.

"Beautiful," Tom said to himself as he looked around. There were several folding chairs set up for the elder guests and whoever else wanted to sit. The ceremony would be relatively short. The guests would be brought to the clearing, Tom would say a few words then he, the parents and the godparents would walk into the stream, with Briana, of course. Father Tom would then say the words bringing Briana into God's company as he immersed the child in the water. "God has touched this place," Tom commented as he was examining the replicas of the Patrick statues. The glade at the water's edge was perfect.

"Talking to yourself, Padre? A sign of the Devil," Brian snarked, wishing he had a cigarette to inhale.

"I guess I am," Tom replied ignoring the snark. "This place is miraculous. Just perfect for God's work."

"I hope so. I could use a miracle about now."

"You still worried about the baptism?"

"No, not really. I think I can handle it. All I have to do is stand around, look pretty, ooh and ah over the gifts and pay for the fiasco. It's John and Claire that have the hard part. What I'm worried about is..."

"Joan?" Brian lost his voice and could only nod. "Brian, you have a wonderful home, correction, estate. And this is God's own garden. Only miracles can happen here today."

"I'll hold you to that," Brian replied, unconvinced. Just then, John leading the family, came into the glade.

"Brian, it's time," John said gently then stepped to the side so that the family could all join in.

Justin came toward Brian, all smiles with Briana in his arms. The sun filtered through the trees, reflecting off the gold of their hair. Dressed in white linen, Justin looked like an angel carrying an angel. Brian couldn't help but gasp at their beauty, his heart bursting with love.

Gus came closer next. Tall, lean, a little gangly with youth but with a beauty and poise all of his own. Brian beamed with pride at his son then drew him close into a hug with Justin and Bree. Brian gave each one of his most loved a chaste kiss to the temple.

Debbie, Claire and Jennifer quietly approached. They all had in common a mother's pride in Brian and Justin and the choice they were making this day. Jennifer kissed her granddaughter then her son and then Brian. She took out a hanky and then took a seat.

Claire gave them each a soft smile as she gently tickled Briana's ear, then gave Jack's second son a warm hug. "My Jack would be proud of you," Claire whispered into Brian's ear then withdrew to take a seat next to Jennifer.

Debbie looked up into the hazel eyes that had plagued her over the years, angered her at times in the past, frustrated her, made her life a living hell, was her strength and her salvation. "I love you, kiddo and I'm so proud of you. You're doing good." Debbie gave Brian a little cuff behind his ear.

"Awe, Maw," Brian groused with love. Debbie took a seat on the other side of Jennifer.

"Brian?" Claire, Brian's sister, called out his name. Standing next to her was their mother. Joan looked nice in her new dress, very smart and sophisticated. And she was sober. Unable to formulate a coherent sentence, a soft, nervous giggle escaped Brian's throat. Fortunately Father Tom came to the rescue.

"Joan! I am so happy you decided to join us. Please, allow me to escort you to a seat. After the ceremony I would be proud to introduce you around." Joan was about to retort that of course she should be here. She was the grandmother to Brian's children. She had every right to be here, more than some who would try to take her place. She was about to glare at Debbie and that Anderson woman but caught herself in time.

"I'm very happy to be here," Joan said sweetly, half believing it. Then she allowed Father Tom to escort her to a seat near Carl and Steve.

Brian let out the breath he was holding.

"Ladies and Gentlemen," Father Tom began. "For those of you who don't know me, I am Father Tom. And I am very happy that you all have come today to witness a rebirth. The bringing of Briana Victoria Kinney-Taylor into God's family." Father Tom paused to scan the faces of the family and friends present. Everyone was smiling, including Joan and her son.

"Saint John baptized God's children in the waters of Jordan; his church was the open air. And so shall we commend Briana to God, here in God's forest, with her loving family and friends as witness."

Tom beckoned to Brian, Justin, John and Claire, and they followed Tom into the stream. Brian carried Bree, whispering reminders about the little dip she was about to take with the good Father. Brian handed Bree to John as Tom was about to begin the ceremony.

They all took their place midstream. John with Bree next to Claire. Brian and Justin close by keeping eye contact with their daughter to reassure her. As Father Tom raised his hand to bless the congregation, five more people entered the glade.

The family turned to see who the new arrivals were. No one recognized the guests except for Bobby who immediately escorted the elder Miguel and Marta to their seats after giving them both a kiss. Bobby greeted Juan and his Miguel with a warm hug then embraced Father Paul who had journeyed long and hard to be there. Bobby was about to show the missionary to his own seat when Father Paul gestured toward the stream. Wordlessly Bobby nodded and guided their dear friend into the water.

Joan who up until now still had doubts about Father Tom's motives in all of this was now truly curious at the arrival of these foreigners and of this elderly priest or monk. She had no idea who they were, and what their importance was to the lives of Brian and Justin.

Judging by the murmurs of curiosity, the rest of the family was just as bewildered.

Father Tom watched as Bobby brought Father Paul out into the water and waited as Brian, Justin and John greeted their old friend from Santa Ana. Paul was quickly introduced to Claire, Father Tom and to Bree who seemed to take to the kindly monk immediately.

"Father Paul," Tom addressed the monk. "Would you join me in the christening of Briana?"

"I am but a brother, Father Tom. A missionary, my son."

"Then you have brought many into God's flock. I would be honored if you stood here with me and blessed this child as well as her parents and godparents."

Father Paul nodded his consent and moved to stand beside Tom. "Then we shall begin...."

Brian heard little of the words that Tom was saying nor the responses from John and Claire. Brian heard the water as it trickled across the stones. He heard Bree giggle as Tom made the sign of the cross on her forehead. He heard the responses from the family who knew the ceremony and prayers. He heard Justin's sighs as he watched with pride at their good little girl who was behaving like a princess. Brian heard the gentle breeze as it rustled the leaves. The birds that seemed to chirp arias for them and even the frogs appeared to behave, croaking from the far shore. All, little miracles that filled Brian's heart with joy.

Then as Father Tom and Briana came up from the stream, Brian heard his daughter's laughter, the sweetest sound in the world next to Justin's moans of passion and Gus' 'Daaaad.' Brian Kinney truly felt blessed.

When the ceremony was complete, the group carefully walked out of the stream to the greetings and congratulations of the family. Emmett was prepared with towels and they would change back up at the house. John started the introductions of the newcomers to the family as they all walked the path to the house.

Juan's Miguel appeared fascinated by Emmett's canapés and couldn't help but comment and comment and comment and suggest different spices and other combinations. Emmett was polite and thanked the tall Central American queen for all his ideas, silently begging that Miguel would find a short cliff and take a long walk. After Miguel went to find his Juan and mingle with the other guests, Emmett found Brian changing his damp pants in the bathroom.

"Emmett, what the fuck is wrong with you?" Brian groused as he was trying to pull up his slacks.

"Brian, far be it for me to interfere but I'm telling you if that skinny queen from Barcelona tries to add paprika to one more of my canapés, I will not be responsible for my actions." Before Brian could reply, Emmett huffed then left the bathroom with a slam of the door. Justin, witnessing Emmett leaving the bathroom in a snit, opened the door to see his spouse on the floor with one leg in his pants and laughing like a hyena with tears rolling down his face.

"Um, Brian, what's up with Emmett? And why do you only have half your pants on? And why are you laughing like that?" Justin stood there with his hands on his hips waiting for an explanation for the very strange scene.

"Later, Sunshine, I swear, I'll try to explain it later. But we better get out there fast before Emmett kills Miguel." Brian cracked up again and began bouncing trying to get his foot down his pant leg. "Welcome to dueling queens!" Brian was laughing so hard that he banged into the bathroom door and wound up on the floor again. Justin left his husband there as he went outside to prevent the carnage.