Sins of the Father

Chapter 12

After the near disaster at lunch and before they got on the highway that would lead them to St. Augustine, Brian decided a pit stop at a local convenience store would be prudent. St. Augustine was less than two hours away but that was an eternity when traveling with two little children. Brian pulled into the parking lot and told everyone to relax while he went into the store to purchase snacks, bottled water and enough drink boxes.

When he came out laden with his booty, Brian was treated to the sight of the adults in the van laughing uncontrollably. Brian had a sneaking suspicion his whole foray into being helpful and supportive of same sex committed couples was being joked about. He raised a brow then scowled at his loved ones as he stowed the goodies then got in to start the van.

"So, Bri?" Bobby said gently.

"Hmm?"

"What kind of china pattern do you think would accent our decor?" Bobby asked innocently then they all roared with laughter, Brian's death glare notwithstanding. All thoughts of incompetent wait staff and bigoted restaurant managers were forgotten.

*****

"Mr. Taylor, I apologize, I was hoping that they would change their mind and leave as planned. You asked for the largest suite available and the couple who had rented last week decided to add a few more days to their stay. I couldn't get them to change rooms." The innkeeper of a quaint B&B called "Piece of Plenty" in St. Augustine was apologizing profusely to Justin.

The ride into St. Augustine was relatively uneventful. They arrived around three, found the inn, which thankfully had its own parking lot. The happy but weary band of travelers would soon learn that parking spaces were at a premium in the oldest city in America. The innkeeper was still apologizing as he was showing the two couples an alternate set of rooms that shared an adjoining bathroom. Briana yawned with a loud sigh and Brian set her down on the queen size bed. He poked around the room which had a small TV, a couple of small dressers and an armoire. The bathroom had a stall shower and a huge cast iron claw-footed tub. Brian sat on the comfortable bed with a satisfied grin. Bree was out for the count, so Brian decided to join her. Brian cuddled the child onto his chest, sighed and then fell into a deep sleep.

"Mr. Taylor, I will, of course be discounting your charges. I hope your family will be comfortable in these rooms," the innkeeper stated worriedly.

"Mr. Griffin, from what I can see, the rooms are fine. John, Bobby, what do you think?" Justin asked his in-laws.

"I'm happy!" John replied, the rooms were small but that was to be expected. They were beautifully kept.

"I love the view!" Bobby said enthusiastically. The rooms were on the harbor side. Boats of all sorts could be seen from their windows and they had a glimpse of the fort.

"I want to see the fort, Daddy!" Patrick chimed in.

"Bri, what do you think? Bri? Brian?" The men turned to find out why Brian wasn't answering. They all saw the sleeping man with a serene smile holding his sleeping daughter.

"Well, that settles it. Mr. Griffin, these rooms are fine. Believe me, my partner would not be sleeping that peacefully if the bed wasn't up to his standards," Justin chuckled.

"Will you need a crib for the little one?" Griffin indicated Bree.

"We've been separated from our daughter for a week, while on our second honeymoon. I don't think Brian will let her go," Justin added. "It'll be okay."

"Thank you, you're being very gracious. You all are. Breakfast is served between eight and eleven. Lunch and dinner are on your own but there are plenty of local pubs and restaurants. This is a family oriented town, and tolerant. I think you'll all have a wonderful time here. And of course, there's plenty of shopping!" Griffin smiled as he left the travelers to settle into their rooms.

The guys gazed down at Brian and Bree then at each other.

"You in a hurry to go anywhere?" John asked Bobby and Justin.

"Nope," Bobby replied.

"Uh uh," added Justin.

"How about you, little man?" John asked his son.

"No, Dad," Patrick answered with a loud jaw cracking yawn.

"Then I think we should follow Brian's example." John, Bobby and Patrick went back through the bathroom to their own room as Justin removed his sneakers and cuddled next to Brian and Bree. Even in their sleep, Justin felt his spouse and his daughter edge closer. Justin curled up closer then fell asleep.

*****

Brian awoke with a start. Where the hell was he? He looked around the dimly lit room and realized that it was still daylight, but curtains blocked out most of the sun. He was lying in a bed with Bree and Justin … in St. Augustine, Florida. Now it was coming back to him. He had lain down on the bed at the B&B and he had fallen asleep … in the middle of the day … without having sex.

Shit! He was getting old. Soon he'd need false teeth and hair transplants and liposuction. Fuck! What the hell had he been thinking? It had been such a trying day.

Brian looked down at the faces of his two angels still sleeping peacefully. He glanced at his watch and saw that it was almost five in the afternoon. They had wasted the first day of their vacation with Bree.

Brian sat on the edge of the bed debating what he should do. He should probably wake them, but they looked so peaceful and he had fallen asleep first. He'd let them sleep a little longer. He gently leaned over and pressed a kiss on each forehead. They sighed and kept on sleeping. Brian walked to the door of their room and stepped out. He wended his way to the sitting area that had been pointed out to them when they arrived.

"Ah, Mr. Kinney, you've arrived back from the land of slumber," Mr. Griffin greeted him. "Come in and have a seat. I really do apologize for the problem with your rooms."

"It didn't stop me from sleeping apparently," Brian chuckled. His bad thoughts from earlier seemed to have left him. "And call me Brian."

"Ah, I'd like that, if you will call me Seamus."

"Seamus? That's a good Irish name," Brian said.

"Most people just think it's funny."

"Not if you come from an Irish heritage. It's a fine Gaelic name."

"That it is. So you're Irish?" Seamus asked. "Would you like a glass of lemonade? I was about to pour one when I heard you moving about."

"That would be nice," Brian replied accepting the frosty glass. "This is very good."

"I make it myself."

"Well, I can't say that I've ever met a man who makes his own lemonade before," Brian laughed.

"Then you haven't been hanging around with the right people," Seamus replied with a waggle of his eyebrow.

Brian wasn't quite sure what Seamus meant by that. He thought the man must be gay, but he didn't give off a distinctive gay vibe. He was probably in his early sixties, but had taken quite good care of himself by the looks of it. Brian decided to change the subject.

"So you must be Irish too."

"Yes, my family came to America when I was a child. I had some rough years when the other children made fun of me because of my name and my accent."

"I don't hear an accent."

"Years of practice. I did my best to get rid of it."

"You succeeded," Brian said toasting Seamus with his lemonade. "How did you end up owning a B and B?" Brian asked.

"I spent years working as an engineer. Got a fine education here in the States, and made my fortune, but I always wanted to do something like this." He waved his arm around indicating the house. "The climates much better here than Boston and I get to talk to fine people like you."

Brian snorted. "I don't know about the fine part," Brian said by way of explanation. "My father was an electrical worker. I had to work my way up."

"Me too. I'd say we have a lot in common."

"Maybe so," Brian said thoughtfully.

"Have you stayed in a B&B before?" Seamus asked.

"No, this is the first time. I don't usually take vacations."

"You don't? Well, I hope you enjoy this one."

"I'm planning to. My partner and I spent last week at Gay Days and then my brother and his partner brought the children down this morning."

"Ah," Seamus said. "I thought I saw a resemblance between you two. More than just the height."

"We're actually half brothers, although he's the only brother I have."

"Oh, are you an only child?"

"No, although there were many times I wished I was. I have a sister, Claire. When I saw Justin and Briana sleeping upstairs, it reminded me of a trip that my family took when I was about five. We drove up to my mother's brother's house in New York. We were supposed to go to Coney Island and the beach. Claire would have been about seven or eight. We had to sleep in the same bed. She pushed me out of the bed during the night and I gave her a good whack in the head. She said I was hogging the sheet. My father packed us up the next morning and we went back home. Never did get to Coney Island."

"That's a shame."

"Yeah, but it's not the only thing my father ruined," Brian said shaking his head. He didn't know why he was telling Seamus that stupid story.

"Well, I'm sure you would never do something like that to your daughter. She seems like a little angel."

"She has her moments," Brian chuckled as he thought back to the restaurant. He also knew that he would never deprive Briana of things the way Jack had done with him and Claire.

"Don't they all," Seamus laughed.

"I'm surprised you take children in a B&B. You have so many nice things. Kids get into everything."

"They're just things. I never had any children, so it's nice to have children around. And then they go home after a few days."

"Vicarious enjoyment?" Brian smiled.

"Exactly."

"Dada," a little voice said from behind Brian. He turned to see Justin holding Bree in the doorway.

"I'm here, Squirt. Did you have a good sleep?" Bree nodded her head and held out her arms for Brian to take her.

"Would you and your daughter like some lemonade, Mr. Taylor?" Seamus asked.

"We'd love some, and it's Justin."

"I'll be right back," Seamus said heading to the kitchen to get a couple of glasses.

"Are the sleeping beauties up?" Brian asked.

"I heard some rustling from next door. They should be down soon."

"Good, we can ask Seamus about some places to eat and things to do," Brian suggested.

"Sounds like you two got rather chummy."

"I'm just making friends and influencing people wherever I go on this trip," Brian said tongue in cheek.

"That's actually not far from the truth," Justin told him as he accepted a glass of lemonade from Seamus.

Brian frowned and thought about that.

*****

The B&B had a bunch of the local sightseeing maps. The guys availed themselves of them and decided to walk up St. George Street. It was the main road and had dozens of shops. Unfortunately it was after five and most of the shops were shut up tight for the evening. The two families decided to stroll, taking advantage of the waning crowds and the light breeze. Justin and Bobby were studying the map, deciding where to have dinner. Tomorrow was Monday and they had little doubt that the town would be bustling.

"Brian, it's getting close to seven and I don't want a repeat of this afternoon. We need to find a place; if you know what I mean." Justin chose his words judiciously.

"Message received and understood, Sunshine. You guys see anything promising on your little map?"

"The A1A Ale House looks interesting. It's on the other side of the plaza. We can go over our plans while we, um, you know."

"Gotcha, Ale House it is." Justin and Bobby led the way with Brian and Bree in her stroller and John and Patrick close behind.

*****

The A1A Ale House was situated on King Street with a great view of the Bridge of Lions. It was a nice restaurant and micro-brewery. Not only did they brew beer, but root beer as well. Everyone was able to find something to their liking, they had a nice selection on their kid's menu and the wait staff was very attentive. Very attentive!

Their waiter was a very good looking sandy haired young man who couldn't have done enough for the two elder dads at the table. Justin was a little miffed especially since the flirting was being done in front of the children. But Bobby pointed out that John and Brian were just being polite and not responding to the come-ons. They were more concerned that the children were eating their vegetables and not getting too messy. Justin was much more at ease after that. He had had all the misunderstandings he could take down in Orlando.

"Any suggestions of what we'd like to do tomorrow?" John asked the table as he nibbled a piece of roasted pepper.

"The fort, Dad! Please! I really want to see the fort," Patrick begged.

A sightseeing trolley chugged its way around the corner and caught Briana's eye. "A twain, Dada. Twain!"

"That answers that," Brian mumbled around his salad. "You guys are going to the fort and we're in for a train ride." Everyone nodded in agreement and dinner continued at a leisurely pace.

*****

"I am stuffed!" Justin exclaimed as they left the Ale House.

"Dinner was very good. And I have never tasted such creamy root beer," Bobby added.

"And everyone was very polite and courteous," John stated.

"It was all right," Brian snarked. They all turned to look at Brian who merely shrugged and grinned. "It was good; I mean it. The food was excellent and I enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere. I wouldn't mind coming here again." Satisfied that Brian wasn't being sarcastic, they slowly walked back toward the B&B.

Justin and Bobby were doing a running commentary of the sights they each were interested in. Justin wanted to visit the myriad of galleries, John was interested in the historical sights. Patrick's ears perked up when he learned about the lighthouse and Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum. Bobby was interested in the ghost tours and the 'Love Tree.'

"Twain!" And Briana still wanted to have her train ride.

"Sunshine, I think Rage needs to hit his restorative bed if he's going to survive this week." Justin nodded as they neared the B&B.

*****

The next morning they all slept late still feeling some of the effects of the trying day they had had before. The children had been so excited about the trip to Florida that they were ready for a good long sleep. There was only so long they could run on nervous energy without there being serious repercussions.

When they got back to the B&B, the adults had put the children to bed and then had joined Seamus for a drink. He was a very nice and helpful host. Brian decided that he would get a couple of bottles of liquor so that they could have a drink in the evening with Seamus, without feeling that they were taking advantage of his hospitality.

Seamus had advised them all to take the train ride through St. Augustine, since that would give them a good overview of what was available for them to see and do. He said the guides on the trains were very knowledgeable and helpful. After that they could split up and do whatever they wanted.

So, Brian and Justin had retired to the room they shared with Bree, and John and Bobby had gone off to their room where Patrick was already asleep. The fact that Bree was sleeping deeply allowed Brian to make long, slow, passionate love to his husband. They kept it quiet so as not to wake their daughter, but it was very satisfying nonetheless.

*****

Justin had awakened with a warm kind of glow from the true intimacy they had experienced the night before. They had showered together before Bree woke up, knowing that they could not count on Bree sleeping so well or so late every night. In the shower they had had another bout, this one more heated and urgent. They came out of the bathroom flushed and satisfied to find their daughter sitting on the bed looking at them.

"Hungy, Daddy," Bree told them.

"She certainly inherited that appetite from you," Brian chuckled.

"Shut up," Justin laughed as he swatted his husband.

"Let's get you dressed, Squirt, and then we can scope out what kind of breakfast Seamus provides," Brian said. He scooped Bree up and started finding clothes for her.

Justin got dressed as Brian helped their daughter. He watched Brian knowing that it wouldn't be long before Bree could start dressing herself, and then she would want to start choosing what she wore. He prayed she wouldn't be as big a label queen as her Dada, but he could live with it if she was. He smiled at the two of them. Brian was tickling Bree's tummy as he pulled her little undies on.

"I'll do the rest," Justin said as he pulled his T-shirt down. You get dressed." Justin took the little shorts outfit from Brian.

"We better make sure we slather her with sunscreen if we're going on that train ride," Brian observed as he selected what he wanted to wear. "She's got your skin."

"Twain, twain," Bree yelled bouncing up and down. "Yay!" She clapped her little hands together.

Justin groaned. He was sick of hearing about how he would burn. He knew if Bree was getting coated with sunscreen, so would he. "Okay, Bree, calm down. We have to have breakfast first." He managed to get one arm into her top and then the other.

"Are we ready to roll?" Brian asked him.

"Ready!" Bree yelled holding up her arms to be picked up.

Brian grabbed her and tossed her in the air before holding her in the crook of his arm. "Let's go."

They walked out into the hall where they met John, Bobby and Patrick. They all headed for the dining area. As they stepped into the room they noticed that it was empty. The other guests had probably already eaten. Seamus had set a couple of tables together so that they could all sit together. On the table was a fruit cup ready and waiting for each of them.

"Booberries," Bree said as Brian sat her in the child's seat that was conveniently awaiting them.

"Blueberries," Patrick corrected his cousin.

"You like blueberries, don't you, Squirt?" Brian said as he let her pick out the blueberries from her dish of fruit.

"Good," she said nodding her head and chewing away.

Seamus came out of a doorway carrying a pot of coffee. "Coffee for all the adults?" he asked. They nodded and he started to pour. "I have milk or juice for the children."

"Milk, please," Justin replied. "You seem to have thought of everything. Bree loves your fruit cup."

"I love little ladies with good appetites," Seamus said with a smile. "I'm making waffles for breakfast today."

"That sounds good," Bobby said as he finished off his first cup of coffee and Seamus poured him another.

"Why don't I just leave the pot, and I'll go get started on your waffles."

Soon they were all enjoying Seamus' delicious waffles with syrup or fruit topping, and a side of bacon. Even Brian ate most of his. Bree had syrup all over her hands and face as she fed herself waffle.

"Do you make a breakfast like this every day?" Brian asked Seamus as he poured them coffee from a new pot.

Seamus nodded. "It's a different breakfast every day, but comparable."

Brian let out an audible groan. "I'll have to do four hours a day on the treadmill when we get home."

"You'll survive," John laughed. "A little meat on those bones won't hurt."

Brian gave him a death glare. "Time for the twain," he said as Bree clapped her hands in glee.