Accepting Your Fate

Part 4

The next morning, Justin was brought out of a sound sleep by the phone ringing along side of him. He reached for it quickly, not wanting to wake Brian.

“Hello?” he answered groggily.

“Hi honey, did I wake you?” Jennifer asked in a cheerful voice.

“Uh, yeah, that’s okay. What time is it?” Justin tried to focus on the clock.

“It’s after ten. I thought that with a baby in the house you would have been up already.”

“I don’t always hear Brianna. The monitor is in Stacy’s room,” Justin replied without thinking.

“What do you mean Stacy’s room? I thought you two shared a room? If you’re not in Stacy’s room, then where are you sleeping?” Jennifer asked in confusion.

‘Shit!’ Justin thought to himself, suddenly wide awake. His mind was racing, trying to come up with an explanation for why he and Stacy we not sharing a room. “Mom, listen…”

“Forget it, Justin. Your father and I are on our way over. We’ll be there in about twenty minutes. You can explain everything then,” Jennifer replied before disconnecting the call.

“Fuck!” Justin exclaimed, jumping out of bed.

“That will teach you, sleepy head,” Brian mumbled.

“You heard that?”

“Yeah, the phone woke me up. What are you going to say when they get here?” Brian got out of bed, following Justin’s lead and pulling on his clothes.

“I guess I’ll just tell them the truth,”

“Are you sure you’re ready for that? You don’t have anything to prove by telling them you’re gay. Maybe you should wait until the excitement of Brianna is over before you drop the bomb,” Brian said, taking Justin in his arms.

“I can’t Brian. I’ve been in the closet long enough. If my parents can’t accept me for who I am then that’s their problem. I’m proud of who I am and I’m proud of what we have together. Fuck anyone who has issues with it,” Justin replied confidently.

“Well, as long as you’re sure. I’ll be here no matter what happens,” Brian assured him, kissing him softly.

Justin allowed himself to linger in the kiss for a moment before pulling away. “Thanks Brian. That means a lot to me. Now we better get moving. They’re going to be here soon.”

“Damn, you have a baby and all of the sudden the house becomes Grand Central Station,” Brian chuckled as he finished getting ready.

A half hour later, Craig and Jennifer were seated in the living room listening to stories about Brianna’s birth. They had taken an instant liking to Brian and didn’t ask any questions about why they’d never met him when they were told he was Stacy’s cousin from Europe.

“I can’t believe we missed it. I really wanted to be here. I told Craig we shouldn’t have gone away, but he insisted. I know we only got a glimpse of her so far, but I think she’s the most beautiful baby ever…aside from you of course, Justin.” Jennifer teased.

“Alright, alright…I admit it was bad timing for a vacation. I’m never going to live this down, am I?” Craig asked with a smile.

“Not likely. Making me miss the birth of our first grandchild? I think you owe me a new necklace for this one,” Jennifer laughed.

Justin noticed how happy his parents seemed and realized how much they needed their time away, even if it was cut short. He had a brief moment of guilt thinking about how he was going to upset them with his news, but he knew he had to do it. He needed to be honest with them and now seemed like the perfect time.

“Mom, Dad…there’s something I need to tell both of you,” he blurted out before he lost the nerve.

“I better go check on the baby. Brian, are you coming?” Stacy asked, standing up and heading towards the stairs.

“I’m right behind you,” Brian replied, following Stacy to the stairs.

“You guys don’t have to leave,” Justin said on deaf ears. They were gone in a flash.

“What’s this all about, Son?”

“Mom, Dad there’s been something that I’ve been wanting to tell you for awhile now. Well, I guess it’s been years, actually. I don’t know how you are going to take it, but I can’t keep it from you anymore. I just want you to know that I love you both and this has nothing to do with either of you,” Justin was stalling, his heart almost beating out of his chest from fear.

“Honey, what is it? You’re scaring me,” Jennifer prodded.

“I’m sorry, Mom. It’s just that I’m a little nervous,” Justin replied quietly.

“Justin, spit it out for God’s sake. You’re upsetting your mother,” Craig demanded gently.

“I’m gay,” Justin replied weakly.

Silence spread through out the room as Jennifer and Craig tried to absorb what their son was telling them. Justin could see the shock on their faces, but he couldn’t judge their reaction. He gave them a minute before continuing.

“I know you’re probably a little surprised but it’s true. Stacy and I have discussed this at length. She knows, in fact she’s the one who called me on it. I’m sorry if this upsets you, but I can’t keep it inside anymore. If you want to leave and give yourselves time to think about everything, I’ll understand.” Justin knew he was rambling, but he was so nervous that he was visibly shaking.

Craig recovered first. “Son, are you sure? I mean, you and Stacy are married. You have a daughter together. Are you sure you’re not just a little confused? Becoming a parent is a big deal and…”

“Dad, you’re right. Being a father is a big deal, but not enough to make me gay. I’m sure, don’t worry,” Justin assured him.

“Is there…are you…seeing someone?” Jennifer asked, still a little stunned by the news.

“Actually, I am. And I’m happy for the first time in my life. Not that Stacy didn’t make me happy; I love her dearly and we’ve had a good life together. It’s just that something was always missing deep down inside,” he explained.

“How long have you…known?”

“Probably since I was in my teens, but I wouldn’t admit it to myself. I was afraid of disappointing you, afraid of being different. I figured that if I ignored my feelings it would all just go away. I’ll never regret my life with Stacy or having Brianna, I just can’t live that life anymore. I need to have more than that. I need to be with someone that I love unconditionally.”

“Well Son, I can’t say that I’m not surprised. It might take some time for me to get used to it, but you’re my son and I only want you to be happy. I know the sacrifice you made putting your art on the back burner to work for the company. I may be an asshole sometimes, but I do appreciate all that you gave up to work with me. If this is what makes you happy, then you need to follow your feelings and to hell with what anyone else thinks,” Craig replied, getting a little choked up with emotion. He stood up and crossed the room, taking his son in his arms. “I love you, Son.”

“I love you, too, Dad,” Justin whispered, overcome with emotion.

“Oh Honey, I love you, too,” Jennifer cried, pulling Justin into a tight hug the moment Craig released him.

Justin revealed in the love his parents had for him. For a moment he thought about how different his life would have been if he had told them the truth years ago. Then he thought about how if he had, he wouldn’t have Stacy, Brianna, or Brian in his life and knew that he wouldn’t change a thing.

“So, when do we get to meet this man in your life?” Jennifer asked, drying her tears.

“You already have,” Brian spoke from the bottom of the stairs. His eyes found Justin’s and he smiled, hoping that he wasn’t over stepping by announcing himself. He had been shamelessly listening to the conversation from the top of the stairs, ready to offer his support if it was needed.

“Eavesdropping again, Brian?” Justin teased as he made his way over to his lover.

“Yeah, well…you know how it is,” Brian chuckled, taking Justin’s offered hand. Justin placed a soft kiss on Brian’s lips before turning to his parents.

“Okay, I’m confused. I thought Brian was Stacy’s cousin,” Jennifer said, looking at the two men. There was no denying the love that passed between them.

“He is. Brian’s been living in Europe ever since his parents disowned him for being gay ten years ago. Stacy and I had already talked everything out months before Brian came to stay with us. We didn’t know he was gay at the time. It was kept as a family secret. Jack and Joan never told anyone. I guess you could say it was love at first sight. Brian sold his company and moved back to Pittsburgh to be by Stacy and I. We all agreed that we would live here and help Stacy with the baby until she got sick of us and through us out,” Justin laughed at his explanation.

“So Jack and Joan are okay with everything now?” Craig asked curiously.

“No, they’re not. I’m still going to hell in their eyes, but Uncle Bob and Aunt Brook have been very supportive. They don’t know about Justin yet, though. He wanted to tell you both first. From what I’ve heard I’m taking it that you are okay with this?” Brian asked apprehensively.

“Well, we’re a little shock by it all. It’s a lot to take in so quickly, but Justin is our son and nothing’s going to change that,” Craig assured Brian, noticing the protectiveness that he had towards Justin.

“I wish all parents could be as accepting as you. Justin’s a very lucky man,” Brian replied honestly.

“That he is, Brian. Jennifer and I are pretty lucky, too.” Craig responded with pride. He knew it would take some time to get used to seeing his son with Brian, but there was no mistaking the look of joy on Justin’s face and Craig couldn’t be happier for him.

“Now, where is my granddaughter? Hasn’t she woken up yet? I’m dying to get my hands on her,” Jennifer asked, changing the subject.

“Come on, Grandma, let’s go see,” Justin teased as he led his mother upstairs to his daughter, happier than he had ever been in his life.

 

Five years later…

Justin was standing outside his old bedroom, the one he used to share with Stacy many years ago and couldn’t help but think back to all that had happened in the last five years.

When Bob and Brook found out that Justin was gay, they took the news rather well. They were sad that things didn’t work out between Justin and Stacy, but welcomed him into the family as Brian’s partner easily. Jack and Joan had never come around to accepting Brian, but luckily Brian had enough love around him between Justin’s parents and Stacy’s to live a happy life.

The love between Brian and Justin continued to grow and they proved that a few years later when they held their own commitment ceremony on their third anniversary. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. As an anniversary gift, Brian bought Justin a small gallery in the heart of the city, and although Justin continued to have a hand in the family business, he spent most of his time working on his art.

Life had been good to them all, and now the time came to make everyone’s happiness complete. Justin knocked on the door and waited for word before entering.

“Hey Stacy, are you ready?”

“I think so,” Stacy replied as she came out of the bathroom.

Justin’s heart skipped a beat at the sight before him. “You’re even more beautiful today than on our wedding day.”

“Thanks, but you’re the father of my child. You have to say that,” Stacy teased him.

“True, but I don’t have to mean it. I’m serious, Stacy. You are a beautiful bride. Are you happy?” Justin asked, still feeling a little twinge of guilt about the way their marriage turned out.

“Yes I am, Justin. Kevin is a wonderful man and I know that we will have a wonderful life together. Although I still think it was unnecessary for Brian to make a pass at him just to make sure he wasn’t gay,” Stacy laughed, remembering the story Kevin told her after their third date.

“Hey, you can never be too sure of these things,” Justin chuckled.

“Justin, I just wanted to say thank you,” Stacy said, her expression turning serious.

“For what?”

“For being there for me. For giving me some of the best years of my life. For putting your life on hold and staying here with me while I needed you. For making my cousin happier than he’s ever been. Take your pick,” Stacy explained, tears forming behind her eyes.

“There’s no need to thank me, Stacy. I told you I would always be here for you, and just because you’re getting married, don’t think I won’t still be watching out for you. I’ll just be doing it from my own house now. And as for making Brian happy, I think you have it backwards. I’ve never been happier than when I’m with him. No offense, of course, but I love him to death,” Justin replied, getting choked up with emotions.

“I know he feels the same way. I guess we’ve all finally got what we wanted. True happiness.”

“That we did, Stacy. So what do you say? Are you ready to go meet your prince charming? He’s in the back yard waiting for you by the gazebo. Your Dad and Brian are waiting downstairs for you. It took a lot of fancy talking to get a moment alone with you,” Justin laughed, taking Stacy by the hand.

“I’m glad you did. I will always love you Justin Taylor,” Stacy said, kissing his cheek.

“I love you, too, Stacy. Now let’s go get you married.”

In the back yard, surrounded by family and friends, Stacy and Kevin pledged their vows to one another and there wasn’t a dry eye in the yard. After it was all over and the band began to play, Brian found Justin off by himself watching everyone from afar.

“Hey sexy, is everything okay?” Brian asked Justin as he came up behind him and wrapped him arms around his waist.

“Yeah, I was just standing here thinking about how lucky we are to have such a wonderful family and great friends. Kevin’s a good guy. He’ll take good care of Stacy and be a good step father to Brianna, don’t you think?”

“Yeah, I think so, too. You know, we are going to be saddled with a five year old for the next two weeks while Stacy and Kevin are on their honeymoon. What do you say we jump behind those bushes and have a quickie?” Brian replied, trying to make Justin smile.

“Always the romantic,” Justin said turning and taking Brian in his arms.

“You know it,” Brian laughed before turning serious. “I love you Justin Taylor.”

“I love you too, Brian Kinney. I don’t know what I would ever do without you,” Justin spoke softly.

“You’ll never have to find out,” Brian assured him, kissing him deeply.

Stacy looked across the yard and saw the special moment between Brian and Justin and couldn’t be happier for them. When she first realized that Justin was gay she thought her world would end. Now, standing here with her new husband she knew without a doubt that everything was just as it was supposed to be.

The End
5/31/04

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