The Nature of Things

Chapter 34

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The month since the judge's decision passed quietly. Molly and the baby were both doing well and responding to the medication without any problems.

Brian and Justin had been present for the ultrasounds that happened weekly and were busy preparing to bring a newborn home. They were shopping for cribs when Brian asked Justin to move in with him.

"What? Brian you can't expect me to just pick up and move because you want the baby with you all the time."

"That's not why I'm asking you, Sunshine. I want you living with us and yes it will be easier for the baby to have us all under one roof. She's going to need to stay close to home the first few months anyway."

"Brian, I don't know. I have my own place and I'm enjoying it. I like living on my own. I can paint anytime the mood strikes and no one complains if my music is too loud."

"Then we'll convert the pool house into a studio and living quarters for you."

"I can't let you do that, Bri."

"This is going to be hard enough without you living across town. Look how things were with Melanie and JR when Michael started taking her over nights. I don't want that to happen to our daughter."

"What is with this daughter stuff? We agreed not to know the sex of the baby until it's born."

"Well your sister is convinced it's a girl and I guess I've just gotten used to hearing her say she. Besides I'd like to have a little blonde haired, blue-eyed little girl that looks like you."

"She'll look like Molly, not me."

"In case you haven't noticed, Sunshine, you're sister could be your twin."

"I wouldn't go that far, Brian, and flattery will get you nowhere. I tell you what, I'll think about it."

"I guess I'll have to accept that for now." Brian pointed to a crib he liked and they headed over to check it out.

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Molly was sleeping comfortably, so Jen decided to step out for a quick bite. She kissed her daughter's forehead and left word at the nurses' station to contact her in the cafeteria if anything should happen.

She'd just sat down with a cup of coffee when she spotted Michael. She waved to him but he didn't seem to recognize her, so she left it alone.

Michael was just getting out of his AA meeting when Jennifer Taylor waved to him. He ignored her, not knowing whether Justin had told his mother about their problems. He continued on his way without acknowledging her.

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Brian and Justin found Molly sleeping and asked the nurse where Jennifer was. After being told that his mother was downstairs, Justin excused himself and went off to find her.

Brian sat in the chair next to Molly's bed and watched her sleep. She reminded him so much of Justin and he smiled to himself thinking about all the mornings he'd watched Justin sleeping.

He was still smiling when Molly woke up and looked at him like he'd lost his mind or something.

"What has you in such a good mood?"

"The fact that the most beautiful woman in the world is having my baby."

"I know you're only hoping that she'll look just like Justin." Molly joined Brian in his laughter. "But I hope she has a little of you in her too."

"She'll be better off having just the Taylor genes than the Kinney ones."

"Well if it's true that Casey is your brother then she'll have the best of both of you."

"The DNA test will be back next week and we'll find out for sure."

"How is your mother handling it?"

"I wouldn't know, she refuses to acknowledge that she knows anything about him now. She's convinced herself that our conversation never happened."

"It must be a shock for her to have him come forward to try to claim his paternity at such a late date."

"She's known about him all along. Jack sent his mother money every month. Casey got more than I ever did from the son of a bitch and yet he thinks my life was so great. He deserved to live in that house."

"It's over now, Brian. Jack's gone and Joan may as well be dead. You have your own family now. You have to make life for Gus and this baby better than it was for you."

"A year ago I would never have believed that I'd be here waiting for my baby to be born and being an active father to Gus. He's so excited that he's getting a little brother or sister. He's even asked Lindsay to make a room for her in their apartment."

"I bet he's a great big brother to JR and I'm sure he has enough love for any child you and Justin decide to raise."

"Yeah, he is a very special little man. I can't believe he's going into first grade this fall."

"He sure grew up fast, didn't he."

They were interrupted by Jennifer and Justin returning. Talk turned to the baby and how well she seemed to be doing. Molly was tolerating the drugs without many side effects and the baby seemed to be right on track growth wise.

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A few nights later Brian and Justin were out to dinner when Justin agreed to move into the pool house.

"Let's get it clear though, this is not us getting back together. This is me trying to make it easier to see my child."

"I completely understand. There will be no expectations Justin."

"As long as we're clear on that, then I'll move my things in tomorrow. I've found someone to sublet my apartment and he wants to move in as soon as possible."

"I'll call the contractor to get started on the pool house. You can stay in the guest room across from Molly until then, if that's okay."

"That's fine. Thank you Brian."

"No thanks necessary, Sunshine. I just hope that sooner or later you can forgive me and we can move forward."

Justin smiled sadly at Brian and wished the same thing.

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