Chapter 6

^^^^^^^^

Wonderful aromas of dinner wafted through the bedroom door waking the occupants. That and a blond little princess who decided to bounce on their bed. Her daddies kissed, stretched and then giggled as their daughter tried to tickle them awake.

"Dada home now?"

"Yup, I'm home."

"Dada, hungry?"

"Yup, I could eat."

"Dada eat good. Come on." Bree took her daddies' hands in hers and tried to pull them both off the bed. "Come now!" Bree demanded with a look of determination.

"Okay, Squirt, you're the boss," Brian quipped as he let the tiny tot pull him off the bed.

"As if we didn't know that fact before," Justin added as he too dutifully allowed his daughter to pull him.

"You should talk, Sunshine. You're just as whipped as I am."

"Yeah, I guess so." Justin's stomach took that opportunity to bring home the point that it was, indeed, dinner time.

"Daddy hungry too!" They all looked down at Justin's stomach and laughed then joined the family for dinner.

^^^^^^^^

"Brian, have you considered hiring a nanny?" Claire asked as they all sat around the dining table in the porch. Bobby had picked up Steve, John had picked up some extra groceries then everyone pitched in to make dinner as Brian and Justin slept.

"No, I didn't think we needed one. I thought we were doing a good job." Brian wasn't sure how to take Claire's suggestion.

"Brian, dear, you're doing a wonderful job. Both of you are but Bobby and John had a lot of help before you joined the cottages and Patrick is older now. You two are still doing everything by yourselves."

"We like doing it by ourselves. Bree's our responsibility." Brian was getting defensive. Justin gently patted his arm to calm him.

"Honey, I know that but it's not a bad thing to ask for help especially when Justin is working on a show."

"I, I just worked a little too late," Justin said sadly, feeling guilty. He was inspired and let the time get away from him.

"Justin, sweetheart, I'm not inferring anything. You're an artist, you paint when the spirit moves you and that's just how it should be. But if you had a little more help, you wouldn't have to worry about Briana."

"I, um, Brian?"

"Sunshine, I don't like it either but Claire has a point. I guess I can take her to Kinnetik with me more often."

"But what if you go out of town?" Justin was getting anxious. Bree was growing up and very curious about the world around her. And she still had another two years before she started school. Life couldn't be put on hold until then.

"I don't know. I don't like the idea of having a stranger in the house." Brian frowned.

"What about Katerina?" Steve suggested.

"Maybe for the summer but she starts nursing school soon. She won't have the time and she needs to stay close to the city," Justin contributed and they all nodded their heads. Just then Bobby's cell phone rang. He looked at the display; it was Rachel. He excused himself from the dinner table and stepped out in the garden. John followed Bobby with his eyes.

"Something's wrong," John muttered as he watched his partner pace back and forth. Bobby was very animated in his conversation, pacing and waving his arm all about.

"Shit!" Bobby said loudly then apologized for his language. John got up to see to his obviously upset spouse.

"What is it, baby?" John asked softly as he drew the smaller man into his strong arms.

"That was Rachel. She was crying." Dinner stopped as the adults all put down their utensils. They all wanted to know if Bobby's beloved sister was all right. Bobby looked around at their faces and knew how that sounded.

"She's fine, they're all fine." Everyone blew out a breath. "You heard Bridgeton is rezoning parts of the neighborhood. It's an old farming town, many homes just sprang up haphazardly. My sister's house is one of them. The town wants to knock the whole thing down. Some of the families were going to fight it. My firm was looking into it but it seems there's some ancient obscure law dating back to the 1770's which allows the town to condemn any house they see fit."

"Bobby, the farm?" John was suddenly overcome with dread.

"No, the farm and Claire's house are just outside the limit. My parent's place is fine too. It's just that small section where Rachel's house is. Most of her neighbors are preparing to sell up and move. It's really a very small section, affecting about a half a dozen families."

"They can do that? Just take away someone's home like that? Is there anything we can do?" Brian recognized Justin's activism kicking in.

"Apparently, we have no other options. They don't want to move but they don't have a choice. And it's such a pretty house too."

John brought Bobby back to the table so that dinner could recommence but no one except for the kids had much of an appetite. Slowly they began to eat, in silence.

"Dad?"

"What is it, Sonny Boy?" John looked up from his plate to gaze at his son.

"Can you move Aunt Rachel's house like you did ours?" The family all looked at the little boy in awe.

"Out of the mouth of fucking babes!" Brian announced. "Do it, John. Move the house, move it here. Her girls are just about out of high school. They drive so they can still go to the same school if they want. George can get to work in Harrisburg and you had all the gas, water and electrical lines updated. Do it! We have the land. You can set the house further down the lane. They can have their privacy and still be close to everyone. If they're a little worried about the land, I can sell that parcel to them outright. It's a perfect solution. Call her back Bobby, offer it to them."

Brian looked over at Justin for affirmation and he got one of Justin's sunshine smiles in return. Brian mouthed a 'thank you' to his spouse. Bobby got up to go around the table to Brian. Brian stood up.

"God, you have to be the best brother-in-law in the whole world," Bobby gushed as he gave Brian a hug. His tears were flowing freely down his face. Brian had come to his rescue again.

"Anything for you, Big Red, you know that. I love you." Brian hugged the redhead close. The family watched. Claire swiped a tear from her face.

"Hey, you have your own twink to hug; give me back mine!" John grumbled good-naturedly.

"I'm not a twink!" Bobby and Justin said in unison. The whole family laughed out loud and John ruffled Patrick's hair beaming with pride. Brian broke the embrace as Bobby went to call his sister to break the news. Dinner ended on a happier note.

^^^^^^^^

Later that night Brian and Justin prepared for bed. Even though they had a good nap they still were very tired but happy to be sleeping together again. However, the spirit was willing but the body weak, so instead of making love the partners kissed then got each other off. Afterwards, the lovers lay snuggled close.

"Rage saved the day again," Justin said quietly.

"Not really, Little Red did that. He's so smart."

"It's those Kinney brains."

"Nah, he's just a smart little boy with smart loving parents. But thank you for going along with it. I'd hate to think of Rachel and George having to move away. She and Bobby are so close."

"Like you and John."

"And you and Molly. Speaking of Molly, we should have them come for dinner. I've only met Owen once or twice. I'd like to get a good look at him."

"He's straight, Bri."

"Stop it. He's far too young for me. I've got my hands full with you."

"Ha, ha, ha. Besides, Molly would kill you."

"Or at the very least go after my other ball." The lovers lay quiet for the moment.

"Bri?"

"Hmm?"

"Ken and Simon, did you invite them?"

"Yes, I did. We were thinking the July fourth weekend. We can make it a full week if we want."

"Yee haw," Justin said with a yawn. "It'll be a year since the guys moved the cottage here."

"We can have a real big celebration."

"I love you, you big Smoosh."

"I love you too, Sunshine. Sleep now."

"Yes, my Smoosh," Justin mumbled then drifted off. Brian kissed the top of the blond's head.

Brian gazed upward toward the ceiling and beyond. 'Thank you,' he mouthed to whatever deity sent Justin to him then he went to sleep.

^^^^^^^^

"Justin?"

"Hi Moll, what's up?"

"Owen and I have been trying to set a date for our wedding. We're kind of looking at getting married at Christmas time. I like the idea of a winter wedding."

"That would be different."

"Would you be available to walk me down the aisle at that time of year?"

"Um … yeah, sure. Does this mean Dad hasn't come around at all?" Justin asked.

"He's being more of an ass than ever. I know he wants to be at the wedding, but fuck it if he'll be there and you won't. I'd rather have you."

"Thanks for saying that even if I know it isn't true," Justin said sadly. "Maybe I should try to talk to him."

"No, Justin, he'll try to lay a guilt trip on you, and I've already told him where things stand. He has a choice to make, and so far it looks like his choice will be not to attend."

"I'm really sorry," Justin told her, and he meant that. He hated being the reason that her wedding wouldn't be perfect.

"Don't be sorry. He made his choice, and he has to live with it. I'll be more than happy if you walk me down the aisle."

"Then consider it done," Justin smiled. "Oh, Brian wants to have you and Owen to dinner. How about tomorrow night?"

"That sounds great. I'll check with Owen and get back to you."

"I love you, Mollusk."

"And I love you right back, Jester. Talk to you later and keep the time around Christmas available until I get a firm date."

"Will do." Justin hung up the phone. A Christmas wedding could be fun, but he knew that it would be even better if both he and his father could attend. Suddenly an idea struck him.

He picked up the phone and dialed a number from his address book. "Susan?" he said when the phone was answered.

"Yes?"

"It's Justin."

"Justin, your father's not here."

"I was counting on that."

"What? You were?"

"I wanted to talk to you," Justin began. "I just got off the phone with Molly and she's asked me to walk her down the aisle."

"Oh," Susan replied with sadness in her voice.

"I know Dad really wants to be the one walking Molly down that aisle, but he won't come to the wedding if I'm there."

"That's what he says," Susan sighed. "You're not thinking of staying away from the wedding, are you?"

"Absolutely not."

"Good. I think your father is being an ass about this whole thing. I think you should be at Molly's wedding, and so should your stubborn father."

"Then maybe we can work together," Justin suggested.

"Together? To do what?"

"Here's my idea…"

^^^^^^^^

"Come in," Brian said as he opened the front door of the cottage. "Nice to see you again, Molly," he added as he kissed Molly's cheek.

"Thanks for inviting us," she smiled as she gave him a hug.

"Now that you're about to join the ranks of us old married couples, I thought that was the least we could do," Brian smirked. "Nice to see you again, Owen." He shook hands with the handsome young man.

"You too," Owen said making his handshake as firm as he could. Brian Kinney still scared the shit out of him, but he was determined not to let Brian know that, and more importantly Molly.

"Come on in. Justin's in the kitchen cooking up a storm."

"Where's my favorite niece?" Molly asked.

"I here," Bree said. She was standing in the hallway holding Muñequita.

"Hi, sweetheart," Molly said. "I'm so looking forward to you being the flower girl at my wedding."

"What flower girl?" Bree asked with a frown.

"I tried to explain it to her," Brian sighed. "Maybe it's a woman thing. Let's get some drinks, Owen, while Molly explains it to Bree."

The men made their way into the living room while Molly took Bree's hand and led her into the kitchen. Molly kissed Justin's cheek and then sat down at the table and lifted Bree and her dolly onto her lap.

"Auntie Molly is getting married, and I need a little girl to dress up in a beautiful white gown and walk down the church aisle ahead of me. You'll have a little basket of flower petals and you sprinkle them in front of you."

Bree stared at her aunt. She had little idea of what Molly was talking about, but she did like the sound of a beautiful, white gown. "New dress?" she asked.

"Yes, a beautiful new dress."

"Okay," Bree smiled. " Muñequita will help."

"Um…" Molly began, but she didn't really know what to say to that.

Justin had been listening to all this while he was finishing up the salad. "Bree, Muñequita will come to the church with us but she'll have to sit with Dada until you finish walking down the aisle."

"Who's going to be sitting with Dada?" Brian asked as he and Owen came into the kitchen each carrying their own drinks and a second one for Molly and Justin.

"Muñequita will need you to be her escort while Bree is working," Justin grinned.

"Working?" Bree asked. She liked the sound of that. It made her feel grown up.

"And Patrick will be right there with you, sweetheart," Molly said kissing Bree's cheek.

"'Kay," Bree said with a laugh. "Down. Play now." She squiggled down off Molly's lap.

"She's very decisive, isn't she?" Molly laughed taking a sip of the wine Owen handed her.

"That's our girl," Brian chuckled.

"So what prompted this invitation?" Molly asked looking into Brian's eyes.

"I just thought it would be nice to get to know Owen a little better before he joined this cwazy wittle family."

"Be careful, brother-in-law dearest. I don't want you frightening him away," Molly laughed.

"Don't worry. I won't let him do that," Justin said with a twinkle in his eye.

"Hey, I'm right here, and nothing or no one is going to frighten me away from you, sweetheart," Owen declared.

"That's my man," Molly smiled and reached up to give Owen a kiss on the cheek.

"On that cheery note, let's eat," Justin said.

^^^^^^^^

"Owen, would you like to see our garden while the coffee is brewing?" Brian had a predatorial gleam in his eyes as he led the hapless young man out to the sun porch.

"Brian, be nice," Justin growled as he was plating an apple pie.

"I'm always nice, Sunshine," Brian said over his shoulder. "Just going to show Molly's young man the grounds. This way, Owen." Brian patted the boy on the back.

"Justin, should I be worried?" Molly had a look of horror in her eyes.

"I'm not sure," Justin admitted. They picked up the pie and plates and hurried out to the porch to keep an eye on Brian.

^^^^^^^^

Brian and Owen slowly meandered through the garden. At first glance the plants and flowers appeared to be placed in a haphazard manner. In reality there was method to the madness. Contrasting colored flowers were purposely planted next to evergreen foliage. Each bed was accessible from different angles. Brian might not be an artist like Justin but his adman eye for color, symmetry, size and style was evident. The gardens grew lush with each passing year.

"Um, Mr. Kinney, Brian, uh...oh shit, I feel like you're Molly's father, not her brother-in-law." Owen was very nervous.

"Relax, Owen," Brian's voice was smooth and seductive. "I don't bite, unless you want me to." Brian smirked as he leaned over to smell a peony. Owen could see his well toned muscles rippling under Brian's thin shirt. "I just want to get to know you better. You're practically family now."

Owen knew of Brian Kinney's reputation, in business and out. His father's business had some dealings with Kinnetik, very profitable dealings. And although Brian had been off the market, so to speak, he still maintained a certain rep in some circles. In other words, Brian Kinney was an enigmatic legend. Owen began to nervously babble.

"Brian, I really love Molly. I wouldn't do anything to hurt her. And in spite of her father, we want you and Justin to be at the wedding. I know my father had some reservations about your ad at first but he came around in the end."

"They always do." Owen blushed at Brian's double entendre. Brian suddenly straightened to his full height. "Owen, I will support whatever Justin wants to do in regards to your wedding plans. But he's been hurt by Craig and so has Molly. I will not sit idly by and watch it happen again. You should make sure your family is aware of that."

Brian gently caressed a buttercup, the yellow pollen stained his fingers. It reminded him of Claire when they were picking flowers for John and Bobby's commitment ceremony. He smiled softly at the memory.

"Brian, my family has money but they worked hard for it. We're not snobs and we're certainly not bigots. There won't be any trouble. I love Molly; I won't let her father's irrational fears and prejudices mar the happiest day of our lives." Owen's tone was strong and determined. Brian appreciated it.

"Then we understand each other. Let's go back to the house for dessert before my partner and your fiancée have a fit. I'm going to have a hell of a time cleaning their nose prints off the windows." Brian offered his hand in friendship to Owen. Owen clasped it firmly. "Welcome to the family."

Return to Afflict Unto the Several Generations