Chapter 7

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Brian and John watched as a delivery truck pulled up in front of the cottage and off loaded the huge kit for the Wendy house. John had arranged to work from home giving priority to the plans of moving Rachel and George's house to the end of their lane. Gordon and the crew were already there taking measurements. Bobby went to work to handle the permits and the legal issues of transferring the plot of land to Rachel and George. That left John, Brian, Justin and Gus to assemble the Wendy house. Claire decided to stay during the construction to take care of the kids.

"Brian, what the hell did you buy?" John couldn't believe the size of the boxes that were coming off the truck.

"I showed you the picture."

"Yeah, but I thought it was a little thing. I didn't think you had intentions of building a mansion!" Brian smiled innocently as he shrugged his shoulders. Fortunately Brian had asked John to get a couple of hand carts to help tote the boxes to the glade just at the beginning of the path to the stream. In the garden shed, Brian had an extra special accessory hidden there for when the house was completed. Justin, on the other hand, was prepared. He had the paint ready for the playhouse.

With the delivery men generously tipped, the truck was pulling away. Brian stood rubbing his hands together in anticipation.

"Come on, men. Let's get this show on the road!" Brian announced as if he were a seasoned foreman.

"I'm ready, Pop!" Gus was beaming. He was going to see his dad in action. His treehouse had been a big surprise. Gus never saw its construction.

"I've got my tool belt." Justin's smile lit up the day. The tool belt still fit temptingly atop his hips and ass. Brian lustfully leered at him.

John caught the look and groaned. "Oh no! No unexpected detours or breaks. The instructions say we can have this thing put together in less than six hours and we are not going to do it without you two." John glared at Brian and Justin. He remembered the last time Justin wore the tool belt and its effect on Brian. Brian and Justin gave John their best, most innocent look. John shook his head and bellowed out a laugh. "God, I love you guys. Come on, let's start cracking. Gus, I'm going to rely on you to keep your dad in line today."

"Sure thing, Uncle John." Gus wasn't quite sure what the tool belt reference was but he understood that look in his father's eyes. He had seen enough in his mothers' eyes to know what it meant. "Let's go, Pop. Bree and Patrick want a play house."

The Wendy house was the size of a large garden shed. The walls were pre-constructed, the roof was in two parts that would be bolted on then weatherproofed. The house was complete with a small front porch and a small gate and picket fence. Briana wanted to have it painted pink, no surprise there but since it was going to be for both children, she conceded to a nice sunny yellow with white trim. The windows were made of safety glass and they each had a window box for flowers. Brian and Bree had plants waiting for them. As they uncrated the pieces, Gus was in charge of breaking up the crates and neatly storing the wood so it could be used for the fireplace in the cottage. The ground was fairly level but John was able to compensate for any unevenness. By lunch time most of the work was done so they took a break.

"Hey Justin, how's it going?" Claire asked. Justin had come in ahead of the guys to wash up and help prepare lunch.

"Fine." Justin stopped then let out a giggle. Shades of Todd at Babylon filtered through his head. He quickly shook that scene out of his head as he scurried to the bathroom. Fifteen minutes later, three hungry men came barreling through the door.

"Oh man, I'm hungry!" Gus stated loudly. He was covered in wood chips and loving every minute of being with his dad.

"You should be; you've been working very hard out there," John affirmed. Gus wasn't scared of getting down and dirty.

"I think we all deserve this break," Brian commented. "All that's left is to hang the door and install the windows."

"Don't forget the window boxes," Justin reminded him. "Bree wants to plant the impatiens."

"I haven't forgotten," Brian said. "I'm concerned about the fence. Do we have to dig and cement it in?" Brian looked toward John.

"No worries. It'll be staked in, half an hour, tops." John had all the pieces organized and ready to go.

"If it's done by tonight, we can clean it up then we can paint it tomorrow. Bree and Patrick will have their Wendy house ready to be used by Saturday." Justin didn't mind taking a break from preparing for his art show to paint the play house. It was truly a labor of love.

"Then I see a Wendy house-warming party in our future. Let's see who can come up on Saturday for a barbecue. Jus, why don't you invite your sister and Owen? He can meet the family." Brian grinned and waggled his eyebrows.

"You're so bad, Kinney," Justin laughed.

"What?" Brian asked in all innocence.

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The little house was erected by the end of the day. Gus had the time of his life working with the men on the project. Claire kept the children occupied and distracted so that they weren't pestering the adults who were constructing the Wendy house. They watched it take shape from inside the sun porch.

The windows gave them a few problems as the openings didn't fit the windows exactly. With all John's building prowess and experience he was able to overcome that problem. Everything else went together flawlessly and they were all happy with the results. Even the little picket fence went in easily.

As dinnertime approached Claire walked the two children out to the Wendy house. She had noted that the men were mostly finished with the construction, except for the painting, and the children were straining at the leash to get out and have a look.

Bree and Patrick held onto Claire's hands as they had been instructed. They stood a little way back from the now almost completed play house. Bree scuffed her shoe in the grass and clutched at the hem of her shorts as she waited as patiently as she could to go into her house. Patrick was almost as excited, but being older and male, he didn't want to show it.

"Hey, Squirt, Little Red, how does she look?" Brian asked.

"It looks great, Uncle Bri," Patrick said with a big smile.

"Squirt?"

Bree stood still and stared. She didn't know what to say. She just wanted to go in, and she couldn't wait to take her dolly inside and play.

"Squirt?" Brian repeated.

The other men were gathering up their tools and sweeping out the wood shavings. They all stopped and waited for Bree's response. If she didn't like the house, they all had visions of tearing this one down and building another one in the next few days.

Bree pulled her hand out of Claire's and ran to her father. "Dada, we go inside?"

Brian smiled and picked her up. "Let's go," he said giving the other builders a smirk. It seemed like the house met with Bree's expectations. "Remember, Squirt, that it's not finished yet. We still have to paint and put some furniture inside."

"'Kay," she said with a smile.

Brian carried her into the house and set her down on the floor. She stood still, gazing all around and holding onto Brian's hand. John walked inside with Patrick's hand in his. The children looked at the house and then at each other.

"It's great, Bree," Patrick said.

"Play?" Bree asked as she stared at her cousin.

"Sure, I'll play with you all the time," Patrick stated, "except when I'm at school."

"Do you like it, Squirt?" Brian asked.

"I love it!" Bree squealed as she let go of Brian's hand and danced around. Patrick ran over and grabbed her hands and they jumped around together laughing and giggling.

"I think it's a success," John observed as he moved over to Brian.

"I'd say so, and wait till she sees the finished product."

"What have you got up your sleeve?" John asked raising an eyebrow at Brian.

"You'll see tomorrow," Brian smirked.

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Later that night Brian and Justin got ready for bed. Everyone had eaten Claire's delicious dinner and had helped her clean up before she went home. They had sat around and talked about the day's activities and what they needed to do the next day. Bobby was going into work again since he was still finalizing the legalities of the transfer of George and Rachel's house. John would stay home once again and help Brian and Gus paint the house and the fence. They would leave the interior to Justin who had already arranged all the paints he needed ready to create a masterpiece for his daughter and her cousin. He planned to paint the two children doing something together on one wall. He just wasn't sure yet what that something would be. He hoped he'd dream up something good overnight.

Gus had hugged them all before heading to his room to take a long, hot shower. He said he had used muscles he didn't even know he had, but he had had a great time working on the house. He and Brian shared a long and meaningful hug before he disappeared to his room.

Bree had been so excited about the play house that Brian and Justin wondered if they would ever get her to sleep. She had her bath and was still bouncing with excitement. It took three stories before she finally settled down.

Brian had had a little discussion with her about how the play house was for both her and Patrick and how she needed to share. Bree had agreed that she would share, but time would tell if she actually did that.

Brian was drying off from the shower when he heard Justin rustling around in the bedroom. "Do you think Bree is spoiled?" he asked stating his thoughts.

"I guess she is … a little bit," Justin said slowly. He hated to admit it.

"But she's not obnoxious about it, is she?"

"I don't think so," Justin said thoughtfully. He knew that Bree liked to get her own way, but she wasn't rude or overly demanding. At least he didn't think so.

"I wonder if maybe I've let her get away with too much, because I want her to be happy."

"Brian, I think we've taught her our values. I think she'll be fine," Justin added hoping that his words would prove to be true.

"Do you think people want us to get a nanny for her because they think we can't handle her?" Brian asked as he smoothed some anti-aging cream on his face.

"I think people should mind their own business," Justin stated.

Brian smiled. That was one of things he loved about his husband. He would always say what he thought. "The shower's available if you want it."

"I snuck in a shower while you were reading to Bree."

"You did?" Brian asked with a frown. He stepped through the door of the bathroom and stopped dead in his tracks.

Justin stood naked by the end of the bed, naked except for the tool belt that he wore around his hips. "Like it?" he asked as he turned around slowly so that Brian could get the full effect of the tool belt resting on his ass.

The growl that escaped Brian's throat gave Justin the answer he wanted as he turned back around. He could see Brian's hard on tenting the towel he wore around his hips.

"I take it that you like it," Justin laughed.

"Not at all," Brian said with a smirk as he took three strides and captured Justin's lips in a fiery kiss.

His hands slid up and down Justin's back before he slid his fingers in the back of the tool belt and tugged hard. Justin gasped and felt his cock grow hard. He tugged on the towel that Brian still had on and it fell away. They were naked except for the tool belt.

"Want me to fuck you with that on?" Brian asked.

"As tempting as that sounds I seem to remember that a hammer up my ass wasn't exactly comfortable," Justin giggled.

"Then let's get you out of that," Brian said huskily as they broke apart. Brian undid the buckle on the tool belt and it dropped to the carpet, luckily avoiding any toes. Justin threw himself into Brian's arms and his hand went behind Brian's head to press their mouths together. Their hard cocks slammed into each other and they let out simultaneous gasps. Brian backed Justin up towards their bed and gently shoved him down. After another searing kiss, he flipped his partner over and they climbed towards the middle of the bed. Brian grabbed Justin around the waist and bit at his husband's neck.

"Brian," Justin moaned. "Want you … now."

Before either could think about it, they were joined together in the rhythm that worked so well for them. Each thrust from Brian resulted in an equal and opposite push from Justin. As their passion intensified they moaned and gasped. Brian bit at Justin's shoulder and then let his hand slide over Justin's where he braced himself on the bed. His fingers pressed between Justin's and he used his other hand to raise Justin's body against his own. Justin leaned into his lover, feeling Brian's cock go even deeper inside of him. He moaned his pleasure. They stayed locked together like that for the length of a scorching kiss. Then Justin dropped down to his knees once again, and Brian continued his assault. Soon they lay in a puddle of spent juices and emotions.

"Now I need another shower," Brian chuckled softly.

"In the morning," Justin said as he drew up a sheet and started to drift off.

Brian pulled Justin close against him and snuggled down. "Yeah, in the morning."

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The family was up bright and early the next day. They all wanted the Wendy house to be completed. Gus was helping Brian with breakfast in the kitchen. They'd need a hearty one to get through the rest of the construction. Claire came over to look after the children. Gordon and his crew were there so they could continue to take measurements and consult with the town engineers regarding the underground lines and pipes. The cottage and surrounding environs were abuzz with activity.

"John!" Justin called out one of the play house windows to his brother-in-law who was up on a ladder finishing up the waterproofing of the roof. He had some colorful shingles that he was hammering over the waterproofing.

"What is it?" John shouted down.

"I think we may have a little problem."

"Problem? What problem?" John thought the house looked perfect. He was able to make some minor alterations to the basic design to make it look even more like a real house. Justin stuck his head out the door to answer.

"Nails," Justin said solemnly.

"Nails? What nails?" John was down and in the cottage in a few seconds.

"Look." Justin pointed up at the pitched roof. The plywood sheets used for the roof were thin so the nails that held the shingles down were poking through.

"Shit! I was afraid of that," John grumbled. "I got so caught up in this little project of ours; I should have known the plywood was too thin. The plans just call for the waterproofing to be tacked on. The shingles were my idea."

"So what are we going to do? The kids are too little to get hurt but Gus and you guys can reach the ceiling. I don't want anyone to get cut."

"Neither do I. This won't be a major problem but you won't be able to paint in here until later this afternoon. Why don't you and Gus start on the exterior walls? I want to check something out with Gordon. By the way, where's Brian? Is he loafing on the job?" John asked with a twinkle; he knew Brian wasn't shirking his responsibilities.

"He's painting the window boxes. As soon as they dry he and Bree will plant the flowers."

"That's good. Don't worry, Justin, we should have the play house ready for the unveiling by tomorrow." John smiled as he went to find Gordon.

A couple of hours later, the problem was solved. Using some insulation, plywood, and sheet rock the ceiling was finished off as well as the walls. The interior was ready for Justin Taylor artist extraordinaire to create one of his masterpieces. Brian was inside the cottage preparing lunch as Justin took another look at the interior of the play house. All the exposed nails were covered and the walls were smooth enough to paint on. John had worked one of his minor miracles. Justin was ready to perform one of his after lunch.

The family gathered around the dining table for lunch. John and Justin invited Gordon and his crew to join them in the relative coolness of the sun porch. The happy banter was interrupted by a phone call from Bobby to John letting him know that the town had absolutely no objection to the moving of Rachel's house. In fact they offered a tax credit to offset the expense of moving the house. The town was going to demolish the house; it was much easier to fill in an empty hole. This was cause for celebration; the iced tea was passed around the table.

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"Come on Justin, open the door, will ya?!"

"Not yet!"

"Pleeeezzzzzz!"

"Can it, Kinney, your puppy dog eyes won't work on me now. I'm busy!"

"You little shit! Open the door, I wanna see it."

"NO! Not until I'm finished."

"Damn....I bet the paint fumes are getting to you."

"No they're not, the windows are open. And don't you dare peek!"

"Shit. How much longer? I have something to install."

"I'm done when I'm done, now go away!"

"Fuckin' little shit."

Brian stomped away toward the house.

"Any luck?" John asked a very frustrated Brian.

"No! The little shit won't open the door and he blocked off the

windows. How the hell is he able to see in there to paint?"

"Um, that would be my fault. I installed some battery operated lighting."

"He'll come out when he's hungry."

"I don't think so, Pop."

"Why, Gus?"

"He's got a big cooler with snacks, sandwiches and drinks. It looks like he has enough for days."

"Double fuck!"

John and Gus did their best to hide their giggles. They all were anxious to see the mural but Justin could be just as stubborn as Brian, more so. They had no choice but to wait until the artiste was ready to reveal his masterpiece. It was well after midnight before Brian went to the play house to find his wayward artist.

"Justin?" Brian gently knocked on the door. Receiving no answer, Brian boldly risked the wrath of Justin and opened the door. "Sunshine, you in there?"

Laying on a sleeping bag was Justin. His deep even breathing told Brian that his partner was fast asleep. The cottage felt cozy with a soft breeze coming through the petite windows. In the dim light of one of the lamps, Brian could just make out some figures on the walls. Deciding he'd rather be surprised with the rest of the family, Brian averted his eyes from the decorated walls to concentrate on Justin.

"Justin, time to go back to the house." Brian gingerly shook his spouse.

"Five more minutes, Mom," Justin mumbled into the sleeping bag. Brian rolled him over.

"Let's go, Picasso. It's time for all good little artists to sleep in a proper bed. You can show off your masterpiece in the morning."

"Okay, Bri." Justin allowed Brian to guide him to the cottage and to their bed.

Early the next morning, they were all up and gathered in front of the play house so that Justin could reveal the mural. Child size furniture was waiting to be placed inside and a special large box with its secret contents was waiting to be opened.

"I guess we're all here," Justin stated as he gazed at his family. John and Bobby were holding Patrick's hands. Briana was holding her dada and brother's hands.

"We're ready, Justin," Bobby said with a smile.

"Okay..." Justin opened the door then stepped aside to allow everyone in. One wall was left blank as per Brian's request. The back wall had a painting of John and Bobby with their arms around each other and lovingly gazing toward the adjacent wall. Next to them was a painting of Brian, his one arm draped over Justin's shoulder. Justin's arm was wrapped around Brian's waist. Gus was standing next to his dad, leaning on Brian, Brian's hand on Gus' shoulder. The three sported the same loving look toward the other wall.

On the adjacent wall were Briana and Patrick. They were sitting cross-legged on the floor with hundreds of Lego building blocks. The blocks were taking the shape of the Wendy house. The kids wore beautiful smiles and it was apparent they were having a lot of fun.

Bree skipped along the painted walls pointing out each person to Patrick. She laughed with glee then hugged Patrick. Briana had hugs for everyone. When it came time to hug her daddy, Briana held on extra tight.

"Thank you, Daddy. Pictures bootiful!" Briana buried her little head in Justin's neck.

"You're welcome, baby. You're so very welcome." Justin had tears in his eyes; they matched the ones in Brian's. Brian leaned in close to give his blonds each a kiss. "Still think she's spoiled?" Justin whispered.

"Nah. I think she's perfect, just like her daddy."

The guys set up the kiddy furniture as Brian and Gus opened the huge box that held the secret accessory. They set it up against the blank wall.

"Why am I not surprised?" John shook his head as they all stood admiring the play house's new fireplace complete with hearth and mantle.

"It works the same way as the little one in the treehouse," Brian said with a nod.

"It's huge, Brian!" Justin exclaimed.

"Bigger wall, bigger fireplace," Brian stated matter-of-factly.

"Size queen," Justin mumbled as he gently swatted Brian in the stomach.

"Your point?" Brian snarked. John checked his watch and noted they

had a few more hours before the entire family would descend on Edna's Treasures.

"Guys, I'd love to spend the rest of the day admiring our work but we have a lot of hungry people to feed in a few hours. We better get moving." John, ever the voice of reason broke everyone out of their reverie. "Head 'em up, move 'em out."

Obediently, and after some last minute adjustment of the furniture, the family followed John back to the house.

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