"What's going on?"  Melanie asked the group.  "Kinney, what are you up to now?"

"Just working out the sleeping arrangements, oh crabby one," Brian snarked.  John snorted but controlled his laughter.  In the spirit of the season, Melanie ignored the wisecrack.

"Sleeping arrangement, what sleeping arrangements?  Gus is the only one of us who's staying.  JR, Linds and I are heading back to the city," Mel said in complete ignorance of the raging storm outside.

"Um, I don't think so," John said as he gently guided the petite woman to the front windows.  Pulling back the thick curtains, John pointed out to the lane.  The only car visible was Drew's Hummer and the snow had already drifted higher than the tires.

"Oh my God!  Does everyone know that we're stuck here?  And don't you have a plowing service?"

"Melanie," Rachel began gently, "we have a plowing service but this storm took everyone by surprise.  The main roads haven't been cleared yet.  The earliest the plow might get here is tomorrow afternoon.  And that's only if the main highway gets cleared."

Melanie stood silently trying to take it all in.  She was glad that she was at the cottage with her children and not stuck on the road somewhere.  The sharp whistle of the kettle brought her back to the here and now.

Hearing the kettle, Justin came into the kitchen to help make the tea.

"Have you guys worked it all out yet?" Justin asked as he placed several tea bags in the pot to steep.

"Almost, Sunshine.  We're retaking a head count to make sure we haven't forgotten anyone," Brian answered.

"Can I help?" Melanie asked.

"I think we have it under control," John replied.

"Actually, Mel," Brian began, "if you wouldn't mind, could you organize the sun porch while we're working out the logistics?  The table needs to be pushed up to the wall and the folding chairs collapsed so that we can spread out the lounge chairs.  We'll be needing them." 

"My girls can help," Rachel volunteered. 

Melanie smiled.  If there was one thing Melanie Marcus excelled at, it was her organizational skills.  She loaded up a tray with mugs for the tea then followed Justin out to the porch.

"Phew, I think we just got the Melanie Marcus seal of approval," Emmett chimed.

"Thank the gods!" John and Brian stated in unison and they all laughed.  When they became calm again, Brian recapped the arrangements.

"Okay, let's go over this one more time," Brian said as he took out a pad and pen to jot it all down.  "Emmett and Drew will host Hunter, Nick, Ted and Allen."

Emmett and Drew both nodded in agreement.  Their small office doubled as a guest room and the sofa was large enough for Nick and Hunter to cuddle together on it.  Nick and Hunter had no objections to cuddling.

"Drew, we may need your Hummer to ferry over Rachel and her family plus her guests," Brian suggested.  "I know it's not that far but I can't see anyone walking in this.  She'll be hosting her parents and Claire and Steve."

"No problem," Drew confirmed.  "My baby will make it," Drew said with confidence.  "I can bring them over first."

"Drew, drive the Hummer up the back driveway.  It will bring you close to Brian's side door.  You may have to make two trips," John said.

"Got it; then we'll take the guys down the lane to our cottage."

"Okay, that leaves the rest to us," John mumbled.

"Don't worry, big bro, they'll fit.  Besides we have plenty of sleeping bags and floor space," Brian snarked.

"Brian, I can't see your mother in a sleeping bag on the floor, can you?" John said as he arched a brow at Brian.

"Have no fear, Joan and Jenn can share the futon in my office.  Katerina can bunk out here on this sofa, it's very comfortable and she'll be toasty with the fire going.  Danny can take your sofa.  We put Owen and Sharon in our room, Raphael and Hector in the brass bed.  Do you mind giving up your bed to Debbie and Carl?"

"Not at all, Bobby and I will be fine in my office.  The kids can share Gus' room.  Patrick and Bree are used to sleeping together.  JR can take the top bunk and Gus can use a sleeping bag.  They'll have fun."

"That leaves the Munchers.  They can take Bree's room and Ben and Mikey can go in Patrick's room," Brian added.

"What about Seth?"  Emmett asked.

"He can use the chaise.  Me and the blond can squish together on other chaise," Brian said with a wink.

"Oh, like that's going to be a hardship," Emmett remarked as he returned the wink.  "You love squishing with Justin."

"I think that's it.  We have plenty of food to divide up.  And we can do a buffet breakfast in the morning.  I'm sure we'll have a lot of help," John said.

"That's it!  Now who gets to break it to the family?"  Brian asked his cohorts.

"You're the mastermind, Bri.  I elect you," Emmett stated.  Brian watched as his committee all nodded their heads in agreement.

"Oh goody," Brian grumbled as he went to the liquor cabinet, poured a shot of Beam then downed it in a flash.  "Okay, I'm ready," Brian said as he steeled himself then led his committee out to the porch to propose the sleeping arrangements.

He cleared his throat.  "Folks," he said.  "I don't know if any of you have looked outside lately, but we're in the middle of the fucking blizzard of the century."

"What?  You're kidding, right?  Can't be.  Oh my fucking God!  When did that happen?  What are we going to do?  I should leave right now before it gets any worse."  These were some of the comments spewing out of people's mouths.

Drew whistled again, making them halt and listen.

"Nobody's going anywhere," Brian stated.  "John's been keeping an eye on the weather and it's bad all the way back to Pittsburgh.  The plows can't keep ahead of the snow.  You're going to be staying here."

"But you don't have room…" Owen protested.

"Maybe if we left right now," Sharon began.

"Yes," Hector agreed.  "We should go right now."

"There's nowhere to go," John said.  You won't even get down the lane.  It's drifted full."

"Don't you have someone to plow?" Dr. Raph asked.

"Of course we fucking do," Brian reacted.  He was getting pissed at being asked that question.  Like the storm was his fault or something, and he didn't know how to take care of his family in the winter.  "And our plow driver would be happy to plow, if he could fucking get here!  But all the roads are too dangerous or impassable.  He won't be coming out until this is over."

"When's it supposed to stop?" Seth asked, ever the voice of reason.

"They didn't know it was coming, so I think it's highly unlikely they know when it's going to end," John postulated.

"Fucking weathermen!" Debbie reacted.  "They're not worth the screen they broadcast on."

Everyone chuckled.  Trust Debbie to nail an improbable metaphor.

"So what are we going to do?" Michael asked.

Brian smiled.  Good old trusting Mikey was still here. He had always looked to Brian to solve his problems and today didn't seem to be any different.

"We think we've got it all worked out," Brian stated.  "Here's the sleeping arrangements."  He proceeded to list off the accommodations for all the guests.  That was immediately followed by many protests and voluntary offers of sacrifice.  Several people apparently wanted to sleep on the floor.  No one wanted to put the homeowners out of their beds.  Everyone was willing to suffer during the coming night.  They all started making new plans.

Brian watched and listened for as long as he could stand it.  The cacophony of noise was playing on his last nerve, and they were getting fucking nowhere.

"Shut the fuck up!" he finally shouted when he couldn't stand it any longer.  "We had this all worked out to our satisfaction … and we had hoped to all of yours.  Nobody's changing anything, so fucking live with it!"  Brian stormed out of the sun porch and into the kitchen.  Bree ran after him.

"Dada," she said as she skidded to a halt by his leg.  "I share.  I can sleep on the floor."

"Thanks, Squirt," Brian said lifting her up.  "But you're going to sleep in Gus' room with Patrick and JR.  It will be just fine."

"'Kay, Dada.  Don't be mad."  She patted his face gently.

"I'm not mad," Brian said with a smile.  Bree always knew how to make him smile.  He realized that the noise had died down in the sun porch.  He wondered if they had finally started to listen.

"They're getting ready to go," Justin said as he came into the kitchen.

"Who?" Brian asked.

"The ones who are assigned to Rachel's and to Drew and Emmett's.  They're rounding up whatever they need to take with them."

"Finally."

"You did a good job of organizing things, Brian."

"John did a lot of it, and Emmett."

"Well, I think they finally realize that this is the best way.  Do you think the Hummer can get through?"

"Drew's sure it can," Brian replied.  "We'll have to take his word for it."

Justin nodded.  "We'll get him to call after he makes all his deliveries.  He's shoveling out the Hummer and pulling it up to the side door, so his guests won't have to plow through the snow."

"Brian," Joan said from the doorway.  "Are you all right?"

"Yes, mother."

"If there's anything I can do…"

"You want to change your sleeping arrangements too?" Brian asked.  He could feel his headache building.

"Son, what you've organized is just fine," Joan said gently.

Brian shook his head.  "I shouldn't be so testy."

"With all these people around, I don't blame you," Joan smiled.  "I kind of like being alone in my little house.  It's not easy dealing with so many people."

"You can say that again, especially these people," Brian agreed.

Joan smiled.  "It's going to be fine."

"I give you Bunny to sleep with, Gamma Joan," Bree volunteered.

"That's very sweet of you, Briana.  Are you sure you won't need him?"

"I'll have Patrick," Bree declared.

Brian and Justin laughed.  It was so like Bree to equate Patrick with Bunny.  Patrick wouldn't be too happy to know of the comparison.

A horn honked by the side door. 

"That must be Drew," Justin said.  "Everybody going to Rachel's house your ride is here!" he called.

Claire and Steve came out all bundled up in their coats and hats and scarves.  Bree ran over to kiss Gamma Claire and her husband.  The Morrisons and George and Rachel and their girls weren't far behind.  Brian and Justin made sure they were all situated in the Hummer.  It involved people sitting in each others' laps, but Drew insisted he only wanted to make one trip, and the heavy load would give him good traction.  Those left behind watched the four wheel drive vehicle make its way toward George and Rachel's house.  They were all holding their breath as it came to a stop and the occupants began piling out.

"I hope he can get the fucking thing turned around," Brian whispered to Justin.

"Me too," Ted said.  "Otherwise I'll have to walk to Drew and Emmett's."  He shook his head.

"Don't worry, darling," Allen laughed.  "I'll carry you if necessary."

Ted smiled.  "My hero!"

They watched Drew maneuver the Hummer as he tried to turn it around.  At one point it looked like he was stuck.  Everyone groaned.  After some tense moments and several tries he somehow managed to get the vehicle free of the snow drift and it started its route back to the house.

"Go, Drewsie!  Go, Drewsie!" Emmett chanted, and everyone joined in.

Brian had to smile in spite of the circumstances.  Emmett always was a great cheerleader.  He kind of wished the tall queen would be staying with them tonight, but Emmett had his own entourage of guests to look after. 

A few moments later Drew backed the Hummer up to the side door once again.

"Next set of passengers!" he called.

Ted and Allen and Hunter and Nick headed out to the vehicle.  Emmett turned and waved to everyone before following them.

"I hope they make it all right," Justin said.

"If they don't, we have enough man power to go dig them out," Brian assured him.

Justin leaned against Brian.  He felt his husband kiss the top of his head.  They'd all be fine.  Justin knew they would.  He was never more sure of that than when he was in Brian's arms.

"Okay," Brian said.  "Let's get this place organized."

When Brian walked back into the sun porch, he realized there was very little organizing left to do.  Melanie had rallied the remaining family.  The large dining table that normally stood under the chandelier in the center of the room was pushed back to Justin’s side of the porch.  All the folding chairs had been folded and were leaning against the far wall.  The regular chairs were pushed to the table.   The wicker furniture as well as the lounges were neatly arranged in the middle of the floor.  With the tree twinkling in the corner and the chandelier light turned low, the porch took on a warm glow. 

Jennifer and Joan had arranged some of Emmett’s delicacies on one of the round tables along with some herbal teas and hot cocoa.  Even under these unforeseen circumstances, when the reality of the situation final sunk in, the family was determined to make the best of it.  They were all chatting quietly and truly enjoying each other’s company.

Justin saw Bree yawning.  It was after nine and Bree had been up with the birds.  Justin caught Brian’s eye then cocked his head toward their daughter.  Brian immediately understood.

“Okay, Squirt, how about we get you into your pj’s before Lindz and Mel take over your room,” Brian said making it sound like more of an order rather than a suggestion.  Bree was too tired to argue.

“Okay, Dada,” Briana said with a yawn.  Gus had plenty of clothes in his room.  Even JR kept a few things in Gus’ room.  JR grabbed her stuff then went to change in the bathroom.  Gus went to prepare his room for the kids while Bobby got Patrick ready.  Once the kids said their goodnights, the adults could get themselves ready for bed.

*****

“Brian, we all brought an overnight bag, just in case,” Jennifer admitted to her son-in-law.  Brian raised a brow.  “Well, I know you haven’t spent a lot of time with your mother lately and with the wedding, I was hoping to spend some time with Justin … and Katerina is on break, and...”  Jennifer was on the verge of verbal diarrhea when Brian stopped her with a kiss to her cheek.

“That’s fine, Mother Taylor.  It saves us from trying to find clothes for you all to wear for the next couple of days.  Do you need help getting your bags upstairs?  The spiral staircase can be tricky to maneuver.”

“No, sweetheart, I’ll be fine,” Jennifer said with a soft smile for Brian.  She returned the kiss.  “I am so grateful that you’re well and that Justin has you in his life.  I love you, honey.” 

“Aw shucks, Mother Taylor,” Brian blushed then dipped his head.  Jennifer chuckled as she went for the bag she had stowed in the closet.  “I’ll be down to say good night.”

Joan had her bag in her hand.  She wasn’t sure if she could carry it up the spiral stairs.  Gus, who had changed into his old sweats to sleep in, came to her rescue.

“I’ll take that up for you Grandma Joan,” Gus said cheerfully as he took her bag and went up the stairs.  Joan smiled sweetly at her grandson.  Her past stubbornness and prejudices had almost deprived Joan of spending time with Gus and Bree and with Brian.

“Mom, you okay?” Brian asked Joan, seeing the wistful expression on her face.

“I’m fine son, just counting my blessings,” Joan said then she gently caressed Brian’s cheek before bidding him and the remaining guests a good night.

*****

Jennifer, dressed in a pair of flannel sleep pants, topped with an old sweatshirt of Justin’s came back into the sun porch for a hot cocoa and to say a private good night to Seth.  The two wandered over by the tree, seemingly to admire the decorations.

“Not exactly what I had in mind for our first night together,” Jennifer murmured over her mug.  Seth feigned shock but warmly returned the sentiment.

“I promise to make our next night together more memorable,” Seth said then gallantly kissed Jennifer’s forehead.

“The way the storm is blowing out there, we may be spending our next night right here.”

“What I meant to say, is that I promise to make our first night alone together, very memorable.”  Seth smiled handsomely at the petite blond then swept Jennifer into a warm embrace, and without spilling a drop of her cocoa.

“Way to go, Mother Taylor!” Brian called out, getting a deep blush from Jennifer.

Jennifer waved good night to the family, kissed Seth one more time then walked up the stairs.