Emerge Victorious

Chapter 15

“That’s the last of it,” Riley exclaimed as he collapsed into a plush chair that was placed near the fireplace. He and Danny were moving many of Riley’s belongings into the toll house cottage.

“Looks good,” Danny observed as he sat on the opposite and matching chair. “A little sparse, though.”

“I’m not one for clutter,” Riley deadpanned.

“Obviously, but I think you’ve taken minimalism to an extreme.” Riley shrugged his shoulders as he looked around. “So, are you going to give up your apartment?” Danny asked.

“I haven’t decided. I guess I could commute during the peak season or stay at a hotel if I’m going to be in the city for a few days. I’m not sentimental about my apartment if that’s what you’re thinking.”

“Can I offer another suggestion?” Danny ventured.

Riley nodded.

“Move in with me. Now hear me out before you say no,” Danny said quickly before Riley could object. Riley waved his hand indicating Danny should continue.

“You’ve been to my house; it’s more than large enough for two grown men to share without getting on each other’s nerves. It’s a nice quiet street with good neighbors. I have several empty rooms that you could occupy if you’re not ready to share my bed or make that kind of commitment. I enjoy your company, Riley, and I think you enjoy mine.”

Riley gave Danny a shy smile as he slowly nodded his head.

“Dammit, Riley, I think I’m falling in love with you! I never felt like this before. My insides keep on fluttering. At my age this could either be love or gastric reflux!”

Riley laughed out loud as a bit of the over the top Divina made a rare appearance.

“And my garden, it’s come alive since you’ve entered my life. It was such a sad garden before with no one to appreciate it. I’m not trying to replace your first love but do you think there’s room in your heart for a new love?”

Danny’s soulful eyes pierced through Riley’s defenses. Riley stood up from his chair then took a step toward Danny. He extended his hand to pull Danny up from his chair. Danny suddenly found himself wrapped up by Riley’s strong, thick arms.

“Yes,” Riley whispered. “Yes,” he repeated. “I’m ready to share your life if you’re willing. On the one condition that you’ll share this cottage with me. For all those same reasons. I never realized how much of me died when I lost Tony. He probably would have smacked me upside the head if he knew how much time I wasted mourning his death instead of moving past it. You’ve brought me back to the land of the living. I wonder if Dr. Nick can recommend a good gastroenterologist because I think your reflux is contagious,” Riley said just before he captured Danny’s lips with his own.

 

*****
 

“I’m going to miss you,” Melanie said as she and JR approached the gate. JR’s week with her mother and Lorna was over. JR was about to board the plane for home.

“I’m going to miss you too.”

“Are you? Really?” Mel asked, not totally believing her daughter. “You still can move here. We can decorate that room any way you wish. And you’ll make new friends.”

“I love you, Mama but...”

“But your home isn’t here,” Mel finished JR’s thought.

“Daddy needs me.”

“And I don’t. I get it,” Melanie snapped back. JR winced as she prepared herself for the inevitable fight. “Sweetheart, you’ll always have a place here,” Mel said with resignation.

“I know....Gus said he’s gonna fly out here right after school ends. He misses you too.”

Mel nodded. Gus made it a point to call her at least once a week. They announced boarding so JR and her mother hugged one last time.

“I love you, baby.”

“I love you too, Mama.”

Melanie kissed her daughter and watched as she entered the gate. JR turned to wave at her mother one last time then she walked up the ramp. A few tears slipped down Mel’s face before she turned to go home.

 

*****
 

Spring was in the air and with it came all the hard work cleaning up the Edna’s Treasures gardens of all the winter debris. Brian was hard at work from sunrise on. Justin was equally hard, um, at work, that is. Although his nether regions were definitely impressed with Brian’s gardening skills. So impressed that Justin turned his easel around so that he could spy on his spouse as Brian was raking, toting that spade and lifting that mulch.

“Are you painting or drooling?” Bobby asked with a snicker as he walked into the porch from his end of the cottage.

“Um, drooling,” Justin said as he blushed and unconsciously wiped at his mouth. “I can’t help it. He’s so, so...”

“No need to explain, I married the man’s twin,” Bobby said with a knowing smirk.

“Does John know about you stalking his construction sites?” Justin teased.

A couple of times when Bobby knew John was on a job in Harrisburg, Bobby would do a drive by. John still enjoyed getting physical with his hammer. Bobby was equally impressed with his husband’s physique especially when John would strip down to his t-shirt. Bobby’s mouth would go dry watching John’s muscles working.

“No, and don’t you tell him. I have to keep some secrets.”

“Hey, preaching to the choir here,” Justin stated as he raised his hands in surrender. “Want some iced tea?” Justin offered. He was feeling overheated.

“Yeah, thanks,” Bobby replied. “Um, what are you guys doing for your anniversary? It’s a big one this year,” Bobby inquired nonchalantly. He and John were given the task of getting the boys to their special anniversary dinner on time.

“Not sure. You know how Brian gets. He only celebrates accomplishments,” Justin said as he made quote marks in the air and rolled his eyes at Brian’s well known rhetoric. “Which we all know is bullshit. He’s been celebrating the kids’ birthdays for years. I really don’t want to throw a party. I’d rather go somewhere nice for dinner. Maybe just the two of us.”

“I hear ya. We’ll mind the princess.”

“Thanks,” Justin sighed.

“What’s wrong?” Bobby asked when he saw the wistful expression on Justin’s face.

“Nothing really. I think I’m being a big baby about all this.”

“About all what?”

“This is our tenth anniversary.”

“Yeah and…?”

“I mean officially we’ve been ‘married’ for ten years but I met Brian twenty years ago. That has to count for something. I’m not sure if Brian realizes the significance.” Justin poured them more iced tea then he sat on a chaise.

“You think Brian’s forgotten,” Bobby stated, reading his brother-in-law. Justin gave a slight nod. “Just because he hasn’t said anything doesn’t mean he hasn’t given it any thought. You know Brian doesn’t always reveal his plans.”

Justin nodded. It was true. If Brian hadn’t finalized anything, he wouldn’t want to get Justin’s hopes up. Before Justin could reply, his cell phone vibrated in his pocket.

“It’s Sidney,” Justin said looking at the number. “I have to take this,” Justin stated by way of apology then walked into the house.

“No problem,” Bobby murmured as he stared out toward the garden. Brian was standing wiping the sweat off his brow. Bobby poured a tall glass of iced tea then walked outside.

“Here, you look as if you can use this,” Bobby said handing the glass to Brian.

“Oh fuck, yeah. Thanks,” Brian said gratefully then he gulped down half the glass.

“Easy, pardner, slow down,” Bobby cautioned. Brian took a breath. “Did you have to take on the entire garden in one day? Or are you beating yourself up for another reason?”

Brian put the cold glass to his forehead as he studied Bobby’s face.

“You can’t bullshit me. I know the symptoms of a Kinney with a problem. John starts cleaning and repairing things even if they don’t need fixing. You work yourself up into a frenzy in the garden.”

“What if it’s winter?” Brian snarked.

“Then you terrorize Ted and Kinnetik. Spill, buddy.”

“It was pointed out to me by your husband that the anniversary coming up is a significant one for me and the blond.”

“Yeah and…? I’m assuming you’re working your usual magic.”

“That’s just it, what can I do that hasn’t already been done? He never asks for much and even if he did he could probably buy it himself. I’ve been trying to find out if there’s someplace special he’d like to go but he keeps evading me. If I don’t book something now it’ll be too late.”

“When did you want to go?”

“Uh duh,” Brian glared.

“On your anniversary?” Bobby was trying not to panic. That was the last thing the family wanted - for Brian to fly Justin away on the day of their anniversary party. “Don’t you think he’d like a nice dinner somewhere first before you get on a plane?”

“I could get him on the plane a couple of days before and then spend that day in some villa someplace,” Brian said looking very pleased with himself for coming up with that one.

“You could,” Bobby said trying to remain cool. “Don’t you think the princess would want to be around for the big day?” Bobby was getting desperate so he threw in the kid card.

“I didn’t think of that. Besides, the Squirt did make a big thing about circling that day on the calendar. She wants to make us breakfast in bed. But don’t say anything to Justin. She wants it to be surprise.”

“But you know.”

“Yeah, well, we’ve been practicing her egg scrambling skills.”

“I see,” Bobby murmured looking very lawyer-ish. “Well, the only recourse I can see is that you remain home for the princess and her breakfast. Perhaps take Justin for a nice dinner at Papaganos then stay at the Plaza overnight then fly out the next day to that villa someplace,” Bobby stated very matter-of-factly.

“I always knew you were smart,” Brian snarked.

“Of course I’m smart. I’ve hooked up with you crazy Kinneys, haven’t I?” Bobby smiled smugly.

“Does your husband know what a pain in the ass you are?” Brian asked as he stripped off his shirt to wipe himself down.

“Yup and he loves every minute of it,” Bobby said with a big grin as he sidestepped the shirt flying at him. He laughed as he sprinted back inside.

While Brian and Justin got back to their respective work, Bobby shut himself in his bedroom for privacy. He began to dial his phone.

“Get everyone on the phone,” Bobby commanded then he sat back against the headboard waiting for all the connections to be made. Bobby quickly filled in the family on his conversations with Brian and Justin.

“Sweetheart, you know the boys are too damned smart for their own good,” Claire cautioned. “Be careful how you phrase things; they may compare notes.”

“I know. We have to make it seem like these plans are their own ideas or they may suspect something. But right now it looks like dinner at Papaganos and if they go on a second honeymoon anywhere it’ll be the next day.”

The family breathed a sigh of relief then one by one disconnected from the call leaving only Bobby and John.

“Babe, you sound stressed,” John said.

“Not any more than usual when dealing with your brother and Justin.”

“I’m heading home. It won’t kill anyone if we’re honest with them and tell them the plans if it gets them where the family wants them. Brian will grumble, Justin will get an allergy attack, but bottom line the boys won’t disappoint the family.”

“True. I’m going to start dinner. Your brother decided to do a season’s worth of gardening in one day, and Justin is distracted.”

John laughed. “Sounds good. Need me to pick up anything from the store?”

“Yeah, dessert but no vanilla ice cream. It’s hot enough around here without it.”

John and Bobby laughed before hanging up.

 

*****
 

JR came through the door from her flight into the main arrivals level. She walked with authority feeling very grown up after her trip across the country.

“Honeybun!” a voice shouted.

JR paused mid step, and then made a glare worthy of her Uncle Brian in the direction of her father who was hurrying toward her.

“Daddy!” JR said stamping her foot, but not very hard.

Michael’s arms enveloped her in a big hug, and JR melted against his chest. It felt good to be home. Honeybun was all but forgotten.

“How was your trip?” Ben asked as he came up to them. He lifted the bag from JR’s shoulders, throwing it over his own strong one.

“It was okay,” JR replied as she gave Ben a hug too.

“Just okay?” Michael asked as they started walking towards the parking garage.

“Mama’s good, and her friend is okay.”

“I see,” Ben said softly.

“Really, it was fine. Mama is mama. I can stand being there for a few days.”

“I guess I was hoping for more than that,” Michael said with a touch of sadness in his voice.

“I think I finally figured out some things while I was out there,” JR noted. “We’re never going to have the family I used to have. But it will be all right. I think it will be just fine. And I told Mama that I’m staying here with you,” JR stated firmly.

Michael’s smile threatened to rival one of Justin’s. “Was that okay with Mel?”

“She doesn’t like it anymore than she did when I first told her I was staying with you,” JR explained. “But she knows I’ll never go there willingly, and I don’t think she wants a fight about it.”

“That’s good, JR,” Ben said approvingly.

JR smiled at the big man. “I did just what you told me. I was calm and agreeable,” she said proudly.

“You were?” Michael asked in surprise, making Ben chuckle.

“I do have some of Mama in me, daddy.”

“Yes, you certainly do,” Michael agreed as they reached the car.

JR smiled happily. She loved her fathers. They made her feel so grown up. If she had to put up with a few “honeybuns” every now and then, well, daily, that wasn’t such a high price to pay.

 

*****
 

“Jamie, are you coming to bed?” Leda called into Jamie’s studio. She tried to keep the exasperation out of her voice, but it was hard, when Jamie should be resting instead of working on another art project.

“I’m almost finished,” Jamie said. “I’ll be there in a minute.”

“I know how long your minutes can be,” Leda griped as she turned away. She might as well go to bed and get some sleep. Jamie could be hours once she got working on one of her projects.

“Ooof!”

“Did you say something?” Leda asked turning back around.

“Ow!”

“Jamie, what is it? Is something wrong?”

“Just a twinge, I think. But a strong one.”

“I want you to come with me right now. You need to rest.”

“Okay,” Jamie agreed. “Maybe I’ve overdone it a little.”

“Good, lean on me.”

“But I need to clean up.”

“Leave it,” Leda ordered. “I’ll come back and clean up when I get you into bed.”

“But…” Jamie started, knowing that Leda’s idea of cleaning up was throwing out everything she didn’t know what to do with.

“No buts! You’re lying down.”

“Okay, okay,” Jamie agreed.

“You know the baby’s due soon. You need to take care of yourself.”

“I know. I just wanted to finish that commission. Then I won’t have to worry about it once the baby’s here.”

“You still have a few days. You don’t have to finish it tonight,” Leda chastised gently.

“You take good care of me,” Jamie said leaning against Leda’s strong body. “I love you.”

“I do my best. You’re very important to me, Jamie. I want us to have a happy, healthy baby. You have to be careful.”

“I…”

“What?” Leda asked as Jamie stopped in her tracks.

“My water just broke.”

“What?”

“I said my water just broke.”

“Yes, yes, I heard you. So, what do we do now?”

“We don’t panic,” Jamie said trying to do just what she was advising Leda to do. At the same time her heart was pounding in her chest and she knew she was scared. The baby was coming. “Help me into the bedroom so I can get some clean clothes. Then you can call the doctor.”

“Doctor,” Leda repeated mechanically. “Doctor.”

“Leda, listen to me. Are you listening?”

Leda giggled at Jamie’s choice of words. “Do you know who you sound like?’

“Ow!” Jamie cried as a contraction hit her. “I don’t care who the fuck I sound like. Help me sit down on the edge of the bed.”

Leda gently lowered Jamie onto the bed. “What now?” Leda looked around in bewilderment.

Jamie drew in an exasperated breath. “You are supposed to be the calm one. I’m the one going into labor. Call the fucking doctor,” Jamie ordered hauling herself up off the bed. Obviously she was going to have to get her own clothes and the suitcase that they had packed weeks ago for just this moment.

“Where’s the doctor’s number?” Leda asked scruffling through the drawer in the night table beside the bed.

“Under the phone,” Jamie snapped back at her as she selected something soft and comfortable from her closet. When she turned around she saw a terrified Leda staring back at her. “Leda?” Jamie asked suddenly very concerned about her older partner.

Leda shook her head. “I can’t remember our doctor’s name,” she muttered.

“Leda, listen to me. You have to snap out of this. I can’t do this all on my own. I need your help.”

“Help, yes, of course, help.”

“Leda, for fuck’s sake,” Jamie said grabbing Leda’s shoulders and shaking her gently to get her to focus. “Pick up that fucking phone and call the number on the paper beneath it. Dr. Patel. Do you hear me? Dr. Patel!”

“Dr. Patel, right, Dr. Patel,” Leda repeated. She picked up the phone and dialed the required number.

Jamie heard her explaining what was happening to whoever she was talking to on the other end of the line. “We’ll head out right away,” Leda said before hanging up.

“Oooh! Fuck!” Jamie grunted as another contraction swept through her. “I think we should head for the hospital,” Jamie advised.

“Me too,” Leda agreed. She looked rather pale. “I’ll take the suitcase and bring the car to the front door. Are you okay for me to leave you?”

Jamie liked the more authoritative sound of Leda’s voice. She sounded more like the forceful woman that Jamie knew and loved. “I’ll be fine until you come back in for me,” Jamie said looking at her watch as another contraction made its presence felt.

They were only a few minutes apart. Maybe the baby would be coming soon.

“Hurry,” Jamie called as Leda disappeared from sight.
 

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