Emerge Victorious

Chapter 18

Gradually everyone had their moment with Justin and Brian, wishing them well and expressing their pleasure that the two men had been together for so long. The congratulations were effusive. Brian began to feel that nobody ever thought that he and Justin would make it this far. The congratulations seemed as much for the surprise of the two men staying together for twenty years as they were for the accomplishment of actually doing that. However, Brian could also feel the genuine affection that was being poured over him and his mate. He knew how happy he was to have had Justin Taylor in his life for all these years.

The only exception to the congratulatory comments was Craig Taylor who had chatted briefly with his son, but then had remained stuck to his chair, refusing to go anywhere near Brian. It was like Justin had spent the last twenty years alone or with someone else if Craig’s attitude was any indication. Brian Kinney had no part in it at all.

Brian glanced occasionally in Craig’s direction to make sure Bree was all right. The little girl seemed happy ensconced at the table with her grandfather and the Brenners. Although Brian was surprised that Bree didn’t want to be with her fathers at this shindig, he was pleased that she seemed happy where she was.

Finally Emmett asked everyone to take their seats at the tables and dinner was served. The food was excellent – the chefs having outdone themselves for some of their favorite customers over the years. The owner of Papaganos was very prominent, supervising the serving and checking the meals before they arrived at the tables. He wanted everything to be perfect for this special party.

Seth and Jennifer and Joan were asked to sit at Brian and Justin’s table, representing the parents’ of the grooms. John and Bobby and Patrick also joined them at their table. Patrick seemed a little lost without Bree beside him, but he conducted himself in a very grown up manner. Brian also noted that the place cards had omitted Bree at their table. She remained with her grandfather. That seemed rather strange to Brian, but he really didn’t have much time to think about it as the meal began.

Gus was at Lindsay’s table wishing that Ray was there. He popped out his cell phone a few times to place a call to his boyfriend who was still in New York. He was giving Ray a running commentary on the party.

“You are such a dork,” JR observed as her brother signed off and put his cell back in his pocket once again.

“You’re the dork,” Gus responded.

“I don’t call my boyfriend every ten seconds.”

“Only because he’s sitting right beside you.”

JR stuck her tongue out at her brother, and Curtis just grinned.

“Children,” Lindsay admonished.

“Well, she started it,” Gus protested.

“Did not,” JR told him. “I was just stating a fact.”

It was Gus’ turn to stick out his tongue.

Candy laughed out loud.

“What?” Gus asked. He was glad to see Candy starting to enjoy herself after the unexpected appearance of her father.

“You two are too funny. It almost makes me wish I had a sister or brother,” Candy explained.

“Well, you sort of do … now,” JR said. “We’re your family.” She looked meaningfully at Gus.

“Yeah, what she said,” Gus agreed with a smile.

“Thanks, guys,” Candy said sincerely. “That means a lot to me.”

Lindsay smiled serenely. She couldn’t imagine such things happening if Melanie Marcus had been there. She would have had to coerce Mel into attending the party in the first place, and then she would have had to listen to her bad mouth Brian for the entire dinner. This was much better.

Across the room Debbie and Emmett had their heads together.

“Does everybody know what they’re supposed to do?” Debbie asked.

“All have their assignments, Commander,” Emmett saluted.

“Stop it, smart ass!”

“Everything’s under control,” Emmett assured her.

Debbie looked thoughtful for a moment. Then her face contorted. “I just had an awful thought.”

“Oh fuck! Pardon my French, but what did you think of?” Emmett wondered if he had forgotten something crucial to their plan.

“What if our darling unpredictable asshole over there decides he doesn’t want to go through with this?”

“He wouldn’t, he couldn’t!” Emmett sputtered.

“You know he could,” Debbie replied with a knowing look on his face.

“Justin would kill him,” Emmett said.

“Only after I got through with him,” Debbie assured her co-conspirator.

“I think we’d all have to take a number.”

“Then I guess we don’t have to worry.”

“Fuck! I hope not,” Emmett said as he studied the two men who were happily looking into each other’s eyes. One of Brian’s hands was not visible on top of the table. Emmett squirmed in his chair as he imagined just where that hand might be and what it might be doing.

“Are you watching what I think you’re watching?” Debbie asked after a moment.

“Um, depends what you think I’m watching,” Emmett said squirming some more. Justin seemed to be doing his own squirming.

“You know what I think you’re watching,” Debbie declared. “That asshole is insatiable. He’d even do it in front of a roomful of his family and friends.”

“Yeah, but it would be fun to watch,” Emmett mused.

Just then they saw Justin reach under the table and pointedly lift Brian’s hand so it was sitting on top of the table. Justin placed his hand over top of it and held it there. Brian smirked, but didn’t fight what his partner was doing.

“See,” Emmett observed, “Justin knows how to handle the great god Kinney.” All Debbie did was snort.

 

*****
 

“Sunshine, do you get the feeling that this is more than just an anniversary dinner?” Brian said in a low whisper, as he leaned in close to Justin then gave his temple a gentle kiss. That romantic gesture elicited an ‘aw’ from many in attendance. Brian subtly rolled his eyes.

“I’m not sure,” Justin replied as he scanned the room. “But now that you mention it, there has been a lot of chatter that abruptly stops when I walk by,” he said as he popped a small tomato into his mouth. The first course was being served at a leisurely pace. Since the whole of the restaurant was devoted to Brian, Justin and party, no one was being rushed. “And since when does Papaganos have a dance floor?” Justin noted that the arrangement of the tables allowed enough room for dancing.

The boys studied the ‘dance floor’ suspiciously.

“Hmm, my dear Watson, the game’s afoot!” Brian declared in his best Holmesian accent as he arched his brow.

“Indubitably, Holmes!” Justin responded with a giggle. “But I’m sure they’re all sworn to secrecy.”

“I agree; they’ve been plotting something for months.”

“Whom do we know that can be easily duped into revealing the plot?” Justin asked as they discreetly scanned the guests.

“Or, more to the point, who can I intimidate into spilling the beans,” Brian retorted.

One set of bright blue eyes and one set of hazel narrowed as their victim walked by on his way back from the bar with his tonic and lime.

“Schmidt!” they said in unison, making Ted jump.

“Oh shit, I mean, nice night, isn't it?” Teddy asked innocently. Ted had been brought fully into the plans as the time drew closer. The family thought it safe to let Ted in on them, since Brian was spending a lot of his time helping out at the garden center.

“Relax, Teddy, we just want a little information,” Brian drawled with a saccharine smile. Justin smiled prettily then coyly batted his eyes at their gullible friend.

“I know nothing,” Ted quickly stammered as he attempted a quick getaway. He made a lock and key motion over his lips as Brian grabbed his wrist.

“Now, Theodore, you know how much I rely on you. How much I value our friendship and your continued employment at Kinnetik,” Brian sneered. “Have a seat,” Brian suggested as Justin shoved an empty chair in Ted’s direction.

Ted sat with a thud.

“That’s better. Now isn’t this cozy?” Brian asked as he and Justin both grinned like sharks at Ted.

“They swore me to secrecy,” Ted whispered as his eyes darted around the room and then back at the happy couple. Debbie noticed Ted in the huddle and glared at him. “They’ll kill me if they find out I spilled the beans.”

“And I’ll kill you if you don’t,” Brian growled.

“Bri!” Justin placed his hand on Brian’s arm. Brian relented, allowing Justin to take over the interrogation. “Ted, we’re not asking you to betray the family.”

“Oh thank the gods,” Ted sighed with relief.

“But you know how much Brian hates surprises. We just want to be prepared. I mean, they’re not planning to roll in a huge cake with a naked man in it, are they?” Justin teased.

“Oh no, no, no, no! Nothing like that.”

“Schmidt,” Brian growled low, losing his patience.

“Oh hell,” Ted moaned.

“A small hint; an itty bitty tiny little hint,” Justin pleaded.

“It involves the Reverend,” Ted whispered. “And that’s all I’m saying.” Ted quickly stood, plastering a phony smile on his face then stating clearly for anyone to hear, “Congratulations, both of you.” Ted grabbed their hands to give them a hearty shake. “I knew all along it would last,” Ted exclaimed then quickly walked away back to his own table. He moved his chair closer to Allen knowing that the family wouldn’t try anything with Allen at his side.

“What the hell does that mean?” Brian asked as the next course was served. Justin looked deep in thought then a beatific smile spread across his face. “Your gerbil figured it out.” Justin nodded. “I always knew you weren’t really a blond.” Brian carded his fingers through Justin's hair, plucking at the dark blond roots. “Your theory, Watson?”

“Elementary, my dear Holmes,” Justin said ignoring the blond crack. “We’re getting married,” he stated as he sipped his soup.

“In case it slipped your little blond brain, we’re already married,” Brian snarked.

“Ah!” Justin raised his index finger into the air. “What makes tonight different from the first time?” Justin asked knowing his very smart spouse would eventually get it.

“Joan and Craig weren’t there the first time,” Brian said after a moment’s thought, as Justin sat back with a smug smile. He innocently raised his soup spoon to his mouth.

“What a sneaky bunch of...”

“Bri, be nice,” Justin cautioned. “They must have gone through a lot to arrange this and to get Craig to cooperate.”

“Sunshine, I have a feeling his cooperation has a lot more to do with our daughter than our anniversary.”

“You noticed that, huh?”

“How could I not,” Brian said with resignation. “I’m sorry, Justin.”

“What do you have to be sorry about?” Justin asked. The tone in Brian’s voice concerned him.

“I’m not the in-law your father wanted,” Brian whispered.

“No, you’re not, but you are the man I wanted. And the man I will always want until the day I die,” Justin stated with conviction, his blue eyes shining with love, conveying his never ending devotion to Brian. “Together?” Justin asked as he held out a hand to Brian.

“Together,” Brian answered as he took Justin’s hand then brought it to his lips.

“Awww!” came a chorus from the family.

 

*****
 

Bree looked over at her daddies’ table. She knew it was almost time for the ‘special event’ that everybody was waiting for. Bree didn’t know all the details other than it was her job to keep her Gampa from leaving the restaurant, but Bree wanted to spend some time with her fathers. After tonight, she’d be all alone, with her Patrick and her uncles, of course. Bree looked up at her grandfather then over toward her daddies again. She caught her Dada’s eye. He gave her a wistful smile.

“Auntie Molly,” Bree whispered as she tugged on Molly’s blouse.

“What is it, Pumpkin?” Molly asked as she leaned down toward her niece.

“I have to go to the bathroom,” Bree said softly in her aunt’s ear. “But...”

“I got it covered,” Molly said with a wink.

“Daddy, we ladies must go freshen up. Would you look after my little man?” Molly asked Craig, placing the toddler on her father’s lap before he could object. “And I just want to say hi to Mom for a minute.” With that Molly got up taking Bree with her.

“Sure, Sweetheart,” Craig mumbled as Taylor took that opportunity to bounce up and down in his Grampa’s lap.

“Are you okay?” Molly asked Bree as they walked toward the ladies room.

“I’m all right,” Bree pouted.

“What is it, honey?” Molly asked as she squatted down in front of the petite child.

“I miss my daddies,” Bree said in a small voice.

“Oh, baby,” Molly said as she swooped her niece up in her arms and gave her a fierce hug. “We have a little more time before the ceremony. Would you like to sit with them for a while?” Bree nodded pitifully. “Okay. Do you really have to go?” Molly asked, indicating the restroom.

Bree shook her head, no.

“Then let’s go visit with your daddies!”

“Yay!” Bree smiled her brightest smile as Molly carried her to Brian and Justin.

“Guys, there’s a young lady who wishes an audience with the royal couple,” Molly teased as she sat Bree down on Justin’s lap. The royal couple blissfully hugged and kissed their princess to another chorus of ‘aws.’

 

*****
 

“Hey, Pop,” Gus greeted his dad.

“Hey, Sonny Boy.” Brian stood to give his son a hug. “You having fun sitting at the children’s table?” Brian teased, noting that Gus was sitting with the teens of the family. Richie was spending most of the evening sitting with Candy.

“Yeah, but I miss the short stuff, here,” Gus said cocking his head at Bree. Said short stuff stood up on a chair to get Gus’ attention. Gus picked up the petite child.

“About that...” Brian said arching his brow.

“Pop, just go with the flow.”

“So you do know what they’re planning.”

“Don’t sweat it,” Gus said over Bree’s shoulder. “They all wanted to do something special for you guys but what do get for someone who doesn’t need anything and has the resources to get everything themselves. Grandma Joan is flying high about this.”

“What about the...” Brian refrained from calling Craig every name in the book. Bree adored her Gampa and Brian knew no matter how much Craig hurt Justin throughout the years, Justin still loved his father.

“He’s not going anywhere, they made sure.” Gus’ eyes looked from Bree to his dad and to key members of the family including Debbie, Jennifer and Susan.

“We figured out that one.” Brian gently caressed Bree’s soft, baby fine hair. “Do you have any idea when whatever is supposed to happen, will happen?” Brian asked as he met his son’s eyes.

“Soon, just after this course, before dessert,” Gus replied. “I’m here to take Bree back to her table.”

“She has more work to do?” Justin asked as he stood. Gus nodded at the man who was as dear and as important to him as his father. Concern for his daughter’s well-being was written all over Justin’s face.

“Don’t worry, Jus. Aunt Molly has it covered.” They all turned toward Molly who was back in her seat at her dad’s table. The Brenners were in on the plot; Owen Sr. was hovering closely. Craig would behave. Molly smiled back at her brother and Brian.

“Is the whole family in on it?” Brian asked. Gus shrugged. The question needed no response. The boys each gave Bree a kiss then Brian bussed his son’s cheek. “Go and we’ll make like we’re surprised for whatever.”

“Okay, Pop. Come on, short stuff, we have work to do,” Gus whispered to Bree.

“Okay, Gus. Later Daddy, later Dada!”

“Later,” they both replied then sat to finish their main course.

 

*****
 

The clinking of a spoon against a glass got everyone’s attention. Emmett, ever the consummate host, stood to make an announcement.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, queers and others...” He waited until the laughter died down. “We thank you for joining us on this very special night to wish important members of our vast family a happy tenth anniversary!”

The room burst into applause, cheers, whoops and hollers as the whole family expressed their feelings. Bree, sitting on Craig’s lap was clapping wildly.

“When we realized that this day was becoming a reality, we...” Emmett paused for effect as he spread his arms wide, indicating most of the family, “we wanted to do something special for two men that for twenty years have been at the very heart and soul of our family. But since they have more money than God, pardon Reverend, we had no clue how to mark this day.”

“Ya mean I wasted my money on the hustler in the red thong?” Debbie shouted from her table.

“Ma!!!” Michael cried out in embarrassment as he buried his head in his hands.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart. He has group rates; you’re next.” The family laughed.

“Hustlers notwithstanding, we decided a little re-enactment was in order. Father Tom...”

Father Tom stood up from his chair; he gave Joan’s shoulder a little squeeze before stepping into the circle created by the table arrangement. He stood still then slowly turned around smiling serenely as he took in the faces of the family.

“I see so many faces who on this day ten years ago, were at Babylon to witness the commitment Brian and Justin made to each other. I can’t help notice that our family has grown over the years. I say our, because I feel privileged to be included as a member of this family. We’ve all grown older and hopefully wiser, recognizing that love, true love, between two people is something to be celebrated.” Tom’s eyes flickered over to Joan who seemed to glow with an inner peace and contentment.

“Brian, Justin, would you do us the honor of restating your commitment to each other in front of your family?”

Brian turned his head to gaze into his mate’s eyes. Justin’s eyes were sparkling with tears of joy and love. They nodded to each other as they stood to take their places with Tom in the circle. As the surrounding lights dimmed, the three men were bathed in soft golden light. Ethereal music was playing in the background as Tom had Brian and Justin recite simple words of continued commitment.

Craig looked around him. He was too shocked to be angry at the trick his family had played on him. Besides, the angelic smile on his granddaughter’s face was almost enough to quell his ire. Craig stared at his son, seeing the beautiful blond boy that Justin used to be, toddling after him as he walked around the house or did chores in their backyard. Craig had so many hopes and dreams for that little boy; his dreams almost shattered by a violent act that left Justin for dead. And yet, that bright little boy grew up into a strong, brilliant, confident man who was now renewing his vow to the man Craig blamed for nearly getting his son killed.

Craig stared more intensely. Even through the dim light Craig could see the love shining in Justin’s eyes. Love shining for Brian Kinney. That same love that used to shine in Jennifer’s eyes and that now shone for someone else. Craig sighed as he gazed at Jennifer whose hand was held by Seth. Her still bright blond hair spilled onto Seth’s shoulder as she leaned against him, tears of joy slipping down her face. Craig turned toward Susan; the light in her eyes had diminished over the years and he only had himself to blame. If he wasn’t careful, if he didn’t do something to correct it, the love that once shone brightly in Susan’s eyes would fade altogether. And Craig did love his wife. Keeping one arm around the little girl on his lap, Craig snaked his other arm across his wife’s shoulders drawing her closer. Susan sighed happily, pecking Craig’s cheek before they both turned to pay attention to the men in the circle.

Brian could hear the whispered compliments from the family in the background, as he watched Justin saying the same words he spoke ten years earlier. Brian realized that when asked, he still had no clue what to say. He didn’t think he could get away with singing that corny little song like he did the first time. Nope, and he had to think quick, because the good friar was almost done with his spouse.

“Brian, would you say the words of commitment to Justin?” Tom asked as he turned toward Brian. Justin’s smile nearly blinded Brian as he cradled Justin’s chin in his palm.

“Sunshine,” Brian began flippantly then became serious. “Justin, I love you.” Brian was saying the words clearly for all the world to hear. “I always have and I always will.”

Brian took Justin into his arms to seal his words and his commitment with a kiss. The family jumped to their feet as they cheered. As the cheering subsided into a dull roar, the reverend introduced the couple.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you............!”



Thyme and Sabina..... would like to sincerely thank all our readers and supporters as we celebrate the 5th anniversary of The Sunshine Files with this, our 50th story. Without your unending encouragement, we would have never made it this far.

Thank you and happy anniversary!

March-May 2010
 

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