Ladies of Liberty

Chapter 4

“Morning, Owen,” Brian said as he continued to whip up breakfast.

“Morning,” Owen said groggily. “What time is it? It’s daylight.” Owen was still wearing the clothes he had arrived in and looking rather rumpled and unhappy.

“That would be correct. It’s a little after seven a.m.”

“Seven? A.M.?”

Brian nodded. “Let it sink in,” he chuckled.

“But, we got here at dinnertime,” Owen said in bewilderment.

“You’ve been asleep ever since you arrived.”

“But … that’s over twelve hours.”

“Correct again,” Brian replied as he slid his scrambled eggs into a casserole dish and put them in the oven to stay warm.

“How … how is that possible?” Then one horrible answer to his question hit him. “Where’s Taylor? Did something happen to the baby? Has Molly gone to the hospital?”

“In Bree’s bedroom with Justin, no, nothing happened to Molly or the baby. Molly’s over in John’s side of the cottage.”

“But…”

“Owen, sit down and drink this,” Brian said shoving a cup of coffee at the man.

Owen took it and sat down at the kitchen table. “What day is it?” he asked.

Brian laughed. “Thursday.”

“Oh … good … at least I didn’t lose a day.”

“You and Molly looked like you could use a whole day of sleep. You don’t have to do everything by yourselves, you know,” Brian counseled. “Justin and I had all kinds of help with Bree.”

Owen studied Brian taking in what he had said. “I guess we just thought we should be able to do it. We’re both intelligent, capable people.”

“Dada!” Bree screeched running into the kitchen. “Taylor made this gigantic belch!” she giggled.

“That’s a baby for you,” Brian said with a smile.

“Hi, Unca Owen. You sleep real good,” Bree stated as she climbed up onto a chair beside him.

“Thanks Bree. I was very tired.”

“You need lots of sleep to feel good,” Bree told him with all the wisdom of her six years, and the constant reinforcement from her fathers about the importance of sleep.

“Ready for breakfast, Squirt?” Brian asked his daughter.

“Yep, should I get Patrick and his daddies?”

“Yes, and Auntie Molly if she’s awake.”

“Okay,” Bree said sliding off her chair.

“Bree, don’t wake Molly if she’s still asleep,” Brian cautioned. Owen gave him a thankful look. “Owen, can you give me a hand setting all this out in the sun porch? There’s more room out there.”

“Sure,” Owen replied.

Soon the whole group was assembled on the sun porch enjoying breakfast. Molly had woken up when the house started to stir. She had rushed into the kitchen as confused and worried as Owen had been. The new parents had gone to see their sleeping angel in Bree’s room before sitting down to some breakfast.

“I can’t believe that Taylor is actually sleeping and has been for over an hour,” Molly sighed. “I couldn’t get him to sleep for more than fifteen minutes at a time.”

“I’d say the child was hungry, dear,” Claire told her gently. “You should be fine now that you’re using formula.”

“I so wanted to breastfeed,” Molly replied sadly.

“You did breastfeed,” Claire said gently. “You could still offer Taylor your breast, but you may need to supplement it with formula.”

“Um … could we talk about something other than breasts and milk and formula?” Brian requested. “I think I may be ill.”

“Shut up, Kinney,” Molly retorted.

“We’ll talk later, Molly, when the squeamish men aren’t around,” Claire said.

“Thanks, Claire, I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Hey, what about us?” Brian asked.

“You’re okay, Kinney. You’ll do in a pinch,” Molly laughed.

“And he knows how to pinch,” Justin replied, happy to see his sister laugh. Brian gave his husband a pinch just to emphasize that point. “Ow!” Justin squirmed out of Brian’s reach.

“Time for school, kiddies,” Bobby said standing up. “Get your book bags.”

The children ran off to get ready for school.

“How do you get them to obey so readily?” Molly asked watching the children race out of the sun porch as Bobby had directed.

“We only produce obedient children,” Brian said with a smirk.

“You are so full of shit, Kinney,” Molly said shaking her head. “Seriously, how do you get them to this stage?”

Justin smiled. “It was a lot of hard work and perseverance, and never letting them feel unloved.”

“And disciplining them when they need it,” Brian threw in.

“Yeah, right, like the first time we had to correct Bree and you sat outside her door for hours while she was in time-out,” Justin laughed.

“Just wanted to be sure she stayed in her room,” Brian said tongue in cheek.

“Yeah,” Justin said not prepared to mention the torment he knew that incident had put Brian through. A crying Bree had sent Brian into total desolation.

“I hope we can do it as well as you guys have,” Owen said taking Molly’s hand and squeezing.

“You’ll both do fine,” Claire said encouragingly.

Owen and Molly tried to smile, but they looked worried.

“Just take it one day at a time,” Brian stated gently. Then he added, “We’ll be here for sage and tested advice whenever it’s needed.”

Molly giggled. “Sometimes I love you, brother-in-law dearest.”

“And sometimes you’d like to throttle me,” Brian smirked.

“Exactly!”

 

*****
 

“That arch wasn’t half bad,” Debbie said as they made their way outside.

“See,” Carl said.

They had gone inside the north leg of the arch and ridden the tram to the top. It was an interesting place with a great view of the city. There had also been displays about the history and building of the arch that they took the time to look at.

“Hey, want to grab lunch before we head out?” Carl asked.

“Yeah, parking that beast is a bitch,” Debbie said.

“I understand why we’ve seen other Winnebagos towing small cars.”

“It’s something to think about for next time,” Debbie mused, as they walked along the street.

“You think we might do this again some time?”

“Maybe … I haven’t hated being alone with you and seeing new things every day.” Debbie gave her husband a flirtatious look.

“I liked the first part of that statement,” Carl smiled.

“I love you, Carl Horvath, you know that.”

“Yes, but it’s nice to hear it every once in a while.”

“True. I’ll remember that.”

“This diner looks like a good place to eat.” They stopped in front of a diner that looked not unlike the one on Liberty that Debbie had worked at for so many years. They stood outside for a minute, sizing the place up.

“Diner food is the best,” Debbie stated.

“Yeah, as long as I don’t meet another red-headed waitress when we go inside,” Carl joked.

“You’ve already got your red-headed waitress,” Debbie declared.

“My point exactly.”

“So, let’s have lunch,” Debbie said as Carl pulled open the door of the diner and they entered.

 

*****
 

“Kinney,” Brian said into his phone.

The kids were off to school. Bobby was at work and John had gone into Pittsburgh to further inspect the Village. A few more boutiques wanted to open up and they called on Anderson Construction. Molly, Owen and the baby were napping. Claire took the opportunity to visit with Rachel. Justin decided to start on the portrait he promised Brian. Since it was quiet, Brian decided to do some work from his balcony office.

“Brian, it’s Drew.” Drew had his head in his refrigerator rummaging around for a snack.

“Hey Big Fella, was my travel agent helpful?”

“Very helpful. She was able to book us a ten day Caribbean fantasy cruise. Emm and I haven’t gone clubbing in a hell of a long time but this is a vacation. I figure he deserves a few dances. Don’t you?”

“Yes, he does. Make sure you book at least one spa day for him. Massage, manicure, pedicure, the full monty. He’ll be putty in your hands afterwards, although I’m sure he is already.”

“I can’t tell you enough how much this means to me,” Drew sang Brian’s praises. “I’d really love to reciprocate,” Drew drawled in a flirting tone. He never noticed Emmett standing behind him wearing a perplexed expression.

 

*****
 

“Owen,” Sharon began sternly, “I have been ringing Junior’s home phone since last night and all this morning, and all I get is that damned answering machine. Where do you suppose they are?”

“Perhaps they’re resting or taking a drive.”

“Resting?! With a newborn in the house! Taking a drive? The baby should not be out in this weather.”

“Sharon, it’s May and quite beautiful. A little fresh air is not going to hurt the baby or Molly and Junior, for that matter.”

“Owen, you’re not helping. And that’s no excuse for not returning my calls.”

“Perhaps they went away,” Owen offered.

“Away? With an infant? That’s unforgivable,” Sharon said indignantly.

“Did you try Junior’s cell phone?” Owen asked matter-of-factly.

“You know I don’t remember all those different numbers.”

“Sweetheart, Junior’s cell phone number is programmed into our phone and labeled. As is Molly’s cell phone number. You could have called either one,” Owen replied as he pushed the button for Owen Jr. After a few rings their slightly groggy son answered the phone. “Junior?”

“Hi, Dad.”

“Are you all right? Your mother has been trying to reach you. Are you home?”

“No, but we’re okay.” Owen Jr. was trying to shake the cobwebs from his brain. He and Molly had fallen asleep in Brian and Justin’s room. Taylor was sleeping in the portable crib at the foot of the bed. Molly wanted to keep the baby close after ‘passing out’ the night before.

“Where are you, son?”

“At Edna’s Treasures,” Owen blurted out as he carefully and quietly snuck out of the room so not to wake his wife and child.

“Junior, your mother...”

“Dad, not now. I don’t want to be rude. I love you and Mom but I can’t go into it now. Molly needed her brother, so we’re here. We’ve just gotten the first full night’s sleep since Taylor was born. And we’ve actually been able to take naps longer than ten minutes. Please, Dad, I’ll explain later, I promise. I just need some more sleep.”

Owen Jr.’s pleas got to his father. “All right, son. You call as soon as you’re able.”

“Thank you, Dad. Thank you. Tell Mom I love her.”

“I will, Junior.” Father and son hung up.

“Well!” Sharon exclaimed, looking extremely miffed at her husband. “Why didn’t you insist that I talk to him? And where is my grandchild?” Sharon demanded.

“First of all, I must insist that you calm down. They’re all up at Edna’s Treasures.”

“Edna’s...! Why in all that is holy are they up there? In that wilderness?”

“All I know is that Molly needed her brother so they drove up yesterday.”

“I demand that you drive me up there this instant. That’s no place for a baby.”

“Honey, you forget, Briana has spent her whole life in that cottage. And you have to admit, Briana is a remarkable little girl.”

“Well, I’ll give you that. But really, Owen, taking the baby all the way up there...”

“Sweetheart, Junior said that last night was the first night they all slept since the baby was born. And they were taking a nap. Let’s cut them some slack. I’m sure he’ll call when they’re able.”

“Fine, but I am very displeased.” Sharon turned then huffed away.

“I’m sure you are, my love,” Owen murmured as his wife walked away.

 

*****
 

“Jester?” Molly called out softly. She was placing the baby’s carrier on one of the sun porch tables then made herself comfortable on a chaise.

“Hey, Mollusk,” Justin replied with his sunny smile. He had just finished preparing the canvas for his portrait for Brian. “How are you feeling?”

“So much better. I can’t believe the baby is still sleeping.”

“Where’s Owen?”

“He’s still sleeping too.”

“Claire said you should be drinking more fluids. Would you like some juice?”

“Yes, please.” Justin went to the kitchen for a pitcher of juice and glasses. He set down a tray of juice, fruit and other snacks on an end table close to his sister.

“There. Do you need help?”

“No, I can manage. Jus, did Brian really get up at two in the morning to feed Bree?” Molly still had trouble reconciling Brian fucking Kinney, the stud of Liberty with Brian Kinney, Dada.

“Yes he did. And at four in the morning too. I also have pictures of him making a presentation at Kinnetik with Bree strapped to his chest. Of course he was wearing Armani while she was wearing Donna Karin!”

Brother and sister shared a quiet chuckle over that one.

“Contrary to popular belief, Brian Kinney has a heart.”

“I know he does. I do remember some things from back then.” Molly’s face took on a wistful expression.

“Mol, what is it?” Justin asked as he sat at Molly’s feet on the chaise.

“I didn’t think this was going to be so hard,” she said with a stuttered breath. Tears began to slip down her face. Justin reached out to hold his sister’s hand.

“It’ll get better, I promise. But Mol, ask for help. There’s no reason to do this all by yourself, and tell Owen what you need from him. He’s a wonderful man but he’s not a mind reader.”

“Brian is!”

“Brian … is different.”

“That’s for sure. I’ve never met anyone who knew how to get things done like him or with the uncanny knowledge of what someone needs. He can take care of anything.”

“Except himself, but he’s learning,” Justin said with a smile.

“You love him so much, don’t you?”

Justin nodded. “He’s my life.”

“I read that series of articles about you and him. That writer did a great job but there’s no one who truly knows him except for you.”

“I don’t know about that. You pinned him out good.”

“That’s because I had a crush on him.”

“So did Daphne and every other girl that meets him.”

“Sucks to be you, doesn’t it.” Molly’s smile turned into a yawn.

“Go back to sleep, Mol. I’ll keep an eye on Taylor.”

“Okay,” Molly answered without complaint. She snuggled back down into the chaise then fell asleep.

Justin took a peek into the baby’s carrier. Taylor was still sleeping peacefully as only a contented happy baby could. Justin smiled broadly. He liked being an uncle. He bent down to kiss the tiny forehead then went back to his canvas. Justin didn’t notice his husband smiling proudly from the balcony rail.

 

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