London Calling

Chapter 6

“That was delicious, Joan,” Justin said, as he cleaned his plate.

Joan had made them a wonderful dinner of prime rib roast complete with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables.

“Thank you, dear,” Joan said with a smile.

“Good,” Bree and Gus chimed in.

“Not bad,” Brian said. “I don’t remember you cooking a meal like this when I was growing up.”

“We never had the money for prime rib,” Joan said with just a tinge of bitterness in her voice.

“Well, this was a good meal,” Brian said giving his stamp of approval to the meal, and earning a smile from Joan.

“I made us your favorite chocolate, chocolate chip cake for dessert,” Joan added, “but I think we should leave it till the concert’s over. I want to get a good seat at the church.”

“Then we better get cracking,” Justin said.

They all got up and helped fill the dishwasher.

Before long they were strolling down the street towards the church. Brian had Joan’s arm linked through his, as he led the way. Justin and Gus each held one of Bree’s hands. She skipped along happily between them bundled up against the cold. The recent snow lay along the edge of the sidewalk, but the cement was clear and safe for walking.

When they arrived at the church, Joan found them space in the third pew from the front. Then she went to speak to some of her friends. Brian and Justin could see her pointing and smiling at them.

“She’s bragging about you,” Justin said as he nudged Brian.

“She’s bragging about her handsome grandson and her beautiful granddaughter,” Brian corrected.

“And her handsome son too,” Justin insisted.

Brian smiled. “And her handsome son’s gorgeous partner.”

“You are going to get so lucky when we get home tonight.” Justin held Brian’s hand a little tighter.

Brian merely grinned.

The concert was made up of many familiar Christmas carols and a few hymns. Reverend Butterfield gave a moving homily about the true meaning of Christmas and everyone left feeling at least a smidge of Christmas spirit, Brian Kinney included.

As they walked along the street, heading back to Joan’s house, Gus asked his sister, “What did you like best about the concert, short stuff?”

“The singing,” she replied quickly.

“You like to sing, don’t you?”

“I love it,” she said enthusiastically.

“Which song did you like best?”

Bree thought for a moment. “The songs all sound really nice in the big church. I liked the lady that played the organ. It sounded better than in the school when we sang We Wish You a Merry Christmas. Mrs. Jensen played the piano real good at our Winter Festival, but the organ sounded soooo good.”

“The acoustics in a church are often really beautiful,” Justin said.

“What’s acoustics?” Bree asked.

“The sound inside a building. The high ceilings in a church and all the open space and the people add to that wonderful sound.”

“Oh,” Bree said thoughtfully. “Is that why the organ sounds better than the piano?”

“That probably has something to do with it,” Justin conceded.

“Do you play the organ, Daddy?”

“Nope, ‘fraid not.”

“Gus, do you?”

“No, Bree, I never learned to play an instrument.”

“I think I’d like to play the piano,” Bree said as she thought about it.

“Maybe when you get back from your world travels,” Brian said as he turned to look at his daughter, “we could see about some piano lessons for you.”

“Yeah, maybe,” Bree agreed.

“So, was We Wish You a Merry Christmas your favorite song from tonight?” Gus asked.

“Yeah,” Bree conceded. “I want everyone to have a Merry Christmas,” she said earnestly. “I love Christmas.”

“That’s a lovely sentiment, dear,” Joan said smiling at her granddaughter as they arrived back at her house.

“I know,” Bree agreed. “But what’s a figgy pudding?”

“Huh?” Gus asked.

“You know, Gus, when the song says 'Bring us some figgy pudding'. What is it? Everybody seems to want some,” Bree explained.

Gus laughed. “I have no idea what it is,” Gus admitted. He took everyone’s coat and hung them up by the front door.

“I’m just going to turn the hot chocolate on,” Joan said as she headed for the kitchen.

“Daddy, do you know what figgy pudding is?”

“Sorry, sweetheart, I can’t say that I do.”

“My God, Sunshine, you mean you don’t have a PSA about figgy puddings and the dangers they might present to society at large?” Brian asked with a chuckle.

“No I don’t,” Justin said with a scowl at his husband. It turned immediately to a little smile as Brian winked at him.

Bree climbed up into her Dada’s lap. “Do you know what figgy pudding is, Dada?” she asked.

“Food of any kind isn’t exactly my forte,” Brian said with a smug look on his face.

“Huh?”

“Your father means that he rarely eats puddings or anything that might add a few ounces to his lean and lovely torso,” Justin said with a wink of his own.

Brian laughed and Bree let out a long sigh.

“I don’t know what you people are talking about,” she pouted.

“Bree,” Joan said as she returned from the kitchen. “I found my mother’s recipe for fig pudding. I remember she used to make it at Christmas time each year.”

“Was it good?”

“Very, if my memory is correct.”

“What’s in it?” Bree asked.

“Figs of course,” Joan laughed. “Gus, will you give me a hand with the cake and hot chocolate?” Gus followed his grandmother to the kitchen.

“What are figs?” Bree asked.

“We’ll have to get some so you can try them,” Justin replied. “There’s usually lots in the supermarkets this time of year.”

“And I’ll make my mother’s figgy pudding for Christmas Day,” Joan said as she carried in the cake and Gus followed with a tray of mugs of hot chocolate. “Would you like that, Bree?”

“Yes, Gamma Joan.”

“Sounds like a great Christmas,” Justin said.

“And this weekend we’ll get our tree,” Brian added. The spirit of Christmas was starting to take over. Hot chocolate and cake only added to that feeling for them all

After Brian buckled a sleepy Bree into her booster seat to return to Edna’s Treasures, he pulled Justin against him and whispered, “I’m ready to play with your organ when we get home.”

Justin burst out laughing. “You give a whole new meaning to the spirit of Christmas.”

Brian waggled his eyebrows and climbed behind the wheel. Time for some Christmas spirit, Kinney style.

“She’s out,” Justin said. They had barely left the Pittsburgh city line when Justin turned in his seat to check on Bree who had grown quiet in the back seat.

Brian glanced in the rearview mirror and smiled. “So is he,” he said. Gus’ eyes were closed. Brian could still see the little boy inside the man that Gus was about to become. Justin seemed to read his thoughts and patted Brian’s thigh then rested his hand on Brian’s leg for the trip home to Edna’s Treasures. They had thought about staying in the city for the night, Bree had only one more day of school until the Christmas break, but Brian was determined to keep his word to Principal Johnson regarding Bree’s education. And Brian never lied.

 

*****
 

“Do I havta go to school today?” Bree whined over her Cheerios. She reluctantly got up as scheduled and was seated at the breakfast table, but she wasn’t very happy about it.

“Yes, you have to go. This is the last day before the holidays and we promised the principal and your teachers. Your dada and I will drive you over. We’re going to pick up the books and the January lessons for both you and Patrick. We made a promise and we intend to keep it,” Justin said emphatically.

“Yes, Daddy,” Bree replied. She knew there was no changing her Daddy’s mind on this. She finished her cereal then went to her room to get ready to go.

 

*****
 

“Brian?” Emmett called out when he walked through the front door of Edna’s Treasures Saturday morning. The cottage was quiet; the family wasn't awake. Brian was quietly sipping his coffee sitting at the granite counter. He got up to pour his old friend a mug full.

“Why are you awake this early? Drew not doing his job right?” Brian snarked over his coffee mug.

“My Drewsie does an excellent job of keeping me happy, thank you very much, but you know I’m always up early.”

“Yes, I know,” Brian grumbled as he glanced at the clock on the wall. It was barely eight.

“Why are you up?”

“Same reason, I guess. It’ll be Christmas in three days. We’re expecting a houseful of people and nothing’s ready. No tree, no decorations, no pies and cookies overflowing the counter, nothing. Nada. Zilch. I don’t remember when we’ve ever been this disorganized. The only preparation I can say that’s truly done is for our London trip.”

“So you’re really going to London to meet the Queen?” Emmett asked with a smile.

“Yes, but meeting a queen is not on the agenda. Besides there are already too many queens in my life,” Brian said.

“So true, I count myself as one of them and as such, I’m making a proclamation. I proclaim that the family of Edna’s Treasures will have a magnificent Christmas and you won’t have to lift a finger to do it.”

“Emmett, do you see this place? Not a stocking hung or mistletoe or garland to be seen!” Brian dramatically swept his hand around to point to the undecorated walls.

“Ah, but the Christmas fairies haven’t visited yet,” Emmett reassured his friend.

“You mean there’s more of you,” Brian growled.

Emmett grabbed Brian’s empty mug to refill it. “Here, you need more coffee. Your lame attempt at squashing my Christmas spirit is pitiful,” Emmett griped, as he added the sugar then slid the mug back to Brian. Brian made a face that Emmett took to mean he was sorry without Brian having to say the words. “Apology accepted. Now, why don’t you rustle up one of your famous huge breakfasts and leave the rest to us fairies.”

“What fairies? I only see one at the moment.” The buzzer for the gate intercom went off signaling that someone with the appropriate code, had triggered the mechanism to open the gate.

“Right on time!” Emmett exclaimed as he set down his mug to walk toward the door. As he opened it, Debbie’s mobile hotel was slowly pulling up. Behind her were Seth and Jennifer along with Joan and Danny. As Carl parked the RV, out popped Ted, Allen, Hunter, Nick, Ben and Michael.

“Honeycutt, what’s all this?” Brian grumbled but he couldn’t help the corners of his mouth turning up just a little.

“Your Christmas fairies, of course. Now why aren’t I hearing the rattling of your pots and pans? Get cooking, Mr. Kinney! We have a bunch of hungry Christmas fairies to feed.” Emmett wore a wide smile as he greeted the ‘fairies’ with hugs and kisses including some for Drew who had just walked down the lane.

“What’s all this?” John asked Brian as he came through the hall and into the kitchen looking for coffee.

“The invasion of the Christmas fairies,” Brian deadpanned as he began to take out the pots and pans he’d need to make a huge breakfast.

“Ah,” John said, taking a few sips of coffee, letting his caffeine level rise a few notches, before helping his brother feed the invading horde.

 

*****
 

“Wakey, wakey, Sunshine,” Brian singsonged as he gingerly sat on the bed next to his sleeping spouse. Brian had the appropriate morning offering in his hand, a steaming mugful of coffee.

“Wha’ tm ist?” Justin mumbled from the vicinity of his pillow and under the blanket.

“A little after nine. Emmett and his fairies are here ready to transform the cottage into a winter wonderland. I come bearing coffee, and breakfast is on the table waiting for you.”

“You’re the sweetest man,” Justin said a little more clearly then sat up to take the mug. “Who’s here?”

“Almost everyone. Throw some clothes on and join us. You know I rely on you to keep my sanity.” Justin beamed a sleepy, sunny smile at his mate as he took a few sips of coffee and then got ready to join the family.

As Brian and Justin entered the sun porch, the breakfast was on the table and Emmett was acting as host. Emmett also had a large clipboard holding a thick pad. He had a pencil sticking out from behind his ear. When Brian and Justin sat at the table, the food began to make its way around.

“So who’s on tree detail?” Emmett asked.

“Ben and I will handle that,” Drew announced and Ben nodded. Emmett smiled lovingly at his he-man then checked off ‘tree’ on his list.

“Decorations?” Emmett inquired as he looked around the table. His eyes settled on Ted, Michael, Allen, Hunter and Nick.

“We can begin with the door then work our way through the house but someone needs to tell us where everything is kept,” Ted said logically.

“I can!” Justin and Bobby declared at the same time.

“Wonderful!” Emmett exclaimed as he checked off another few items on his list.

“Food? We have three kitchens to work from, five if you count Molly’s and Rachel’s,” Emmett mumbled to himself as he stared at his list then slowly raised his eyes as he realized the room suddenly had become very, very quiet. Three sets of maternal eyes stared back at him.

“I’ll take your kitchen, Emm honey,” Debbie decreed.

“I’ll use John’s,” Jennifer said.

“And I’ll use Brian’s,” Joan announced.

“I’m at your disposal, fair lady,” Danny said to Joan making her smile. The odd couple had become fast friends as well as co-workers at Danny's bookstore.

“I’m not that adept in the kitchen but I can chop and slice and I would be happy to help you, my dear,” Seth said as he smiled at his bride. Jennifer glowed.

“And I...”

“Carl, honey, you can just stay out of my way. You know you can barely boil water. But we'll need you to direct traffic around here. There’s going to be a lot of people driving in and out of here over the next few days. And where are they all going to park?”

“I can handle it, Babe. Sheesh, I retired a detective and now I’m busted back to traffic detail. Oh well,” Carl said as he raised his juice glass in a toast to the family. “Here’s to a merry Christmas everyone!”

“Merry Christmas!” rang out from the family as they all accepted the remaining jobs from Emmett and ate breakfast.

 

*****
 

“Can I go too?” Bree asked, looking up at Ben and Drew who had just put on their coats to go out looking for a Christmas tree for Edna’s Treasures. Bree batted her eyes at the two men.

“Um…” Drew said.

“Well…” Ben added.

“You want to help get the tree, Squirt?” Brian asked coming up behind his daughter.

Ben and Drew were just about ready to leave on their mission of tree reconnaissance. Drew knew most of the tree farms in the area and was sure they could find a fabulous tree for the cottage.

“Yes, Dada.”

Brian looked at the two men. “I think you gentlemen have a new helper.”

“But…” Drew began.

“I always find the bestest tree,” Bree said with a big smile on her face.

“That’s true, she does,” Brian agreed patting Bree’s head.

“Maybe…maybe you’d like to come with us,” Ben suggested to Brian.

“No, I think Bree will be all the help you’ll need. I’m sure two such brawny men as yourselves will have no trouble handling an itty-bitty Christmas tree.”

“Um…” Drew tried to explain.

“Get your coat, Bree, and I’ll get the keys to Justin’s SUV. It has Bree’s booster seat in it, so you might as well take it.”

Bree ran to her bedroom and Brian went to get Justin’s keys. Ben and Drew looked at each other.

“What the fuck are we going to do with a six year old?” Drew asked.

“Make sure she doesn’t get hurt,” Ben said definitively.

“I don’t want to be responsible.”

“Me either.”

“Then tell Brian she can’t come.”

“You tell him.”

“I never tell Brian Kinney anything,” Drew stated. “I value my life too much, and Emmett would kill me if Brian killed me.”

Ben looked at Drew like he had two heads. “I guess we have to take her,” Ben said.

“Then you look after her.”

“No, you.”

“I don’t want to be responsible,” Drew said.

“You think I do!”

“Ready,” Bree said appearing in front of them all bundled up.

“Great!” Drew said.

“Here’s the keys. Be good for your uncles, Squirt,” Brian told his daughter as he leaned down to give her a kiss.

“I will, Dada,” Bree said with that Taylor smile. She held up her hands so each man could take one. Brian opened the door for them.

He watched Bree skip along between the two men as they walked over to Justin’s car. Ben made sure Bree was secure in her booster seat. As the car pulled away, Brian chuckled to himself. He would like to be a pine cone on a tree in the tree lot, so he could hear Bree put them through their paces. With a big grin on his face he closed the door of Edna’s Treasures.
 

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