Should Old Acquaintance

Chapter 20

<><><><><><><><><><><>

As the day passed pleasantly into evening, Joan continued to get an earful from her son's 'family.' She couldn't believe that everyone at the party had wonderful things to say about Brian. Not only wonderful things, but stories of how loving and loyal he was. And how if not for him, some great disaster might have befallen or that his actions saved a relationship. Joan could have sworn that her son would never have had a successful relationship but here was living proof. Joan knew that Brian had made a financial success of himself, but she never dreamed that he had an impact and touched the lives of so many. It was almost unfathomable.

Father Tom returned with a small glass of wine for Joan and sat down to enjoy his own glass.

"Joan, are you enjoying yourself?"

"Yes, I am," Joan replied, the surprise very evident in her tone of voice.

"You seem surprised," Tom remarked.

"I suppose I am. Brian's friends appear to be very well mannered and they all speak very highly of him.

"And this surprises you?"

"Yes, it does."

"Why? Did you think homosexuals and lesbians make it a point to be rude or indiscreet?"

"I guess I was expecting..."

"Lewd behavior?"

"Yes."

"Joan, this is a very special day. Everyone here respects that and they respect Brian and Justin."

"I see that now." There was a pause in their conversation as Joan contemplated the day and the revelations she was experiencing. "Father Tom, would you tell me about some of the guests. I know a few but many are strangers to me. For instance, that pretty blond girl standing with Jennifer and Justin. Who is she?"

"That's Molly, Justin's sister. She's a few years younger than Justin."

"She's lovely."

"Yes, she is."

"And that handsome man with Emmett. He looks like an athlete."

"That would be Drew and he was a football player. He's retired, but still works for his team as an announcer. Brian uses him as a model."

"A model? What kind of model?"

"For clothes, usually sporting goods, that sort of thing. He's very popular."

"And is he...?"

"Gay? Yes, Emmett is his partner; they've been together for several years now. I think Brian had a little hand in that one. Same for Ted and his partner, I think I heard that Ted had some doubts but Brian urged him."

"I had no idea."

"Not many do."

"And that pretty redheaded woman over there; she looks a little like that Bobby person."

"Ah, that would be Bobby's older sister, Rachel. She is a very special person indeed."

"In what way?"

"John and Bobby wanted to have a baby. They found a surrogate but unfortunately the woman miscarried. They were very discouraged, then Rachel volunteered. Patrick is a product of John and Rachel and therefore, blood to Bobby."

"And Rachel's family supported this?" Joan asked Father Tom, not realizing that Dr. Morrison had come over to introduce himself.

"Yes, we did. We're very proud of both our children." Dr. Morrison extended his hand to Joan. "I'm Dan Morrison, Bobby and Rachel's father. I believe you're Mrs. Kinney, Brian's mother?"

"It's Joan and yes, I am," Joan answered as she took Dan's hand. Father Tom excused himself and Dan took his seat.

"Joan, if you don't mind me saying, you look rather perplexed. May I help?"

"I'm not sure. Let me ask you something. Do you approve of your son's lifestyle?"

"Quite honestly, it took me some time to come to terms with the choices my son made."

"Then you don't approve," Joan exclaimed feeling somewhat vindicated.

"I didn't say that. My initial reactions were based on what I saw, assumptions that were not wholly correct. But my son was patient with me and helped me to see the truth of it, and as I said I'm very proud of him. And who wouldn't be proud to have a highly successful lawyer for a son. And of course, there is John."

"John?"

"Yes. He's a good man, very honorable. Hard working and very old fashioned."

"Old fashioned?"

"He came to me to ask my permission to marry my son. Believe me when I say, I was not expecting that." Dan smiled at the recollection.

"But it's not legal."

"Sadly, no. The only same sex couple here who are legally married is Michael and Ben. But only in Canada, that's where they were married."

"Who else is married?"

"Lindsay and Melanie, and your son and Justin."

"Yes, they had a ceremony, didn't they?"

"Yes, they did. Rather a spectacular one if I recall, but you didn't attend, did you?"

"No."

Dan thought he heard a touch of regret in Joan's voice. "If you'll pardon me, my wife is giving me the eye. I think she wants me to mingle. It's been nice speaking with you. I hope you won't be a stranger to the cottage."

"It has been lovely, Dan," Joan smiled. It was nice to meet a real gentleman. As Dan left to join his wife, Jennifer came to sit with Joan.

"I hope you don't mind but I must sit. Bree has been running me ragged. She must have shown me every flower she and Brian have." Jennifer plopped into one of the wicker chaises to put up her feet.

"Does Brian employ a gardener?"

"A gardener? Heavens no! He does it all himself. And he gets the kids to help. Brian put in every damn plant and flower you see." Jennifer pointed toward the garden."

"All those flowers?"

"Yes, and some of the lilies we saw by the stream. Who knew Brian Kinney had a green thumb?" Jennifer giggled. Joan caught herself in a short laugh. It was almost foreign to her, laughing. She hadn't laughed in years.

"And he allows the children to plant too?"

"Allows? He insists. Gus and his dad putter all the time. Briana loves it. She calls it 'gar-gar.' Patrick gets into the act too. Don't tell him I told you but Brian even planted a spice garden. Justin loves to make pasta with fresh oregano."

"Justin cooks?"

"Yes, he's very good at it. Brian can barbecue a mean steak and he's a whiz with bacon and eggs."

"I never knew."

"Joan, it's common knowledge that when I met Brian, I thought he was a bad choice for Justin. My son was so young, so innocent, I thought Brian would..."

"Corrupt your son?"

"Yes. And they didn't always have an easy time of it. For the first five years of their relationship, it wasn't one. They both had to grow up, and they have. I've never known two other people who love each other like they love."

"And you aren't afraid for Justin?"

"Afraid? In what way?"

"Aren't there diseases that they get?" Joan spoke in hushed tones.

"There are diseases that anyone can get. But if you're talking specially about AIDS, then no, I'm not afraid. They're monogamous." Joan gave Jennifer a curious look. "They are exclusive, they haven't been with anyone else for over eight years now."

"But..."

"Take my word for it; those two only have eyes and every other body part, for each other."

"Oh my!" Joan blushed. "How can you condone their lifestyle?"

"Very easily. I love my son. He's my first born, I almost lost him once to hatred. I won't take that chance again. And look at him with Bree. How can anyone not want to be a part of that?" Briana took that opportunity to scoot over to Jennifer and climb up to sit on Jennifer's lap. "I wouldn't miss this for the world!" Jennifer smiled brightly as she hugged her granddaughter.

<><><><><><><><><><><>

Justin found Brian hovering around a coffee pot in the kitchen. It was nearing seven and the guests that were staying longer were about to be treated to barbecued steaks and chicken. Emmett and 'the men' took over the grill and had shooed Brian away. Brian decided it was time to replenish his caffeine quota.

"Bri, why are you hiding in here?"

"I'm not hiding, Sunshine. Just waiting for fresh coffee. You want some?"

"No, thanks. I think I overdid it with the sun tea.

"It was good. I have to admit, Emmett outdid himself again."

"Yes, he did. And so did you."

"I didn't do shit."

"Sure you did. You held it together during the christening and you've been very polite with your mother."

"If you haven't noticed, Justin, I barely spoke two words to her."

"I've noticed, but you've been behaving."

"I'm afraid not to. If I ruin this day, your mother, Debbie and Claire would have my other ball. And not in a positive life affirming way."

"Asshole."

"Yes, but I'm your asshole."

"Yes, you are and I wouldn't have it any other way." Justin smiled brightly at Brian. He was so in love with him, so proud of him that his heart was bursting at the seams.

"Thank the gods." Brian drew Justin into an embrace, resting his chin atop the younger man's head. Justin hung on knowing that Brian was taking that time to get his emotions under control. Brian felt Justin smile into his chest; he knew Justin was onto him.

Joan walked into the kitchen smelling the fine brew and witnessed their embrace. "Oh, I'm sorry." Joan blushed at the sight of her son and partner sharing the moment.

"Don't be," Brian said calmly. "Would you like a cup?" Brian addressed his mother.

"Yes, that would be nice."

"You better go supervise the grilling of my steak, Sunshine. I will not be happy if I'm forced to eat a piece of shoe leather." Justin nodded, gave Brian a chaste peck on the cheek then went back through the porch to the gardens.

"Sunshine. That's an unusual nickname," Joan commented softly.

"Maybe, but it fits him. How do you want your coffee?"

"Black with sugar is fine."

"Hmm." There was an uncomfortable silence that was making Brian nervous again.

"Brian, thank you for inviting me. I'm having a lovely time. Your children are beautiful. I hope I can come and visit again." Joan was unable to look at her son, her words spoken almost into the coffee cup.

"I'd like that, mother." Brian was pleased, his mother actually wanted to come back. The silence was becoming deafening until John came to rescue the Kinneys.

"Excuse me, Brian, but Father Tom wants to say a few words before we have supper."

"We'll be out in a minute," Brian said to his brother. John nodded slightly then left the kitchen.

"He looks so much like you." Joan still found that amazing.

"I know. It's nice having him around."

"Oh?"

"Claire says he's a lot like Jack when he was younger. Sometimes he's not just an older brother. Sometimes I wish..." Brian couldn't continue. John wasn't Jack; Joan certainly wasn't ever going to be like Claire. No matter how much time has passed Brian still wished for parents who accepted him just because he was their son. Brian just shook his head. "Let's go out before the ravenous hordes eat up all the food."

Brian stepped aside to allow his mother to pass. Joan turned and reached out her hand to caress her son's cheek. "A baptism is, in a way, a new beginning." A statement, nothing more, but it spoke volumes to Brian.

"Yes, it is," Brian agreed. Then he followed his mother out.

"Ladies and Gentleman, before we enjoy this bountiful repast in the company of our friends and family, I wish to again extend my congratulations to Brian, Justin, Briana and Gus. And thank them for making this choice. At Brian's request, I am very happy to bless this newly renovated home dubbed Edna's Treasures and the families that reside under its roof." Father Tom paused and whispered a little prayer.

"My dear friends, as the waiters are passing among you, please join me in a toast. A toast to all of us and to those we hold dear who are no longer with us." As Tom raised his glass, the family raised theirs along with him. "Let us all share in the joy of this day and be comforted knowing that our loved ones are with God. To love. To life."

"To love. To life!" Everyone repeated the toast then supper began.

<><><><><><><><><><><>

As the party continued at the Kinney/Taylor cottage. Craig Taylor was just about to leave his office. He often came to work on a Saturday. He got a lot of work done when the office was closed. Hearing a noise at the outer door, Craig went to investigate. A dashing young man with raven hair, bronzed skin and piercing blue eyes stood in the outer office.

"May I help you?" Craig cautiously approached the young man.

"Are you Mr. Craig Taylor?" the man said with a slight Hispanic accent.

"Yes. Who wants to know?" Craig eyed the man suspiciously.

"I believe we may be related."

"Related? I don't think so." Craig backed up. "If you don't leave this office immediately, I'll call the cops."

"I hope you don't mean that. I have some papers that may explain." The young man reached out to hand Craig an envelope.

"I insist that you leave," Craig shouted, ignoring the envelope.

"Aren't you curious to know who I am? And how we may be related?"

"No."

"Pity. Maybe your son would be interested."

"I don't have a son," Craig spat out.

"Ah, so the famous artist, Justin Taylor, is not your son."

"He is, but we're not on speaking terms."

"I see. Then perhaps I should seek him out. Maybe he would like to meet a relative." The stranger turned to leave. Curiosity got the better of Craig and he called out to the young man.

"Wait! What is your name, just in case I do speak with Justin?" Craig lied. He knew he'd never speak with his son again.

"My name is John Patrick Taylor." The dark stranger turned then walked out the door.

Return to Should Old Acquaintance