Springtime for Justin

Chapter 1

"Jennifer, you're fidgeting."

"I don't fidget."

"You are."

"I can't help it."

"Yes, you can."

"Tell me again why we're doing this?"

"Because we love each other and we're very proud of each other and we want to show the world how lucky we are to have found each other. And that we are going to make a commitment for the rest of our lives," Seth stated.

"Oh."

"Did I leave anything out?" Seth asked.

"Maybe the part about silently gloating that our lives have turned out so much better than most of the people who will be coming here tonight," Jennifer giggled.

"I know you don't mean that," Seth said gently.

"Not really, but there is a part of me that wants to gloat."

"Then go ahead," Seth said.

"It's kind of petty," Jennifer sighed.

"Who cares, sweet stuff. You've earned the right to gloat. Come here," Seth said as he grabbed Jennifer around her waist and pulled her against his body. He found her lips and kissed her until he felt her relax a little bit against him. "I love you, and this will be just fine."

"Is that a guarantee?" she asked breathlessly.

Seth nodded. "I'll be here with you the whole time. I won't let anything bad happen."

"I love you, Seth Harris."

"And I love you back, Jennifer Taylor. Now relax and enjoy yourself. I believe our first guests are arriving."

Jennifer and Seth were standing in the small ballroom at the Plaza Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh. It was the same room where Molly's post wedding brunch had been held. Emmett had decorated it in his most tasteful yet flamboyant style. Jennifer had to smile as she looked at all the lace and doves and ribbon, a sea of white and fuchsia. Jennifer was dressed in a strapless cocktail dress of the same fuchsia that Emmett had used to decorate the room. Her beautiful shoulders were being rubbed by Seth as the first guest came up to them.

"Mother, Seth, this looks amazing," Molly said.

"Thank you, dear," Jennifer replied. "And how's my favorite son-in-law?" Jennifer asked Owen.

"Just fine, but you better not let Brian hear you call me that," Owen laughed.

"Call you what?" Brian asked from behind Owen making the young man jump.

"Um … nothing."

"Kiss your favorite son-in-law, Mother Taylor," Brian said tongue in cheek as he leaned over for Jennifer to kiss him. They all knew he had heard Jennifer's comment.

"Brian…"

"Soon I won't be able to call you that anymore."

"Call me what?"

"Mother Taylor. I don't know what I'll call you. Mother Harris doesn't have quite the same ring to it."

"How about calling me Jennifer?" she asked all flustered.

"That's a great idea," Brian smirked. Then he leaned down and kissed her cheek. He whispered, "It's okay, Jennifer. Now kiss your son and granddaughter." He stood up and moved over to Seth while Justin gave his mother a big hug.

"Gamma Jenn," Bree said pulling on her Grandma's dress.

"Don't do that, sweetheart, or the guests will really get an eyeful," Jennifer laughed as she adjusted the top of her dress making sure she was all safely tucked in.

"Sowwy, Gamma," Bree pouted.

"It's okay, sweetheart."

"Do you like my new dress?" Bree asked brightening up.

"You look very lovely. Did Dada pick it out for you?" Jennifer asked looking at Brian. The lace and chiffon confection had Brian Kinney written all over it. The dress must have cost a small fortune.

"Dada says I better not spill anything on it," Bree stated.

"Maybe you should have all white food then no one will know," Seth interjected.

"Good idea, Seth," Justin laughed.

"Don't give her ideas," Brian said catching the end of Seth’s comment.

"Would my darling family stay around here so that I can introduce you to guests that you might not know?" Jennifer requested.

"Sure, Mom," Molly agreed. "Just who have you invited?"

Jennifer and Seth had kept the whole engagement party thing under wraps. Nobody knew what they were planning or who they had invited, except Emmett, and he was sworn to secrecy.

"You'll see," Jennifer said with a high wattage smile as more people began filing in.

Jennifer greeted her former neighbors with a radiant smile. She enjoyed introducing them to Seth and her granddaughter. She proudly had them meet Molly's new husband and Justin's husband and daughter. There were many raised eyebrows, but everyone was very gracious. Jennifer knew she had made her point.

The Liberty Avenue gang arrived with many hugs and kisses and squeals of joy. Jennifer knew at that moment she would never trade their enthusiasm for the cultured congratulations of her former friends. Bobby, John, Patrick, Claire and Steve came in, as did Joan who was very happy to see everyone assembled again. Sharon and Owen Brenner arrived with Sarah Kingsley. All were so pleased for Jennifer and Seth and the new step they were taking. Jennifer began to wonder why she had invited her old neighbors. She had moved a long way past where they were in their lives. However, it was a good realization to make. She knew now who wouldn't be attending her wedding, if and when it took place.

"You have a very self satisfied smile, Miss Jennifer," Seth said when there was a break in people coming in.

"I'm so glad you made me do this," Jennifer gushed as she threw her arms around Seth's neck and kissed him heartily.

"I take that to mean that you're having a good time, and I did not make you do anything," Seth said sounding rather indignant.

"I know," Jennifer giggled. "But you influenced me to do this, and it's laid a lot of worries and misconceptions to rest."

"Such as?" Seth asked with a frown.

"I'll tell you later," she replied as Craig and Susan entered the room. "Look who's here."

Craig and Susan looked around the room before approaching Seth and Jennifer.

"I see lots of our old neighbors. At least there will be someone to talk to," Craig whispered snarkily to his wife.

"Sh," Susan cautioned as she held out her hand to Jennifer. "You look lovely, Jennifer. Being engaged must agree with you."

Jennifer smiled at Craig's wife. She knew now that she could leave all bitterness and resentment behind where Craig and Susan were concerned. Susan was a nice woman and there was no point in holding grudges, even if they had been well founded when they first started.

"I'm so glad you could come," Jennifer said meaning every word as she hugged Susan and gave Craig a quick peck on the cheek.

Craig was startled by Jennifer's action. It had been a long time since they had had any physical contact whatsoever. "You're in a good mood," Craig noted.

"The best, and it's all due to this wonderful man. You both met Seth at Molly's wedding," Jennifer reminded them.

Craig nodded and surveyed Seth, looking him up and down. Susan shook Seth's hand and wished him well. Craig extended his hand to Seth. "Good luck," was all he said. He deliberately left the meaning of his words for the hearer to interpret. Jennifer made a face.

"Dad," Molly said in her best admonishing voice.

"Sweetheart!" Craig replied like he had just seen her for the first time.

"Be nice," Molly requested as she hugged her father. Craig shrugged.

"Gampa," Bree said tugging on Craig's pant leg. When he looked down at her she said, "I don't see you in forever."

"It has been a while," Craig said scooping her up and kissing her face. "You look beautiful."

"Dada got me this new dress," she said with a big smile.

"I just bet he did," Craig said eyeing Brian. "Hello, Justin," he added, deliberately leaving Brian out of the equation.

"Dad," Justin said formally, taking Bree from his father.

"Great to see you too, Craig," Brian stated with his best sarcastic voice.

Craig raised an eyebrow and kept right on going while Susan spoke to each of the members of Craig's family

"Seems like things have returned to the status quo," Brian observed when Susan had rejoined her husband."

"Yeah," Justin said dejectedly. "Maybe I should have had more contact with Dad after the wedding."

"You think that would have made a difference?"

"Bree made a difference … for a while." Brian leaned over and kissed Justin's temple.

"What's a difference?" Bree asked observing her fathers and listening to their conversation.

"Nothing, sweetheart. Let's practice what you're going to do," Justin said hastily.

"'Kay," Bree said happily. She could find out about differences later.

When it seemed like everyone had arrived and had something to drink. Emmett announced that the buffet was open. He had done wonders with finger foods. He had made miniature popovers and pear and blue cheese tarts because he knew a certain someone liked them so much. They were only one small part of the feast he laid out. Everyone was oohing and aahing, as they sat around the bistro style tables and talked with each other. Jennifer and Seth made the rounds meeting and chatting with acquaintances new and old.

About an hour into the shindig, in his own inimitable way, Emmett announced that it was time for speeches. Justin went first, wishing his mother and Seth all the best in their new journey on the road of life. Molly made a brief speech about being glad to see so many familiar faces from her own wedding. She wished her mother as much happiness as she had found with Owen. Then Brian Kinney stood up. A hush fell over the room. Everyone waited to see what the tall, beautiful man would say. The Liberty Avenue crowd hoped it wouldn't be too crude, and the others wondered what Justin Taylor's "husband" could possibly add to what had already been said.

"Jennifer asked me if I'd like to speak tonight," Brian began. "I'm not one for speeches." A few snorts could be heard from the Liberty contingent. "So, other than wishing the couple well, I decided to turn my spot over to my daughter. Briana."

Bree came out from behind her father. He lifted her onto a chair so that she could be seen by everyone in attendance.

Bree cleared her throat like her Dada had taught her when beginning to say something important. "My name is Briana Victoria Taylor-Kinney," Bree stated in her very best speaking voice. "I'm four years old, but I be five soon." The room chuckled at that and Bree smiled. Her Dada had told her people would probably laugh there, but she wasn't sure why. "I love my Gamma Jenn." She smiled over at Jennifer. "I have five gammas," she explained holding up her hand like a stop sign so that everyone could see her five fingers. All five grandmothers beamed their approval. "But I only have one gampa." Craig smiled his approval at that statement. "Now I'll have two," she said proudly, much to Seth's delight and Craig's chagrin. "And I be flowergirl," she added without having practiced that part of her speech with her fathers.

The room erupted in applause and cries of "Brava!" All the gammas and gampas wiped a tear from their eye. Bree beamed from her spot high atop the chair, only matched by the proud smiles on her fathers' faces.

 

*****

 

Keeping in mind, from experience, that most of the guests would go overboard on the hors d'oeuvres, Emmett kept the main course of the buffet light with a variety of salads and fruits. The meat dishes were basted in natural juices without any heavy sauces. Similarly were the pasta dishes; the sauces were kept to a minimum although available on the side just in case. Emmett's fruit dishes were a riot of deep colors and in keeping with his fuchsia theme. He went to great lengths to find the freshest and sweetest berries and the most succulent melons. By contrast, the salads were vibrant in their shades of green to maroon. Emmett's feast was a feast for the eyes as well as the palette. Jennifer couldn't have been more pleased.

It was almost April, the promise of Spring hung in the air, even though Mother Nature was still holding on to the last vestiges of Winter. Purple and yellow buds of the crocus were pushing their way through old melting snow. Tulips and daffodils were in a hurry to follow. Everyone was looking forward to the warm sunny days of a new season.

"Justin, I hear you're starting a new show at the gallery." Susan came over to the Kinney-Taylor table as a gesture of good will and in hopes of rekindling the relationship she started with Bree just before Molly's wedding. Since that time, so many things had occurred that maintaining a relationship with Susan and Craig hadn't even been a blip on the horizon. Nor did Bree ever mention it.

"Um, yes, Sidney will be moving the 'Old Masters' to Chicago soon. I've been working on a new theme," Justin explained.

"Oh? What's the theme?"

"It's weather related." Seeing the curiosity in Susan's eyes, Justin elaborated. "The working title is 'Seasons.' It starts out with Winter then Spring, then..."

"I get it! Well, we've certainly had a lot of Winter to inspire you. I didn't think it would ever end," Susan exclaimed.

"Neither did I. I don't think I've ever done this much shoveling in my whole life," Justin added. There still was a lot of snow around Edna's Treasures and the lane where the conjoined cottages were situated, as well as Rachael and George's house and Emmett and Drew's cottage. Spring may have hit the Pitts but it hadn't quite gotten to the 'country' as yet.

"Shoveling?" Susan and Craig lived in a large condo. Shoveling was something they did not have to worry about.

"Yes, shoveling. We were snowed in several times this year," Justin explained as he looked around for Bree and his spouse. He spied Bree by a large fruit punchbowl. Justin had visions of a fuchsia-red, punch-covered Bree. Fortunately Brian swooped in for the rescue and just in time.

"Justin, is everything all right?" Susan was facing the opposite direction and didn't see her granddaughter's predicament.

"It is now," Justin said with relief. Brian held a small cup of punch for Bree and one for Patrick. He led the children to a table that Emmett had set up just for them. It was close enough to the parents for comfort and the kids loved pretending they were grown up. Bobby and John brought over several small dishes that contained a variety of Emmett's delicacies and all the kids' favorites. Bree and Patrick were content, as were their parents.

"Justin?" Susan began. "Please let me know when your show opens. I'd love to see it."

"Of course, I'll make sure you're on the invitation list. I'll put you both on the list," Justin said hopefully.

"We'd like that," Susan said as she moved away to rejoin Craig.

"You okay, little boy?" Brian asked as he sat in the vacated chair. He couldn't help but see the wistful expression on Justin's face.

"I'm fine," Justin said as he reached out for Brian's hand. Unashamedly, Brian took his husband's hand and brought it to his lips. "Do you think..." Justin started but then shook his head.

"Say it," Brian prodded.

"Do you think we could ever invite my father and Susan to the cottage?"

"What brought this on?"

"I don't know. We were talking about my new show and shoveling snow and then it dawned on me that she had no idea what I was talking about."

"What do you mean?"

"We shovel snow. It was like a whole brand new concept for her. They live in a condo; they don't have to deal with something as ordinary as shoveling."

"We didn't have to deal with it either at the loft. But we helped out Debbie when she needed it."

"It's like we don't even live in the same world," Justin said almost sadly.

"Sunshine, it's true, we don't live in their world. We've carved out our own world, together and with the rest of our family. And we've left that door open to them, hundreds of times. They chose not to walk through. But now that the weather is starting to change, we can try again. Bree's birthday falls on a Monday this year. We can have a small celebration that night and then have a big birthday bash on the following weekend. You know the whole family is expecting it. After all one doesn't turn all of five every day now, does one? We can invite Susan and Craig to the small celebration. You can't get any more civil than that."

"Holding out an olive branch?"

"Yeah, I just hope it doesn't hit us in the ass."

"Well, if it does, we can take turns kissing each others' boo-boos and making it all better," Justin said with a suggestive waggle to his brow.

"Don't start anything you can't finish, young man," Brian counseled.

"Oh, I can finish it," Justin assured him.

"That's what I'm afraid of. However, I don't think your mother would be too happy, not to mention that Sarah Kingsley would get her blue-blooded nose out of joint. I think we should table this discussion for now then resume it in more private and comfortable surroundings."

"So moved."

"Seconded and carried. Now I wonder if Emmy Lou has any more of those pear and blue cheese thingies," Brian said as he got up, placed a chaste kiss to Justin's temple, rubbed his hands together in anticipation then headed for the buffet table. Justin laughed as he shook his head.

All was right in Justin's world, in his special world that he and Brian had made for themselves. And nothing could ever take that away from him.