Springtime for Justin

Chapter 16

Slowly the rest of the family made their way over to the circus grounds. They meandered around the rides and took a peak inside the tent. Inside the tent were different stations and kiosks set up for the kids to do craft projects such as sand painting and spin art. Later on the project would go home with the child as a party favor. There was a skeet ball lane and a basketball toss. Also included was a batting and pitching cage. Bobby took delight in giving the junior leaguers tips on baseball. Toward the back of the tent, the table was set for ice cream and birthday cake. The serving of the cake would signal the end of the children’s party. Emmett had a grown up cake and desserts planned for the barbecue.

Out in the yard, Hunter decided to treat himself to a ‘water dog’ and a large soft pretzel.

“You’re going to spoil your appetite,” Nick stated, taking a large bite out of Hunter’s hot dog.

“Not with you eating half of it, I won’t. Besides, I’m a bottomless pit, in case you forgot.” Hunter smiled broadly, getting mustard all over his mouth. Nick laughed, grabbed a few napkins and tried to make his partner look respectable.

“You’re hopeless, you know that?”

“Yeah, hopelessly in love with you,” Hunter said, giving Nick a discreet kiss. Looking around, Hunter commented on Curtis’ absence, “I wonder where Curtis is.”

“Don’t worry about him,” John said as he sauntered close by. “He’s with Gus and the boys, blowing crap up on the computer. I just hope they come out for food.”

“No worries there,” Simon commented as he and his long time partner, Ken, joined them. “Our boys will pay attention to their stomachs. We’ll see them soon.”

They all chuckled in agreement.

“Hey, little bro, why the long face? This is supposed to be a party,” John commented to Brian, who was looking a little tense. “The kids seem to be having a grand old time,” John said as he swept his arm toward all the laughing and playing children running around the yard.

“I think I went overboard with the pony rides,” Brian said somberly.

“Ya think!?” John snarked then placed a comforting arm across his brother’s shoulders. “What’s the problem, Bree wants a pony?”

“Yeah. What’s wrong with me anyway? I can feel Melanie throwing daggers in my back. That poor guy over there is out of work and now he has to explain to his son why he can’t have a pony. I don’t know why I do this shit. I don’t mean to flaunt the fact that we have a little money. I just want Bree to have the best that she can. I want all of our kids to have the best.”

“Oh Brian, of course you want them to have the best. And there’s nothing wrong with you. So you went a little overboard. The princess doesn’t turn five every day now, does she? First things first, the pony. You know I love to ride. I was riding before I could walk. Why don’t we set something up at the farm? We can arrange weekends for all of ‘our’ children. Me and some of the farmhands can give riding lessons. It’s about time for Patrick to learn. You never know; he may want to take over the farm someday.”

“I can see Patrick as a gentleman farmer, taking after his old man. An architect and a farmer.”

“Then that’s settled. We can include JR, Gus and Curtis. Even that guy’s kid, if you want.” John smiled reassuringly at Brian. “As for why you do these things, that’s easy. Your childhood wasn’t the greatest, we all know that, so you go just a tad bit over the hill in compensating when it comes to our kids. It’s not a bad thing and you usually temper yourself.”

“Or Justin does it for me.”

“Exactly. And there’s another important reason why you do what you do.”

“What’s that?”

“Because you are Brian fucking Kinney and you can get away with it!” John said proudly then gave his brother a bone crushing hug. “You have a lotta love in that heart of yours and sometimes you just have to let it out. Now, come on, I think it’s almost time for the cake. I hear Emmett has something special planned.”

“Like this isn’t special enough?” Brian asked in horror, waving his arms around. “I bet it involves frogs, doesn’t it?” Brian let John guide him toward the tent.

“Not saying a word, little bro, but I did see a lot of green icing earlier today.” John cracked up with laughter as Brian groaned then hung his head.

 

*****
 

“Hey, let’s go over to the party. I wanna watch Bree cut the cake,” Gus said as he checked the clock on the computer. It was almost three and Gus knew the party would wind down soon.

“What’s so special about the cake?” Curtis asked. So far he was finding the day a little overwhelming.

“My dad hates frogs, or so he would have you believe. So my sister asked Auntie Emm to make a special frog cake,” Gus said with an evil grin on his face.

“You’re kidding, right?” Curtis couldn’t believe that Briana would purposely ask for something she knew would anger her dad.

“Nope, we do that to Pop all the time. He loves it.” Curtis shook his head in disbelief, but followed the older boys through the cottage and out the sun porch door.

“If your dad’s so rich, why doesn’t he live in a big house?” Curtis asked quietly. The cottage was neat but a lot smaller than Curtis imagined.

“Not sure, never thought about it much. He and Justin like the quiet and John and Bobby grew up in a small town. They just like it,” Gus explained as he led the boys through the gardens towards the kids’ party.

“Hey Mom!” Gus said as they approached the tent. Lindsay had just taken JR inside.

“Hi, lambskin,” Lindsay said, letting her long time term of endearment for her son slip out. Gus rolled his eyes and blushed.

“Did we miss the cake?”

“No, Emmett just brought it out and Brian went through his ‘squealing in horror’ act. They’re about to blow out the candles so you better get in there.”

“Thanks, Mom,” Gus said as the group went into the tent.

 

*****
 

“Susan, this is ridiculous. Why did I ever agree to come here?” Craig grumbled as they stood off in a corner. Susan wanted to take pictures, and from their angle, she had a clear shot.

“Because, this is Bree’s party, your granddaughter. And it’s time that you behaved like a father to your only son,” Susan stated succinctly for her husband.

“Oh,” Craig answered then he motioned to Susan to take more pictures.

 

*****
 

“Ponies, a ferris wheel, clowns? Do you think Briana is a little spoiled?” Sharon whispered into her husband’s ear.

“Perhaps, but then so were you; and junior knew everything about yachting before he owned his first tricycle. Brian is a self-made man, if he wants to occasionally indulge his daughter, then who are we to judge?” Owen Sr. said wisely.

“You’re right as usual, honey. Let’s go get a piece of frog cake,” Sharon said as she kissed her oh so wise husband then walked with him to the table.

 

*****
 

“Schmidt!” Brian growled at his CFO in his boss voice.

“Yes, Boss,” Ted responded quickly as he sprinted to Brian’s side.

“You see that little guy over there?” Brian indicated Harmon.

“The accountant?”

“You know him?”

“No, but I recognize the type,” Ted said matter-of-factly, causing Brian to scrutinize Ted and Harmon a little closer.

“Whatever. Go vet him out. He said his company shut down and he’s out of work. I told him to call Scott.”

“Right away, Boss. Scott can use a CFO at Part Deux.”

Brian snagged Ted’s arm before he walked off. “Is keeping watch over all aspects of our businesses getting too much for you?” Brian trusted Ted implicitly, but he didn’t want to take advantage of him.

“Brian, I love what I do. Kinnetik is expanding and that means we take on more people to help us get the job done. If this guy is good, and honest, he could become an asset. I’ll check him out.” Brian watched Ted walk away.

“Dada!” Bree called out, stirring Brian out of his reverie.

“Yes, Squirt.” Brian turned toward his daughter’s voice.

“I saved you a piece of my cake,” Bree said sweetly, her big violet blue eyes shining. She was trying to stifle her giggles.

“Oh?” Brian replied innocently, expecting a piece of frog ass or something equally vile.

“Yes, Dada!” The kids had all formed a line in front of Bree, shielding the small plate of cake in her hands. All the kids were giggling now and so were many of the adults. “Have some, Dada!”

Bree stepped forward holding the plate. On it was one round, dark frog eye. It was rather gruesome even if it was just cake. Brian played it up just as Briana and the family all knew he would, and then let his daughter feed him a forkful.

“That’s my good, Dada,” Bree exclaimed as everyone laughed. Brian swept his daughter up into his arms much to Bree’s delight. “I love you, Dada!” Bree said as she gave her father a green icing kiss.

“Love you too, Squirt,” Brian said as he returned the favor.

Brian led the procession of children out of the tent with his princess in his arms. It took a while for all of the parents to retrieve their children, but Brian and Justin stayed until the last child was gone. The family went back to Edna’s Treasures to await their hosts.

 

*****
 

“Everybody said a lot of thank you’s,” Bree said as Brian carried her towards Edna’s Treasures.

“They liked the party a whole lot,” Justin told her as he walked beside them. “And when you appreciate what people have done for you, you thank them.”

“I know, Daddy,” Bree replied reaching out to touch her father’s cheek.

“Did you have a good time, Squirt?” Brian asked.

Bree bobbed her head. “I loved my party and I loved the ponies and I loved the castle and I loved the cake and…”

“Okay, okay,” Brian laughed. “I get it. You loved the party.”

“That’s right, Dada.”

“Well, you still have another party with the family coming up,” Brian informed her.

“I’m full of cake,” Bree replied patting her tummy. “Do I have to eat more?” she sighed.

“You don’t have to eat anything you don’t want to,” Brian said.

“I think you’ve had enough cake for one day, but there’s another one to come,” Justin supplied.

“More cake?”

“Yes, sweetheart. This one’s for the family.”

“Oh.”

“You get to blow out the candles again.”

“Yay!” Bree crowed clapping her hands together. “Is it a frog?”

“It fucking better not be,” Brian reacted.

Justin giggled unable to stop himself. “I’m sure Auntie Emm has a more dignified cake for this gathering.”

“He better,” Brian said as they entered the sun porch doors.

There was a big round of applause from all assembled, and a chorus of “Happy Birthday, Bree” and “There’s the birthday girl.”

Brian and Bree took a bow. Bree was smiling from ear to ear. She loved being the center of attention.

“I’m going to change Bree’s dress,” Brian announced. “This one smells like pony.”

Justin smiled. “They all know you’re changing her dress because you couldn’t resist buying her two for her special day.”

Brian made a face, but then leaned over and kissed Justin’s cheek. It was obvious to them all that Brian didn’t deny what Justin had said, before he whisked Bree off to her bedroom for a wardrobe change.

“What’s with two dresses for one party?” Curtis asked Gus.

“I think my father has a doll fetish. He loves dressing Bree up and treating her like a little doll.”

“That sounds sick,” Ray reacted.

“Oh, I didn’t mean it that way,” Gus replied quickly. “Pop didn’t have a great childhood and he really relishes having the chance to shower Bree with the best of everything.”

“What about you?” Curtis asked. “Did you get the best of everything?”

“My dad wasn’t around much for the first while in my life and I have always lived with my moms, but does it look like I’m lacking anything?” Gus held his arms out to indicate the Kinney magnificence.

“Only the ability to beat me at Doom Raider,” Jeff said smugly.

“We’ll just see about that before the day is done,” Gus replied confidently.

 

*****
 

“Go on,” Susan said pushing Craig forward. “Now’s your chance when Brian’s in the bedroom with Bree.”

“Um…”

“No ums, get going?” Susan replied giving her husband a good shove.

Craig walked forward towards Justin who was standing in the doorway having some words with the flamboyant man who seemed to be running this party, and had been in charge of Molly’s wedding. Anyone watching, and several were, would have thought that Craig Taylor was walking the last mile to the electric chair. His gait was hesitant and unsure. His face looked drawn with worry. The distance from one end of the sun porch to where Justin stood inside the door seemed enormous.

“Craig better be nice to Justin,” Jennifer said as she saw where her ex-husband was headed.

“I’m sure he will. He’ll be crucified if he does anything bad,” Seth assured her.

“That asshole better not upset Sunshine,” Debbie observed to Carl.

“Hold onto your hat,” Ted warned Allen. “Fireworks may be about to explode.”

“Craig Taylor is heading for his son,” Claire informed Steve. “If he does anything untoward, be prepared to go to Justin’s assistance.” Steve nodded.

“What’s going on? It suddenly got quiet in here,” Sharon Brenner noticed. Owen Sr. nodded in the direction of Craig Taylor, and they watched along with everybody else as Craig continued his march the length of the sun porch.

“Bobby, Justin may need us in a few minutes,” John said. Bobby nodded as he saw what was happening.

“Nick, Blondie might be in trouble,” Hunter told his lover. Nick watched as Craig neared Justin.

“Molly, are you all right?” Owen Jr. asked.

Molly’s eyes were glued on her father. “I don’t know what Dad’s up to, but I’m keeping my eye on him.”

“He wouldn’t do anything here, would he?”

“I don’t know, but I’m not letting it happen.”

“Justin,” Craig said as he neared his son.

Emmett turned and looked at Craig Taylor. “I better go check on what’s happening in the kitchen,” Emmett said hastily and quickly disappeared down the sun porch.

“I’m glad you came, Dad,” Justin said with a smile.

“Thanks. I guess we snuck in while you were over at the kids’ tent.”

“I hope everyone made you feel welcome.”

“Some woman named Joan gave us a tour. I believe she’s Brian’s mother.”

“Yes, she is.” Justin smiled at the image of Joan and Craig traipsing around the place together.

“You have a nice place here, Justin.”

“Thanks.”

“Could we talk outside? I feel like there’s a million hostile eyes boring into my back.”

“There are,” Justin laughed. “Come on.” He led his father out of the sun porch and down the path to the Wendy house.

“Joan took us in there,” Craig said. “The mural almost made me cry.”

“Really?” Justin asked screwing up his face in one of his quizzical looks. He couldn’t believe his rather heartless father had just said that. “Did she take you back to the stream?”

“No, but she said there was a stream.”

“I thought that’s where we’d go if you want to talk. It’s very peaceful … and beautiful.”

Craig followed his son down the path.

 

*****
 

Brian and Briana made their triumphant return to the sun porch. Bree looked adorable in another sweet little pink dress. All she needed was a tiara to verify the princess that everyone knew she was. She gloried in all the positive response, running from one grandmother to another to receive their praise.

“Where’s Justin?” Brian asked looking around the sun porch and not seeing his husband.

“He and Craig went down the garden path so to speak,” John replied, nodding in the direction of the path that led to the stream.

“Fuck!”

“I think it’s all right, Brian. They seemed friendly when they left the sun porch.”

“If he hurts him,” Brian said in his threatening voice.

“I know. We’ll all rip Craig to shreds.”

“Yeah, but the damage will have been done.”

John couldn’t argue with that. “I hope it will be all right.”

“That makes two of us. They better come back soon or I’m going after them.”

“I’ll be right behind you,” John declared.

Brian squeezed John’s shoulder in acknowledgement of his support. He could always count on his brother.


 

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