Springtime for Justin

Chapter 17

Beau bounded down the path to the stream, brushing past Craig’s leg as he went by.

“Was that a fucking wolf?” Craig asked in horror.

Justin laughed. “No, that’s Beau. He’s John’s dog. He’s a wonderful animal, but John thought he better keep him shut up in his cottage with all the kids around. He might have frightened them, even though he’s gentle as a lamb.”

“He frightened me,” Craig said shaking his head.

Justin chuckled at his father’s admission. He had thought for so many years that his father wasn’t afraid of anything.

They emerged into the clearing along the stream. Craig stopped and listened to the rush of water over the rocks. It was a beautiful spot. Beau dashed back and forth getting his exercise after being cooped up.

“Beau often comes with me when I walk back here. He thinks he has to protect me,” Justin informed his father. Beau ran over to Justin at the sound of his name. Justin ruffled the fur around the dog’s neck and Beau seemed to enjoy it, licking Justin’s hand. “Say hello to my father, Beau,” Justin instructed. The dog moved over to Craig and sat in front of the man raising his one paw for Craig to shake.

“You’re quite an animal, aren’t you, boy?” Craig laughed shaking the extended paw.

Beau barked and then raced off along the stream.

“Where’s he going?” Craig asked.

“He’ll chase frogs or squirrels or whatever he can find. But he won’t be far if I need him.”

“Do you think you’ll need him?” Craig asked with a funny look on his face.

“No,” Justin replied quickly. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

“Good. I wouldn’t hurt you,” Craig stated.

Justin was just about to remind his father of all the times he had already hurt him, but he decided it wasn’t the moment to open that kettle of fish. Instead he said, “I’m glad you decided to come today, Dad.”

“I am too. Briana looked wonderful. The kids had a ball at the party.”

Justin smiled. It was nice to hear his father praise things that he had done. “We tried to make it every child’s fantasy party.”

“I’d say you succeeded.”

“Dad, it means a lot to me that you came today. Why did you … finally … come here, I mean?”

“I … I guess some of it was curiosity,” Craig admitted. “You seem so happy, and I … we … Susan and I were curious about where you lived.”

Justin smiled at his father’s admission. “I bet the cottage surprised you.”

“That’s for sure. I expected a grand mansion out in the country with manicured lawns and tennis courts and pools.”

“We swim here if we want to,” Justin said pointing to the stream. “The water might be a little cold right now though.”

“What does Brian think of all this?”

“Brian?” Justin frowned, not understanding.

“Well, he wouldn’t like the country. He’s a city boy. This must have been your idea.” Craig gestured to the stream and accompanying lands.

Justin laughed. “Brian found this place. It was all his idea. I’m the city boy.”

"I don’t understand,” Craig said staring at his son.

“Most people don’t understand Brian Kinney either. The man I know and love is nothing like his public persona. He’s kind and gentle and loving. We love this place so much. It’s everything we ever wanted.”

Craig shook his head. He found that hard to believe about the crass, calculating, ruthless man that Craig knew Brian Kinney to be. This was the man who had seduced his son and taken him away from his family.

Justin watched the changes in his father’s face. He saw the anger rising. “I think maybe we should get back,” Justin said quickly hoping to avoid a tirade against his husband.

Just then Beau raced along the stream and stopped, nosing something in the grass. Craig looked up and his face softened while he watched the dog.

“What’s he doing?” Craig asked.

“Probably a frog.”

“What was that stuff with the frog at the cake cutting?” Craig wanted to know.

“You could take Beau’s frog back to Brian and see what happens,” Justin laughed.

“I don’t think I better do that,” Craig replied as they started up the path.

“Maybe not,” Justin admitted. “Brian mostly pretends that he’s afraid of frogs, but he really isn’t. It’s become a running joke. Even Bree pulls it on him every once in a while, like she did today. It started when we had some encounters with poisonous frogs in South America.”

“You were in South America?”

Justin nodded. “I guess there’s a lot about my life you don’t know,” Justin said sadly.

“Too much. I don’t want that to happen with Bree.”

“It’s up to you what happens in that regard. You’re welcome to see her and to come here when we have get-togethers.”

“You mean that?”

“I do.”

They arrived back at the Wendy house and Beau came racing down the path headed for the house. John and Brian were waiting at the door. They walked outside and patted the dog. Brian’s eyes were focused on Justin, watching to see if his husband needed him.

“Thanks for saying that, Justin,” Craig said softly. Justin almost expected a hug, but Craig merely turned and headed for the house.

Brian was at Justin’s side immediately. “You okay?" he asked pulling Justin against him and kissing his temple.

“Yeah, and thanks for sending Beau to protect me. He helped a lot.”

“Did he have to attack Craig?”

Justin laughed. “No, nothing like that. But he gave us something to talk about. You know, an ice breaker.”

“That dog has more talents…” Brian chuckled.

“And so do you. You always know what I need.”

“I try.”

Arm in arm they walked back to the house.

“Well, I see no blood was spilt,” Debbie said as she witnessed Brian and Justin come through the sun porch door. Craig seemed no worse for wear either.

“Maybe Mr. Taylor has been reformed,” Joan remarked casually as she too noticed.

“No, I don’t think Craig Taylor will ever totally reform. It’s not in his nature to forgive and totally accept.” Debbie smiled warmly at the older woman.

Joan blushed slightly at the offhanded compliment but she understood Debbie’s meaning. “I’ve been so blessed to have gotten my family back and more,” Joan said indicating her new family by proxy.

“We can be an intimidating bunch,” Debbie quipped.

“True, but Brian didn’t get all of his stubbornness from his Kinney side, you know,” Joan snarked in the most lady-like Christian way possible. Debbie caught the twinkle in Joan’s eyes.

“Ya know, Joanie, you’re all right in my books. Let me buy ya a soda!” The two women chuckled as Debbie led Joan over to the table to get a couple of soft drinks.

“Now that’s a scary sight,” Ted murmured to Emmett who was taking a break, for the moment from his man-in-charge persona to just being a member of this vast family.

“What’s scary, Teddy?” Emmett asked as he sipped some punch and nibbled on a canapé.

“Debbie and Joan Kinney actually having a conversation and laughing together,” Ted stated amused.

“Well, we’ve all been witnesses to several miracles around here. Including the ex-stud of Liberty committing to one man and becoming the poster boy for fatherhood. It doesn’t surprise me at all that Joanie has become one of us, so to speak. What does surprise me is that Craig Taylor hasn’t run screaming from the place.” Ted nodded. “Oooo, my grill man just gave me the eye. I better get out there. Later, Teddy.”

“Later, Emm.”

 

*****
 

“So what do you think?” John had cornered Jennifer and was trying to explain the Village project to her.

“I think you have your work cut out for you but knowing how stubborn you guys all are, I know you’ll make it work. What did the city planners say?”

“They didn’t exactly give us their blessing at first. Bobby and Ted had a very precise proposal all drawn up. We have the financial backing and letters of approval from some of the local community leaders,” John added.

“So what was the problem?”

“I guess they didn’t know me. I mean they knew of me because of my involvement with the clinic project, and of course they know Brian.”

“That goes without saying,” Jennifer quipped. “I thought he was going with you?”

“He was, I mean did. He was late; you know he likes to make an entrance.”

“He didn’t cost you the project, did he?” Jennifer had her back up for a second.

“No, no. His meeting with a client ran late and he was finalizing things with Emmett for this shindig. He arrived like the cavalry, in the nick of time, dressed to the nines in his power suit and tie. Walked in like he owned the damned place. Funny thing, he didn’t say a word.”

“No?”

“Nope, nada. The representative from the mayor’s office took one look at Brian, who had that expression on his face that said, ‘cross me or my family and I’ll chew you up and spit you out’.”

“I’ve seen that one. It can be very intimidating,” Jennifer stated and John nodded in agreement. “So I take it they signed and you and your newly formed ‘Village Association’ own the land?”

“Yup. Signed, sealed and delivered. We start construction first thing Monday morning,” John said smugly.

“So how does this involve me?”

“We’re going to need a management company. Someone to oversee the property but with the main focus on the apartment building and park land.”

“But I assumed Ted would do that. He is, after all, Brian’s main money cruncher.”

“Ted will be, in the beginning anyway. He’ll set things up, but he doesn’t have the time to devote to it. That’s why we need, I want, someone I know who I can trust.”

“You’re asking me?” Jennifer was shocked. “But all I know is how to sell real estate! What do I know about managing things?”

“Jennifer, don’t sell yourself short. You have a wonderful business sense. You know exactly what types of buildings your clients are looking for. And I was kind of hoping you’d get Seth involved.”

“Seth, my Seth?”

“Yes, your Seth,” John laughed. “Managing properties is his business, isn’t it?”

“Yes, but I...”

“Think about it. Talk it over with Seth. Gordon and I will be on site first thing Monday morning. We’re going to meet with Hunter’s kids and go over the apartment house with a Hazmat team. Meet us there and we’ll talk more.”

“Okay. Geez, you guys never do things halfway, do you?” Jennifer muttered.

“Must be a Kinney thing,” John said laughing.

“Must be,” Jennifer remarked as she wandered over to Seth to fill him in.

 

*****
 

“So you guys go to the same school?” Raymond asked Gus and Curtis.

“Yeah. Who knew?” Gus replied as he loaded up his plate with another hamburger.

“We’re in different grades,” Curtis explained.

“Yeah, but it’s nice to have family going to the same school sometimes,” Jeffrey added.

“Sometimes?” Curtis asked.

“Raymond’s older than me so I have a lot to live up to,” Jeffrey grumbled.

“I’m not that much older, besides I get picked on because, you know, and you get picked on,” Raymond said softly. It was all lost on Curtis.

“Why do you guys get picked on?” Curtis thought he was the only one.

“Look, we all get hassled sometimes; it goes with the territory. But I’m learning to deal with it. Besides, I have a great family to come home to,” Gus said proudly. Jeff and Ray nodded enthusiastically.

“I don’t understand.” Curtis was frustrated.

“Curtis, I told you I’m gay. Don’t get me wrong, I like girls. I just don’t like them in that way. And I have two moms. I get hassled sometimes and I can’t go running home to my moms or let my dads fight my battles for me. I can only be the best person I can be and show those half witted idiots who’s really the best.”

“Sometimes I think I have to work twice as hard as straight guys, but it’s worth it and I know my dads are proud of me,” Raymond said.

“Wait, you’re...?”

“Yeah, I’ve been out for a while,” Ray admitted.

“But you’re so young,” Curtis exclaimed, then he turned to Jeffrey.

“I’m straight, but he is my older brother and I grew up with two dads. Sure we live down near the Village in New York and that’s the gayest place on the planet, but we still get shit sometimes. But I wouldn’t want to trade my life for anyone else’s. I love my dads.”

“So this having two guys as parents is okay?” Curtis was almost convinced.

“They’re parents, just like everyone else’s,” Ray said.

“No, not like everyone,” Curtis whispered.

Seeing the pain on Curtis’ face, Gus tried to help. “Are you afraid of being adopted?” Curtis shrugged; he wasn’t sure what he was afraid of. “Did you know that my Pop had to officially adopt Bree?” Curtis’ eyes widened.

“Our dads had to adopt us,” Ray said and then explained.

“They’re parents, people like everyone else out there. Well, not like Grandmaw Debbie,” Gus laughed. “Or Grandpa Danny!” Gus laughed louder. “He’s a drag queen!” Jeff and Ray cracked up and poor Curtis became more confused. “It’s a long story. Raph and Hector seem like real nice guys. They’re smart and I think being a vet is really cool. Give it a try. Hunter’s great and all, and the center’s okay, but Raph and Hector’s house is nice and you have your own room. And what about your cat; she needs you.”

Curtis nodded. He had a lot to think about. The boys ate their dinners in relative silence.

 

*****
 

At about a quarter to six, Brian’s cell phone vibrated in his pocket. He had been staring at Bree for most of the afternoon. Briana had latched onto Craig the minute he had come back into the cottage. With a wisdom well beyond her five years, Bree seemed to know that having Craig at the cottage was not going to be a regular thing. She had decided to take advantage of the opportunity. Bree was happily perched on Craig’s lap.

“Kinney,” Brian growled into his phone.

“We’re about ten minutes out, sir,” a disembodied voice answered.

“Very good, we’ll be ready. Look for the signal.”

“What kind of signal?” the voice asked.

“Not sure, but you’ll know it when you see it,” Brian said then cut the connection. Looking around, Brian spied his brother and Emmett. “Emmett, John, ten minutes,” Brian commanded. Emmett immediately clapped his hands sending a dozen of his minions scurrying out the porch door. Emmett retrieved a large duffel bag then scrambled out after them. John snuck into his end of the cottage.

“Sunshine, a word,” Brian purred into Justin’s ear as he steered the younger man toward their bedroom. Justin had been sitting with Susan and Craig.

“Brian, not now,” Justin grumbled, not understanding what Brian had in mind and blushing at the implication.

“Now, Justin,” Brian growled instantly.

“Kinney, stop manhandling my son.” Craig made his own low growl.

“Dad, it’s okay,” Justin said trying to keep the peace. He allowed Brian to take him to their room. “What are you do...?” Justin’s question was thwarted by Brian’s tongue plunging into his mouth. Brian’s kisses were almost desperate and left Justin breathless. “What’s going on?” Justin asked when he was finally released.

“Making it possible for you to be in two places at once,” Brian mumbled as he attempted to strip his mate if his clothes. Justin’s deep navy blue suit was all laid out on their bed.

“Brian...”

“Justin, I don’t have time to explain but you need to go to Chicago. Your public is there and I have to stop being so selfish,” Brian stated as he held Justin’s pants while Justin stepped into them. Justin held up one foot at a time as he slipped into his shirt and Brian took off his old socks to put on his dress socks.

“Selfish? Brian, stop,” Justin said batting away Brian’s hands. “I’m not moving until you explain everything.”

Brian took an exasperated breath then quickly explained to his stubborn partner. “You have to go to Chicago. Sidney’s right; it’s not just for you but for all those new artists that you’ve helped to promote. You’ve opened the door and made modern art more accessible and affordable to ordinary people.”

“And how does that make you selfish?”

“Because I don’t want you to go!” Brian nearly shrieked. “Sunshine, all these years, it’s been me who’s gone away on business, knowing you were home, waiting, waiting for me.”

“But you’ve gone with me to these openings and I’ve gone by myself.”

“But this is different, feels different somehow. You’re all grown up. And don’t roll those eyes at me. You don’t need me anymore,” Brian said as he helped Justin into his suit jacket, smoothing down the shoulders and then Justin’s hair.

Brian turned Justin around so that they both faced the full length mirror.

“My beautiful boy,” Brian murmured into the golden hair. “You are the best homosexual you can be and one day you’re going to leave me behind.”

Justin turned in Brian’s arms then flung his arms up around Brian’s neck. “Never leave you, never. I won’t go now,” Justin cried softly.

“No, you’re going. And you’ll be there just as Sidney ends his praises about you. You’ll make a grand entrance worthy of … of me!” Brian smirked then thoroughly kissed Justin again. “You’ll call me later; we’ll have great phone sex.” Brian arched a brow at his lover, getting a sunshine smile in return.

Brian’s phone buzzed again.

“Kinney.”

“Sir, we’re hovering. Um, pink and purple lights?”

“Yeah, that’s it. We’ll be right there,” Brian said into his phone shaking his head. Brian closed his phone as John knocked on their door.

“Brian, they’re here,” John called through the door.

“We’re coming!” Brian said then bowed his head hearing his brother snicker. “I hate myself sometimes.” Grabbing Justin’s hand they ran out of the bedroom and into an empty cottage.

“Where’d everyone go?” Justin asked as he looked around.

“To the field. Come on, Sunshine, your steed awaits.” Brian led Justin out the front door. Normally they would have cut through the field but it was dark and Brian didn’t want to risk Justin’s suit.

The deafening noise of a helicopter’s rotating blades got louder. The field’s perimeter was lit by Emmett’s minions each holding one pink and one purple light saber.

“This looks like Star Wars from gay hell!” Debbie yelled above the noise, making the family laughed.

Brian began to lead Justin to the copter which had set down in the middle of the field. John met them with Justin’s overnight bag, handed it to Brian then gave Justin a kiss to his cheek. Bobby had Bree in his arms.

“You do good in ‘Cargo’ Daddy! I take care of Dada,” Bree said giving her Daddy her most brilliant sunny smile.

“Yes, baby,” Justin could only say, his voice hitching with tears as he peppered his daughter's face with kisses.

Brian handed the bag to the pilot then gave Justin a deep kiss just before he helped Justin up into the copter.

“Be brilliant, knock them dead then come home to me, to us,” Brian managed to say. Justin could only nod then he mouthed ‘I love you’ as the co-pilot slid the door shut, securing it and Justin. Brian stepped all the way back toward the lane as the helicopter took off. He could just catch a glimpse of Justin’s blond hair and pale hand waving.

The family led by the minions waving pink and purple lights walked back to Edna’s Treasures. Brian could hear the comments from his family as they went by.

“Un-fucking-believable,” Melanie cursed.

“He did good,” Debbie praised.

“Only Brian could do it,” Mikey exclaimed.

“Blondie’s one hell of a lucky dude,” Hunter commented.

Craig was rendered speechless as Susan and Jennifer smiled knowingly.

Brian stood alone looking up at the quiet sky as the last family strolled by.

“Hey, little bro, he’s halfway to the airport by now. Let’s go before you catch a chill.” The April night air was still quite cool. Emmett had lit the fires in both cottages. “What’s wrong, Brian? This whole day went off without a hitch. Bree had her party. The family is all together. Justin was a part of it all and he gets to be in Chicago later. To quote Debbie, you did good.”

“They just grow up so fast,” Brian sighed. “He was there the night Gus was born, you know, my two babies. And now Gus is practically a man, Bree is growing so fast, same as your Patrick, and Justin...”

“Brian...”

“I know, I’m not his father or his ‘daddy’ but...”

“He needs you; he’ll always need you and love you.”

As they approached the cottage, they could see the first of the rosebuds opening in the moonlight. Brian stopped to caress the soft velvety petals. It reminded Brian of Justin’s skin.

“It’s Justin’s time to bloom,” Brian admitted as he and John stepped through the cottage door into the waiting arms of their family.

 

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