Wish Upon a Star
Chapter 4 
Plot bunny - by Mysterious Misty - or MM - a woman of many talents


Brian pulled up in front of Justin’s house at five minutes to eleven. He wiped his hands on the front of his jeans. He couldn’t believe how nervous he was. He’d taken the painting that had upset Justin last night to Sydney’s gallery. Brian handed it over to Lindsay with no regret whatsoever, though it had been one of his favorites. He was planning on seeing more of Justin than just as his child’s teacher. And some of that ‘seeing’ would take place in his bedroom. Another painting caught his eye. He told Lindsay to put a hold on it. There was no way he was buying anything without first seeing how Justin would react to it. Though that wasn’t the story he told Lindsay.

Now here he was nervous as a school girl and terrified to get out of his car. 

Finally, steeling himself against god knows what; Brian was standing in front of Justin’s door and ringing the bell. He’d brought a bouquet of roses and a box of hand made Belgian chocolates. “Hey Sunshine,” Brian smiled down at Justin. “I brought you flowers and candy like you suggested for our first date.”

Justin flushed with pleasure. “I was joking, but this is nice.” The two black cats were twining around Brian’s ankles.

“What are they doing?” Brian asked. There seemed to be dozens of cats, but it was really only the two Spots, moving quickly.

“They’re saying hi.” Justin laughed as he led Brian inside. “They like you.”

“Great, I guess.” Brian looked undecided on that.

“Come into the kitchen. The coffee is ready and I want to put these flowers in water. “

“Roses, Sunshine, they’re roses.” Brian was proud of his accomplishment. Justin was the first person he’d ever bought flowers for with the exception of Cynthia.

“I know they’re roses.” Justin grinned at the childish sound of Brian’s voice. He turned and suddenly stood on tiptoe and kissed Brian’s lips quickly. “Thank you for the wonderful roses and for the candy.”

“Hand made Belgian chocolates.” Brian answered. “The lady at the store said that you’d love them if you were into chocolate.”

“Oh, I thought you bought them because you know that chocolate is an aphrodisiac and you want to have your way with me.” Justin grinned at the sharp intake of Brian’s breath. “Calm down big guy and have a seat. The coffee is in the pot on the table. I’ve made a quiche and I’ve been down to the market and bought the most amazing strawberries for desert.” He took four chocolates from the box and placed them on a small crystal plate. “We can have strawberries and chocolates for desert.”

Brian managed to control his shaking hand and poured himself a coffee. He stirred in too much sugar as usual and then sat back in the chair to watch Justin move efficiently around the kitchen. The two cats had taken up their position on top of the refrigerator batting at Justin’s head every time he walked by.

Finally Justin sat down opposite Brian. He’d served their plates and smiled at the obviously nervous man sitting opposite. “Brian, I promise you I won’t bite.” He joked. 

“Sorry Justin, it’s just that all of this” Brian looked around. “Isn’t what I’m used to, I mean, I’ve never had a date before however casual and I’ve never actually been to another guy’s house for brunch. He looked down at his lap. In fact this is a whole day of firsts for me.” He didn’t want to admit that the flowers and candy purchase was also foreign to him.

“Brian oddly enough, I haven’t dated before either. I know I told you that I had a boyfriend before when I was barely out of high school. But it wasn’t the kind of relationship that ‘did’ dates. It was more like something I kind of fell into when we began to share an apartment at PIFA. The next thing I knew I had a ‘boyfriend’ as Ethan liked to brag. It was easier than protesting.” He laughed lightly and the sound made Brian’s heart lighten. “In fact I had more of a relationship with my faceless dream man than I ever did with Ethan.”

Brian relaxed and took a bite of the quiche. “It’s good Justin. I don’t often get home cooked meals. I mostly eat take out or I eat at the diner. Deb has me over for dinner every now and then as well. But not often now that Gus has been born. I think she somehow blames me for not being more involved with his life.” Brian looked thoughtful. “I should have pushed harder to be part of his life. But I bought into the hype that he would be better off without me. After all, what do I know about kids? I had a shitty childhood.”

“Brian, no parent knows everything there is to know about raising children no matter how they were raised themselves. You do what you can to make sure that your child has a good childhood. If you had a shitty one yourself, well, then you know what not to do. If you have good memories, then you try and give your child good memories. There really aren’t any rule books handed out at the birth of each child.”

“You make it seem so easy Justin. I suppose you had a great childhood.”

“My childhood was okay I suppose. Nothing extraordinary or anything. It was normal for the kind of family I was born into. But my father kind of went ape shit when he found out I was gay. That sucked. If I ever have a child, I’ll love him or her regardless of their sexual orientation.” Justin poured Brian a glass of juice. And then stood up to clear their plates.

He brought bowls of fresh strawberries and a pitcher of thick sweet cream to the table. Putting the strawberries in front of Brian, Justin moved his chair closer. “Eating strawberries can be very sensual.” Justin began. He dipped one into the cream and then to Brian’s surprise, put it in Brian’s mouth. Brian’s eyes crinkled in amusement. The next fifteen minutes was spent with the two of them feeding each other the strawberries. The sexual tension was building between them both when suddenly the front door of crashed open.

“Justin, get your ass moving. We have to get to the GLC in ten minutes.” A blonde young woman, clearly Justin’s sister appeared in the kitchen. “Oh, I didn’t know you had company.” Molly said. She stared at Brian and Justin who both were looking back at her their mouths smeared with strawberries. The last few berries had been shared with kisses. “Uh, guys, you both need to wash your faces. I’m serious though about getting ready to go. It’s almost twelve thirty.”

Justin jumped up. Molly’s appearance had killed any erection he’d had. “Shit, where did the time go?” he asked. “Molly you tidy up the kitchen, Brian and I will wash our faces.” He started to drag Brian with him and then he turned back. “Molly this is Brian, Brian this is my sister Molly.”

Brian grinned at Molly’s look of incredibility as Justin began to pull Brian toward his bathroom. ‘

“I am not your fucking maid.” She shouted after their retreating backs.

At the GLC, Justin had to finally tell Brian to go and sit down. His pacing was making the blond nervous.

“There’s no place to sit.” Brian all but whined.

“Sit at the kid’s table.” Molly said. “Geeze, you’d think you’d never gone to the zoo before.”

“I haven’t.” Brian said. He craved a cigarette, but he didn’t want to have the smell of them on his breath when Gus arrived.

“Everyone’s been to the zoo.” Molly snorted. “You must have at least gone when you were a kid. I mean that was a long time ago, but this zoo has been around a long time.”

“I’m not that old.” Brian defended. “And the zoo was being built when I was a kid. By the time it was done I was in my teens and going to the zoo wasn’t the ‘cool’ thing to do.”

“Justin used to take me to the zoo all the time when he was in his teens.” Molly replied. “He didn’t care if it wasn’t cool to take his sister to the zoo.”

“Good for Justin.”

“Actually Mollusk, I took you to the zoo to check out the hot guys. You were a good excuse to watch the keepers.”

“Eeeewwww.” Molly glared. “So much for that childhood memory. I hope you weren’t doing it when I was there.”

“Molly, give me a break. I was only a kid myself.”

“I bet that didn’t stop Brian when he was a teen.” She looked at Brian.

“But I was in demand. Apparently Justin wasn’t” Brian joked. 

“Fuck you.” Justin muttered under his breath.

“Not now dear.” Brian said in falsetto much to Molly’s amusement. Just then Terrin and Bryce walked in. They had become fast friends despite the difference in their ages. Bryce seemed to grow in stature when he was with the young girl. He took care of her and made her feel special. Justin was pleased at the change in both of them. “Hi Terrin and Bryce.” Brian said.

Justin was surprised that Brian remembered their names. It wasn’t as if Brian had spent a lot of time with the group. “Hi Mr. Kinney.” Terrin answered back. “Where’s Gus?” 

“His mom will be bringing him shortly.” Brian said and he hoped that it was true.

Carlin and Kalea walked in followed by Marlon.they sat down with Brian and the other two. Brian was beginning to feel nauseous. What if Gus didn’t want to come now that he knew Brian was going to be there. He was about to stand up and tell Justin he couldn’t stay when his son walked into the room followed by Melanie. 
“Sorry Justin, but we’re running late.” Melanie smiled at Justin and then turned and smiled at Brian. “Gus, your father is going to spend the afternoon with you and your friends. Make sure he doesn’t eat too many hot dogs at the zoo.”
Brian snorted and Gus looked at him with amusement in his eyes. “Justin and I will have Gus back by seven like we arranged.” Brian said.

“Thanks for this afternoon Brian. Lindsay and I are going to enjoy the pampering. It’s been a long and hard week for Linds.”

“No problem Mel. We all need some pampering every now and then.” Gus had come over to the table to join the group. Melanie smiled and waved before disappearing back through the door.

“Hey Gus” Brian said. He held out his hand to shake hands. And Gus looked up at him and grinned before throwing himself into Brian’s arms. “Sonny Boy, it’s nice to finally hold you officially.” Brian murmured. “You are everything I could ever have wished for in a boy.” 

The other children watched the interaction between Gus and Brian with wide eyes. “Does this mean that you really and truly are Gus’ dad?” Marlon asked.

“I sure am.” Brian grinned at all of them. His eyes were moist with unshed tears and it was only with reluctance that he let Gus out of his arms. “Is everybody ready for this trip to the zoo?”

“YES” they all yelled except Kalea who signed her approval. Justin and Molly helped Brian gather everyone together, making sure that the bathroom was the first stop on the way out the door.

Molly took Marlon, Terrin and Bryce with her. They agreed to meet at the main entrance.

Carlin, Kalea and Gus along with Brian and Justin got into Justin’s mini van that he’d borrowed from his mother. Brian helped buckle everyone in he gave Gus a kiss and a quick hug to Carlin and Kalea. 

“I don’t need no hugs.” Carlin grumbled, but he was pleased to be included. The three children chattered in the backseat with both Carlin and Gus signing for Kalea. Justin had shown all of the children basic signing and they had all picked it up quickly. They still spoke, but signed when they could so Kalea never felt left out from their conversations or play. 

Brian was content to sit in the passenger seat and let Justin drive. He kept glancing back as if to reassure himself that Gus was really traveling with them. “Brian, he hasn’t jumped out.” Justin finally said as they were pulling into the parking area at the zoo.

“I know, but I can’t believe this is happening.” Brian smiled at Justin. “I know I sound like some kind of girl, but I am unbelievably happy and it’s all because of you.”

“Keep that in mind when you’re buy Christmas presents. I take a men’s medium in cashmere sweaters. I’m partial to blue.” Justin joked.

“I was thinking more in the line of a Starbuck’s gift certificate for a latte.” Brian grinned at the blond who returned the grin.

“Bitch” Justin mouthed. He turned back and found himself staring into Gus’ hazel eyes. “I was just teasing your daddy Gus. I really do think he’s cool.” Gus smiled at him shyly and nodded.

The next half hour was busy with the three adults getting the children through the gates and organized into where they wanted to go. Brian found himself with Gus’ hand tucked in his. Gus wasn’t moving from his side for one minute despite the animals they were visiting. By three both the children and Brian were exhausted, Justin and Molly seemed to be tireless. 

“How about I buy everyone ice cream and we sit on the grass and people watch for a few minutes. “ Brian suggested. Anything for a break he was thinking. 

“Good plan Brian, you and I will get the cones. Justin can wait here with the kids. I know he’s just itching to use that sketch book he keeps fondling in his back pack. “ Molly laughed.

“I can’t help it. I like to sketch even if my hand doesn’t last very long.” Justin said. “Besides, you must have taken a zillion photos.”

“I was doing it for Brian. It’s his camera.” Molly grinned. 

“Now children don’t fight.” Brian drawled causing the other children to laugh at Molly and Justin. “Everyone has to tell me what kind of ice cream they want. Maybe Carlin and Terrin could come to. They can help carry the ice cream.”

Soon the orders were all figured out. Even Kalea managed to let them know she wanted chocolate by hugging Marlon and pretending to lick him much to his amusement. Only Gus was silent. He looked sad until Brian picked him up and said. “Whisper what kind you want into my ear Sonny Boy. “ He wasn’t sure if Gus would do it. 

Gus looked into his father’s eyes and then leaned in close and whispered. “strawberry” his voice was breathy and he flushed but didn’t stop looking into Brian’s eyes. 

“You know what Sonny Boy, that happens to be my favorite kind too and I have it on good authority that Justin is partial to strawberry as well. “ he kissed Gus on the forehead before putting him down beside Justin. “You wait here and make sure Justin stays out of trouble. We’ll be right back.”

Gus giggled and put his hand into Justin’s. Justin exchanged a look with Brian that spoke volumes before the older man turned and headed toward the ice cream vendor with Molly, Terrin and Carlin.

By the time the afternoon was over, it was clear that a nap would be in order for everyone. The children were all picked up at the GLC by their parents and Molly set off home with her mother’s van. 

Gus sat at the table waiting for Brian and Justin. His head kept getting lower and lower until Brian finally picked him up and sat in the rocking chair with him. Gus snuggled in close his eyes shutting immediately as Brian began to rock holding his son in his arms.

Justin headed for his office and came back with one of his grandmother’s cuddle quilts and wrapped it around Gus. The GLC was always chilly. “Do you mind Justin if we stay here while he has a little nap?” Brian looked down at his son.

“No, I don’t mind.” Justin found Brian’s camera and snapped a picture of father and son. “For your memory book.” Justin explained. 

“I don’t have a memory book.” 

“We’ll start one tomorrow.” Justin smiled. He tidied up the room all the while keeping his eye on Brian and Gus. He couldn’t imagine a nicer picture. The photo he’d taken was really for him. He was going to try and paint the two in the rocking chair. It would be his first attempt at a portrait type painting in a long, long time. But he felt his wrist was becoming stronger. He’d been doing the exercises as well as sketching which in itself was good exercise. 

When everything was ready for them to leave, Justin sat down cross legged on the floor and began to sketch Brian and Gus. Brian now had his eyes shut as he rocked with Gus in his arms.

“You look beautiful.” Justin’s voice was soft almost reverent. “It’s very erotic.”

Brian’s eyes opened and he stared silently into Justin’s eyes, his tongue slipped between his lips and he wet them. Their eyes were locked until Justin broke the look by a bashful gaze down at his sketchbook. “I didn’t mean to talk out loud.”

“Did you mean what you said?” Brian’s voice cracked with emotion.

“Yes.”

“Thank you.” He shut his eyes again and continued to rock his son who had snuggled contented as close as he could. Brian could feel the beat of Gus’ heart under his hand and he listened to the soft breathing. The smell of small boy and strawberry ice cream would forever fill him with nostalgia as he sat there content with Justin close by. 

Brian woke up a few minute later when he felt small fingers exploring his chin, rubbing the start of a beard that was appearing as the day moved on. He looked down at Gus. “Hey Sonny Boy. is my beard scratching you?” 

Gus nodded. He wiggled off of Brian’s knee and then pulled Brian down to his level and whispered in his ear. “pee now” 

Brian laughed and stood up. “Which way is the bathroom in this joint Justin?”

“The second door on the left when you leave this room.” He looked curiously at Brian and Gus. It was almost as if Brian knew what Gus wanted. He shook his head, surely Gus wasn’t talking to Brian, or maybe he was. He’d have to ask later.

Gus used the toilet and then headed to the sink. He could barely reach and Brian lifted him up. Two pairs of hazel eyes looked back from the mirror and both of them grinned. “Are you hungry Sonny Boy?” Brian asked. “Because I do believe that you and I and Justin have a dinner date at the diner.”

Gus answered with a nod and a grin before heading back for Justin. 

“Do you two want to walk to the diner?” Justin asked. “We can walk back here afterward and get the car.”

“I don’t mind the walk, do you Gus?” Brian asked.

Gus shook his head no.

Brian and Justin, Gus between them holding both of their hands, headed down the busy sidewalk to the Liberty Diner. Brian was sure that word had reached Debbie before they’d walked half way down the block because she didn’t seem surprised to see the three of them walk in the door.

“Hey Sunshine, Brian, I see that the two of you have Gus with you.”

“Your eye sight is holding out considering your age.” Brian snerked.

“Ass… I mean brat.” Debbie hit Brian good naturedly on the shoulder. “Have a seat, I’ll bring you a menu.”

“We know what we want to eat don’t we Sunshine?” Brian laughed. “There really is only a few things on the menu that won’t kill us. I’m having a turkey sandwich on whole wheat, hold the mayo and a coffee.”

“He’ll have a garden salad as well.” Justin added. “I’ll have the burger deluxe with fries and gravy, a garden salad with thousand island dressing and a chocolate milkshake. “ he looked at Gus who looked to be whispering something in Brian’s ear.

“Gus wants what Justin is having.” Brian said, “only with a strawberry shake.”

“That’s cute Brian, we all know that Gus can’t talk.” Debbie said. “I don’t think his mother’s would want him to eat all that.”

“Deb, I would suggest you take our order like we gave it. That includes what Gus wants.” Brian’s tone of voice told Debbie that she had better do as he asked. 

“Fine, if that’s the way you want it.” She said in a huff. 

The three sat down in a booth. Gus slid close to Brian. He looked at his dad with thanks in his eyes.

“Hey Sonny Boy, no problem, if you and Justin want to eat that kind of mess for dinner, who am I to say no.” he was rewarded with a giggle from Gus.

“Brian, we are growing boys.” Justin protested. “Besides, I’m starved. I did a lot of walking this afternoon. Isn’t that right Gus?”

Gus nodded and grinned at Justin. “Daddy’s skinny” he whispered. Brian and Justin’s heads went up and they looked at each other and then at Gus.

“He is pretty skinny,” Justin agreed.

“I am not. I’ll have you know I have a very trim body under these clothes.” Brian preened showing off what he could of his body considering he was sitting in a booth in the diner.

“Hey, Brian” it was Michael; he’d walked into the diner. 

He was about to sit down beside Gus when Brian said. “If you’re planning on joining us for dinner, you’ll have to sit beside Justin or let Justin sit here. Gus and I don’t want to be crowded.”

“How is Justin sitting beside the two of you any different than me sitting there?” Michael asked in a whine. He’d stopped trying to sit down. Justin quickly moved beside Gus and Michael took Justin’s spot across from the three of them. He glared at Justin. 

“Justin is my date tonight. And so is Gus.” Brian smirked. “I’m dating two hot guys at once.” Gus giggled and so did Justin.

Just then Debbie brought their dinners over. “Can I get you something honey?” she asked Michael.

“I’ll have the special.” He replied. Then he looked at what had been placed in front of Justin and Gus and Brian. “Brian are you nuts feeding Gus that stuff for dinner?”

“That’s what he wanted.” Brian replied. He helped Gus put ketchup on his plate and he cut his burger in half so that the boy could eat it easier. 

“He doesn’t talk. He doesn’t have any idea what he wants.” Michael began.

“Mikey, if I were you I’d shut up now.” Brian warned. He snagged one of Gus’ fries and ate it. “Hey Gus, not bad with gravy and ketchup.”

Gus smiled and nodded before taking a bite out of his burger. He looked at Justin who had also cut his burger in half. The two of them shared looks and went back to eating ignoring Michael. 

“So this is your big date Justin.” The sneer was evident in Michael’s voice.

“It’s a start and I did get flowers and candy.” Justin smiled at Brian, batting his eyes making Brian roll his. Gus giggled again. He’d finished the first half of his burger.

Brian took more of Gus’ fries and Gus slid his plate closer to his father. Brian put his arm around his son and began to help him eat his dinner. He knew Gus had wanted the same as Justin, but hadn’t realized how much food it would be.

Justin finished his burger and looked at Gus who nodded. Justin transferred the other half of Gus’ burger to his plate and began eating it. Michael didn’t pay any attention to any of this. Instead he was going on to Brian about some slight that he felt Ben had done to him earlier in the day. 

Gus drank some of his milk shake and then sat back full and content. Brian took a drink of milkshake he made himself have a milkshake mustache so that Gus would laugh. Justin leaned over and licked it off of Brian which made Gus laugh even harder.
“Brian, you aren’t even paying any attention to what I’ve been saying.” Michael looked pissed. 

Brian looked back at his friend. “Hmmm, could it be because I’m out with my son and my friend and you barged in on our date?” I wonder?”

“Oh give it up, it isn’t a date and you know it.” 

“Well it is as far as I’m concerned “ Brian answered. He turned to Justin, “What about you, is this a date?”

“Lets see, flowers, candy, dinner?” Justin counted on his fingers. “Yes, it sounds like a date, and it feels like a date and it tastes like a date.” He leaned over and pretended to bite Gus’ neck. “I’d say it was a date.”

“What do you think Gus, is this a date between your daddy and me?”

Gus nodded and then burped. Brian and Justin laughed. “Gus had the last word on the subject.” Brian replied. “If you are done Sonny Boy, Justin and I should be getting you home to your mommies. We don’t want to be late or they might not let us do this again.”

Justin moved out of his seat and Gus followed him. Brian patted Mikey on the cheek, “Later Mikey, I’m taking Gus home, Justin and I might see you at Babylon later tonight if you and the good professor are there.”

“Oh, we get to go dancing.” Justin smiled. “See Michael, it is a date. We’re just sharing part of it with our favorite boy.”

“Me’ Gus mouthed. He slipped his hand into his father’s and the other one in Justin’s and began to lead them out of the diner.

Brian and Justin enjoyed the walk back to the GLC to get Justin’s car. Brian entertained them both with the story of the night Gus was born and how cute the baby looked. Gus was too happy for words he finally had a daddy.

Once they got into the car, Brian could tell that Gus was becoming sad. “Gus, this is just the beginning. I’m going to make sure that your mommies let me be part of your life from now on. “ He reached into his wallet and pulled out his business card. On the back he wrote down his home number and his cell phone number. “This card has all of my phone numbers on it. The one at work and my home phone number and my cell phone number. If ever you need me, you just find a telephone and call. I’ll be right there.” Brian handed the card to the boy. “Do you have a safe place to keep that?” he asked.

Gus nodded and looked at the card. He memorized all of the numbers by the time they had reached his house. Numbers were easy for him to remember.
He looked at his house when Justin pulled into the driveway. He didn’t want to go inside and leave his daddy. He tried not to cry. He was a big boy and big boys didn’t cry when they had to leave their daddy’s.

Brian looked back at Gus and could see the look on the boy’s face. “Hey Sonny Boy.” he said and held out his arms. Gus scrambled between the seats and buried his face in Brian’s neck. “Don’t worry Gus, I promise you that you and I will have more good times.”

“I love you daddy” Gus whispered brokenly.

“I love you too baby.” Brian held him tight. “Now let’s walk up to the door like Kinney men and brave the women who are in there.” He got out of the car. Justin let him go. He knew Brian would need some private time with Gus. Brian rang the door bell. 

Melanie opened it “Hey Gus, did you have a good time?” she asked when she saw her son. Gus nodded and walked inside. He looked back at Brian. 

“Thanks Melanie, I really appreciate this chance to get to know Gus. I’d like to do it again.” Brian would kiss her ass if he thought it would help him see Gus again.

“I’ll talk to Lindsay about it. “ Melanie said not committing to anything. Gus looked up at her and smiled he ran back and Brian swept him up in a hug. It was obvious that Gus wanted to see Brian again.

“Later Sonny Boy,” Brian kissed him and set him down. “Thanks again Mel and say thanks to Linds for me too.”

“I will Brian. Why don’t you call later this week? I’ll talk to Lindsay, maybe we can set something up on a regular basis.”

“Are you serious?” Brian was embarrassed at the question as soon as the words were out.

Melanie laughed. “Yes I’m serious. Apparently this pregnancy has affected my mind.”

“But in a good way.” Brian leaned over and kissed her cheek before turning and heading back to Justin.

When he got back in the car, Brian rested his head back on the headrest and sighed. 

“Are you okay Brian?” Justin asked.

“I will be.” Brian’s breath caught and Justin realized that the older man was fighting tears.

Justin did the only thing he could do under the circumstance. He pulled Brian to him in an awkward hug. “It was only the first day Brian. Everything went well and there will be more.”

“I know, but damn it Justin I really fucked up big time. I should have been part of his life from the beginning.” He shuddered. “I blamed my childhood and I know that was stupid. How in hell could an intelligent man be so god damned stupid?”

“Brian, what’s been done is done. You have the rest of your life to make it better. And Gus has had a good first six years. He lives in a loving home and has lots of family and friends.”

“You know he talked to me today.” Brian said. “Not much, but he did say a few words.”

“I know. “

“Why did he talk to me, but he won’t talk to anyone else?”

“Well he loves you and he trusts you.” Justin began. “I think it will only be a matter of time before he talks to everyone. He’s going to go through a period now where he will be watching and waiting to see if you really will be part of his life. When he decides that you are, he will probably begin to talk to everyone.”

In the upstairs window, Gus stood and watched the car. He couldn’t see inside it but he knew his daddy was there. Maybe his daddy was having a hard time leaving him. Gus smiled and pressed his face closer to the glass trying to see inside the dark car. “I love you daddy.” He whispered. He looked up at the night sky. His wishing star was there. “Thank you wishing star.” He said. “My daddy loves me.” With one last look down at Justin’s car, Gus blew a kiss toward the car and then climbed into bed just in time, for Lindsay appeared in the doorway to say goodnight.

“Nite, nite Gus.” She whispered while she tucked the covers in tight around her son. “Did you like your daddy?” she asked.

Gus smiled and nodded, his eyes radiated his happiness and Lindsay realized that this was the happiest she’d seen her son in a long, long time. She would talk to Melanie later about including Brian in Gus’ life.