Fate Wins Out

Part 9

As Stacy drove home, she couldn’t help but think about all that had happened since Brian arrived in Pittsburgh. She was thrilled to have Brian back in her life and was happy that Justin found someone he could love, but she worried about their future. Could they keep up a long distance romance? After thinking about the situation, she realized that Justin would never move away with Brian and leave her and the baby alone. He was too excited about becoming a father and he had promised that he would be there for her. He would never break a promise to her. Brian’s life was in Europe. He had his company and all the friends he’s made since moving there ten years ago. Their relationship seemed to be doomed to fail before it even starts. Pulling into the driveway, she couldn’t help the sadness that invaded her heart for them.

As she walked in the door, she could hear laughter coming from the kitchen and went to investigate. She found Brian and Justin in each other’s arms and her kitchen a disaster. Without being noticed, she looked around the room, taking in the mess of dirty dishes, pots, pans, and utensils and couldn’t help the sigh that escaped her lips. Both men turned around at the sound.

“Hey, Stacy. What are you doing back? We have another half hour before you’re due home!” Justin exclaimed, looking around at the mess they still needed to clean up.

“I finished up early and thought I’d come home and help you with dinner. Apparently, I got here just in time. What happened? Did a bomb go off in here?” Stacy asked with a chuckle.

“We were just making you dinner. We planned on having it cleaned up by the time you got home.” Justin explained as he started cleaning up some of the mess.

“Yeah, and if you came home when you were supposed to, you wouldn’t have seen any of this. Now why don’t you waddle on upstairs while we work our magic on this mess?” Brian suggested, steering Stacy towards the door.

“I told you before, Brian, I do not waddle!” She exclaimed as Brian pushed her through the door.

Forty minutes later, Brian made his way upstairs to get Stacy for dinner. He found her sitting in the nursery, lost in thought.

“Knock, knock. Can I come in?” He asked as he walked in the room, looking around at the work he and Justin did.

“Hey. Is dinner ready?” She asked, rising up from the rocker they had bought.

“In a few minutes. I wanted to talk to you for a minute. First, Stacy, I am really sorry about not being honest with you. I was just scared. I really wasn’t sure how you would react and I couldn’t handle it if you hated me, too.” Brian wanted to make her understand why he never went to her. It was the one thing he regretted in his life, that he allowed his parents’ hate to come between him and someone he loved.

“It’s okay, Brian. I understand. I probably would have done the same thing. I’m just sorry that your mom and dad are ignorant assholes.” She offered with a small smile.

“Yeah. You and me, both. What do you say we just forget the whole thing and move on? We have ten long years to make up for.” Brian opened his arms, as Stacy walked into them for a hug.

“Sounds good to me, Brian. I have missed you so much over the years. I’m glad you found your way back before the baby was born. He or she is going to need their Uncle Brian to teach them how to be the wonderful person I hope they become.” She said, her voice choked with emotion.

“I don’t think they’ll need me with Justin as their daddy, but I will always be there for you and my little niece or nephew. In fact, that’s the other reason I wanted to talk to you. Are you sure you are okay with my being with Justin? I love him, but if you’re not comfortable with the situation, we’ll back off. Neither one of us wants to see you hurt in all of this.” Brian wanted to make sure she was happy with their choices before they made any definite plans.

“Brian. I would never stand in the way of your and Justin’s happiness. I love you both very much. Justin and I have no future together as husband and wife. We will always be friends, but he needs someone to love him. Someone to give him the kind of happiness he deserves. If you can do that, I am not only okay with it, but I thank you for it. I’m just worried about what will happen when you go home. Justin won’t leave the states with the baby coming. Have you two figured out what you are going to do then?” She asked, unable to get her mind off their predicament.

"Actually, we have. I’m moving to Pittsburgh.” Brian replied, laughing at the shock on her face.

“You’re moving here? What about your company? Your life?” She asked incredulously.

“It’s no big deal. I will sell the company. I only kept it for something to do everyday. As for my life, my life is with Justin now. He’s the only thing that matters now. Well, him, you, and the baby. You are my family and that means more than anything else to me.” Brian explained, wiping a stray tear from her cheek.

“Oh, Brian. I am so happy for you. This is wonderful!” She exclaimed.

"Now let’s eat! I’m starving!” Brian grabbed her by the hand, dragging her downstairs for dinner.

Later that night, Brian, Justin, and Stacy sat around the living room discussing what their future might hold. So many things were happening and Justin was a little overwhelmed by the changes that were taking place. He always liked a stable life and felt he was losing control. Brian noticed his silence and called him on it.

“Okay, Justin. What’s wrong?” He asked.

“Nothing. I was just thinking about all the changes that we’re making. I guess I’m just a little worried about everything.” Justin admitted, looking down at his feet.

“Justin. Life is full of changes. You need to let them happen and make the best of every situation, good or bad.” Brian patted his shoulder in comfort.

“I know you’re right. I’m sorry. Okay, so where are you going to start looking for a house? Maybe we should call a real estate tomorrow and see what they come up with. Do you have any ideas of what you’re looking for?” Justin asked, pushing away his doubts for the moment.

“I’m not picky. Anywhere you are is home to me.” Brian said, kissing his cheek.

“Well, then it will have to be somewhere close to here. I want to be as close to the baby as possible.” Justin explained, hating that he would be living away from his child.

“Can I make a suggestion? Why don’t you move in here? I would love to have you and this way Justin can still be here for the baby.” Stacy offered, hoping the men would take her up on her offer. She had been thinking about it all day and it seemed like the best possible solution.

“Are you sure, Stacy? Do you really want us living under your roof together? What would your family say? Once we come out to everyone, I’m sure the shit’s going to hit the fan.” Justin pointed out.

“Of course, I’m sure. I wouldn’t have offered if it wasn’t what I wanted. If my family doesn’t like it, then they can just stay away. The only family I need would be right here, anyway. Besides, I am being a little selfish in my offer. This way I would have two people here to help with diaper changes and midnight feedings. What do you say?” She held her breath waiting for their answer.

“Well, Brian? What do you think?” Justin asked, thrilled with the idea of having Brian move in with his family.

“Anything for you, Justin. Like I said before, anywhere you are is home to me.” Brian replied.

“Well, then I guess it’s settled. Now all you have to do is go back to Europe, get your things together, and put No Regrets up for sale. How long do you think that will take? I guess it could be awhile before you make it back, huh.” Justin couldn’t help but wonder what he was going to do while Brian was gone.

“I have a confession to make. I already found a buyer for the company. I put it on the market a few days after we met. I guess you could say I had high expectations. I’ve already talked to Cynthia. She hired a moving company to pack my loft and ship my things. I still have to fly back, but I shouldn’t be gone for more than a week, tops. What do you say, Justin? Ever been to Europe?” Brian waited while what he had suggested sunk in.

“You want me to go with you? Really? That would be so much fun…oh, but…” Justin started, before being interrupted by Stacy.

“Don’t even say it, Justin Taylor. You are going with Brian. I will be fine here all by myself. I don’t want to hear another word about it!” Stacy demanded, knowing her husband so well.

“Well, I guess that’s settled. Looks like we are going to Europe.” Brian said as he pulled Justin close for a soft kiss.

Justin pulled back after the kiss ended and looked Brian in the eye. “I love you.” He said softly.

“I love you, too.” Brian replied.

“What about me?” Stacy asked with a laugh.

“We love you, too, Stacy!” They called in unison, laughing right along with her. The trio spent the rest of the night planning their future together.

 

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