Though we are neither the servants nor the masters of our Karma, it is evident from these counteractive and supportive factors that the fruition of Karma is influenced to some extent by external circumstances, surrounding, personality, individual striving and so forth. It is this doctrine of Karma that gives consolation, hope, reliance and moral courage to a Buddhist. Chapter 22 Brian waited at the curb outside the arrival area at Pittsburgh International Airport. He had avoided the cop who was hell-bent on ticketing him for parking in a drop-off and pick-up zone. He’d already circled twice and was really getting agitated by the wait. Justin’s plane had landed twenty minutes ago; he couldn’t understand what was taking so long. Finally, he spied a blond head and saw Justin come out the automatic doors, holding the duffel bag in his right hand. Brian shook his head and wondered again why Justin always preferred that ugly bag. No matter how rich or how famous he got, Justin always traveled with it. Maybe he thought it was some kind of lucky charm, one that had seen him through so many moves throughout the years, and the thought of his parting with it was out of the question. Brian had tried, buying him style after style, from the most expensive hand-made Italian leather to the generic brands available at most luggage stores but Justin refused to give this one up. Justin lifted the door of the trunk that Brian had just popped open and threw the bag in. He opened the car door, got in and leaned over, kissing Brian hurriedly. “Hi.” “Hi yourself,” Brian replied, smiling at him. “Did everything work out okay?” “Yes,” Justin said. “And you?” “It’s all good,” Brian answered, never taking his eyes off him. “Excellent,” Justin said with a small smile. “Did you miss me?” Brian grabbed Justin’s hand and put it on his groin. “What do you think?” Justin laughed softly, leaning over again and whispering, “I love it when you get romantic, Brian, you should really consider a career change and write for Hallmark.” “I’ll show you romantic, just wait,” Brian said with a smirk. Justin laughed and shook his head. “So, how was Chicago? Did you do any shopping?” Brian asked as he started the car and pulled away from the curb. “Are you kidding? Max’s sister, Andie, his mother and Emmett dragged me up and down Michigan Avenue for an entire day, going in and out of every fucking store you can imagine. By the end of the afternoon when we sat down for high tea at the Peninsula, my feet were throbbing. It was awful!” “High tea? Sounds like something Emmett would enjoy, not you. Why didn’t they take you to a decent bar or to Charlie Trotters for some good food? I remember having one of the best meals ever at the place. Tell me you bought some clothes at least,” Brian asked, taking his eye off the road for a minute, and looking over at Justin. “No, but I bought you a kick-ass sweater that you will look incredibly hot in. It’s from Gucci’s Fall collection; the Steiner’s got an early preview since they are big customers, so you’re getting this ahead of anyone else. It’s really got the most amazing colors and its Cashmere of course so it won’t make you itch.” “Thank you for doing that,” Brian said, grabbing Justin’s hand and bringing it up to his lips. “I’ll just have to reward you with an extra special treat as soon as we get home.” “I am so fucking horny.” Brian replied by pushing the car into gear and speeding up. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Justin lay in bed, completely satiated from Brian’s magnificent display of gratitude. His entire body was humming from the multiple orgasms, every part of him still sensitive and tender. His craving for Brian was as powerful as any drug addiction, his touch as important to Justin as food or water or even the simple act of breathing. It was the one thing that kept him grounded. The one thing that meant he was home and with the man he loved. Brian had gone back into town to meet a new client for an after dinner drink which left Justin home alone with the boys who were somewhere downstairs. He had a sudden craving for some greasy pizza so he picked up the phone and hit the speed dial to his favorite place. He ordered two extra large pizzas, with double cheese and double Pepperoni, knowing that Gus and Austin would want some as soon as they smelled it. Then he picked up the phone again and punched in Daphne’s phone number. “Hey Daphe, it’s me. I’m back,” he said, as soon as she picked up. “Hi! Did you have a good trip?” “I did. How’ve you been?” “I’m fine. Same ‘ol same ‘ol,” she said. “Are you and Alex busy this weekend?” Justin asked. “I’m not, but I need to check with him, why?” she asked. “Brian and I would like to meet with you both, if you’re free. We’d like to come over to your place.” “Oh,” she said, surprised. “I’ll have to double check with Alex, can you hold on one minute while I go ask him?” “Sure,” Justin replied. A few minutes later, she was back. “He said that it’s fine with him. He doesn’t have anything planned.” “Great,” Justin said. “Why don’t we plan on tomorrow then, around eight o’clock, after dinner?” “That’s fine,” Daphne answered. Justin put the phone down and lay back on the bed. He hoped that tomorrow would not be a disaster and that everything would go well. He dismissed it from his thoughts as quickly as it came in. It was too late to change his mind. His decision was made and he planned to stick with it, regardless. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Emmett and Max had just finished hanging up all their clothes after getting in from the airport. They were both exhausted from the brief but hectic visit with Max’s parents. As predicted, they had fallen in love with Emmett instantly. After Mr. and Mrs. Steiner had interrogated him non-stop for an hour it was determined that Emmett truly was in love with their son and would be welcomed into the family. After that, it was a full on blitz by every Steiner that lived in the greater Chicagoland area. The house was buzzing with all the comings and goings and Mrs. Steiner had her housekeeper cooking non-stop for all the company that came in and out that day to visit with them. The big news was that they had found a Rabbi who would be willing to marry them, if they would consent to have the ceremony in Skokie. He was Reformed, of course, and since the laws in Illinois had changed in favor of same sex marriages, he had decided that his policies should change too, and so far there had been a steady stream of same sex couples that had been united by him. Emmett and Max had agreed that they would have the actual ceremony in Skokie, however, the wedding reception would still be at Britin Manor. Emmett had his heart set on the garden reception and would not give up the idea. Max couldn’t care less, one way or the other. He just wanted Emmett to be happy, as well as his parents, so he went along with whatever they planned. He just wanted all this fuss to be over and done with so he could get back to his normal life. The meeting with Uncle Dennis went smoothly, ironing out the finances to everyone’s satisfaction. Max would retain everything that he currently had in his name, Emmett’s business and home would stay in his name, and anything purchased after their wedding would become joint property. It was a pretty straight-forward document and no one objected to anything. The only surprise was the gift of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars that the Steiner’s were giving them for their wedding. Emmett’s mouth dropped open when he saw that figure. He was about to object, but he felt Max’s hand on his leg and saw the look in his eye, begging him to accept, for the sake of peace. Emmett graciously did and after that it was smooth sailing. The visit to another relative at the Jewelry Mart went well too. They picked out matching rings in yellow gold, braided with platinum strands. Simple enough to suit Max’s taste, yet shiny enough to please Emmett. Max’s sister Andie was a constant source of amusement for Emmett. He had never met a true Jewish American Princess, and she was the epitome of one. Her world revolved around shopping and visiting, and the weekly trips to dermatologists, for Botox and Restalin treatments, masseurs for her Cellulite, manicurists to keep up the silk on her nails, and stylists to maintain the beautiful highlights that turned her dark brown hair into the gleaming mass of blond curls that was so favored in her circle of friends. She was silly and frivolous and as shallow as a shot glass, but you had to love her for her kind heart and loving nature. Her life had no basis in reality but her husband doted on her and so long as she pushed out child after child, he continued to indulge her. She had a day nanny, a night nanny and had never changed a diaper in her life. Her three boys were beautiful and well-behaved and she was the only princess in a house full of men. Everyone loved her. She and Emmett got along like sisters, happy spending endless hours pouring over bridal magazines and registries, picking out China patterns and ring designs, ad nauseum. Max just rolled his eyes and spent the better part of the day watching TV with his father. His brother Ari, stopped by briefly to meet Em and wish them both luck but didn’t stick around for all the details that were being worked out. . All in all, the visit went well. Emmett felt truly accepted. He had spent most of his life trying to prove to everyone that he was not poor white trash, but a person of consequence after all. The fact that Max’s family immediately took to him made him love them that much more. Emmett was hearing a whole new language, learning all the Jewish terms that cropped up when referring to the wedding; the Ketubah, the Chuppah, the Kidushin, the Nisuin. Everything was new and foreign to him but he accepted all of it with an open mind, knowing it meant a lot to his new family, and in turn to Max, who wanted his parents to be happy. Their Rabbi had said that he would marry them in a traditional Jewish ceremony, even though Emmett’s beliefs in Buddhism remained steadfast. There would never be any children that came out of their union, so the need for Emmett to convert was not necessary. He did want Max’s family to be happy though and so he agreed to have the Jewish ceremony. It was an extraordinary thing, to be out and upfront about their Gay son. That alone put them at the top of the list in Emmett’s estimation. They were going to go back to Skokie in two weeks to have the actual ceremony. After that they would have the wedding reception around the second or third week of September, depending on when Rosh Hashanah fell. It couldn’t be anywhere near that date. “Are you happy Em?” Max asked as he and Emmett lay in bed. “I’m afraid that I might wake up any minute now and find out that this has all been a wonderful dream,” Emmett replied. Max turned over and nuzzled Emmett’s neck. “Not a dream, Em, this is all too real. I’m finally marrying the love of my life and we will live happily ever after.” Emmett heard that and he felt truly blessed. All the years he had spent feeling lonely and worthless were becoming a distant memory. In the arms of this wonderful man, who only showed him love and respect, he had found everything he had ever hoped to find in a relationship. He marveled again at the timing of everything and the good Karma he must have accrued to have put him in this very special place. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It was Saturday evening and Brian and Justin were getting ready to go over to Daphne and Alex’s home. They had just finished an early dinner with the boys and were waiting for Max and Emmett to come over to pick them up and take them to the movies as planned. The noises outside were an indication that they had finally arrived and soon after the house was quiet again, after everyone walked out with all the usual good-byes and slamming of doors. Brian picked up the heavy briefcase and looked at Justin. “Are you sure this is what you want?” “Yes, I’m positive. Let’s go do this.” They made their way out of the house and into the Lamborghini. They didn’t speak much on their way into town, preferring to listen to a CD. Brian put his hand on Justin’s leg, rubbing and massaging, needing to connect. Justin looked over and covered Brian’s hand with his, smiling gently, reassuring him. They finally got to the condo and they parked the car, handing the keys to the door man so that he could move it into the garage where it would be safer. They stood waiting for the elevator to open and in that brief minute, Justin leaned into Brian and kissed him. “I love you,” he said. “I know you do Sunshine, you always have. I love you too,” Brian replied, putting his hand on Justin’s cheek. “You are my life.” “I know,” Justin replied softly. The elevator opened and they stepped in. When the doors slid open again Daphne and Alex were right there, waiting. They all hugged and greeted each other and proceeded into the living room. “Do you guys want anything to drink?” Daphne asked. She was very nervous, trying desperately to be calm and cool on the outside when in fact she was dying, fearful of what Justin was about to say. “I’d like some water,” Justin said. “Me too,” answered Brian. “Okay, I’ll be right back,” Daphne replied on her way to the kitchen. Alex sat on a chair facing the window and stared out at city lights that shined brightly. He knew that this meeting would change his life somehow and he dreaded hearing what Justin had to say. Finally, after Daphne came back with the water and everyone settled down, Justin began to talk. “First of all,” he began, “I want you to know that I have thought long and hard over this. It’s not something that was easy to decide and I had to take everyone’s feelings into consideration. But ultimately, I had to be true to myself, because this is something I will have to live with for the rest of my life, and I needed to know that it was the best decision I could make for me, and then for my family and eventually, for you guys.” Justin stood up and started pacing as he talked. All three sets of eyes were on him as he moved back and forth. “Before there was a Justin and Brian, or a Daphne and Alex, there was you and me, Daphe.” He stopped pacing and looked directly at Daphne. “You have been my best friend since we were in Kindergarten. You were always there for me, through thick and thin. You held me up when people in school called me a big queer, when Brian and I were going through all our shit, when I turned nutso with the whole pink posse crap. Every time there was drama in my life, you were there to boost me and encourage me. I won’t forget a single minute of your support and I will always love you for that, I want you to know that,” Justin said, in a quiet but very forceful tone. “I do, Justin,” Daphne said, her eyes bright with unshed tears. “I’ve always known that you and I have had a special bond, ever since you were a little boy and came over to my house that first day to ask me if you could play with my tea set. You and I have never wavered in our friendship.” Justin laughed when he heard the part about the tea set. If anyone had any doubts about his sexual orientation at age six, that would have been a clear indication. He moved back over to the sofa where Daphne sat with Alex and he got down on his haunches in front of them. Taking Daphne’s hand in his he started talking again. “I know you’ve been through a lot of stuff in the last year. The shock of finding out Alex is sterile, deciding how to deal with that, choosing to go to a sperm bank and trying all that, then the whole In Vitro thing. I know it’s been a nightmare for you both, and I truly do sympathize with everything you’ve been through,” Justin said, looking at Daphne who stared back at him, her tears now overflowing. They had become so much a part of her she barely even noticed as she back handed them. “It has been very difficult, especially on her,” Alex said quietly, as he put his arm around his wife protectively. “I know,” Justin replied. “And I also know that you’ve tried doing this on your own, going through a sperm bank and only coming to me as a last resort.” “Yes, it’s true, Justin. I never intended to ask you,” Daphne said. “If our original plan had worked out, no one would have been the wiser.” “However, it didn’t,” Justin said, “And you have asked me.” He stood up again and moved over to Brian. He sat down beside him and put his hand on Brian’s leg. Brian automatically put his hand on Justin’s, intertwining their fingers and squeezing him tight. “When I first heard your request, Daphne, I thought you had gone nuts. That was because I had no warning, no indication whatsoever that you were going through any of this.” “I couldn’t tell you Justin. Alex and I wanted to keep this private, just between us and the doctors.” “I understand. But it came as such a surprise, and that’s why it’s taken me so long to decide what I want to do,” he said. “And?” Daphne asked, waiting. “At first, the idea of having a child with you really bothered me. It bothered me because if we had a child together, you and Alex would be the legal parents, I would only be the donor and not acknowledged in any way.” “We’ve thought about that, Justin and have since had a change of heart,” Alex said, softly and tentatively. Justin put his hand up and said, “Wait. Let me finish what I have to say.” “Okay,” Alex replied, backing down and waiting. “Then I thought about the whole concept of having a child,” Justin continued, “Was it something Brian and I needed, or even wanted in our lives at this time?” “I thought it was what I wanted at first,” Justin said. “The thought of having someone in my life that I had actually helped to create appealed to me, until I realized that I wanted a baby for all the wrong reasons.” “To prove that I could, to say it was mine, to leave something behind when I go, to have a mini-me; all reasons that were stupid and didn’t have any substance or validity.” “Then I thought about the things I do have that I should be so grateful for. I have an amazing relationship, with a man that I love and respect, a good man who loves me just as much as I love him. We have a son, Daphne. He may not be from my seed, but he is the son of my heart; he’s the son of the man who means more to me than anything else. I’ve watched him grow from the day he was born. I helped name him, not knowing how important we would become to each other.” “Brian and I have already been through the raising of a child, albeit on a part-time basis, however, we have done it. We’ve changed diapers, wiped up puke, baby-sat countless times, gone to school plays, met with teachers and even gone through a week of hell watching football. We’ve had the privilege of being kissed and loved by a beautiful little boy, we’ve watched him grow into an extraordinary young man who loves us with an unconditional love that is the most important thing in our lives. This is an experience that you and Alex have not had yet,” Justin stated gently. “Gus means more to me than anyone could ever possibly know. I feel so connected to him, in a way that I can’t describe, in a way that only he and I can feel. Having him has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my relationship with Brian; he is such a wonderful bonus. I would gladly relive every moment of angst and pain and drama that we had over the years, just to assure my place in Gus’ life.” Justin paused to catch his breath. Brian knew what Justin had planned to say tonight, they had discussed everything at length, but he had not heard him articulate any of this and was shocked so far. He could feel his emotions galloping through his body at a rate that surprised him and his tears were way too close to the surface for him to really feel comfortable. He desperately tried to find something else to focus on, to regroup and get back some of his equilibrium. “As you know, in the last few weeks, I’ve taken a huge interest in Buddhism and Karma,” Justin started talking again. “You may call it rationalizing or delusions or anything you want, but the bottom line is that I believe in it. I feel that somehow, all four of us, Daphne, you and Alex, Brian and I, we have some sort of Karmic connection. There is a reason this is all happening, there is a reason you were not successful in your previous attempts to get pregnant. Somewhere in our past we have done good things that have brought us to this point in time. We are here together because of our Karma and because of that, and that alone, my answer is yes. I will honor your request and help you with trying to conceive.” Daphne was overjoyed and clearly showed it on her face. “Don’t jump up and down yet, Daphe,” Justin said seriously. “Let me finish.” “I will help, but it’s got to be my way, or I want no part of this,” Justin said, looking at both Daphne and Alex. “And what way is that, Justin?” Alex asked. “First of all, there will be no In Vitro. I want to do this the way that Brian and Lindsay had Gus. You and Daphne will go away with us for a weekend and we will try and conceive this child in as natural a way as possible, under the circumstances. Brian and I have both been tested this week. We are both negative and healthy. I also had them test my sperm count and it is viable and strong. I just want to throw that out, so you are comfortable with that knowledge.” “Justin,” Alex said, leaning forward. “Thank you so much for taking those tests; it was extremely thoughtful and responsible of both of you to do that. However, we’ve already tried doing it the way Gus was conceived and it didn’t work!” “You didn’t try it with me,” Justin said looking at Alex earnestly. “I can’t do it any other way, Alex, I’m sorry. I have to know that this is the natural course of events; that if it’s meant to be, it will be. Playing mad scientist and putting sperm and egg in a Petri dish is not the way I can do this. It’s too unnatural and it just isn’t going to work for me. Taking my sperm from the condom that I hand you and injecting it into Daphne is bad enough, I can’t do it the other way. If my sperm is meant to create a child with Daphne then it will happen. If it is the child’s Karma to be born into your family, it will be.” “You are both physicians, you know what needs to be done. You know what she needs to do to prepare her body as well as when the best time would be to do this. I’m willing to go through three cycles of ovulation. We can try this for three months in a row, and if after that time, we are unsuccessful, then we need to end this and you will have to think about adoption, or any other venue that does not involve me in anyway.” Alex and Daphne sat there looking at Justin, too stunned to speak. “Furthermore, before we start any of this, I have a legal document with me tonight that I want you to read and look over and sign; sort of a pre-conceptual agreement, so to speak.” “What in heaven’s name is that?” Daphne asked, looking at Justin as if he’d lost his mind. “Daphe, I was there when Gus was born. I went through all the bullshit that Brian, Lindsay and Melanie went through with trying to obtain signatures for parental rights. Same thing with Jenny Rebecca. It was a nightmare for everyone involved and I refuse to put myself or my family through any of that,” Justin said. “What’s in the agreement?” Alex asked quietly, looking at Justin with a whole new respect. “If a child is the end result of our attempts, I need to know that the child will be cared for, financially and physically for the rest of his or her natural life. You have to allow me to be the child’s God-father, in the true sense of the word. And I only use that word for lack of a better one since I don’t believe in God,” Justin said, looking at them both, waiting for the inevitable questions. “And what is that?” Alex asked again. “If anything were to happen to you and Daphne, together, if the child were somehow to become orphaned, I have to be listed as the next of kin and the child will immediately become my legal responsibility.” “That is crazy Justin. What are the odds of that happening?” Daphne asked. “Shit happens all the time Daphe. Did anyone think that the Reeve’s child would become an orphan within eighteen months?” “Who?” Daphne asked. “Do you remember that guy that played Superman, the actor Chris Reeves who had a terrible accident that left him paralyzed?” “Vaguely,” Daphne replied. “His wife died unexpectedly not shortly after he did, which left their underage son an orphan. Fortunately for the kid, they had left a will, asking that their neighbors and good friends become the child’s guardians so that his life would not be disrupted anymore than it already was. It allowed him to stay in the same school and with a family that he had known all his life.” “Okay, so how does that affect our child? I have parents and so does Alex. If anything were to happen to us, the kid would go to them,” Daphne said reasonably. “No,” Justin said. “If anything were to happen to you, the child should become my responsibility, because I would be his or her biological father. I have come to terms with the fact that you and Alex are going to raise this child and that Brian and I will only be involved part-time. This is something we can both live with; however, I need to know that legally I will have every right as the biological parent. I need to rest assured that the courts will give me custody of this child if anything were to ever happen to both of you. This is a condition that I will not negotiate on, in any way,” he said pointedly, sitting back and crossing his arms. “What else is in the document, Justin?” Alex asked, seeing first hand what Brian meant about Justin and his stubbornness. “You will allow me to place a certain amount of money every year into a trust fund that he or she will inherit when it turns twenty-one. A discretionary fund maintained by myself, Brian and Max’s uncle, Dennis Bromberg, the attorney who prepared this document. I want this child to have the freedom to make choices that would otherwise not be possible without money.” “Justin, Alex and I have money. We would never put a child of ours in any kind of situation where they would want for that.” Daphne said. “Maybe so, Daphe. But again, one never knows, and I hate to use this tired old phrase, but shit does happen, and I want to rest assured that the child will always have options, options that I never had. My father has lots of money, Daphne. That didn’t help me at all, did it? I had no access to any of it when I had to make decisions that would affect my entire life. I do not want that to happen to this child.” “Is there anything else?” Alex asked. “Brian and I would like to be a part of the child’s life, in a peripheral way, if at all possible. When Gus was born, I chided Brian constantly for not taking more of an active role in his son’s life. Gus had no father figure, and as much as I hate to admit this, because I think my father is a sack of shit, I always thought that Gus needed a male figure in his life. That’s why I was constantly on Brian’s case. However, our child will have a father figure, Alex, you. Therefore the need is not that pressing, but if you are comfortable, and again the role would be as Godfather, or uncle or whatever you want to call me, then I would love to have some sort of role in your child’s life, if that would be okay with you?” Justin asked. “And my mother as well. This will be her grandchild, if we are successful, Daphne. She would be heart-broken if she could not be a part of the child’s life in some way.” “I think that would be perfectly fine, Justin,” Alex said immediately. “Of course,” Daphne said, holding Alex’s hand. “Okay then, do either of you have any questions?” Justin asked, breathing a huge sigh of relief now that it was over. Alex looked at Brian and Justin and started to talk. “Brian, are you okay with all of this?” “Yes, Alex I am. Justin and I have agreed on everything.” After Brian’s initial reluctance to have another child in their lives he had willingly gone along with Justin’s idea because the child would be Daphne and Alex’s daily responsibility and he and Justin would really only be part-time participants, something that he was used to and could live with. Besides, in the final analysis, after all was said and done, the thought of saying no to Justin had never crossed Brian’s mind; he would have rather cut his tongue out than hurt him with a refusal. “Okay. I want to say a few words here, and I know Daphne and I share the same thoughts as we’ve talked this over several days ago,” Alex said slowly, trying to prepare his speech. “When Daphne first told me about her plan to ask you, Justin, I was very much against it. I had no desire to have you involved in any way, shape or form. However, over the last few weeks, I’ve gotten to know you and Brian much better, granted it hasn’t been that long but from the little I’ve seen, it’s been enough to make me change my mind.” Alex stood and went over to the little bar that they had on one side of the room. He poured himself some Vodka, straight, on ice, and looked at Brian who nodded an affirmative. He poured another drink and brought it over to Brian. “Justin?” he asked. “No thanks, Alex, nothing for me.” He sat back down beside his wife and continued. “I’ve always been in control of my life and my decisions. This is the first time that I have had to deal with a situation that I had absolutely no control over; something I had no knowledge about until it cropped up last year. It’s been humbling in many ways, yet it’s shown me a side of humanity that I had never been privileged to see until now.” He looked at Justin and Brian and unexpectedly, they saw tears in his eyes as he continued. “It’s taught me that there are people who can love one another in the true sense of the word, with no regard for themselves. It’s shown me that family does not necessarily have to mean a man and a woman, it can be two women or two men or any other combination so long as there is love and commitment on everyone’s part. It’s given me a wonderful opportunity to see first hand what a great co-father my future child is going to have. I’ve watched you both interact with Gus. I’ve seen how well adjusted and secure he is, and I know that you both have had a large part in this, even though you say otherwise.” “I am honored that you have said yes to us Justin,” Alex said softly, looking at both Justin and Brian, “And I want you to know that if we are blessed, and we do have a child thanks to you, we will tell the child who the biological father is, with no hesitation whatsoever. I want you to share in this person’s life; I can’t deprive them of that. It wouldn’t be fair to you, but more importantly, it wouldn’t be fair to the child. You are far too special for someone to not know where they come from.” Justin sat and stared at Alex. He had never expected this turn of events. His chest felt constricted, as if there was a vice around it, and his tears knew no bounds as they automatically appeared and poured down his face. Brian put his arm around Justin and brought him closer, holding him tight against his body as Justin trembled with emotion. “How do you plan on ‘sharing’ this child, Alex?” Justin asked, completely blown away by this decision. “If we had adopted, we would have told the child. It will be the same in this case, Justin. If we are successful and Daphne does get pregnant by you then we will let the child know the whole story and you and Brian will become a part of this child’s life, in more than a peripheral way. We’ll work out some sort of plan so that you can be more involved, and not just as the ‘godfather’.” “If you do this, everyone will know Alex, not just your immediate family. Are you going to be able to handle it?” Brian asked. “You did,” Alex answered. “I’m no more or no less a man than you are, Brian. If you were able to share your son’s love and still become such an important part of his life and derive so much joy and fulfillment, then I don’t see any reason why I can’t either.” Justin looked up at Brian and was surprised to see the way he was reacting to Alex’s words. His eyes had turned greener with the sheen of tears that were slowly starting to spill over and run down his beautiful face. Justin wiped them away with the sleeve of his shirt and looked back at Alex. “You’ve got to stop this right now Alex. Don’t say anymore. No one is allowed to make Brian Kinney cry except me. I’ve got dibs on that,” he said looking at Alex and Daphne, whose faces were also wet with tears. They all busted out laughing, relieved that the tension had been broken with that remark. Daphne walked over to Justin and embraced him. They stood together for a long time, just holding each other. She was sobbing in his arms and he kept shushing her, telling her it was going to be okay. Finally, she pulled back and said, “Thank you”. She moved over to Brian who took her in his arms and hugged her as well. She thanked him too, knowing full well that without his consent this would never have happened. Alex came up to Justin and extended his hand. Justin grabbed him and pulled him into an embrace, holding him tightly. “Thank you,” Justin said, staring into blue eyes that looked so much like his. “You’ve made this so much easier on everyone, Alex. This wouldn’t have been possible with anyone else.” “Thank you, Justin. You are the one who is making this possible. Your decision is hopefully going to allow me to become the father I’ve always known I could be. You and I will become more than just friends, Justin. We’ll be related in a way. We both love the same person and if it is Karma, as you say, then in nine months we’ll both love another person, someone who will join our extended family.” Justin moved away from Alex and went over to where Brian and Daphne stood. His tears were falling non-stop, he couldn’t help himself, no matter how hard he tried to control it. Alex’s last statement was the clincher and he had completely lost it. “Hey,” Brian said softly, taking him in his arms and pressing his face to Justin’s head. “It’s all good. Everything will work out, you’ll see.” Justin held on tighter, nodding his head, hearing Brian’s words and relaxing against him. They watched as Alex picked up the pre-conceptual document, took a pen out of his pocket and signed it without even reading one word. Daphne came over, took the pen from him and signed below his name. Justin stepped away from Brian and took a deep, ragged breath and said, “I think I will have that drink now, if you don’t mind?” “I’ll second that,” Brian said. Alex grinned at them and said, “Let’s all have one.” TBC