November 2029 “Justin tell me again how I got stuck with babysitting Taylor for the next two days - - - - by myself.” “Life isn’t fair Brian that’s how the mighty Kinney got stuck with caring for his grandson. Even Brian Kinney has to deal with the vagaries of the Universe. Don‘t tell Taylor you‘re babysitting since he doesn‘t consider himself a baby. He's almost as bad as his father was about growing up too quickly.” “That certainly isn’t much of an answer Sunshine. Tell me about it, I made that mistake last week and got a five-minute talking to for my trouble. I’m not a baby Granddaddy I’m four years old and you have to live with it. He's turning out so much like Gus it's scary.” “The answer to your question is simple Brian I agreed to keep Taylor for Gus and Katherine when they went to California for her mother’s surgery. Melanie and Lindsay had left for a 3-week vacation in the Caribbean before the kids found out about Maria‘s surgery. Life got sticky when I found out this morning that I have to go to this emergency meeting with one of our clients, in Dallas, for the Kinney-Taylor agency. That leaves you by yourself to take care of Taylor until I get back Friday night. I've confidence that Taylor will keep you out of trouble while I‘m gone.” “Funny Sunshine funny but I could go to the meeting and let you stay and take care of Taylor.” “Yes you could but what do you know about the artistic design for the campaign that the meeting is about?” “Nothing but I could still go and pretend.” “Brian are you afraid of being alone with your grandson?” “I don’t do afraid Justin, you know that. I don’t do afraid but I do terrified.” “Brian Shawn Kinney you'll do fine. Taylor's very mature for a four-year-old and won’t be more than you can handle. Just make sure he eats, bathes, and goes to bed on time. Don’t let him run you ragged, don’t do everything he wants to do and make sure that you eat, bathe and go to bed on time.” “Justin I’m 58 I can’t keep up with a 4-year-old. I’ll probably lose him the first time we go out of the house and then what will Sonnyboy and Katherine think of me when they get home?” “Brian you won’t lose the boy, if I didn’t know you better I would believe this nonsense but I know you well enough to know that you're just trying to pull my chain. I have to go; I’ll see you Friday night. I love you Brian. I’ll say good bye to Taylor on my way out.” “I love you too Justin. Even if you are leaving me here all alone with a 4-year-old.” “Actually Brian it's the other way around, I’m leaving the 4-year-old here all alone with you.” “I’m glad you said that with a Sunshine smile Justin.” *** “Taylor I’m leaving for my meeting. You'll behave for your Granddaddy won’t you?” “Yes Papa. Me and Granddaddy'll have a good time so you don’t have to worry about us.” “I know sweety but your Granddaddy is worried that something will happen so you make sure to listen to everything he says and don’t pick on him too much. I should be back Friday night before your bedtime. Make sure your Granddaddy eats something when you do.” “Don’t worry Papa we'll be fine. I'll make sure he doesn‘t miss you too much Papa.” “Good bye Taylor, I love you.” “Bye Papa me too.” *** “Taylor, what do you want to have for supper tonight?” “Mommy always has fish sticks on Wednesdays Granddaddy. Can we have that?” “I doubt that we have any in the house Taylor. We probably have some tuna and I could make tuna salad. Is that ok with you?” “Tuna salad, yuck. Who puts tuna on lettuce?” “It isn’t that kind of salad Taylor. Why don’t we go to a restaurant that serves fish sticks?” “No Granddaddy I don’t want to get dressed up. I‘ll try your fish salad.” “I don’t want to make you eat something you won’t like.” “Granddaddy if you make it I'll like it.” “I’ll look in the freezer maybe Justin does has some fish sticks hidden in there for you.” “I don’t have to have fish sticks Granddaddy.” “There aren’t any fish sticks Taylor but there are fish fillets so I'll make a batch of fried fish with french fries. Do you know what that is called in England?” “Fried fish and french fries?” “No, it's called fish and chips.” “Why?” “I don’t know why but it is.” “Ok we'll have fish and chips for supper and I can tell my friends that I had England food at my Granddaddy’s” *** “Did you like supper Taylor?” “Yes everything was good Granddaddy. I’m ready to go to bed.” “Do you take your bath in the evening or the morning?” “I take a bath when Mommy thinks I’m too dirty to get into my bed. I don’t take a bath everyday. Who likes taking a bath everyday?” “Wait until you’re older Taylor, you'll find that you can have fun during a shower or a bath.” “Is that why Daddy says you have an extra big shower?” “I’m really going to have to talk to your Daddy when he gets home. Ok Taylor no bath tonight, do you need to be tucked in?” “No but I have to go to the bathroom and I don’t need you to watch me do that.” “I’ll see you in the morning then Taylor. We'll figure out what we're going to do with our Thursday at breakfast.” “Goodnight Granddaddy. Don’t miss Papa too much.” “Too late Taylor, I miss him already. Good night Gus‘ Sonnyboy.” “Granddaddy why do you call my Daddy Sonnyboy?” “I suppose I started calling him that because that's what my father called me when I was a boy.” “Why doesn’t Daddy call me Sonnyboy?” “I don’t know Taylor, I never thought about it. We'll have to ask him when he and your mother get home from California.” “I almost forgot Granddaddy to do something I promised Papa.” “What did you almost forget Gus’ Sonnyboy.” “Bend over Granddaddy.” KISS KISS “Why two kisses Taylor?” “The first one was from me Granddaddy and the second one was from Papa. He didn’t want you to forget about him while he's away. He said I should slip you some tongue, what does that mean?” “You never have to worry about that Taylor I never forget about your Papa. It also sounds like I‘m going to have to have a talk with your Papa as well as with your Daddy.” “Good night Granddaddy, sleep tight and dream about Papa.” “Good night you little scamp.” *** “Good morning Granddaddy, what’s for breakfast?” “How about pancakes and scrambled eggs?” “Can I scramble the eggs, Daddy taught me how to do that.” “Yes you can, do you know who taught your Daddy how to cook?” “Papa did and he promised that he would teach me when I get older.” “What do you want to do today Taylor?” “First we have to wash the dishes and put everything away. Then we can go to the Art Museum since the zoo is closed for the winter. The Museum is a Papa thing, right Granddaddy. After lunch we can go to the park and then to a movie. After the movie we can come home and have supper then play cards.” “Your Papa does like going to Museums. I didn’t know you know how to play cards. What games do you know?” “I don’t know any but Daddy said you and Papa play Around at night and I figured you could teach me how to play that game so that you won’t miss playing Around with Papa.” “Your Daddy said that did he, well I think I need to add another question to the ask Sonnyboy list when he gets back from California.” “Will you teach me how to play Around?” “I think Old Maid or War would be better card games for you to learn Taylor.” “Ok Granddaddy I'll learn whatever you want to teach me. “Taylor do you really want to go to an Art Museum?” “No Granddaddy I want to see the animals but the zoo is closed for the winter.” “I've an idea give me some time to make a few calls after breakfast.” “Ok Granddaddy I can watch Vids while you talk on the phone.” “Taylor I’ve made some plans for this afternoon so we'll go to the park this morning.” *** “Are you ready to eat Taylor?” “Yes Granddaddy, did you have fun this morning?” “Yes I did, I don’t remember the last time I helped make a snowman or lost a snowball fight.” “Well Granddaddy you throw like a girl.” “Hmph. Where do you want to eat lunch Gus’ Sonnyboy?” “I always like eating at the Diner. Oh I forgot. I miss Granny Deb.” “We all do Taylor we all do. We'll stop for lunch at a fast food place, don’t tell anyone that I took you to one of those places, on our way to our afternoon appointment.” “Appointment, like you and Papa have? Don‘t worry Granddaddy I won‘t tell on you.” “Yes just like Papa and I have but probably more fun than our appointments.” “Are you going to tell me what we're going to do on our appointment?” “No it’s a surprise.” *** “Hi Orlando, thank you for letting me bring Taylor here this afternoon.” “No problem Brian, take as long as you like.” “How’s the wife?” “Krissy will be upset that she missed you; she took the kids to the mall for an early Christmas shopping expedition. Just make sure you close any doors or gates before you leave.” “Don’t worry Orlando, if I forget Taylor will be sure to remind me, won’t you Gus’ Sonnyboy?” “Sure Granddaddy, remind you to do what?” “I promised Mr. Bloom that we would make sure that we close any gates or doors we open during our visit here.” “Ok I won’t forget Granddaddy. What're we going to see?” “Let’s go into that little building over there and find out.” *** “Granddaddy I love you so much. How did you know I would love visiting a real farm? Riding the pony was so much fun. I never knew falling off of a sheep could be fun either. It was really nice of Mr. Bloom to let me gather the eggs though that one chicken sure didn’t like me taking her eggs. I never knew that milking a cow was such hard work. But Granddaddy why wouldn’t you let me play with the baby pigs? They were so cute that I just wanted to pet one. Do you think Daddy and Mommy would get me a baby pig for a pet? Did Daddy have a pet when he was a boy? Did you have a pet when you were a boy? Did you ever milk anything? Why are you grinning like that Granddaddy?” “Are you going to let me get a word in edgewise Gus’ Sonnyboy?” “Mommy says that I get like Papa when I get rolling, what does that mean?” “Taylor I don’t remember all of your questions so I can’t answer them all. Gus had a kitten when he was about your age but it ran away one night. I never had a pet because my Pop didn’t like dogs or cats in the house. I’ve milked an animal or two in my day and I didn’t let you play with the piggies because I know enough about farms to know that the Mama Sow would have eaten you if you had gotten in the pen with her babies. How would I have explained to your Mommy and Daddy that you were in the stomach of a pig?” “Granddaddy you're pulling my chain. Why do you and Papa get so much fun from pulling people‘s chain?” “Just a little, but Taylor, sows are very protective of their babies and she wouldn’t have let you play with the babies and would very likely have hurt you if you had gotten into the pen. You have to promise me that the next time we go to Orlando’s farm that you won’t get into any pen unless an adult says you can.” “You mean I get to go back. Yes I promise. I had so much fun today. I’m hungry again so we can stop and get something to eat and then let’s just go home and not go to the movies. You have to teach me how to play cards so that you won’t miss playing Around with Papa.” “Sounds like a plan to me Gus’ Sonnyboy.” *** “Taylor why aren’t you in bed, you should’ve been asleep hours ago?” “I can’t sleep in that room Granddaddy. I remembered that I promised Papa that I would sleep with you so that you would have company. Can I sleep with you like I promised Papa? I don‘t know how I forgot last night that I was supposed to sleep with you.” “Sure Taylor climb up here and I'll put you on Papa’s side of the bed.” “Granddaddy do you sleep naked?” “Yes Taylor I do. Do you want me to put something on?” “No Granddaddy you need to sleep like you always sleep. Does Papa sleep naked too?” “Papa sleeps in his boxers.” “Well since I’m taking Papa’s place I need to sleep in my boxers too. I don’t have any boxers. What're boxers?” “Tell you what Taylor I’ll just get a pair of your Papa’s boxers and a couple of safety pins and solve that little problem. Boxers are just a type of underwear.” “Sounds good to me Granddaddy. You get the boxers and I’ll get ready to wear them.” “Taylor why are you naked?” "Well you said boxers are underwear didn‘t you?” “Yes they are.” “Well you don’t wear underwear on top of pajamas, that would be silly.” “Now that you point that out how could’ve I been so silly.” “Granddaddy you aren’t silly just old and forgetful.” “I’m glad you learned the sunshine smile from your Papa young man. Now stand up so I can put these on and pin them so that they don’t fall off while you're sleeping.” “Papa really wears these?” “Yes, why do you ask?” “Pink underwear with red hearts kissing each other seems silly to me?” “I would explain them to you but it’s time you get to sleep.” “Don’t know the answer do you Granddaddy?” “You’re getting a lot of practice with that smile aren’t you Gus’ Sonnyboy?” “Granddaddy can you leave a light on in the bathroom? You won’t tell Papa that I need a light will you?” “I won’t tell anyone Taylor that'll be our little secret.” Goodnight Granddaddy.” “Goodnight Gus’ Sonnyboy.” *** “Taylor what's the matter, why aren’t you asleep and why do you keep kicking me in the ribs?” “I’m sorry Granddaddy but I can’t fall asleep and I don’t mean to kick you. This bed is so big it just seems weird to try to sleep in it. Will you tell me a story, maybe that'll make me fall asleep?” “What kind of story do you want to hear?” “A story about my Daddy when he was a little boy like me.” “Ok you have to give me a few minutes to think about it though. I’ll just go to the bathroom, do you need to go?” “No I never have to go in the middle of the night, unless I’m sick.” “Count your blessings Taylor.” “Huh?” “Never mind, I’ll be back in a few minutes.” “Did you think of a story?” “Yes I did, I’m going to tell you the story of King Brian, Lord Sunshine, and Prince Sonnyboy.” “That would be you, Papa and Daddy.” “I didn’t fool you for very long did I Gus’ Sonnyboy?” *** “Once upon a time the kingdom of Liberty was in a period of mourning. King Brian and his consort, Lord Sunshine, had forgotten how to talk to each other and had split up. The people of Liberty didn’t know how to respond. They didn’t know if they should stand by the king or the wonderful Lord Sunshine. Families in the kingdom split down the middle. Some felt that the king was right no matter what really happened while others knew that the king had to have done something terrible to drive Lord Sunshine away. Almost everyone in the Kingdom had been happy while the Royal Couple were together but now that they had split the Kingdom was under a cloud of darkness and dismay. People looked to the King for guidance but he was more enigmatic than normal. Those citizens close to the King tried to figure out what was wrong. They tried to figure out why the Royal Couple had broken up. Some felt that the King was in the wrong while others felt that Lord Sunshine had to have been the problem since he had been the one to leave the relationship during a Royal Party. No one really knew the truth of why the split had occurred but everyone had his or her opinion. King Brian knew that he was at fault in the breakup because he purposely drove Lord Sunshine into the arms of another man, Baron Ian of RatFiddle, since he had grown afraid that Lord Sunshine would leave someday. The King decided it would hurt less if he drove Lord Sunshine away than if the Lord Sunshine left on his own. King Brian had always been afraid of love because he never felt that he deserved to be loved. He was also afraid that if he fell in love then his heart would be captive to that other man. King Brian had realized that he loved Lord Sunshine almost from the minute they met though he didn’t admit it to himself for many months. King Brian had a reputation for making many of his subjects very happy but never twice. King Brian also had a reputation for acting like a jerk to anyone that tried to love him. While King Brian told himself that he had done what was best for Lord Sunshine it amazed him how much it hurt to no longer have the beautiful young man in his life. King Brian knew better than to explain himself to his followers since he knew that none of them could be objective. The only person that King Brian could talk to about his feelings was his son Prince Sonnyboy. Prince Sonnyboy was only two so the King knew that he could talk to his son but that his son wouldn’t tell him anything he didn’t want to hear. Lord Sunshine was also miserable without King Brian in his life but he was too proud to say anything to anyone. Lord Sunshine had enjoyed the time he spent with Baron Ian but that young man had other obligations and soon had to leave the Kingdom of Liberty and move to the Kingdom of Tour where he was the Archduke of Classical. So Lord Sunshine was left on his own, his good friend the Baron had left Liberty and King Brian had made it clear that he didn’t want Lord Sunshine in his life. While Lord Sunshine tried to go on with his life he felt the need to stay connected to King Brian, if only in a small way, by remaining a friend to Prince Sonnyboy. One day when he was feeling especially low he found his way to the home of the Ladies, Blonde and Brunette, to visit their son Prince Sonnyboy. Lord Sunshine soon found himself spilling everything that he had kept bottled up inside himself about King Brian to the little boy. Since Prince Sonnyboy was so young Lord Sunshine wasn’t worried about being told how silly he was for loving a man that couldn’t love him back. What King Brian and Lord Sunshine missed was the fact that Prince Sonnyboy, though only two, understood what was going on between the two most important men in his life and that he decided that he would have to do something about it. Prince Sonnyboy knew that King Brian loved Lord Sunshine but felt that he had blown his once chance at love and happiness. Prince Sonnyboy knew that Lord Sunshine loved King Brian but that Lord Sunshine had forgotten how to speak the King’s personal language and thus no longer could see that the King did love him. Prince Sonnyboy being very bright and a very loving boy decided that he would have to get these two men back together. Prince Sonnyboy wanted King Brian and Lord Sunshine to be friends again. Prince Sonnyboy decided that if he could get King Brian and Lord Sunshine close enough together that they had to talk then they would both realize how much they loved each other and that they would forget everything that had gone wrong and work to make the future a better place. Once the two were together they would once again rule the Kingdom of Liberty as the Royal Couple they were destined to be. So Prince Sonnyboy decided that he would do whatever was necessary to get the two men he loved to admit to themselves that they loved each other. Prince Sonnyboy decided that he would just wait until something happened where he could get the two close enough that they had to talk to each other. Prince Sonnyboy knew without a doubt that if King Brian and Lord Sunshine actually got close enough to talk and took the time to talk instead of running away from each other they would soon be doing much more than just talking. Not that Prince Sonnyboy really knew what they would be doing but he knew that they would be kissing and liking that enough to get past whatever problems they had let split them up. Several months after deciding that he had to get King Brian and Lord Sunshine back together, as the Royal Couple, Prince Sonnyboy finally had a chance to develop a plan. He had to do it on the spur of the moment but he was up to the challenge. Lord Sunshine had agreed to look after Prince Sonnyboy while his mothers went on an adventure. The two young men wound up in the local park where Prince Sonnyboy asked Lord Sunshine to draw a picture of the two of them that Prince Sonnyboy could give to his father, King Brian. While Lord Sunshine was busy drawing the picture the King saw his son at the park as he was driving by and stopped to visit with the boy. As soon as Prince Sonnyboy saw his father approaching across the park, from the street, he decided that now was the chance he had been waiting for. As soon as it became obvious that the King and Lord Sunshine wouldn’t become friends on their own even though they did speak to each other the Prince launched into his plan. He took King Brian by the hand and led him to the sandbox and told him to play in the sand. He then went to Lord Sunshine and led him to the sandbox as well. When the two objected to the situation Prince Sonnyboy told them that they agreed to play with him that they didn’t have to play with each other. The two men made some more small talk but didn’t get friendly so Prince Sonnyboy decided that he had to do more so while the King and Lord Sunshine pretended to ignore each other Prince Sonnyboy stood up and then fell into the sand with a shout of pain. Like he expected King Brian and Lord Sunshine both reached down to Prince Sonnyboy but since the sandbox was small they bumped into each other and before either knew what was happening they were kissing and hugging each other like their lives depended on it. In fact Prince Sonnyboy had to jump out of the sandbox before the two men rolling around in the sand squashed him. That is how Prince Sonnyboy brought King Brian and Lord Sunshine back from the land of denial and reinstated them as the Royal Couple of Liberty.” “Thank you for the story Granddaddy, I think I can fall asleep now.” “Goodnight Gus’ Sonnyboy.” *** “Brian Shawn Kinney, I go away for two nights and what do I find when I come home early to surprise you? Who do you have in our bed with you?” “Justin what're you talking about?” “I’m not blind Brian there's another person in that bed with you. How could you do something like that to me?” “Justin I haven’t done anything to you. What's your problem?” “Papa it’s me. Granddaddy didn’t do anything. I slept with him so that he wouldn’t miss you so much. You told me to do everything I could to keep Granddaddy happy.” “Taylor I knew it was you all of the time I was just pulling your Granddaddy’s chain.” “What is it with you two and pulling chains, why don’t you just buy a real chain and pull it?” “Why didn’t we think of that Sunshine?” “Because we're older than four.”