Chapter 18

 

 

 

“Are you ready to see the fireworks?” Cliff tossed Geoff in the air and then hugged him close, father and son playing their own happy games. Cliff looked at Len. “Is the car seat ready?”

“Yup, and I’ve got a bag of drinks and snacks in the trunk along with blankets and a few of Geoff’s cars.”

“Then let’s go.” Cliff was just about to shut the door when the phone rang. Handing Geoff to Len, he went back inside, and Len carried Geoff to the car, buckling him into his seat.

“Daddy should be here in a few minutes, and then we can go.” Geoff was excitedly bouncing his heels against his seat. The passenger door opened, and Cliff climbed into the car and they started toward town.

“That was Mari; she’s going to meet us there.”

“So are Mom and Jerry. This should be fun.” Len drove carefully because of all the traffic heading toward the fireworks. As they got closer, traffic got heavier, and they lined up to get into the parking area. Len rolled down his window and made a donation to the fireworks fund before pulling into the spot designated by one of the men in orange vests. Getting out, Cliff got Geoff, and Len grabbed the supplies from the trunk. Then they walked to what was usually the football practice field.

Families had spread their blankets all over the lawn, and Len looked for his mother and Jerry in the fading light, finding them near the middle of the throng. They’d saved them a place, and Len spread the blanket and they sat down. After making introductions, Len got out Geoff’s toys, and the toddler began running them around the blanket. They talked until Mari approached and settled on the blankets. Cliff introduced her to Lorna and Jerry, and Geoff pulled on Len’s sleeve, pointing to the ice cream truck. Cliff stood up. “I’m going for ice cream, what would everyone like?” Orders were given, and Cliff began to thread through the maze of blankets.

“I’ll go with you.” Getting up, Mari began making her way as well. Geoff settled in Len’s lap, running his cars up and along his arm.

“I always hoped you’d have children.” Lorna said regretfully.

“I know, Mom. You always wanted to be a grandmother.” He turned his head toward the ice cream truck and saw Cliff and Mari waiting in line, deep in conversation.

“Len!” He turned, realizing Lorna was speaking to him.

“Sorry.”

“I was asking how things were going?”

Len sighed. “We had a little trouble at the Dairy Barn the other night.” He told her about the woman confronting them. He also told her what he’d said, and both Lorna and Jerry doubled over with laughter.

“Serves her right for being a busybody,” Jerry said as his laughter subsided. “Sometimes I wonder what people are thinking.”

“So do I.” Geoff began squirming, and Len saw Cliff and Mari coming back, carrying the ice cream goodies. Len noticed that Cliff looked about ready to explode. His face was red, and his arms were shaking. He handed out the ice cream before sitting on the blanket, taking Geoff and settling him on his lap. To say there was something wrong was an understatement, and Len watched as Cliff opened Geoff’s ice cream sandwich and gave him half, eating the other half himself. “What is it, Cliff?”

To Len’s surprise, he shook his head and looked like he was blinking back tears. He managed to croak a quick, “I’ll tell you later,” and returned his attention to Geoff, who was happily devouring his ice cream.

Boom!

Geoff jumped and looked up as the first shell burst in the sky, and then one after another left its trail of colored sparks and light. Geoff pointed at each one, looking around as if to make sure everyone else saw the wondrous things he was seeing. Len barely noticed the fireworks—his attention was on Cliff and the way his jaw was set and how his anger had faded only to be replaced by what looked like fear. He looked to Mari, but she was intently watching the fireworks.

When the boom of the last shell reverberated over the crowd, people clapped, and then the crowd all seemed to lift to their feet as one. Belongings were gathered, and everyone began wandering back to their cars. Len hugged and said goodbye to his mother and shook Jerry’s hand before the older couple walked to their car. Mari stayed with Cliff and Len as they walked toward the cars. Geoff rested against his father, head on his shoulder, almost immediately falling asleep.

Both Len and Cliff said goodbye to Mari when they got to the parking lot, and she hugged both of them before walking to her car. Len desperately wanted to ask what was going on, but he remained patient until they got Geoff into his seat and the stuff stowed in the trunk. “What happened?”

“I’ll tell you at home, once he’s in bed. I don’t want him to hear the swearing, and there’ll be plenty of it.”

Holy shit, what was going on? Len climbed in the car and drove back to the farm. Cliff stared blankly out the window—no conversation, no furtive looks, nothing. This was so unusual that Len was beginning to wonder if he’d done something to make Cliff so angry.

Parking his car in his usual spot, he started unloading as Cliff took Geoff inside and straight upstairs to his bed. Len brought the things into the house and put them away as best he could. He was finishing up when he heard Cliff come down the stairs. With a little trepidation, he met him in the living room.

Cliff looked pale as he sat on the sofa. Len sat next to him, and he was immediately pulled into a hug and felt Cliff’s chest heaving against him. “She’s going to try to take Geoff away from me.”

Len wasn’t sure he’d heard right. “Who is?”

“Janelle. That’s what Mari was telling me when we were getting ice cream.” Cliff lifted himself away from Len, looking like he was ready to be sick. “Mari wasn’t able to get in touch with Janelle, but she talked to Vikki. And she said that Janelle had gotten a lawyer and was going to try to sue me for custody because I was bringing Geoff up in an immoral household.”

“How can she do that?” Len could barely believe his ears. “That mean-spirited, spiteful bitch!”

Cliff smiled for a split second. “I told you there’d be swearing.”

“You’re damn right. There’s no way she’s going to take Geoff away from you.” Len stood and began pacing the room before stopping in front of Cliff. “Did Mari say how Vikki felt?”

Cliff put his arms around Len’s waist, resting his head against his stomach. “According to her, she was appalled. I think Vikki reacted the same way she would if Janelle were trying to take the baby she’s about to have away from her.”

“If you want my advice, I think all three of you need to confront her. She needs to realize that none of you support her, and that if she tries this, the rest of her family will stand against her. That might be enough to get her to back down.”

Cliff sighed. “We can only try.” The phone rang, and Cliff let go of Len and answered it. “Yeah, she told me.” Cliff’s face remained the same. “We were just talking about that.” Len sat on the sofa and waited. “Okay, I’ll see you then.” Cliff smiled briefly. “Let’s hope so… and thank you.” Cliff hung up the phone and sank onto the sofa. “That was Vikki. She, Janelle, and Mari are going to be here tomorrow. She said she’d drag Janelle out here if she had to.”

“Do you think she’ll actually come?”

“Vikki and Janelle have always been allies, even as children. Vikki must feel very strongly about this, so yeah, she’ll come if Vikki wants her to.”

Cliff looked drained, and Len pulled him close, just holding him. “Come on, let’s go to bed.” This time, Len led Cliff toward the bedroom, and it was Len’s turn to cradle Cliff in his arms. Getting ready for bed, Len pulled a distressed and very scared lover close. “No one’s going to take Geoffy, not if I can help it.” Len held Cliff and rocked him gently as he clung to him like a lifeline, until exhaustion and worry took their toll and sleep took hold.

 

 

“Cliff?” Len sat up in the empty bed, the house nearly pitch black, quiet, and very still. Pushing back the blankets, he pulled on his boxers and left the room. Padding down the hall in his bare feet, he saw that Geoff’s door was open and peeked inside. Cliff’s familiar shape was sitting in the chair next to his son’s bed, watching him sleep. “Cliff.” His head lifted and turned to look toward the whisper. “Come back to bed.”

He got a nod in response and slowly got up. Len took his hand, leading him back to the bedroom. He could feel the fear in the way Cliff held his hand and in the way he shuffled his feet. “It’s gonna be okay.” Len helped Cliff back into bed, tenderly removing his lover’s boxers. He’d done this so many times before, but this time, the action was tender and caring as opposed to sexy. Slipping off his own, he slid between the covers, pulling Cliff to him, their skin touching in tenderness and caring, Len soothing Cliff’s fear.

“I don’t know what I’d do if anything happened to him… to either of you.” Cliff’s voice was rough, like he’d been crying. Len stroked Cliff’s hair and face, his fingers drawing irregular shapes across his cheek as he felt his heart expand within his chest. That one simple statement erased all Len’s own fears. In his mind, Cliff had extended his family to include him, creating something he never thought he’d have: a family of his own.

Len whispered into his lover’s ear. “I won’t let anyone hurt our family.” Cliff rolled over and pulled Len to him, a hand cradling his head. Their legs entwined, chests meeting, as lips found their companions in the dark.

 

 

When morning light gleamed through the open window, Len again found himself alone in the bed. This time, he instinctively knew where Cliff was. Opening the closet door, he put on one of Cliff’s robes and went down the hall to Geoff’s room. Cliff was asleep in the chair next to Geoff’s bed. Smiling to himself, he turned around and dressed before leaving the house as quietly as he could. Len went to the barn and got to work. Because of the holiday, there were extra things to get done.

“Len, are you in here?” He stuck his head out of the stall he was working on and saw Cliff carrying Geoff, still in his pajamas, head resting on his daddy’s shoulder, eyes only half open.

“Morning. Just finishing here.” Cliff walked to him and adjusted Geoff so he could lean forward slightly and give Len a kiss.

“Mari called. My sisters should be here in a few hours.”

“Okay. I’ll make myself scarce while they’re here.” Len wasn’t about to interfere in what he saw as a private family matter.

“I want you there, Len.” Cliff shuffled his feet. “That is, if you’ll….” He floundered for words.

“I’ll be there, if that’s what you want.”

Cliff put a hand on the back of Len’s neck, drawing him into a hard kiss. “I want you with me forever.” Len returned the kiss, the words still ringing in his ears. Had Cliff meant what he thought he meant? His questions died away as Cliff deepened the kiss, possessively ravishing his mouth before lightening the kiss and stepping away, keeping his hand on Len’s neck, fingers lightly stroking his skin. “Come inside in a while, and I’ll have breakfast ready.”

“Okay.” He couldn’t think of anything else to say, so he watched Cliff’s back as he left the barn, Geoff sleepily smiling at him over his father’s shoulder.

Putting away the tools, Len went to the loft and dropped the hay he’d need through one of the trap doors. Back downstairs he stacked the hay near the stalls before slipping off his gloves and walking toward the house.

Geoff was already in his seat, and Cliff was just about ready to dish up the hearty pancake breakfast. “How are you going to handle things when your sisters get here?” Len asked.

Cliff brought the food to the table and poured glasses of orange juice. “I think I’m going to let Mari and Vikki do most of the talking. They’ll probably be more effective than I will. Besides, it’ll be easier for me to keep my temper in check, because I know I’ll start yelling at her. What about you?”

Len took a few pancakes from the stack before adding butter and syrup. “I’m going to sit in the back and keep quiet. I’m there to support you, but this is largely a matter between you and your sister.” Geoff reached out toward Len’s plate.

“Hang on, Geoff. Yours is coming.” Cliff put a small plate on his tray, and Geoff picked up his baby fork and began shoveling in bits of syrup-covered pancake, grinning as he chewed.

Cliff passed the sausage with a slight tremble in his hand. Len noticed but didn’t comment, knowing it was Cliff’s nervousness, and maybe a touch of anger, escaping. Len ate heartily, but Cliff picked at his food and fussed around Geoff, making sure he didn’t make too big of a mess.

When they were done, they worked together to clean up, both the kitchen and Geoff before going outside. Cliff ran a hose to the basement and attached it to the wash sink, and Len used it to refill Geoff’s pool, while the little prince himself watched with delight and only Len’s vigilance kept him from jumping in, clothes and all. “Simmin, Wen, simmin.”

“Once it warms up just a little bit more.” Len signaled to Cliff, and he turned off the water and unhooked the hose. Len scooped Geoff off his feet, swinging him in his arms. “Wouldn’t want you to be cold.” Len blew a raspberry on Geoff’s tummy, and he retaliated by blowing one on Len’s cheek.

Their playing was interrupted by two cars pulling into the driveway. Mari got out of her car first, and Vikki wedged herself out of the other one, followed by Janelle, who’d driven—probably so she could make a getaway, if she had to. Cliff came out and met them at the door, ushering everyone inside. Mari helped Vikki while Janelle lingered behind, staring daggers at Len.

“Come on, Janelle.” Vikki did nothing to conceal the annoyance in her voice as she waddled inside.

Janelle said nothing but made her feelings very clear with a sour look and walked inside. Len followed, carrying Geoff.

By the time he joined the group, they were settled in the living room. Len handed Geoff to Cliff and took a chair near the back of the room where Cliff could see him.

“We all know why we’re here, so I’ll just come to the point.” Vikki reclined on the sofa and looked at Janelle. “The purpose of this family meeting is not to discuss this ridiculous notion of anyone trying to take away Cliff’s son.” She glared at Janelle, who unfortunately seemed impervious.

“I already have a lawyer who says I have a case based on moral grounds.”

“You do not!” Vikki raised her voice only slightly. “What you have is a shyster who’ll take your money. There’s no way any court is going to take a perfectly happy child away from his father and give him to an unmarried spinster aunt. Particularly one with her own family testifying vehemently against her.” Len was surprised at her intensity, but he figured Vikki had put herself in Cliff’s place and it scared her. “And just so we’re clear, if you do this, you are no longer family. Testifying in court will be the last time we ever see or speak to you.” Vikki looked at Mari, who nodded her agreement.

Janelle’s eyes grew big as saucers. That was obviously something that had never occurred to her. “But it’s immoral.”

“For God’s sake, Janelle, it’s 1984, not 1884. Who Cliff loves is none of your business, and while we’re on the subject, who died and made you the morality police?”

Janelle’s hackles were up, and she bristled under their rebuke but held herself straight and tall in the chair. She obviously hadn’t given up, but Vikki didn’t give her a chance. “We’re here to discuss why you’re acting this way.” Vikki’s voice became soothing and soft, speaking to Janelle. “You’re obviously hurt and trying to get back at Cliff for something. And don’t bother denying it. I grew up with you, remember?” Vikki looked at Janelle, who flinched for the first time. “What is it, Janie?”

Len looked at Cliff from where he sat and waited to see if Janelle would answer. He wasn’t so sure she wouldn’t just get up and leave. “How would you feel if you found out your boyfriend was in love with your brother?” She pulled a handkerchief out of her purse and dabbed her eyes, trying to keep herself from breaking down.

“He was never your boyfriend. And if you look at it objectively, you know Len was just a friend.” Cliff kept his voice calm and did his best to mimic Vikki’s tone. “Janie, you should be happy for him and for me. After Ruby died I was so lost, and Len helped me find my way again.”

“By turning you gay!”

Cliff chuckled softly. “He didn’t turn me gay. I’ve been gay for a long time. He just helped me gather the courage to admit it to myself and to my family. He loves me, Janie, and I love him.”

Geoff squirmed, and Cliff let him down. Janelle sniffled, and Geoff walked to her and patted her leg. “Is okay, Aun’ Nell, is okay.”

“Janie, let it go.” Vikki squirmed on the sofa, making a face. “You’ll be much happier if you just let it go and move on.”

“What is it?” Mari stood and took Vikki’s hand, and she knew. “Cliff, would you call Dan? Tell him to meet Vikki at the hospital; she’s going into labor.” Mari helped her sister to her feet. “Janie, get your car started and pull it around to the front.”

She nodded and got to her feet, but before she took a step, she was engulfed in a hug. “You’ll be okay, Janie.” Vikki let her go and began waddling toward the front door. Janelle headed out to the car, pulling it around to the door, and Vikki got into the passenger seat.

Cliff approached the car, and Vikki rolled down the window. “Dan’s on his way.” He leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek. “Thank you,” he whispered into her ear, “You’re going to be a terrific mother.”

Vikki slid her hand down Cliff’s cheek. “And you and Len are going to be terrific fathers.” She slid her hand away, and the car pulled down the drive and onto the street.