Chapter 95

Chapter 95

Brianna sat at her desk and put her head in her hands. She felt like crap. Her head was pounding, she was shivering one minute and sweating the next, and her body was threatening to reject what little bit of food she'd managed to eat for breakfast. She just wasn't sure which end it was going to come out of.

Evelyn knocked and walked into the office to hand Brianna the mail. Her brows snapped together. "Brianna, are you okay? Sorry for saying this, but you look awful."

"Nice to know I look as good as I feel." Brianna groaned.

"Aw honey, you should go home. Looks like you've caught that flu bug that's going around. And it's a nasty one. Go home and go to bed."

"I..." Clapping her hand over her mouth, Brianna bolted for the bathroom. 

When she returned to her office, Evelyn held out her coat, purse and briefcase. "There's a car waiting for you out front. Rest and plenty of fluids. Go."

"Thanks." The truth was, she didn't have the energy to argue. Bed sounded like heaven.

Jon strode into the office just before noon, hoping to surprise his girlfriend and take her to lunch. Finding her office empty he frowned and called Evelyn. "Where's Bri? Did she leave for lunch already?"

"I sent her home a couple hours ago. She looked awful."

"She's sick?" Disappointment turned to concern.

"Mmmm. I think she caught the nasty flu bug that's going around the city."

"Bad?"

"White as a sheet and throwing up."

Jon grimaced. "Okay, thanks."

He puttered around the office for awhile, going through the mail, touching base with Paul about his writing session with Richie and a possible new album, and Craig Spencer about the Soul's upcoming season. Finally, he couldn't stay way any longer. He stood up, pulled on his coat and headed out the door.

When he left the building, Evelyn called Paul. "He just left." She looked at her watch. "An hour and five minutes. You win. I'd didn't think he'd last more than half an hour."

"Workaholic trumps romance every time." Was Paul's opinion.

At Brianna's apartment, Jon let himself in with the key she'd given him a few months ago rather than make her get up. Kicking off his boots, he headed straight for her bedroom, where he found her curled up, the covers pulled up to her chin.

"Honey?" He sat down on the bed beside her and reached out to smooth her hair off of her forehead, frowning at the heat of her skin.

At his touch, Brianna turned towards him, huddling close to his warmth. Despite the heat emanating from her body, she was shivering.

"Aw, poor baby. You really got a good dose of this flu didn't you." Shedding his coat, he slipped under the covers with her and held her close, hoping his body heat would ease her shivering.

When Brianna opened her eyes awhile later, she blinked at finding she had company - she didn't remember him coming in. "Jon?"

"Hey honey. How are you feeling?"

"Like I've been run over by a Mack truck.....or threw up one." She winced as she swallowed. Searching his face, she frowned. "You're sweating. Are you getting sick too?"

"No. I'm fully dressed, including a heavy sweater under a mountain of blankets. Of course I'm sweating." His pressed his lips to her forehead, noting she was still hot.

"Mmmm. Sorry." She snuggled against his sweater and closed her eyes again.

"I'm not. I'm here for whatever you need. Are you hungry?"

Brianna grimaced and shook her head. "Don't think it would stay down."

"What about something to drink? Maybe some tea or water or juice? Tylenol?"

"Maybe later. Too tired."

"Okay. Sleep Golden Eyes. Just let me know when you want something."

"Mmmm hmm."

As the afternoon passed, Jon considered their options and what would work best. He'd called his mother, who was staying with the kids at the moment, before he'd left the office and she'd agreed to stay longer, but she had other obligations later on, so he needed to get home soon.

But Brianna needed looking after. This needing to be in two places at once was really getting old. He needed the people he cared about the most living together.

Brianna startled him out of his thoughts when she started fighting to get the covers off.

"Honey? What's wrong?"

She didn't answer, just fought harder to get untangled.

"Bri, take it easy." He reached out to try and calm her.

But she pushed him away. "Gonna....be....sick." Finally freeing herself from the blankets, she jumped from the bed and rushed to the bathroom.

When she was finished, Jon handed her a glass of water to rinse her mouth and helped her back to bed. "Honey, do you think you can get up long enough for me to help you down to my car?"

"Why?"

"So I can take you home."

She frowned. "No."

"Okay, I'll carry you down. Want me to throw some stuff in a bag for you?"

"No."

"You sure? Not even some bathroom stuff?"

"No. Not going."

"Come on Golden Eyes, it won't be that bad of a drive. We can bring a bucket if you're afraid of throwing up on the way."

Brianna sighed and tried to get throughout to him. "Jon, I'm not going to your house."

It was Jon's turn to frown. "Why not? You're sick and it's our turn to take care of you."

She shook her head. "Not going to expose the kids to this." She groaned as another wave of nausea swirled in her stomach. "It's awful."

"All the more reason you shouldn't be alone. I'll keep the kids away from you. They'll be okay."

"No."

"But...."

"I said no! I'm not going to your house. Go home and look after your kids." Brianna instructed stubbornly. She felt horrible and just wanted to be left alone to sleep.

Jon sighed and decided to retreat for the moment. He stomped into the kitchen to get something to drink and decide his next move. Opening the fridge, he frowned at its contents. He pulled out the bottle of juice, noting it was over half gone. There wasn't much there in the food department either - definitely nothing that a queasy stomach would be interested in.

Retrieving his coat, he stepped into his boots and headed downstairs. He walked the block and a half to her favourite deli where he loaded up with juice and a few varieties of soup that he knew she liked. Satisfied that he had enough to tide her over for a few days, he made his way back to Brianna's apartment.

He set the food on the counter and went to check on her. She was sleeping again, but when he put his hand on her forehead to check her fever, her eyes opened. "Hey honey, do you want some food? Maybe some soup or some juice?"

She started to shake her head, then stopped. "Maybe some juice."

"Okay." He put the soup in the fridge and poured a big glass of juice. Returning to the bedroom he propped her up enough to drink without spilling it all over herself. "I still wish you'd let me take you home."

"I am home."

"You know what I mean."

Brianna sighed. "I'll be perfectly fine here by myself. I've survived many illnesses without anyone hovering over me."

"But you shouldn't have to."

That meant more to her than she would ever be able to explain. "I appreciate your concern, and that you want to take care of me, but I'll be fine. Really! I just want to sleep."

Jon knew when he was beaten - even if he didn't like it. "Stubborn woman!" He sighed. "Okay. There's some soup in the fridge when your stomach settles down." He bent to kiss her.

"Mmmmm. Okay." When he didn't move, she laid her hand on his chest and pushed. "Go home!"

"Okay, okay, I'm going. I'll call you later."

Later that night, the ringing phone woke her up. "I'm still alive." Even though it feels like that might be up for debate.

"That's good to hear." Jon smiled. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I could fry an egg on my forehead, I've thrown up my intestines and there's a demolition crew working in my head."

"Take more Tylenol." He advised.

"Thanks." She answered dryly.

"Have you eaten anything?"

"Ugh. No. Just sipping on juice."

"Poor baby."

"Mmmm. What are you doing?"

"Watching Ghost for the hundredth time."

"Stephanie got to pick the movie?" Brianna guessed.

"What was your first clue?" He asked dryly.

"Because I love that movie too. Patrick Swayze is so...." She sighed.

"Yeah, yeah. I thought you were sick."

"But I'm still breathing and the man is hot!"

"Yeah, yeah. I still don't see the attraction to this movie."

Brianna chuckled tiredly. "It's a girl thing. Gorgeous guy, killed in his prime, but he can't rest and until he makes sure his murderer is caught and his wife is safe." She sighed dramatically. "It's a love story that transcends even death."

  

Jon was silent for a long moment and Brianna could have kicked herself for bringing up sad memories. Blame it on her fever fried brain.

He pushed aside thoughts and wishes of the past and focused on the future. "Maybe I should buy you a pottery wheel."

"Mmmm. That could be fun." She started humming Unchained Melody. "Sing for me Blue Eyes."

He laughed. "You're pretty spunky for a sick woman."

"Tylenol high. It'll only be temporary." In fact, she could feel herself fading already. "What did you do today?"

He filled her in on his conversations with Paul and Craig. While he talked he noticed her responses getting shorter and quieter. "Honey? You still there?"

"Mmhmmm."

"Are you falling asleep?"

"Mmhmmm."

He smiled. "Get some rest. I'll call you tomorrow."

"Mmhmmm."

"Nite Golden Eyes. Feel better."

"Nite Blue Eyes. Love you." Disconnecting, she tossed the phone aside. Then her last words replayed in her head and her eyes flew open. Oh my God! What have I done?

Jon stared at his phone trying to decide whether he heard her right or if it was just wishful thinking. Did she just say she loves me? He debated calling her back, but figured she needed her rest - and he didn't want to take the chance she might try to take back her words. But he didn't want to leave her hanging like that either. A smile spread slowly across his face as he typed out a text.

Brianna was still trying to breathe and fight off an anxiety attack, afraid of what she'd opened herself up for, when her phone buzzed with a text. Dread of what it might say made her arm feel almost too heavy and weak to lift the phone. Squeezing one eye shut, she held her breath and looked at the display.

Ditto.

Chapter 94

In the studio, unaware of the battle preparations being made outside, Jon set aside his guitar and rose to grab a bottle of water out of the fridge.

"The kids seem to be adjusting okay." Richie observed.

Jon nodded. "Yeah, thanks to Bri. I don't know how she does it, but she seems to know exactly what they need."

"And what about you? Does she know exactly what you need?"

The glint in the blue eyes and the sly smile were answer enough. "But we don't get much time to indulge."

"You guys need a vacation." Was Richie's opinion.

"I'm working on that. Maybe around Valentine's."

Richie sipped from his water bottle and studied his long time friend. "You ever.....think about getting married? I mean, I assume you think of Bri as more than a nanny and a playmate."

Jon scowled. "Of I course I do! I.....I think I love her."

"You think?"

"Okay, fine. I love her."

"But?"

Grimacing, Jon shrugged. "I'm just not sure what's the right thing to do."

"Guilt?" Richie guessed.

Jon shrugged again. "I guess. Partly anyway."

Shrieks of laughter drew them to the window where they watched Brianna and the kids playing in the snow.

"Bri's a good woman. A long term type of woman."

"I know."

"I guess it comes down to whether you want to be loyal to Dot - even though she gave you her blessing - and alone....or whether you want that to be your future." Richie gestured to the family scene out the window.

"Did you come here to work or lecture me on my love life?"

Richie held up his hands. He knew when to back off and let his words percolate in Jon's head. "Hey, just telling you what I see."

"Well, can you see how to finish this song?"

"Yes, boss."

When hunger pangs finally convinced them to call it quits for the day, Jon and Richie pulled on their coats and started for the house. They didn't see or hear the kids and figured everyone had gone inside.

They were almost to the house when the first missile hit.

"What the f....?" Jon brushed off the remnants of the snowball, shivered as ice cold water ran down his neck, and glanced around. He couldn't see anyone, but he could hear giggling.

"It came from over there." Richie pointed towards the wall of snow a few yards away.

While they stood there, another missile sailed through the air, hitting Richie square in the chest. Since he hadn't bothered to do up his coat for the short trip between buildings, the snowball quickly soaked through his shirt. "Son of a...." Bending, he scooped up a handful of snow. "Of course you know, this means war!"

With that declaration, he lobbed the snowball over the wall and the battle was on.

But the men didn't have a wall to protect them like their opponents did, and were quickly drenched. Jon caught Richie's attention. "You distract them, I'll go around the front of the house and come at them from the other side."

Richie nodded and fired a flurry of snowballs over the wall.

"Brianna, Dad just ducked around the house. I think he's heading for the other side!" Jesse warned.

"Okay. Jake. Romeo, you stay here and keep making snow balls for Jesse. Stephanie and I will go deal with your Dad."

"Okay!"

Richie saw the girls take off behind the house and figured Jon was in trouble. He grinned and bent to scoop up more snow. He hadn't had this much fun in years.

Jon rounded the corner of the house, figuring he had the instigators trapped. The sight of another wall warned him that his confidence might be misplaced. But he had no time to revise his plan. He no sooner realized what he was looking at than he was bombarded with snow balls. He fought to stand his ground. "Brats!"

The battle went on for about ten minutes before the boys joined the girls.

"Uncle Mookie surrendered." Jesse informed them.

"Dad? Do you surrender?" Stephanie called out.

"Never!"

Brianna's eyes narrowed. "Jake, Romeo, I've got a mission for you."

"What?" Jake's eyes were round.

"I want you two to run out there and tackle Daddy. Take him down to the ground and sit on him. Do you think you can do that?"

"Aim for his knees." Jesse advised.

"Okay!" Jake nodded. "Ready Romey?"

Romeo nodded. "One, two, fee, go!"

While the rest provided covering fire, the two little boys ran as fast as they could and charged right into their father, taking him down to the ground.

"Ooof!" Jon had the breath knocked out of him when Jake landed on his stomach.

"You srender Daddy?"

Jon lifted his head in time to see Romeo climb up behind his brother. He gave up. "Yes. I surrender!"

"YAAAY!" The boys cheered.

"Bina we winned!"

"We sure did! Good job!" She caught Jon's eye and grinned. "Better let Daddy up boys, we don't want him to freeze."

"Gee thanks." Jon muttered as the boys moved and he was able to stand up."

"Do you plan to starve your prisoners?" Richie asked as he joined them.

Brianna laughed. "No. Come on everyone, let's go inside."

Closing the door, she surveyed her troops. "Okay, hot showers or baths for everyone!"

"Who's up for a movie night tonight?" Jon asked.

"ME! ME! ME!"

Leaving Jon to hang up coats, Brianna detoured to the kitchen to put the lasagna in the oven before heading upstairs to help the boys and shower herself.

After dinner, they all settled in the living room to watch movies.

Looking around the room, Richie smiled. Jon lounged in the corner if the couch, Brianna beside him, leaning against his chest with Romeo on her lap. Jesse and Stephanie were in the large armchairs and Jake was on the floor with a pillow and blanket, Copper beside him. It was a peaceful family scene.

After the first movie, Brianna started to sit up. "Let's get these guys into bed." Both little boys had fallen asleep.

Stephanie got up and walked over the couch, reaching for Romeo. "I'll take him if you want to get Jake."

"Sure."

When the girls had left the room, Jesse looked at his father. "Dad."

"Mmmm?"

"Thanks for today. That was fun."

"Yeah, it was."

Upstairs, they got the boys settled and started back down the hallway towards the stairs.

"Brianna?"

"Yes?"

"Today was a lot of fun. Thanks."

"It was. I wasn't sure if your dad would play along. I'm glad he did." Brianna put her arm around the teenager's shoulders and hugged her.

"Me too."

When all the kids were in bed, the adults shared a bottle of wine and chatted.

Finally, Brianna yawned and stood up. "I'm beat. I'm going to bed." She leaned down to kiss Jon. "Nite babe. Thanks for playing along today. The kids had a blast."

"You're still a brat."

Richie chuckled. "Don't let him snow you Sunshine, he had fun too."

Brianna winked at him. "I know. He's just too much of a curmudgeon to admit it. Nite Richie."

"Nite Sunshine. Sleep well."  When she'd gone up the stairs. Richie eyed his friend. "She really does know just what everyone needs."

"Uh huh."

"Do you want my opinion?"

"Do I have a choice?" Jon responded dryly.

"Marry her. Make your kids happy. Make yourself happy. Not many people find that kind of love and connection twice in a lifetime. Don't blow it. Don't let her get away."

Chapter 93

Brianna was sitting at her desk in the office sorting through Jon's mail and going over the reports from Craig Spencer about the Soul's preparation for the upcoming season. When her phone rang, she answered without looking at the display. "Brianna Prentiss."

"Yes, Ms. Prentiss," a nasal voice responded. "There is a famous rock star who will be arriving at JFK tomorrow on the two-thirty flight from Los Angeles, who will require transportation to his lodging in New Jersey, and I was told that you could provide said transportation."

Brianna grinned. She'd missed the silliness of the band members. "Didn't the rock star ask his assistant to arrange for said transportation?"

"Oh no. This cannot be handled by a mere assistant. It must be handled by you."

"Um.....but I am a mere assistant."

"No, my dear, you are so much more. You are the assistant, girlfriend and Boo Boo tamer, and as such are the only one qualified to drive the rock star."

"Oh, I think, since the rock star is so important, it would be better to hire a town car or maybe a limo for him, with a professional driver."

"I'm sorry Ms. Prentiss, that just won't do. I'm afraid I must insist that you pick up the rock star and drive him yourself."

"And why must it be me?" Richie was a lot like Jake - he never ceased to amaze her with the workings of his mind.

"Because he is very particular about who drives him. It's a long drive and he prefers someone pleasant and attractive to spend that time with." He paused and switched to his normal voice. "And you can fill me in on what's happening at Casa Bongiovi......and with your love life."

And that would be the real reason. "Richie, did anyone ever tell you you're worse than a teenage girl?"

"Darlin' when you live in a town whose life blood is gossip, you can't help it if some rubs off. I just want to make sure my friends are happy." He smirked to himself. "Besides, Ava's already shown me the tabloid pictures of you two. I'm surprised there hasn't been more."

"We haven't gone out that much, and when it's music related no one thinks anything of me being with him."

"Unless you're playing tonsil hockey on stage."

Brianna chuckled. "Well, it was New Year's."

"What's your excuse the other three hundred and sixty-four days of the year?"

She shrugged. "Because I can."

A deep chuckle reverberated down the phone line. "I guess that's as good a reason as any." He sobered. "But seriously, Bri, can you pick me up and take me to Red Bank? I need you to catch me up on how everyone's doing before I get there. When Jon called and asked me to come, all he said was that everyone was doing fine and he was ready to do some writing."

"You don't believe him?"

"This is Jon we're talking about remember. He'd say he was fine if he was bleeding to death."

"It's only a flesh wound." Brianna quipped in her best attempt at a British accent.

There was a split second of silence, then Richie burst out laughing. "I'm not dead yet!" He laughed again. "Ah Sunshine, Tony named you well. So, what do you say? Can you give me a lift?"

Brianna heaved a heavy sigh. "I suppose I can rearrange my schedule."

"Atta girl! You're the best!"

"Uh huh."

Richie grinned. "See you tomorrow Sunshine!"

The next day, Brianna pulled into a spot in front of the arrivals area and scanned the area for Richie. A small crowd and a few camera flashes told her he was close. When his distinctive hat became visible, she made her way towards him.

A gap in the crowd revealed his face and she grinned. "Hey handsome, can I give you a lift?"

"Hey baby!" He set down his bags to wrap her in a bear hug, lifting her clear off her feet. "You can take me anywhere!"

Ignoring the tabloid reporters and tourists, they walked to her car. When he opened the back to put his luggage in, Richie saw her suitcase and slanted her a look. "Had to rearrange your schedule to pick me up huh? Liar! Fess up Sunshine. You were planning on going to Jersey for the weekend long before I called for a ride, weren't you."

Brianna's lips twitched. "Maybe."

"Jon's right. You're a brat."

She just laughed and moved to stand beside the driver's door.

Richie opened the passenger door and waved her towards it. "I can drive."

She raised a brow. "Don't trust my driving?"

"That's not it. When I asked you to pick me up I didn't mean for you to be my chauffeur."

"Uh huh."

"Really!" He searched for a way out of the hole he found himself in. "Does Jon let you drive him around?"

She had to think for a moment. "No, but then we've always been in his car or had a driver." When he just looked at her expectantly, she rolled her eyes. "Get in the car Rich. I promise I'll get you to Red Bank in one piece." She climbed in and put the key in the ignition.

Richie sighed and did as he was instructed.

He waited until they'd left the city and the traffic had eased before turning the conversation to a serious subject. "So tell me how everyone's really doing?"

"Actually they're doing well. The kids still have a few bad days now and then, but they're healing and are happy most days."

"And Jon? Is he 'healing and happy' most days?"

"I think so. He's a little overwhelmed at being a single parent sometimes, but he's really trying. He's even doing a lot of Romeo's potty training."

"Really?" Richie smiled. "Can't wait to see that!" He studied her profile. "And how are things going with the two of you?"

"Pretty good."

"Why do I hear a 'but' in there?"

She shrugged. "We don't get a lot of time alone together. Usually just the time between when the kids go to bed and when we do or the nights he comes into the city and stays at my place. He doesn't like to leave the kids very often." Realizing how her words sounded, she grimaced. "Don't get me wrong, I love the kids and I don't begrudge them his time. I just wish we had a little more time for ourselves."

"You need to get away for a few days just the two of you."

Brianna snorted. "I wish. But I don't see it happening. Aside from the kids, he's getting back into work mode. I think this is more than just a songwriting session for something to do. I think he's ready to put out an album, and maybe even a tour. I don't foresee much time for a holiday."

"Well, on the bright side, you'll be able to get some quality alone time during the tour. Just think about it! Hotels and room service, so no cooking or cleaning. Beautiful scenery...."

"Reporters, technical glitches, tired, moody boss, babysitting."

Richie frowned. "Babysitting? There won't be kids on tour."

"Pfft! Only the biggest kids of all!" She gave him a pointed look.

"You must be talking about Lemma, not me."

"Uh huh."

Richie just grinned.

The buzz of the gate opening could barely be heard over the pandemonium created by four kids who had been cooped up indoors too long.

"BIANNA'S HERE!" Jake announced when her car neared the house.

"BINA! YAY! BINA!"

"Thank God!" Jon muttered, heading for the front door.

"Uncle Mookie's here too!"

"Bonus!" Kicking into his boots, Jon reached for his coat just as the door opened.

"Bianna!"

"Hi buddy!" She started to bend down to hug him, but was stopped by his father.

Jon framed her face with his hands and captured her lips in a fierce kiss. "I am so glad to see you! Rich! Drop your shit and let's go out to the studio."

"Um, yeah....okay." Richie eyed the rambunctious kids, set down his suitcase picked up his guitar, waved at the kids and followed his host out the door.

Stunned, both by his intense greeting and his quick departure, Brianna watched them walk down the driveway. "Did you at least start something for dinner?!"

"Sorry honey!"

"Pfft!" She snorted. "Sorry my ass!" Closing the door, she sighed and looked at the kids. Any ideas for supper?"

"I took a lasagna out of the freezer and there's lettuce for a salad." Stephanie offered, raising her voice to be heard over Jake and Romeo' s screeches and yells as they chased each other around the foyer.

Brianna winced at the boys' volume. Walking over to Stephanie, she gave her a hug. "I love you!"

Stephanie laughed and hugged her back. "I love you too."

Jesse just rolled his eyes.

"Bianna come play with me!"

"No! Bina pay wif ME!"

"No!Me!"

"Boys!" Brianna interrupted. "I've got a better idea. Get your coats and boots on." She frowned. "Maybe your snow suits would be better."

"Where we going?" Jake wanted to know.

"Outside."

"What to do?"

"We're going to play in the snow. Maybe build a snowman, maybe a fort." Burn off some of your built up energy!

"YAAAAY!!!"

The next few minutes were pure chaos as preparations were made to brave the cold outdoors. Stephanie and Jesse decided they could use some fresh air too and joined them.

They moved around to the back of the house where there was plenty of room for whatever they wanted to build. There was no shortage of snow, but Brianna just prayed it would pack enough to be good building material.

Mother Nature was on her side. It was perfect packing snow. The boys immediately started rolling balls, Jesse and Stephanie helping with the big ones and lifting the smaller ones to form, not just a snowman, but a whole snow family.

Jesse looked over to where Brianna was standing eyeing the studio. He walked over to join her. "They'll come back for dinner."

"I know. Richie hasn't eaten since whatever they gave him on the plane. His hollow leg must be just about empty."

Jesse laughed. "So why are you staring at the studio?"

"Do you think we could build a wall here in front of that open area of the driveway?"

"I guess. What for?"

"To shield us from return fire." 

He stared at her for a moment before her meaning sank in. He grinned, the twinkle in his blues eyes matching hers. "That will work. We should build one over on the other side too in case they circle around the front of the house and try to out flank us."

"Good idea! Steph! Boys! Come here."

"What?" Jake asked as he approached them.

"We need to form a battle plan."

"Who we fighting?"

"Daddy and Uncle Mookie."

Jake looked confused, but Stephanie whooped. "Snowball fight!"

Brianna nodded. "We need to build up our defences......and prepare our ammunition."

Chapter 92

"Dad, are you going to Uncle Southside's gig tonight?" Stephanie asked.

"Yes."

"Is Bri going with you?"

"Yes."

"Daddy." Romeo tried to interrupt. 

"Who's coming to stay with us?" While she was old enough to look after her brothers, Stephanie knew he liked to have another adult 'keep her company'. Of course, finding someone available on New Year's Eve wouldn't be easy.

"Grandma and Grandpa."

"Daddy." Romeo tried again.

"They aren't going to a party?"

"No. Grandpa's got a cold and doesn't feel like going out."

"Daddy."

"Can we stay up and watch the ball drop?" Jesse wanted to know.

"You'll have to ask Grandma and Grandpa. That's up to them." His father answered.

The gate buzzed.

"Daddy!" 

"Bianna's here!" Jake announced from his viewpoint out the window beside the front door.

"Why didn't she just stay here after Christmas instead of driving back again?" Jesse wondered.

"Because she went to see her parents for a couple days."

"Why?" 

Even though Jesse had muttered to himself, his father heard him - and understood the sentiment.

"Necessary evil." Stephanie answered her brother.

"DADDY!"

"Yes Romeo, what is it?" Exasperated, Jon turned to his youngest to find him trying to undo his pants with one hand and holding his crotch with the other.

"Pee!"

"Hang on!" Jon scooped him up and ran for the bathroom, passing Brianna as she entered the house. "Hi."

"Hi." Brianna answered, watching them rush down the hallway. Opening the closet to hang up her coat she looked up when Stephanie stepped into the foyer. She gestured with her chin down the hallway. "Hey. What's that all about?"

"Hmm? Oh. Romeo was trying to tell Dad he needed to pee, but Dad wasn't listening. Hope they made it in time."

Brianna smirked. "Me too."

Stephanie looked at Brianna's suitcase. "Why don't you leave a bunch of clothes here instead of having to cart stuff back and forth all the time?"

"Because then I might not have what I need in New York when I need it."

"That's an easy fix."

"Yeah? How? Buy two of everything?"

"No, move in here. Permanently"

Stunned speechless, Brianna's mouth dropped open. She just stared at the teenager who smirked and started for the kitchen. "Want some coffee? Or maybe a glass of wine?"

"Better make it a bottle." Brianna muttered.

"Bina!" Romeo ran in and hugged her legs.

"Hi little man. Did you make it to the potty in time?"

"Yup!" He nodded proudly.

"Good boy!" She hugged him back and sent Jon an amused glance. "Close call?"

His lips twisted into a wry smiled. "Yes, and I know, bad Daddy for not paying closer attention."

She leaned over to kiss him. "Yes, but you're really doing a great job."

"Don't sound so surprised."

"Well, I'm well aware that you can be a bit of a prima donna, but I never pictured you as a domestic diva."

His brows snapped together. "Hey! I'm not a prima donna!"

"Of course not dear." She patted his cheek and held out her hand to Romeo. "Come on little man, let's go get a snack."

"Okay!"

Brianna had barely stepped backstage at the Count Basie Theatre when she found herself engulfed. "Sweetness!

"Dammit Southside, how many times do I have to tell you to keep your hands off my girlfriend!"

John looked down at Brianna. "What's got his panties in a bunch?"

She shrugged. "Who knows?"

"Ah." John winked at her. "Prima donna strikes again."

Choking back a laugh, Brianna waited for the explosion.

"I am not a fucking prima donna!" Jon glared at both of them.

"Of course you're not honey." Brianna soothed, rubbing his arm.

"He just likes things the way he likes them, when he wants them." Southside agreed.

In response, he got a Jersey salute.

At the movement, light glinted off the metal hanging around Jon's neck.

"Hey what's that hanging around your neck Sweetbutt? Sweetness put a leash on you?"

Jon's expression softened. "She can tie be up anytime she wants." He ignored the speculative look his words brought to Brianna's face and lifted the charms for easier viewing.  "The necklace has charms with each of my kids names and birth dates."

"Nice." He winked at Brianna. "Better hang on to this one Sweetbutt. She actually understands you."

Pleasure and pride fought for control of Jon's expression. "I know."

The show was a lot of fun. Southside was in his usual good humour, full of crazy antics. He even got Jon laughing.

From her spot in the wings, Brianna laughed, her heart swelling at seeing Jon so relaxed and happy. It had been a long time. He would always grieve Dorothea's loss, but his mourning was  done. He was ready to live again. And for him living meant performing - his lifeblood. Her mind started racing with thoughts of everything that would have to be done to prepare for a tour. Of course they needed an album firstL but with Richie arriving in a few days, that should take care of that. Maybe she should alert Paul that a tour would be sooner rather than later.

"FOUR.....THREE....TWO......ONE.....HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!"

Loud cheers from the audience jerked Brianna's attention back to her surroundings. She hadn't realized how late it had gotten. Confetti and ribbon rained down on the stage and the audience. She didn't see Jon approach, but he was suddenly there, pulling her into his arms, his mouth capturing hers.

When he lifted his head, he grinned at her. "Happy New Year Golden Eyes."

"Happy New Year Blue Eyes."

Suddenly they were pulled apart and Brianna found herself spun across the stage. Southside dipped her and kissed her.

"Happy New Year Sweetness." Standing her upright, he grabbed the microphone. "I love New Year's Eve, especially when Sweetbutt brings such beautiful women!"

The audience laughed, especially when Jon stomped over and pulled her back to his side.

"I told you before, get your own, old man, this one's mine!"

Brianna laughed and patted his chest reassuringly.

The familiar strains of Auld Lang Syne filled the theatre. Brianna was shocked when Jon shifted his hold on her, wrapped his arms around her and began to dance. "Are you alright?"

"Great. Why?"

"You're dancing."

"Mmhmmm. Good excuse to hold you in public."

"Ah." She grinned and kissed him.

When they got back to the house, they found everyone asleep. John Sr, and Carol were staying over rather than driving home so late. Still a little wired from the show, they checked on the kids and settled into the living room in front of the fire for their habitual nightcap.

When Brianna snuggled closer to him and leaned her head on his shoulder, Jon kissed the top of her head. "Tired?"

"Happy." I could stay here forever.

"Me too." I'd like her to stay here forever.

Maybe Stephanie is right.