The 37 Days Of Gusmas
Title: Fly Away Home Author: vl_redreign Prompt: Airline Departure sign image
Notes: Making up for last night. You get 4 tonight.
I
“Flying never used to be this hard,” Melanie said as she and Lindsay manhandled luggage, children and various other things.
“Yeah, well, we can blame that on Homeland Security. I really have time to blow up a plane with my lipstick while pulling Gus out of the bathroom.”
“Don’t say that too loud, I can’t afford to bail you out right now.”
Distance seemed to make the heart grow fonder. Well, Mel wasn’t sure if she was fond of Brian, but she was grateful for the plane tickets and extra luggage payment. She was dying to see the house, too.
II
“DADDY!!”
Heads turned and people actually smiled as Gus barreled down the causeway and leaped into Brian’s arms.
Justin swore that he’d never tell anyone about the huge grin on Brian’s face as he hugged his son.
“Hey, Sonnyboy, how are you?”
“Fine. Guess what?” Gus leaned down to whisper. “I’m not wearing underwear!”
“Does your mom know?”
“Nope! I took them off in the bathroom on the plane. They’re in my pocket.”
This was going to be an interesting visit. He passed Gus over to Justin and hugged Lindsay, then took JR from Melanie. “Nice to see you, Mel.”
III
Okay, something was wrong. Brian was actually civil. I can do this Mel thought. “Brian, good to see you, too.”
He raised an eyebrow and looked down at JR. She really was a beautiful little girl. “Michael should be here any minute. He’s going to follow us out to the house.”
“Well, I hope you have something bigger than your Vette.”
Brian opened his mouth to speak when Justin poked him in the stomach. “What’d you do that for?”
“Children present.”
“I wasn’t going to-“
“Yes you were,” Justin and Mel said in unison.
“I rented an Escalade for you.”
IV
“Brian, you didn’t-“
“Yeah, I did. It’s got four-wheel drive and plenty of room. That way you guys can load up and go visit whoever you want while you’re here, and it’s safe.”
“Just go with it, Mel. He’s going all out this year.”
“Wha…thank you, Brian. Just promise me you didn’t actually buy a pony.”
Brian laughed. “No. A guy that lives up the road is bringing one over for Gus to ride. I thought about asking for two, but Jenny is a little small to ride yet.” He handed JR back to Mel. “Okay, let’s head home, people.”