The Little Things Pt 147/? (Forever After Sequel)
Flash Forward 2034 August
“I don’t know who’s more excited,” Kris laughed as he drove towards his parent’s house. “You or Megan.”
“It’s been a month,” Adam pointed out. “This is the longest he’s been away from either of us.”
“You’re not going to push Megan out of the way to get to him first, are you?” Kris frowned.
“I won’t need to if you speed up a little bit,” Adam pointed out. “Gabe’s car is right behind us.”
“Will Mama have cookies for me?” Tristan asked from the backseat.
“I bet she will,” Kris smiled looking in his mirror.
“Can I have Gracie’s?” Tristan asked.
“Grace’s what?” Kris asked.
“Her cookies,” Tristan answered. “She can’t eat them. She’s got no teeth.”
“That’s true,” Adam nodded.
“And I’m her brother,” Tristan added. “So her cookies should go to me.”
“That’s a good point,” Adam smiled.
“So can you tell Uncle Sebastian that?” Tristan asked. “Because you know what he’s like around food.”
“I’ll make sure he knows,” Adam answered.
“Buddy?”
“Yes?”
“Can I have your cookies too?” Tristan asked.
“Don’t push it.”
…………………………………………………
“He drives like Miss Daisy,” Jacob sighed.
“Did you know Miss Daisy didn’t actually do the driving?” Megan asked from the backseat.
“Either way, Dad’s driving like an old lady,” Jacob sighed. “Gabe over take him.”
“Your Papa said if I did that he would kill me,” Gabe said shaking his head. “I don’t need to die on this trip.”
“Did he say that so that he would get to Sebastian before me?” Megan frowned.
“Now you’re learning,” Gabe smirked. “Adam is a little overprotective when it comes to his kids. It’s easier to accept it. Fighting it only leads to crying.”
“Yeah, usually Papa’s,” Jacob smirked.
“What happens if Sebastian’s already home?” Megan asked. “And Kim’s got to him first.”
“Then Papa’s really going to cry,” Jacob answered. “Knowing Mama she’s probably told Papa the wrong day and Sebastian’s been home since yesterday.”
“Megan you are about to enter the world of Adam and Kim,” Gabe said looking in his mirror. “It’s crazy, but always entertaining.”
“Adam told me Kim’s out to destroy him,” Megan remarked.
“Adam’s very dramatic,” Gabe smirked.
“Can you both not talk about my Papa like he’s crazy?” Jacob asked annoyed.
“You’re telling me he’s not?”
“Just you wait,” Jacob warned. “We’re going to be meeting your family soon. Then we’ll see who is crazy.”
“I’m full accepting that my family is crazy,” Gabe answered.
“Yeah well when Bill and Walter show up we’re really going to see crazy,” Jacob pointed out.
“Don’t remind me,” Gabe sighed.
…………………………………………….
“Do you know if you turn off on this road right here we could head right to the cottage and not bother with Mama’s house,” Sophia said causing Tye to shake his head.
“We’re going to see Mama,” Tye said. “Anyway your Dad and Papa have our kids in their car. We can’t let them suffer alone.”
“Tristan loves my Mama,” Sophia pointed out. “And Grace can’t talk so she can’t voice her opinion.”
“Give her time,” Tye smiled. “She’s only two months.”
“Tye?”
“Yeah?”
“I wouldn’t expect Grace to be doing a lot of things just yet,” Sophia said cautiously.
“You know I was only joking, right?” Tye asked glancing at Sophia. “I don’t expect her to be talking right now.”
“I mean normal things she should be doing by now,” Sophia said. “Like the whole smiling thing.”
“She did smile,” Tye said. “Your Papa was right there when she did it.”
“It was probably gas,” Sophia sighed. “Just don’t expect too much from her. I keep telling you that, but you’re not listening.”
“Maybe you should stop putting her down,” Tye sighed looking back at the road in front of him.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Sophia asked annoyed.
“If you keep saying that she’s not going to be normal it’s going to make her not normal,” Tye answered. “Why can’t you just see her as any other little baby?”
“Because I see what’s in front of her,” Sophia asked. “I know what the world is thinking of her. Every day I open an email or a message from someone telling me how special she is.”
“And she is,” Tye said.
“I don’t want her to be special,” Sophia sighed. “I want her to be like every other kid out there.”
“And you don’t think every other kids parents don’t see them as special?” Tye asked. “We all think our kids are special. We have two special kids, and it has nothing to do with downs syndrome.”
“I’m not going to stop being protective of my kids,” Sophia said. “That’s just not going to happen.”
“And that’s fine,” Tye nodded. “In fact being protective over our kids is one of the many things I love about you, but you don’t have to protect them from me, and you don’t have to protect them here. No one here is going to judge her. She’s surrounded by people who love her. So why don’t you just relax?”
“I’m trying,” Sophia sighed settling into the car seat.
“And what you said about her not achieving things,” Tye added. “You’re wrong. She’s got us there to help her achieve everything she needs to. Plus you’re Papa,” Tye said causing Sophia to laugh. “That guy thinks he’s raising her to be the next President.”
“He does like to get involved.”
“I think he’s read every book that’s been written about babies,” Tye remarked.
“I’ll try to relax.”
“Thank you,” Tye smiled reaching over to hold Sophia’s hand. “You should let your Mama and Granddad fuss over the kids while we’re here. Hey if you’re lucky I might even take you out on a date,”
“In Conway?” Sophia remarked dryly. “Where would we go?”
“We passed a burger place a few miles back,” Tye shrugged causing Sophia to laugh again.
“I’m glad to see you’re still trying to woo me after all this time.”
………………………………………………
“So we’ve got all of the guest rooms ready for you guys,” Kim smiled ushering Adam and Kris towards the living room.
“We’ve got the cottage,” Adam reminded her.
“There are twelve of you,” Kim pointed out. “You’re not all going to fit into the cottage.”
“We could try,” Adam suggested.
“I was thinking Sophia and Tye could stay here with the kids,” Kim smiled causing Adam to roll his eyes.
“So you get Grace all to yourself?”
“That’s not what I was thinking,” Kim shrugged. “I just thought they would be comfortable here.”
“Our home is comfortable too,” Adam pointed out. “Sophia and the kids are staying with us.”
“Adam, the cottage has three bedrooms,” Kris said. “There is no way everyone is going to fit in there.”
“So Jacob and Gabe can stay here,” Adam shrugged.
“Excuse me?” Jacob asked walking through the front door. “Are you really handing me over to Mama?”
“It’s just a place to sleep,” Adam remarked. “Plus Elle and Autumn can stay here too.”
“So you get Grace and Sebastian?” Kim asked annoyed.
“I haven’t seen him in a month,” Adam pointed out.
“Neither have I,” Kim remarked.
“You haven’t seen me in two months,” Jacob said looking at his Mama.
“You didn’t spend the last month in Africa helping orphans,” Kim remarked.
“Damn,” Adam winced. “That’s got to hurt.”
“I happen to be involved in a charity bag design that’s coming out this winter,” Jacob remarked.
“Okay let’s not compete,” Kris sighed. “I’m sure Jacob and Elle would love to stay with your Mama. Wouldn’t you?”
“I guess,” Jacob shrugged.
“Good,” Kris smiled. “That’s settled.”
“Very good,” Kim smiled walking towards the front door.
“Where are you going?” Adam asked.
“I think I heard Sophia say Grace was awake,” Kim said walking quicker to the door.
“Don’t you…”
“Stay,” Kris said taking hold of Adam’s arm. “She hasn’t seen her since New York.”
“But…”
“You won the fight to keep her at the cottage,” Kris reminded him. “Let her have her for a while.”
“You’re right,” Adam sighed. “I guess I’m just a little on edge. I don’t like being here with her.”
“And what’s wrong with my Mama?” Kris asked annoyed.
“I don’t like being in Conway,” Adam corrected. “I don’t like any of my kids being here.”
“I get that,” Kris sighed looking at Jacob.
“I’m fine,” Jacob shrugged.
“Tomorrow is a big day for you,” Adam remarked. “Spending the whole day with that family.”
“Bill and Walter will be with us,” Jacob pointed out. “I’m sure we’ll be fine.”
“We’ll we’re only a phone call away,” Kris shrugged. “Remember that.”
“Yeah,” Adam added. “We can be there in seconds.”
“Good,” Jacob said trying not to laugh. “I’ll remember that. Now I’m going to go help Gabe put our bags in the guest room.”
“He thinks he’s funny,” Kris said nodding his head towards Jacob.
“How long has your Mama been holding Grace now?” Adam asked looking towards the living room.
“Let it go,” Kris said walking towards the living room.
………………………………………………
“Back off old lady,” Adam said jumping up from the sofa at the sound of a car pulling up to the house.
“Don’t think so Adam,” Neil said rushing out of the kitchen and getting to the front door first.
“Neil?” Adam frowned stopping in front of his father-in-law.
“I have been given strict orders that you are not getting the first hug from Sebastian,” Neil said blocking the front door.
“You evil old lady,” Adam said annoyed spinning around to look at his mother-in-law. “You can’t accept they are my kids, can you?”
“Megan?” Neil called out causing Megan to walk out of the kitchen. “He’s here, honey.”
“Oh hell no,” Kim said moving forward.
“Don’t push me, Kimberly,” Neil warned holding the door closed. “That girl deserves the first hug.”
“Oh for god’s sake it’s only Sebastian,” Sophia sighed. “You would think it was someone important.”
“Guys?” Sebastian called from behind the door. “Are you going to let me in?”
“Move out of the way, Neil,” Adam said moving forward.
“Adam,” Kris warned. “That’s my father remember.”
“And I’m your mother,” Kim frowned looking at her son. “You know the way he talks to me.”
“You can take him,” Kris shrugged.
“Guys?” Sebastian called out. “I’d really like to come in.”
“Megan,” Neil said waving Megan forward. “Go get him,” he added pulling open the front door and pushing Megan out.
“This is so stupid,” Adam complained as Neil slammed the door shut again.
“You two make it stupid,” Neil remarked pointing at Adam and Kim. “Anyway its young love. You should never get in the way of that. Now I’m going back to my game. Tell Sebastian I’m in the den when he’s done getting hugged by you lot. Gabe?”
“Coming,” Gabe smiled causing Jacob to look at him. “What?”
“My brother?”
“He’s not going to want to hug me,” Gabe shrugged before following Neil towards the back of the house.
“Sophia?” Tye asked looking at his wife.
“Go,” Sophia sighed. “In fact I’m coming too. It’s not like he’s going to want to hug me.”
“You are all very hurtful,” Adam called out before turning back to the front door. “Kim don’t you dare.”
“Too late,” Kim laughed pulling open the front door and rushing out to hug Sebastian.
“She has to take over everything,” Adam frowned.
“Will you relax?” Kris snapped. “He’s coming home with us, isn’t he?”
“I think people forget he’s our son,” Adam answered.
“Trust me, no one does,” Kris said. “You don’t let them.”
“You two still fighting?” Sebastian asked pulling away from Kim.
“Of course not,” Kris answered.
“Yeah, of course not,” Adam added.
“You both promised you would try harder,” Sebastian remarked moving forward to give Adam a hug.
“We’re still married aren’t we?” Adam asked wrapping his arms around Sebastian. “I missed you.”
“From what I heard they saw a whole lot of you,” Jacob smirked causing Kris to spin around and look at him.
“Be careful,” Kris warned Jacob pointing a finger at him.
“It was funny,” Jacob shrugged.
“You look good,” Kris smiled pulling Sebastian in for a hug. “You’ve got more muscles.”
“And more facial hair,” Adam frowned running the back of his hand over Sebastian’s chin.
………………………………………..
“Thank you,” Elle frowned looking down at the gift Sebastian had bought her. “What is it?”
“It’s a necklace,” Sebastian smiled. “The girls we were living with made them.”
“You were living with girls?” Megan asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Ugly girls,” Sebastian answered. “Horrible looking girls.”
“Nice save,” Kris smirked.
“Got you one too, Autumn,” Sebastian said pulling out another necklace from his bag.
“You shouldn’t have,” Autumn smiled. “It’s really pretty.”
“Got you something too, Sophia.”
“Let me guess,” Sophia said looking at Kim, Elle, Megan, and Autumn holding their necklaces.
“It’s all they had,” Sebastian shrugged pulling out another necklace. “They didn’t exactly have a mall where I was.”
“And did all the boys get the same?” Jacob asked trying to look into the bag.
“Bracelets,” Sebastian answered pulling out a bag of bracelets. “They made them too.”
“I want the black leather one,” Adam said causing Sebastian to laugh.
“I had to convince them to make this one,” Sebastian said handing Adam his bracelet. “They had to use one of my belts.”
“I love it,” Adam smiled leaning forward to kiss Sebastian’s cheek.
“And here’s the best thing,” Sebastian smiled pulling something else out of the bag. “I got it for Grace.”
“That’s a big looking necklace,” Sophia remarked.
“It’s a capulana,” Sebastian said.
“Is it like a rug?” Kris asked confused.
“It’s like a blanket,” Sebastian answered. “Where I was every woman with a baby had one of these.”
“For what?” Adam asked.
“They would carry the babies in it,” Sebastian answered. “Like on their backs.”
“You want Sophia to carry Grace on her back?” Jacob asked.
“I’m not doing…”
“I’ll do it,” Adam said holding up his hand. “Ha,” he smiled looking at Kim. “Beat you.”
“You are such a child,” Kim complained.
“This is so cool,” Adam laughed wrapping the capulana around his waist.
“Papa, it’s two o’clock,” Sophia said looking at her watch.
“Oh you’re right,” Adam said taking the blanket off. “Sebastian you can teach me how to do this later. Right now is massage time.”
“Massage?” Kim asked.
“Can I use your room?” Adam asked picking up Grace and her changing bag.
“You booked a massage in my house?” Kim asked. “This isn’t LA Adam. And where did you find a masseuse in Conway?”
“I’m the masseuse,” Adam answered.
“Kristopher,” Kim sighed looking at her son. “You two are not using my room for that.”
“I’m not getting the massage, Mama,” Kris laughed. “Adam’s going to massage Grace.”
“I… now why would you do that?”
“Because it’s relaxing,” Adam answered. “My girl needs her beauty time.”
“You give a baby a massage?” Kim asked trying not to laugh. “Why, is she having a stressful time?”
“It’s good for her,” Adam answered annoyed. “And don’t laugh at me.”
“I’m not laughing, honey,” Kim said taking a step forward. “I just don’t understand it. Why would you do it?”
“It helps the baby trust for one,” Adam answered. “It helps bond you with the baby. It’s an emotional experience for the baby. It’s good for trapped wind. Helps make muscles stronger.”
“And the real reason?” Kris asked giving Adam a look.
“She makes cute little sounds when I rub her toes,” Adam shrugged. “But all those other things are just as important.”
“This is fascinating,” Kim smiled. “Mind if I watch?”
“It’s sort of a me and Grace thing,” Adam shrugged.
“Adam,” Kris said looking at his husband.
“Fine,” Adam sighed. “You can watch. But no telling me what to do.”
“I’ll be as quiet as a mouse,” Kim said holding up her hands.
“Let’s not go for the impossible,” Adam scoffed.
……………………………………………………
“She really does enjoy it,” Kim remarked looking at Grace.
“Told you.”
“I just thought it was one of your weird things,” Kim shrugged.
“My weird things?” Adam asked.
“You know, like you used to do when the kids were babies,” Kim said.
“I don’t know,” Adam answered as he moved his fingers in small circles around Grace’s stomach.
“Well like when you insisted Jacob only be wrapped in organic cotton blankets,” Kim answered. “Then when on that talk show and told them and the company that made them sent you a thousand of them.”
“Those were damn good blankets,” Adam pointed out. “Jacob still has a few in his closet.”
“Or when Sebastian was little and you insisted on getting professionals in to clean your floors every week.”
“The chemicals in floor cleaners is frightening,” Adam said annoyed.
“You watched Oprah too much,” Kim said. “When Kris was a baby we didn’t have anything like that.”
“And now look at him,” Adam said.
“Don’t you insult my son,” Kim frowned.
“He’s my husband,” Adam pointed out. “I’m allowed. And stop with the negativity. Grace needs calm right now.”
“Sorry,” Kim mouthed. “And anyway, I’m not saying it’s a bad thing. I think it’s wonderful that you worry so much. It’s not the way I thought you would be as a father.”
“You thought about me being a father?” Adam asked.
“I’m going to tell you something and I don’t want you to get angry.”
“Yeah that’s not the best idea, Kim,” Adam sighed picking up one of Grace’s feet.
“Just listen,” Kim said moving closer. “The morning you and Kris got married. I had a little freak out.”
“Yeah?” Adam asked. “Finally realize he was gay?”
“I was trying to think of your future together,” Kim said ignoring Adam. “I saw a big fancy house and two wonderful careers, but for the life of me I couldn’t see children.”
“Didn’t think I wanted children when I first married Kris,” Adam shrugged.
“When you guys met Kelly and decided to adopt Sophia, I started to imagine,” Kim said. “Now don’t get annoyed, but I just couldn’t see you as a father. Everything time I tried to imagine I was blocked by images of you freaking out because the baby threw up on you.”
“That’s a little mean,” Adam frowned.
“I just saw Kristopher being the main parent,” Kim said. “I figured you would come and go during tours, but never really bond with the baby. It made me so sad for you. I thought if one thing could break you and Kris up it would be your lack of attention you gave to your children.”
“It’s nice to know what you really think of me,” Adam frowned.
“And then the night of Kris’s accident,” Kim continued. “That whole plane ride over I kept worrying about that little girl. Kris wasn’t there and I thought of her being all alone. When I went to the nursery to see her I was met with the most beautiful image ever. Better than anything my mind could make up.”
“What did you see?” Adam asked as he picked Grace up from the bed.
“I saw you,” Kim smiled. “You were sitting with Sophia in your arms and you were singing to her. I can’t remember the song, but I know it was something weird. But the look on your face. You looked at her with so much love that I knew I had nothing to worry about.”
“Why are you telling me this?” Adam asked confused.
“I know we have our moments,” Kim smiled. “But I just want you to know that Grace is the sixth baby that I have watched you hold and love. I’ve watched you protect all of them, and I just want you to know that I couldn’t be prouder to have you take care of my son and my grandchildren. No one else could have done it better.”
“I should thank you for letting me do it all these years,” Adam smiled reaching out to take Kim’s hand. “I know we snap at each other too much, but you know I love you.”
“I love you too, sweetie,” Kim smiled.
“Now tell me the real reason you’re being nice to me.”
“I…”
“Come on,” Adam smirked.
“Fine,” Kim sighed. “My sister and her husband are on their way.”
“Aunt Gail?” Adam groaned.
“She heard you were all coming,” Kim shrugged. “You know Kris is her favorite.”
“But she hates me,” Adam frowned.
“She does not hate you,” Kim said rolling her eyes.
“She sends a Christmas card every year and never puts my name on it,” Adam pointed out. “At family parties she calls me Kris’s friend.”
“So she’s a bitch,” Kim shrugged. “She’s still family.”
“Sophia’s going to love this,” Adam groaned.
“Come on,” Kim said shaking Adam’s arm. “I thought you said these massages were supposed to be relaxing.”
“Not with the information that Grumpy Gail’s coming,” Adam sighed climbing off of the bed.
“Grumpy Gail?” Kim asked standing up. “That’s not very nice, Adam. That’s my sister you’re talking about.”
“That’s your husband’s nickname for her,” Adam shrugged walking out of the bedroom.
End of Flash Forward 2034
AN: Thought I would post a picture of what I think Grace would look like. I fell completely in love with this little girl when I saw this picture. Can't get any cuter. I can see Buddy Adam spending hours styling her hair.
“I don’t know who’s more excited,” Kris laughed as he drove towards his parent’s house. “You or Megan.”
“It’s been a month,” Adam pointed out. “This is the longest he’s been away from either of us.”
“You’re not going to push Megan out of the way to get to him first, are you?” Kris frowned.
“I won’t need to if you speed up a little bit,” Adam pointed out. “Gabe’s car is right behind us.”
“Will Mama have cookies for me?” Tristan asked from the backseat.
“I bet she will,” Kris smiled looking in his mirror.
“Can I have Gracie’s?” Tristan asked.
“Grace’s what?” Kris asked.
“Her cookies,” Tristan answered. “She can’t eat them. She’s got no teeth.”
“That’s true,” Adam nodded.
“And I’m her brother,” Tristan added. “So her cookies should go to me.”
“That’s a good point,” Adam smiled.
“So can you tell Uncle Sebastian that?” Tristan asked. “Because you know what he’s like around food.”
“I’ll make sure he knows,” Adam answered.
“Buddy?”
“Yes?”
“Can I have your cookies too?” Tristan asked.
“Don’t push it.”
…………………………………………………
“He drives like Miss Daisy,” Jacob sighed.
“Did you know Miss Daisy didn’t actually do the driving?” Megan asked from the backseat.
“Either way, Dad’s driving like an old lady,” Jacob sighed. “Gabe over take him.”
“Your Papa said if I did that he would kill me,” Gabe said shaking his head. “I don’t need to die on this trip.”
“Did he say that so that he would get to Sebastian before me?” Megan frowned.
“Now you’re learning,” Gabe smirked. “Adam is a little overprotective when it comes to his kids. It’s easier to accept it. Fighting it only leads to crying.”
“Yeah, usually Papa’s,” Jacob smirked.
“What happens if Sebastian’s already home?” Megan asked. “And Kim’s got to him first.”
“Then Papa’s really going to cry,” Jacob answered. “Knowing Mama she’s probably told Papa the wrong day and Sebastian’s been home since yesterday.”
“Megan you are about to enter the world of Adam and Kim,” Gabe said looking in his mirror. “It’s crazy, but always entertaining.”
“Adam told me Kim’s out to destroy him,” Megan remarked.
“Adam’s very dramatic,” Gabe smirked.
“Can you both not talk about my Papa like he’s crazy?” Jacob asked annoyed.
“You’re telling me he’s not?”
“Just you wait,” Jacob warned. “We’re going to be meeting your family soon. Then we’ll see who is crazy.”
“I’m full accepting that my family is crazy,” Gabe answered.
“Yeah well when Bill and Walter show up we’re really going to see crazy,” Jacob pointed out.
“Don’t remind me,” Gabe sighed.
…………………………………………….
“Do you know if you turn off on this road right here we could head right to the cottage and not bother with Mama’s house,” Sophia said causing Tye to shake his head.
“We’re going to see Mama,” Tye said. “Anyway your Dad and Papa have our kids in their car. We can’t let them suffer alone.”
“Tristan loves my Mama,” Sophia pointed out. “And Grace can’t talk so she can’t voice her opinion.”
“Give her time,” Tye smiled. “She’s only two months.”
“Tye?”
“Yeah?”
“I wouldn’t expect Grace to be doing a lot of things just yet,” Sophia said cautiously.
“You know I was only joking, right?” Tye asked glancing at Sophia. “I don’t expect her to be talking right now.”
“I mean normal things she should be doing by now,” Sophia said. “Like the whole smiling thing.”
“She did smile,” Tye said. “Your Papa was right there when she did it.”
“It was probably gas,” Sophia sighed. “Just don’t expect too much from her. I keep telling you that, but you’re not listening.”
“Maybe you should stop putting her down,” Tye sighed looking back at the road in front of him.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Sophia asked annoyed.
“If you keep saying that she’s not going to be normal it’s going to make her not normal,” Tye answered. “Why can’t you just see her as any other little baby?”
“Because I see what’s in front of her,” Sophia asked. “I know what the world is thinking of her. Every day I open an email or a message from someone telling me how special she is.”
“And she is,” Tye said.
“I don’t want her to be special,” Sophia sighed. “I want her to be like every other kid out there.”
“And you don’t think every other kids parents don’t see them as special?” Tye asked. “We all think our kids are special. We have two special kids, and it has nothing to do with downs syndrome.”
“I’m not going to stop being protective of my kids,” Sophia said. “That’s just not going to happen.”
“And that’s fine,” Tye nodded. “In fact being protective over our kids is one of the many things I love about you, but you don’t have to protect them from me, and you don’t have to protect them here. No one here is going to judge her. She’s surrounded by people who love her. So why don’t you just relax?”
“I’m trying,” Sophia sighed settling into the car seat.
“And what you said about her not achieving things,” Tye added. “You’re wrong. She’s got us there to help her achieve everything she needs to. Plus you’re Papa,” Tye said causing Sophia to laugh. “That guy thinks he’s raising her to be the next President.”
“He does like to get involved.”
“I think he’s read every book that’s been written about babies,” Tye remarked.
“I’ll try to relax.”
“Thank you,” Tye smiled reaching over to hold Sophia’s hand. “You should let your Mama and Granddad fuss over the kids while we’re here. Hey if you’re lucky I might even take you out on a date,”
“In Conway?” Sophia remarked dryly. “Where would we go?”
“We passed a burger place a few miles back,” Tye shrugged causing Sophia to laugh again.
“I’m glad to see you’re still trying to woo me after all this time.”
………………………………………………
“So we’ve got all of the guest rooms ready for you guys,” Kim smiled ushering Adam and Kris towards the living room.
“We’ve got the cottage,” Adam reminded her.
“There are twelve of you,” Kim pointed out. “You’re not all going to fit into the cottage.”
“We could try,” Adam suggested.
“I was thinking Sophia and Tye could stay here with the kids,” Kim smiled causing Adam to roll his eyes.
“So you get Grace all to yourself?”
“That’s not what I was thinking,” Kim shrugged. “I just thought they would be comfortable here.”
“Our home is comfortable too,” Adam pointed out. “Sophia and the kids are staying with us.”
“Adam, the cottage has three bedrooms,” Kris said. “There is no way everyone is going to fit in there.”
“So Jacob and Gabe can stay here,” Adam shrugged.
“Excuse me?” Jacob asked walking through the front door. “Are you really handing me over to Mama?”
“It’s just a place to sleep,” Adam remarked. “Plus Elle and Autumn can stay here too.”
“So you get Grace and Sebastian?” Kim asked annoyed.
“I haven’t seen him in a month,” Adam pointed out.
“Neither have I,” Kim remarked.
“You haven’t seen me in two months,” Jacob said looking at his Mama.
“You didn’t spend the last month in Africa helping orphans,” Kim remarked.
“Damn,” Adam winced. “That’s got to hurt.”
“I happen to be involved in a charity bag design that’s coming out this winter,” Jacob remarked.
“Okay let’s not compete,” Kris sighed. “I’m sure Jacob and Elle would love to stay with your Mama. Wouldn’t you?”
“I guess,” Jacob shrugged.
“Good,” Kris smiled. “That’s settled.”
“Very good,” Kim smiled walking towards the front door.
“Where are you going?” Adam asked.
“I think I heard Sophia say Grace was awake,” Kim said walking quicker to the door.
“Don’t you…”
“Stay,” Kris said taking hold of Adam’s arm. “She hasn’t seen her since New York.”
“But…”
“You won the fight to keep her at the cottage,” Kris reminded him. “Let her have her for a while.”
“You’re right,” Adam sighed. “I guess I’m just a little on edge. I don’t like being here with her.”
“And what’s wrong with my Mama?” Kris asked annoyed.
“I don’t like being in Conway,” Adam corrected. “I don’t like any of my kids being here.”
“I get that,” Kris sighed looking at Jacob.
“I’m fine,” Jacob shrugged.
“Tomorrow is a big day for you,” Adam remarked. “Spending the whole day with that family.”
“Bill and Walter will be with us,” Jacob pointed out. “I’m sure we’ll be fine.”
“We’ll we’re only a phone call away,” Kris shrugged. “Remember that.”
“Yeah,” Adam added. “We can be there in seconds.”
“Good,” Jacob said trying not to laugh. “I’ll remember that. Now I’m going to go help Gabe put our bags in the guest room.”
“He thinks he’s funny,” Kris said nodding his head towards Jacob.
“How long has your Mama been holding Grace now?” Adam asked looking towards the living room.
“Let it go,” Kris said walking towards the living room.
………………………………………………
“Back off old lady,” Adam said jumping up from the sofa at the sound of a car pulling up to the house.
“Don’t think so Adam,” Neil said rushing out of the kitchen and getting to the front door first.
“Neil?” Adam frowned stopping in front of his father-in-law.
“I have been given strict orders that you are not getting the first hug from Sebastian,” Neil said blocking the front door.
“You evil old lady,” Adam said annoyed spinning around to look at his mother-in-law. “You can’t accept they are my kids, can you?”
“Megan?” Neil called out causing Megan to walk out of the kitchen. “He’s here, honey.”
“Oh hell no,” Kim said moving forward.
“Don’t push me, Kimberly,” Neil warned holding the door closed. “That girl deserves the first hug.”
“Oh for god’s sake it’s only Sebastian,” Sophia sighed. “You would think it was someone important.”
“Guys?” Sebastian called from behind the door. “Are you going to let me in?”
“Move out of the way, Neil,” Adam said moving forward.
“Adam,” Kris warned. “That’s my father remember.”
“And I’m your mother,” Kim frowned looking at her son. “You know the way he talks to me.”
“You can take him,” Kris shrugged.
“Guys?” Sebastian called out. “I’d really like to come in.”
“Megan,” Neil said waving Megan forward. “Go get him,” he added pulling open the front door and pushing Megan out.
“This is so stupid,” Adam complained as Neil slammed the door shut again.
“You two make it stupid,” Neil remarked pointing at Adam and Kim. “Anyway its young love. You should never get in the way of that. Now I’m going back to my game. Tell Sebastian I’m in the den when he’s done getting hugged by you lot. Gabe?”
“Coming,” Gabe smiled causing Jacob to look at him. “What?”
“My brother?”
“He’s not going to want to hug me,” Gabe shrugged before following Neil towards the back of the house.
“Sophia?” Tye asked looking at his wife.
“Go,” Sophia sighed. “In fact I’m coming too. It’s not like he’s going to want to hug me.”
“You are all very hurtful,” Adam called out before turning back to the front door. “Kim don’t you dare.”
“Too late,” Kim laughed pulling open the front door and rushing out to hug Sebastian.
“She has to take over everything,” Adam frowned.
“Will you relax?” Kris snapped. “He’s coming home with us, isn’t he?”
“I think people forget he’s our son,” Adam answered.
“Trust me, no one does,” Kris said. “You don’t let them.”
“You two still fighting?” Sebastian asked pulling away from Kim.
“Of course not,” Kris answered.
“Yeah, of course not,” Adam added.
“You both promised you would try harder,” Sebastian remarked moving forward to give Adam a hug.
“We’re still married aren’t we?” Adam asked wrapping his arms around Sebastian. “I missed you.”
“From what I heard they saw a whole lot of you,” Jacob smirked causing Kris to spin around and look at him.
“Be careful,” Kris warned Jacob pointing a finger at him.
“It was funny,” Jacob shrugged.
“You look good,” Kris smiled pulling Sebastian in for a hug. “You’ve got more muscles.”
“And more facial hair,” Adam frowned running the back of his hand over Sebastian’s chin.
………………………………………..
“Thank you,” Elle frowned looking down at the gift Sebastian had bought her. “What is it?”
“It’s a necklace,” Sebastian smiled. “The girls we were living with made them.”
“You were living with girls?” Megan asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Ugly girls,” Sebastian answered. “Horrible looking girls.”
“Nice save,” Kris smirked.
“Got you one too, Autumn,” Sebastian said pulling out another necklace from his bag.
“You shouldn’t have,” Autumn smiled. “It’s really pretty.”
“Got you something too, Sophia.”
“Let me guess,” Sophia said looking at Kim, Elle, Megan, and Autumn holding their necklaces.
“It’s all they had,” Sebastian shrugged pulling out another necklace. “They didn’t exactly have a mall where I was.”
“And did all the boys get the same?” Jacob asked trying to look into the bag.
“Bracelets,” Sebastian answered pulling out a bag of bracelets. “They made them too.”
“I want the black leather one,” Adam said causing Sebastian to laugh.
“I had to convince them to make this one,” Sebastian said handing Adam his bracelet. “They had to use one of my belts.”
“I love it,” Adam smiled leaning forward to kiss Sebastian’s cheek.
“And here’s the best thing,” Sebastian smiled pulling something else out of the bag. “I got it for Grace.”
“That’s a big looking necklace,” Sophia remarked.
“It’s a capulana,” Sebastian said.
“Is it like a rug?” Kris asked confused.
“It’s like a blanket,” Sebastian answered. “Where I was every woman with a baby had one of these.”
“For what?” Adam asked.
“They would carry the babies in it,” Sebastian answered. “Like on their backs.”
“You want Sophia to carry Grace on her back?” Jacob asked.
“I’m not doing…”
“I’ll do it,” Adam said holding up his hand. “Ha,” he smiled looking at Kim. “Beat you.”
“You are such a child,” Kim complained.
“This is so cool,” Adam laughed wrapping the capulana around his waist.
“Papa, it’s two o’clock,” Sophia said looking at her watch.
“Oh you’re right,” Adam said taking the blanket off. “Sebastian you can teach me how to do this later. Right now is massage time.”
“Massage?” Kim asked.
“Can I use your room?” Adam asked picking up Grace and her changing bag.
“You booked a massage in my house?” Kim asked. “This isn’t LA Adam. And where did you find a masseuse in Conway?”
“I’m the masseuse,” Adam answered.
“Kristopher,” Kim sighed looking at her son. “You two are not using my room for that.”
“I’m not getting the massage, Mama,” Kris laughed. “Adam’s going to massage Grace.”
“I… now why would you do that?”
“Because it’s relaxing,” Adam answered. “My girl needs her beauty time.”
“You give a baby a massage?” Kim asked trying not to laugh. “Why, is she having a stressful time?”
“It’s good for her,” Adam answered annoyed. “And don’t laugh at me.”
“I’m not laughing, honey,” Kim said taking a step forward. “I just don’t understand it. Why would you do it?”
“It helps the baby trust for one,” Adam answered. “It helps bond you with the baby. It’s an emotional experience for the baby. It’s good for trapped wind. Helps make muscles stronger.”
“And the real reason?” Kris asked giving Adam a look.
“She makes cute little sounds when I rub her toes,” Adam shrugged. “But all those other things are just as important.”
“This is fascinating,” Kim smiled. “Mind if I watch?”
“It’s sort of a me and Grace thing,” Adam shrugged.
“Adam,” Kris said looking at his husband.
“Fine,” Adam sighed. “You can watch. But no telling me what to do.”
“I’ll be as quiet as a mouse,” Kim said holding up her hands.
“Let’s not go for the impossible,” Adam scoffed.
……………………………………………………
“She really does enjoy it,” Kim remarked looking at Grace.
“Told you.”
“I just thought it was one of your weird things,” Kim shrugged.
“My weird things?” Adam asked.
“You know, like you used to do when the kids were babies,” Kim said.
“I don’t know,” Adam answered as he moved his fingers in small circles around Grace’s stomach.
“Well like when you insisted Jacob only be wrapped in organic cotton blankets,” Kim answered. “Then when on that talk show and told them and the company that made them sent you a thousand of them.”
“Those were damn good blankets,” Adam pointed out. “Jacob still has a few in his closet.”
“Or when Sebastian was little and you insisted on getting professionals in to clean your floors every week.”
“The chemicals in floor cleaners is frightening,” Adam said annoyed.
“You watched Oprah too much,” Kim said. “When Kris was a baby we didn’t have anything like that.”
“And now look at him,” Adam said.
“Don’t you insult my son,” Kim frowned.
“He’s my husband,” Adam pointed out. “I’m allowed. And stop with the negativity. Grace needs calm right now.”
“Sorry,” Kim mouthed. “And anyway, I’m not saying it’s a bad thing. I think it’s wonderful that you worry so much. It’s not the way I thought you would be as a father.”
“You thought about me being a father?” Adam asked.
“I’m going to tell you something and I don’t want you to get angry.”
“Yeah that’s not the best idea, Kim,” Adam sighed picking up one of Grace’s feet.
“Just listen,” Kim said moving closer. “The morning you and Kris got married. I had a little freak out.”
“Yeah?” Adam asked. “Finally realize he was gay?”
“I was trying to think of your future together,” Kim said ignoring Adam. “I saw a big fancy house and two wonderful careers, but for the life of me I couldn’t see children.”
“Didn’t think I wanted children when I first married Kris,” Adam shrugged.
“When you guys met Kelly and decided to adopt Sophia, I started to imagine,” Kim said. “Now don’t get annoyed, but I just couldn’t see you as a father. Everything time I tried to imagine I was blocked by images of you freaking out because the baby threw up on you.”
“That’s a little mean,” Adam frowned.
“I just saw Kristopher being the main parent,” Kim said. “I figured you would come and go during tours, but never really bond with the baby. It made me so sad for you. I thought if one thing could break you and Kris up it would be your lack of attention you gave to your children.”
“It’s nice to know what you really think of me,” Adam frowned.
“And then the night of Kris’s accident,” Kim continued. “That whole plane ride over I kept worrying about that little girl. Kris wasn’t there and I thought of her being all alone. When I went to the nursery to see her I was met with the most beautiful image ever. Better than anything my mind could make up.”
“What did you see?” Adam asked as he picked Grace up from the bed.
“I saw you,” Kim smiled. “You were sitting with Sophia in your arms and you were singing to her. I can’t remember the song, but I know it was something weird. But the look on your face. You looked at her with so much love that I knew I had nothing to worry about.”
“Why are you telling me this?” Adam asked confused.
“I know we have our moments,” Kim smiled. “But I just want you to know that Grace is the sixth baby that I have watched you hold and love. I’ve watched you protect all of them, and I just want you to know that I couldn’t be prouder to have you take care of my son and my grandchildren. No one else could have done it better.”
“I should thank you for letting me do it all these years,” Adam smiled reaching out to take Kim’s hand. “I know we snap at each other too much, but you know I love you.”
“I love you too, sweetie,” Kim smiled.
“Now tell me the real reason you’re being nice to me.”
“I…”
“Come on,” Adam smirked.
“Fine,” Kim sighed. “My sister and her husband are on their way.”
“Aunt Gail?” Adam groaned.
“She heard you were all coming,” Kim shrugged. “You know Kris is her favorite.”
“But she hates me,” Adam frowned.
“She does not hate you,” Kim said rolling her eyes.
“She sends a Christmas card every year and never puts my name on it,” Adam pointed out. “At family parties she calls me Kris’s friend.”
“So she’s a bitch,” Kim shrugged. “She’s still family.”
“Sophia’s going to love this,” Adam groaned.
“Come on,” Kim said shaking Adam’s arm. “I thought you said these massages were supposed to be relaxing.”
“Not with the information that Grumpy Gail’s coming,” Adam sighed climbing off of the bed.
“Grumpy Gail?” Kim asked standing up. “That’s not very nice, Adam. That’s my sister you’re talking about.”
“That’s your husband’s nickname for her,” Adam shrugged walking out of the bedroom.
End of Flash Forward 2034
AN: Thought I would post a picture of what I think Grace would look like. I fell completely in love with this little girl when I saw this picture. Can't get any cuter. I can see Buddy Adam spending hours styling her hair.