The Little Things Pt 148/? Part 1 (Forever After Sequel)
Flash Forward 2034
“I don’t see the problem here,” Elle remarked picking up the cereal box. “Aunt Gail has always been really sweet to me.”
“To you,” Jacob laughed. “She’s not so nice to me anymore.”
“Your Aunt Gail loves you all,” Kris sighed sitting down the milk in the middle of the table.
“Not Papa,” Elle remarked. “She always says mean things to him.”
“She doesn’t mean it,” Kris said nudging Adam.
“What?”
“Tell Elle Aunt Gail doesn’t really say mean things to you.”
“What?” Adam asked confused.
“Tell her,” Kris mouthed.
“Oh yeah, your Aunt Gail is a sweetheart.”
“One word from that old lady and she’s going down,” Sophia announced walking into the kitchen with Grace in her arms.
“Let’s talk about something else,” Kris sighed taking a seat next to Adam at the table. “What are you guys doing here?” he asked pointing at Jacob and Elle.
“You guys took me and Gabe’s suits by accident,” Jacob answered.
“What times the wedding?” Kris asked.
“We’ve to be at the church by two,” Jacob answered. “Bill and Walter flew in this morning so we said we’d pick them up and all go together.”
“Tell me again why Gabe’s Dad wants you all there?” Kris asked.
“Apparently Gabe’s brother is marrying one of the biggest store owners in Arkansas,” Jacob shrugged. “Apparently everyone has to show up and show family unity.”
“And you’re going because?” Kris asked.
“Gabe’s Dad invited me,” Jacob answered. “I guess he knew Gabe wouldn’t turn up without me.”
“Just be careful,” Adam warned. “And call us if you need us.”
“I don’t think Gabe’s Dad is stupid enough to start something at a family wedding,” Jacob shrugged. “Anyway, Bill and Walter are going to be there.”
“Where’s Gabe now?”
“Helping Grandpa fix the back door or something,” Jacob answered. “Mama wants everything perfect before Aunt Gail shows up. Oh and you guys have to be over there for eleven. Apparently Mama’s making some sort of brunch.”
“Autumn’s helping her.” Elle smiled.
“Tell her we’ll be there,” Kris said standing up from the table.
“Do we all have to go?” Sophia asked.
“Yes,” Kris nodded. “Aunt Gail’s probably coming to see Grace.”
“So Grace has to go too?” Sophia frowned.
“What’s you guys problem?” Tye laughed. “I thought Aunt Gail was really nice.”
“You haven’t seen her since you were a kid,” Sophia pointed out. “She didn’t even show up to our wedding.”
“She sent a gift,” Tye remarked.
“She sent us a bible,” Sophia said rolling her eyes.
“It’s still a gift,” Tye shrugged.
“The guys in this family are so naive,” Sophia sighed.
“Just go make sure Grace and Tristan are ready to go,” Kris said. “Adam you go and get yourself ready.”
“Why bother,” Adam grumbled standing up. “She’s only going to find faults. Did you know your Mama gave me this wonderful speech yesterday just to prepare me for her coming?”
“She’s a little old lady,” Kris frowned. “Why are you all so scared of her?”
“Because you don’t see half of the things she does,” Adam answered.
“I’ll be right by your side,” Kris said. “Anyway there are more of us than there are of her.”
“Not unless she brings those kids of herself,” Sophia pointed out. “You know, the doctor and his wife.”
“Her son, the millionaire before he was twenty-five,” Jacob said. “And his wife the CEO of something big.”
“Then there’s the six wonderful grandchildren,” Adam said.
“And we are just as successfully,” Kris pointed out. “Anyway my cousin Charlie has a normal job.”
“Yeah, but she’s married to the real estate agent that owns most of Arkansas,” Adam pointed out.
“So Aunt Gail likes to brag,” Kris shrugged. “I’m sure Mama does the same when we’re not around. Go and get ready. All of you.”
“We’re going,” Adam sighed ushering the kids out of the kitchen.
……………………………………………………………………….
“Great,” Adam sighed peeking out of the living room window. “She’s brought her bags.”
“There’s like ten of them,” Neil frowned. “Where the hell are we going to put them if they want to stay?”
“I’m sure we’ll make room,” Kim answered leaving the living room to open the front door.
“How fast can you run?” Neil asked looking at Adam.
“Not fast in these boots,” Adam answered. “Why?”
“It doesn’t matter,” Neil sighed. “Kim would only outrun us anyway.”
“You don’t like Aunt Gail?” Elle asked looking up at her Granddad.
“I love her,” Neil answered.
“You shouldn’t lie to your granddaughter,” Adam whispered.
“I had my fingers cross behind my back,” Neil shrugged. “Anyway, Gail can be okay. It’s that damn husband of herself I can’t deal with.”
“Uncle Sal?” Adam smirked.
“If he tells me how many fish he caught last weekend, I’ll snap,” Neil said. “Trust me.”
“Look who’s here,” Kim announced with a fake smile.
“Bet I could outrun her,” Adam whispered leaning in to Neil’s side.
“Let it go, kid,” Neil smiled stepping forward. “Glad you could make it.”
“Why wouldn’t we,” Gail smiled letting Neil take her coat. “When we heard Kristopher was coming home.”
“Only for a visit, Aunt Gail,” Kris smiled hugging his aunt. “Jacob’s got a wedding to go to.”
“Keith and Dawn are going to a wedding too today,” Gail smiled. “Young Jamie Lynn is marrying one of Mary Hill’s boys. You remember Mary, Kim? She went to school with us. Married Bill from the football team.”
“I remember Mary and Bill,” Kim nodded. “In fact Gabe here is their grandson,” she added pointing at Gabe. “Jacob’s going to the wedding with him.”
“I see,” Gail said glancing at Gabe. “Well Keith and Dawn are friends with Jamie Lynn’s father,” she added.
“Isn’t it a small world,” Adam remarked causing everyone to look at him.
“Adam,” Gail said with a forced smile. “I didn’t see you there.”
“And how are you Aunt Gail?” Adam asked.
“Please call me Gail, sweetheart,” Gail answered moving around Adam to get to Elle. “Look how big you’ve gotten. You know it’s been what… three years since I’ve seen you kids? Why haven’t you came to visit me, young lady?”
“Why haven’t you been to LA to visit me?” Elle asked.
“I haven’t been invited,” Gail answered looking over her shoulder at Adam.
“You know you’re more than welcome any time Aunt Gail,” Kris said moving to stand in between Adam and his aunt. “Hey you guys must be hungry after your drive up here. Why don’t we all head out back for some brunch?”
“Who’s cooking?” Gail asked.
“Mama of course,” Kris smiled.
“I see,” Gail said looking at Kim. “Didn’t want to order in?”
“I know how to cook,” Kim said annoyed.
“Yes, let’s go outside,” Neil said wrapping his arm around Kim’s shoulder. “Come on, honey.”
“What was that?” Gabe frowned once all of Gail’s family had left the room.
“That was pretty normal,” Jacob shrugged.
“She didn’t even say hello to the rest of us,” Tye remarked.
“Because we don’t matter,” Sebastian shrugged.
“That’s not true,” Adam shrugged.
“Yeah, she talked to me,” Elle pointed out.
“Because you’re blood,” Sebastian pointed out. “She’s always liked you best.”
“Okay, that’s really not true,” Adam sighed.
“Face it Papa,” Jacob said looking at Adam. “It’s true.”
“Yeah,” Sebastian agreed. “The rest of us are just adopted. She doesn’t see us as Dad’s kids.”
“Well you are your Dad’s kids,” Adam said patting Sebastian’s shoulder. “It doesn’t matter what that old bag thinks.”
“That might be the reason she doesn’t like any of us,” Tye remarked. “We’re all hiding out in the living room while she’s out back.”
“Trust me, this is where she wants us to stay.”
“Let’s just go out there and pretend we’re having fun,” Adam said guiding the kids out of the living room.
“Thank god we’ve got a wedding to go to,” Jacob breathed out walking out of the living room. “Who knew your family were less crazy than mine,” he remarked looking at Gabe.
“Not me,” Gabe laughed.
………………………………………………..
“I’m telling you Kim,” Gail smiled. “You haven’t lived until you watch one of your own grandchildren making a game winning touchdown. We were all so excited. We even made our own t-shirts.”
“Well we’ve had many proud moments involving our grandchildren,” Kim said giving a fake smile at her sister.
“You have?” Gail asked glancing over at the table where the kids sat.
“Sebastian has just came home from a mission trip,” Kim smiled proudly. “He was working at an orphanage.”
“My Dean has just finished his third,” Gail remarked. “He was in Spain. And did you know Christina is starting Yale in the fall?”
“Yes,” Kim nodded. “You sent me your family news letter.”
“Everything is working out so well,” Gail smiled proudly. “That’s three of my grandkids in top schools around the country.”
“Wonderful,” Kim smiled.
“And is Jacob still playing around with clothes?” Gail asked looking at Adam.
“He’s the top of his class,” Adam answered. “He’s just about to start a new collection this fall.”
“How sweet,” Gail smiled. “And what about Sophia? Is she still living at home?”
“She’s actually here,” Kim answered. “She’s upstairs taking a nap with Grace.”
“You mean the baby is here?” Gail asked. “I didn’t realize you would be bringing her out.”
“I told you on the phone that Adam and Kris were bringing the whole family,” Kim said. “Didn’t you recognize Tye?” She asked pointing across the yard.
“That’s Adam’s boyfriend’s child, right?”
“Ex-boyfriend,” Adam corrected. “And yes. He’s also Sophia’s husband. And the father of both of her kids.”
“Such a shame I couldn’t make the wedding,” Gail remarked. “But my RJ was climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. That was his second time doing it. He raised almost a hundred thousand doing it.”
“Wonderful,” Kim smiled.
“I wonder where Kris is,” Adam said looking around the backyard.
“Did you know that Adam and Kris will be celebrating their twenty-five wedding anniversary next summer,” Kim smiled. “Twenty-five years, it’s amazing isn’t it?”
“RJ and Kara are celebrating twenty-eight in November,” Gail remarked.
“Wonderful,” Kim smiled.
……………………………………………
“My jaw actually hurts from fake smiling,” Adam complained walking into Kim’s guest room where Kris and Sophia sat watching TV. “What are you two doing?”
“Hiding,” Sophia answered.
“She’s crushing us down there,” Adam complained. “Get your ass out of that bed and come help me.”
“I can’t,” Kris frowned shaking his head. “I tried talking to my Uncle Sal about cousin RJ and I wanted to hit him. Did you know he’s opening his own practice?”
“I do,” Adam nodded. “Your Aunt bragged about it. God they’re like some sort of perfect family.”
“They’re not that perfect,” Kris shrugged. “My cousin Samuel wet the bed until he was thirteen.”
“Maybe I should remind Gail of that,” Adam smirked.
“Maybe we just get through the next few hours and then get back to the cottage,” Kris suggested sitting up. “You ready to come down, Sophia?”
“When Grace wakes up.”
“She’s awake,” Kris said leaning into Grace’s crib to pick her up. “Come on, let’s show her off.”
“That woman has no heart,” Adam pointed out. “Why don’t we just keep Grace here?”
“I’m up for that,” Sophia shrugged.
“We are better than her family,” Kris pointed out. “If you want to be an idiot about it, then we have more money, better houses and we… well we look a lot better.”
Adam smiled wide as he nodded his head. “Damn right baby.”
“So lets go show off our girl,” Kris said handing Grace to Adam. “She’s not going to be mean to a baby.”
“Better not be,” Sophia remarked. “I wouldn’t want to kick an old lady’s ass.”
……………………………………….
“I don’t know why we don’t do this more often,” Gail smiled looking around the living room at everyone.
“I do,” Adam and Neil mumbled at the same time.
“This is so much fun,” Gail smiled.
“It’s wonderful,” Kim nodded.
“And she is just…” Gail paused looking at Grace on Adam’s knee. “I’m sure it’s a lot of work.”
“Not really,” Sophia shrugged. “She’s actually a well behaved kid.”
“Anyway what about this photo album you’re talking about,” Kim said.
“Right,” Gail nodded opening her bag. “I found it in the back of my closet. It’s got a lot of wonderful pictures in it.”
“Great,” Neil sighed. “That should pass a few hours.”
“Look at little Kristopher,” Gail gushed holding up the album. “This was taken the summer RJ skipped second grade. RJ was always the smart one in the family.”
“You should see Tristan’s grades,” Kim smiled. “He’s in the top of his class.”
“Tristan,” Gail sighed looking across the room where Tristan sat drawing. “What made you pick that name dear?” she asked looking at Sophia.
“I like it,” Sophia answered annoyed.
“Of course,” Gail smiled politely. “Oh would you look at this,” Gail laughed holding up another picture. “Kristopher do you remember this?”
“I don’t know,” Kris shrugged trying to look at the picture.
“This is you and Katy,” Gail smiled handing Kris the picture. “The first summer you both met. Remember, Katy’s Mom was at my house with Katy and you were staying with us. I have never seen a nine-year-old falling in love before. It was so sweet.”
“So what are those other pictures?” Neil asked holding out his hand.
“Your Dad, Elle,” Gail laughed. “He followed Katy around all summer. And at the end he announced at dinner that he was going to marry Katy. Remember Kim?”
“I remember,” Kim said glancing at Adam.
“Now that was a beautiful wedding,” Gail smiled. “You looked so happy that day, Kristopher.”
“Yeah,” Kris nodded reaching over to take Adam’s hand. “Not as happy as I am now.” Adam smiled sadly as he looked around the room at his kids.
“And Katy is very happy with Daniel,” Neil pointed out.
“But it was always Kris and Katy,” Gail gushed. “They were so perfect for each other. If only Kristopher hadn’t gone to LA.”
“Excuse me,” Adam said standing up with Grace in his arms and walking out of the living room.
“Remember when we all went on vacation together after you and Katy got married?” Gail asked ignoring Adam.
“I….” Kris frowned watching Adam walk out.
“Let’s change the subject,” Kim said annoyed.
“We should actually go, Mama,” Jacob said standing up. “We’ve got to be at the church by two.”
Kris rubbed his forehead as he stood up. “You guys okay?”
“Mind if we stay at the cottage tonight?” Jacob asked glancing at Gail.
“Me too,” Elle frowned giving Gail a dirty look.
Part 2
http://lambertfanfic.livejournal.com/113518.html
“I don’t see the problem here,” Elle remarked picking up the cereal box. “Aunt Gail has always been really sweet to me.”
“To you,” Jacob laughed. “She’s not so nice to me anymore.”
“Your Aunt Gail loves you all,” Kris sighed sitting down the milk in the middle of the table.
“Not Papa,” Elle remarked. “She always says mean things to him.”
“She doesn’t mean it,” Kris said nudging Adam.
“What?”
“Tell Elle Aunt Gail doesn’t really say mean things to you.”
“What?” Adam asked confused.
“Tell her,” Kris mouthed.
“Oh yeah, your Aunt Gail is a sweetheart.”
“One word from that old lady and she’s going down,” Sophia announced walking into the kitchen with Grace in her arms.
“Let’s talk about something else,” Kris sighed taking a seat next to Adam at the table. “What are you guys doing here?” he asked pointing at Jacob and Elle.
“You guys took me and Gabe’s suits by accident,” Jacob answered.
“What times the wedding?” Kris asked.
“We’ve to be at the church by two,” Jacob answered. “Bill and Walter flew in this morning so we said we’d pick them up and all go together.”
“Tell me again why Gabe’s Dad wants you all there?” Kris asked.
“Apparently Gabe’s brother is marrying one of the biggest store owners in Arkansas,” Jacob shrugged. “Apparently everyone has to show up and show family unity.”
“And you’re going because?” Kris asked.
“Gabe’s Dad invited me,” Jacob answered. “I guess he knew Gabe wouldn’t turn up without me.”
“Just be careful,” Adam warned. “And call us if you need us.”
“I don’t think Gabe’s Dad is stupid enough to start something at a family wedding,” Jacob shrugged. “Anyway, Bill and Walter are going to be there.”
“Where’s Gabe now?”
“Helping Grandpa fix the back door or something,” Jacob answered. “Mama wants everything perfect before Aunt Gail shows up. Oh and you guys have to be over there for eleven. Apparently Mama’s making some sort of brunch.”
“Autumn’s helping her.” Elle smiled.
“Tell her we’ll be there,” Kris said standing up from the table.
“Do we all have to go?” Sophia asked.
“Yes,” Kris nodded. “Aunt Gail’s probably coming to see Grace.”
“So Grace has to go too?” Sophia frowned.
“What’s you guys problem?” Tye laughed. “I thought Aunt Gail was really nice.”
“You haven’t seen her since you were a kid,” Sophia pointed out. “She didn’t even show up to our wedding.”
“She sent a gift,” Tye remarked.
“She sent us a bible,” Sophia said rolling her eyes.
“It’s still a gift,” Tye shrugged.
“The guys in this family are so naive,” Sophia sighed.
“Just go make sure Grace and Tristan are ready to go,” Kris said. “Adam you go and get yourself ready.”
“Why bother,” Adam grumbled standing up. “She’s only going to find faults. Did you know your Mama gave me this wonderful speech yesterday just to prepare me for her coming?”
“She’s a little old lady,” Kris frowned. “Why are you all so scared of her?”
“Because you don’t see half of the things she does,” Adam answered.
“I’ll be right by your side,” Kris said. “Anyway there are more of us than there are of her.”
“Not unless she brings those kids of herself,” Sophia pointed out. “You know, the doctor and his wife.”
“Her son, the millionaire before he was twenty-five,” Jacob said. “And his wife the CEO of something big.”
“Then there’s the six wonderful grandchildren,” Adam said.
“And we are just as successfully,” Kris pointed out. “Anyway my cousin Charlie has a normal job.”
“Yeah, but she’s married to the real estate agent that owns most of Arkansas,” Adam pointed out.
“So Aunt Gail likes to brag,” Kris shrugged. “I’m sure Mama does the same when we’re not around. Go and get ready. All of you.”
“We’re going,” Adam sighed ushering the kids out of the kitchen.
……………………………………………………………………….
“Great,” Adam sighed peeking out of the living room window. “She’s brought her bags.”
“There’s like ten of them,” Neil frowned. “Where the hell are we going to put them if they want to stay?”
“I’m sure we’ll make room,” Kim answered leaving the living room to open the front door.
“How fast can you run?” Neil asked looking at Adam.
“Not fast in these boots,” Adam answered. “Why?”
“It doesn’t matter,” Neil sighed. “Kim would only outrun us anyway.”
“You don’t like Aunt Gail?” Elle asked looking up at her Granddad.
“I love her,” Neil answered.
“You shouldn’t lie to your granddaughter,” Adam whispered.
“I had my fingers cross behind my back,” Neil shrugged. “Anyway, Gail can be okay. It’s that damn husband of herself I can’t deal with.”
“Uncle Sal?” Adam smirked.
“If he tells me how many fish he caught last weekend, I’ll snap,” Neil said. “Trust me.”
“Look who’s here,” Kim announced with a fake smile.
“Bet I could outrun her,” Adam whispered leaning in to Neil’s side.
“Let it go, kid,” Neil smiled stepping forward. “Glad you could make it.”
“Why wouldn’t we,” Gail smiled letting Neil take her coat. “When we heard Kristopher was coming home.”
“Only for a visit, Aunt Gail,” Kris smiled hugging his aunt. “Jacob’s got a wedding to go to.”
“Keith and Dawn are going to a wedding too today,” Gail smiled. “Young Jamie Lynn is marrying one of Mary Hill’s boys. You remember Mary, Kim? She went to school with us. Married Bill from the football team.”
“I remember Mary and Bill,” Kim nodded. “In fact Gabe here is their grandson,” she added pointing at Gabe. “Jacob’s going to the wedding with him.”
“I see,” Gail said glancing at Gabe. “Well Keith and Dawn are friends with Jamie Lynn’s father,” she added.
“Isn’t it a small world,” Adam remarked causing everyone to look at him.
“Adam,” Gail said with a forced smile. “I didn’t see you there.”
“And how are you Aunt Gail?” Adam asked.
“Please call me Gail, sweetheart,” Gail answered moving around Adam to get to Elle. “Look how big you’ve gotten. You know it’s been what… three years since I’ve seen you kids? Why haven’t you came to visit me, young lady?”
“Why haven’t you been to LA to visit me?” Elle asked.
“I haven’t been invited,” Gail answered looking over her shoulder at Adam.
“You know you’re more than welcome any time Aunt Gail,” Kris said moving to stand in between Adam and his aunt. “Hey you guys must be hungry after your drive up here. Why don’t we all head out back for some brunch?”
“Who’s cooking?” Gail asked.
“Mama of course,” Kris smiled.
“I see,” Gail said looking at Kim. “Didn’t want to order in?”
“I know how to cook,” Kim said annoyed.
“Yes, let’s go outside,” Neil said wrapping his arm around Kim’s shoulder. “Come on, honey.”
“What was that?” Gabe frowned once all of Gail’s family had left the room.
“That was pretty normal,” Jacob shrugged.
“She didn’t even say hello to the rest of us,” Tye remarked.
“Because we don’t matter,” Sebastian shrugged.
“That’s not true,” Adam shrugged.
“Yeah, she talked to me,” Elle pointed out.
“Because you’re blood,” Sebastian pointed out. “She’s always liked you best.”
“Okay, that’s really not true,” Adam sighed.
“Face it Papa,” Jacob said looking at Adam. “It’s true.”
“Yeah,” Sebastian agreed. “The rest of us are just adopted. She doesn’t see us as Dad’s kids.”
“Well you are your Dad’s kids,” Adam said patting Sebastian’s shoulder. “It doesn’t matter what that old bag thinks.”
“That might be the reason she doesn’t like any of us,” Tye remarked. “We’re all hiding out in the living room while she’s out back.”
“Trust me, this is where she wants us to stay.”
“Let’s just go out there and pretend we’re having fun,” Adam said guiding the kids out of the living room.
“Thank god we’ve got a wedding to go to,” Jacob breathed out walking out of the living room. “Who knew your family were less crazy than mine,” he remarked looking at Gabe.
“Not me,” Gabe laughed.
………………………………………………..
“I’m telling you Kim,” Gail smiled. “You haven’t lived until you watch one of your own grandchildren making a game winning touchdown. We were all so excited. We even made our own t-shirts.”
“Well we’ve had many proud moments involving our grandchildren,” Kim said giving a fake smile at her sister.
“You have?” Gail asked glancing over at the table where the kids sat.
“Sebastian has just came home from a mission trip,” Kim smiled proudly. “He was working at an orphanage.”
“My Dean has just finished his third,” Gail remarked. “He was in Spain. And did you know Christina is starting Yale in the fall?”
“Yes,” Kim nodded. “You sent me your family news letter.”
“Everything is working out so well,” Gail smiled proudly. “That’s three of my grandkids in top schools around the country.”
“Wonderful,” Kim smiled.
“And is Jacob still playing around with clothes?” Gail asked looking at Adam.
“He’s the top of his class,” Adam answered. “He’s just about to start a new collection this fall.”
“How sweet,” Gail smiled. “And what about Sophia? Is she still living at home?”
“She’s actually here,” Kim answered. “She’s upstairs taking a nap with Grace.”
“You mean the baby is here?” Gail asked. “I didn’t realize you would be bringing her out.”
“I told you on the phone that Adam and Kris were bringing the whole family,” Kim said. “Didn’t you recognize Tye?” She asked pointing across the yard.
“That’s Adam’s boyfriend’s child, right?”
“Ex-boyfriend,” Adam corrected. “And yes. He’s also Sophia’s husband. And the father of both of her kids.”
“Such a shame I couldn’t make the wedding,” Gail remarked. “But my RJ was climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. That was his second time doing it. He raised almost a hundred thousand doing it.”
“Wonderful,” Kim smiled.
“I wonder where Kris is,” Adam said looking around the backyard.
“Did you know that Adam and Kris will be celebrating their twenty-five wedding anniversary next summer,” Kim smiled. “Twenty-five years, it’s amazing isn’t it?”
“RJ and Kara are celebrating twenty-eight in November,” Gail remarked.
“Wonderful,” Kim smiled.
……………………………………………
“My jaw actually hurts from fake smiling,” Adam complained walking into Kim’s guest room where Kris and Sophia sat watching TV. “What are you two doing?”
“Hiding,” Sophia answered.
“She’s crushing us down there,” Adam complained. “Get your ass out of that bed and come help me.”
“I can’t,” Kris frowned shaking his head. “I tried talking to my Uncle Sal about cousin RJ and I wanted to hit him. Did you know he’s opening his own practice?”
“I do,” Adam nodded. “Your Aunt bragged about it. God they’re like some sort of perfect family.”
“They’re not that perfect,” Kris shrugged. “My cousin Samuel wet the bed until he was thirteen.”
“Maybe I should remind Gail of that,” Adam smirked.
“Maybe we just get through the next few hours and then get back to the cottage,” Kris suggested sitting up. “You ready to come down, Sophia?”
“When Grace wakes up.”
“She’s awake,” Kris said leaning into Grace’s crib to pick her up. “Come on, let’s show her off.”
“That woman has no heart,” Adam pointed out. “Why don’t we just keep Grace here?”
“I’m up for that,” Sophia shrugged.
“We are better than her family,” Kris pointed out. “If you want to be an idiot about it, then we have more money, better houses and we… well we look a lot better.”
Adam smiled wide as he nodded his head. “Damn right baby.”
“So lets go show off our girl,” Kris said handing Grace to Adam. “She’s not going to be mean to a baby.”
“Better not be,” Sophia remarked. “I wouldn’t want to kick an old lady’s ass.”
……………………………………….
“I don’t know why we don’t do this more often,” Gail smiled looking around the living room at everyone.
“I do,” Adam and Neil mumbled at the same time.
“This is so much fun,” Gail smiled.
“It’s wonderful,” Kim nodded.
“And she is just…” Gail paused looking at Grace on Adam’s knee. “I’m sure it’s a lot of work.”
“Not really,” Sophia shrugged. “She’s actually a well behaved kid.”
“Anyway what about this photo album you’re talking about,” Kim said.
“Right,” Gail nodded opening her bag. “I found it in the back of my closet. It’s got a lot of wonderful pictures in it.”
“Great,” Neil sighed. “That should pass a few hours.”
“Look at little Kristopher,” Gail gushed holding up the album. “This was taken the summer RJ skipped second grade. RJ was always the smart one in the family.”
“You should see Tristan’s grades,” Kim smiled. “He’s in the top of his class.”
“Tristan,” Gail sighed looking across the room where Tristan sat drawing. “What made you pick that name dear?” she asked looking at Sophia.
“I like it,” Sophia answered annoyed.
“Of course,” Gail smiled politely. “Oh would you look at this,” Gail laughed holding up another picture. “Kristopher do you remember this?”
“I don’t know,” Kris shrugged trying to look at the picture.
“This is you and Katy,” Gail smiled handing Kris the picture. “The first summer you both met. Remember, Katy’s Mom was at my house with Katy and you were staying with us. I have never seen a nine-year-old falling in love before. It was so sweet.”
“So what are those other pictures?” Neil asked holding out his hand.
“Your Dad, Elle,” Gail laughed. “He followed Katy around all summer. And at the end he announced at dinner that he was going to marry Katy. Remember Kim?”
“I remember,” Kim said glancing at Adam.
“Now that was a beautiful wedding,” Gail smiled. “You looked so happy that day, Kristopher.”
“Yeah,” Kris nodded reaching over to take Adam’s hand. “Not as happy as I am now.” Adam smiled sadly as he looked around the room at his kids.
“And Katy is very happy with Daniel,” Neil pointed out.
“But it was always Kris and Katy,” Gail gushed. “They were so perfect for each other. If only Kristopher hadn’t gone to LA.”
“Excuse me,” Adam said standing up with Grace in his arms and walking out of the living room.
“Remember when we all went on vacation together after you and Katy got married?” Gail asked ignoring Adam.
“I….” Kris frowned watching Adam walk out.
“Let’s change the subject,” Kim said annoyed.
“We should actually go, Mama,” Jacob said standing up. “We’ve got to be at the church by two.”
Kris rubbed his forehead as he stood up. “You guys okay?”
“Mind if we stay at the cottage tonight?” Jacob asked glancing at Gail.
“Me too,” Elle frowned giving Gail a dirty look.
Part 2
http://lambertfanfic.livejournal.com/113518.html