Thanks for the reviews...I am glad you liked the previous chapter, there was certainly a lot going on. Also, thanks for all of those who are reading and enjoying "Grace." Happy Reading! Love, Jenny :-)

Ryan and Kelsi were sitting on the sofa watching television. His family had finally left Kelsi's house a little over an hour ago. Even though Ryan knew he should have probably given Kelsi and Grace some much needed privacy, he couldn't bring himself to leave. Grace was sound asleep between them, her head resting on Ryan's lap. Ryan found his fingers naturally threading through her long brown hair; hair that was so like her mother's. The action reminded him of the long ago days when Kelsi would fall asleep, her head nestled in his lap while he ran his fingers through her silky tresses. It was odd, those days seemed so far away, and yet at the same time nearer than ever before. Seeing Kelsi again and finding Grace had brought the distant memories to the forefront of his mind.

Kelsi stifled a yawn as she struggled to stay awake. She had felt like she was in a comedy of errors almost all day. Opening with Sharpay's slap and ending with the Evans and Baylor families filing out the door after dinner. Grace had loved every minute of the day and Kelsi had loved seeing her daughter showered with affection. She still had to giggle when she thought of how naturally Sharpay had taken to Grace; she hadn't been expecting that one at all. She was grateful Ryan's family was so welcoming to her. She had known they would take to Grace right away...really who wouldn't? She was the epitome of lovable. But Kelsi knew she personally had a lot to atone for. She had given birth to Ryan's daughter and then made the decision not to tell Ryan...or his family. Had they not run into Ryan at ballet school it would be Kelsi's lap her daughter was cuddled into right now . And Kelsi had to admit she was grateful to be sitting on the sofa with Ryan, Grace sandwiched between them, her head in her father's lap and her tiny feet stretched to full capacity over Kelsi. This feeling she had right now...it was perfect. So perfect she was struggling with her own exhaustion...attempting to stay awake. Fearful that if she did fall asleep Ryan would be gone, and this dream would be shattered.

Ryan wasn't paying attention to the television, he couldn't even say what show they were supposed to be watching. Sleep seemed to be beckoning him. He wanted to close his eyes so badly. He felt so warm and comfortable on Kelsi's old sofa, Grace was like a miniature blanket on his lap. Ryan found himself gently shaking his head, willing his body to stay awake. He wanted this night to last as long as possible. He turned to steal a glance at Kelsi, and found his heart beat accelerate. Her head was resting against the worn cushion of the sofa, she had lost the battle and fallen fast asleep. Ryan took in Kelsi's delicate features, she was exquisite. He didn't think it was possible, but she had grown even more beautiful. That was his last thought, before Ryan fell into a deep slumber.

Grace woke up disoriented. She knew right away she was not in her bed, but it took her a bit longer to comprehend where she exactly was. She shifted her head forcefully to the side and made instant contact with her Daddy's hard tummy.

Ryan woke with a grunt, it felt like he had just been punched in the gut. Taking a moment to reacquaint himself with his surroundings, he looked down to see Grace rubbing her head.

"Hey honey, are you alright?" Ryan whispered, careful not to wake Kelsi.

"Ow, Daddy your tummy is too hard." Grace protested, still rubbing her aching forehead.

Ryan felt himself slipping into a smile.

"Sorry baby, dancing sometimes gives you a hard tummy. Tell you what though, if your Mommy cooks me more meals like she did tonight, my tummy will be soft in no time."

Grace seemed to ponder this thought for a moment.

"I hope you get to eat all of your meals with Mommy and me. Because I love having you here." The little girl said earnestly.

Ryan didn't think his heart was capable of filling anymore, and then Grace would say something like that to prove him wrong. He had to hand it to Kelsi, she had done everything right when raising their little girl. His only complaint was that he did not get to see the first five years of her life. Ryan looked over at his daughter, the love evident in his face.

"Well, since you love eating with me so much, why don't we go raid the kitchen for a midnight snack?" Ryan asked his daughter.

A mischievous light brightened Grace's blue eyes. She nervously looked over to her sleeping mother. Her Mommy would be a little disappointed if she knew that Grace was up this late...let alone eating food. But the idea of having her Daddy all to herself trumped everything else.

"Let's do it Daddy. But we can't wake up Mommy...I have a bedtime you know?" Grace warned her father.

Ryan instantly played along with his daughter.

"Don't worry, we'll be very quiet. Besides, if I remember correctly your mother can sleep through a hurricane."

Grace giggled dutifully at what she guessed was a joke, before asking "What's a hurricane?"

Ryan's face broke into a huge grin.

"Gracie my dear...you are about to find out."

And with that, Ryan picked up his daughter and started flying with her around the room, down the hallways and into the kitchen. Grace's musical laughter melted his heart as it filled the rooms. Ryan deposited Grace on the kitchen counter while he scoured the cabinets for a snack.

"Your Mommy only has healthy food." Ryan stated with a disappointed frown.

Grace gifted her Daddy with a co-conspirator smirk.

"Mommy keeps the sugar cereal and cookies on the top self in the pantry. Don't tell her I know though...it's secret."

Ryan sprinted to the pantry and returned with a box of Lucky Charms.

"Eureka! You my dear are a genius." Ryan pronounced as he hopped up on the counter to sit next to his daughter.

Grace could not believe her luck. Not only did she have the best Mommy in the whole world, she also had the best Daddy.

"Can you pick me out a few marshmallows Daddy?" Grace asked with a sweet as sugar smile.

Ryan was a total goner. All Grace had to do was smile and refer to him as "Daddy" and he would give his daughter anything her heart desired. He sifted through the box of cereal until he found a couple marshmallows.

"Here you go sweetheart."

Grace gobbled up the dessert, relishing in the special time with her Daddy.

That was how Kelsi found them, thick as thieves sitting on the kitchen counter dissecting a box of cereal. She had never seen a more perfect picture.

"Aha...hands up you marshmallow bandits." Kelsi said with a grin.

Grace and Ryan both turned towards her wearing identical guilty expressions. Grace then threw Ryan under the train.

"Don't look at me Mommy, he's the grown up." Grace said pointing to Ryan.

Kelsi tried to contain her grin.

"That seems presently up for debate." Kelsi stated, laughter ruining any attempt at mock anger.

Ryan was ready to defend himself.

"Hey Kels...it's Lucky Charms...no rules apply to Lucky Charms."

Kelsi moved over to the dynamic duo and hoisted herself up next to Ryan. She put her petite hand out towards Ryan.

"Well, as long as I get some of those marshmallows no one needs to be grounded."

The untraditional family stayed up for another 20 joyful minutes. Ryan considered going home, but Kelsi offered him the sofa. Even though his king-sized bed at his parent's house would have been much preferable comfort wise, Ryan couldn't bring himself to leave Kelsi and Grace. Kelsi was about to bring Grace to bed when the little girl turned around and headed back to the living room. Without any warning Grace threw herself on top of Ryan, spreading out her tiny limbs.

"I'm going to sleep here tonight, with my Daddy." The little girl stated.

Kelsi nodded, with a bittersweet smile on her face. Not because she didn't want Grace to sleep on the sofa with Ryan, but because there didn't seem to be any room for her.

Ryan still knew how to read Kelsi's expressions. He reached behind him and pulled off the cushions on the back of the sofa. He then shifted himself and Grace as far back as their bodies would allow. Kelsi saw the invitation in his eyes before he verbalized it.

"There will always be room for you Kels."

Kelsi could feel her eyes watering for what must have been the 100th time that day. Before any tears could fall, she squeezed her small body up next to Ryan and Grace's. It felt like...heaven.

Ryan pulled his arms tight around the two girls in his arms. Only one word could describe this moment...home.

Grace snuggled into her purple and pink blanket, making sure to share it with her Mommy and Daddy. As her eyes started to drift shut the little girl had a final thought before slumber took her...love.

Wow...I feel like I need to brush my teeth after this one. I can't help it...I am a huge romantic.