Chapter 29
Maureen sighed as she packed her things, sad their family vacation was already over. "I can't believe this week is over…"
"I know." Joanne agreed, wrapping her arms around Maureen from behind, placing a quick kiss on her neck before resting her head on Maureen's shoulder, "It was a good week though and we can always come back. It's nice here in the fall too."
"Yeah." Maureen said leaning into Joanne.
They spent a moment enjoying the comforting silence, until Joanne pulled away, placing a kiss on Maureen's temple, before heading into the bathroom to pack their toiletries.
Maureen ran a hand through her hair as she began to start packing again. She was almost done until her eyes caught something in Joanne's suitcase making her smile. She snatched the thin fabric and pranced out of the bedroom a grin on her lips. She was definitely ready to have some fun.
"Oh, Brooky!?" Maureen called out from the railing just outside the master bedroom.
"Yes?" Brooke sing-song amused by the tone in Maureen's voice. She walked out of her bedroom looking up at Maureen, catching Maureen's contagious smile.
"This thing right here is letting you know what I have the pleasure of seeing Joanne in." Maureen said holding up a red lacy thong, "Not all the time…but on the odd day she wears 'em."
Brooke blushed a deep red, bowing her head down.
"Check out this thong, thong, thong, thong, thong!" Maureen singed holding it in the air for all to seat.
"Mom! Put that away!" Leah shouted covering Brooke's eyes. "You're such a prev!"
"How can I be a prev when they're my wife's?" Maureen asked with a snobbish grin.
"Maureen!" Joanne yelled blushing as well, grabbing her panties from Maureen's hand. "Go finish packing!" She damned smacking Maureen's arm as she walked by.
"Ow, hey!" Maureen whined.
Joanne leaned over the railing shyly looking at Leah and Brooke, "Sorry." She apologized, before quickly walking back into the room to yell at Maureen some more.
"I hate your Mom." Brooke mumbled still blushing as she fled into the bedroom.
"She can be embarrassing." Leah muttered following Brooke.
An hour later Joanne had the car packed, locked up the cabin and the family was on the road heading back home to New York. It only took a day for things to fall back into routine after their relaxing family vacation.
One night while the rest of the family was in bed, Maureen tip-toed down to the kitchen to get a glass of water, surprised to find Haley sitting up at the kitchen table.
"What are you doing up so late?" Maureen questioned glancing at the clock, "It's one thirty in the morning."
Haley sighed taking a drink from her water, slumping her head in her hand, "I know, but I couldn't sleep."
Maureen sat across from her, "Something on your mind?"
Haley nodded, "My wedding. It's not even two months away I'm getting stressed."
"It'll be okay, everything will work out." Maureen assured, "You know how good Mama is at staying organized. She'll help you."
"I know…it's just." Haley began, but then quickly dropped the subject, "Never mind."
"What is it?" Maureen asked, "Come on you can tell me."
"Okay well, I want…" Haley sighed, eyeing Maureen until finally she just blurted it out, "I want my father-daughter dance."
"Oh." Maureen said, sitting up straight, scratching her head, "I can see how that would be a problem." She took a sip of her water, "You could always ask Collins, or Mark, or even Roger, or dare I say it…Benny. He will be your father-in-law." She cringed.
"Mom, no." Haley smirked, reaching across the table to squeeze Maureen's hand, "None of them are my parents." She stated, "You and Mama are my parents."
"I'm sorry, Hales." Maureen said,
"Don't be sorry, I wouldn't trade you two in for anyone!" Haley said. "And I have thought of a way to get my father-daughter dance, but I'm not sure how Tyler's side of the family would react…"
"Well what's your idea?" Maureen asked,
"Okay, don't feel left out or anything, alright?" Haley asked and watched as Maureen nodded, "I want to dance with Mama."
Maureen smiled, "Aw, Hales, Mama would love that."
"You don't mind?" Haley asked,
"Not at all." Maureen stated, "Mama and I don't care about stuff like that…plus remember Tessa? My mini-me? It's safe to say I'm favored by one of my daughters."
Haley laughed, "Oh right."
"But Haley, who cares what Tyler's family thinks. If you want your "Mama-Daughter" dance then do it!" Maureen encouraged, "You're not marrying Tyler's family you're marrying Tyler. And if his family has a problem with it who cares, you know you have an entire other family who will support anything you do, and you know that!"
"I know." Haley nodded.
"So…are you going to do it?" Maureen asked raising an eyebrow.
Haley paused for a moment, before making eye contact. "Yeah, I'm going to talk to Mama tomorrow."
"Good!" Maureen proudly said getting up to head for the fridge.
"You know Mom, you surprise me sometimes…" Haley smiled,
Maureen smiled, turning around to face Haley, "How so?"
"Well…a couple of days ago you were waving Mama's thong around just about ready to burst into the thong song...and now…you're giving me really useful and good advice." Haley explained.
"Haley, it's what I do." Maureen grinned. She kissed the top of her daughter's head, "I'm going back to bed, don't stay up too late." She stated, "Night."
"Night, Mom." Haley smiled.
