Chapter 37
Peyton takes a deep breath before walking into the family room.
"Oh good" Gwen says "I thought maybe you fell asleep up there"
Peyton smiles as she walks over and sits down on the couch next to Lucas "No, I was just enjoying rocking Avery. She was extra cuddly, so it was nice"
"Aw" Gwen says "Rocking her is my favorite thing to do."
"It's one of mine as well" Lucas says pulling Peyton close to him giving her a hug. Peyton kisses him on the cheek and sits back up
"So, I thought we could plan the menu for the party together" Peyton says softly waiting for the sideway glances between Gwen and Karen to show their disapproval
"You want us to help you?" Gwen asks surprised
"Oh, we'd love to" Karen says
"You would?" Peyton says
"Of course" Karen smiles
Peyton looks at Brooke and Brooke smiles a grin that said 'see told you so.' Peyton grins back at Peyton.
"Do you have ideas or are we starting from scratch?" Gwen asks
"Kate brought over some ideas"
"Ok" Gwen says "Well talk to us" she says with a smile "Thoughts?"
Peyton looks at Gwen and smiles "I was thinking six appetizers. How many do you think we should have?"
"Six is a good number" Karen says
"Kate send over a list of twelve" Peyton says
"Read them" Gwen says
Peyton looks at Brooke and smiles
"Sure" Brooke says getting the pages out and looking for the appetizer one. "Cranberry Chutney on brie crostini, cranberry pecan goat cheese balls, spinach artichoke bites, smoked salmon dip on bread, cheese wedges, cranberry and brie bites, beef tenderloin crostini with whipped goat cheese and pesto, cucumber bites, cranberry feta pinwheels, crab toast, robiola-stuffed figs with pomegranate, and gravlax with Blinis"
"Hm" Gwen says
"None of that sounds good to you?" Brooke says
"it all sounds good but"
"But what?" Peyton says
"Is this what you want?" Gwen asks
"Well" Peyton says "There's this winter carnival in Central Park"
"Oh, it's so fun" Brooke says
Peyton smiles "Yes, it is. They have street vendors come in. They serve corn dogs, fried pickles, cotton candy, candied apples, elephant ears, kettle corn, funnel cakes, roasted chestnuts, cinnamon roasted almonds, sweet potato fries, and things like that. That's what I think of when I think of Santa's Village"
"Well I've had a Lobster Corn Dog before in Manhattan" Lucas says "It was really good"
"Really?" Peyton says
"Yes"
"Ok" Karen says "Lobster Corn Dogs, what else?"
Peyton looks at Karen "Seriously?"
"It's your party, dear" Karen says "If you want it to feel like a winter carnival in Central Park then that's what we'll do. It sounds quiet quant actually"
"It sounds fun" Gwen says "I don't think I've ever been to a carnival"
Brooke pulls out her phone. "We can go on Pinterest and see what we can find to have our quant idea mesh with your fancy world"
Brooke looks at her phone "Now don't turn your nose up at me. What do you think about Fried chicken and cheddar waffle with collard greens and balsamic-maple syrup finger food" Brooke turns her iPhone towards Peyton and then Gwen and Karen
"Those are adorable bite sized chicken and waffles" Gwen says
"Aren't they?" Brooke smiles "Well?"
"Add them" Gwen says
Peyton smiles "Really?"
"Peyton" Gwen says "You have good ideas. Go with them. Just let two old ladies help you once in a while"
"Hey!" Karen says "I'm not old"
"You're no spring chicken" Gwen says
"Ok, ladies" Keith says "can I see this chicken and waffle thing?"
Brooke smiles "Of course" She says showing him the picture
"Oh that looks good" Keith says "Add it for sure"
"Added" Gwen says
Ohhhh" Brooke says "How about mini custom-blended sirloin cheddar burgers with smoked-bacon aioli on a house-made bun?"
Keith looks over at her with an interested look on his face and Brooke turns the phone towards him
"Add them" He says
Karen laughs "Added" she says
Peyton looks up from her phone "Oo, mac and cheese croquette with gruyere fondue and chervil?"
"That sounds good, too" Gwen says "This is going to be fun!" she adds with a smile
Peyton smiles "That puts us at 4 so we need two more appetizers"
"Here's a lobster corn dog with tarragon mustard sauce" Brooke says
"Let's have that" Gwen says "Sounds good"
Lucas laughs "Everything sounds good to you" he says
"Let's have Kate arrange for us to have a taste testing of all the things we select" Gwen says "We want to make sure they go well together"
Peyton laughs "I will give her our menu tomorrow and have her arrange for something after the Christmas Party"
"Get idea" Karen says
"How about we have a place to watch chestnuts being roasted on an open fire and cinnamon roasted almonds being made?" Brooke says "That's always fun to do"
"That's a great idea"
"Let's have a popcorn wagon for the kids during the movie!" Keith says "I saw one at the club for family day and the kids were having a blast picking out popcorn"
"Ok" Peyton says smiling "Two more appetizers"
Gwen smiles at Peyton who is taking control of the planning but letting everyone help. It was fun. They felt like a real family. She never thought they'd have this. She figured Lucas would never settle down. She was so glad she was wrong.
"Sweet potato chips with feta spread"
Everyone turns and looks at Lucas. He looks up at everyone "What?" he says holding out his phone "I know how to use the internet too"
The room bursts with laughter for a few seconds before settling back down.
"Ok, what did you say?" Karen asks
"Sweet potato chips with feta spread"
"Good find" Brooke says
"This sounds good" Peyton says "Mini crispy cucumber smoked salmon appetizer bites with lemon dill cream cheese." Shrugging "It's a twist on a fried pickle"
Brooke laughs "Yes, if you're drunk but it does sound good"
"Yes, it does" Gwen says "I think that's six" she adds looking at Karen
Brooke nods "Yes, that's six" She says looking at her iPhone "lobster corn dog with tarragon mustard sauce, about fried chicken and cheddar waffle with collard greens and balsamic-maple syrup finger food, mini custom-blended sirloin cheddar burgers with smoked-bacon aioli on a house-made bun, mac and cheese croquette with gruyere fondue and chervil, sweet potato chips with feta spread, and mini crispy cucumber smoked salmon appetizer bites with lemon dill cream cheese. Peyton will give Kate the menu in the morning and she will arrange a tasting after the Christmas party. Added to the list in general chestnuts roasting over an open fire, cinnamon roasted almonds, and a popcorn wagon"
Karen and Gwen look at Brooke.
"You got that all down dear?" Karen asks
"Yes" Brooke says looking at her funny
"Hmm" Karen says taking a deep relaxing breath and putting her notebook down "Great" she says smiling "Keith, I think you should have Elizabeth bring out some spiked hot cocoa and those cookies we need to taste for the party"
Lucas looks at Karen "Mother, you're planning a party. You have work to do"
She smiles at Lucas "Peyton and Brooke are planning a party. Your grandmother and I are just making suggests" She says pulling her legs up in her chair getting comfortable.
Keith smiles "Does anyone else need anything?"
"No, thanks" Everyone says
Keith nods and walks out of the room.
"We can still have a stew/soup and salad course. It's winter cold it will be perfect" Gwen says
"You really like that idea?" Peyton asks surprised
"Yes, I think it's charming" Gwen says
"What if we serve the soups in a crock. We could top them with a little cheese and bake them for a few minutes" Brooke says thinking it's a good idea
"With lots of rolls" Keith says walking back in "I want to be able to have a couple different ones"
"You can't have that many carbohydrates in on sitting with your heart smart diet" Karen says
"It's one night, dear" Keith says "I'll be fine"
"How about mini rolls?" Peyton says
"Yes!" Keith says "I like it"
Peyton smiles "How many soups choices should we have?"
"Maybe 4 or 5" Karen says
Let's do 5" Peyton says "If I give strict instructions on how to prepare to soup and keep it we can send any extras over to the soup kitchen"
"You can?" Gwen asks
"Oh yes" Peyton says "I do it all the time in New York. They love the special treats. Sometimes Lucas and I have pizzas delivered because there are so many children and moms in the shelters"
Gwen looks at Lucas "You do that?"
"Yes" Lucas says "Peyton handles the charity aspect of the business and she likes to make sure kids aren't hungry"
"Wow" Karen says "That's amazing. Do you know where the shelter is in Tree Hill?"
"Yes" Peyton says "I will contact them and make the arrangements"
"I want to go there" Keith says and everyone turns to look at him
"You want to go to the homeless shelter?" Karen asks
"Yes" Keith says "Let's go and volunteer."
"Ok" Peyton says "I'm sure they need volunteers so when I call about the food I'll ask them"
"Perfect" Keith says smiling
"So what kinds of soups do you want have?" Karen asks
Brooke looks at the lists in her hand and grabs the one for the soups.
"Here's Kate's suggests" she says "Lasagna Tortellini, lemony lentil, shrimp and crab bisque, butternut cauliflower soup, chicken enchilada soup. French Onion soup. Tortellini chicken noodle soup, lemon rosemary lentil soup, taco soup, Thai coconut chicken wild rice, Thai Chicken noodle, tortellini spinach and mushroom, chicken pot pie, king ranch chicken soup"
"How many soups are there?" Peyton asks interrupting Brooke
"Thirty something"
"That's a lot" Peryton says "Ok, sorry continue
"Black bean soup, broccoli cauliflower cheese, chicken potato soup, lasagna soup, chicken tortilla soup, kale and turkey meatball soup, butternut squash soup, creamy pumpkin soup, broccoli cheese soup, chicken parmesan soup, loaded potato soup, ham and bean soup, chicken wild rice soup, beef barley soup, black bean and chile soup, red-eye brisket stew, chicken and quinoa minestrone, spiced sweet potato and peanut puree, and sausage and tortellini soup"
"That's a lot of choices" Peyton sighs "Anything sound good?"
"I like French Onion" Keith says
"Ok" Peyton says
Brooke writes it on the list
"What are your thoughts, dear?" Karen asks looking at Peyton
"Me?" Peyton asks
"Yes" Karen says smiling
"I think tortellini chicken noodle soup, beef barley, butternut squash, loaded potato soup, and then the French onion soup"
"Those are great choices" Lucas says
"Great" Peyton says with a smile "For dessert we will have French Palmier Cookies or elephant ears cookies, chocolate dipped peanut butter stuffed banana bites, pumpkin pie lush, mini caramel apple bites, Dutch apple mini pies, and smore bites"
Everyone looked at Peyton
"What?" She asks looking at Lucas
"Just surprised you already have it figured out"
"Sticking with the carnival food idea that's what would round it out perfectly"
"This is going to be so delicious" Keith says with a smile "Everyone will love it"
"I think so too" Peyton says "I'm trying to keep it elegant but family friendly as well"
"It's going to be a wonderful party, Peyton" Gwen says
Peyton smiles "Thanks"
"We have a lot to do now" Brooke says "The list is really long"
Peyton smiles "All we have to do is give the list to Kate"
Brooke looks at her "Really?"
"Yes, because if we're paying her she's going to do the work"
"Agreed" Lucas says
"Then I guess we're done?" Brooke says
"For tonight" Peyton says with a yawn. "What time is it?"
"After 10" Keith says
"I didn't realize it was getting so late" Gwen says "We have a lot to do the next two days so I think I'm going to go to bed"
"Yes, me too" Karen says "I'm tired myself"
Brooke yawns "I think I'm going to go to bed as well"
Everyone stands up and says their goodnights. Then they all head up the stairs and to their own areas. Lucas stops at Avery's room and opens the door. He walks in over to the crib and kisses his fingers and then places them on her head. He then walks out of the room and grabs Peyton's hand.
"I just wanted to kiss her good night"
"I know" Peyton says sighing "I love how much you love her"
Lucas smiles and kisses her "Let's go to bed"
Peyton and Lucas walk down the hallway and into their room. Peyton walks over to the closet and slips her shoes off. She then puts her slippers on and crashes into the chair in the corner. Lucas gives her a funny look and she sighs.
I'm trying to decide if I want to take a shower tonight or in the morning." She says tiredly smiling at him
"Well I can't help you with that" Lucas says "You have to decide what you want to do. You did a great job tonight, by the way"
"Huh?" Peyton asks not sure what he's talking about
"You made my family's year tonight" Lucas says with a smile "Everyone had a ton of fun and they were happy you let them give their opinion"
Peyton's face fills with a huge smile "It was a lot of fun tonight. I'm glad they liked my ideas"
"You're brilliant, Peyt" Lucas says walking over and kissing her
Peyton sighs "I just worry that I'm not good enough"
"I know" Lucas sighs "But you're perfect, honey. You, and Avery, are the best things that have ever happened to me in my life"
Peyton smiles at him "I love you"
"I love you too" Lucas says "More than anything
Peyton takes a deep breath "I think I'm going to go take a shower"
Lucas laughs "Yeah, I figured. I'll be here when you get out"
Peyton stands up and walks into the bathroom. Lucas hears her turn on the water. He changes out of his clothes and slides into their bed. He turns the tv on and watches while Peyton takes a shower. She comes out of the bathroom with her hair wrapped in a hair drying towel and a pair of silky black shorts and tank top. Lucas notices her little bump and smiles.
"What?" Peyton says looking at him smiling
"Those pajamas highlight that you're pregnant"
Peyton's hands went to her bump and she rubbed it with a big smile on her face.
"I think what they say about the second baby showing faster is true. When I was pregnant with Avery I didn't show for the first 20 weeks. This little one is popping right out there"
"I think it's sexy" Lucas says smiling
Peyton laughs at him and walks back into the bathroom. She takes the towel off her head and squeezes the water out of her hair. She then puts on some lotion and walks back out and to her side of the bed. She pulls the covers back and slides in.
"What are you watching?" Peyton asks
"The news"
"Anything interesting?"
"Oh same old same old" Lucas says turning the television off "People in power making decisions that half the country agrees with and half the country doesn't"
Peyton nods and reaches for the switch on her side of the bed. She leans over and kisses Lucas hard and long "Good night, honey"
"I love you" Lucas says
"I love you too"
Peyton settles into her side of the bed and Lucas turns the light off on his side. He then scooches over next to Peyton and snuggles into her. He puts his arm around her and his hand on their baby. He rubs it softly and Peyton locks her fingers with his. Lucas peppers kisses along her neck. She moans softly. He runs his finger tips up and down her arm. It sends tingles through her body. Lucas peppers her neck again. Peyton takes a deep breath and relaxes. He runs his hand down her arm again. This time he grabs the hem of her silk top. He slowly pulls it up revealing her soft skin. He runs his hand up her side and she sighs in pleasure. Peyton rolls over to face Lucas. She smiles up at him and he lowers his mouth to hers and kisses her passionately. He runs his tongue over her lips and she opens her mouth. He slides his tongue into her mouth and runs it along the top of her mouth. She moans into the kiss. Lucas reaches down with his other hand and takes that side of Peyton's top. He then breaks the kiss to remove it. He quickly reattaches his lips to hers. They kisses for a few more seconds until they both needs air.
Lucas looks down at Peyton lovingly "I love you" he says smiling at her
"I love you too" Peyton says leaning up and kissing him again. She slides her arms up his back and wraps her fingers around his shoulders pulling him closer to her. The two continue to kiss passionately. They rub against each other. Lucas grabs the waist of Peyton's bottoms and slides them off her. He runs his finger along her lady business and she moans. She reaches down and removes his shorts as he takes her lips with his again and engages in a passionate kiss.
Within seconds the two have found their rhyme and are making passionate love to each other. Hands are roaming everyone and kisses are being shared. Lucas has gotten to know Peyton so well that he knows how to time it so they finish together. They both cry out in pleasure before Lucas kisses her again and then crashes on the bed next to her pulling her close to him.
"God, I love you" He whispers to her
She smiles "I love you, too"
She lays on his chest and he wraps his arms around her. He kisses her on the head and she kisses him on the chest before they both drift off to sleep.
The next morning they are awakened by a knock on the door. Peyton stirs first and the person knocks again.
"One moment, please" Peyton says scanning the room for her pajamas. She can't locate them so gets up quickly and goes into the bathroom putting her robe on. She then comes out throwing Lucas his robe before going to the door. She opens the door and Elizabeth is standing there with Avery who is crying.
"I'm so sorry to wake you" Elizabeth says trying to comfort the little girl "She just won't stop crying and saying daddy"
Peyton looks at the little girl and holds her arms out to her. Avery reaches for her mother and then snuggles into her when she's safe in her arms. "What happened?"
"She fell down" Elizabeth says "I'm so sorry"
"Oh no, no don't worry about it" Peyton says "She's still wobbly on those little legs of hers. She tumbles all the time. Did she hit anything?"
"She bumped her head on the floor when she landed" Elizabeth said looking down "I feel so bad"
Peyton looks at Avery and notices she has a red bump forming just above her eye "Elizabeth, please don't worry about it. Toddlers tumble. She's tough. She's just extra clingy because she used to spending all her time with Lucas and I. She'll be fine. I promise"
"I can try to take her back downstairs now that she's settling down"
"No, that's ok" Peyton says "We'll get dressed and be down for breakfast"
"Ok, I'm so sorry, Mrs. Peyton"
"Please stop apologizing" Peyton says "She's fine"
Elizabeth just nods and turns to walk away from the room. Peyton shuts the door and then turns to walk to the bed were Lucas is still laying naked.
"I threw your robe at you so you would put it on"
"Well I thought it was just my Grandmother seeing if we were coming to breakfast and I was going to try to get lucky again before we did"
Peyton laughs at him.
"Now I see that won't be happening so I should probably put something on"
"Probably" Peyton says snuggling Avery closer to her. Avery rests her head on Peyton's shoulder and hugs her tightly.
Lucas gets up out of bed and walks over to his dresser. He pulls out a pair of pajama bottoms and a shirt. He puts them on and then walks over to Peyton.
"What's the matter, baby girl?" He says rubbing Avery's back
The little girl lifts her head and looks at Lucas "Owie" she says pointing to her head
Lucas laughs a little "Did you hit your head?" He asks and she shakes her head yes "Do you want to come see daddy?"
She hold out her arms to him and he smiles as he takes her from Peyton.
"I'll get dressed" Peyton says walking into the closet.
Lucas takes Avery and walks over to the chair in the corner. He stands her up on his legs and looks at her. "Let daddy see your boo boo" He says and Avery leans down to show Lucas her head "Here let daddy kiss it" He says kissing the bump on her head. "All better now" he says
Avery wraps her arms around Lucas' neck and gives him a really tight hug.
"Oh I love my Avery hugs" He says hugging her again
"Love" Avery says to Lucas
Lucas kisses the top of her head and Peyton comes out of the closet dressed in a pair of green leggings and a long white sweater over them.
"My clothes are starting to get tight" She says sighing "Thank God I brought a lot of leggings"
"Go shopping if you need some clothes, honey"
Peyton sighs
"Don't" He says "If you need clothes you need clothes"
"Hopefully I can make what I have work until we get home"
"Well if not"
"I know, I know" Peyton says walking over to the chair where Avery and Lucas are sitting. She holds out her arms to Avery "Come on, baby girl." She says lifting her out of Lucas' arms "Let's let daddy take a shower and get dressed. We'll go check to see if Aunt Brooke is awake"
Lucas stands up and kisses Peyton. "Don't go down without me" he says
"Ok, if Brooke's up and ready we'll wait in there for you to come. If not we'll come back here and wait for you"
"Ok, sexy" Lucas says spanking Peyton's butt lightly
"Ouch" She says acting like it hurt and smiling at him
He smiles back and walks into the bathroom. The smile on Peyton's face stays as she walks out of the room and down the hallway. She gets to Brooke's room and knocks on the door.
"Come in" Brooke says through the door
Peyton opens it and walks in
"Thank God" Brooke says "I didn't want to go down to breakfast by myself and I wasn't sure how you were feeling"
Peyton walks over and sits on the couch in Brooke's room next to her.
"Why didn't you just come down to my room or text me?" Peyton asks as Brooke takes Avery from Peyton
"Good morning my most beautiful girl. How are you?" She says giving Avery a kiss
Avery hugs Brooke and snuggles into her.
"I didn't want to come down to you room in case you were getting it on with Lucas. I just figured you'd stop by and get me"
Peyton laughs "We don't usually 'get it on' in the morning around here because people are always knocking on our door. Actually, we have very little sex while we're here"
"That sucks" Brooke says "Why?"
"I don't know" Peyton says "We are both uptight here"
"That's stupid" Brooke says "Stop being so uptight. I'm glad I came early for the party and will be here. You are being so crazy here! Everyone loves you but you just don't think they do."
"I'm glad you're here too. It's really helped me" Peyton says "See, I do need you"
"Yeah, you do" Brooke says "I need you too, P. Scott"
Peyton hugs Brooke and there's a knock at the door.
"It's probably Lucas" Peyton says getting up and walking over and answering the door. She's surprised to see Gwen there.
"Oh" Peyton says
Gwen gives her a funny look "Is something wrong?"
"Oh, no not at all" Peyton says "We're just waiting for Lucas so I thought you were him"
"He's on the phone" Gwen says
"He is?" Peyton asks "Hope everything's ok"
"Not sure" Gwen says looking around Peyton "There she is" she says pushing her way into the room and over to the couch "Good morning, sweetie" she says reaching down and picking up Avery
Brooke starts laughing "You were looking for Avery?"
"Yes" Gwen says "I wanted to take her down to breakfast"
Peyton shakes her head and smiles at the elderly woman. "Ok, we'll be down as soon as Lucas is ready"
"I'm ready now" Lucas says and Peyton turns to look at the door.
"Ok, then" Peyton says "I guess we're ready to go too"
Brooke stands up and she and Gwen walk towards the door. Peyton and Lucas turn and walk down first. They all walk into the dining room where Keith and Karen are waiting for them.
"Good morning" Karen says "We were wondering where everyone was"
"Just getting ready to come down" Lucas says walking in and kissing his mother on the check before sitting down.
"We're having quiche this morning" Karen says "Does anyone want coffee or tea?"
"Please" Lucas says
Karen rings for Elizabeth. She comes out and goes to the coffee bar. She fixes everyone coffee except for Peyton.
"What kind of tea would you like this morning?" Elizabeth asks
"Could you make me that orange creamsicle again?"
Elizabeth smiles "Of course" she says walking into the kitchen
"She brews the best tea" Peyton says "I don't know how she does it. Lucas and I can't do it as well at home"
Karen laughs "You can just ask her how she makes it"
Lucas laughs "Oh, we can." He says with a funny look on his face "I guess I didn't think about that."
"Me either" Peyton says and everyone laughs
Elizabeth returns with a tea pot full of freshly brewed tea and pours Peyton a cup. She then leaves the pot next to her.
"Thank you so much, Elizabeth. Will you teach me how you brew such delicious tea?"
"Of course, Mrs. Peyton, anytime"
"Great. Thanks" Peyton says
"Breakfast will be served in a few minutes"
"Thank you. Elizabeth" Gwen says as she takes a sip of her coffee
"Kate will stop in after breakfast to pick up our menu and cookie orders and all the other decisions we made last night" Peyton says
"Ok, I'll meet with her" Brooke says
Peyton looks at her funny
"Just think of me as your personal assistant. You meet with me and then I meet with everyone else" Brooke says smiling at her
Peyton still has a funny look on her face
"Face it, honey" Brooke says "I'm the only person in the world you can boss around and not feel bad about it. It will just be easier on us all and we'll actually get this party planned"
Lucas chuckles a little and Peyton looks at him. "Well, honey" he says with a sigh "You've been working on this for days and in a matter of hours talking with Brooke you've finalized a lot of decisions"
"No, it wasn't because of talking with Brooke" Peyton says "It was actually listening to her and taking her advice" she says with a wink
Brooke laughs "Wow! Admission I was right. Break out the champagne"
Peyton shakes her head "Always trying to find a way to drink at breakfast" she says laughing
Brooke gives her a dirty look and everyone at the table starts laughing. Everyone could tell Peyton really enjoyed having Brooke around. Even though she was a member of this family she was still adjusting to it. She relaxed with Brooke there. When she relaxed, Lucas relaxed and they all had a much better time.
Elizabeth and Ann Marie walk into the room carrying plates. They place on in front of Gwen, Keith, Karen, and Lucas. They walk back out of the room and return with a plate for Peyton,, Brooke and a special plate for Avery. The two women repeat this once again with a smaller plate. Gwen looks at the table.
"Anything else?" Elizabeth asks
"No, thank you" Gwen says and Elizabeth nods and walks out of the room
On the first larger plate there was a generous piece of caprese quiche, tree shaped sausage, and grilled breakfast potatoes. On the small was warm bread, butter and jam. On Avery's plate was a Santa face pancake and reindeer shaped sausages. Keith reaches over and takes the little girl's plate. He cuts up her food for her and then puts a little dipping bowl in front of her.
"Dad" Lucas says "Don't give her syrup. We'll have to give her a bath"
Keith smiles "Oh well. She likes it"
Lucas shakes his head.
"Lucas" Peyton says "Let it be. She gets spoiled and extra clean when visiting her grandparents"
Keith smiles "That's right!" He says nodding at Peyton. He really liked his daughter in law because she didn't treat him like a sick old man.
Lucas shakes his head and rolls his eyes teasingly.
Everyone starts to eat their breakfast. Then Keith puts his fork down and looks at Peyton.
"I'd like to talk to you" He says very seriously
Peyton looks at him a little concerned and puts her fork down as well "Right now?" she says
"No, after breakfast while Brooke is meeting with Kate"
"Ok" Peyton says nodding a smiling
Everyone looks at each other but Peyton and Keith just go back to eating their breakfast.
"What time will your parents be here tomorrow?" Karen asks trying to start a conversation in the quiet room
"Their flight lands at 10 am" Peyton says "Lucas will pick them up"
"Great" Karen says
Everyone continues eating and finish up with breakfast. Keith stands up
"Brooke, you and Kate can meet in the back living room today. Peyton when you're finished I'll see you in my office"
"Ok" Peyton says smiling at him
Keith walks out of the dining room and Peyton looks at Lucas.
"I don't know what he wants" Lucas says looking at his mother and Grandmother
"We know nothing" Gwen says
"Hm" Lucas says "Well I'll take Avery upstairs and give her a bath since she has syrup everywhere"
Peyton laughs "Ok" she says standing up "I guess I'm going to go meet with Keith"
"We'll be upstairs" Lucas says standing up and walking over to pick up Avery. He walks over and holds the door open for Peyton. She walks out of the room and down the hall to Keith's office. She knocks softly on the door.
"Come in" Keith says and Peyton opens the door and walks in. "Come sit" He says nodding to the chair on the other side of his desk.
Peyton walks in and sits down in the chair.
"I was golfing with my accountant yesterday"
"Oh, did you have a good game?"
"I came in under par"
"That's great" Peyton says smiling
"Anyway" Keith says "We were talking about my taxes"
"That sounds interesting" Peyton says wondering why Keith is telling her all of this
"My point is" Keith says smiling at her "Every year I have to invest some of my money or I have to pay way too much in taxes. I'd like to start a trust fund for Avery" he says with a serious look on his face
"What?" Peyton says
"I'd like to start a trust fund for Avery because she's a Scott now and she should have access to her own money"
"She's not even two yet" Peyton says
Keith laughs at that "I know" he says smiling "But someday she'll want to go to college or travel Europe or whatever and I want her to have her own money to do what she wants with. I'm only asking out of courtesy and because I want to make you benefactor"
"Well I should talk to Lucas about this"
"No" Keith says "This is between you and me. I'm asking you out of respect because I know you still struggle with some of the benefits of being a Scott."
"Ok" Peyton says "You can do that"
"Thank you" Keith says "Of course I'll start one for the new baby as well"
"Oh, I'm not worried about that"
"I didn't think you were I'm just stating the fact"
Peyton nods
"I'm also added you, Avery and the new baby to the will. There's a lot of legal blah blah blah but you're part of this family now and I want to make sure you are taken care of"
Peyton looks at him "Lucas takes care of us"
"I know he does" Keith says "But there is a lot to the Scott trust and as head of this family I get to decide who gets what"
Peyton nods "Ok" she says
"I expected you to argue with me"
"No" Peyton says "You ask nothing of me and I know you love Avery with all your heart. I'm not going to argue with you about it. You're going to do it regardless so I will save us the harsh feelings"
Keith smiles at her "Thank you"
"You're welcome" Peyton says
"I have to make a couple of calls so I'll let you see yourself out"
Peyton stands up and turns to walk to the door then she turns around and walks back towards Keith. He stands up and she walks around the desk and gives him a hug. She hugs her back. She then walks out of the room shutting the door behind her. She walks up the stairs and into Avery's room. She can hear them in the bathroom and walks in there. Avery is covered in bubbles and she's just giggling away.
"Hey" Peyton says smiling at the loves of her life
"Hi" Lucas says turning to look at her "Everything ok?"
"Yes" Peyton says "It was just business"
"Business?" Lucas asks confused
"Yes" Peyton says "You really don't know what we talked about?"
"No" Lucas says "My father is very private about business and didn't say anything to me about it. But you're my wife and we're not supposed to have any secrets"
Peyton sighs "He wants to start a trust fund for Avery"
"Why does she need a trust fund?" Lucas says looking at Peyton "Doesn't he think I will take care of my family?"
"That's not what he said at all, honey" Peyton says walking over and sitting on the floor next to Lucas
"What did he say then?"
"He said he wanted her to have access to her own money so she can have fun"
Lucas looks at her funny "My dad said that?"
"No" Peyton says "But that's what he wants. He said he has to invest money every year or he has to pay too much in taxes."
Lucas looks at Peyton "Well as long as he doesn't think I'm not taking care of you"
"Lucas, I didn't think you'd be upset by this."
"I'm not upset" He says looking down at Avery smiling at her "It's just that you're my wife and she's my daughter and I don't need my father to take care of you"
Peyton had no idea what was going on. She didn't understand why Lucas was so upset. This is what his family does. She was so confused.
"Lucas" Peyton says grabbing his arm "What's the matter? Didn't your grandmother start you a trust fund when you were born?"
Lucas sighs "No, my grandfather did"
Peyton grins a little "Oh, I see" she says
Lucas grins back at her "I just don't want my family to think they have to take care of you because I'm not. I don't want them to think I little your spending and you need secret hidden money"
Peyton laughs "Lucas, no one thinks that at all. You know why your father asked me?"
"Why?"
"Because he said he's aware of my issue with some of the benefits of being a Scott and he pretty much was telling me not asking me"
"Oh" Lucas says laughing a little "He was expecting you to argue with him and he was going to use his status"
"Yes, pretty much" Peyton says "He's adding us to his will as well. He told me that no asking at all"
"I already did that"
"You did?" Peyton asks
"Yes" Lucas said "You're my wife it's my job to make sure you're well cared for even if I'm not here. I don't want you to every have to worry again…. Like you used to. I had my lawyers put your name on everything so you don't have to worry about it. It won't go into a trust or anything."
Peyton just kisses him and smiles at him. "Well we better get this little nugget out of the tub before she turns into a prune"
Lucas smiles at his little girl "Are you ready to get out?" he says
Avery tries to get up but slips. Lucas grabs her before she gets hurt. He's arm goes half way into the tub of water. His sleeve gets all wet.
"Oh no Lucas" Peyton says
"It's fine" He says grabbing Avery putting her right on his chest. Peyton holds a towel out to him and he wraps it around the shaking, wet baby
Peyton shakes her head at Lucas "Now you need a change of clothes"
"I didn't want her to fall and get hurt"
"I know you didn't" Peyton says smiling at him "Why don't you carry her into her room since you're already wet and I'll get her dressed while you get a dry shirt"
"Great idea" Lucas says getting up off the floor, kissing Peyton, and walking out into the bedroom. He puts Avery on the changing table and wraps the towel around her. Peyton walks up so she doesn't fall off. "I'll be right back" he says kissing her again
Peyton kisses him back and he walks out of the room. The door opens right behind him
"What did you forget?" Peyton says drying Avery's hair with the hood of her towel
"Nothing"
Peyton turns to see Brooke standing there "I just wanted to update you about my meeting with Kate"
"Oh perfect" Peyton says "Come in"
"She loved the menu. Said it was brilliant and she'll arrange a taste testing for Monday. She also said getting a popcorn wagon and chestnuts and almonds is a wonderful idea. She's a little concerned with the construction of the stadium seating but I told her so were we and she said she's sure it will all work out"
"Anything else?"
"No, she was really impressed with all your choices and said she has some things she needs you to look at and because you wanted to keep it to yourself she said she'll wait until Sunday to talk to you about it. She said she won't be back until there unless there's an emergency. She may be at the barn tomorrow but it will be just to measure"
"Perfect" Peyton says picking Avery up off the changing table. She is wearing a red plaid deer bandage romper with flutter sleeves, a pair of tights, little shoes and a bow in her hair.
"She's so stinking cute!" Brooke says walking over and taking her from Peyton and kissing her "Where do you get her clothes?"
"Gwen and Karen" Peyton says "I don't bring anything with us anymore for Avery because they always have her clothes full of new clothes they insist I take home with me because they won't fit when we come back"
Brooke laughs "They just love spoiling her"
"Yes, they do" Peyton says
"She looks like a little royal."
"Oh I agree" Peyton says "That's how they like to dress her"
"She's adorable!"
"Thanks" Peyton says smiling
"So what did Keith want?"
"Business"
Brooke looks at Peyton "Really you're not going to tell me?"
"Just to start an account for Avery and add us to the family will"
"Whoa!" Brooke says
"Don't make a big deal out of it, ok?"
"Ok" Brooke says smiling
The door opens and Lucas walks in
"Hey Brooke" He says smiling "How was your meeting with Kate?"
"Great" Brooke says "She likes the menu and added ideas. She left to get right to work"
"Super" Lucas says "Well I'm going to head down. Dad and I have to go to the train station to work out some details and then we're going golfing. I'll see you at dinner."
"We're ready" Peyton says "We'll head down with you"
"Perfect" Lucas says
Brooke, carrying Avery, followed by Peyton, walks over to the door. The three of them head down the stairs. Lucas heads towards Keith's office and the ladies head into the family room to start their busy day of party prep all knowing they'll come back together to talk about their day at dinner.